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Aviendha

2011-01-22T07:30:33Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* The Gathering Storm Timeline */

''Kariada Kunai and Napolde Surion''

''Books 1 - 4''
''By Kariada Kunai''

''Books 5 - 10''
''By Napolde Surion''

ah-vee-EHN-dah

== Books 1-4 ==

== General==

Aviendha is of the Nine Valleys sept of the [[Taardad]] [[Aiel]] ({{acos|13}}). (Aviendha's claim to the Bitter Water sept in {{tdr|38}} is an error which has since been corrected in all later editions of the book.) Once ''[[Far Dareis Mai]]'', a Maiden of the Spear, she is now training to become a [[Wise One]] ({{tsr|23}}).

Tall with blue-green eyes, [[Rand]] describes Aviendha as a "more than pretty woman" ({{tfoh|4}}). He also thinks she has a haughty unsmiling stare and is as "proud as a green-eyed hawk" ({{tsr|22}}). Even [[Amys]] tells Aviendha she has too much pride ({{acos|13}}). According to [[Mat]], she has "a viper for a tongue and a temper to make [[Nynaeve]] look meek" ({{tsr|36}}).

As a Maiden, Aviendha wore her hair short, with a tail in the back which hung to her shoulders, and the Aiel ''cadin'sor'' ({{tdr|38}}). Since giving up the spear to become a Wise One, she has been growing out her hair, which is covered by a scarf and still short of her shoulders, as well as a shawl and skirts ({{tfoh|4}}).

Aviendha was born in NE 980 ({{Prol8}}). She has the ability to channel born in her, and has the potential to be as strong as [[Egwene]] ({{tsr|23}}). She knows almost nothing about Healing, but has the Talents of Unweaving and [[Reading Residues]] ({{tfoh|32}}) ({{tpod|2}}).

When Aviendha first meets Mat, he asks her if she can "do any dances without spears." Her response is apparently less than satisfactory for Mat. ({{tdr|56}})

Aviendha, in a group with [[Jolien]], [[Dailin (1)|Dailin]], [[Bain]], and [[Chiad]], is among the last of the Aiel sent by the Wise Ones to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn. It is during this search that she first meets Egwene, [[Elayne]], and Nynaeve. Aviendha asks for their help to Heal Dailin, who has been injured. Aviendha finds it strange that three Aes Sedai would make their way to [[Tear (City)|Tear]], so she follows them to see what they will do once Nynaeve Heals Dailin. When the three are captured, Aviendha goes for help and rescues them. ({{tdr|39}})

As per [[Moiraine]]'s order, Aviendha stays close to Elayne, Egwene, and Nynaeve in the [[Stone of Tear]]. Egwene thinks that if the two got to know each other better, they could become friends. ({{tsr|5}})

Aviendha visits Egwene in her rooms while in the Stone of Tear, and the two spend time together laughing and talking. Though they don't always understand each others' ways, the two become friends. ({{tsr|9}}) Aviendha also helps Egwene prepare for her journey into [[Aiel Waste|the Waste]] ({{tsr|16}}).

When Egwene tells Elayne that Aviendha has the spark, she is not surprised. Elayne says she feels a kinship for the Aiel just as she does for others who can channel. Both Egwene and Amys think that Aviendha will be very strong. ({{tsr|35}})

When Rand asks Aviendha why she doesn't like him, she first tells him that as He Who Comes With the Dawn, she cannot like nor dislike him. She then hints that she may spite him for going to [[Rhuidean]] for honor and yet still be "free", while she must go and be tied to the Wise Ones, studying. She also says that he treats Elayne badly, but since Egwene still likes him, and she is friends with Egwene, she will give him a chance. ({{tsr|22}})

Later, Rand sees Aviendha on her return from Rhuidean. He is happy to see her, even though she dislikes him, for her dislike does not stem from who he is. She dislikes him simply because she feels he mistreats Elayne. Aviendha, however, stares at him with pure hate. Rand realizes that, having just gone to Rhuidean, she would now know of the prophecy stating that he would destroy the Aiel. Mat warns Rand not to turn his back on her. ({{tsr|34}})

Aviendha tells Rand that Elayne is the woman for him, saying that she is a wetlander like him and, much to Rand's embarrassment, describes Elayne's body in blatant detail. She then goes on to scold Rand for rejecting Elayne after she "bared her heart" to him in letters. ({{tsr|36}})

During their journey through the Waste, Aviendha is adamant about Rand's relationship with Elayne. When she catches him looking at another woman, she scolds him, saying "You belong to Elayne." ({{tsr|37}}) She even tells him: "If I could, I would take you ''gai'shain'' and give you to Elayne!" ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand snaps at Aviendha for her lack of respect for him, Rhuarc intercedes that he will not be treated as a "wetlander king," although, he says, "Some do push the bounds of honor." At hearing that, Aviendha tenses up and holds her tongue. ({{tsr|37}})

After a few days of travel, Egwene approaches Rand and yells at him, telling him to stop doing whatever it is that is upsetting Aviendha so ({{tsr|37}}).

As Rand retires for bed, Aviendha follows him to his tent and then is there the next morning when he wakes. Rand is happy to see her, because he knows who she is and what her feelings for him are. ({{tsr|37}})

For the majority of the trip, Aviendha walks besides Rand's horse. Sometimes Rand walks along with her, but he is not able to walk for as long as she can. Occasionally he has been able to get her to ride along with him, saying he gets a crick in his neck from looking down at her all the time, although even the slightest laugh from any Aiel gets her off the horse and walking once more. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha lectures Rand on Aiel customs as they travel, and he finds it enjoyable at times. Whenever she realizes that they begin to talk as two normal people would, she snaps at him and returns to her stony self, as if having been caught in a trap. ({{tsr|48}})

Of all the Aiel traveling with them, Aviendha is the only one who talks with Rand at any length ({{tsr|48}}).

Rand thinks he sees compassion on Aviendha's face once, when the Wise Ones approach him to see how he is, although as soon as she sees Rand looking at her, it is gone ({{tsr|48}}).

Keille mentions to Rand that perhaps Aviendha shows contempt for him because he belongs to another. Rand disagrees with her, saying: "Aviendha would plant a knife in my ribs if she believed I had thought of her that way." ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand tells Aviendha that he does not know what he ever did to her, she replies "You have done nothing to me, and you never will." ({{tsr|49}})

Rand tries to give Aviendha a bracelet in thanks for her teachings. Aviendha at first does not want to take the gift, but eventually does. When she finds out that he got it from other Maidens, she realizes that they think he is trying to get her interest and approve. She will not let Rand take the gift back after this, saying it would take away her honor, and instead says they must think what they do, even if it means nothing. ({{tsr|50}}) Throughout the rest of the journey, however, Aviendha tries to hide the bracelet from the other Maidens ({{tsr|57}}).

During that same encounter, Aviendha apologizes to Rand for her attitude at dinner earlier. Rand later learns that this apology was not forced by the Wise Ones, but sincere and voluntary. ({{tsr|50}})

== Becoming a Wise One ==

Aviendha was almost not allowed to go across the Dragonwall to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn, as she had other duties to begin training as a Wise One ({{tdr|39}}). As it is, she is late to begin her training ({{tsr|23}}).

When Aviendha is finally summoned to Rhuidean, she is very reluctant to go. Moiraine tells her she has received a message from the Wise Ones telling her to report at once. Aviendha instead wants to go to [[Tanchico]] with Nynaeve and Elayne to hunt for the [[Black Ajah]]. ({{tsr|12}})

Aviendha does not want to become a Wise One, and refuses training at first, wanting to remain a Maiden of the Spear. When Aviendha does agree to go to Rhuidean, she runs the whole way, determined to beat Mat and Rand there ({{tsr|23}}).

Aviendha, as well as Moiraine, is still in Rhuidean by the time Rand and Mat return. Rand suggests going back to Rhuidean to look for Aviendha and Moiraine, but [[Melaine]] explodes, telling him that he would not come back out alive. Later that afternoon, on the seventh day since everyone left, Rand sees a very sunburned and weary Aviendha scrambling up the mountain ({{tsr|34}}).

Upon Aviendha's return, the Wise Ones take her into a tent, where she later emerges wearing a bulky brown skirt with a loose white blouse, and a shawl looped around her arms. She looks less than happy, and when she sees Rand, she gives him a look of pure "animal rage." ({{tsr|34}})

Later that evening, Aviendha is in the sweat tent along with the other Wise Ones, Moiraine, and Egwene when they discuss Rand. She tosses water into a kettle, creating steam for the tent, and has a sour look on her face. Egwene empathizes as she remembers the chores she had to do as a novice in the White Tower. ({{tsr|35}})

During this meeting, [[Bair]] orders Aviendha to watch Rand for the Wise Ones. She is to get as close to him as she can and talk to him, to see if he will let anything slip. This may get in the way of her training, but the Wise Ones believe it is the only way. Aviendha refuses, bursting out, almost in tears, that she hates him. The Wise Ones threaten her with chores, expecting to be obeyed, and some of Aviendha's stubbornness recedes. It is not until Egwene asks her to do it for her, and to look after him for Elayne, that Aviendha finally says "I will watch him for Elayne." ({{tsr|35}})

The next morning, Aviendha waits for Rand outside his tent and stays with him the entire day. Rand describes her as she walks beside his horse: "Stalking. If she were a cat, she would be lashing her tail." ({{tsr|36}})

During his training with [[Lan]], Rand asks how to defeat an Aiel attack. Aviendha explodes, demanding to know why he would want to fight his own people, and why he would ask a wetlander instead of an Aiel anyway. [[Rhuarc]] approaches and scolds Aviendha for sulking so long, telling her there is a limit even though she suffered a disappointment, and that her obligation to her people will not be fulfilled by her petty tantrums. Aviendha glowers as if blaming Rand for being scolded. ({{tsr|37}})

That evening, the group gets attacked while at the campfire by [[Trollocs]]. Though she has given up the spear, Aviendha uses a corner of her shawl to veil her face and fights along with the rest of them. ({{tsr|37}}) She is later scolded by the Wise One's for her actions ({{tsr|48}}).

