Chapter 12 - An Empty Ink Bottle

Summary

Min Farshaw rests on a window ledge in the Stone of Tear, feeling a comforting warmth radiate from her bond with Rand al'Thor that signals his recovery after days of anguish. Nynaeve al'Meara paces the room in frustration over Rand's three-day absence and confronts Min about leading her to him before Sarene Nemdahl arrives to report Cadsuane Sedai's summons. At Alanna's vacant chambers, Cadsuane investigates the Aes Sedai's sudden disappearance, deduces she fled after receiving a hastily opened letter, and subtly manipulates Nynaeve with sweetened tea to mask her thoughts while realizing Min's Maidens are actually monitoring for Rand's approach rather than protecting her. The group concludes that Alanna may serve as a pathway to the Dragon Reborn just as Min senses he has arrived in Tear.

Characters

• Min — Sits on a window ledge in the Stone of Tear, feeling a comforting warmth radiate from her bond with Rand that signals his recovery after days of anguish. Promises Nynaeve she will guide her to him if he remains missing longer, then slips into Cadsuane's room upon hearing about Alanna's disappearance and senses Rand has arrived in the city.
• Nynaeve al'Meara / Nynaeve (Aes Sedai) — Paces Min's quarters in a pique over Rand's three-day absence, demanding answers and expressing fear of his current dangerous state. Investigates Alanna's vanished chambers with Cadsuane, questions the origin of a sealed note, and is subtly manipulated by Cadsuane's tea before realizing Min senses Rand has arrived nearby.
• Sarene Nemdahl — Enters Min's quarters to report that Cadsuane Sedai needs her, then informs the group that Alanna has vanished from her chambers without Defenders seeing her leave or a gateway being used.
• Cadsuane Sedai / Cadsuane — Surveys Alanna's empty room, deduces the woman fled intentionally after receiving a hastily opened letter, and questions Nynaeve about it while maintaining a facade of bitterness over her tea to mask her thoughts. Realizes Min's Maidens are actually guarding against Rand's approach rather than protecting Min.
• Córele (Yellow) — Makes a lighthearted comment about Alanna possibly inventing flight, displaying flippancy that Cadsuane tolerates despite her current lack of patience for such remarks.
• Rafela Cindal — Stands in Alanna's room alongside Bera, confirming they haven't spoken much recently but noting they often heard weeping from the vanished Aes Sedai's quarters.
• Bera Harkin — Reports hearing Alanna weeping, fetches tea for Cadsuane to provide a moment to think, and confirms that Alanna channeled but not enough to create a gateway before vanishing.