Crossroads of Twilight Book Review
July 22, 2023
Crossroads of Twilight Book Cover
Sadly.. the worst Wheel of Time book so far.
Reviews Book Reviews Wheel of Time in ReviewJuly 22, 2023
Crossroads of Twilight Book Cover
Sadly.. the worst Wheel of Time book so far.
Reviews Book Reviews Wheel of Time in ReviewUgh, this was a struggle.
Matt's Review of Crossroads of Twilight
I am saying these Notes as I Read are going to be spoilers if you've not read Winter's Heart yet! Please read at your own digression.
Oh wow, this book was hard to read. Boring and slow, and nothing really happened. The worst Wheel of Time book so far. I wanted this book to be so interesting and it really wasn't. The ending of book nine Winter's Heart, this had a lot to live up to and it fell very flat. Nothing really happened and that's why I struggled with this book. So many chapters were too long, and too boring, and nothing really projected to plot. I'm super excited to get to the next book. Wow.
I wanted more from the male channelers, I wanted so much more! The timeline was even so strange, we kept going back before the end of the last book and really nothing happened! AHHH!
I did not like Crossroads of Twilight video on Youtube
Well... nothing. Sort of nothing. Daughter of the Nine Moons has arrived and Mat met her. If you don't recall, Mat was fated to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons, when he visited the doorway ter'angreal. Mat said she was supposed to be his wife three times... and that's important - I'll get back to that.
Mat and crew flee Ebou Dar with the Daughter of the Nine Moons, the Sea Folk Windfinders Mat freed got out to the sea for their people, using their knowledge of the One Power against the Seanchan.. that they trained them with since the Seanchan had taken the SF Windfinders as damane! WOW! Tuon, the Daughter of the Nine Moons, is Seanchan and they have an understanding that for marriages to occur someone needs to say the other is their husband or wife three times for it to be true.
Perrin and his crew hunt for Faile, who was taken by the Shaido, Perrin chops the hand off a Shaido and then leaves his axe behind.
Elayne is dealing with Arymilla's siege of Caemlyn.
Egwene starts her seige of Tar Valon. But she is forkrooted.
Rand recuperates from the events of Shadar Logoth, and he wants to make peace with the Seanchan in hopes to take on the Shadow to win Tarmon Gai'don.
"And it shall come to pass, in the days when the Dark Hunt rides, when the right hand falters and the left hand strays, that mankind shall come to the Crossroads of Twilight and all that is, all that was, and all that will be shall balance on the point of a sword, while the winds of the Shadow grow. —from The Prophecies of the Dragon translation believed done by Jain Charin, known as Jain Farstrider, shortly before his disappearance"
Rodel Ituralde. Rodel is the Wolf, not Perrin, but is known as the Wolf. He is in Arad Doman riding Dart, with twenty armsmen. He has an officer named Jaalam Nishur with them. Rodel has been working to save Arad Doman from being overrun by Dragonsworn. Many nobles formerly loyal to the King have now switched sides, since King Alsalam went into hiding after his orders seemed intent on causing chaos.... DAMANDRED IS KING ALSALAM?!!? The orders move his army around searching for a Dragonsworn army that is never found. Other orders to nobles Machir, Teacal, and Rahman have led to battles with his own men. Ituralde has Solanje, Maseen, Lake Somal, and Kandelmar. The Lords of Katar do not sell to Dragonsworn anymore, a Gray Man killed Lady Tuva trying to stop his last orders. No one is sure of Alsalam's location, but he is not in Bandar Eban. Donjel, a scout, rides up and says the meeting Ituralde arrounged at the Lady Osana's hunting lodge with leaders of the Dragonsworn is ready. However, Osana vanished some time ago, was that Graendal? WHOA, MAYBE! Donjel takes a letter from Ituralde to give to his wife Tamsin Ituralde in case he doesn't make it to Coron Ford. Ituralde and his men meet with Lord Shimron, Domani Lords Rajabi, Wakeda, and Ankaer. There is also a Tarabon in a seperate group. Ituralde announces the SC have moved into the ALmoth Plain and he means to stop them! Alsalam's latest orders are to attack the SC. Ituralde offers a truce to help defend Arad Doman, he will send the Tarabon back home to retake their homeland and he will accompany him. He has a secret plan.. uh oh.
Eamon Valda. Lord-Captain Commander Eamon Valda is in the Whitecloak camp in the northern Amadicia, there are 9,000 Whitecloaks. It's been a month since the SC took Amador. King Ailron was killed in the battle with the SC at Jeramel. There is a terrible odor, but it disappears quickly.. hmm. He meets with Asunama to talk him into meeting the rest of the Council - the surviving ten Lord Captains. There are rumors of an Andoran army in Murandy. Valda is furious that Morgase escaped or was killed and now Galad is no longer useful. Asunawa wants to go after the AS in Murandy, but he finally agrees to meet with the Council - they will ride tonight!
Gabrelle. Gabrelle (one of Logain's bonded Reds), with Toveine, and Logain are riding in the woods near the BT. Two weeks have gone by since they were captured. Desandre and Lemai ordered all the sisters to be coridal with their captors in hopes of getting on their good side. Gabrelle sees a strange bird.. hmm. The bonding feeling is new to Gabrelle, she is Red and never had a Warder. There is increasing tension between Logain and Taim's factions. Atal Mishraile rides up bringing a message that the M'Hael has granted Logain's request to go recruiting. Logain announces that he must return to make preparations, TOv and Gab are determined to go with him. - - Ahhhh, I so want to see a man who can channel feel the clean source.. CAN'T WAIT!
Yukiri. Aes Sedai Black Ajah plots.. we must sus out the BA! Yukiri and Midanai (grays) walk in the WT. There are only about 200 sisters in the WT. Meidani's Warder is Leonin. Meidani is one of the rebl moles. Saerin and Pevara decided to keep them scret until their usefulness runs out. There is still no news of Coiren and the embassy to Rand. Yukiri fears for her life. She is now sure Tamra Ospenya (Amyrlin) didn't die naturally. They run into three Browns, Marris Thornhill, Doraise Mesianos and Elin Warrel. Elaida seems fiercer than ever since her private penance with Silviana. They pass a pair of Yellow sisters, Pritalle Nerbaijan with her Warder and Atuan Larisett. She is Black Ajah. Talene exposed the other two of her circle, Galina Casban and Temaile Kinderode, and her outside contact Atuan. Yukiri hopes Atuan will lead them to the other two of her circle. Three sisters were murdered at the time Temaile disappeared and others disappeared with her. The two Yellow rebel moles, Celestin and Annharid, are trying to learn about Atuan's friends. Alviarin left yesterday or the day before. Yukiri orders Meidani to take this opportunity to renew her novice friendship with Elaida. Siuan was Elaida's protégée when they were novice and Accepted. They pass a tapestry depicting the humbling of Queen Rhiannon. Seaine shows up with Bernaile Gelbarn. It has been almost two months since Elaida came to Seaine, nearly two weeks since Yukiri found Seaine and Pevara. They discuss the mystery of the heads of the Ajahs secretly meeting. After the rebels left, the Ajah heads apparently handpicked the new Sitters. Serancha personally chose Andaya for the Gray. Juilaine was chosen for the Brown Ajah. Suana was chosen for the Yellow Ajah. Ferane left the White Sitters less than ten years ago, but was re-selected. Adelorna handpicked Rina for the Green. Talene told them Adelorna was head of the Green Ajah. There are two new Browns, Shevan being the other. The Brown was the only Ajah to have two Sitters join the rebels.