When Rand tells Egwene how he is uncomfortable around Aviendha, the Wise Ones have a talk with her. Upon her return, Aviendha demands that she teach him about Aiel ways and customs. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha's nights and parts of some days are spent with the Wise Ones, during which she learns about channeling and becoming one of them ({{tsr|48}}).

One of Aviendha's first times channeling is a giant ball of fire, which tumbles out ahead of the Wise Ones' party before winking out on the horizon. The Wise Ones are very excited when this happens. ({{tsr|48}})

When the group reaches Cold Rocks Hold, and it is apparent that Rand does not know everything he should about the Aiel, the Wise Ones threaten to scold Aviendha in private. Rand intercedes in her defense, saying that she was a good teacher. He asks that she remain as such. ({{tsr|49}})

Aviendha shows a temper during dinner that night, and is told to dust carpets in order to work it out. She says it may take all night. ({{tsr|50}})

Aviendha is currently an Apprentice. Aviendha is strong in the One Power. Her Talents include Unweaving and Reading Residues and she is known for weaving particularly strong Wards ({{cot|14}}). She has had hostility attracted to her from other Aes Sedai due to the fact that she is a wilder ({{cot|11}}). In common with many Aiel, she finds a delight in rain ({{kod|13}}).

Strongly muscled but softly curved ({{tfoh|31}}), Aviendha stands taller than an average woman due to her Aiel blood. Her hair is a dark red hue and shoulder length, growing out from her Maiden's cut. Her eyes are a deep blue green that blaze with fire to match her personality and nature.

"He had given her the ivory bracelet she wore, roses amongst thorns, suiting her nature." –( ({{loc|16}}).

Abandoning ''cadin'sor'', the chose attire of the Maidens, Aviendha dresses in the garb of a Wise One; bulky gray skirts, pale blouse, thick woolen shawl and a dark head scarf folded around her temples to keep her growing hair back. She is never without three favored pieces of jewelry; a necklace of silver snowflakes given to her by her Near-Sister Egwene al'Vere ({{tfoh|7}}), from Rand al'Thor an ivory bracelet carved with roses and thorns, and an amber brooch in the shape of a turtle that is known to be an ''[[angreal]]''. Apart from these pieces she wears no other ornamentation. However, Aviendha harbors a secret love of silks and velvets. At first she shies away from them, but grows to love them when Daughter-Heir Elayne Trakand encourages her to get used to wearing them, although she would never admit this! ({{cot|13}})

Aviendha, like all Aiel, takes the law of ''[[ji'e'toh]]'' very seriously, and is constantly bemused and frustrated at wetlander's inability to follow suit. She believes she has incurred a great ''toh'' towards Elayne for her intimate relationship with Rand ({{tfoh|31}}).

Aviendha is currently residing in the Sun Palace of Caemlyn with Elayne. She is present at many of the affairs of State that Elayne must see to, such as status reports from [[Halwin Norry|Norry]], [[Birgitte]] and the [[Reene Harfor|First Maid]] ({{cot|11}}), dealing with the [[Atha'an Miere]] ({{cot|12}}), meeting High Seats of Houses ({{cot|13}}), as well as continuing her studies to become a Wise One. It is during this time at the Sun Palace that both Aviendha and Elayne feel the tremendous channeling to the West as Rand attempts to cleanse ''saidin''. ({{cot|12}})

*She discovers she can identify the use of ''ter'angreal'' ({{kod|15}}).

*[[Nadere]] and [[Dorindha (1)|Dorindha]] tell her she has neglected her training too long and take her away to [[Arad Doman]] ({{kod|15}}).
===The Gathering Storm Timeline===
*Aviendha scouts with [[Rhuarc]]. She is punished for doing so ({{tgs|3}}).
*After taking her to Arad Doman, the Wise One do not give her any further training. Instead, they are punishing her, but she does not know why ({{tgs|3}}).
*Amys asks her what she plans to do about Min. Aviendha tells Amys that they will reach an accommodation and she will marry Rand ({{tgs|3}}).
*When Adrin is killed by a [[Bubble of Evil]], Aviendha saves the mansion from burning down ({{tgs|11}}).
*Melaine asks her opinion of Rand's plan for the Merchant's Council ({{tgs|11}}).
*Min approaches Aviendha to discuss Rand, but only succeeds in annoying her ({{tgs|26}}).
*While annoyed, she sees the Wise Ones to complain about their treatment of her and rejects their punishments. They tell her this is what they have wanted ({{tgs|26}}).
*She Travels to [[Cold Rocks Hold]] to go through the stone columns in Rhuidean ({{tgs|26}}).

'''Towers of Midnight'''

As the final requirement to become a Wise One, Aviendha Travels to the Waste to go through the glass column ''ter’angreal'' in Rhuidean. While traveling on foot from Cold Rocks Hold to Rhuidean, Aviendha camps one night beside a huge rock formation. She reflects on the obvious, through her lens, inferiority of the wetlands compared to the Waste. She is roasting a “shellback,” when a mysterious woman appears from out of the darkness. The woman gives her name as [[Nakomi]], and she asks Aviendha a number of disturbing questions about the Aiel, question connected to the future and purpose of the Aiel after the Last Battle, living in the wetlands, ''toh'', and related matters. Nakomi leaves the camp, disappearing into the night as she had come. Aviendha cannot find her and is left with these questions concerning the Aiel unresolved ({{tom|39}}).

The night before Aviendha is to go through the glass columns of Rhuidean, she sits on a rock outcropping which overlooks the city, mulling over issues of the Aiel, Rand, Elayne and the [[Seanchan]]. What the Seanchan had done in capturing Wise Ones could not be tolerated. She reaffirms her resolve to go through the ''ter’angreal'' and become a Wise One ({{tom|45}}).

Aviendha, having just completed her trek through the ''ter’angreal'', walks out of the glass columns somewhat disappointed. There had been no real surprises for her, and her ancestors’ journey to the Waste does not seem extraordinary to her in the least. Knowing how she had “read” ''ter’angreal'' in the palace in Caemlyn, she reaches out and touches one of the glass columns with her hand. The power in this ''ter’angreal'' is too overwhelming for her. Aviendha turns to go and…She was [[Malidra]], a scavenging creature who is killed by a device of advanced technology. Then Aviendha is herself once again. She is confused, wondering if this viewing is from a time before what she had seen inside the columns. She has come for answers so decides to journey through the columns once more if it is possible ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Norlesh]], a woman with her husband and two children. They are in the Waste, they are destitute, and they are starving. Norlesh’s husband tries to trade ore for food but all have been forbidden to trade with Aiel. Aviendha is once more herself and cannot believe that Aiel would behave so. In trepidation she takes another step ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Tava]], fourteen years old and running and screaming amidst the flames in the canyon. The attackers of the Hold ride large, leathery flying beasts. The invaders wear helmets which look like large insect heads. Tava’s father tries to rally the remaining Aiel to rebuild the Hold. They are, however, dispirited, and they disperse. Aviendha is crying. She knows now that those were Seanchan invaders, and that this is not the long, past history of her people but the future ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Ladalin]], a Wise One of the Taardad Aiel. She cannot channel. There are only three clan chiefs and two Wise Ones, all that is left of the Council of twenty-two. Ladalin had been a maiden of the spear, and she has known only war her entire life. In the Aiel mind there are only themselves and Seanchan. Only four clans remain intact. The Aiel are losing the war against the Seanchan, and although the Seanchan have warned them that they will be hunted down if they retreat to the Three-fold Land, the small council decides to return to the Waste. Aviendha steps forward again, nearly to the center of the ''ter’angreal'', tears streaming down her face. She cannot understand how this has happened. Another step ({{tom|49}}).

She was [[Oncala]], Maiden of the Spear, descendant of the Dragon. She and the Aiel with her are in Caemlyn to seek help from the throne. Oncala resents almost every aspect of Andor, especially the royal house. She takes offense at nearly everything done or said. The Aiel and Seanchan are at an impasse. Oncala and one of her party have acquired secret Seanchan papers to show the Andoran Queen in the hope that she will be provoked to take action against the Seanchan. They are purposely deceiving the Queen by leaving out one of the sheets. This ploy works, and not only Andor, but the other nations enter the war against the Seanchan. It was this act that gave the Seanchan the perceived impetus to attack the other nations. Aviendha feels devastated. Oncala had thought of her great mother—the face in Oncala’s mind was the face of Aviendha. She steps into the center of the glass columns ({{tom|49}}).

