Chapter 39 - Threads in the Pattern

Summary

Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne complete their healing of Dailin and exchange cultural insights with Aviendha, Bain, Chiad, and Jolien before being ambushed by brigands who capture them for ransom. Held prisoner, the women are rescued by the arrival of Rhuarc and a contingent of Aiel, including Aviendha, who engage the brigands and three Myrddraal in battle, utilizing balefire to destroy the Halfmen. After the fight, the group travels to Jurene, boards the ship Darter, and departs, shedding their Aes Sedai rings to maintain their cover as they head toward Tear.

Characters

• Egwene — Egwene accompanies Nynaeve and Elayne, observes the Aiel customs, and is captured by brigands. Nynaeve determines that Elayne is dying, and Nynaeve thins a flow of Earth to cut the chain on the door. Egwene asks Rhuarc what the Wise Ones' dreams mean, and later questions what he meant by 'before the change' before boarding the ship Darter.
• Nynaeve — Nynaeve heals Dailin completely using the One Power and herbs, displays authority over the Aiel, and is captured by brigands. She recovers, heals a dying Elayne, and uses balefire to annihilate the Myrddraal, then secures passage on the Darter.
• Elayne (Daughter-Heir) — Elayne travels with the group, listens to Aiel prophecy, and is captured and struck by a sling stone. She is revived by Nynaeve, witnesses the battle against the Halfmen, and boards the ship Darter under the name of a commoner, with Nynaeve paying their fares.
• Aviendha — Aviendha, a Maiden of the Spear, negotiates for Dailin's healing, explains Aiel beliefs about the Dragon Reborn, and follows the women to Jurene. She arrives with the Aiel contingent to rescue them from brigands and fights alongside them.
• Rhuarc — Rhuarc, a Taardad sept chief, appears with the Aiel force to fight the Myrddraal and brigands. He interacts with the women, retrieves Nynaeve's ring, and oversees the group's departure for Jurene.
• Dailin — Dailin, a Maiden of the Spear, is gravely wounded and brought to the women for healing. She is fully healed by Nynaeve and later dies from Shadowman steel during the battle with the Myrddraal.
• Jhon — Jolien, Bain, Chiad, and Rhuarc are Maidens and Chiefs of the Spear who assist Aviendha, observe the healing, and later participate in the fight against the brigands and Myrddraal alongside the other Aiel.
• Chiad — Chiad, a Maiden of the Spear from the Goshien sept, stands with the group and explains Aiel culture to the Aes Sedai, later exchanging looks with Bain.
• Bain — Bain, a Maiden of the Spear from the Shaarad Aiel, speaks of seeking He Who Comes With the Dawn, assists in clothing the healed Dailin, and departs Jurene with the others after the conflict.
• Jhon — Jhon is one of the Aielmen who arrives with Rhuarc, observes the aftermath of the battle, and watches the women depart.
• Adden — Adden is the brigand leader who captures the women and intends to sell them. He is pinned to the wall with a spear by an Aiel during the rescue.
• Coke — Coke is a brigand who advises Adden on the value of the Aes Sedai and is killed during the Aiel assault.
• Mist — Mist is the gray mare chosen for Egwene by the Aiel, described as tall and stepping lightly as the group rides to Jurene.
• Darter Captain (captain) — The captain of the Darter is a bluff, round-bowed shipowner who sells passage to Nynaeve and her companions, noting the Blue Crane is stuck upriver.