Gawyn. Hey Gawyn! Gawyn is in Dorlan east of TV. An army appeared out of nowhere and now surrounds TV (EGWENE AND CREW). Rajar says an AS has arrived from the WT. Gawyn, Rojar, Tomil are at the Mayor's house. Garon Burlow is the Mayor. Katerine and Tarna are there and have taken over the house. Tarna arrived the day the army appeared, Tarna also displaced Lusonia COle from her room and took command of the eleven other sisters from Covarla Baldene. She is trying to get to TV. Katerine arrived yesterday, and took command from Tarna. Narenwin arrives with orders for Gawyn from the Amyrlin (he doesn't know which Amyrlin). Narenwin was sent to take charge, she escaped TV on a fishing boat. Katerine and Tarna are trying to get to TV and they will leave in the monring to go to TV.
Davram. Man, I love Davram Bashere, he's awesome! Davram is riding Quick a league north of Caemlyn. He is with Bael, Tumad, and an escort of Aiel and Saldaeans. They are scouting the armies that have arrived and are laying siege to Caemlyn. A mile south, five thousand of them are setting up campt on the TV Road, Bashere is looking through a looking glass from Kin Tovere!! Armaghn and Raened are loyal to Naean Arawan. Mara and Ankarin and Talken are loyal to Elenia. Both are now backing Arymilla Marne.. yuck boring lol. Bael says they should take out the beseigers but Elayne told Melaine to tell him to do nothing. Bashere thinks about Tenobia, Ethenielle, Paitar, and Easar fifty leagues north. Bashere goes back to his camp to find it surrounded at his tent. Deira was attacked when she caught two men ransacking their tent. One of her laidies is Zavion, Lady of Gahaur. Tumad reports the ransackers were found dead. Bashere tells Tumad to find the man who came to him yesterday and tell him that Bashere agrees.
Samitsu. Alright, good one RJ. Master Underhill, is that Andoran? HA! Take a shot for the LOTR reference! Okay, this was a great perspective. Dobraine was attacked, Loial and Karldin are back, a servant Cera Doinal says she says Maringil's ghost - SLAYER/ISAM/LUC?! WHAT?!, Rosara Medrano comes with news that Logain has arrived with other Asha'man and Aes Sedai, and 31 sisters including 5 Reds have sworn to Rand.
Mat. A wind rises in Rhannon Hills and blows northwest across the harbor of Ebou Dar and the mouth of the Eldar River. RJ is spoon-feeding us that Noal is Jain Farstrider... I think lol. This crew is camping near the Great North Road north of the Circuit of Heaven. Many Seanchan ships are destroyed by the Windfinders and hudnres of SF are killed or captured and later hung, Mat thinks they left early. A good start to COT!
Mat. Cool, Mat's dice are rattling again. This crew will be leaving when Thom returns. Will Thom return?! We'll see. Mat, Egeanin, and Noal return to Valan Luca's circus. Petra, the strongman, and his wife, Clarine watch a horse handler named Col roll dice. Some SC soldiers are questioning Luca. Rumann, the swordjuggler is courting Adria the contortionist. Aludra is hard at work. Bayle Domon and Blaeric Negina watch the soldiers with Luca. The soldiers leave and Egeanin avoids them as one of them was on her ship Fearless on the trip to Falme. Luca says the soldiers wanted his horses, but he still has High Lady Suroth's warrant. Mat says they can leave as soon as Thom returns. Luca is married to Latelle! The one Nynaeve punched.. right? lol. There are three AS and three SD in one wagon, ouch. Juilin, Thera (AMATHERA THE PANARCH OF TARABON! WOW!), and Olver are together. Noal shows up then leaves to tell Vanin and the Redarms. Noal shares a tent with Thom, Nerim, and Lopin.
Mat. Oh yes, I like this book! Only 3 chapters in.. but I like this book! Great to start off with Mat! Alright.. Mat goes to Tuon's wagon, Tuon insists on calling Mat Toy. Mat asks Tuon's age and she is Nineteen. She asks about his ring, and then asks if Mat remembers Hawkwing's face, Sulcia stares at him waiting.. Mat remembers Hawkwing defeating Culain in Aldeshar, but he lies and says no. Then she asks about his ashandarei, they shake hands to seal the bargain of helping each other and the dice stop - the third time in her presense. Thom comes in and says Tylin was murdered and Beslan will be crowned soon. Mat thinks it was the gholam. Tuon doesn't know what that is. Blaeric summons Mat to Joline.. I love Tuon being jealous lol. Joline, Teslyn, and Edesnia are in the wagon with Bethamin, Renna, and Seta. The crew planned to go to Lugard, but Joline says to go to Illian instead because of the amount of channeling that is happening far away... RAND AND NYNAEVE! When Mat thinks of Rand, colors swirl and can almost see an image of a man and a woman facing each other and knows the channeling is Rand.. so cool. So, the memories in Mat's head... I want to learn more about that! Hopefully we get more of that. The colors swirling... I want to learn more about that too!
Furyk Karede. Oh yeah, this is good. This was an awesome chapter. Karede is in his room in The Wandering Woman with his servant Ajimbura. He is wearing his Imperial Green robe (people think it's black). There are a lot of rats around. Ajimbura is a tribesman from Kaensada, a barely civilized part of the empire. Karede has been promoted to banner-general for his limited sucess against the Asha'man. They're still worried about that unweaving weapon. Tuon vanished nine days ago. He wonders if she fell victim to the Lady of the Shadows. Captain Musenge commands her personal bodyguard. The Seeker enters and Kadere covers the map of TV he has been studying, that is part of Lord Yulan's plans. The Seeker's name is Almurat Mor. This is awesome. His last name indicates he is ancestors to Luthair Paendrag. Someone has started a rumor that a girl who looks like Tuon was extorting gold and jewelry from merchants. Anath is in seclution, Suroth is destraught. The Seeker knows a lot about Kared - he is 42, was born the property of Jalid Magonine in Ancarid. He distinguished himself at the Muyami Uprising and the Jianmin Incident. He served as bodyguard to the Empress until chosen to accompany Turak and the Hailene. He served as bodyguard to Tuo and kept a doll of hers named Emela for ten years until it was lost in a fire at Sohima. He has two living sons in the DG, his wife Kalia is dead. The Seeker tells him that on the same night as Tylin's death and Tuon's disappearance two damane disappeared as well as Tylin's pet, Thom and some soldiers. For some reason the Mor is super fixated on Thom. Lady Egeanin Tamarath took the damane. The Seeker suspects AS took Tuon and that Suroth is in with the AS. When Egeanin left the city gates she was heading north and Jehannah was mentioned at the palace stables. The Seeker thinks those are misdirects. The Seeker leaves and Karede calls Ajimbura and sends him with a message to Captain Musenge. They go to the Rahad and he rides up the Illian rode on his horse Aldazar. He meets Ajimbura who leads him to Captain Musenge and 100 DG and 20 Ogier Gardeners, the First Gardener is Hartha. 6 damane and sul'dam including Melitene, Tuon's personal der'sul'dam. One of the damane is Mylin. They set out to hunt down Tuon's kidnappers.
Perrin. Alright, it's Perrin. We still haven't found Faile. Also, Selande brings news that Masema sent another rider back toward Amadicia, Masema has new supplies and followers gathered in Altara, and Masema has over 10,000 followers, and Masuri and Rovair have been meeting with Masema, also Annoura comes sometimes. Also, in the wolf dream, Perrin smells a scent worse than a Neverborn (Fade). He knows it means death, but he follows it anyway. Perrin also talks to the wolves and they don't answer him and they say "the Last Hunt is coming". Yep, that's all I caught. lol.
Perrin. Perrin smells the scent from his dream, it is DARKHOUNDS. Perrin remembers that Moiraine used balefire to stop the Darkhound in Illian. The trail circles the camp and headed south. Berelain brings Perrin a basket with breakfast and a note that Gendar and Santes stole from Masema's desk it says that the bearer is under the personal protection of HL Suroth Sabelle Meldarath of Asinbayar and Barsabba. Annoura advised destroying the note, Perrin keeps it. Perrin tells Berelain about Annoura and Masuri meeting Masema and Berelain says she'll look into it. Perrin shows everyone the Darkhound tracks.