She is [[Padra]], Maiden of the Spear, daughter of the Dragon Reborn and one of four siblings, all of whom can channel and have since childhood. She sees herself as superior to both Aes Sedai and Wise Ones. After killing Seanchan through a Gateway, she goes through her own Gateway to the Aiel camp in Arad Doman. The Aiel have never assimilated into the Wetland cities. She enters a tent in which her siblings and the clan chiefs are meeting. They still consider themselves to be warriors and look with derision on wetlanders and their ways. The Aiel are rudderless, Rand not having known what to do with them; they lack identity. Padra leads the council in deciding to declare war on the Seanchan ({{tom|49}}).

It is night. Aviendha, emotions ravaged, cries out for the columns to show her more, but the ''ter’angreal'' is silent. Is what she experienced destined or fluid? What she saw seemed absolute, but she knows she must do whatever necessary to try to circumvent this disaster. She runs into the desert, away from Rhuidean, to think on all she has experienced before returning to the wetlands to confer with the other Wise Ones ({{tom|49}}).

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== Miscellaneous ==

*Aviendha has a first-sister, [[Niella]], a weaver, who always wanted Aviendha to wed rather than take the spear. Nielle was recently taken ''[[gai'shain]]'' by Chareen Maidens. ({{tfoh|32}})

*Aviendha's sister-mother, [[Lian (2)|Lian]], is sister-wife to Amys ({{tsr|12}}).

*Before crossing the Dragonwall, Aviendha used to visit Cold Rocks Hold, where Rhuarc, Amys, and Lian live ({{tsr|12}}).

*Min has a vision of her "Aviendha would have Rand's babies, too. Four of them at once! Something was odd about that, though. The babies would be healthy, but still something odd." ({{Wh|12}})).

== Strengths and Talents ==

Aviendha is involved with many events that demonstrate her strength in [[the One Power]]. Many Aes Sedai are amazed to find an Aiel who can channel when Aviendha arrives in [[Salidar]] with Mat Cauthon and the [[Band of the Red Hand]] ({{loc|38}}).

Her Talent of Unweaving is discovered when she Unweaves a gateway, an act that shocks all channelers present as it is meant to be a very dangerous and almost impossible feat ({{tpod|2}}). She is also a member of the circle that uses [[the Bowl of the Winds]] to amend the strange weather cycles that have been gripping the lands ({{tpod|5}}).

Aviendha is able to identify the uses for the ''ter'angreal'' in Elayne's rooms. She offers to take over the study of the ''ter'angreal'', but the Wise Ones send her away to continue her training ({{kod|13}}).

Aviendha is no better than Elayne at [[Healing]] ({{kod|13}}).

== Relationships ==

Aviendha tries to push Rand away from her as she believes that is the only way of clearing her ''toh'' to Elayne. Finally, she succumbs as she knows her heart is true. She saw in the arches of Rhuidean that she would be romantically linked with Rand and she knew that she could not deny the truth ({{tfoh|31}}). Elayne and Aviendha both realize their love for Rand and realize it is a blessing, not a curse upon them both. They both then undertake the ceremony to be bonded as [[first sister bond|First-Sisters]], under the midwifery of the Wise One Monaelle ({{Prol9}}]).

Aviendha and Elayne now decided that they will Bond Rand as their [[Warder]]. Despite his initial protests for their safety and sanity, he agrees. Recognizing Rand's love for [[Min]] as well as themselves, Aviendha and Elayne include her into the weave, and therefore the Bond ({{wh|12}}). Aviendha, Elayne and Min will be sister-wives in the Aiel way, if they all are to marry Rand. Min also has a viewing that Aviendha will bear Rand's children. Quintuplets! ({{wh|12}}). While Elayne is pregnant however, Aviendha has appointed herself, along with Elayne's Warder Birgitte, as her First-Sister's carer and takes this job very seriously.

== Quotes ==

"I do not argue- when you make sense, Rand al'Thor." ({{tfoh2|Chapter 32}})

"Laugh while you can, wetlander. When this land begins to break you, it will be a fitting punishment for your treatment of Elayne." ({{tsr2|Chapter 37}})

"It is stupid to anger Aes Sedai." ({{tsr2|Chapter 48}})

"Yes, Rand al'Thor. I hate you with all of my heart. And I always will". (Aviendha tries to hate Rand and push him away as she feels that Rand really belongs to Elayne. She has been asked to watch over Rand and feels guilty for loving him; {{tfoh2|Chapter 4}}).

"My sister has you by the ear, [[Zaida din Parede]]. Hung up by the ankles in fact." (Aviendha makes fun of the Sea Folk. Hanging people from the rigging by their ankles is a punishment of the Sea Folk that is a constant source of amusement for Aviendha. She possesses the strange sense of humor that is typical to an Aiel that "could be rough at times." ({{cot2|Chapter 13}} She can also be very blunt as she has never learned that words can cut as deep as one of her Maiden's spears; {{cot2|Chapter 12}})

"Always assume your enemy will do what you do not want. Decide what you least want them to do and plan on that." (Aviendha speaks to Dyelin about which houses will ally themselves with Elayne; {{cot2|Chapter 14}})

"Men cause trouble even when they are elsewhere." (Aviendha and Elayne comfort each other about Rand's absence and safety after feeling the massive wave of Channeling in the West; {{cot2|Chapter 14}}))

"No longer a Maiden, not quite a Wise One. Her entire identity had been wrapped up in those spears, her self forged into their steel as surely as the carbon that strengthened them. She had grown from childhood certain that she would be ''Far Dareis Mai''. Indeed, she had joined the Maidens as soon as possible" ({{tgs2|Chapter 3}})

""If you make a bridal wreath for my first-sister and me, I will pick it up." (to Rand, {{wh2|Chapter 12}}).

"He had offered her marriage once. A man! Offering marriage! Another of those strange wetlander customs. Even disregarding the strangeness of it, disregarding the insult his proposal had shown Elayne, Aviendha could never have accepted Rand al'Thor as her husband. Couldn’t he understand that a woman must bring honor to a marriage? What could a mere apprentice offer? Would he have her come to him as an inferior? It would shame her completely to do that" (about Rand, {{tgs2|Chapter 3}}).

"She took even longer than you, Amys! As stubborn a girl as I’ve ever seen" (Melaine, {{tgs2|Chapter 26}}).

"’If that is the case, why would we return to this land? Would that not be like seeking more punishment, once ''toh'' is met?’" (Nakomi to Aviendha on when ''toh'' has been met, {{tom|Chapter 39}}).

"But how could they be happy, when the Light-cursed Seanchan were in the land? Her hatred of the invaders ran deep…Perhaps that hatred had destroyed the Aiel." (Ladalin’s thoughts concerning the Dragon’s desire for peace, {{tom|Chapter 49}}).

"She knew she was not good with people. When she spoke, insults were too common." (Oncala in the Andoran Court, {{tom|Chapter 49}}).

"'I don’t want to go on.'" (Aviendha inside the glass column ''ter’angreal'' after seeing Oncala, {{tom|Chapter 49}}).
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[[Category:Aiel Characters]]
[[Category:Channelers]]
[[Category:Maidens of the Spear]]
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Matrim Cauthon

2011-01-22T07:27:52Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Quotes */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Heal]]ed by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ({{tdr|30}})

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ({{teotw|1}}). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ({{teotw|2}}). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ({{teotw|7}}). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ({{teotw|10}}).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called [[The Stag and Lion]]. ({{teotw|13}}) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ({{teotw|14}}).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ({{teotw|15}}; {{ch1|16}}). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ({{teotw|17}}).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ({{teotw|18}}) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ({{teotw|18}}).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a [[ruby dagger|dagger]] with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ({{teotw|19}}).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''[[Spray]]''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ({{teotw|32}}; {{ch1|33}}).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named '[[The Queen's Blessing]],' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ({{teotw|35}});{{ch1|36}})

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ({{teotw|41}}; {{ch1|42}}).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ({{teotw|43}}).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ({{teotw|44}}; {{ch1|45}}).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|48}}) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|49}}) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ({{teotw|50}}; {{ch1|52}}).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ({{teotw|53}}).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named '[[The Good Queen]]' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]], Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named '[[The Wandering Woman]].' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; {{ch7|16}}). He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {{ch7|21}}).

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch7|28}}; {{ch7|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch7|37}}; {{ch7|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before [[the Breaking]], Mat rants to Talmanes about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Sedai]], predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the Band's soldiers ride down the road to the village of Hinderstap. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moiraine]], and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of Hinderstap, approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, [[The Tipsy Gelding]]. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to Hinderstap, allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and [[Thom]] to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called [[The Shaken Fist]]. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and [[Thom]] ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the Band. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]]'' pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sedai]], [[Verin Mathwin]]. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. Verin begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that Verin uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. Verin then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at Verin insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''[[ta'veren]]'' person in centuries. Verin warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. Verin begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and Verin sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: Verin will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after Verin departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. Verin uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).

