Chapter 17 - Partings, and a Meeting

Summary

Mat wakes beneath Aludra's wagon after the gholam attack and reflects on Lopin's death before facilitating the departure of the Aes Sedai and former sul'dam. He encourages Bethamin and Seta to learn channeling, arranges for Setalle to watch over Olver, and gives Joline sprinklewort-laced sweetbuns as a parting gift while demanding she deliver a message to the Amyrlin about his impending arrival in Tar Valon. Meanwhile, Elayne walks through Caemlyn's Sunrise Garden and negotiates with Kin members Sumeko and Alise, offering them Crown support to remain in the city and provide Healing and Traveling services to Andor in exchange for their loyalty and reorganized rules. She reflects on the looming Seanchan threat and considers claiming the Black Tower as a strategic advantage should Rand perish.

Characters

• Mat / Matrim Cauthon — Wakes beneath Aludra's wagon after the gholam attack, reflecting on Lopin's death and his own physical discomfort. He facilitates the departure of the Aes Sedai and former sul'dam, encourages Bethamin and Seta to learn channeling, and arranges for Setalle to watch over Olver. He gives Joline sprinklewort-laced sweetbuns as a parting gift and demands she tell the Amyrlin he is coming to Tar Valon to reclaim something of his.
• Juilin — Approaches Mat to confirm news of the Aes Sedai's departure, then decides to leave with them to safely return to Tear with his wife Thera. He shakes hands with Mat and departs to gather his belongings.
• Teslyn — Oversees the loading of pack animals and soldiers for the departing caravan. She accepts Mat's parting gift of sweetbuns, chuckles at his demand to deliver a message to the Amyrlin, and agrees to convey it exactly as instructed.
• Joline — Sits on Moonglow among the departing Aes Sedai, initially expecting Elayne's welcome but instead receiving Mat's horses and soldiers. She accepts a parting gift of sprinklewort-laced sweetbuns and makes a wry remark about still wanting to tame him someday.
• Edesina — Mounts Firewisp alongside the other Aes Sedai, glances at the former sul'dam, and offers Mat a respectful nod as she prepares to depart for Tar Valon.
• Bethamin — A former sul'dam who firmly declares her intention to leave with the Aes Sedai and learn to channel. She thanks Mat for giving her a purpose and looks to him with newfound confidence.
• Seta — Another former sul'dam who worries about being a danger to the Empire but agrees to learn channeling under Mat's guidance. Tears well in her eyes at his encouragement, and she departs with Bethamin.
• Leilwin / Egeanin — Arrives with Bayle Domon to depart for the White Tower, citing her long-held intention to go there since leaving Ebou Dar. She offers Mat a formal farewell and acknowledges his difficult path.
• Bayle Domon — Leilwin's husband who rides up alongside her. He thanks Mat for keeping his promise regarding Tuon before departing with Leilwin.
• Thom — Stands beside Mat observing the departures, questions him about the sweetbuns, and agrees to accompany him shortly after Setalle stays behind.
• Setalle / Mistress Anan — Chosen by Mat to remain in camp and watch over Olver for his safety. She agrees to the arrangement, notes her need to send word to her husband, and prepares to find an inn in Caemlyn.
• Olver — A child Mat entrusts to Setalle's care due to fears the gholam may return. He is noted as being fondly regarded by the camp soldiers but requires better examples than they provide.
• Vanin — A horse thief ordered by Mat to accompany the Aes Sedai to Tar Valon under the guise of a Redarm scout to gather information, though he is less pleased about traveling with Juilin.
• Elayne — Walks through the Sunrise Garden in Caemlyn, reflecting on her early pregnancy and the wilting crops outside. She meets with Kin members Sumeko and Alise to propose a deal tying them to the Crown of Andor in exchange for Healing and Traveling services.
• Birgitte — Warns Elayne about assassination risks despite Min's viewing, arguing that the queen must consider the danger to those around her. She reluctantly accepts Elayne's stubborn resolve before being called away by a Guardswoman.
• Sumeko — A Kinswoman who intends to be tested and return to the White Tower as a Yellow Sister. She objects to Alise speaking for the group but eventually comes around to Elayne's proposal.
• Alise — The shorter, weaker Kinswoman who negotiates with Elayne to tie the Kin to the Crown of Andor rather than moving to Tar Valon. She agrees to provide Healing and Traveling services in exchange for Crown support and the ability to reorganize their rules.
• Rand / Rand al'Thor — Appears only as a swirling color vision of him shaving in a gilded mirror while Mat thinks of him, prompting Mat to reflect on how Rand must feel about channeling.