Chapter 20 - Visitations

Summary

Mat Cauthon is visited in his recovery room by a mysterious, striking woman named Selene who claims to offer him glory and warns of a Black Ajah conspiracy within the White Tower, though she vanishes abruptly when sensing a disturbance. Shortly after, Siuan Sanche and Leane Dare enter to reprimand Mat for attempting to leave and reveal that he is bound to the Horn of Valere, which he must sound to summon dead heroes during the Last Battle. Siuan explains the strategic necessity of keeping Mat safe in the Tower to prevent the Horn from falling into Darkfriend hands, effectively trapping him under the guise of medical care.

Characters

• Mat / Matrim Cauthon (my son) — Mat recovers in his room, enduring an unwanted visit from the enigmatic Selene who offers him an alliance against the Aes Sedai. He later faces Siuan Sanche and Leane Dare, who compel him to accept his link to the Horn of Valere and restrict his departure from Tar Valon to protect the artifact from the Shadow.
• Selene — A tall, beautiful woman dressed in white silk and silver appears in Mat's room, claiming her interests coincide with his and warning him of the Aes Sedai's plans and a Black Ajah presence. She offers him wealth and glory if he trusts her, but vanishes suddenly when she senses something outside, leaving Mat confused and suspicious.
• Siuan Sanche / Siuan (the Amyrlin, Mother, the Amyrlin Seat) — Siuan enters Mat's room with Leane, sharply curtailing his attempts to leave and revealing that his name and description have been sent to the guards. She forces him to acknowledge his link to the Horn of Valere, explaining that he is being kept in Tar Valon to prevent Darkfriends from seizing the horn and to ensure he remains healthy enough to sound it when needed.
• Leane (the Keeper, the Keeper of the Chronicles) — Leane accompanies Siuan Sanche into Mat's room, observing his condition and reporting that he has eaten all his food. She later receives orders to bring Mat a piece of pie and something for his throat before departing with the meal.