Chapter 14 - The Bite of the Thorns

Summary

Siuan Sanche reveals to Egwene and Nynaeve that she suspects some Black Ajah members remain hidden in the White Tower and assigns the two as her agents to hunt them down, noting that Liandrin’s flight suggests she feared their return would expose her. Despite Egwene's and Nynaeve's protests regarding their lack of training and authority, Siuan commands them to investigate, warning them that the Black Ajah have killed before. She provides both women with sealed letters bearing her authority for emergency use only and informs them that she will notify them of Mat Cauthon’s condition separately before dismissing them to their duties and the kitchens.

Characters

• Siuan Sanche / Siuan (Amyrlin, Amyrlin Seat, Flame of Tar Valon, Watcher of the Seals) — Siuan walks to the windows while pondering the leak of information regarding the stolen ter’angreal, then reveals her suspicion that Black Ajah agents remain in the Tower and tasks Egwene and Nynaeve with hunting them. She provides the two women with sealed letters of authority for emergencies and dismisses them after confirming their temper control.
• Egwene — Egwene listens with uncertainty to Siuan's musings on trust and feels a chill at the Amyrlin's momentary hesitation. She reluctantly agrees to the mission to hunt the Black Ajah alongside Nynaeve after fearing for their safety, and accepts a letter of authority from Siuan.
• Nynaeve — Nynaeve questions Siuan about the mission, protesting that they are insufficiently trained and powerless against full sisters. She eventually agrees to hunt the Black Ajah to avoid waiting in ignorance, accepts the Amyrlin's authority letter with wonder at the new power it grants her, and asks about Mat Cauthon's condition before leaving.