Chapter 10 - Secrets

Summary

Egwene al’Vere, Nynaeve al'Meara, Elayne Trakand, Hurin, Verin Sedai, and an unconscious Mat Cauthon ride toward Tar Valon, their journey interrupted by a band of Children of the Light led by the young Lord Captain Dain Bornhald. As the Whitecloaks demand answers about their presence and identity, Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne channel the One Power to create violent ground eruptions that rout the attackers, leaving Bornhald standing defiantly before they depart. Afterward, Verin Sedai reprimands the three young women for breaking the Aes Sedai code by using the Power as a weapon against humans rather than Shadowspawn, while warning them that their arrival in Tar Valon marks the beginning of true danger as rumors of Falme likely precede them.

Characters

• Egwene al’Vere (novice) — Egwene rides toward Tar Valon, fighting the urge to speak of her love for Rand. She opens herself to the One Power when the Whitecloaks confront the group, causing the ground to erupt beneath their leader and scattering the riders in fear. She apologizes to the remaining officer, Dain Bornhald, for the damage caused, though her apology is half-truthful, before riding away with the group.
• Bela — Bela is Egwene's shaggy mare, which dances sideways in response to the ground eruptions created by Egwene channeling the Power, though she remains under control.
• Dain Bornhald (Whitecloak officer, young man) — Dain Bornhald leads a group of Children of the Light riders, confronting the party with arrogance and demands. He survives the magical assault on his men and stands defiantly before the group, identifying himself and vowing revenge for his father's death at Falme before riding off with his men.
• Elayne (Daughter-Heir of Andor) — Elayne rides with the group, worrying over Mat's condition. She attempts to use her authority as Daughter-Heir to bluff the Whitecloaks, and upon Egwene's attack, she joins in channeling the One Power, causing further ground eruptions that help scatter the enemy. She is later shocked by her own actions and Verin's angry rebuke.
• Hurin (thief-taker) — Hurin rides with the group, sensing trouble and tracks before they are visible. He rides ahead to scout with Verin Sedai when the threat approaches, attempting to draw his sword to defend the women before Verin restrains him. He is frightened by the magical display and watches as the Whitecloaks flee.
• Mat — Mat lies unconscious in a litter slung between two horses, his fever worsening. He remains unaware of the Whitecloak encounter, clutching a curved dagger with a hilt capped by a ruby and a leather sack.
• Nynaeve (Accepted) — Nynaeve rides with Egwene, expressing anxiety about the weather-like storms she senses and the state of Mat's fever. She channels the One Power during the confrontation with the Whitecloaks to help disperse them, then argues with Verin Sedai about the necessity of their actions to save Mat and avoid capture.
• Verin Sedai (Brown Aes Sedai) — Verin rides ahead of the group, sensing the approach of trouble. She attempts to negotiate with the Whitecloak officer but is forced to watch as her companions use the Power violently against them. She furiously rebukes Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne for breaking the Aes Sedai code and warns them that the real danger of their journey is just beginning.