Mat, now in Caemlyn and going by the alias of Lord Crimson, sits in a tavern named the Seven-striped Lass stewing over Verin’s letter. After leaving this tavern, he visits two more. In the first tavern, Mat hears of a man whose throat has been ripped out, the blood drained from his body. Mat knows this has to be the ''gholam'', and the dice begin clattering in his head. As he begins to leave, Mat sees a paper being shown, a paper with, he is sure, his picture on it. At the next tavern Thom is performing. Mat tells Thom of the ''gholam'' attack. They discuss plans for the Tower of Ghenjei as they walk back to camp. Teslyn detains him before he can retire for the night; she informs him that she and the other Aes Sedai will be departing for Tar Valon. Surprisingly, perhaps, she thanks him for her rescue. Even more surprisingly, Mat voluntarily offers her horses for the trip. As soon as he enters his tent, he smells it—blood! ({{tom|8}}).

At the scent of the blood, Mat ducks and is immediately attacked. Screaming, “Bloody Murder,” he gathers his ''ashandarei'', slashes the tent, and leaps out, wrenching the foxhead medallion from his neck. Mat goes on the offensive, swinging the foxhead. It is the ''gholam'', and he tells Mat that he has been ordered to kill Thom, Noal, and Tuon if he does not kill Mat tonight. Teslyn enters the fight, using Air to hurl objects at the ''gholam'' since she cannot touch the creature directly with the Power. Terrified that the blood is Olver’s, Mat rushes into the tent finding Lopin, his serving man and a couple of Red Arms dead. Olver has been with Noal, playing Snakes and Foxes. Mat warns Thom and Noal. Joline barges in and asks for horses for the trip to Tar Valon. Mat agrees ({{tom|9}}).

Mat sends Elayne a very irreverent letter which she loves ({{tom|11}}).

The Aes Sedai, warders, former ''sul’dam'', Juilin, Thera, Bayle Domon, and Egeanin leave for Tar Valon. Seta refers to Mat as “Highness.” He tries to reassure them that maybe he can convince Tuon of the validity of channeling. The ''sul’dam'' seem to take his words as a promise to remedy the problem for certain. Mat tells Teslyn to inform the Amyrlin that the White Tower has something of his and that he will be coming to claim it soon. He is referring to the Horn of Valere. Setalle Anan is not departing; she and Mat discuss her former status as an Aes Sedai and concerning her taking care of Olver (tom|17}}).

Mat and Thom meet with Elayne in the Palace. Elayne gives Thom official papers absolving him from any crimes and making him court bard of Caemlyn. She and Mat haggle over making the dragons. As part of the bargain, Mat agrees to let Elayne study the foxhead medallion ({{tom|19}}).

Mat is joined in an inn by Noal and Thom to discuss the Tower of Ghenjei. Rumors about Mat abound in Caemlyn. He knows they make him more vulnerable to attack and is proven correct when he is attacked in an alley. The attacker, whom Mat is forced to kill, bears a paper with Mat’s picture on it and gold coin. Mat meets with Birgitte in a tavern to question her about the Tower of Ghenjei. She unsuccessfully tries to dissuade him to abandon this venture ({{tom|22}}).

Mat and Birgitte appear in the dungeon just after Elayne has been injured and healed. Later Mat materializes, peeking around the door of Elayne’s bedroom as she recovers from the dungeon attack, wanting to know if Elayne is decent ({{tom|23}}; {{ch10|24}}).

Aludra gives a demonstration of the prototype dragon for Elayne. Mat is, of course, present ({{tom|29}}).

Mat, playing dice in The Dusty Wheel, knows he is winning without actually being familiar with the game. Once he is recognized, he leaves the tavern. The instant he steps outside, the dice stop. He prepares for what he is sure to come, affixing the foxhead medallion to the ''ashandarei''. Men of the Band help when thugs approach; they hang back when the ''gholam'' appears. Mat and the ''gholam'' engage in combat until Mat lures the creature into a building where one of the Kinswomen has a skimming platform ready. Mat, using medallion copies which Elayne has made, forces the ''gholam'' over the edge and into the void ({{tom|31}}).

Perrin has arrived in Caemlyn by gateway. Mat accosts him with a bagged badger, also warning his friend of their constantly endangered state ({{tom|44}}).

Mat, Perrin, and Thom meet in a tavern, each relaying their stories since they have been parted then discussing the Tower of Ghenjei. Perrin, especially, is fairly stunned by what he hears from the other two ({{tom|47}}).

Perrin has Grady open a gateway from the Traveling ground, depositing Mat, Thom, and Noal near the River Arinelle, the Tower of Ghenjei in view. The three men make their way through the forest to the tower. Thom uses a bronze knife to open a triangular doorway into the tower. The tower has transported them to the realm of the Eelfinn and the Aelfinn. The interior is a maze-like network of shifting rooms and corridors in which they would be thoroughly lost without Mat’s luck and dice ({{tom|53}}).

The three have a number of unpleasant encounters with the Eelfinn, where the men use dice, music, fire, fireworks, and iron, fending off the fox-like creatures as best they can. They enter a room with a black lump in the middle of the floor. Mat recognizes it as the Eelfinn side of the melted stone doorway from Rhuidean. Here they must escape numerous of the creatures until they reach Moiraine in the Chamber of Bonds. She is floating in the air, clothed in mist or steam. Thom is burned as he rescues her. She is unconscious and wearing an odd bracelet. Here Mat must bargain with the Eelfinn—the price has been set: half the light of the world—to save the world. Mat’s left eye. In his bargain, Mat has neglected to include the Aelfinn in the requirement to let them leave the tower. Down one of the corridors, the snake-like Aelfinn appear and begin chase ({{tom|54}}).

After they attempt futilely to escape, Noal chooses to sacrifice himself to save the others. He positions himself in a narrow corridor with the remaining fireworks. Before Mat, Thom and Moiraine leave the old man, he reveals that he is Jain Farstrider. They run and finally reach the room holding the archway leading into the red stone doorway in the Stone of Tear. It has been smashed. They are trapped, and as the Aelfinn move in for the kill, Mat realizes that the ''ashandarei'' is the key to escape this sinister realm. He cuts an inverted triangular opening in the wall, then he and Thom, who is carrying Moiraine, run out of the tower in a flash of white light ({{tom|55}}).

Mat, Thom, and Moiraine sit below the Tower of Ghenjei talking. Mat is shocked when he discovers that Thom and Moiraine have feelings for each other. He leaves them alone, hoping to find Grady’s gateway. While at the Arinelle, he makes a cairn for Noal, kills a rabbit, and finds a nearly new cook pot at the river’s edge, thinking of his luck ({{tom|57}}).

Back in Caemlyn Olver plays Snakes and Foxes with Talmanes. At the final play, Olver wins! There is question about the exact timeline at this moment, but there is some speculation that Olver wins the board game at the exact moment that Mat beats the Snakes and Foxes in real life. Afterward, Olver opens Verin’s letter. It is a warning that Caemlyn is going to be attacked by the Shadow’s forces entering through the abandoned Waygate. Verin thought Mat’s curiosity would have provoked him to open it earlier. She had apparently known nothing about Moiraine and the Tower of Ghenjei. Olver and Talmanes see that Caemlyn is on fire ({{tom|Epilogue}}).

[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ({{teotw|1}})

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ({{teotw|3}})

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ({{teotw|2}})

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ({{teotw|1}})

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. They were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
{{Main|Mat's Memories}}

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of Hinderstap leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells [[Talmanes]] that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

'''7.'''

The dice begin rattling in the Dead Man's Breath when Mat hears of a man drained of blood ({{tom|8}}).

Later on, during Mat's stay in Caemlyn, the dice stop when Mat leaves The Dusty Wheel. The ''gholam'' appears shortly afterward ({{tom|31}}).

[[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; {{tgh2|Chapter 47}})

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; {{tdr2|Chapter 24}})

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; {{tsr2|Chapter 24}})

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; {{tfoh2|Chapter 42}})

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; {{loc2|Chapter 38}})

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; {{wh2|Chapter 31}})

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] on broken road; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to [[Talmanes]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." ([[Thom]] to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to [[Thom]], and in the hearing of [[Talmanes]], concerning being married to [[Tuon]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"She's not a woman, [[Talmanes]]...she's an [[Aes Sedai]]. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] about [[Joline]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 28}})

"You're [[Aes Sedai]]. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''[[saidar]]''ed it." (Mat to [[Verin]] regarding the pictures of him and [[Perrin]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 36}})

"He was a married man, and could not afford to charm her, but he could keep an eye out for his friends." (Mat in the taverns of Caemlyn; {{tom2|Chapter 8}})

"'Of course I am. . .How else is she going to trust that it’s really from me?'" (Mat to Joline about swearing in his letter to Elayne; {{tom2|Chapter 17}})

"'Just because a man marries someone doesn’t mean he suddenly becomes bloody nobility.'" (Mat on not being a nobleman; {{tom2|Chapter 19}})

"'Al dival, al kiserai, al mashi!' For light, glory, and love!"
"'Tai’daishar!' True Blood of Battle!"
"'Carai manshimaya Tylin. Carai an manshimaya Nalesean. Carai an manshimaya ayend’an!' Honor of my blade for Tylin. Honor of my blade for Nalesean. Honor of my blade for the fallen." (Mat’s Old Tongue litany for the fallen dead when fighting the gholam: {{tom2|Chapter 31}})

"'Courage to strengthen, Fire to blind. Music to dazzle. Iron to bind.'" "'And Matrim Cauthon to bloody even the odds.'" (Noal with the rhyme and Mat to finish, as they enter the Tower of Ghenjei; {{tom2|Chapter 53}})

