Egwene al'Vere
eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER
Contents
General
Egwene was born in Emond's Field and was the daughter of Bran, Mayor of Emond's Field, and Marin al'Vere. She has four older sisters who are Elisa, Alene, Loise and Berowyn. (TEotW, Ravens Prologue) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field (TEotW, Ch. 1).
She is the Amyrlin Seat. She was raised from Accepted because nowhere in the Tower Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be Aes Sedai. Although she never got to choose an Ajah, she wanted to choose the Green Ajah. (TDR, Ch. 23).
Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of the Seals, the Flame of Tar Valon, the Amyrlin Seat. (LoC, Ch. 36) However, the Aes Sedai call her Mother, despite the fact that she is young enough to be a granddaughter to most of them. (LoC, Ch. 35) When Egwene is damane in Falme, her sul'dam calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. (TGH, Ch. 42) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to Tear. (TDR, Ch. 48) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the Aiel Waste, (TSR, Ch. 11), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted (LoC, Ch. 33).
Appearance
Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes, she is about 5'2". At Bel Tine in 998 NE, when she is seventeen, Egwene is allowed to braid her hair to show that she is of marriageable age. (TEotW, Ch. 3) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the Two Rivers because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. (TEotW, Ch. 11) As Amyrlin Seat, she wears the striped stole that goes with her title and wears the Great Serpent ring to show that she is Aes Sedai (LoC, Ch. 35).
Personality
Condensed Timeline
- 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere (TEotW, Ch. 3 and ACoS, Ch. 12).
- 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her (TEotW, Ch. 21).
- 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers (TEotW, Ch. 10).
- 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of Moiraine Sedai (TEotW, Ch. 12).
- 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the White Tower to begin their training and Egwene becomes a novice (TEotW, Ch. 18).
- 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after Liandrin's betrayal and becomes damane (TGH, Ch. 40).
- 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted (TDR, Ch. 11; Ch. 23).
- 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the Aiel Waste with Rand (TDR, Ch. 48; TSR, Ch. 22)
- 999NE: Egwene is attacked by Lanfear who thinks that she is Aviendha (TFoH, Ch. 52).
- 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. (LoC, Ch. 32; Ch. 35).
- 1000NE: Egwene calls the Hall to vote on War against Elaida and wins (TPoD, Ch. 15)
- 1000NE: Egwene and her army Travel to Tar Valon to begin the siege of the White Tower (TPoD, Ch. 15).
- 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into cuendillar (CoT, Ch. 20).
- 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower (KoD, Prologue; Ch. 1; Ch. 2; Ch. 3; Ch. 23; Ch. 24; Ch. 25).
- 1000NE: Egwene continues her campaign from within the White Tower; she fights the Seanchan attack against the White Tower; Egwene is raised to the Amyrlin Seat by the Hall of the Tower (TGS, Ch. 2; Ch. 6; Ch. 8; Ch. 12; Ch. 16; Ch. 25; Ch. 38; Ch. 39; Ch. 40; Ch. 41; Ch. 43; Ch. 45 and TGS, Epilogue).
Strengths and Talents
Egwene is significantly strong in the One Power; she is only second in strength to Nynaeve in the White Tower and equals Elayne's strength. (TGH, Ch. 4) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, (TEotW, Ch. 12), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ta'veren and multiple channelers. (TSR, Ch. 31) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can delve for metal ores. (TGH, Ch. 42) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power (ACoS, Ch. 36).
Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, (LoC, Ch. 27), though she needed Moghedien's help to figure out the weave for Skimming. (ACoS, Ch. 9) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making cuendillar, (CoT, Ch. 17), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. (CoT, Ch. 18) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach Aviendha to manage multiple weaves (TFoH, Ch. 52).
Dreams
- Main article: Egwene's Dreams
Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. (TGH, Ch. 12 and TSR, Ch. 23) Her dreams have a significant chance of coming true, unlike Foretelling, which is definite, and they include dreams of Rand drawing Callandor, (TDR, Ch. 25) and Perrin's involvement with Faile and Berelain. (TDR, Ch. 37) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since Corianin Nedeal. (TDR, Ch. 21) Egwene was trained to be a Dreamwalker by the Aiel Wise Ones Amys, Melaine and Bair before she was summoned back to Salidar. (TSR, Ch. 23) Before she was trained to enter Tel'aran'rhiod at will, Egwene used a ring ter'angreal to visit it (TDR, Ch. 27)
Relationships with Other Characters
When Egwene still lived in Emond's Field, it was assumed by many people that she and Rand would marry, especially after Marin al'Vere and Tam al'Thor talked about it. (TGH, Ch. 36) However, after leaving the Two Rivers, they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other (TSR, Ch. 7).
Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with Gawyn, Elayne's brother. (LoC, Ch. 14) They profess their love when they meet in Cairhien and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. (LoC, Ch. 18) Gawyn had not acted upon his love earlier because Galad is interested in her. Galad had saved Gawyn's life when they were younger and so he believed that he could not go after someone his half brother loved (TDR, Ch. 16).
Egwene is closest to Nynaeve and Elayne, two of the Aes Sedai who she thinks she can totally trust. She raises both of them to Aes Sedai when she becomes Amyrlin Seat, despite the fact that Nynaeve's block remained unbroken at that time (LoC, Ch. 36).
Elaida and Egwene have never gotten on well. Elaida did not believe that Egwene should be allowed to take her Accepted Test because she was a wilder. (TDR, Ch. 22) This only intensified when she heard that Egwene was Amyrlin Seat of the Salidar Aes Sedai. Elaida now dreams of Egwene begging for forgiveness and pleading not to be stilled (ACoS, Ch. 32).
Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,Lelaine and Romanda try to control her. (LoC, Ch. 36) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. (LoC, Ch. 35) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. (TPoD, Ch. 19)
Several Sitters have sworn fealty to Egwene. Myrelle and Nisao swore so that Myrelle's bonding of Lan did not become public, (LoC, Ch. 12), Faolain and Theodrin swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, (ACoS, Ch. 11) and Sheriam and others also swore (TPoD, Ch. 16).
Egwene often asks Siuan for advice on Aes Sedai matters. Siuan was originally sent by the other Aes Sedai to teach her etiquette, (LoC, Ch. 36) but in reality becomes more than that. She helps Egwene control the Hall and tells her of the laws and secret Tower histories (TPoD, Ch. 19).
Egwene, having already established relationships and gaining, even when grudging, respect from many of the Rebel Aes Sedai, has now proceeded to do the same with Silviana, the Mistress of Novices, and many other of the Tower Aes Sedai (KoD, Ch. 24).
And while maintaining a sense of authority over them, and forbidding herself friendship with them, Egwene has, nevertheless, secured a strong bond with many, if not most, of the Novices, and a number of Accepted (KoD, Ch. 24).
Miscellaneous
- Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. (TEotW, Ravens Prologue) She is like this with channeling, which is unusual as most novices are scared of channeling, though it is slightly dangerous for her to be that eager to learn (TGH, Ch. 18).
- Egwene knows that Perrin is a Wolfbrother because she was with him when he first met Elyas, who told them about wolves (TEotW, Ch. 23).
- The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling saidar is when Elayne channels when they first meet (TGH, Ch. 24).
- During her Accepted test, each arch shows her abandoning Rand to his death. The last one depicts her as being Amyrlin Seat, having been raised from the Green Ajah (TDR, Ch. 22).
- A Gray Man was sent to the White Tower to kill Egwene and Nynaeve but it was killed by Slayer when it failed (TDR, Ch. 15).
- When Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve are out of the Tower, Siuan Sanche tells Gawyn that they are studying with Mara Tomanes, an Aes Sedai in Illian. (TSR, Ch. 47)
- Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued (TSR, Ch. 52).
- When the Hall votes to declare war on Elaida, it gives Egwene control of the Hall over all matters concerning the war (TPoD, Ch. 19).
- Nicola Treehill tries to blackmail Egwene into letting her learn faster by threatening to let slip that Elayne and Nynaeve, and possibly Egwene herself, pretended to be Aes Sedai when they were only Accepted. (ACoS, Ch. 9) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again (ACoS, Ch. 12).
- Egwene often used Tel'aran'rhiod to talk to Nynaeve and Elayne but it then widened to the Hall and the Aiel Wise Ones (TSR, Ch. 52, LoC, Ch. 32 and ACoS, Ch. 10).
- Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. (TEotW, Ch. 15) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, (TGH, Ch. 42) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat (TGH, Ch. 24).
- Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. (ACoS, Ch. 31) She opens the novice book to women of any age. (TPoD, Ch. 17) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. (TPoD, Ch. 30)
- Egwene's punishing of novices from the Two Rivers has begun to give her the reputation of being another Sereille Bagand; that is to say that she is very harsh and has a strong will (CoT, Ch. 18).
