Chapter 37 - Darkness in the Tower

Summary

Gawyn Trakand resolves to abandon his princely ambitions and serve as Egwene al'Vere's Warder, then travels to the White Tower where he discovers she is deep in a dream-sleep. Inside Tel'aran'rhiod, Egwene and the Wise Ones discover a violet dome trapping them in Tar Valon while Black Ajah sisters launch an assault on the Tower. Simultaneously, Perrin Aybara pursues Slayer through the dreamscape city, engaging in a fierce battle that results in Slayer stealing the dreamspike ter'angreal. Gawyn fights three Bloodknife assassins in Egwene's chambers, ultimately defeating them by plunging the room into darkness before collapsing from his wounds. Meanwhile, Perrin and Hopper are thrown from the Tower's peak; after Hopper is fatally wounded by an arrow, Perrin uses a nightmare doorway to drag Slayer into its depths.

Characters

Gawyn Trakand / Gawyn — Resolves to step aside and serve as Egwene's Warder, travels to the White Tower, and defeats three Bloodknife assassins by plunging her chambers into darkness before collapsing from severe wounds.
Birgitte Silverbow / Birgitte — Stops Gawyn at Egwene's door, reveals the Amyrlin is in a deep dream-sleep, and warns him of an approaching assassin.
Egwene al'Vere / Egwene — Discovers a violet dome trapping Tar Valon in Tel'aran'rhiod, kills several Black Ajah sisters with fire weaves, stops Perrin's balefire attack, and plans to hunt the remaining foes alongside Nynaeve.
Leane Sharif / Leane — Agrees to stay with Egwene and the Wise Ones to hunt the Shadowsouled after realizing they cannot leave the city.
Amys Benttree / Amys — Reports that the violet dome prevents escape from Tar Valon, vanishes to scout the perimeter, and agrees to help hunt the enemy.
Bair — Notices the sky turning violet, changes skin and clothing to camouflage in a hallway, and is discovered by Egwene before Black Ajah attack.
Melaine — Agrees to join Egwene's hunting party after realizing they are trapped within the city limits.
Saerin al'Vere / Saerin — Reports that Shevan and Carlinya are dead and describes Alviarin leading a fire-weave assault during their ploy.
Morvrin — Describes the Black Ajah's fire attack and confirms Alviarin's presence during the ambush in Tel'aran'rhiod.
Brendas — Receives orders to wake other women and move them away from the danger zone while Egwene stays behind.
Slayer — Steals the dreamspike ter'angreal, throws Hopper off the Tower, is stabbed by Perrin's hammer, and is dragged into a nightmare doorway.
Perrin Aybara / Perrin — Pursues Slayer through Tar Valon, stops Egwene's balefire weave, catches falling Hopper, and drags his pursuer into a nightmare.
Hopper — Tackles Slayer to aid Perrin, is thrown from the Tower and fatally wounded by an arrow, and sends final thoughts to Perrin before fading.
Mazone — Former Youngling turned Tower Guard, follows Gawyn to Egwene's quarters, and is killed by the Bloodknife assassins.
Celark — Former Youngling turned Tower Guard, assists Gawyn in the fight, and is beheaded by the assassins.
Mestra — Black Ajah sister, killed instantly by Egwene's fire weave in a hallway.
Evanellein — Black Ajah sister, stunned by Egwene's mental trick before being left behind in the hallway.
Sedore — Black Ajah sister, killed by Egwene's column of fire after attempting to release her own weaves.
Mesaana — Interrogates Katerine about the missing dreamspike, realizes she is trapped by it, and orders forces to capture Egwene al'Vere.
Katerine — Searches for the dreamspike, receives an Air weave punishment from Mesaana for failing to find it, and is ordered to focus on capturing Egwene.
Nynaeve al'Meara / Nynaeve — Reports seeing Alviarin and Notori in the Tower, confirms Siuan and Leane are safe, and agrees to hunt Black Ajah alongside Egwene.
Siuan Sanche / Siuan — Mentioned by Nynaeve as being safe with Leane while the others search for the dreamspike.
Alviarin — Mentioned by Saerin and Nynaeve as leading the Black Ajah attack with fire weaves during their ploy in Tel'aran'rhiod.