Perrin. Masuri inspects the DH tracks, and she is an EXPERT. She studied traces of seven different packs. Many believe there are few packs, seven, nine or thirteen. During the Trolloc Wars, Sorelana Alsahhan wrote that there were a hundred packs. Earlier, Ivonell Bharatiya wrote of 'numbers like unto the nightmares of mankind.' This is a new pack. It is huge, maybe fifty, instead of the normal ten or twelve. There is also a sense of urgency in the trace. WHOA! I bet there are probably the 100 packs and we'll see them at the Last Battle! Mark it.. ch 7 of COT > whatever chapter of whatever book is the last battle, we will count 100 packs of Darkhounds.
Masema comes and tels them about a large town, So Harbor, that has large stores of food, Perrin thinks Masema is trying to delay freeing Faile. Arganda arrives with support bringing the numbers to Perrin's favor against Masema, and Masema and his men ride off. Arganda starts towards Perrin but changes direction when he sees two of the scouts returning from the east.
Perrin. My first assumption was the colors had something to do with ta'veren. I still think that, but Perrin seemingly without thinking of Rand had an eruption of colors in his head and literally saw an image of Rand and Nynaeve facing each other. I WANT TO KNOW!
So, Elyas and Elienda were the scouts. This crew Travels to the Shaido camp and there are 10,000 and 500 WOs who can channel. Also, Darkhounds are Shadowbrothers, the soul of a wolf corrupted by the Shadow. Perrin ends the discussion saying no ransom. He wants Elyas to show him the camp. Perrin recalls Nat Torfinn, a blind man who could work blacksmith's puzzles by touch, but Perrin must see a puzzle to work it. He sends Aram to bring Grady to the Traveling ground. Elyas smells the Darkhound trace. A Shadowbrother is the soul of a wolf corrupted by the Shadow. Darkhound and wolves will fight in the Last Battle. The Pattern is so complex it makes Sovarra lace look simple. Darkhound can eat the souls of wounded wolves turning them into more Darkhound. Perrin wonders if they can eat the soul of a Wolfbrother. Perrin paces with Stepper until Aram, Dannil and two dozen Two Rivers scouts arrive with Jur Grady. He is tired, but Fager Neald is just as tired and Grady is a bit stronger. He makes a gateway and Perrin rides through followed by Marline, Aram and the Two Rivers men, Gallenne and some Mayeners, Arganda and some Ghealdanin, and finally Annoura and Grady. The gateway is bigger than the first one Perrin remembers Grady making. Arganda fought in the Aiel War at Tar Valon. Grady, Marline and Annoura are looking northwest and are badly shaken. Annoura wonders if the Forsaken have a sa'angreal or maybe even the Dark One is loose. She wants to go investigate, but Perrin tells them it is Rand's business. He orders Sulin to get him some prisoners. He will solve the puzzle, free Faile and destroy the Shaido. I literally don't know how this is going to end with the Shaido.
Faile. Rolan likes Faile, he's one of the Mera'din who joined Shaido. He saved Faile from another Shaido Nadric who went to do bad things to Faile. Also, Lacile and Arrela escaped three days ago, Bain and Chiad won't help them escape because Aiel, Morgase went to Therava's tent to steal the Oath Rod, Galina found Faile's knife and Sevanna is punishing Faile for that, Rolan shows up to warm Faile and massage her. 30 pages......
Elayne. Oh whoa, this Aes Sedai logo is getting a lot of use this book - keep that in mind for the end of the book podcast! blah blah, Elayne is visiting minor Anodran Houses loyal to her. Elsie, a maid sees the ghost of Lady Nelein, Lord Aedmun's grandmother.. what is happening? Avi is there, she is a year older than Elayne so... 20? Elayne is weaing a Kandori necklace and ivory bracelet and the amber turtle brooch, and is suffering mood swings from her pregnancy! Elayne wishes Birg and Avi could remember what Min said about her baby. Rand had been south, but Traveled west. Avi has been doing the channeling lately because of Elayne's pregnancy, Elayne wonders about the effect of saidar on her unborn babies.. me too! What does that mean for the babe? And Aes Sedai don't really have children so.... hmmm. And then they feel the Power from Rand and Nynaeve. Avi has heard stories about the Choedan Kal. Elayne wants to go to help, Avi says no. Avi remembers her trip through Rhuidean (wow I haven't spelled that in a long time), and her future would be falling in love with Rand and she would have sister-wives, and that if they would go to Rand now something bad would happen. Elayne can feel Birg has a headache and a sour stomach.
Elayne. Elayne takes Mellard to task! WOO! uh.. some more house things, Vandene has lost weight since Adeleas has died and she goes about her business followed by two novices, Kirstaian and Zarya. Elayne assures the other three that there is nothing they can do about the channeling. Merilille has worn the shawl over a hundred years and Careane over fifty, but they defer to Elayne because they are all only average strength. Careane dislikes Aviendha, considering her a wilder. Elayne is convinced that one of the three sisters is the murderer. Captain Doilin Mellar arrives. Sareitha approves of him but the other two dislike him. He led a sortie to rescue eighty of Lord Luan's men led by Jurad Accan when they were attacked by Lord Nasin's forces. Elayne chastises him for bringing Luan's armsmen into the city because he has not yet declared for her. She orders him to spend his time having those men watched. She then dismisses them all and goes to have a hot bath. She thinks that she always pays her debts and helps her friends pay theirs. I'm flying through this book, not out of enjoyment... lol. Hoping I'll be done soon lol. This is boring.
Elayne. We've got another bargain on our hands! The SF have learned of Nesta's death and they are going to convene in Illian to determine who will be the new Mistress of the Ships. Elaynne also thinks about Galad and Gawyn. There is a commotion outside her rooms. Birgitte investigates while Aviendha fetches the amber turtle and the seated woman angreal. Three of the Sea Folk barge in past a furious Rasoria. They are Zaida and two Windfinders, Chanelle and Shielyn. They learned of the death of Nesta din Reas Two Moons. They plan to leave immediately for Illian to choose a new Mistress of the Ships. Elayne is dismayed as the Windfinders include most of the strongest channelers in the Royal Palace. This will seriously impede her ability to counter the siege with Traveling. Even worse, they want to take the three Aes Sedai with them as part of their bargain. Elayne counters that the bargain was with the Mistress of the Ships and that the Amyrlin would assign the teachers. Zaida comes back that Merilille personally agreed to teach, so they will keep her at least. Elayne gives in on that point. They set out on a new bargain. Elayne wants Zaida to leave the twenty-one Windfinders to weave gateways. In return, Elayne will cede them some land on the River Erinin River. Zaida refuses to negotiate on the two apprentices, Talaan and Metarra, and on the Windfinders to Wavemistresses. They finally agree on nine of the fourteen other Windfinders to be led by Chanelle. Elayne suspects that most of the Windfinders who are staying lost their ships in the battle at Ebou Dar.
Elayne. boring. Lord Perival of House Mantear, Lady Catalyn of House Haevin, Lord Branlet of House Gilyard and Lord Conail of House Northan are all children; only Conail is over sixteen. The sign of House Haevin is the Blue Bear. Catalyn's guardian was her uncle Lord Arendor. Branlet's guardian was Lady Mayv Gilyard, but she was killed. Perival's guardian is Lord Willin Mantear, but he is bedridden. Catalyn is also advised by her aunt Lady Evelle. The four of them pledge their Houses to support Elayne. Catalyn questions why Birgitte does not wear a sword. Elayne quotes Gareth Bryne saying that a general's army is his sword. They want to know if Reanne Corly is Aes Sedai, but Elayne dodges the question. They brought over three thousand armsmen with them. The only one who seems to have much sense is Perival. After some conversation, servants come to escort the four to their quarters. Dyelin is proud of what she accomplished in the past week. Lady Danine of House Candraed could not make up her mind, but the other four were successes. None wanted to see Arymilla on the throne. Dyelin is puzzled why Reanne Corly was so distracted. The high powered channeling has been going on for hours. Birgitte is disgusted. Conail offered to fight a duel with Arymilla's champion like Artur Hawkwing, though Hawkwing never did any such thing. Aviendha agrees that they are undependable children. Dyelin then says she became High Seat at fifteen when her father was killed. She successfully led her House against raiders from Altara and Murandy. Rasoria enters and announces that the First Maid and the First Clerk have come.