Egwene's Journey
The Eye Of The World
Egwene takes Rand to Nynaeve to see if he can help Tam. She is upset to find out that Nynaeve can't do anything.(TEotW, Ch. 7) Egwene suspects that something is going on and shows up at the stable as Rand, Perrin, and Mat are geting ready to leave with Moiraine and Lan. After arguing with them it is decided that she is going to leave with them.(TEotW, Ch. 10) On there way to Taren Ferry a Draghkar shows itself. Moiraine creates some mist to hide them. They arrive at the Ferry and Lan pays the man to take them across.(TEotW, Ch. 11) After crossing the river on the Ferry they make camp. At the camp Moiraine explains Saidar to Egwene, and that she has the natural ability to use it. Moiraine guides Egwene through a exercise of emitting light through a stone. Telling her she did what normally takes someone months to do.(TEotW, Ch. 12)
They continue on their journey. Egwene and Moiraine talk nightly. During one of their discussions Moiraine explains to her that Saidar or being a Aes Sedai doesn't change someone. People are who they are. After riding for days they arrive at Baerlon and get a room at the The Stag and Lion.(TEotW, Ch. 13) Everyone meets up in the inn after Nynaeve shows up. Nynaeve wants to take all of them back but Moiraine explains that they are safer with her. Moiraine then asks Egwene and the others to leave her and Nynaeve to talk alone.(TEotW, Ch. 16) After Rand has an encounter with Fade they decide to leave the city. They run into Whitecloaks at the Gate and Egwene is surprised when Moiraine appears as a giant allowing them to get out the gate and away from the Whitecloaks.(TEotW, Ch. 17)
They continue on their way and three days later they encounter Trollocs, about 500 of them closing the gap between them. They decide to take refuge in Shadar Logoth as even the Trollocs are afraid of the city.(TEotW, Ch. 18) The Myrrddral drive the Trollocs into the city and the group is forced to split up. After escaping from the city Egwene meets up with Perrin but is seperated shortly after.(TEotW, Ch. 20) Egwene gets across the river on Bela and makes a fire using the ONe Power. She is joined by Perrin. She suggest going to Whitebridge and waiting for Moiraine to find them but Perrin thinks it will be safer to go to Caemlyn and wait for her there. Egwene agrees.(TEotW, Ch. 22)
As Perrin and Egwene make their way in the direction they believe Caemlyn to be in they come across a camp. They meet a man by the name of Elyas who can talk to wolves. He tells them they are going in the wrong direction. He asks them their story and when they lie he tells them that the wolves tell him they are lying. Perrin then tells him the truth and he agrees to stay with them, at least for a while, and show them the way.(TEotW, Ch. 23) As they are travelling they come across a Tinker camp and join them for a few days. During the time they travel with the Tinkers Egwene shows an interest in Aram. They end up having to separate ways though and continue towards Caemlyn.(TEotW, Ch. 27)
As they continue they come across a huge grop of ravens. They try to avoid the Ravens as they are the Dark ones eyes but have a hard time of it. They kill a coule of them and make it to a stedding that Elyas knew about. He tells them the Ravens won't enter the Stedding.(TEotW, Ch. 29) Whitecloaks show up at the Stedding and Elyas takes off telling them he will meet back up with them. Elyas and the wolves get into a fight with the Whitecloaks and Hopper rushes in to help Perrin and Egwene and he is killed which enrages Perrin and he attacks the Whitecloaks. He awakens with Egwene in a Whitecloak tent. They tell the Whitecloaks a story of what happened but the Whitecloaks don't belive it and tell them they are taking them to Amador.(TEotW, Ch. 30)
Lan, Moiraine and Nynaeve rescue Perrin and Egwene from the Whiteclaoks camp.(TEotW, Ch. 38) They continue on to Caemlyn and head to The Queen's Blessing where they find Rand. After talking to him they head upstairs to see Mat who is sick. He tries to slash Moiraine with the dagger he got from Shadar Logoth. Moiraine tells them he is infected witht he evil of the city and asks them to leave the room while she tries to heal him.(TEotW, Ch. 41) Rand introduces Egwene to Loial. Everyone talks for a while and then they go visit Mat who is awake now. Perrin and Egwene tell them the story they heard from the Tinkers about the Eye of the World.(TEotW, Ch. 42) Moiraine decides to leave for the Eye and asks Loial to guide her through the Ways. Egwene asks what the Ways are and Moiraine explains them. Rand tells Egwene not to go with them but she refuses.(TEotW, Ch. 43) Egwene and the group enter the Ways and begin their trip to Fal Dara.(TEotW, Ch. 44) They travel through the Ways and come accross a group of dead Trollocs. Moiraine says something must have pushed them hard to enter the Ways. They then continue on their way only to encounter Machin Shin. They manage to escape out of the waygate by Fal Dara.(TEotW, Ch. 45)
Egwene says she is going to the Eye despite everyone trying to talk her out of it. They arrive at Fal Dara and meet Ingtar who leads them to Lord Agelmar. Agelmar tells them about a suspicious man they captured, it turns out to be Padan Fain.(TEotW, Ch. 46) Moiraine leaves to question Fain and Agelmar tell them all the story of the Malkier and Lan's oath. Moiraine returns and tells them all about how evil Padan Fain is and how he has been a darkfriend for 40 years and the Dark one's pet for three years.(TEotW, Ch. 47) They travel through teh Blight and Egwene talks about going to Tar Valon. Nynaeve says she might go to give Egwene a familiar face and Egwene mentions making Rand her warder when she is Aes Sedai.(TEotW, Ch. 48) As they travel through the Blight they are chased by Worms. Lan tells them to run for the pass because the worms are afraid of what lives in the pass. They are running when they find themselves in the Green Man's garden.(TEotW, Ch. 49) The Green Man takes them to the Eye but after they get there Aginor and Balthamel show up. Moiraine tells everyone to run but Egwene tries to fight Aginor using the little bit of the One Power she has learned to control. Rand shoves her out of the way and distracts Aginor while she runs away.(TEotW, Ch. 50) Egwene is at the camp when Rand returns. He tells them what happened, about how he used Saidin to defeat who he though was the Dark one.(TEotW, Ch. 52) They return to Fal Dara.(TEotW, Ch. 53)
The Great Hunt
Egwene runs into Rand who is trying to hide in the store rooms. They talk for a while and Egwene tells him that the store rooms are a bad place to hide and he should hide in the dungeons. She leads him down to the dungeons where Fain is kept. Fain talks to Rand and they decide to hide Rand in her room.(TGH, Ch. 3) Egwene goes to visit Fain and is knocked unconscious when he escapes. Moiraine heals her.(TGH, Ch. 6) Egwene remembers nothing about the night before. Rand pays her a visit to tell her goodbye.(TGH, Ch. 8)
Egwene leaves Fal Dara with the Amyrlin Seat to head back to Tar Valon. Someone makes an attempt on the Amyrlin's life. They leave and on their journey they meet Verin who tells Egwene and Nynaeve a little about learning to channel and does the training exercises with them. Egwene has a dream about Rand. She tries to find Moiraine to tell her but it turns out Moiraine is gone.(TGH, Ch. 12) They get on a boat to head to Tar Valon. on the trip Siuan gives them a lesson. They arrive at Tar Valon and are met by Sheriam.(TGH, Ch. 18)
After arriving in Tar Valon Egwene meets Elayne. They see Logain and run into Min. Min tells Egwene she sees a white flame in her auras. They are joined by Elayne's brothers Galad and Gawyn. Egwene notes how handsome Galad is. Shortly after they see Elaida and Elayne talks to Elaida who scolds her for talking to an Aes Sedai without being talked to first. Egwene and Elayne then run off to do chores.(TGH, Ch. 24)
Egwene is visiting with Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min when Liandrin shows up and asks Min and Elayne to leave. She then asks Egwene and Nynaeve if they want to travel with her to Toman Head to help out Rand. They agree and Liandrin tells them to tell no one because there are Black Ajah members walking the halls. Min and Elayne hear the conversation and tell them that they are going too.(TGH, Ch. 38) Liandrin leads them to a Waygate and they travel through the Ways to Toman Head.(TGH, Ch. 39) They are met by High Lady Suroth and Egwene is captured. Nynaeve and Elayne manage to escape but Egwene is collared and made a Damane.(TGH, Ch. 40) Min visits Egwene who is being trained in Earth to detect ores in the ground. She tells Mins she is not allowed to channel without anyone around or she gets sick and she is also not allowed to touch weapons. She gets in trouble for channeling without permission.(TGH, Ch. 42)
Nynaeve manages to help Egwene escape and as they are walking out disguised as Seanchan Egwene freaks out because she does not want to be leashed again and attacks the Seanchan in the street by tearing the ground up. Someone throws a fireball at them and it leads to them being separated.(TGH, Ch. 46) Egwene is drawn to Rand and finds him with Min.(TGH, Ch. 48) After Rand is healed everyone gets ready to leave. Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne head back towards Tar Valon with Mat, Verin, and Hurin.(TGH, Ch. 49)
The Dragon Reborn
Egwene, Nynaeve and Elayne were sent to hunt the Black Ajah by Siuan Sanche. (TDR, Ch. 14) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards Tear to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. (TDR, Ch. 29) Egwene uses her talent in Tel'aran'rhiod to shield Amico and to help them escape from their capture in the Stone (TDR, Ch. 54).
The Shadow Rising
The Fires of Heaven
Lord of Chaos
A Crown of Swords
Egwene begins to get headaches once Logain disappears. (ACoS, Ch. 12)
The Path of Daggers
Egwene has a few of her dreams. One of Rand wearing different masks, one fo Perrin and a Tinker unknowingly hacking through plants that screamed with human voices, and one of Mat weighing two Aes Sedai on a balance scale with the decision being very important. She wakes up to Halima, Aran'gar in disguise, who is causing Egwene's headaches and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. Siuan has come to summon Egwene but Halima does not think it is a good idea as Egwene needs rest. Egwene goes with her to meet Bryne in her study. Bryne tells her of an army that approaches that he believes is from Andor and thinks they will try to stop them from travelling through. Egwene tells him to arrange a meeting with them. He then leaves and her and Siuan talk about the disadvantages of the Three Oaths.(TPoD, Ch. 15) Egwene meets with the Hall and tells them that they will rest for a few days. She then goes over a few petitions on how to fix the money problems. After a while Romanda comes in, dismisses Siuan and tells Egwene that she knows of her plans to meet with the nobles. She demands to do the talking. After she leaves, Lelaine enters with the same message except she wants to do the talking. They are to meet with the nobles the next day.(TPoD, Ch. 16)
They ride out to meet the nobles, Bryne is there with some of his soldiers as is Talmanes from the Band of the Red Hand. The nobles explain why they don't want to get involved, not wanting to get between the two sides of the White Tower. Egwene explains that they will rest there a month without entering Andor and they will buy supplies from Murandy and then they will leave. She also tells them the novice book is open to anyone of any age if they test true.(TPoD, Ch. 17) Many nobles appraoch Egwene to talk to her about her opening the novice book to anyone. She talks with them and then joins Talmanes. Talmanes tells her he is going to stay behind in Murandy rather than go with her to help Roedran as a mercenary army. She makes him promise not to get involved in a war then agrees.(TPoD, Ch. 18) Upon returning to camp Egwene calls the Hall to sit. She asks them to stand for a war against Elaida. Takima states the law of war and enough stand that the war is passed with a lesser consensus. Romanda tries to interrupt her but Egwene has Takima read another part of the law that says in War the Hall must approve all decrees made by the Amyrlin, this causes Delana to puke. She tells them in one month's time they will travel and begin their siege on te White Tower.(TPoD, Ch. 19) They have circles open gateways to an area a little ouside of Tar Valon.(TPoD, Ch. 30)
Winters Heart
Egwene teaches the Wise Ones how to Travel.(WH, Prologue) Egwene meets with Elayne and Nynaeve in Tel'aran'rhiod. Elayne and Nynaeve catch Egwene up on what has been going on. Egwene comes up with a plan that allows Aes Sedai to retire into the Kin. She also says every sister will swear on the oath rod or they will face full justice, telling Nynaeve and Elayne when they get back they must swear the oaths. She tells Elayne and Nynaeve that she wants them back but they will have to wait until she gains more control because the Aes Sedai would not be comfortable with the Kin. She then tells them about how she has been having problems with people listening to her. Even though she is the Amyrlin they don't treat her as such and even though she had declared several people Aes Sedai they are still treated as Accepted. She asks Nynaeve what she did when people treated her like that when she was Wisdom. Nynaeve gives her some advice. They catch someone spying on them that looks kind of like Rand and chase him.(WH, Ch. 10) Egwene meets with them in Tel'aran'rhiod again the night before she makes her move on the White Tower. They meet in Emond's Field noting that it has changed drastically. Egwene brings up that she is troubled by the news that Rand is controlling Aes Sedai. Elayne suggests she makes a visit to Emond's Field but Egwene says she is not ready to face Emond's Field as Amyrlin.(WH, Ch. 26)
Crossroads of Twilight
Delana brings to Egwene's attention that some of the Sisters are talking about making negotiations with the White Tower. Egwne brings it up and Beonin says that she thinks it is a good idea. Egwene says she is ok with them talking about making negotiations as long as part of the negotiations made was that Elaida was exiled.(CoT, Ch. 16) Egwene returns to camp where she tells the sisters to keep Travelling a secret as it is a huge advantage that they have over the White Tower. She then goes to the tent where Cuendillar is being made. She learns that Kairen is improving but is not strong enough for the plan that she has concocted. In fact besides herself there are only three other people with the strength in Earth to do it.(CoT, Ch. 17) Egwene returns to her tent where Siuan makes a report to her of the night before and of what the eyes and ears had to say. They are then notified that Akarrin is back and is about to make a report to the Hall on Shadar Logoth.(CoT, Ch. 18) They arrive and Akarrin starts her report. Where Shadar Logoth used to be there is now a giant hole. They had sent people skilled with reading residues and they concluded that a very large amount of Saidin was used. The reporting group is dismissed and Moria says she thinks it was a Forsaken and that there is no way they can stand up to something like that themselves even linking. She suggests making an alliance with the Black Tower so they can increase their circles using men. Egwene brings it up before the Hall and asks them to stand in favor. While it is agreed to by a lesser consensus some refuse to stand. They begin discussions on who is to go.(CoT, Ch. 19)
Egwene is captured when she turns one of Tar Valon's chains that control the bridges into cuendillar. When she comes to, she sees an ageless face, so an Aes Sedai must be involved. There are many theories surrounding her capture; is it the Black Ajah? Is it the treachery of Egwene's own Hall? What agreement did the negotiators come to that was more than they bargained for and was it Egwene's capture? The theories will not be proven right or wrong until the next book comes out and we find out more. However, what is interesting to note is that it is extremely likely that the Seanchan are in the area, it is possible that a raken was seen, though not recognised by Egwene. Egwene had a dream that a Seanchan woman would save her and this could be tied into her capture (CoT, Ch. 20; Ch. 30).