"'Welcome, son of battles.'" (The Eelfinn; {{tom2|Chapter 54}})

"'…And the gambler becomes the center of all!...'" (The Eelfinn after they’ve taken Mat’s eye; {{tom2|Chapter 54}})

"'If you ever meet a Malkieri,’ Noal said, ‘you tell him Jain Farstrider died clean.'" ({{tom2|Chapter 55}})

"'But to be bonded to a woman? Isn’t going to happen to Matrim Cauthon.'" (Mat to Thom and Moiraine on being a Warder; {{tom2|Chapter 57}})

[[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]

Matrim Cauthon

2011-01-22T07:00:08Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* The Dice */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Heal]]ed by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ({{tdr|30}})

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ({{teotw|1}}). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ({{teotw|2}}). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ({{teotw|7}}). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ({{teotw|10}}).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called [[The Stag and Lion]]. ({{teotw|13}}) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ({{teotw|14}}).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ({{teotw|15}}; {{ch1|16}}). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ({{teotw|17}}).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ({{teotw|18}}) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ({{teotw|18}}).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a [[ruby dagger|dagger]] with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ({{teotw|19}}).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''[[Spray]]''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ({{teotw|32}}; {{ch1|33}}).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named '[[The Queen's Blessing]],' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ({{teotw|35}});{{ch1|36}})

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ({{teotw|41}}; {{ch1|42}}).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ({{teotw|43}}).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ({{teotw|44}}; {{ch1|45}}).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|48}}) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|49}}) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ({{teotw|50}}; {{ch1|52}}).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ({{teotw|53}}).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named '[[The Good Queen]]' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]], Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named '[[The Wandering Woman]].' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; {{ch7|16}}). He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {{ch7|21}}).

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch7|28}}; {{ch7|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch7|37}}; {{ch7|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before [[the Breaking]], Mat rants to Talmanes about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Sedai]], predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the Band's soldiers ride down the road to the village of Hinderstap. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moiraine]], and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of Hinderstap, approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, [[The Tipsy Gelding]]. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to Hinderstap, allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and [[Thom]] to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called [[The Shaken Fist]]. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and [[Thom]] ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the Band. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]]'' pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sedai]], [[Verin Mathwin]]. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. Verin begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that Verin uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. Verin then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at Verin insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''[[ta'veren]]'' person in centuries. Verin warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. Verin begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and Verin sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: Verin will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after Verin departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. Verin uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).

Mat, now in Caemlyn and going by the alias of Lord Crimson, sits in a tavern named the Seven-striped Lass stewing over Verin’s letter. After leaving this tavern, he visits two more. In the first tavern, Mat hears of a man whose throat has been ripped out, the blood drained from his body. Mat knows this has to be the ''gholam'', and the dice begin clattering in his head. As he begins to leave, Mat sees a paper being shown, a paper with, he is sure, his picture on it. At the next tavern Thom is performing. Mat tells Thom of the ''gholam'' attack. They discuss plans for the Tower of Ghenjei as they walk back to camp. Teslyn detains him before he can retire for the night; she informs him that she and the other Aes Sedai will be departing for Tar Valon. Surprisingly, perhaps, she thanks him for her rescue. Even more surprisingly, Mat voluntarily offers her horses for the trip. As soon as he enters his tent, he smells it—blood! ({{tom|8}}).

At the scent of the blood, Mat ducks and is immediately attacked. Screaming, “Bloody Murder,” he gathers his ''ashandarei'', slashes the tent, and leaps out, wrenching the foxhead medallion from his neck. Mat goes on the offensive, swinging the foxhead. It is the ''gholam'', and he tells Mat that he has been ordered to kill Thom, Noal, and Tuon if he does not kill Mat tonight. Teslyn enters the fight, using Air to hurl objects at the ''gholam'' since she cannot touch the creature directly with the Power. Terrified that the blood is Olver’s, Mat rushes into the tent finding Lopin, his serving man and a couple of Red Arms dead. Olver has been with Noal, playing Snakes and Foxes. Mat warns Thom and Noal. Joline barges in and asks for horses for the trip to Tar Valon. Mat agrees ({{tom|9}}).

Mat sends Elayne a very irreverent letter which she loves ({{tom|11}}).

The Aes Sedai, warders, former ''sul’dam'', Juilin, Thera, Bayle Domon, and Egeanin leave for Tar Valon. Seta refers to Mat as “Highness.” He tries to reassure them that maybe he can convince Tuon of the validity of channeling. The ''sul’dam'' seem to take his words as a promise to remedy the problem for certain. Mat tells Teslyn to inform the Amyrlin that the White Tower has something of his and that he will be coming to claim it soon. He is referring to the Horn of Valere. Setalle Anan is not departing; she and Mat discuss her former status as an Aes Sedai and concerning her taking care of Olver (tom|17}}).

Mat and Thom meet with Elayne in the Palace. Elayne gives Thom official papers absolving him from any crimes and making him court bard of Caemlyn. She and Mat haggle over making the dragons. As part of the bargain, Mat agrees to let Elayne study the foxhead medallion ({{tom|19}}).

Mat is joined in an inn by Noal and Thom to discuss the Tower of Ghenjei. Rumors about Mat abound in Caemlyn. He knows they make him more vulnerable to attack and is proven correct when he is attacked in an alley. The attacker, whom Mat is forced to kill, bears a paper with Mat’s picture on it and gold coin. Mat meets with Birgitte in a tavern to question her about the Tower of Ghenjei. She unsuccessfully tries to dissuade him to abandon this venture ({{tom|22}}).

Mat and Birgitte appear in the dungeon just after Elayne has been injured and healed. Later Mat materializes, peeking around the door of Elayne’s bedroom as she recovers from the dungeon attack, wanting to know if Elayne is decent ({{tom|23}}; {{ch10|24}}).

Aludra gives a demonstration of the prototype dragon for Elayne. Mat is, of course, present ({{tom|29}}).

Mat, playing dice in The Dusty Wheel, knows he is winning without actually being familiar with the game. Once he is recognized, he leaves the tavern. The instant he steps outside, the dice stop. He prepares for what he is sure to come, affixing the foxhead medallion to the ''ashandarei''. Men of the Band help when thugs approach; they hang back when the ''gholam'' appears. Mat and the ''gholam'' engage in combat until Mat lures the creature into a building where one of the Kinswomen has a skimming platform ready. Mat, using medallion copies which Elayne has made, forces the ''gholam'' over the edge and into the void ({{tom|31}}).

Perrin has arrived in Caemlyn by gateway. Mat accosts him with a bagged badger, also warning his friend of their constantly endangered state ({{tom|44}}).

Mat, Perrin, and Thom meet in a tavern, each relaying their stories since they have been parted then discussing the Tower of Ghenjei. Perrin, especially, is fairly stunned by what he hears from the other two ({{tom|47}}).

Perrin has Grady open a gateway from the Traveling ground, depositing Mat, Thom, and Noal near the River Arinelle, the Tower of Ghenjei in view. The three men make their way through the forest to the tower. Thom uses a bronze knife to open a triangular doorway into the tower. The tower has transported them to the realm of the Eelfinn and the Aelfinn. The interior is a maze-like network of shifting rooms and corridors in which they would be thoroughly lost without Mat’s luck and dice ({{tom|53}}).

The three have a number of unpleasant encounters with the Eelfinn, where the men use dice, music, fire, fireworks, and iron, fending off the fox-like creatures as best they can. They enter a room with a black lump in the middle of the floor. Mat recognizes it as the Eelfinn side of the melted stone doorway from Rhuidean. Here they must escape numerous of the creatures until they reach Moiraine in the Chamber of Bonds. She is floating in the air, clothed in mist or steam. Thom is burned as he rescues her. She is unconscious and wearing an odd bracelet. Here Mat must bargain with the Eelfinn—the price has been set: half the light of the world—to save the world. Mat’s left eye. In his bargain, Mat has neglected to include the Aelfinn in the requirement to let them leave the tower. Down one of the corridors, the snake-like Aelfinn appear and begin chase ({{tom|54}}).

After they attempt futilely to escape, Noal chooses to sacrifice himself to save the others. He positions himself in a narrow corridor with the remaining fireworks. Before Mat, Thom and Moiraine leave the old man, he reveals that he is Jain Farstrider. They run and finally reach the room holding the archway leading into the red stone doorway in the Stone of Tear. It has been smashed. They are trapped, and as the Aelfinn move in for the kill, Mat realizes that the ''ashandarei'' is the key to escape this sinister realm. He cuts an inverted triangular opening in the wall, then he and Thom, who is carrying Moiraine, run out of the tower in a flash of white light ({{tom|55}}).

Mat, Thom, and Moiraine sit below the Tower of Ghenjei talking. Mat is shocked when he discovers that Thom and Moiraine have feelings for each other. He leaves them alone, hoping to find Grady’s gateway. While at the Arinelle, he makes a cairn for Noal, kills a rabbit, and finds a nearly new cook pot at the river’s edge, thinking of his luck ({{tom|57}}).