Elayne. Hey, not bad.. Avi being smart weaving an eavesdropping ward. Then Elayne and babes are all good! Rand and Nynaeve are done, so they can tell, Merilille left the palace three hours ago with a woman with tattooed hands. The SF are in a tizzy because one of their apprentices are missing. Guards are sent, and there will be inns checked... especially The Silver Swan.
Reene Harfor reports first. Second Librarian Harnder is a spy. Every few days he visits an inn called The Hoop and Arrow. The innkeeper, Millis Fendry, keeps pigeons and every time Harnder visits, a pigeon flies north. Also, three sisters from The Silver Swan, all Brown Ajah, visited Millis Fendry yesterday. They have identified many spies in the Royal Palace, but this is the first Aes Sedai spy from an Ajah other than Red. Elaida would not have liked spies from other Ajahs. Now both the Reds and the Browns must know about the Kin. There are also spies for King Roedran of Murandy, Tairen High Lords, Cairhienin and some merchants. She has turned Jon Skellit, a spy for House Arawn into a mole. Elayne hopes he can learn in which of the four camps Arymilla, Elenia and Naean are staying.
Halwin Norry reports next. There have been increasing cases of arson attempting to burn warehouses of food. Also, Houses Arawn, Marne and Sarand have taken out huge loans against their holdings, most likely to pay their own mercenaries and to try to bribe Elayne's mercenaries into turning sides. After Reene Harfor and Halwin Norry leave, Aviendha reports that someone tried to listen in. Birgitte reports that the Borderlanders are moving, but at their current pace it will take them a month to get to Caemlyn. She sent two of the Kin who can Travel, Sabeine Ocalin and Julanya Fote, to scout villages to the north. They believe the Borderlanders are camped for the winter. Elayne still hopes they will move south fast enough to force the Houses to unite with her. She knows that Bashere and Bael will keep their forces in check and the Lugard Road is far enough from the Black Tower so that the Asha'man will not become involved. The two Kin women also reported that Lord Luan, Lord Abelle and Lady Ellorien cannot be found. Lord Pelivar, Lady Arathelle and Lady Aemlyn left Murandy a few days ago and are moving back into Andor. Elayne says they must hope those six Houses do not reach Caemlyn before matters are settled. Otherwise, Dyelin must try to convince them to side with Elayne. The last time the Houses split three ways was five hundred years ago and it led to seven years of civil war.
There is a knock on the door. Tzigan Sokorin announces Monaelle and Sumeko Karistovan. Monaelle stands high among the Wise Ones though she is weak in the One Power. Monaelle is Elayne's midwife and Sumeko came to study her techniques. Tzigan leaves with Dyelin and Birgitte. Monaelle chides Aviendha for missing so many lessons. She weaves Spirit, Fire and Earth in Caressing the Child, a weave unique to the Aiel that tells the health and condition of a pregnant woman and her baby. It is somewhat similar to weaves she learned from Sumeko and Nynaeve. She tells Elayne that there are two fetuses. Her worry about channeling is unfounded; it will not hurt the babies. Monaelle knows about the bond with Rand and that he is the real father, but none of the Kin know. Sumeko duplicates the weave. Aviendha begins, but stops when the powerful channeling to the west ends as suddenly as it began. They wonder if something wonderful or terrible happened. Elayne thinks it is wonderful, as Rand is still alive.
Caseille knocks and enters with news. The Sea Folk are in an uproar because one of their apprentices, Talaan or Metarra, is missing. Also, Yurith Azeri reported that Merilille left the Royal Palace three hours ago accompanied by a woman with tattooed hands. Elayne orders Birgitte to sends guards to the gates. She then orders Sumeko to have Reanne send all of the Kin who cannot Travel to search the city, especially inns such as The Silver Swan. She hopes Rand did something wonderful, but right now she has to deal with Caemlyn.
Elenia Sarand. Drab and boring lol. Elenia is in a camp, accompanied by four men and her maid Janny. The sign of House Sarand is two Golden Boars. Houses Anshar, Baryn are there too. This winter siege was a dire mistake, she thinks. Elenia doesn't believe the rumors of the SF making holes in the air. She thinks Dyelin is the real power behind Elayne. There is another party approaching and the Triple Keys sigil of Howuse Arawn means the woman is Naean. Arymilla will not let Elenia near her husband Jarid, and forced Elenia, Jarid, and Naean to sign letters of support when she had them freed from their detention in Aringill. Arymilla is bad. To keep them under control, she allows crazy Lord Nasin, High Seat of powerful House Caeren, to woo Elenia. She has a Taraboner named Jaq Lounalt torment Naean. Naean is sure that Elenia has some plan to escape and begs her help. Elenia agrees on condition that Naean sign a letter forswearing Arymilla and pledging to support her. Naean reluctantly agrees. After Naean leaves, Elenia is elated. Naean's support will probably bring Karind and Lir. Ellorien will never support Trakand and she has feelers with Aemlyn, Arathelle, Abelle, Pelivar and Luan as well. Lord Nasin rides up with armsmen wearing the Sword and Star of Caeren, the most powerful of all the Andoran Houses. He tries to grope her until Janny gets between them. His wife, Miedelle Caeren, died thirty years ago. Arymilla rides up with armsmen wearing the Four Moons of House Marne. Naean is with her and so is Jaq Lounalt. She is also accompanied by Nasin's granddaughter and heir, Sylvase. hhhhgNasin thinks Arymilla is his daughter.Arymilla sends Nasin off with her maid Arlene. Arymilla invites Elenia, Naean and Sylvase to a repast prepared by Aedelle Baryn's cook. Arymilla tells them that Elenia and Naean will be sharing a bed that night. Elenia is stunned, wondering if this is a mindless gesture or if Arymilla somehow already found out about their earlier meeting. To clear her path to the throne, the only question is whether Arymilla or Nasin should die first.
Daved Hanlon. Daved kills someone, he doesn't know who sent them - Birgitte, and AS or Shiaine.. He goes to meet Shiaine. Hanlon is part of Falion's punishment. Falion tellshim about Marillin and Murellin.. great names. Falion goes to let Shiaine know that he arrived. He has visited a half dozen times. When she returns she describes the visitor, a slim Andoran with an air of authority. Two visitors yesterday wore the Golden Boars of Sarand and the Four Moons of Marne. Murellin is gross and awful to Falion, Falion asks Hanlon to give her something that she can give to Murellin to make him sleep. Shiaine murderd the visitor - and orders Hanlon to free some sul'dam, she also asks him if he would like to see Caemlyn looted and he replies yes. He asks to know more about the plan and Hanlon intends to kill Shiaine, Falion, and Marillin to leave no loose ends.