Knife of Dreams
Egwene regains consciousness (though pretends to be yet unconscious) after her capture, while riding in a coach with five Aes Sedai. The five are Katerine Alruddin, a Red sister; Felaana, a Brown; Pritalle Nerbaijan, a Yellow, with her warder, Harril; Berisha Terakuni, a Gray; and Barasine, another Red. Her ruse ends when Katerine grasps this and slaps her (KoD, Prologue).
Egwene realizes that they are riding through Tar Valon, that she is not shielded, though she cannot channel, that there is definite contention among the sisters in the coach, and that the odor of rotting garbage is wafting into the coach from the City. She is appalled that Elaida has allowed things to deteriorate to such an extent (KoD, Prologue).
The sisters in the coach engage in discussion on the Hall, the harbor chain, Egwene's probable fate, with Katerine and Barasine being quite acrid, even to the other "shawled" women. Egwene is asked what she did to the chain. When she responds, Katerine slaps her again. Egwene is silent for the remainder of the ride to the Tower (KoD, Prologue).
Once at the main rear entrance to the Tower, Egwene is surprised to see Nicola Treehill (a runaway from the Rebel camp) on the steps. Nicola is attending Elaida that evening and delivers a message to Katerine, orders concerning Egwene. Felaana and Pritalle and her warder leave them. Berisha remains. Nicola refers to Egwene as "Mother," and Katerine erupts and switches the girl with Air. Nicola squeals and promptly runs back to Elaida's study, tripping on her way. Egwene is to be taken to the Mistress of Novices instead of directly to the "cells." Katerine and Barasine give a thinly veiled threat to Berisha; she leaves them, rather frightened (KoD, Prologue).
En route to the Mistress of Novices, Egwene and her Red sister entourage encounter a third Red, Melare, who is, at least by comparison, sympathetic to Egwene. Melare speaks of the "wilder" they captured at the opposite harbor. She also refers to something "funny" about the "wilder's" channeling. She wants Egwene or the "wilder" to explain "hiding" the weaves to her. Melare also believes that Leane is lying about who she is. Egwene explains that the other captive truly is Leane Sharif, how after being stilled, the woman had lost the ageless look and the appearance of a number of years, that Nynaeve al'Meara healed her, and since she was no longer in the Blue Ajah, Leana was allowed to choose another--she chose Green. Melare agrees to confirm this and wants to return to the dungeon because she does not want to leave Desala, the other sister in the cells, alone with "the other one" for too long. It sounds as though Melare does not trust Desala to refrain from overly abusive treatment of the prisoner (KoD, Prologue).
Melare assumes Egwene is to be taken to the cells until Katerine informs her that Egwene will be seeing Silviana, the Mistress of Novices. Katerine is sure Egwene is going to get birched, she says so, and with much satisfaction (KoD, Prologue).
Egwene observes that the hallways are devoid of sisters, noting that even in the wee hours, many Brown sisters would be awake and working, novices or Accepted on errands for them. Due to this, combined with the obvious hostility and tension among Ajahs, she contemplates what is actually going on in the Tower. Things are not as she had thought prior to her capture (KoD, Prologue).
Blue and white floor tiles change into red and green floor tiles, which lead to the door of the Mistress of Novices. The study of the Mistress of Novices is a dark-paneled room with plain, sturdy furnishings. Silviana Brehon, nearly as tall as Baresine, stocky, square-chinned, dark-haired, and a no-nonsense manner, is the Mistress of Novices; she is also Red. Silviana commands the two other Red sisters to leave them alone, to which Katerine begins to argue, until Silviana stands her ground. Katerine and Baresine wait outside (KoD, Prologue).
Silviana explains to Egwene that the "Amyrlin," meaning Elaida, of course, does not want to lose her and her abilities, but that Egwene's name will be stricken from the roll of the Accepted and reentered in the novice book. Egwene stands firm in declaring herself to be the Amyrlin Seat. Silviana enters Egwene's name in the punishments book. Her corporal punishment will begin prior to breakfast on the following morning (KoD, Prologue).
Katerine and Baresine are both surprised that Egwene will be neither birched nor executed, but rather she will be given mild doses of forkroot during the day and shielded at night. Silviana also requires Baresine to return Egwene's Great Serpent ring, which she had stolen while Egwene was unconscious. Silviana takes charge of it for Egwene, for when she believes Egwene will have the right to wear it (KoD, Prologue).
Trying to warn them of the Seanchan attack, Egwene tells of being a Dreamer. Katerine and Baresine are scoffing, but Silviana, at least, is willing to relay the information. Katerine and Baresine escort Egwene to her novice room where they go in to shield her. Egwene readies herself for bed, performing relaxation exercises, preparing to enter Tel'aran'rhiod. Forkroot does not affect this ability, for it has nothing to do with channeling. Egwene does not see Siuan's dreams, so she waits for her to fall asleep, aware that Siuan, probably believing Egwene to be dead, would likely not fall asleep until exhaustion claims her (KoD, Prologue).
Taken from Siuan Sanche's point of view, this section is regarding reaction in the Rebel Aes Sedai camp over Egwene's supposed death and learned of capture. Once Siuan finally falls asleep from utter exhaustion, Egwene appears to Siuan in her dreams; they meet in Tel'aran'rhiod (KoD, Ch. 1).
Siuan, after musing over Gareth Bryne, while dressing, garners a horse from the soldiers' camp and rides, in her usual inept fashion, to the camp of the Aes Sedai. Siuan informs the Sitters of Egwene's capture, refusal of rescue, and state of the Tower. She has to assert herself to keep them from going after Egwene right then and there (KoD, Ch. 1).
Lelaine commands, yet sets it forth as though it is a request, Siuan to walk with her. Lelaine tries to gain Siuan's loyalty in the event something happens to Egwene. Lelaine is also amused that the Sitters will be meeting that night in Tel'aran'rhiod, in the Tower Hall of the Sitters, right under Elaida's nose (KoD, Ch. 1).
Beonin Marinye, a Gray sister, mentally reports from her perspective in the scheme of things. She and her warder, Tervail, ready themselves to leave the camp. Contemplation over older novices and what has been lost over the centuries angers Beonin. She sees Sitters on horses heading toward the negotiations. Ashmanailla and Phaedrine, two sisters, accost Beonin before she can depart. They discuss Egwene and Leana's capture, the murders with saidin, and then Beonin mounts and leaves them abruptly (KoD, Ch. 2).
Boenin and Tervail arrive at the Traveling ground, she channels the weave for Traveling, and they disembark in Tar Valon, the shaft of the White Tower rising above them. Tervail believes Beonin is going to try to attack Elaida and wants to do it for her. She commands him to find an inn in the city and wait for her. Beonin sees the dead walking--the Dark One's Touch. She weaves the weaves for illusion, along with some others, then inverts the weave, hiding her ability to channel (KoD, Ch. 2).
The scene changes to Elaida's point of view. Mattin Stepaneos den Balgar, former king of Illian, is a prisoner of Elaida and the White Tower. It is being termed "guest." Elaida claims she has saved him from the Dragon Reborn and that perhaps the White Tower can regain him Illian. After Mattin Stepaneos departs, Elaida deals with various reports and instructions for Tarna, who is now the Keeper. Tarna announces that there is a woman who wishes to present a petition to the Amyrlin Seat. Tarna begins to detain the woman, but Elaida decides she is feeling magnanimous and wishes to grant the petition. The woman enters and transforms into Beonin (KoD, Ch. 2).
Beonin explains her role in Salidar and shows Elaida some of the new weaves, praising Egwene. Elaida is quite caustic to Beonin, considering her efforts in the Rebel camp a failure and forbids Beonin from showing the weaves without Elaida's express permission. Beonin swears to only show weaves to other sisters with the "Amyrlin's" permission. It seems significant that she does not refer to Elaida, specifically, in this oath (KoD, Ch. 2).