Back in Caemlyn Olver plays Snakes and Foxes with Talmanes. At the final play, Olver wins! There is question about the exact timeline at this moment, but there is some speculation that Olver wins the board game at the exact moment that Mat beats the Snakes and Foxes in real life. Afterward, Olver opens Verin’s letter. It is a warning that Caemlyn is going to be attacked by the Shadow’s forces entering through the abandoned Waygate. Verin thought Mat’s curiosity would have provoked him to open it earlier. She had apparently known nothing about Moiraine and the Tower of Ghenjei. Olver and Talmanes see that Caemlyn is on fire ({{tom|Epilogue}}).

[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ({{teotw|1}})

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ({{teotw|3}})

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ({{teotw|2}})

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ({{teotw|1}})

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. They were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
{{Main|Mat's Memories}}

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of Hinderstap leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells [[Talmanes]] that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

'''7.'''

The dice begin rattling in the Dead Man's Breath when Mat hears of a man drained of blood ({{tom|8}}).

Later on, during Mat's stay in Caemlyn, the dice stop when Mat leaves The Dusty Wheel. The ''gholam'' appears shortly afterward ({{tom|31}}).

[[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; {{tgh2|Chapter 47}})

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; {{tdr2|Chapter 24}})

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; {{tsr2|Chapter 24}})

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; {{tfoh2|Chapter 42}})

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; {{loc2|Chapter 38}})

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; {{wh2|Chapter 31}})

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] on broken road; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to [[Talmanes]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." ([[Thom]] to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to [[Thom]], and in the hearing of [[Talmanes]], concerning being married to [[Tuon]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"She's not a woman, [[Talmanes]]...she's an [[Aes Sedai]]. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] about [[Joline]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 28}})

"You're [[Aes Sedai]]. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''[[saidar]]''ed it." (Mat to [[Verin]] regarding the pictures of him and [[Perrin]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 36}})
[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]

Mat's Memories

2011-01-22T06:52:59Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore:

'''1'''

''"Soft, the winds, like springtime's fingers.
Soft, the rains, like heaven's tears.
Soft, the years roll by in gladness,
never hinting storms to come,
never hinting whirlwinds' ravage,
rain of steel and battle thunder,
war to tear the heart asunder."''

It was "Midean's Ford." An old song; of [[Manetheren]], oddly enough, and war before the Trolloc Wars. Natael did a fair job of it; nothing like Thom's sonorous recitals, of course, but the rolling words drew a crowd of Aiel thick around the edge of the fire's light. Villainous [[Aedomon]] led the [[Safer]]i down on unsuspecting Manetheren, pillaging and burning, driving all before them until King [[Buiryn]] gathered Manetheren's strength, and the men of Manetheren met the Saferi at Midean's Ford, holding, though heavily outnumbered, through three days of unrelenting battle, while the river ran red and vultures blacked the sky. On the third day, numbers dwindling, hope fading, Buiryn and his men fought their way across the ford in a desperate sortie, driving deep into Aedomon's horde, seeking to turn the enemy back by killing Aedomon himself. But forces too great to overpower swept in around them, trapping them, driving them ever in on themselves. Surrounding their king and the Red Eagle banner, they fought on, refusing surrender even when their doom became clear.

Natael sang how their courage touched even Aedomon's heart, and how at last he allowed the remnant to go free, turning his army back to Safer in honor of them.

''"Back across the blood-red water,
marching back with heads held high.
No surrender, arm or sword,
no surrender, heart or soul.
Honor be theirs, ever after,
honor all the Age shall know."''

He plucked the final chord, and the Aiel whistled their approval, drumming spears on their hide bucklers, some raising ululating cries.

It had not been that way, of course. Mat could remember ... Light, I don't want to! But it came anyway ... he remembered counseling Buiryn not to accept the offer, being told in return that the smallest chance was better than none. Aedomon, glossy black beard hanging below the steel mesh that veiled his face, drew his spearmen back, waited until they were strung out and nearly to the ford before the hidden archers rose and the cavalry charged in. As for turning back to Safer.... Mat did not think so. His last memory at the ford was trying to keep his feet, waist-deep in the river with three arrows in him, but there was something later, a fragment. Seeing Aedomon, gray-bearded now, go down in a sharp fight in a forest, toppling from his rearing horse, the spear in his back put there by an unarmored, beardless boy ({{tsr|37}}).

'''2'''

"Fool Shaido," [[Aviendha]] muttered at his back. Maybe she was right; maybe the amusement was for her riding. But Rand did not think so.

Mat galloped up trailing a cloud of yellowish brown dust, hat pulled low and spear resting upright on his stirrup iron like a lance. "What is this place, Rand?" he asked loudly, to be heard over the shouts. "All those women would say was 'Move faster. Move faster.' " Rand told him, and he frowned at the towering rock face of the butte. "You could hold that thing for years, I suppose, with supplies, but it isn't a patch on the Stone, or the Tora Harad."

"The Tora what?" Rand said. .

Mat rolled his shoulders before answering. "Just something I heard of, once." He stood in his stirrups to peer back over the heads of the Jindo toward the peddlers' train. "At least they're still with us. I wonder how long before they finish trading and go." ({{tsr|49}}).

'''3'''

Grunting, he closed his eyes again. Cute? Light! And short. Only Aiel could call him short. In every other land he had been in, he was taller than most men, if not always by much. He could remember being tall. Taller than Rand, when he rode against Artur Hawkwing. And a hand shorter than he was now when he fought beside [[Maecine]] against the [[Aelgar]]i. He had spoken to Lan, claiming he had overheard some names; the Warder said Maecine had been a king of [[Eharon]], one of the Ten Nations ... that much Mat already knew ... some four or five hundred years before [[the Trolloc Wars]]. Lan doubted that even [[the Brown Ajah]] knew more; much had been lost in the Trolloc Wars, and more in [[the War of the Hundred Years]]. Those were the earliest and latest of the memories that had been planted in his skull. Nothing after [[Artur Paendrag Tanreall]], and nothing before Maecine of Eharon ({{tfoh|22}}).

'''4'''

Scrubbing a hand through his hair, Mat sat down heavily on the coping. The memories that had once cluttered his head like raisins in a cake now blended with his own. In one part of his mind he knew he had been born in [[the Two Rivers]] twenty years before, but he could remember clearly leading the flanking attack that turned the Trollocs at [[Maighande]], and dancing in the court of Tarmandewin, and a hundred other things, a thousand. Mostly battles. He remembered dying more times than he wanted to think of. No seams between lives anymore; he could not tell his memories from the others unless he concentrated ({{tfoh|3}})

'''5'''

Frowning, he squatted with his elbows on his knees. Lan got down with him, but he hardly noticed. A dicey problem. And fascinating. "Best if you try to shove him away. Hit him from the south, mainly." He pointed to the River Gaelin; it joined the Alguenya some miles north of the city. "There are bridges up here. Leave the Shaido a clear path to them. Always leave a way out, unless you really want to find out how hard a man can fight when he's nothing to lose." His finger slid east. Wooded hills for the most part, it seemed. Probably not much different from right around here. "A blocking force here on this side of the river will make sure they go for the bridges, if it's big enough and positioned right. Once they are moving, [[Couladin]] won't want to try fighting someone ahead of him while you're coming behind." Yes. Almost exactly the same as at Jenje. "Not unless he's a complete fool, anyway. They might make it to the river in good order, but those bridges will choke them. I don't see Aiel swimming, or hunting out fords for that matter. Keep the pressure on, shove them across. With luck you'll be able to harry them all the way to the mountains." It was like Cuaindaigh Fords, too, late in the Trolloc Wars, and on much the same scale. Not much different from the Tora Shan, either. Or Sulmein Gap, before Hawkwing found his stride. The names flickered through his head, the images of bloody fields forgotten even by historians. Absorbed in the map as he was, they did not register as anything but his own remembrances. "Too bad you don't have more cavalry. Light cavalry is best for the harrying. Bite at the flanks, keep them running, and never let them settle to fight. But Aiel should do almost as well." ({{tfoh|42}})

'''6'''

The stormy meeting with Rand had gone on till the sun set, him dodging, refusing, Rand following as doggedly as Hawkwing after the rout at Cole Pass ({{tfoh|51}})

'''7'''

The music caught him up, missed notes and all, and the pattern dance, and memories floated in his head as they floated back and forth across the floor. In memory he was a head taller, with long golden mustaches and blue eyes. He wore a red-sashed coat of amber silk with a ruff of finest Barsine lace and yellow sapphire studs from [[Aramaelle]] on his chest, and he danced with a darkly beautiful emissary of the Atha'an Miere, the Sea Folk. The fine gold chain linking her nose ring to one of her multitude of earrings held tiny medallions that identified her as Wavemistress of Clan Shodin. He did not care how powerful she was; that was for the king to worry over, not a middling lord. She was beautiful and light in his arms, and they danced beneath the great crystal dome at the court of [[Shaemal]], when all the world envied [[Coremanda]]'s splendor and might. Other memories flitted around the edges, sparking off bits of that remembered dance. The morrow would bring news of increasingly heavy Trolloc raids out of [[The Blight|the Great Blight]], and another month word that Barsine of the golden spires had been ravaged and burned and the Trolloc hordes were sweeping south. So would begin what later would be called the Trolloc Wars, though none gave it that name to begin, three hundred years and more of all but unbroken battle, blood, fire and ruin before the Trollocs were driven back, the [[Dreadlords]] hunted down. So would begin the fall of Coremanda, with all its wealth and power, and [[Essenia]], with its philosophers and famed seats of learning, of Manetheren and Eharon and all of [[The Ten Nations]], smashed even in victory to rubble from which other lands would rise, lands that barely remembered the Ten Nations as more than myths of a happier time. But that lay ahead, and he banished those memories in the pleasure of this one. Tonight he danced the pattern dance with...

