Chapter 3 - The Amyrlin's Anger

Summary

Egwene al'Vere floats in the dreamspace, observing the world's dreams before sending a telepathic summons to Nynaeve al'Thor to meet in the Hall of the Tower in two nights. She retreats into her own dreams, where a violent vision manifests thirteen black towers collapsing into six, followed by a serpent devouring eaglets and Rand al'Thor severing the ropes binding a crystal sphere until it shatters. Waking in her sparse White Tower chambers, Egwene interprets the dream as a warning that Mesaana remains hidden within the Tower and can bypass the Oath Rod, threatening the institution's survival. A knock brings Keeper Silviana to report that Rand has arrived at the Tower requesting an audience with the Amyrlin. Meanwhile, Siuan Sanche walks through the White Tower with High Captain Chubain and Saerin al'Vere, discussing how Rand infiltrated the city unnoticed and reflecting on her own transition from Amyrlin to advisor while Bryne arrives to offer quiet support. The group witnesses a patch of floor bleeding before reaching the Hall of the Tower, where Egwene finally confronts Rand. He explains his psychological breaking point, acknowledges his past manipulation by the Forsaken, and declares his intention to travel to Shayol Ghul in one month to break the seals on the Dark One's prison using both genders of the One Power. Despite Egwene's protests and her own prophetic dreams, Rand insists the risk is necessary, proposes a meeting at the Field of Merrilor beforehand, and departs after securing her reluctant agreement while missing his left hand. The ta'veren pressure leaves the Sitters shaken, prompting Egwene to resolve that she must secure allies among Elayne and Nynaeve to influence his course.

Characters

• Egwene / Egwene al'Vere (Amyrlin Seat, Watcher of the Seals, Flame of Tar Valon) — Floats in the dreamspace to summon Nynaeve, interprets a prophetic vision as Mesaana's hidden presence and a threat to the White Tower, confronts Rand in the Hall, agrees to meet at Field of Merrilor, and resolves to secure allies among Elayne and Nynaeve.
• Gawyn / Gawyn Trakand — Lurks behind Egwene like a distant shadow, guarding her doors despite her anger, and remains unbonded to her despite his constant presence.
• Nynaeve / Nynaeve al'Thor — Receives a telepathic summons from Egwene demanding a meeting in the Hall of the Tower in two nights under threat of forced measures if she continues to avoid her.
• Silviana / Silviana Brehon (Keeper) — Rouses Egwene to report Rand's arrival, stands behind her during the confrontation, questions how she maintained composure, and suggests holding him captive.
• Siuan / Siuan Sanche — Walks through the White Tower reflecting on her transition from Amyrlin to advisor, discusses Rand's infiltration with Saerin and Chubain, and receives quiet comfort from Bryne before observing his demeanor.
• Chubain / High Captain Chubain (High Captain) — Explains how Rand bypassed city guards using refugee flows, follows Siuan through bleeding floors, reports that Gareth Bryne is escorting Rand out, and notes the Sitters' physical reactions to ta'veren pressure.
• Saerin / Saerin al'Vere — Discusses Rand's reputation with Siuan, witnesses the blood-red floor tiles, feels intense ta'veren pressure in the Hall, and suggests Egwene needs allies to stop him.
• Gareth / Gareth Bryne — Arrives at the Tower, comforts Siuan, confirms Rand is shielded by twenty-six sisters, observes that Rand looks like an Aes Sedai, and escorts him out of the Hall.
• Tiana — Pushes through the crowd to hand Rand a sealed letter with a red seal, trembles slightly while delivering it, then withdraws into the crowd.
• Rand / Rand al'Thor / al'Thor (Dragon Reborn) — Infiltrates Tar Valon unnoticed, enters the Hall shielded by thirteen sisters, explains his psychological breaking point and past manipulation, declares his plan to break the seals at Shayol Ghul in one month, proposes a meeting at Field of Merrilor, departs missing his left hand while exerting immense ta'veren pressure on the Sitters.
• Barasine — Newly chosen to replace Duhara, meets Rand's gaze evenly in the Hall, feels her heart squeeze during his ta'veren pressure, and questions Egwene on how to stop him.
• Yukiri — Attempts to speak during Rand's address but finds her mouth paralyzed by ta'veren pressure.
• Elayne / Elayne Trakanda — Mentioned as someone Egwene has already spoken to regarding raising them to the shawl, and later noted as an ally Egwene needs to persuade Rand.
• Verin / Verin Mathwin — Referenced by Egwene as having previously suspected a Forsaken was hidden in the White Tower and could defeat the Oath Rod.
• Cadsuane / Cadsuane Melaidhrin — Referenced by Rand as having accidentally set him on the path to fixing himself after he was broken.
• Moiraine / Moiraine Damodred — Mentioned by Egwene and Rand as the catalyst for his struggle against Aes Sedai control since arriving in the Two Rivers.
• Elaida / Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan — Referenced regarding her removal from the Seat, her past treatment of Rand, and her exile of Cadsuane.
• Pevara / Pevara Tazanovni — Noted as absent from the Hall, still missing from her unknown mission alongside Javindhra.
• Javindhra / Javindhra Delovinde — Noted as absent from the Hall, still missing from her unknown mission alongside Pevara.
• Duhara — Referenced as the previous occupant of a Red Ajah seat now held by Barasine.
• Perrin / Perrin Aybara — Mentioned by Egwene in passing to contrast Rand's demeanor with his solemn nature.
• Mat / Mat Cauthon — Mentioned by Egwene in passing to contrast Rand's demeanor with his wild nature.
• Morgase / Morgase Trakand — Referenced by Bryne as having betrayed him previously before he was drawn into Aes Sedai politics.