The Forsaken meet in Tel'aran'rhiod. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Halima; the former male Forsaken, Balthamel). She and the other Forsaken, Graendal, Demandred, Mesaana, and Semirhage, await Moridin (formerly Ishamael). While anticipating his arrival, Aran'gar works toward the goal of maneuvering Graendal, until he is confronted by the threesome of Demandred, Semirhage, and Mesaana, the latter lambasting him for allowing Egwene to be captured. Aran'gar surmises that Mesaana is in the White Tower and rebuts their misconception that Egwene is merely a pawn or figurehead. (KoD, Ch. 3).
As seen through Romanda's eyes, she details internally, and in a rather nitpicky manner, her observations of a number of things. She begins with self-justification of reading The Flame, the Blade, and the Heart, her thoughts then move on to various novices and sisters, and to Egwene (including a grudging admiration and respect for her) (KoD, Ch. 23).
She then has a discussion with Nisao about the murders of Anaiya and Kairen with saidin, something niggling at the back of her mind about it. They also discuss Egwene's orders concerning finding the murderer. Both have, independently, come to the conclusion that Egwene is the puppet of no one. Theodrin enters at the end of this discussion to announce that Lelaine has called a Sitting (KoD, Ch. 23).
Romanda continues her assessment of other Initiates as she strides off to the Sitting, taking special note of Siuan and Bryne, then Halima (Aran'gar; the once male Forsaken, Balthamel) and Delana, and finally engaging in a confrontation with the Mistress of Novices, Tiana. Even in the pavilion used as the Hall of the Sitters, Romanda continues her private musings on certain Sisters, including during the actual meeting. Lelaine acts as moderator. She tells of a Green sister who approached her concerning a proposal for Egwene, not the Amyrlin (KoD, Ch. 23).
Merise, a Green who is doing the bidding of Cadsuane, who is fulfilling a request from Rand, arrives with her Warders, and one Warder is also an Asha'man. This creates a number of varied reactions from the Sitters. Jahar, the Asha'man warder, demands Egwene. Romanda replies that she is unavailable. Jahar reacts abruptly, but it is because he felt saidin being channeled. He wonders aloud if it is the Forsaken who killed Ebon. There is a big stir over Jahar channeling among the Sitters. Delana leaves the pavilion hurriedly. Jahar gives the terms of the proposal, the short of it being that any sister faithful to Egwene may bond forty-seven men who can channel (KoD, Ch. 23).
The Sitters vote to accept this proposal, with only two dissenting votes--Saroiya and Nacelle. It is not thought of until after the vote is cast: why forty-seven, since it is such an irregular number? The Sitters are shocked and not exactly pleased by the answer that fifty-one Sisters are already bonded to Asha'man, and four Asha'man to Sisters. Jahar gives a very impassioned speech concerning Ebon and cleansing the Source. It is also thought of then to ask Jahar about why he has referred twice to a woman channeling saidin. He explains (KoD, Ch. 23).
Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Halima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Halima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Halima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings (KoD, Ch. 23).
Egwene's perspective recounts significant occurrences relating to her captivity. She chooses embracing pain like the Aiel. Consequently, even though painful, she regains her composure quickly after punishment. Alviarin, who has been stripped of the stole and is no longer Keeper, does not fare so well (KoD, Ch. 24).
Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a Cairhienin novice trips her. Egwene asks the girl's name, which she gives--Alvistere. Egwene then proceeds to soundly reprimand Alvistere, Egwene declaring her own de facto status as the Amyrlin Seat, despite appearances to the contrary. Laras, the Mistress of the Kitchens, is mentioned as Egwene carries her breakfast tray to the dining hall. Egwene eats sitting down, despite her painful bottom (KoD, Ch. 24).
During novice classes, Egwene embarrasses the Accepted teaching those classes because she can, with forkroot in her, nonetheless, surpass them in channeling. This results in Egwene being given private tutoring with Aes Sedai. She uses these sessions as opportunities to drop bits of information and help sway loyalties of the sisters from Elaida over to herself (KoD, Ch. 24).
Egwene is also allowed visits with Leana, gains considerable influence with the novices, and is given a substantial amount of chores. She, moreover, learns further disturbing facts such as Rand was kidnapped, there was a great battle in which Rand captured sisters, and Asha'man have bonded sisters, all of which consistently point back to Elaida (KoD, Ch. 24).
She has some interesting encounters. One such is while she is raking leaves out of the water garden. Alviarin attempts to entice Egwene to succumb to offers of "escape." Egwene does not trust her. In frustration Alviarin continues these baited ploys, but to no avail (KoD, Ch. 24).
Mattin Stepaneos appears on her fourth day of captivity. He insists on speaking with Egwene, despite his accompanying Red sister's efforts to dissuade him. Egwene corrects his misconceptions on a number of topics, predominantly in relation to Rand (KoD, Ch. 24).
On her seventh day of captivity, Egwene is carrying water to the White Ajah quarters when she spies Beonin. She is outraged at what this implies. Initially, Egwene accuses Beonin of being Black Ajah, but after Beonin's little diatribe, Egwene realizes that the older woman is so deft at splitting hairs regarding oaths, including the Oath Against Lying, that she has convinced herself that she has broken no oaths. In a flash Egwene realizes that Beonin has betrayed the "ferrets." She commands Beonin to warn the Rebel camp spies that Elaida now has all of their names (KoD, Ch. 24).
At breakfast of Egwene's ninth day in the Tower, all the novices stand as she enters the dining hall. One of the girls brings Egwene her breakfast and nearly curtsies to her. They had left Egwene a cushion, which she does not use. The novices do not sit until Egwene begins to eat. Egwene sips her tea--Honey in the Tea! (KoD, Ch. 24).
From Tarna Feir's vantage, she notes hostility in other Ajahs, as she walks to Elaida's apartments, and contemplates the possibility of bonding Asha'man. Tarna walks in on Elaida toying with Meidani, Meidani departing soon after Tarna's arrival. Any attempts on Tarna's part to temper Elaida's rashness have fallen on deaf ears. Tarna thinks, but is too savvy to say openly to Elaida, about whether Egwene will actually break. Elaida instructs (orders) Tarna to have Egwene attend her that evening, while she and Meidani are dining (KoD, Ch. 25).
The scene changes to Mat, who is making his way through the Altaran woods with Tuon and the rest of his troop, when Talmanes appears with Vanin. In addition to his irritation at Talmanes' arrival, Mat is shocked at Talmanes' mention of and insistence that Egwene is truly the Amyrlin Seat. The Sisters with Mat express considerable interest as well (KoD, Ch. 25).
The Gathering Storm
Regarding Egwene, this basically begins where Knife of Dreams concluded, the same day. Egwene is receiving punishment from the Mistress of Novices. She only has two tears and reflects on how she has not learned to embrace pain as the Aiel, but believes she is close; the Aiel could laugh at the worst torture, and she can smile as soon as she stands up from being beaten. Egwene leaves Silviana's for Elaida's. Two Red Sisters, Barasine and Katerine, appear to escort her to Elaida's quarters. Katerine doses Egwene with forkroot. Egwene loiters outside the Mistress of Novice's quarters, hoping to see if Alviarin will appear for her penance. Egwene attempts to reason with the Red sisters about conditions in the Tower. Katerine argues with her and becomes angry, giving Egwene more punishment and proceeds to escort her toward Elaida's quarters. Egwene has been keeping Elaida's failures alive with the novices, particularly the capturing of Rand and bonding Asha'man. The Aes Sedai are hearing the gossip from the novices. Rounding a corner, they abruptly come upon a mural that has not only changed locations (in this case moving from the Library), but the depiction is different as well. The ancient Amyrlin's face is now bloody, and there are dead bodies hanging from the eaves, actually paling Katerine's face. This forces a detour at which Egwene now sees Alviarin, late, heading for Silviana's and her punishment (TGS, Ch. 2).
As they pass through the Red Ajah quarters, Egwene notes that the sisters are suspicious even of servants. At the Tower's center, she climbs several flights of stairs to Elaida's chambers. After contemplation of a number of options, Egwene deems it essential to do what is necessary: she must conduct herself so that Elaida believes there is no battle, for this is the only way for Egwene to win. Silence is Egwene's intended weapon for the night. Instead of a servant, a Gray sister opens the door for Egwene. The Gray is adorned in finery. Elaida is sitting in a chair that is virtually a throne. Egwene mentally compares the overdone, ornate aspect of Elaida's personal quarters with what she imagines Siuan's had most likely been. As Egwene adheres to her plan, she is further sickened and angered by Elaida's destructive nature. Egwene is surprised to find that the Gray Sister is Meidani, one of the spies sent out from Salidar. Meidani is cowed. As the evening progresses, Egwene becomes increasingly incited to internal anger. Elaida's scoffing of the Seanchan threat is a major point, however, when the false Amyrlin introduces the need for a fourth Oath, that of obeying the Amyrlin Seat, Egwene, who is serving table, is provoked to the point that she drops the soup tureen, purposely, though Elaida believes it is clumsiness. Elaida explodes, orders Egwene and Meidani to clean up the mess, yells for servants, and sends Egwene for extra penance. Egwene uses the distraction to quietly tell Meidani that there is hope and that Elaida can be pulled down (TGS, Ch. 2).
Egwene makes her way to the dining hall, the aromas reminding her of her father's inn. Her supper consists of the same highly peppered soup that she had spilled in Elaida's, along with some heals of bread. With the food spoilage, the pepper is necessary to make the soup edible. She hears Laras in the kitchen. Egwene also realizes that she does not need to undermine Elaida; the woman is doing it to herself. Egwene knows she must hold the Tower together (TGS, Ch. 2).
After supper Egwene returns to Silviana's for punishment, relaying most of the night's events to the Mistress of Novices. While Egwene is strapped, she realizes how utterly ludicrous this punishment is in light of the internal pain at seeing the Sisters' suspicion of one another and of Elaida's destructive and caustic effect on the Tower. She begins to laugh, and Silviana believes Egwene has succumbed to the pressure and beatings. Suddenly, Egwene understands that what the Aiel do in embracing pain is not to grow harder, but that the pain of spirit in seeing the demise of the Tower and its inhabitants far surpasses any physical pain of a beating. This is the true nature of the Aiel embracing pain (TGS, Ch. 2).
Gawyn, while making patrols, agonizes over his decisions and his loyalties to his sister and Egwene. The conflicted state of his mind over these issues is accelerating (TGS, Ch. 4).
After the latest punishment, Egwene visits Leana in the cells. The Tower Law prohibits physical punishment of Aes Sedai, but she is not allowed freedom or soap or a change of clothes. While Egwene encourages Leana, the stone, mortar, and bars of Leana's cell begin to melt like wax, though cool in temperature. The melting floor begins to draw Leana down into its vortex. The Yellow sisters guarding Leana use the Power to rescue the former Keeper. Egwene employs the opportunity to ask the Yellows what Elaida is doing about the increasing problem of the Dark One touching the Tower (TGS, Ch. 6).
