Chapter 23 - Foxheads

Summary

Elayne al'Vere examines a foxhead ter'angreal at a theater performance in Caemlyn, attempts to replicate it without success, and later uses the original to block shields while disguised as a Forsaken to interrogate a Black Ajah captive in the dungeons. The interrogation is interrupted by fellow Black sisters Temaile and Eldrith along with a secretary, leading to a channeling battle where Elayne suffers a stab wound from Doilin Mellar. After Mellar escapes with a copy of the ter'angreal and kills his companions, Elayne retrieves the original from the rubble, is found by Birgitte Silverbow and Matrim Cauthon, and requests medical attention for her unborn children. Meanwhile, Egwene al'Vere reprimands Gawyn Trakand for disobeying orders and scaring away an assassin, prompting him to realize she does not want a Warder, gift loyal soldiers to High Captain Chubain, and depart Tar Valon to visit his sister. Eastward, Lan Mandragoran accepts additional merchants and warriors bringing supplies to his camp, swears them to secrecy regarding his identity, and reorganizes the group as a supply caravan bound for Shienar.

Characters

Elayne / Elayne al'Vere (Your Majesty, Queen) — Examines a foxhead ter'angreal at a theater performance, attempts to replicate it without success, and later uses the original to block shields while disguised as a Forsaken to interrogate a Black Ajah captive in the dungeons. Fights multiple sisters and Doilin Mellar, retrieves the medallion after he escapes, and requests medical attention for her unborn children.
Birgitte / Birgitte Silverbow (Captain, Guardswoman captain) — Investigates a disturbance at the palace gates alongside Matrim Cauthon, arrives in the dungeon hallway after Elayne's fight, neutralizes the guards and Kin who were watching the cells, and checks on her injured Queen.
Mat / Matrim Cauthon — Accompanies Birgitte to investigate a palace disturbance, arrives in the dungeon hallway after the fight with a quarterstaff at the ready, and observes Elayne's exhausted state while noting she handled the situation herself.
Ellorien / Ellorien Farshaw (Lady Ellorien) — Attends a theater performance invited by Elayne to repair political ties, initially ignores High Seats before confronting Elayne about being snubbed, and receives a reminder of past friendship with House Trakand.
Sylvase / Sylvase Caeren — Attends the theater performance and discusses political loyalty and Black Ajah captives with Elayne, displaying an expressionless demeanor while questioning Elayne's motives for inviting Ellorien.
Chesmal — Held as a Black Ajah captive in the dungeons, reveals that Matrim Cauthon is in Caemlyn and being hunted by Darkfriends, fights against Elayne's disguised interrogation, and is burned alive after her channeling is blocked by the original foxhead medallion.
Temaile — A Black Ajah sister who arrives with a secretary and Eldrith to confront Elayne in the dungeon, channels against her disguise, and is killed by Doilin Mellar after being thrown against a wall.
Eldrith — A Black Ajah sister who hesitates before channeling against Elayne, gets shielded and tied off, escapes the cell during the fight, and has her throat slit by Doilin Mellar in the hallway.
Doilin / Doilin Mellar — Appears in the dungeon hallway, stabs Elayne to force her to drop a ter'angreal, takes a copy of the medallion, orders Chesmal to heal Elayne, kills Temaile and Eldrith, and escapes with the copy after Elayne collapses ceiling stones upon him.
Gawyn / Gawyn Trakand — Reprimanded by Egwene for disobeying orders and scaring away an assassin, argues that she does not want a Warder, gifts loyal soldiers to High Captain Chubain, and leaves Tar Valon on horseback to visit his sister.
Egwene / Egwene al'Vere — Confronts Gawyn in a private room about his disobedience and the missed opportunity to capture an assassin, expresses anger at his actions, orders extra vigilance from the Tower Guard, and leaves him after closing the door.
Chubain / High Captain Chubain (High Captain) — Inspects a unique throwing knife left by an assassin, accepts Gawyn's recommendation of loyal soldiers to form a new Tower Guard company, and agrees to keep the group intact under veteran officers.
Lan / Lan Mandragoran (Tai'shar Malkier) — Travels eastward with his followers, accepts additional merchants and warriors bringing supplies, swears them to secrecy regarding his identity, and reorganizes the group as a supply caravan bound for Shienar.
Nazar — One of Lan's followers who carries a Golden Crane flag, argues with Lan about carrying it, and swears an oath of secrecy after new supplies arrive at camp.
Andere — Fetches additional followers while Lan sleeps, presents the arriving wagons of supplies to Lan, advises him to accept the reinforcements, and swears an oath of secrecy.
Rakim — Sent by Andere to fetch new followers along the southern roadway while Lan slept, later swears an oath of secrecy regarding Lan's identity.
Bulen — Prepares bread for breakfast at camp and swears an oath of secrecy regarding Lan's identity after the group expands with new supplies.
Kaila / Kaila Bent (Captain) — Reports to Elayne that Birgitte went to investigate a disturbance at the gates, follows the Queen to her rooms, and stands ready with her squad of Guardswomen.
Conail / Conail Northan — Attends the theater performance as a High Seat supporter of Elayne, appears bored during the event, and remains silent during political discussions.
Dyelin — Attends the theater performance as a High Seat supporter, maintains a pleasant but careful demeanor, and listens to Elayne's political maneuvering without overtly speaking.
Catalyn / Catalyn Haevin — Attends the theater performance as a young High Seat supporter of Elayne, present among the audience watching the production.