Chapter 23 - The Testing

Summary

Nynaeve al'Maera undergoes the rigorous Acceptance testing before the Amyrlin Seat and Sheriam in the White Tower's subterranean chamber, facing a ter'angreal that manifests her deepest fears. She first confronts the Forsaken Aginor in a shifting maze of stone and fire, then returns to a decaying Emond's Field ruled by the tyrannical Wisdom Malena Aylar, and finally witnesses a life with Lan Mandragoran as Queen of Malkier, from which she tears herself away by channeling the One Power and summoning the way back. After enduring the trials, Nynaeve emerges physically unharmed but emotionally shattered, receiving the washing of sins from the Aes Sedai before kneeling before Siuan Sanche to be formally accepted as an Accepted of the White Tower.

Characters

• Nynaeve / Nynaeve al'Maera — Nynaeve undergoes the Acceptance testing, entering the ter'angreal three times to face visions of Aginor, a corrupted Emond's Field, and a life with Lan Mandragoran. She channels the Power to defeat Aginor and forces herself to leave the other visions, emerging from the final trial with thorn scars on her hands and tears on her face before kneeling before the Amyrlin Seat.
• Sheriam (the Mistress of Novices) — Sheriam guides Nynaeve into the testing chamber, explaining the rules of the ter'angreal and overseeing the ceremony. She pours water over Nynaeve after the first two trials, interprets the test's results, and helps the sobbing Nynaeve to her feet before she faces the Amyrlin.
• Siuan Sanche (the Amyrlin) — Siuan sits in the chamber with other Aes Sedai to witness the end of Nynaeve's testing. She pours the final washing chalice over Nynaeve's head, declaring her washed clean of her past ties and formally accepting her as an Accepted of the White Tower.