On the way to her own novice room, Egwene walks down floor tiles which change from a nondescript gray into brown. Brown sisters are talking with one another, something uncommon in the novices' quarters. She now notices that the room doors do not look as they should. The Brown sisters do not understand why Egwene is in their quarters. In reality a section of Brown Ajah rooms and novice rooms have switched, dividing both Brown sisters and novices into two sections of the Tower. Now some of the novice quarters, Egwene's included, are on the twenty-second floor instead of in the lower wings (TGS, Ch. 6).
Siuan attends Lelaine, keeping the exact nature of her relationship with both Egwene and Gareth Bryne concealed. Lelaine is pretending absolute loyalty to Egwene, although Siuan is aware of Lelaine's play for power. Upon leaving Lelaine, Siuan makes her way toward Bryne's tent. Upon arrival and after some verbal bantering, Bryne reveals that he knows Siuan meets Egwene every third night (TGS, Ch. 8).
In Tel'aran'rhiod Siuan convenes with Egwene in the Mistress of Novices' quarters. Egwene decides they should move to the novices' dining hall. Here Siuan reveals that there had been one of the Forsaken in camp, probably Halima, and how it was discovered because of the Asha'man and Romanda. Siuan proceeds to tell Egwene that it appears to have been a woman wielding saidin, that they escaped, about the Asha'man bonding Aes Sedai, and the taint being cleansed. Egwene is angered afresh over Elaida's "reign of disaster." Siuan also informs Egwene of Lelaine's ploys, attempting to coax Egwene to return to the Rebel camp. Egwene is not persuadable. Egwene asks about a storeroom of in the Tower containing objects of power, something which Elayne mentioned. Siuan confirms this and tells her where it is. Finally Egwene decides that they should meet every two days, and will probably begin meeting in the city instead of the Tower, reasoning that if there was a Forsaken in the camp, there is most likely one in the Tower as well (TGS, Ch. 8).
Weeks later Egwene is slated to have lessons with a number of Aes Sedai. Her first meeting is with Bennae Nalsad, a Brown sister. Bennae, lacking subtlety, broaches the subject of the Thirteenth Depository, without actually stating it in those terms, seeking Egwene's advice. Egwene uses the opportunity to further her status of Amyrlin in the perception of the Tower Aes Sedai (TGS, Ch. 12).
Next Egwene visits Nagora, a White, and is presented with logic puzzles. Nagora is pleased with Egwene's answer. She is next with Suana, a sitter of the Yellow. The rooms of the Aes Sedai are overflowing with growing plants and mirrors to reflect the light. Suana wants Egwene to join the Yellow Ajah. Egwene states that the Amyrlin has no Ajah. Egwene works to persuade Suana to act as peacemaker with the other Ajahs (TGS, Ch. 12).
Meidani's rooms are filled with memorabilia from her travels and work as a negotiator. Egwene is somewhat surprised by the difference in this Meidani and the one she met in Elaida's quarters. During the conversation between Egwene and Meidani, the younger woman convinces the Gray sister that she, Egwene, truly is the rightful Amyrlin. Egwene also furrows out what is behind Meidani having not fled the Tower. Egwene demonstrates the weaves for Traveling for Meidani, who is initially incredulous but makes a gateway which takes them to the lower realms of the Tower. The presence of rats as Egwene follows Meidani is another proof of the failure of wards. They find their way to a room, guarded by a warder, and inside are four Aes Sedai, all Sitters: Seaine, a White; Doesine, Cairhienin Yellow; Yukiri a Gray; and Saerin a Brown (TGS, Ch. 12).
At first these Sitters are angry with Meidani and dismissing of Egwene. It is made known that they have forced Meidani to swear a fourth Oath on the Oath Rod, one to obey them. The Sitters disclose that they have been searching for Black Sisters. On an educated gamble, Egwene deduces that it is likely a Black Sister helped to unseat Siuan, and she is proven correct. By the end of the meeting, Egwene is in command of the situation, commending them for their good work in finding members of the Black Ajah, but demanding that they release Meidani and the other Salidar spies from the fourth oath (TGS, Ch. 12).
In Dorlan Gawyn practices the sword with two warders. One of the warders, Sleete, bonded to Hattori, a Green Aes Sedai, approaches Gawyn after the practice to offer him the chance to be bonded to her. Gawyn knows his loyalty has to be to Egwene and Elayne, and that if he is to be bonded at all, it must be to Egwene (TGS, Ch. 13).
Gawyn, concerned about the safety of his men and restless, approaches the living quarters of the Aes Sedai, in the mayor's house. He tries to assert himself and acquire some answers concerning their plans. He is sent away with a stiff rebuff by Covarla Sedai. He thinks again of why he supported Elaida, basically because he had not like Siuan's treatment of his sister and Egwene. More honestly and realistically now, Gawyn admits to himself that Elaida would not have treated the girls any better. As the Aes Sedai conclude their meeting, Katerine Alruddin appears. She had left Dorlan and returned to the White Tower weeks earlier. Gawyn is shocked by her appearance. Katerine begins talking about the puppet Amyrlin, laughing scathingly concerning her plight, "...captured and made to howl half the day...that al'Vere girl right now..." Stumbling back into the wall, Gawyn is stunned and incredulous. He disciplines his outer manner to be respectful to Katerine and inquires about Egwene, referring to her as the rebel Amyrlin. The vicious Red Sister reveals that Egwene al'Vere was set up as the rebel Amyrlin, has been captured, and that Katerine, herself, arrived by Traveling. Gawyn, fearing terribly for Egwene's safety and life, is no longer vacillating; he covertly packs his saddlebags, leaving most of his belongings in his tent. He knows he cannot mount a rescue on his own, the Younglings will not support him, and that leaves only one option of which he can think. He rides away from Dorlan (TGS, Ch. 13).
With steel nutcracker, bowl, and walnuts in hand, Egwene sits in a balconied room with Ferane, Miyasi, and Tesan, three White sisters, cracking walnuts for them and eventually answering their questions about the Dragon Reborn. Egwene turns the conversation to the state of the Tower. Ferane offers Egwene a place in the White Ajah, should Egwene so choose (TGS, Ch. 16).
Katerine is waiting for Egwene, a cup of forkroot tea ready and armed with new instructions: Egwene is to spend all of her time doing chores, only chores. Katerine escorts Egwene to the kitchens. Contemplating her new course of action and options, Egwene steels herself. Laras has Egwene cleaning out the kitchen fireplaces, a hard and filthy job. Egwene can hear Katerine and the other Red in the dining room talking and laughing. A shadow appears before the fireplace. It is Laras, the Mistress of Kitchens, an enormous woman. Egwene wonders how the woman can move so quietly. Laras has a secret chamber in the floor of the pantry and attempts to get Egwene to hide, the massive woman intending to secret her out of the Tower at night. Egwene declines, actually refusing the offer. Laras states that she will not be a part of breaking a girl's spirit. Egwene knows she would not be able to fight Elaida if she escapes. As they return to the fireplace, there is a flash of red--Katerine. Egwene uses the ruse of being corrected by Laras as subterfuge. Katerine informs Egwene that "the Amyrlin" wishes Egwene to attend her for supper (TGS, Ch. 16).
Egwene washes and is escorted to Elaida's chambers, walking through the Red Ajah section of the Tower. Egwene decides that she needs to be silent before Elaida. There are five Sitters in attendance, one from each Ajah except Blue and Red. Realizing that this changes the dynamic, Egwene knows she cannot be subservient to Elaida in front of these women, some with whom she has established profitable relationships. Elaida is using Egwene as an example of what can happen to anyone who displeases her. Shevan introduces the subject of the Seanchan, Elaida taunting Egwene, accusing her of lying. Egwene reiterates that she has dreamed about the Seanchan then proceeds to debate Elaida masterfully, regarding Rand and quoting from former Amyrlins and The Karaethon Cycle. Elaida, berserk now, slams Egwene against the wall with the Power. The wine pitcher shatters, lacerating Egwene's arms. Elaida continues beating Egwene with the Power. Some of the Sitters try to intervene, though not very actively. Elaida's madness, more obviously apparent than ever, leeches out in every word she spews. The dinner ends with Elaida raving that Egwene is a Darkfriend. By contrast, Egwene calmly endures, slipping into unconsciousness (TGS, Ch. 16).
Gawyn, in desperation, arrives at the rebel camp seeking the help of Gareth Bryne. Gawyn is taken aback by all that Bryne tells him, and he is both frantic over Egwene and unbelieving at what he hears. Bryne, probing Gawyn as to why he has not been in Caemlyn helping his sister, divines that Gawyn has been the fly in the ointment regarding successful raids on Bryne's army. Bryne wants to know what Egwene is to Gawyn. When Gawyn replies that he does not know but wishes he did, Bryne chuckles and understands, thinking of his relationship with Siuan, no doubt (TGS, Ch. 24).
Sheriam, Egwene's Keeper in the rebel camp, revels in the absence of Egwene and the availability of the Amyrlin's tent and desk for her own use. To an even greater degree, she gloats in the absence of Halima and the Forsaken's torture. When a disguised figure, one who has great strength in saidar, appears before Sheriam, the Keeper is disheartened and begins gibbering sycophantically in terror. This woman, in all likelihood the Forsaken, Mesaana, commands Sheriam to see that the rebels cease supporting Egwene; she also requires the Black Keeper to relinquish all the dream ter'angreal, in order to prevent Egwene from meeting with the Sitters. The woman walks through a gateway and into the halls of the White Tower (TGS, Ch. 25).
Now imprisoned in a tiny, dark cell in the lower realms of the White Tower, Egwene converses with Seaine as the White Sitter informs Egwene of the upcoming trial. There is some talk of the Dark One's touch on the Tower, such as food spoilage and room shifts, Egwene telling Seaine to keep these occurrences alive in the thoughts of the Aes Sedai (TGS, Ch. 25).
Shemerin, a Yellow sister whom Elaida erroneously stripped of the shawl, relays how she slipped out a watergate in the city, about five minutes walk from the statue of Eleyan al'Landerin and her Warders. Even Romanda finds the story giving credence to Egwene's contention of Elaida's power mongering. They are interrupted when the tent floor erupts in cockroaches, a variety found in Shara. The Aes Sedai burn the tent, roaches and all. Egwene had met with the rebel Sitters in Tel'aran'rhiod, informing them of the dinner with Elaida, her imprisonment, the upcoming trial, and her continued refusal for rescue (TGS, Ch. 26).
