Chapter 14 - A Vow
Summary
Egwene walks through Tel'aran'rhiod, reflecting on its dangers and her growth since captivity, before visiting Amys and Bair in the Stone of Tear to receive the Amyrlin stole and negotiate a training exchange for Accepted Aes Sedai. She then meets Nynaeve and Elayne in the dreamscape Hall of the Tower, where she skillfully manipulates Nynaeve into accepting her authority as "Mother" and secures their agreement to return to Tar Valon for formal testing and oath-swearing. During their discussion about Rand's changed demeanor and Elayne's pregnancy, Black sisters Talva and Alviarin ambush them with Fire weaves; Egwene kills Talva in the counterattack and drives off Alviarin, realizing she must rely on dreaming rather than channeling to defeat her enemies, and vows to find Mesaana.
Characters
- Egwene / Egwene al'Vere (Amyrlin, Mother) — Reflects on Tel'aran'rhiod's dangers and her growth since captivity. Secures the Amyrlin stole from Amys, negotiates a training exchange with the Wise Ones, and manipulates Nynaeve into accepting her authority as "Mother." Kills Talva in a dreamscape ambush, realizes she must rely on dreaming rather than channeling, and vows to find Mesaana.
- Amys — Appears with Bair in the Stone of Tear's Heart, bestows the Amyrlin stole upon Egwene, and comments on Rand's newfound strength resembling wind. Suggests sending Accepted Aes Sedai to the Aiel for training while warning against wetlander imitation.
- Bair — Joins Amys in receiving Egwene, notes that wetlanders prefer being told what to do, and agrees with the plan to send Accepted women to the Aiel. Observes Rand's transformation into the Car'a'carn and cautions against calling him a child much longer.
- Nynaeve / Nynaeve al'Meara — Meets Egwene in Tel'aran'rhiod, offers blunt advice on establishing authority, and reluctantly accepts Egwene as "Mother" after being outmaneuvered. Reveals Rand's demeanor has softened, acknowledges Elayne's pregnancy, and agrees to return to the Tower for formal testing.
- Elayne / Elayne al'Vere — Arrives in Tel'aran'rhiod, hugs Nynaeve, and inadvertently reveals she has bonded Rand through sensing his warmth. Announces her pregnancy, agrees to return to the Tower but worries about swearing oaths while expecting, and asks about missing dream ter'angreal.
- Talva — Ambushes Egwene in Tel'aran'rhiod with Fire weaves. She is immediately countered by Egwene's shield and killed when Alviarin's retaliatory fire strikes her, dying instantly in the dreamscape.
- Alviarin — Attacks alongside Talva with a jet of Fire, accidentally burning Talva to death. Flees the dreamscape after Egwene turns her attention to her, leaving Egwene vowing to capture her.