Chapter 20 - Visitations

Summary

Mat Cauthon is visited in his room by Selene, a mysterious woman who claims to offer him glory and warns him of the Black Ajah within the White Tower before slipping away. Shortly after, Siuan Sanche, the Amyrlin Seat, enters with her Keeper Leane Bashere to check on Mat’s recovery and sternly interrogate him about his memories of the Horn of Valere. Siuan reveals that Mat is uniquely linked to the Horn, which will only summon heroes if he blows it, and forces him to keep this secret to protect him from Darkfriends. Mat resolves to find a way to escape Tar Valon, caught between the conflicting desires of Siuan and the enigmatic Selene.

Characters

• Mat / Mat Cauthon / Matrim — Mat wakes to find himself naked and is visited by the beautiful Selene, who warns him about the Aes Sedai's intentions and the presence of the Black Ajah. After Selene leaves, Siuan Sanche and Leane Bashere arrive; Siuan reveals Mat's unique link to the Horn of Valere and forbids him from speaking of it, ensuring he stays in Tar Valon to recover under their control.
• Selene — A strikingly beautiful woman dressed in white silk and silver who visits Mat in secret, claiming her interests coincide with his. She offers him wealth and glory, warns him of the Black Ajah and a man who wants to kill him, and disappears as silently as she arrived.
• Siuan Sanche / Siuan (the Amyrlin, Amyrlin Seat) — Siuan enters Mat's room with Leane to inspect his recovery and interrogate him about the Horn of Valere. She reveals that Mat is uniquely linked to the Horn, which will only function for him, and insists he remain in Tar Valon to protect him from Darkfriends who seek the artifact.
• Leane (the Keeper, Keeper of the Chronicles) — Leane accompanies Siuan Sanche to Mat's room, confirming that Mat ate his meal. Siuan relays information about Abell Cauthon's previous visit to the Tower. Leane stands silently by during Siuan's interrogation of Mat regarding the Horn.