While with Lelaine, hoping to persuade her to rescue Egwene, Gawyn reminisces about his father's advice regarding Aes Sedai--not to trust them. Lelaine uses the opportunity to press him about Caemlyn and Elayne yet gives no help concerning Egwene. Gawyn tries to probe and query about Egwene and how they communicate with her but to no avail (TGS, Ch. 30).
Escorted out of the Aes Sedai portion of the camp by a novice, on his way to meet Bryne, Gawyn has been increasingly realizing that those in the camp do, in fact, view Egwene as the true Amyrlin, not merely a distraction aimed at Elaida. Gawyn, however, continues to believe that she is in danger and in need of rescue. When in discussion with Bryne, who prods the younger man into a metaphoric corner, Gawyn vacillates and presumes regarding Egwene and his obligations. Gareth Bryne ends the conversation by affirming his conviction that Elaida must be brought down and advising Gawyn that he must decide where he stands (TGS, Ch. 30).
Meeting in Tel'aran'rhiod, inside a cobbler's shop in the city, Siuan and Egwene discuss the trial. Siuan can only persuade Egwene to allow rescue if she is given a sentence of execution. Siuan reveals Gawyn's arrival in the rebel camp. Egwene endeavors to act very casual and uninterested, but Siuan is wise to her. Conversation regarding Gawyn leads into Lelaine and Romanda and the growing nature of the factions in the camp. Egwene describes her tiny, dark cell and declares that all such cells should be filled and mortared. She then gives a start, comprehending Rand's worse situation when Elaida had him in the box. After Siuan departs, Egwene continues in the World of Dreams, searching for information, precisely what information she is unsure. She initially walks through the rebel camp, the tent arrangements making apparent the factions as Siuan had relayed. This all prompts Egwene to make mental plans concerning her options regarding the Aes Sedai and the hoped for reunification. The locale then changes, and she finds herself in a Tinker camp, remembering her time with the Traveling People. This brings to her mind that although saving the world is crucial, living one's own life in the process is no mean thing, and she is determined to have Gawyn as warder and husband. Egwene finally returns to outside the White Tower, though still in Tel'aran'rhiod, where something casts a shadow over her (TGS, Ch. 38).
Now returned to the waking world, she awakes to her cramped body in the little cell. Red sisters pull Egwene out for her daily beatings, beatings at which Egwene laughs. Katerine appears and forestalls the two other Red sisters, informing them that Egwene is to be released. Silviana will be punished for Egwene's deeds. The new Mistress of Novices, Katerine, will be giving all of Egwene's "instructions" henceforth. Egwene is escorted to her room by the two Reds who had planned to strap her. On their way Saerin detains them, demanding to speak to Egwene, standing down the Reds in the process. The white-haired, scarred, very old Brown tells the truth of Silviana--she had appeared before the Hall, demanding Egwene's release and Elaida's removal, refusing to don the attire of a novice when Elaida ordered such. In reaction Elaida called for Silviana's stilling and execution. The Red Ajah is collapsing, but Egwene explains why that manner of thinking is wrong and that all Ajahs are needed for Tarmon Gai'don. Egwene sends Saerin to try to prevent Silviana's fate. As Saerin runs to discharge her command, Egwene approaches the two Reds, trying to provoke them into constructive action over the plight of their Ajah. They do not want to leave Egwene alone and unshielded. Egwene calls for a novice to run to the Mistress of Novices and get her some forkroot tea, which the girl does. One of the Reds runs to check on the state of her Ajah. Egwene and Barasine continue to ascend the stairs to the twenty-second floor until they reach Egwene's door. The novice returns, Egwene downs the strong dose, and enters her room intending to change and wash (TGS, Ch. 38).
As Egwene enters her room, she is shocked to find Verin there, sitting on her bed and sipping tea. Verin casually tells Egwene that her dress, her bloodied, white novice dress, is green. Though initially confused, Egwene stops motionless with shock at the realization that Verin can lie and what this implies. Verin tells Egwene that they have much to discuss (TGS, Ch. 38).
Egwene accuses Verin of having never held the Oath Rod, which the older woman denies. Egwene, subsequently, charges that Verin has had the Oaths removed, at which Verin concedes sweetly. Blurting that she does not trust Verin, who admits she is Black Ajah, Egwene is stabbed with fear and wishing for saidar. They proceed to converse about Verin's tea, Laras (the Mistress of Kitchens), Egwene's work in the Tower, Rand, and the difference between the Dark One and the Forsaken. This entire conversation seems so strange to Egwene, who begins to interrupt when Verin's manner changes suddenly (TGS, Ch. 39).
Verin's normally distracted air vanishes, and she looks intensely at Egwene, who is stunned by what she sees. The aged Aes Sedai reveals to Egwene that years earlier she had been caught by the Black Ajah and put in the position of being executed or joining them. She chose to join them and use it as an opportunity to study the Black Ajah and the Dark One. Tomas, Verin's warder, had been a Darkfriend who had wanted out of his oaths; Verin gave him an opportunity to fight from inside the organization along with her. Explaining the nature of oaths to the Dark One, that a person must keep them until the hour of one's death, Verin continues to sip her tea. Egwene discerns that the tea is poisoned, Verin confirming that it contains asping rot, an extremely potent poison which generally works within an hour. According to Verin, Tomas is spending his last hour with family (TGS, Ch. 39).
Most importantly, Verin discloses that she has spent many years uncovering, among other related information, members of the Black Ajah and gives Egwene two books. The first book, a large, red book, contains illogical sentences. The smaller, blue book is Verin's cipher for the red book. The red tome contains Verin's painstakingly garnered information on the Black Ajah and their cause. In addition Verin gives Egwene a bookmark which locks and makes the books invisible, apparently a ter'angreal from the Age of Legends. Verin also makes known that she is sure the Forsaken, Mesaana, is in the Tower, posing as an Aes Sedai, but that she was unable to determine the woman's identity. Greatly moved by Verin's work and sacrifice, Egwene sits with Verin until the end, both women articulating their mutual admiration for the other. When it seems that Verin is dead, Egwene uses the saucer to check for breath, feeling callused but knowing she must think as Amyrlin. Verin has stopped breathing (TGS, Ch. 39).
A young Red Aes Sedai has been set as a guard outside of Egwene's door, and the girl opens the door to check on Egwene. Egwene uses subterfuge to keep Turese from becoming suspicious. Once Turese closes the door, Egwene commences studying the books. The code is very complex, but Egwene knows it is paramount to decipher the list of the Black Ajah, which she does. Some of the more noteworthy Aes Sedai included are Katerine, Alviarin, Elza, Galina, Sheriam, Duhara, Delana, Talene, Moria. Some sisters which Egwene had thought might be on this list but are not are Cadsuane, Romanda, Lelaine, and Elaida, Verin including particular explanation that she had especially looked into Elaida (TGS, Ch. 39).
Nicola is sent to Egwene with a bowl of soup, which the novice says is for Verin Sedai. This is a ruse, and once Nicola departs and a little time passes, Egwene changes into a clean novice dress and finds a small glass vial in the soup, a message inside reading, "wait." Next, Meidani visits Egwene, Verin now looking waxy, and Egwene uses true words to reveal only part of what transpired between herself and Verin. Meidani informs Egwene about the trial, that Elaida has been officially censured, but the woman has not been deposed. Egwene exposes Alviarin as Black, advising Meidani to take the Black Sister and have her reswear. Egwene instructs Meidani to take the poisoned tea and Verin's body through a gateway. Meidani does this, and Egwene lies down to enter Tel'aran'rhiod (TGS, Ch. 39).
Awakening in Tel'aran'rhiod in her room, Egwene shifts to the Tower's Spring Garden to wait for Siuan. While there, she thinks about the Black Ajah, particularly Sheriam, wondering what mischief the woman has been about. Egwene is reminded that her Black Keeper was one of the Aes Sedai who healed Mat of the Shadar Logoth dagger and speculates as to whether the flame-haired woman could have done anything nefarious in that regard. Egwene is sickened to note that both she and Elaida had been manipulated by the Forsaken and Black Ajah Keepers. Siuan appears to find Egwene in a full suit of armor with Aiel spears. Egwene casts off this ensemble and informs Siuan of Sheriam and Moria, commanding her to watch them closely. Siuan inquires as to Egwene's captivity, but before Egwene can answer fully, she is abruptly pulled back to the waking world, Nicola shaking her awake. At that moment the Tower shakes violently. Nicola is crying that they are under attack by Shadowspawn that fly and throw fire; it is Tarmon Gai'don. Egwene realizes it is not Tarmon Gai'don but the Seanchan, just as she had dreamed (TGS, Ch. 39).
Siuan knows something is seriously wrong, fearing Elaida is getting ready to execute Egwene or something else dire. Bryne receives a report from one of his soldiers that flying beasts are attacking the White Tower. Siuan explains to Gareth Bryne that this is the Seanchan and expresses her determination to rescue Egwene. Bryne refuses to accompany Siuan, on the grounds of not breaking his oath to Egwene, since Egwene forbad rescue. Siuan stalks off to find help elsewhere (TGS, Ch. 40).
Egwene and Nicola make their way down the hallway, the Tower shaking, Egwene informing the novice that this is not Tarmon Gai'don but the Seanchan attack. Looking out a window, Egwene sees raken, damane, and sul'dam, understanding that this is a raid to capture channelers. Egwene shrinks in fear, panicking, thinking of escape. Then, she gathers herself, telling Nicola that they will fight. The forkroot has barely worn off, and Nicola does not understand how Egwene can possibly channel. Egwene searches out the novices, teaching them to link, drawing the Power through the circle of novices. Now having enough of saidar to channel significantly, Egwene weaves a gateway, taking three of the girls with her to the storeroom which contains objects of the One Power. Here she finds a fluted wand, the most powerful sa'angreal the Tower possesses. Egwene pulls on the Power through the rod, a huge surge of saidar flooding through her and the three novices. Egwene is now primed to do battle with the Seanchan (TGS, Ch. 40).
Siuan finds Gawyn, who exuberantly agrees to accompany her in the rescue. Bryne consents to go with them if Siuan will bond him as her warder. This she does, Gawyn returns with horses, and they, with one hundred of Bryne's soldiers, set off for the Tower and an attempted rescue of the Amyrlin (TGS, Ch. 40).
Adelorna Bastine, Captain General of the Green Ajah, stumbles through the Tower rubble, fleeing the sul'dam and damane. She is in shock and has been separated from her warders. Rounding a corner, Adelorna is shielded by a sul'dam and damane, who drag her over the debris using the power, another sul'dam snapping a metal collar around her neck. Suddenly her collar unclasps, and the sul'dam is devoured in flame. Adelorna feels a source of incredibly strong channeling from behind her. The gray-clad damane try to shield the source of that power, but their collars are released with weaves of Air. Their sul'dam are both annihilated, one with a flash of lightening and the other by tongues of flame. The Seanchan soldiers retreat. Adelorna turns to see a woman in white glowing with the One Power. She recognizes that it is Egwene al'Vere (TGS, Ch. 40).