Egwene. I do declare, we are proabably going to get zero resolutions at the end of this book lol. This is a nothing book. AHHH. How much longer. Egwene and Gareth Bryne watch the White Tower from the riverbank to the west. The Alindrelle Erinin River and the Osendrelle Erinin River are each nearly a mile wide. Northharbor is blocked off with a huge iron chain to prevent attack. High Captain Jimar Chubain continues to bring in troops via river ship. She could sink the ships with the One Power, but that would be against the Three Oaths and Egwene insists on acting as though she has sworn on the Oath Rod. Bryne wants her to make gateways to bring his men into the city to fight, but she refuses. The White Tower must be preserved, not destroyed. She rides Daishar back to her waiting escort. They include Sheriam, Nisao and Sarin Hoigan, Morvrin and Jori, Myrelle and her three Warder, Anaiya and Setagana, Beonin and Tervail Dura. Carlinya has no Warder. They are now her official Council. While she was scouting the city Delana arrived. She continues to provoke the Hall calling for declarations that Elaida is Black Ajah. There are now 987 novices. Delana wants a private conversation. Delana asks if she intends to bond Bryne as her Warder. Egwene replies that she does not. She knows that she will bond Gawyn, but she does not know of he is still in Tar Valon or on his way to Caemlyn. Delana tells Egwene the Council gets their orders from their Ajah heads, not the Sitters, so their advice may be contrary to the Hall. Varilin, Takima, Magla, Faiselle and Saroiya have discussed negotiations with Elaida. All were Sitters before the break and are divided between Romanda and Lelaine. It is half a week since the eruption of the One Power. Yesterday Akarrin led a small party to investigate. It was difficult to convince anyone to go as they fear it was the work of the Forsaken. Egwene discusses Delana's thoughts with her Council. Each is annoyed with the Sitter from her own Ajah, except for Beonin who agrees that they should at least try to negotiate. Delana is furious with her. Egwene says it is okay for her and the other five to try, but Elaida's exile is an absolute condition. Beonin nearly faints at the challenge. Egwene will do whatever it takes, even sacrificing herself, to keep the White Tower whole. She has a plan if she can find a way to make it succeed.
Egwene. Okay, this was good! So we've got the ability to create cuendillar again! That is awesome! I agree it is important to negotiate with Elaida btw.. smart. No need for people to die just to die. Also food keeps rotting DESPITE weaves of Keeping?? Gotta be darkfriends.... They have been there nearly two weeks. Most of Gareth Bryne's troops occupy the bridge towns on both sides of the river. At the camp, Anaiya, Beonin, Carlinya, Morvrin, Myrelle and Nisao go back to their Ajah heads. They will not tell Egwene who the heads of their Ajahs are. Sheriam and Arinvar go to her tent. Egwene rides Daishar around the camp on a casual inspection. Much of their food is rotting despite weaves of Keeping.There are twenty-one Accepted in the camp. She sees two Browns, Phaedrine and Shemari, arrive from one of the Traveling Grounds and wonders where they have been. Egwene goes to another tent. Leane exits. A novice, Letice Murow, comes by and Leane has her hold Daishar. The tent is where they test for ability to make cuendillar. Tiana and Sharina Melloy supervise even though Sharina is only a novice. Kairen and Ashmanaille work at one table watched by Janya Frende and Salita Toranes. Salita is a Sitter despite being Aes Sedai only thirty-five years. Janya, Lelaine and Lyrelle were the only pre-schism Sitters to stand at the War Vote. They weave Earth, Fire and Air around iron cups trying to convert them. Strength in Earth is the key; only nine other sisters, two Accepted and two dozen novices can make the weave at all. Only three sisters besides Elayne can make ter'angreal. The valuable items will be sold to raise money. Egwene figured out the cuendillar weave from faint hints by Moghedien. Sharina dismisses two of the novices, Bodewhin and Nicola, to their classes with Adine. Areina leaves with Nicola. Sharina then leaves to help with the cooking. Tiana has worn the shawl over thirty years. Kairen spends a lot of time with Lelaine. Althyn Conly and Bodewhin Cauthon tried to change two iron cups to cuendillar at the same time. They got one solid lump. Egwene is the best at making cuendillar, then Leane, then Kairen, then Bodewhin. She has them honing their skill as it is part of her secret plan to take Tar Valon. Leane is barely fast enough, but Kairen is still too slow. She thinks Beonin's negotiations may buy her a little more time. The plan must be kept secret until it is time to reveal it to the world.
Egwene. A lot to do with what the e-a-e have heard.. lets' go! Halima is angry at Egwene and Eg's headache stars... hmm - it's Halima using saidin, but I don't know how lol. Hey I don't suspect Cadsuane as a Darkfriend... do you?? And a Hall meeting has been called. Egwene tells Siuan about the Sitters' interest in negotiations with Elaida. Siuan is angry, but she notes that six Sitters from five Ajahs left the tower "and here we have one from each of those five." Siuan scouted the White Tower in Tel'aran'rhiod last night and partially saw a list of Sitters including the replacements for some of those who left. They include Andaya Forae - Gray, Rina Hafden - Green, Juilaine Madome - Brown. They have all worn the shawl seventy years or less. Siuan says this makes "maybe twelve, but eleven for sure between us and the Tower." There are also Ferane Neheran - White and Suana Dragand - Yellow. Both were Sitters at an earlier time. Egwene orders Siuan to find out what she can about the puzzle. They go over eyes-and-ears reports that other Ajahs are willing to pass on. They also have Leane's report from her eyes-and-ears in Tar Valon itself. The city is becoming dirty and dangerous as patrols only pay attention to the harbors. There is little news from lands controlled by the Seanchan. People seem to be accepting them as the new rulers. There are confusing rumors about King Alsalam and Rodel Ituralde in Arad Doman. The Green Ajah is particularly concerned about the Borderlanders near New Braem. Siuan's agent in New Braem reported that they have Aes Sedai with them. Egwene hopes she can introduce her plan for the Kin before the Hall finds out about the bargain with the Sea Folk. The Hall thinks that Vandene and Merilille have Elayne under control. Egwene plans for the Kin to be directly associated with the White Tower. Aes Sedai can forswear the Oath Rod and retire into the Kin. She thinks they will agree when they learn that the Oath Rod cuts their life span in half. Reanne Corly can prove when she was in the White Tower and so can others. There are reports of large numbers of wilders among the Sea Folk in Illian and Tear. Lord Gregorin in Illian is threatened by the Seanchan and High Lord Darlin Sisnera is besieged by nobles who want Rand out of Tear. Merana Ambrey was spotted at the Stone of Tear negotiating with Tedosian and Estanda. Egwene worries that that is proof that Aes Sedai now work for Rand and she fears there may be Compulsion involved. She knows the weave for Compulsion from Moghedien. Siuan's agents are keeping close tabs on Cadsuane in Cairhien. Siuan suspects she is a Darkfriend. Anaiya enters with word that Akarrin and the others have returned. Moria has called the Hall to meet. Morvrin and Myrelle enter saying that Escaralde and Malind have also called for a meeting.
Egwene. Oh man, this is AWESOME! Hall meeting comes to a conclusion... THE HALL WILL ALIGN WITH THE BLACK TOWER AND SEND AN... EMBASSY! I'm pumped. Akarrin and Nisain go to Shadar Logoth where the Power was used and determine A LOT OF SAIDIN AND SAIDAR was used, more saidin than saidar and everyone is scared that the Forsaken have a huge weapon against us now, so that's where the alignment with the BT started from. NICE!
Romanda starts the meeting. She was a Sitter for almost eighty years. Faiselle, Lyrelle and Samalin arrive. The meeting starts as Janya arrives. Lelaine wants to talk about the move to negotiate with Elaida, but Moria calls for the report from Akarrin first. Delana finally arrives out of breath. Aledrin, the second youngest Sitter, calls the investigators to question. Akarrin reports the hole they found where Shadar Logoth used to be and that it was an alien weave. They were chosen because of expertise in reading residues. Nisain is the best. She reports that there was far more saidin than saidar. They have no defense against such an attack. Clearly planned in advance, Moria, Escaralde and Malind propose strengthening circles with men from the Black Tower. Sheriam shrieks. Faiselle, Varilin, Saroiya, Takima and Magla react violently. Egwene shuts down the near hysteria and calls for discussion and a vote. Moria points out that the Black Tower is the only way they can possibly counter whatever happened at Shadar Logoth. Also, cooperation will give them some slight control over the dangerously unstable Asha'man. Sheriam sobs uncontrolledand Delana looks green. Magla, Faiselle, Varilin, Saroiya and Takima speak against the proposal. Egwene calls for the vote. Janya stands first joining Moria, Escaralde and Malind. Samalin follows, then Salita, Berana, Aledrin and Kwamesa. After a time, Romanda stands. Lelaine stands followed by Lyrelle. Delana stays seated with the five who spoke against the proposal, but twelve carries the lesser consensus. Egwene has to remind Sheriam of her next duty, asking for the greater consensus. Delana stands but the other five refuse. They begin planning for an embassy to the Black Tower.
