Chapter 56 - Something Wrong

Summary

Egwene al'Vere receives word from Gawyn Trakand that Elayne's army is arriving at Merrilor, prompting concerns about Perrin Aybara's potential allegiance to Rand al'Thor and the political maneuvering of the Hall of the Tower. As Egwene and Gawyn observe the gathering forces, including farmers sent by Rand and various allied monarchs, Gawyn suddenly spots Morgase Trakand alive among Elayne's procession, confirming a long-held rumor while the sky clears ominously. Meanwhile, at the Black Tower, Androl Genhald and his loyalists discover that gateway weaves are failing while other channeling remains functional, suggesting an intentional trap by Mazrim Taim. After Norley reports that the returned Mezar is an imposter, Androl resolves to seek allies among the Red Ajah women confined within the compound, cautiously approaching one of their huts to propose a joint escape.

Characters

• Egwene / Egwene al'Vere — Discusses camp politics and Rand's potential plans with Gawyn, observes the gathering monarchs and farmer army, and worries about the Hall of the Tower undermining her authority.
• Gawyn / Gawyn Trakand (Warder) — Reports Elayne's arrival and Perrin's military positioning, displays a transformed demeanor as Egwene's devoted partner, and impulsively rushes to confirm Morgase's survival.
• Morgase / Morgase Trakand (Queen, Lion of Andor) — Confirmed alive and standing beside Elayne's horse, ending weeks of speculation about her fate among Gawyn and Egwene.
• Perrin / Perrin Aybara — His camp is noted as isolated and heavily fortified, having sent messengers to the Aiel and Tairens while positioning a massive force near the coalition grounds.
• Galad / Galad Damodred (Lord Captain Commander) — Commanding the Whitecloak forces at Merrilor, his presence is noted as a potential political flashpoint alongside Perrin's army.
• Bryne / Gareth Bryne — His troops have swelled in number and are actively constructing a palisade on the eastern side of the Merrilor field.
• Androl / Androl Genhald — Attempts to weave gateways at the Black Tower but fails as they unravel, then resolves to secretly seek allies among the confined Red Ajah women after discovering an imposter among Taim's ranks.
• Emarin — Tries to form a gateway weave alongside Androl's group but finds it impossible while other weaves function normally.
• Evin — Notes that only gateway weaves are failing at the Black Tower, suspecting an intentional containment measure.
• Canler — Observes the gateway failure pattern and joins Androl's group as they investigate the compound's restrictions.
• Norley — Reports that Mezar has returned but is an imposter with stolen memories, urging Androl to consider leaving the Black Tower immediately.
• Mezar — Appears to have returned from a journey but exhibits wrong eyes and smiles, leading loyalists to suspect he has been replaced by something unnatural.
• Taim / Mazrim Taim (M'Hael) — Maintains strict control over the Black Tower, doubles guard posts at night, and publicly elevates the imposter Mezar to full Asha'man status.
• Logain — His whereabouts remain unknown to the loyalists, fueling fears that Taim has captured him.
• Coteren — Aligned with Taim's faction and recently elevated alongside the imposter Mezar, marking a deepening split within the Asha'man.
• Mishraile — Seen supervising soldiers practicing weaves at the Black Tower before Norley dismissively turns away from him.
• Darlin / Darlin Sisnera (King of Tear) — Sent a contingent of Aiel warriors to Merrilor, persuaded by Elayne's diplomatic efforts.
• Roedran (King of Murandy) — Received an offer and a Traveling envoy from Egwene regarding his attendance at the gathering, though his response remains uncertain.