Chapter 52 - Boots

Summary

Elayne rides into Cairhien with a carefully chosen escort to claim the Sun Throne without appearing as a conqueror, relying on political maneuvering and noble support. Upon reaching the palace, she is formally ceded control by Sashalle Anderly before Birgitte discovers a poisoned needle hidden in the throne cushion; after safely testing the seat, Elayne sits upon the Sun Throne, declares herself queen, and immediately commands the assembled nobles to conscript their forces for the Field of Merrilor. Meanwhile, Matrim Cauthon reviews spy reports at his camp, dismisses rumors about Rand, and engages Setalle Anan in a conversation about nobility using an extended boots metaphor. He firmly resolves never to open Verin's sealed letter before preparing to depart with Thom Merrilin and Noal for a rescue mission to the Tower of Ghenjei.

Characters

• Elayne — Rides into Cairhien with a small escort to claim the Sun Throne without appearing as a conqueror, sits on the throne after Birgitte discovers a poisoned needle, and immediately commands the nobles to conscript forces for the Field of Merrilor.
• Glimmer — Serves as a fine Saldaean mare with a brilliant white mane that Elayne rides into Cairhien during her political procession.
• Birgitte — Rides Rising alongside Elayne, discovers a poisoned needle hidden in the throne cushion, tests the seat's safety by sitting on it, and acts as a vigilant bodyguard throughout the journey.
• Rising — Functions as a tall dun gelding from the royal stables that Birgitte mounts for the ride into Cairhien.
• Alise — Rides with Elayne's honor guard and weaves an unfamiliar wind weave to protect the inner ring from archers.
• Sarasia — Takes position beside Elayne during the procession as a plump, grandmotherly Kinswoman.
• Kema — Rides alongside Elayne's group as a dark-skinned Kinswoman with black hair in three long braids.
• Nashia — Joins the honor guard near Elayne as a prim, youthful-faced Kinswoman wearing a baggy dress.
• Lorstrum — Leads five thousand Cairhienin troops to support Elayne's claim, covers for her after the throne assassination attempt to save face, and accepts her political manipulation.
• Bertome — Commands another five thousand troops alongside Lorstrum, supports Elayne's ascension, and helps deflect blame for the poisoned needle discovery.
• Guybon — Rides a dappled gelding between Elayne and Birgitte to provide physical protection during the procession.
• Sashalle / Anderly — Stands at the Sun Palace steps and formally cedes all rights and control of Cairhien to Elayne on behalf of Rand al'Thor.
• Samitsu / Tamagowa — Stands beside Sashalle at the palace steps during the handover of power as an ageless former Aes Sedai.
• Matrim — Reviews spy reports at his camp, engages Setalle in a conversation about nobility using an extended boots metaphor, and firmly resolves never to open Verin's sealed letter before preparing for a rescue mission.
• Setalle / Anan — Visits Matrim at his camp, discusses Elayne and Joline's correspondence, listens to the boots metaphor regarding nobility, and inquires about gateway progress.
• Thom / Merrilin — Mentioned by Matrim as a companion for an upcoming rescue mission to the Tower of Ghenjei.
• Noal — Mentioned by Matrim as another companion slated to join the expedition to the Tower of Ghenjei.
• Verin — Referenced via a worn, sealed letter that Matrim examines but ultimately decides never to open.
• Tylin — Remembered by Matrim as the reason he wears a red scarf at his camp.
• Rand / al'Thor — Feels troubled yet peaceful through Elayne's bond, is referenced in spy reports regarding whereabouts and rumors of Tylin's death, and formally ceded Cairhien to Elayne.
• Egwene — Mentioned by Elayne as being correct about the foolishness of breaking the seals at Shayol Ghul.
• Talmanes — Referenced by Matrim as owning forty pairs of boots at home.
• Lopin — Mentioned by Matrim as a former servant who complained about his boot collection.
• Clintock — Checks on Matrim every half-hour at the camp as a Redarm.
• Aelfinn — Mentioned by Matrim alongside the Eelfinn as creatures Birgitte failed to defeat during a previous visit to the Tower of Ghenjei.
• Eelfinn — Mentioned by Matrim alongside the Aelfinn in relation to Birgitte's past failure at the Tower of Ghenjei.