Egwene. Nice, some TAR and Halima murdering people! Anaiya is dead and it's from Halima.. gotta be right? Egwene finds Elayne's dream and summons her - Avi shows up and they talk about the BT alignment. Avi thinks Taim is dangerous. Mat bowls on a village green. He knocks over pins again and again, only the pins are men and they are dead. Each pin represents thousands of men and an Illuminator was part of it. Egwene walks a ledge on a cliff. The ledge collapses leaving her hanging by her fingertips. A Seanchan woman climbs down the cliff and offers to help. Atop a mountain sits a white plinth with a glass oil lantern on top. Two ravens fly by and set the lamp tottering. hmmmmm. Egwene wakes knowing these last two dreams mean that a Seanchan woman will save her, yet the Seanchan will attack the White Tower. Egwene recalls that Elayne and Nynaeve met an Illuminator with the traveling show and wonders where Mat will meet one. While she is still awake, Halima returns. She seems agitated, but goes to bed. The next morning Chesa brings breakfast. Nisao arrives and sends Chesa and Halima away. Halima goes to find Delana. Nisao then breaks the news that Anaiya and Setagana are dead near the wagons on the south side of camp. She tested for resonance and determined that they were murdered with saidin. Egwene orders Nisao to learn what Anaiya was doing out in the middle of the night and why she was murdered. Egwene knows it will be another very long day.
Alviarin. Oh yeah, this is nice! Unexpected! I love that. So, Alviarin returns from Tremalking, she knows the name of every BA sister and their organization, she has been gone for nearly a month. There are rats about, the DO's eyes, because the wardings have failed. She wants to ask Mesaana about the huge flare of the OP. Alvi went to the site, but learned nothing. We also get some neat details about the Tower Library.. The Library is divided into twelve Depositories each dedicated to a different branch of knowledge. There is also a secret Thirteenth Depository that houses the White Tower secret records. Zemaille (brown) is in one of the libraries and she wants to ask her about what was happening in Tremalking.
Alvi goes to Elaida's apartments and Elaida is there with over half the Sitters - Suana, Doesine, Ferane, Shevan, Andaya, Yukiri, Talene, Rubinde Acedone, and Rina. The head of the Yellow Ajah is known as the First Weaver. The head of the White Ajah is known as the First Reasoner. Alviarin is shocked to learn that the rebels have rediscovered Traveling and already surround Tar Valon. The Sitters are discussing the possibility of negotiations with the rebels. Suana, Ferane and Shevan support negotiations. Rubinde Acedone replies in the affirmative. It is clear that she personally disagrees but she is carrying out the wishes of Adelorna, the Green Ajah Captain-General. Elaida agrees that negotiations may begin, but non-negotiable points include extinction of the Blue Ajah and all the rebels serving penance and begging readmission to their Ajahs. The Sitters leave.
Alviarin starts to threaten Elaida but Elaida stops her. There are rampant rumors of Aes Sedai obeying Rand, but everyone blames Coiren for that. There are far more men in the Black Tower than supposed, but Toveine will be blamed for any defeat for not scouting appropriately. Elaida then shields Alviarin and slaps her. The Hall replaced her as Keeper because she was absent when the rebels arrived. They assumed she fled and was hiding in the city. Elaida is still looking for proof of treason. She orders Alviarin to serve penance with Silviana and then dismisses her.
Alviarin flees back to her quarters fearing discovery of her true allegiance. She touches a tiny red rod ter'angreal with Fire and Earth to signal Mesaana. In a few minutes Mesaana arrives. Alviarin begs for help, but Mesaana starts to punish her. Suddenly the shadows in the room change. Mesaana now appears as a tantalizingly familiar woman with blue eyes, just short of her middle years. A huge Myrddraal clad in dark armor is in the room and the True Source has vanished. He smiles at her, radiating fear. Mesaana starts to challenge him, but he grows to two spans in height and wraps her in black fire. She was summoned but did not come. Alviarin is convinced that he is the Great Lord incarnate. He touches her on the forehead, marking her as his. The dark armor falls off of him; he is clothed all in black. He then orders her to find who is hunting the Black Ajah and deliver them to him. She flees the room as Mesaana begins to scream. She remembers how Talene looked at Yukiri and Doesine and thinks about channels to contact her. She will make sure that Elaida is at the head of her list of Black Ajah hunters.
Pevara. This is great, and bad. Here's what needs to happen, and maybe YOU disagree.. I think we should all just get along lol. I think the WT and the BT should connect and prepare for the Last Battle. That's it, that should occur. I don't think we should try gentling or stilling anyone because that can be fixed. Pevara is meeting with Tarna, who has been raised to Keeper of the Chronicles after Alviarin was ... removed. These Red's Tarna and Pevara are now willing.. sort of, to have Warders, but they want to the Asha'man to be their Warder, to gentle them of course. Toveine sent a message to Tarna and now Pevara says this will change the WHOLE WORLD!
Cadsuane. And we're back with Rand and Cadsuane.. and we have to learn what Cadsuane, Min, Lan, Rand, Elza, Verin, and many others look like again lol. After 9 books and 500+ pages we are still describing what Lan looks like.
So, Cadsuane is in the manor house of Lord Algarin of House Pendaloan in Tear a day west of the SPine of the World. Her hair ornaments include moons, stars, birds and fish. Verin arrives and reports that the Sea Folkhave been delivered to Tear.High Lord Astoril joined Darlin in the Stone of Tear. There are as many Sea Folk in the city as Tairens. Harine immediately hired a boat to take her to the ships, expecting to be elected Mistress of the Ships. Nesta din Reas Two Moons really is dead. Min enters, saying that that was not what her viewing said. Min came to summon Cadsuane to Rand. Min let slip to Cadsuane that she is bonded to Rand. After Min leaves, Verin continues her report. She thinks Hearne and Simaan may give in and join Darlin when the other High Lords return from Illian. Estanda may be convinced to cooperate as well. She saw Alanna and Rafela there, but avoided them per Cadsuane's instructions. None of her ornaments protect against ta'veren. She does not know what two of the fish and one of the moons does. Beldeine has worn the shawl less than five years and does not yet look ageless. Beldeine has no Warder yet and is considering an Asha'man. Merise suggests that she talk to Daigian. She is still recovering from the loss of Eben. Damer offered to try to Heal her but she refuses. Merise is surprised that Corele would allow it.
All the Warder, Tomas, Damer, Nethan and Bassane, are in the courtyard below watching Jahar and Lan practice swords. Lan wins every time. One of Cadsuane's ornaments, an eight-pointed star, vibrates when she is near a man who can channel. Since Merise and Corele practice linking with Jahar and Damer, Cadsuane asks Merise if the taint is truly gone. Merise says that saidin feels cleaner than it did before, but saidin is such chaos to her that she cannot be sure if the taint is totally gone. She did not expect a definitive answer to one of the two most important questions in the world. Nynaeve also watches the practice. Cadsuane wonders who Lan is bonded to. Nynaeve still wears the bracelet and rings angreal, much stronger than Cadsuane's shrike, and the jewelry set ter'angreal. Cadsuane earned her ornaments from an old woman named Norla in the Black Hills shortly after she became Aes Sedai. Merise notes that Jahar is still growing stronger in the One Power. Rand promoted Jahar to full Asha'man, giving him a dragon pin. Merise took it away, as Warder are not supposed to accept anything from anybody except their Aes Sedai. Cadsuane worries that the rules for Warder and Aes Sedai are falling apart because of bonding men who can channel.
