Chapter 52 - Need
Summary
Nynaeve al'Meara travels to the Panarch's Palace in Tel'aran'rhiod using a dream-walking technique guided by Amys and Bair, where she witnesses the Black Ajah sister Temaile Kinderode coercing Panarch Amathera and detects the presence of Moghedien nearby. After securing knowledge of a dangerous black metal ter'angreal and a sealed cuendillar artifact within the palace, Nynaeve encounters the spirit warriors Birgitte and Gaidal Cain, who warn her of Moghedien's dangerous capabilities in the World of Dreams before disappearing. Upon waking, she shares her discoveries with Elayne dos Amajas and Egeanin al'Tharin, while outside they discover a handsome Seanchan man attacking Thom Merrilin, whom they identify as someone seeking Egeanin, prompting Nynaeve to command her companions to hide the stranger and begin formulating a plan to infiltrate the palace.
Characters
- Nynaeve (Aes Sedai, Wisdom) — Nynaeve enters Tel'aran'rhiod and uses Amys's method of focusing on 'need' to shift to the Panarch's Palace, where she observes Temaile and Amathera. She feels a mysterious pull toward a woman in mist who is revealed to be Moghedien, then encounters Birgitte and Gaidal Cain who warn her of the Forsaken. After retrieving information about a black ter'angreal and a cuendillar seal, she wakes up and directs Elayne, Egeanin, and the men on how to handle a mysterious Seanchan intruder in their inn.
- Egwene — Egwene appears in Tel'aran'rhiod alongside Amys and Bair, warning Nynaeve that entering another's dream is dangerous because the dreamer controls the dream. She agrees to meet with Nynaeve in seven days to discuss Rand's acceptance as the Car'a'carn.
- Amys (Wise One) — Amys, a Wise One with silver hair, advises Nynaeve on controlling her thoughts in the dream and teaches her the 'need' method to locate the Black Ajah's target in the Panarch's Palace, while also warning her of the dangers of the quest.
- Bair (Wise One) — Bair, a thin and bony Wise One, joins Amys to instruct Nynaeve on the rules of dream-walking and forbids her from entering another's dream or pulling someone into Tel'aran'rhiod, before agreeing to let Nynaeve attempt the 'need' technique.
- Elayne — Elayne wakes Nynaeve from the dream and listens to her detailed report of the events in Tel'aran'rhiod, including the appearance of Moghedien and the discovery of the ter'angreal. She helps Egeanin dress and discusses plans to infiltrate the Panarch's Palace with Nynaeve.
- Thom — Thom is kicked in the head by the mysterious stranger in the hallway but remains largely unharmed. He gives a thoughtful nod regarding the Seanchan revelation and is ordered by Nynaeve to fetch tea and medicinal herbs from the innkeeper.
- Juilin (Thief-catcher) — Juilin stands over the unconscious stranger with Bayle Domon, recognizing the man as a thief who had previously tried to rob him. He helps roll the man onto his back and is ordered by Nynaeve to put him out in the alley.
- Bayle Domon / Bayle (smuggler) — Bayle Domon stands with Juilin watching the stranger, openly ogling Egeanin and chuckling at the situation. He is ordered by Nynaeve to help move the stranger to the alley.
- Moghedien (Forsaken, woman in mist) — Moghedien appears in the Panarch's Palace within Tel'aran'rhiod, studying a cuendillar seal and looking at a black metal ter'angreal. She is recognized by Nynaeve as the woman who previously controlled them, and Birgitte describes her as a dangerous and shadowy enemy who hides her power.
- Birgitte (heroine) — Birgitte appears in Tel'aran'rhiod in the form of the legendary hero, warning Nynaeve to let Moghedien escape because she cannot touch the world of flesh. She explains that she and Gaidal Cain are bound to the Wheel and can only speak to those who attract evil, before vanishing with him.
- Seanchan man (pale-haired man) — A handsome Seanchan man with pale yellow hair attacks Thom Merrilin in the hallway. He is unconscious when discovered by Elayne, Nynaeve, Egeanin, Thom, Juilin, and Bayle, and is identified by Egeanin as someone who may be seeking her.