Chapter 22 - The End of a Legend
Summary
Gawyn Trakand wanders the White Tower grounds at night, grappling with his conflicted feelings for Egwene and the shifting ambitions of the Younglings before seeking counsel from General Bryne. After Siuan Sanche interrupts their conversation, Gawyn chases a hooded assassin near Egwene's quarters, engages in a brief but unnatural fight, and bursts into her room only to be caught in a trap by Egwene herself. Meanwhile, Matrim Cauthon sits in a Low Caemlyn tavern listening to rumors of his own exploits while planning an expedition into the Tower of Ghenjei with Noal and Thom Merrilin. After saving a man from robbers who turns out to be an assassin, Mat sneaks into the palace disguised as a beggar named Garard to consult Birgitte about the tower's dangers. Birgitte reveals that she and Gaidal both perished inside the tower during a previous visit to save him, warning Mat of the creatures' emotional feeding habits just as she feels Elayne al'Vere's bond jolt with sudden pain and anger, prompting her and Mat to rush out together.
Characters
- Gawyn / Gawyn Trakand — Walks the White Tower grounds at night, discusses his future and the Younglings' doubts with Celark, seeks counsel from General Bryne regarding his devotion to Egwene. After Siuan Sanche interrupts them, chases a hooded assassin near Egwene's door, fights the creature's unnatural speed, loses it, and bursts into her unlocked room only to be caught in a trap by Egwene herself.
- Celark — Gambling with off-duty guards while confessing his wavering desire to become a Warder now that the war has changed their prospects. Accepts Gawyn's offer to transfer to the Tower Guard instead of remaining with the Younglings.
- Bryne — Studies maps of Tar Valon and surrounding regions, marking villages and fortifications for an impending defense against Trollocs and the Field of Merrilor. Advises Gawyn to discover his own identity separate from Egwene before attempting to fit her into his life.
- Siuan / Siuan Sanche — Brings cloudberry tea to Bryne's quarters and sharply rebukes Gawyn for overstepping his authority regarding the Amyrlin, dismissing his schemes before leaving him to his thoughts.
- Mat / Matrim Cauthon — Listens to tavern rumors of himself as the Prince of Ravens while planning an expedition into the Tower of Ghenjei with Noal and Thom. Saves a man from robbers who turns out to be an assassin, kills him, and later sneaks into the palace disguised as a beggar named Garard to meet Birgitte.
- Noal — Joins Mat in a tavern to help prepare for the Tower of Ghenjei expedition, gathering iron knives, chains, and other supplies while discussing the dangers of the creatures inside.
- Thom / Thom Merrilin — Disguises himself as a merchant's servant to meet Mat, helps gather music and firework supplies for the upcoming tower expedition, and insists on accompanying Mat to rescue Moiraine despite the risks.
- Birgitte — Watches a play with Elayne while reflecting on her fading past-life memories. Investigates a disturbance at the Plum Gate, finds Mat disguised as a beggar, and reveals that she and Gaidal both died inside the Tower of Ghenjei during a previous visit. Feeling Elayne's bond jolt with pain, rushes out with Mat.
- Elayne / Elayne al'Vere — Sits calmly at a palace play while Birgitte observes her political maneuvering. Through her bond with Birgitte, suddenly experiences a jolt of anger and pain, signaling she is in trouble.
- Kaila / Kaila Bent — Reports to Birgitte that an intruder has been caught at the Plum Gate, prompting Birgitte to investigate the disturbance.
- Renald / Renald Macer — The sergeant on duty at the Plum Gate who catches Mat disguised as a beggar, allows him to warm up and play dice with his men before handing him over to Birgitte.