Egwene gives orders to the novices, then abruptly raises her hands, felling raken with blasts of lightening and fire. Adelorna worries about captives, at which Egwene declares that they are better off dead. The Captain General then tries to wrest control of the situation from Egwene, who tells her in no uncertain terms that she is in command through the duration of this threat. Adelorna submits, surprised at her own response to the younger woman. Egwene weaves a gateway to the angreal storeroom, Adelorna shocked, realizing that Egwene could have left the Tower at any time (TGS, Ch. 40).
Siuan and company find the watergate that Shemerin had used, the one near the statue of Eleyan al'Landerin and her Warders, and make their way to the Tower grounds. Arriving at the iron gates of the Tower grounds, they see Egwene's balls of fires from below but do not know that it is she (TGS, Ch. 41).
Saerin, one of the Brown Sitters, has taken charge of the command center, which has been organized in a ground floor room of the Tower. Saerin concludes that Egwene was right, concerning the attack as well as the division in the Tower. Katerine Alruddin enters the room in a rage, intending to take charge, at which Saerin comments that Egwene al'Vere predicted the attack and stands her ground against the volatile Red sister. A repeated booming from above returns Saerin's attention to Captain Chubain, of the Tower Guard. The explosions are not shaking the Tower; they are attacks on the Seanchan. Chubain reports that there is resistance on the twenty-second floor. Katerine finds it incredulous that Browns would be seriously fighting, but Saerin remembers that this section is now mostly novices. Saerin, in amazement, realizes it is Egwene (TGS, Ch. 41).
While the novices fight Seanchan on the stairs, Egwene stands at the gaping fracture in the Tower wall, wind whipping about her, the Power flowing through her like an immeasurable deluge. She blasts to'raken from the sky, and the Seanchan center their attack upon her. Linked as she is, and with the sa'angreal, the damanes' shields and weaves are impotent against her. Only a full circle could take Egwene at this point, and the a'dam prevent such use of the Power. She intends that the Seanchan never attack the White Tower again (TGS, Ch. 41).
Bryne and Gawyn see a woman in white on one of the upper floors, at one of the huge fissures, fire glowing between her upraised hands. It is Egwene blasting the to'raken, but even with a spyglass they cannot discern who it is. Siuan returns from inside the Tower with a novice who is loyal to Egwene. The girl informs them that Egwene is probably on the upper floors, where much of the novice quarters are located (TGS, Ch. 41).
Egwene, now spent, sits on the rubble with her eyes closed, a breeze blowing from the rent in the Tower wall. Of those with her, only three novices and one Aes Sedai had been killed. Egwene laments the state of the Tower. She is picked up and carried by Gawyn; she believes it is merely a dream at first. Egwene is so exhausted she cannot resist her rescuers. Siuan notices the fluted rod sa'angreal and weaves a gateway for their escape (TGS, Ch. 41).
Saerin, at the command center, is astounded at the report of Egwene's accomplishments during the attack. And finally, an Accepted, who had been attending Elaida, reveals that Elaida was taken in the Seanchan attack (TGS, Ch. 41).
Egwene, now back in her tent in the Rebel camp, her maid, Chesa, sewing contentedly, considers what she believes is a failure on her part and what her course of action must be. She next contemplates the attributes of all the various Ajahs and the world's problems. As she leaves, Gawyn is sitting in front of her tent; he has been there all night. Egwene now sees Gawyn as more handsome than Galad and takes pleasure in thinking about him, but she is angry with him nonetheless. He presses her to talk to him, but she refuses for the time being. For Egwene's benefit, Gawyn tries to dissuade Egwene from attacking the White Tower. She replies that she will do what she must (TGS, Ch. 43).
In the Tower five of the Ajah Heads meet together to discuss the Seanchan attack, the need for a new Amyrlin, and their huge blunder in trying to manipulate the Tower and de facto rule instead of Elaida. After some debate, Adelorna confirming Egwene's incredible feat of the night before, they all agree to see Egwene al'Vere raised to the Amyrlin Seat (TGS, Ch. 43).
Siuan stands beneath an oak, watching Sheriam close the tent flaps of the Hall. Bryne approaches, and she tells him she is afraid she has lost Egwene's trust but does not regret rescuing her. Egwene stands in the pavilion of the rebel Hall, twelve Sitters and Sheriam in attendance. She considers Sheriam and pertinent ramifications in light of all she knows. Egwene embraces the source, reveling in finally being able to do so fully without forkroot or a sa'angreal or in a circle, startling the Hall into following suit. After commanding that they release the Source, Egwene pulls out the Oath Rod from her pouch and swears the Three Oaths. The Sitters are taken aback. She then proceeds to tell them about a "Black Sister" visiting her in the Tower, the revelations about the Black Ajah, and Egwene subsequently swears that she is not a Darkfriend. As she informs the Hall that all will need to remove their oaths and reswear and swear that they are not a member of the Black Ajah, Sheriam embraces the Source. Egwene slams a shield between the woman and saidar, shocking both Sheriam and the Sitters. At this point Egwene begins interrogating the red-haired Aes Sedai, tricking her into lying, proving she is Black. Sheriam inquires about the identity of the Black sister and how she got around the Oaths to the Dark Lord. Egwene reveals to her that it was Verin and that the woman drank poison. Sheriam is bound in flows of Air. Egwene continues the proceedings before the Hall, puts Romanda in her place, and the other women forswear and reswear. Only Sheriam and Moria are found to be Black among those in the Hall. Over two hundred names were on Verin's list of the Black Ajah, both in the Tower and the rebel camp, seventy from the camp. Egwene formulates plans for capturing the rest of the Blacks in camp and for assaulting the White Tower. The motion is put forward, and the vote is unanimous concerning both (TGS, Ch. 43).
Egwene, adorned in a crimson gown to symbolize the reunification of the Tower, including reconciliation with the Red Ajah, the blood to be spilled in the assault, and that which had been spilled in the Black Ajah executions, strides through the camp. Siuan has found Egwene's Great Serpent ring, and she is wearing it again. Over fifty Black sisters have been stilled and executed. Sheriam's execution, the former Keeper, in desperation, confessing to a number of crimes, was vivid in Egwene's mind. Egwene is reminded once again of the Aiel and the true character pain. Some want the sisters guarded and interrogated, but memory of the previous situation with Moghedien prevents Egwene from conceding. Egwene has no intention of letting Verin's sacrifice be in vain. Just under twenty Black sisters have escaped. Egwene continues through the camp, her shoulder-length brown hair streaming with crimson ribbons to signify the blood she has shed (TGS, Ch. 45).
Lelaine and Romanda both vie for Egwene's favor, relaying messages from Gareth Bryne, bringing news concerning the envoy to the Black Tower, the stolen Dream ter'angreal, and one of the Forsaken being in the White Tower. Egwene does not know that Elaida has been captured. Egwene, Lelaine, Romanda, the Sitters, and soldiers mount and ride out of the camp to meet the army, Gawyn following at a distance. As they approach the village of Darein, Egwene sees the damaged Tower, but exults that it stands despite the Seanchan attack. Siuan and Bryne are there, at the back of the army, Egwene able to tell from Bryne's manner that Siuan has bonded him. After some admonitory words for Siuan, Egwene consults the General regarding the assault (TGS, Ch. 45).
At the Alindaer Bridge General Bryne shows Egwene the Tower Guard of only one thousand. While they are contemplating why so few, Egwene decides to wait for an hour before assaulting the Tower. Before she can give the command, a group of Aes Sedai appear on the opposite side of the bridge, a Gray in the lead. Andaya, a Gray Sitter, informs Egwene that they have chosen to raise her to the Amyrlin Seat. Egwene asks about Elaida, and Andaya tells of Elaida's capture. She inquires if they will accept her army, the other Aes Sedai, and reinstate the Blue Ajah. Andaya replies that those demands had been anticipated, and they would be met. Egwene accepts and rides across the bridge, joyful at the turn of events (TGS, Ch. 45).
Egwene moves quickly to the White Tower, Gawyn and Siuan hardly able to keep pace. She mentally contrasts her raising in Salidar with this one, while she is tutored by a Brown. Siuan objects. Egwene explains that the Tower Sitters need the opportunity to raise her as well. Overruling Siuan's protest, Egwene orders the rebel sisters to meet at the Sunset Gate where she will address them and accept their apology for rebelling against the Tower. Gawyn bows, a motion Egwene sees as more impertinent than disputing her. Just before going into the hall, Egwene is reminded of how similar this is to her testing for Accepted. The gong rings. The elaborate doors open. With a view directly out to Dragonmount toward the west, Egwene nearly gasps at the gaping hole in the side of the White Tower. Eighteen chairs and the Amyrlin's Seat stand in the Hall, enough for three Sitters from each Ajah, except the Blue. Only eleven Sitters are in attendance, the Red's being unwelcomed by the rest, the Blue with the rebels, and a few having fled or out of the Tower. Saerin begins the ceremony, but before Egwene responds to the Brown, she asks about Silviana, who is still imprisoned. Leana, however, has been freed. Egwene demands Silviana be released, then the ceremony proceeds. All eleven sitters rise to their feet, no dissention, all unified in their decision. Saerin declares Egwene raised to the Amyrlin Seat, the Sitters each kissing her ring. Silviana is brought, bound in chains, the Sitters believing Egwene is going to punish the Red Sister. The young Amyrlin commands Silviana released, summons the former Mistress of Novices to her, lambastes the Sitters for their accountability in the division and disasters in the White Tower, and finally, she raises Silviana to the position of Keeper. When Silviana graciously accepts, the conversation moves into the subject of men, the cleansing of saidin, the future role of the Reds, Sheriam, the Black Ajah, and the Oath Rod (TGS, Ch. 46).
The company of women strides through the rubble-strewn hallways, Egwene preparing to address the returning rebels. On the eastern side of the Tower, the Amyrlin accepts the apology of the rebels, unifying the Aes Sedai in a speech of reconciliation (TGS, Ch. 46).
