Chapter 11 - Tar Valon

Summary

Verin Sedai leads Egwene, Nynaeve, Elayne, and Mat into Tar Valon, navigating past tense Whitecloak tensions and Verin’s stern warnings against channeling. Upon reaching the White Tower, Hurin departs to warn Shienar of Rand's return, leaving the women to face Sheriam Sedai, the Mistress of Novices, who reprimands them for their unauthorized absence. Verin demands an immediate audience with the Amyrlin Seat and entrusts the three runaway sisters to the Accepted Faolain and Theodrin, who escort them to their quarters under strict orders to remain silent and confined until further notice.

Characters

• Egwene — Rides into Tar Valon with Verin, observing the city's defenses and architecture while suppressing her anxiety about Mat’s condition. She obeys Verin’s command to silence and follows Faolain and the Accepted to her assigned quarters, gripping Elayne’s hand as she leaves the square.
• Nynaeve — Accompanies the group to the White Tower, visibly irritated by Verin’s reprimands and Sheriam’s stern warnings about their unauthorized departure. She allows herself to be led away by the Accepted Theodrin, glowering at Faolain before following her guide to her assigned rooms.
• Elayne — Enters Tar Valon riding beside Egwene and Verin, displaying paleness as Verin warns of potential stilling or death. She stands silent under Sheriam’s scolding and is escorted to her quarters by the Accepted stationing herself beside Elayne.
• Verin (Verin Sedai) — Leads the party through Darein and onto the bridge, casually dismissing guard inquiries to maintain her authority. She sharply silences Egwene, hands Mat over to Sheriam while retaining his leather sack, and urgently demands an immediate audience with the Amyrlin Seat before leaving the others in Sheriam’s care.
• Mat (the boy) — Lies unconscious in a horse litter throughout the arrival in Tar Valon, his breathing a dry rasp. He is swiftly carried away by two laborers summoned by Sheriam after Verin declares him dangerously ill.
• Hurin (Hurin of Shienar) — Enters the White Tower square with the group but declines Verin’s offer of rest, choosing instead to ride back to Shienar. He secretly resolves to inform King Easar and Lord Agelmar that the Dragon has been Reborn, then departs without looking back at the Tower.
• Sheriam (Mistress of Novices, Sheriam Sedai) — Appears with three Accepted to greet Verin, expressing displeasure at the return of the runaways. She takes charge of Mat, ordering him removed, and strictly instructs Egwene and the others to remain silent and confined in their rooms until the Amyrlin decides otherwise.
• Faolain — An Accepted with dark, curly hair who steps forward to escort Egwene and Elayne to their rooms. She displays open disdain for Nynaeve as a wilder and threatens the girls with scrubbing pots if they speak, maintaining a stern and unyielding demeanor throughout the escort.