Cadsuane goes to Rand's rooms where Alivia and Elza guard the door. There is some connection between Rand, Min and Alivia that she does not understand. There are five other sisters in the manor house who have sworn fealty to Rand. The ones from Elaida are all possessive of Rand. Elza opens the door and Lord Algarin leaves. Rand is still weak from Shadar Logoth, but he seems harder than ever. Algarin's younger brother Emarin could channel. Cadsuane took him to the White Tower and helped him survive ten years after he was gentled. Now Algarin wants to be tested. Rand wants to talk about the Seanchan Ever Victorious army. They have never lost a war. When they lose a battle, they regroup, figure out what went wrong, and adapt. Cadsuane notes that the five great captains, Gareth Bryne, Agelmar Jagad, Rodel Ituralde, Davram Bashere and Pedron Niall do that as well.
Rand is interrupted when Erian and Sarene barge in past an outraged Elza. They report that Rashan Bartol and Vitalien are nearby. They must have Traveled. Elza acknowledges that her Warder Fearil is also close. Rand says he did not expect it so soon. Cadsuane wonders who is bringing the Warder from Cairhien. She thinks she may have gotten another answer from Rand.
Rand. So the taint is gone, but Rand still gets naucious? Why? And LTT is still there, nice. What is going on?!
Bashere, 100 of his horsemen, 8 AS and 6 Asha'man including Logain, and Loial are there! All but one of the AS are bonded to the Asha'man. Since SL, LTT seems a touch less mad. Min says Logain's aura "still speaks of glory, stronger than ever". There are dark images around Bashere, and Rand thinks of Thom and Mat, and colors swirl. Elza admits Loial and Rand (out of sight) seizes saidin because he still gets dizzy and LTT murmurs that it is clean again. Loil visited all the steddings except for Shangtai - they have called for the Great Stump. Guards have been posted at almost all the Waygates. Rand suggests that Loil needs to go home for a few days.
Cadsuane. Cadsuane now knows the Asha'man have bonded the other AS, not vv like Merise, Corele, and Daigian. Logain has two, Toveine and Gabrelle (we knew that). Cadsuane is disguted. Samitsu asks what Rand intends to do, and she replies that is is something very dangerous.
Rand. Oh oh! A truce with the Seanchan.. interesting. Rand is furious about the AM bonding the AS, Logain says it was Taim's order but assumed it came from Rand. Also, I've been wondering about the seals.. maybe we'll see them... next book lol.
Logain tells Rand that Taim has his own coterie of all the full Asha'man except himself. He put Flinn's, Narishma's and Karldin's names on the deserter's list. He thinks most of the Black Tower would follow Taim rather than Rand. Logain is skeptical that he was responsible for cleansing the taint. Rand thinks about the Creator's plan, then is surprised at himself. That is more typical of Lews Therin than Rand. Rand says that Taim will have to wait. He asks Bashere if he has anything more to report other than Dobraine's stabbing. He answers that his own quarters were attacked as well. Someone was searching for the three intact seals. Three are already broken. They wonder where the seventh is. Rand ends by ordering Bashere, Logain and Loial to negotiate a truce with the Seanchan.
Elza. Elza is listening to her Warder Fearil, she learned that Fera of the White is alos Black and orders Fearil to kill anyone who threatens the DR so he can reach LB to be defeated by the DO.
Perrin. What is going on?? Why aren't there people in So Habor.. has Masema lied? THE AUDACITY! Perrin's crew is running out of food so they will Travel to So Habor, Neald opens a gateway to a road a few miles form So Habor and there are surprisingly few tracks for a road so near a large town and they spot a Seanchan scout in the sky.
Perrin. Yeah, what the heck is going on? lol Ghosts??? Crew are in So Habor, Lord Cowlin is away, they are directed to The Golden Barge to find the grain merchants. At the inn, Seonid, Furen, Teryl, Masuri, and Rovair go seperately. There is no one in the stables so Tod and Flann hold Stayer and the other horses. Everything is gross and dirty. The inkeeper, Mistress Vadere, brings wine while Berelain talks with the merchangs Rahema Arnon and Mycal Crossin, they call for Speral to bring samples of millet, oats, and barley - Berelain does the bargaining for the grain. The samples look fine, but Perrin insists on seein ght ewarehouse. There are rates in the warehouse, that's fine but despite the weather, the grain is infested with weevils - Berelain lowers the price. There is a screm and Kireyin reports that he saw a man walk through a wall. Seonid returns with her Wrder and say they saw the man as well - there are ghosts in the town! Many people have died of fright. People have killed loved ones thinking they were ghosts, Seonid wants to help but Perrin refuses. He feels there is something worse in So Habor than spirits walking..
Perrin. Oh yeah Perrin, there we go! ... Some Shaido Stone Dogs were taken by the Miadens, Perrin cuts off one of the prisoner's hands (BRUTAL!!! BUT AWESOME!!!). Perrin then leaves his axe in the woods, Elyas talks with Perrin and he admits he started liking the axe but feels truly alive only in battle. It started with Gaul then the Two Rivers, then DW. Aram comes and says the Shaido talked but knew nothing. Three days later Balwer comes with Tallanvor and the carts of food and stuff. Tallanvor made contact with a SC army of 15,000 that is also hunting the Shaido. They are mostly Tarabon and they have 12 damane with them. It is like taking help from the DO but Perrin agrees. Oh boy!
Mat. And it's true.. Mat said three times Tuon was his wife and now it's Tuon's turn to say it three times. One day Egeanin complains that he is obviously courting Tuon and mentions the ceremony. A Seanchan wedding consists of the each party naming the other their spouse three times with witnesses. For the Blood they do not even have to be in each other's presence.
Valan Luca's circus moves slowly through Altara along the Great North Road toward Lugard. He stops at every town for a performance causing slow progress. Seanchan settlers and soldiers often pass by, sometimes riding torm. Mat is sure the Seanchan must be searching for Tuon even though Suroth is keeping it a secret. He keeps company with Noal, Vanin and the Redarms Harnan, Fergin, Metwyn and Gorderan. Vanin is a better cook than Latelle. They pass through the village of Weesin about thirty miles from Ebou Dar. Mat has trouble keeping Edesina, Joline and Teslyn, Bethamin, Renna and Seta under control. With his foxhead medallion he can tell they are channeling. Blaeric and Fen do not help. He cannot manage to get the a'dam away from the sul'dam. The Seanchan seem to be heading to Illian in force. More of the settlers are heading east because of stories of Aiel ravaging to the north. Rumor has Suroth making an alliance with someone powerful who will give them access to many lands. Juilin and Thom also scout for news in the villages. Thom also plays Snakes and Foxes with Olver. Juilin and Thera are happy together. Mat worries about Thera's reliability so he sets Noal to watch them. Noal suggests getting rid of her, but Mat will have none of it. He already killed one woman and left another to die. Lopin and Nerim still serve Mat. Thom seems sadder as they move. Mat shares a wagon with Egeanin and Domon.
Noal says it is from the Prophecies of the Dragon. Mat sees the swirling colors again. Tuon asks Noal to take Olver to bed and he does. Mat presents Tuon with a gaudy necklace. She gives it to Selucia who then throws it at Egeanin, insulting her and likening her to a shea dancer. Tuon calls her "Leilwin Shipless." Egeanin is humiliated and begs to leave. Setalle tells Mat to behave. He gives up and leaves.
The next night Mat returns and offers to play stones. Tuon beats him easily. The next night he brings a paper flower and presents it to Selucia. They play every night and Mat wins about half. He continues to bring cloth flowers to Selucia. After three nights with no gift, Mat brings a beautiful cluster of silk rosebuds and just sets it beside the stones board. When they play to a draw, Tuon says that she wants to take walks and Mat may accompany her. He tells her about the Two Rivers. When she asks what he does, Mat says his is a gambler. She replies that her father was a gambler and that he died of a bad wager. He asks what she does for fun. She replies that she trains horses and damane.