He blinked, for an instant startled by sunlight streaming through the windows and the fair face beaming up at him through a sheen of perspiration. Very nearly he fumbled the complex interweaving of his feet with Betse's as they whirled down the floor, but he caught himself before tripping her, the steps coming instinctively. This dance was his as surely as those memories were, borrowed or stolen, but so seamlessly woven into those he really had lived that he could no longer tell the difference without thinking. All his, now, filling holes in his own memories; he might as well have lived them all ({{loc|5}}).

'''8'''

Tylin Quintara, by the Grace of the Light, Queen of Altara, Mistress of the Four Winds, Guardian of the Sea of Storms, High Seat of House Mitsobar, awaited him in a room with yellow walls and a pale blue ceiling, standing before a huge white fireplace with a stone lintel carved into a stormy sea. She was well worth seeing, he decided. Tylin was not young ... the shiny black hair cascading over her shoulders had gray at the temples, and faint lines webbed the corners of her eyes ... nor was she exactly pretty, though the two thin scars on her cheeks had nearly vanished with age. Handsome came closer. But she was... imposing. Large dark eyes regarded him majestically, an eagle's eyes. She had little real power ... a man could ride beyond her writ in two or three days and still have a lot of Altara ahead ... but he thought she might make even an Aes Sedai step back. Like [[Isebele]] of [[Dal Calain]], who had made the Amyrlin [[Anghara]] come to her. That was one of the old memories; Dal Calain had vanished in the Trolloc Wars ({{acos|16}}).

'''9'''

She met his gaze with a merry twinkle and a grin. "There's enough noise in the common room, we could talk without being overheard. Besides, I wouldn't mind sitting and looking a bit. Elayne preaches like a Tovan councilor if I ogle a man for longer than a heartbeat."

He nodded before he thought. Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

'''10'''

"I don't bloody care about your bargains with anybody else, you daughter of the sands," Mat snapped. So his irritation was not that well under control. A man could only take so much.

Gasps rose among the women behind her. Something over a thousand years ago a Sea Folk woman had called an Essenian soldier a son of the sands just before trying to plant a blade in his ribs; the memory lay tucked inside Mat Cauthon's head, now. It was not the worst insult among the Atha'an Miere, but it came close. [[Renaile]]'s face gorged with blood; hissing, eyes bulging in fury, she leaped to her feet, that moonstone-studded dagger flashing in her fist ({{acos|39}}).

'''11'''

He went, muttering to himself. Just like an Aes Sedai. Offer to help her, and the next thing you knew, she had you scaling a sheer cliff in the middle of the night to break fifty people out of a dungeon by yourself. That had been another man, a long time dead, but he remembered it, and it fit. (Mat thinking about Teslyn.) ({{wh|19}}).

'''12'''

Setting out in search of either [Thom and Juilin] he unconsciously began humming "I'm Down at the Bottom of the Well." Well, he was, and night was falling and the rain well and truly coming down. As often happened, another name drifted up out of those old memories, a song of the Court of Takedo in [[Farashelle]], crushed a thousand years ago and more by Artur Hawkwing. The intervening years had made remarkably little change in the tune itself, though. Then, it had been called "The Last Stand of Mandenhar." Either way, it fit too bloody well ({{wh|19}}).

'''13'''

"And if I asked you to wait for three hours?" he asked, still crouching over her. "I remember the Atha'an Miere judging the passage of an hour within minutes." That fellow had not been him, but the memory was his now, passage on an Atha'an Miere vessel from [[Jaramide#Geography|Allorallen]] to [[Eharon#Geography|Barashta]], and a bright-eyed Sea Folk woman who wept when she refused to follow him ashore. (Mat to [[Nestelle din Sakura South Star]]) ({{wh|31}}).

'''14'''

"The Wheel has turned for better or worse. And it will keep on turning, as lights die and forests dim, storms call and skies break. Turn it will. The Wheel is not hope, and the Wheel does not care, the Wheel simply is. But so long as it turns, folk may hope, folk may care. For with light that fades, another will eventually grow and each storm that rages must eventually die. As long as the Wheel turns. As long as it turns. . ."

[[Thom]] recites the above words, which Mat comments have the sound of a song. [[Thom]] confirms this, telling of Doreille writing poetry in the very area in which they are riding. Though Mat still has gaps in his own memory, at this moment he has one of those other men's memories. He was standing on the walls of a mountain fort, in the Splintered Hills of [[Coremanda]], near a natural landmark called The Eagle's Reaches. A pennant-laden army was charging up the hill, arrows raining down upon them. The broken road was there, even in this ancient memory. Below Mat, a woman stood on a balcony--Doreille, the Queen of [[Aridhol]]. [[Aridhol]] had existed long before, along with [[Manetheren]]. The capital of [[Aridhol]] was now called [[Shadar Logoth]]. Though Mat quashes the other man's memory, he has his own memory, a memory of a ruby dagger, and a lust that still leaches into him ({{tgs|27}}).

'''15'''

During the insanity in Hinderstap, Mat guides Pips with his knees. He has trained Pips to obey battle commands, all from those other men's' memories ({{tgs|28}}).

'''16'''

Mat has memories from those other men of fighting in Caemlyn ({{tom|8}}).

'''17'''

When Thom is telling of the Banath People, Mat "remembers" the incident ({{tom|47}}).

[[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:The Pattern]]
[[Category:Articles to be formatted]]

Matrim Cauthon

2011-01-22T06:45:47Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Mat's Journey */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Heal]]ed by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ({{tdr|30}})

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ({{teotw|1}}). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ({{teotw|2}}). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ({{teotw|7}}). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ({{teotw|10}}).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called [[The Stag and Lion]]. ({{teotw|13}}) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ({{teotw|14}}).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ({{teotw|15}}; {{ch1|16}}). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ({{teotw|17}}).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ({{teotw|18}}) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ({{teotw|18}}).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a [[ruby dagger|dagger]] with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ({{teotw|19}}).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''[[Spray]]''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ({{teotw|32}}; {{ch1|33}}).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named '[[The Queen's Blessing]],' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ({{teotw|35}});{{ch1|36}})

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ({{teotw|41}}; {{ch1|42}}).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ({{teotw|43}}).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ({{teotw|44}}; {{ch1|45}}).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|48}}) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|49}}) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ({{teotw|50}}; {{ch1|52}}).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ({{teotw|53}}).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named '[[The Good Queen]]' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]], Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named '[[The Wandering Woman]].' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; {{ch7|16}}). He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {{ch7|21}}).

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch7|28}}; {{ch7|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch7|37}}; {{ch7|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before [[the Breaking]], Mat rants to Talmanes about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Sedai]], predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the Band's soldiers ride down the road to the village of Hinderstap. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moiraine]], and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of Hinderstap, approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, [[The Tipsy Gelding]]. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to Hinderstap, allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and [[Thom]] to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called [[The Shaken Fist]]. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and [[Thom]] ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the Band. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]]'' pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sedai]], [[Verin Mathwin]]. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. Verin begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that Verin uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. Verin then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at Verin insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''[[ta'veren]]'' person in centuries. Verin warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. Verin begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and Verin sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: Verin will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after Verin departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. Verin uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).

Mat, now in Caemlyn and going by the alias of Lord Crimson, sits in a tavern named the Seven-striped Lass stewing over Verin’s letter. After leaving this tavern, he visits two more. In the first tavern, Mat hears of a man whose throat has been ripped out, the blood drained from his body. Mat knows this has to be the ''gholam'', and the dice begin clattering in his head. As he begins to leave, Mat sees a paper being shown, a paper with, he is sure, his picture on it. At the next tavern Thom is performing. Mat tells Thom of the ''gholam'' attack. They discuss plans for the Tower of Ghenjei as they walk back to camp. Teslyn detains him before he can retire for the night; she informs him that she and the other Aes Sedai will be departing for Tar Valon. Surprisingly, perhaps, she thanks him for her rescue. Even more surprisingly, Mat voluntarily offers her horses for the trip. As soon as he enters his tent, he smells it—blood! ({{tom|8}}).

At the scent of the blood, Mat ducks and is immediately attacked. Screaming, “Bloody Murder,” he gathers his ''ashandarei'', slashes the tent, and leaps out, wrenching the foxhead medallion from his neck. Mat goes on the offensive, swinging the foxhead. It is the ''gholam'', and he tells Mat that he has been ordered to kill Thom, Noal, and Tuon if he does not kill Mat tonight. Teslyn enters the fight, using Air to hurl objects at the ''gholam'' since she cannot touch the creature directly with the Power. Terrified that the blood is Olver’s, Mat rushes into the tent finding Lopin, his serving man and a couple of Red Arms dead. Olver has been with Noal, playing Snakes and Foxes. Mat warns Thom and Noal. Joline barges in and asks for horses for the trip to Tar Valon. Mat agrees ({{tom|9}}).

Mat sends Elayne a very irreverent letter which she loves ({{tom|11}}).

