ChapterTrack

Chapter 23 - Beyond the Stone

Summary

The group arrives in the barren valley of Chaendaer to find the fog-shrouded city of Rhuidean, where they are met by four Wise Ones—Amys, Bair, Seana, and Melaine—and opposed by the fiery-haired Shaido chief Couladin and his guard Heirn. After Rand al’Thor and Mat Cauthon secure permission to enter Rhuidean’s heart despite their lack of Aiel blood, Egwene and Moiraine retreat to a Wise One’s tent for water and shade. There, the Wise Ones explain the Aiel custom of ji’e’toh and the status of gai’shain, while also revealing that Aviendha is compelled to become a Wise One by giving up her spears. Moiraine is then permitted to enter Rhuidean, leaving Egwene to receive instruction on dreamwalking from Amys, who warns her that she must forget her status as Aes Sedai to learn.

Characters

  • Mat / Mat Cauthon — Mat marvels at the survival of the Portal Stone travel and the heat of Chaendaer. He attempts to enter Rhuidean alongside Rand, ignoring Couladin’s spear threat by hiding his weapons. After surrendering his knives to the Wise Ones, he and Rand descend into the fog toward the city, hoping to return alive.
  • Aviendha (Maiden of the Spear) — Aviendha is summoned by Bair and forced to surrender her spears, bow, quiver, and knives. She strips naked despite her pride, then runs down the mountain toward Rhuidean, determined to catch up to Rand and Mat.
  • Bair (Wise One) — Bair, a Wise One with a thin voice, answers the question from Couladin and grants permission for Rand and Mat. She speaks with Moiraine about the uncertainties of dreams while Amys explains the history of gai'shain to Egwene and Moiraine in the tent.
  • Seana (Wise One) — Seana, a Wise One with gray-streaked hair, answers yes to Rand’s request. She explains the fate of the surrendered weapons and covers for Melaine’s slip about Moiraine’s fate. She participates in the ritual with Amys and Bair.
  • Heirn — Heirn, an older, leathery-faced man, arrives with men from the Jindo sept to protect Rhuarc. He stands with Rhuarc and Couladin, then walks away toward the smaller encampment with Rhuarc after being dismissed.