ChapterTrack

Chapter 22 - Watchers

Summary

In Tifan's Well, Moiraine and Lan discuss their bond and her secret plan to transfer his Warder link to another sister, causing Lan visible anger and distress before he departs. Vandene arrives with tea, and Moiraine questions her about the Horn of Valere, the Dragon Reborn's location, Shadar Logoth, and the Forsaken, particularly Lanfear. After Vandene leaves, Moiraine is ambushed in the garden by a Draghkar whose croon suppresses her will and channels. Lan and Jaem intervene, stabbing the creature in the chest, forcing it to bellow in agony as Moiraine gathers enough strength to channel and push it back. Moiraine reveals the presence of the Black Ajah by noting the creature was warded and prepares to leave immediately to pursue her investigation, leaving Vandene and Adeleas to dispose of the body while Jaem distracts the villagers.

Characters

  • Moiraine — Moiraine discusses her past with Lan and reveals her plan to transfer his Warder bond to Myrelle, provoking his anger. She questions Vandene about the Dragon Reborn and Shadar Logoth, then fights off a Draghkar attack with Lan and Jaem before deciding to flee the village.
  • Lan (Lan Gaidin) — Moiraine reflects that Nynaeve has put cracks in Lan's walls and laced bridal flowers in his hair. Lan confronts Moiraine about transferring his bond, expressing deep anger and betrayal before masking his emotions. He later stabs the Draghkar alongside Jaem to save Moiraine from being drained.
  • Vandene (Sister) — Vandene brings tea to Moiraine and answers her questions regarding the Prophecies, the Horn of Valere, and the Forsaken. She warns Moiraine about Lan's emotional state and helps heal Moiraine after the Draghkar attack.
  • Adeleas — Adeleas appears after the Draghkar is killed, questioning the noise and the presence of the creature. She attempts to study the corpse while Jaem distracts the villagers, snapping "Impossible, only a sister could—" before stopping abruptly.
  • Jaem — Jaem practices swordplay before helping Lan stab the Draghkar in the chest. He then hurries toward the approaching villagers at Adeleas's command to delay them while Adeleas deals with the creature.
  • Draghkar — A shadowy creature with great bat-like wings attacks Moiraine in the garden, using a croon to suppress her will. It is stabbed by Lan and Jaem and bellowing in agony as it falls.