Egwene, now in the Amyrlin's study, which has been cleared of Elaida's possessions, reads a report from Silviana and reflects on how the woman is a far superior Keeper than Sheriam had been. Romanda and Lelaine, both offended with Egwene's recent decisions, have sent letters rescinding their support. Most of the Tower Black Ajah have escaped, about sixty. Saerin had taken a census after the Seanchan attack, the results indicating that nearly forty initiates had been captured, over two dozen of them Aes Sedai. Egwene has the Tower Hall reswear their oaths, and she does it again herself for their benefit, informing them of what had transpired in the rebel camp. Now every Aes Sedai has sworn to not be a Darkfriend, those who were not executed. Egwene is again reminded of Verin's accuracy since only three in the rebel camp and three caught in the Tower were found to be Black but absent from the Brown Sister's book. Egwene has tried but cannot reconcile the remaining names on the list as possibilities for the Forsaken, Mesaana (TGS, Epilogue).
Silviana requests that Egwene accompany her to the Hall. Masons have been working on the fitting for a rose window which Egwene has ordered to fit the hole made by the Seanchan attack. The floor has been repainted with the colors of all seven Ajahs. The two women stand at the gap. The clouds have broken and are in a ring around Dragonmount, an opening too perfect to be natural, a column of sunlight flooding down. Egwene instructs Silviana to record the date because she believes it is indicative of some significant event, something good (TGS, Epilogue).
Towers of Midnight
Egwene starts to spend time in Tel’aran’rhiod just to think. She commands Nynaeve to stop avoiding her tells her to meet her in the Hall of the Tower in 2 days time. Egwene pans to have Elayne and her raised to the shawl properly. Egwene wakes from having a True Dream, knows what it means; if she did not stop Mesaana, something terrible would happen. It could mean the fall of the White Tower or the victory of the Dark One. Silviana came to wake Egwene and tell her that the Dragon Reborn is in the Tower and asking to see her. Egwene and the Hall of the Tower receive the Dragon Reborn. She questions his intent and he tells her that in a month’s time he will be travelling to Shaoyl Ghul to break the last remaining seals on the Dark Ones prison. Egwene connects this with the Dream she had that morning. Egwene wishes to speak of the women that have been bonded by Asha’man but Rand simply tells her to meet him on the Fields of Merrilor in 3 days time and from then he will proceed to Shayol Ghul and break the remaining seals on the Dark Ones prison. After this announcement he simply leaves. Thereafter Egwene convenes the Hall to discuss Rand and his plan. (ToM, Ch. 3)
Egwene decides she needs to take action against Rand and writes letters to rulers asking for their assistance in opposing him. She tells Gawyn that she believes the assassin is a Forsaken and tells him to stop guarding her door and being so protective. She is frustrated with him as she still loves him, but he will not accept her authority. (ToM, Ch. 5)
Egwene meets with two Wise Ones (Amys and Bair) in Tel’aran’rhiod and thereafter with Nynaeve (who finally accepts Egwene in her position as Amyrlin). Egwene asks Nynaeve and Elayne to return to the Tower to be properly raised. Elayne refuses due to her pregnancy and Egwene asks her to make more dream ter'angreal. They are attacked by Black Sisters. (ToM, Ch. 14)
Egwene meets with Saerin, Seaine and Yukiri and they discuss the possibility of Mesaana having defeated the oath rod. (ToM, Ch. 15) Egwene takes part in Nynaeve’s raising. And tests her without any mercy. (ToM, Ch. 20)
After Gawyn trips Egwene’s trap for the assassin, she is infuriated with him as he might have ruined her chances to catch Mesaana. (ToM, Ch. 22) As a result of this she gives him a tongue-lashing. (ToM, Ch. 23) Yet when she learns that he has left without permission, she sends him a letter ordering him to return to her.
The Hall attempts to meet secretly without informing Egwene, but she finds out about it and in that sessions she gets the Hall to agree to give her authority over the worlds monarchs, while they control the Towers army. Too late does the Hall realise that this means that solely Egwene is now allowed to deal with the Dragon Reborn. (ToM, Ch. 27)
Egwene plots possible ways to capture Mesaana with Siuan and Nynaeve, after they discuss Rand and other matters. (ToM, Ch. 33) After receiving no response from Gawyn, Egwene and Siuan go over the last details of their plan for the night and go to sleep. (ToM, Ch. 35)
While Egwene and Leane meet in Tel'aran'rhiod with Sitters, Windfinders and Wise Ones to discuss connecting and unifying all channellers with the White Tower, the Black Ajah attacks them. (ToM, Ch. 36) During the fight against the Black Ajah, Egwene kills several Black Sisters and sees Perrin in his battle against Slayer. His strength in Tel'aran'rhiod surprises her and she comes to the realisation that channeling cannot be compared to the strength one has if skilled in the world of dreams. (ToM, Ch. 37) Mesaana tricks Egwene and so catches her with an a'dam. Before Egwene succumbs to despair, she denied the collar its strength. This leads to her and Mesaana having a contest of will-strength. Mesaana proves to be the weaker one and her mind snaps. After Egwene wakes from the battle, she finds Gawyn mortally wounded by the assassins he just saved her from. She Heals him and finally bonds him as her Warder. (ToM, Ch. 38) After Gawyn is recuperated he and Egwene discuss what needs to be done about the Seanchan. (ToM, Ch. 42)
Egwene visits Elaynes dreams and tells her that they defeated Mesaana. (ToM, Ch. 45)
Quotes
Quotes By Egwene
"From what Moiraine tells me, you leaped into it as soon as you could, fumbling through the dark with never a thought of whether there was a bottomless pit under your next step"- Verin to Egwene (The Great Hunt, Chapter 13).
"People change, Rand. Feelings change. When people are apart, sometimes they grow apart. I love you as I would a brother, perhaps more than a brother, but not to marry"- Egwene to Rand (The Shadow Rising, Chapter 7).
"You have much to learn. Far more than I can begin to teach you, now. Come to the Three-fold Land"- Amys to Egwene (The Shadow Rising, Chapter 11).
"If the Queen of Andor can be Aes Sedai, a Prince can be a Warder. And you will be mine. Push that through your thick skull; I am serious. And I love you"- Egwene to Gawyn (Lord of Chaos, Chapter 25).
"I'm the Amyrlin but...Elayne, Sheriam doesn't have to think very hard to recall a novice named Egwene, staring goggle-eyed at everything and being sent to rake the New Garden walks for eating apples after bedtime. She means to lead me by the hand, or maybe push me by the scruff of my neck"- Egwene to Elayne (Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36).
" A certain degree of respect is required towards the Amyrlin Seat, and from now on, I will have it, daughter"- Egwene to Lelaine (The Path of Daggers, Chapter 19).
"'My own charge is...' She pressed her thumb down on the edge of the chair as if pinning something and laughed again"- Aran'gar presumably about Egwene (Winter's Heart, Chapter 13).
"Elayne, I have to order women I grew up with switched because they don't believe I am the Amyrlin Seat, or if they do, that they can break the rules because they knew me"- Egwene to Elayne (Winter's Heart, Chapter 26).
Referring to Katerine Alruddin, "Egwene wondered whether the woman hated her personally, or for what she represented, or simply hated everyone." (Knife of Dreams, Prologue).
"'I am Aes Sedai by virtue of having been raised to the Amyrlin Seat,' Egwene replied calmly...'I can cite the relevant passages in the law, if you wish'" (Knife of Dreams, Prologue).
When the Cairhienin novice, Alvistere trips Egwene in the dining hall, "'What is your name?' she [Egwene] said. 'Alvistere,' the young woman replied...'Why do you want to know? So you can carry tales to Silviana? It will do you no good. Everyone will say they saw nothing.' 'A pity, that Alvistere. You want to become Aes Sedai and give up the ability to lie, yet you want others to lie for you. Do you see any inconsistency in that?' Alvistere's face reddened. 'Who are you to lecture me?' 'I am the Amyrlin Seat. A prisoner, but still the Amyrlin Seat.'" (Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24).
Egwene responding to Mattin Stepaneos, "'You've been kidnapped and brought aboard a sinking ship.'" (Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24).
"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." (Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24).
Egwene discussing Rand with some of the White Sisters, "'Nobody subjugates the Aiel." (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 16).
Debating Elaida at dinner, in front of some of the Sitters, "'Coward.'" (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 16).
"'I don't trust you...I don't think I ever have." Egwene upon learning that Verin has had the Three Oaths removed (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 39).
Egwene to Verin in the last moments before Verin dies, "'But your soul is not Brown. I can see it...Your soul is of a pure white, Verin...Like the Light itself.'" (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 39).
With Nicola, the girl cowering and whining from the Seanchan threat, "'Let them come!' Egwene roared" and "'Stand Nicola! You're an initiate of the Tower, not a frightened milkmaid.'" (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 40). To Adelorna, Captain General of the Green Ajah, after Egwene has rescued her from the Seanchan, "'I am in command until this threat passes. You will call me Mother.'" (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 40).
"'If I left, it wouldn't have been fleeing you, Adelorna, it would have been abandoning you. I am the Amyrlin Seat.'" (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 40).
Egwene thinking after the battle, while Gawyn carries her out, I destroyed them...I was a burning warrior, a hero called by the Horn. They won't dare face me again. (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 41).
"'I have to go order people I care about to slaughter another group of people I care about.'" Egwene to Gawyn, back in the rebel camp (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43).
Among the rebel Hall, "'You will address me as 'Mother,' Romanda.'" (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43).
"'Besides. Who are you to lecture me on being rash?'" Egwene to Siuan (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 45).
"'I bear it already, Saerin,'" Egwene on taking the weight of responsibility of Amyrlin (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46).
Quotes about Egwene
"You may go far. Perhaps even the Amyrlin Seat, one day, if you study hard and work hard"- Moiraine to Egwene (The Eye of the World, Chapter 12).
"Gawyn will never admit he is interested in a woman if Galad is interested in her, but I have heard him talk about you, and I know. He never could hide things from me"- Elayne to Egwene (The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 16).
"She should not be given this chance... I do not care what her potential is. She should be put out of the Tower. Or failing that, set to scrubbing floors for the next ten years"- Elaida about Egwene (The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22).
"They made a very bad mistake, didn't they? Of course, I made it first. The plump little grunter for the table turns out to be a live silverpike as long as your leg"- Siuan to Egwene (Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37).
"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" (Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24).
"...Mat said...'I assume Egwene never came to you for help getting away from those fool Aes Sedai...' 'You were wrong about her, Mat. She really is the Amyrlin Seat, and she has those Aes Sedai by the scruff of the neck.'" This from Talmanes. (Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25)
Adelorna's comment to the other Ajah Heads concerning raising Egwene and that she will not be a puppet, but an Amyrlin of strength, "'I, for one, think that's a splendid idea.'" (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43).
Saerin declaring Egwene to be, "'Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of the Seals, the Flame of Tar Valon, the Amyrlin Seat!'" (The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46).