They reach the Eldar River and take the ferry across from the town of Alkindar on the west bank to Coramen on the east. It is an important crossing with lots of Seanchan troops about. Mat rides Pips across with the first wagons. There are several hundred soldiers and a few raken in camps around the towns. The dice start rattling and Mat sees that Tuon is riding in the front of her wagon. He is sure she will betray him but she does not. While Luca sets up his show to perform, Tuon makes a request of Mat. On the third day of travel after leaving the river they reach the town of Jurador. Mat says he will honor her request. She smiles and the dice stop.
Mat. so, in an effort to finish the book I'll say - Dress shopping, Thom loves Moiriane (the note he was reading), Egeanin was stabbed by Renna (because Eg knows that some sul'dam can channel or learn to channel), Mat has Harnan kill Renna, Mat gets back to Luca's wagon and Tuon and Selucia are waiting with Luca and Latelle. Tuon ordered them to stay and gave Luca a warrant under her protection. Tuon tells Mat his name is not on the warrant..
As they walk to the town, Mat has to dodge a number of people who seem to walk right at him. A moment later, the road is empty. The guards at the town gate are local. Lady Aethelaine swore the Oaths of the Return so the Seanchan have left the town alone. Salt is the major commerce of Jurador and the salt merchants really run the town. They pass Aludra talking with a salt merchant. Thom walks by yawning. Lopin and Nerim told Mat that he stays up late every night rereading the letter Mat delivered. Mat spots Edesina and is furious that she is careless showing her face. Two cloaked women follow her. Mat watches them, wondering if they are two of the sul'dam and where Teslyn and Joline are. He turns back and Tuon and Selucia are nowhere to be seen. In a panic, Mat spins in a circle then walks straight ahead to a shop. Tuon and Selucia are there. He is just in time to stop the angry shopkeeper from sending her assistant, Nelsa, for the town guards. Nevertheless, the dice do not stop. Tuon buys yards of silk and linen then they head back to the show.
Juilin runs up with news that Egeanin is injured. They all run to Mat's wagon where Domon is holding Egeanin. Luca tries to shoo away onlookers such as Miyora, the leopard trainer, but they ignore him. Domon says that Renna stabbed her in the back and fled. Vanin and the Redarms, Lopin, Nerim and Olver are looking for her but the crowd is too thick. Teslyn arrives. Joline is better at Healing, but there is no time so she Heals Egeanin. There is no way to know who might have seen what and what tales might spread. Egeanin says that Renna stabbed her because she is the only one who knows her secret. She tells the others that the a'dam works on sul'dam as well as damane. The sul'dam must be able to channel. Teslyn is shocked. Selucia is furious and steps toward Domon until Tuon stops her. Mat realizes that he is destined to marry a woman who can channel.
Harnan, Gorderan, Metwyn and Fergin arrive on horseback with Pips. They report that Renna stole a horse and is headed to Coramen. Vanin is following. She is bareback so they can probably catch her. Mat tells Luca to pack up the show and get moving as fast as he can. Juilin questions whether they should leave Tuon and Selucia behind, but Mat says everyone goes. The five of them head out and soon catch up to Vanin. Mat thinks of those who will die if they do not catch Renna: Luca and Latelle, Petra and Clarine. They follow the road, pacing the horses, and catch up to Renna as she is climbing a rise. Before they can reach her she will be over the rise and in sight of the Seanchan camp at Coramen. Mat feels something flicker and die inside him as he orders Harnan to shoot. Harnan kills her with a crossbow dart. She rolls downhill and into a stream that connects to the Eldar River. Mat thinks to himself that he will never kill a woman again, even if it is his life.
They return to Jurador to find that the show has not yet left. At Luca's wagon Tuon and Selucia are waiting with Luca and Latelle. Tuon ordered them to stay and gave Luca a warrant putting his show under her personal protection. Mat reports that Renna is dead. Tuon orders him not to mourn her; she was a traitor who deserved to die. Tuon tells Mat that his name is not on the warrant, but he notes that she is wearing the cluster of rosebuds. Not knowing what else to do, Mat just laughs.
Egwene. Whoa, a lot! Winter is hanging on too long now.. great lol. Also, the Seanchan ARE attacking the WT?? Who are these Ageless faced women who gave Eg forkroot??
Eg is going to end these negotiations in Darein. Halima left, Nisao comes and says that Kairen is dead by neck broken with saidin. Eg wants to replace Kairen with Bode, but doesn't say anything because Nisao isn't apart of that plan. Romanda sent two sisters to Cairhien to investigate a rumor that the Yellow Ajah excited, somehow connected to Nynaeve. Faolain seems to have gone into hiding. Eg told everyone about her dream of SC attacking the WT a week and a half ago, no one believed her except Anaiya.. dead.
Maigan is Anaiya's replacement in the advisory council - she blames Siuan for the breaking of the WT. She sends Siuan for tea and Morvrin leaves, too. Neither woman will talk much with the other present. Siuan returns with Ragan. He brings a report from Gareth Bryne that Elaida's raiders are now operating on the west side of the river and he advises caution. Siuan asks to be excused. Egwene notes that this means the boats are ready for Leane and Bodewhin this evening.
Romanda arrives with Theodrin. She reports that the negotiations are going badly. Varilin, Magla, Saroiya are frustrated. Romanda knows of the plan for tonight. Egwene felt it necessary to inform the Hall. Romanda brings up the subject of Sea Folk wilders and the Kin. The Yellow Ajah first discovered that there are hundreds of Windfinders in Illian. Romanda wants to disperse the Kin, but there are over a thousand scattered everywhere. Egwene proposes letting sisters, when they retire, forswear the Oath Rod and retire into the Kin for a longer life. Romanda is shocked and leaves. Myrelle and Maigan are astonished.
Lelaine arrives next. She says Kairen's death put a crimp in talks about the Black Tower. She suggests that Myrelle take Kairen's Warder Llyw. Myrelle responds that three are enough not revealing that she also has Lan's bond from Moiraine. She quickly excuses herself and leaves. They discuss the Black Tower. They agree that Anaiya's and Kairen's deaths will not end the talks. Egwene thoughtlessly suggests that it might be Logain. Maigan and Lelaine try to browbeat Egwene on the Asha'man, proposing a modification to the Warder bond that will make it almost Compulsion. Egwene angrily refuses and they leave.
Chesa brings her lunch, but she can barely eat. She thinks long about her duty to the Tower and the law, "Unless the Tower is at war by consensus of the Hall, the Amyrlin shall not..." When Siuan returns, Egwene asks if Leane and Bodewhin have left. Siuan answer yes and Egwene sends her to get Bela. Egwene sneaks out of the camp as the sun drops and rides to the River Erinin River. She finds where the men are preparing a boat for Bodewhin. Egwene tells Bodewhin that she is taking her place and sends her back to the camp. Egwene climbs into the boat and the oarsmen row her to Northharbor. She sees something flash across the moon and wonders if it is a Draghkar or a bat. Egwene channels Earth, Air and Fire and touches the huge chain across the harbor with Earth and Fire. The entire chain flashes into cuendillar. She feels someone channel and then she is sinking in cold water.
She awakens to see and ageless face as the woman pours a minty liquid into her mouth. The women and soldiers know who she is and are excited and surprised. As she falls unconscious she wonders who betrayed her.
Rand. Am I the only one to think "good grief the weather is still messed up!" lol. Rand is wathcin ga stomr out the window from the estate in Tear, Spring seems to be late in coming. Davram comes in from his negotiations with the SC, they are amenable but require a meeting with the DR in person. Suroth wants him to meet the Daughter of the Nine Moons! Mat and Rand meet up! WOOOOOO!
"We rode on the winds of the rising storm, We ran to the sounds of the thunder. We danced among the lightning bolts, and tore the world asunder. —Anonymous fragment of a poem believed written near the end of the previous Age, known by some as the Third Age. Sometimes attributed to the Dragon Reborn."