ChapterTrack

Chapter 17 - The Red Sister

Summary

Elaida ams Harlin confronts Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne, demanding to know the truth about their disappearance and what they have been doing during their absence. She exerts pressure on Elayne, forcing her into submission and asserting her own influence over the Daughter-Heir's future. Sheriam Sedai interrupts the meeting, curtailing Elaida's interrogation and reinforcing the strict order of silence regarding the Soulless death. Nynaeve challenges Sheriam by pointing out inconsistencies in the official count of those who know about the body, but Sheriam warns her against further insubordination. The chapter concludes with Sheriam leading the three women to see the Amyrlin Seat regarding Matrim Cauthon's condition.

Characters

  • Elaida (Aes Sedai, the Red Sister) — Elaida enters the room and asserts her authority over the trio, dismissing Nynaeve's herbs and silencing Elayne. She interrogates them about their disappearance and the Black Ajah, using intimidation and veiled threats against Elayne to ensure her compliance. She leaves when Sheriam arrives, leaving behind a warning for the women.
  • Sheriam (Mistress of Novices, Mistress) — Sheriam enters the room, interrupting Elaida's interrogation. She briefly discusses the Black Ajah rumors with Elaida before addressing the three women. She reprimands Nynaeve for speaking about the Soulless incident and warns Elayne, clarifying the small number of people who know the secret. She then leads the three women away to see the Amyrlin Seat regarding Mat's healing, maintaining a stern and unreadable demeanor.
  • Egwene (novice) — Egwene stands with Nynaeve and Elayne, struggling to maintain her composure under Elaida's scrutiny. She lies partially about her journey to protect the Amyrlin and the mission. She is led away by Sheriam, feeling the weight of the ongoing tension within the Tower.
  • Nynaeve — Nynaeve attempts to leave but is stopped by Elaida. She firmly defends the Amyrlin's orders to Elaida and later challenges Sheriam's account of the Soulless cover-up. Despite her defiance, she complies with Sheriam's orders to proceed to the healing chamber.
  • Elayne (novice, Daughter-Heir) — Elayne is commanded to be silent by Elaida and forced to yield to her pressure regarding her future as Queen of Andor. She apologizes to Elaida to avoid stilling. She stands silently during the confrontation with Sheriam and follows the group to see the Amyrlin.