Chapter 36 - An Invitation

Summary

Egwene al'Vere orchestrates a complex diplomatic bargain in Tel'aran'rhiod, proposing a mutual training exchange between Aes Sedai, Wise Ones, and Windfinders while offering permanent ownership of dream ter'angreal to secure their alliance against the Shadow and Seanchan. She successfully navigates deep-seated prejudices and convinces the leaders to accept the terms before Siuan Sanche arrives with urgent news that Mesaana's trap has been sprung prematurely. Meanwhile, Perrin Aybara flees across the dreamscape carrying a silver ter'angreal spike while being relentlessly pursued by Slayer, who shoots him with arrows and attacks with a sword. Realizing he cannot outrun his foe, Perrin resolves to fight and heads toward Tar Valon to use the city's layout for cover.

Characters

• Egwene / Egwene al'Vere (Amyrlin Seat, Mother) — Orchestrates a complex diplomatic bargain in Tel'aran'rhiod, proposing a mutual training exchange between Aes Sedai, Wise Ones, and Windfinders while offering permanent ownership of dream ter'angreal to secure their alliance against the Shadow and Seanchan. She successfully navigates deep-seated prejudices and convinces the leaders to accept the terms before Siuan arrives with urgent news that Mesaana's trap has been sprung prematurely.
• Nynaeve / Nynaeve al'Meara — Appears briefly at the start of the meeting to receive orders from Egwene, confirming her readiness to lead the attack if Mesaana arrives and agreeing to remain hidden near the Hall of the Tower to monitor for spies.
• Amys (Wise One) — Participates in the tense negotiations with deep suspicion toward the Aes Sedai and Sea Folk, ultimately agreeing to discuss the proposed training exchange while warning Egwene against tying them in steel bands.
• Bair (Wise One) — Challenges Egwene's motives during the bargaining process, expresses discomfort with the plan's implications for Aiel apprentices, but eventually agrees to consider the terms alongside Amys and Melaine.
• Melaine (Wise One) — Questions the wisdom of sending apprentices to the White Tower or ships, voices concern about corruption by wetlander ways, but acknowledges Egwene's unique position as an Amyrlin trained by the Aiel and agrees to discuss the bargain.
• Leane — Observes the negotiations alongside Yukiri and Seaine, ultimately supports Egwene's pragmatic argument that the White Tower must adapt to a changing world rather than cling to outdated control over ter'angreal and channelers.
• Yukiri — Expresses strong disapproval of surrendering ter'angreal ownership and doubts the Hall will approve the agreement, but is swayed by Egwene's reasoning about the inevitable shift in power dynamics and the impossibility of maintaining absolute control.
• Seaine — Shares Yukiri's initial reluctance to give up power over objects of the One Power, but listens to Egwene's strategic justification for fostering unity and adapting to new Talents emerging across the world.
• Shielyn / Shielyn din Sabura Night Waters (Windfinder) — Leads the Windfinders in tense negotiations, initially refusing to sit and questioning Egwene's authority, but eventually agrees to a two-for-two apprentice exchange after securing permanent ownership of the dream ter'angreal and allowing Sea Folk channelers to return home.
• Renaile (Windfinder) — Sits quietly among the Windfinders, briefly manifests armor and a sword in Tel'aran'rhiod upon hearing the word Seanchan, and observes the negotiations without speaking.
• Siuan / Siuan Sanche — Arrives abruptly in the meeting hall with a singed dress to deliver urgent news that Nynaeve's decoy failed and attackers have already launched an immediate assault.
• Perrin / Perrin Aybara — Flees across the dreamscape carrying the silver ter'angreal spike while being relentlessly pursued by Slayer, who shoots him with arrows and attacks with a sword. Realizing he cannot outrun his foe, Perrin resolves to fight and heads toward Tar Valon to use the city's layout for cover.
• Slayer — Pursues Perrin through the wolf dream, shooting him with arrows from a distance and attempting to strike him with a sword at close range. He demonstrates superior speed by easily keeping pace with Perrin and jumping ahead of the moving dome to intercept him.