The Aes Sedai, warders, former ''sul’dam'', Juilin, Thera, Bayle Domon, and Egeanin leave for Tar Valon. Seta refers to Mat as “Highness.” He tries to reassure them that maybe he can convince Tuon of the validity of channeling. The ''sul’dam'' seem to take his words as a promise to remedy the problem for certain. Mat tells Teslyn to inform the Amyrlin that the White Tower has something of his and that he will be coming to claim it soon. He is referring to the Horn of Valere. Setalle Anan is not departing; she and Mat discuss her former status as an Aes Sedai and concerning her taking care of Olver (tom|17}}).

Mat and Thom meet with Elayne in the Palace. Elayne gives Thom official papers absolving him from any crimes and making him court bard of Caemlyn. She and Mat haggle over making the dragons. As part of the bargain, Mat agrees to let Elayne study the foxhead medallion ({{tom|19}}).

Mat is joined in an inn by Noal and Thom to discuss the Tower of Ghenjei. Rumors about Mat abound in Caemlyn. He knows they make him more vulnerable to attack and is proven correct when he is attacked in an alley. The attacker, whom Mat is forced to kill, bears a paper with Mat’s picture on it and gold coin. Mat meets with Birgitte in a tavern to question her about the Tower of Ghenjei. She unsuccessfully tries to dissuade him to abandon this venture ({{tom|22}}).

Mat and Birgitte appear in the dungeon just after Elayne has been injured and healed. Later Mat materializes, peeking around the door of Elayne’s bedroom as she recovers from the dungeon attack, wanting to know if Elayne is decent ({{tom|23}}; {{ch10|24}}).

Aludra gives a demonstration of the prototype dragon for Elayne. Mat is, of course, present ({{tom|29}}).

Mat, playing dice in The Dusty Wheel, knows he is winning without actually being familiar with the game. Once he is recognized, he leaves the tavern. The instant he steps outside, the dice stop. He prepares for what he is sure to come, affixing the foxhead medallion to the ''ashandarei''. Men of the Band help when thugs approach; they hang back when the ''gholam'' appears. Mat and the ''gholam'' engage in combat until Mat lures the creature into a building where one of the Kinswomen has a skimming platform ready. Mat, using medallion copies which Elayne has made, forces the ''gholam'' over the edge and into the void ({{tom|31}}).

Perrin has arrived in Caemlyn by gateway. Mat accosts him with a bagged badger, also warning his friend of their constantly endangered state ({{tom|44}}).

Mat, Perrin, and Thom meet in a tavern, each relaying their stories since they have been parted then discussing the Tower of Ghenjei. Perrin, especially, is fairly stunned by what he hears from the other two ({{tom|47}}).

Perrin has Grady open a gateway from the Traveling ground, depositing Mat, Thom, and Noal near the River Arinelle, the Tower of Ghenjei in view. The three men make their way through the forest to the tower. Thom uses a bronze knife to open a triangular doorway into the tower. The tower has transported them to the realm of the Eelfinn and the Aelfinn. The interior is a maze-like network of shifting rooms and corridors in which they would be thoroughly lost without Mat’s luck and dice ({{tom|53}}).

The three have a number of unpleasant encounters with the Eelfinn, where the men use dice, music, fire, fireworks, and iron, fending off the fox-like creatures as best they can. They enter a room with a black lump in the middle of the floor. Mat recognizes it as the Eelfinn side of the melted stone doorway from Rhuidean. Here they must escape numerous of the creatures until they reach Moiraine in the Chamber of Bonds. She is floating in the air, clothed in mist or steam. Thom is burned as he rescues her. She is unconscious and wearing an odd bracelet. Here Mat must bargain with the Eelfinn—the price has been set: half the light of the world—to save the world. Mat’s left eye. In his bargain, Mat has neglected to include the Aelfinn in the requirement to let them leave the tower. Down one of the corridors, the snake-like Aelfinn appear and begin chase ({{tom|54}}).

After they attempt futilely to escape, Noal chooses to sacrifice himself to save the others. He positions himself in a narrow corridor with the remaining fireworks. Before Mat, Thom and Moiraine leave the old man, he reveals that he is Jain Farstrider. They run and finally reach the room holding the archway leading into the red stone doorway in the Stone of Tear. It has been smashed. They are trapped, and as the Aelfinn move in for the kill, Mat realizes that the ''ashandarei'' is the key to escape this sinister realm. He cuts an inverted triangular opening in the wall, then he and Thom, who is carrying Moiraine, run out of the tower in a flash of white light ({{tom|55}}).

Mat, Thom, and Moiraine sit below the Tower of Ghenjei talking. Mat is shocked when he discovers that Thom and Moiraine have feelings for each other. He leaves them alone, hoping to find Grady’s gateway. While at the Arinelle, he makes a cairn for Noal, kills a rabbit, and finds a nearly new cook pot at the river’s edge, thinking of his luck ({{tom|57}}).

Back in Caemlyn Olver plays Snakes and Foxes with Talmanes. At the final play, Olver wins! There is question about the exact timeline at this moment, but there is some speculation that Olver wins the board game at the exact moment that Mat beats the Snakes and Foxes in real life. Afterward, Olver opens Verin’s letter. It is a warning that Caemlyn is going to be attacked by the Shadow’s forces entering through the abandoned Waygate. Verin thought Mat’s curiosity would have provoked him to open it earlier. She had apparently known nothing about Moiraine and the Tower of Ghenjei. Olver and Talmanes see that Caemlyn is on fire ({{tom|Epilogue}}).

[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ({{teotw|1}})

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ({{teotw|3}})

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ({{teotw|2}})

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ({{teotw|1}})

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. They were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
{{Main|Mat's Memories}}

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of Hinderstap leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells [[Talmanes]] that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; {{tgh2|Chapter 47}})

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; {{tdr2|Chapter 24}})

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; {{tsr2|Chapter 24}})

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; {{tfoh2|Chapter 42}})

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; {{loc2|Chapter 38}})

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; {{wh2|Chapter 31}})

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] on broken road; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to [[Talmanes]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." ([[Thom]] to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to [[Thom]], and in the hearing of [[Talmanes]], concerning being married to [[Tuon]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"She's not a woman, [[Talmanes]]...she's an [[Aes Sedai]]. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] about [[Joline]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 28}})

"You're [[Aes Sedai]]. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''[[saidar]]''ed it." (Mat to [[Verin]] regarding the pictures of him and [[Perrin]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 36}})
[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]

Matrim Cauthon

2011-01-22T06:32:46Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Mat's Journey */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Heal]]ed by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ({{tdr|30}})

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ({{teotw|1}}). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ({{teotw|2}}). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ({{teotw|7}}). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ({{teotw|10}}).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called [[The Stag and Lion]]. ({{teotw|13}}) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ({{teotw|14}}).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ({{teotw|15}}; {{ch1|16}}). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ({{teotw|17}}).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ({{teotw|18}}) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ({{teotw|18}}).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a [[ruby dagger|dagger]] with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ({{teotw|19}}).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''[[Spray]]''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ({{teotw|32}}; {{ch1|33}}).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named '[[The Queen's Blessing]],' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ({{teotw|35}});{{ch1|36}})

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ({{teotw|41}}; {{ch1|42}}).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ({{teotw|43}}).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ({{teotw|44}}; {{ch1|45}}).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|48}}) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|49}}) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ({{teotw|50}}; {{ch1|52}}).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ({{teotw|53}}).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named '[[The Good Queen]]' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]], Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named '[[The Wandering Woman]].' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; {{ch7|16}}). He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {{ch7|21}}).

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch7|28}}; {{ch7|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch7|37}}; {{ch7|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before [[the Breaking]], Mat rants to Talmanes about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Sedai]], predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the Band's soldiers ride down the road to the village of Hinderstap. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moiraine]], and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of Hinderstap, approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, [[The Tipsy Gelding]]. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins. ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to Hinderstap, allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and [[Thom]] to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called [[The Shaken Fist]]. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and [[Thom]] ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the Band. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]]'' pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sedai]], [[Verin Mathwin]]. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. Verin begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that Verin uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. Verin then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at Verin insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''[[ta'veren]]'' person in centuries. Verin warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. Verin begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and Verin sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: Verin will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after Verin departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. Verin uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).

Mat, now in Caemlyn and going by the alias of Lord Crimson, sits in a tavern named the Seven-striped Lass stewing over Verin’s letter. After leaving this tavern, he visits two more. In the first tavern, Mat hears of a man whose throat has been ripped out, the blood drained from his body. Mat knows this has to be the gholam, and the dice begin clattering in his head. As he begins to leave, Mat sees a paper being shown, a paper with, he is sure, his picture on it. At the next tavern Thom is performing. Mat tells Thom of the gholam attack. They discuss plans for the Tower of Ghenjei as they walk back to camp. Teslyn detains him before he can retire for the night; she informs him that she and the other Aes Sedai will be departing for Tar Valon. Surprisingly, perhaps, she thanks him for her rescue. Even more surprisingly, Mat voluntarily offers her horses for the trip. As soon as he enters his tent, he smells it—blood! ({{tom|8}}).

At the scent of the blood, Mat ducks and is immediately attacked. Screaming, “Bloody Murder,” he gathers his ashandarei, slashes the tent, and leaps out, wrenching the foxhead medallion from his neck. Mat goes on the offensive, swinging the foxhead. It is the gholam, and he tells Mat that he has been ordered to kill Thom, Noal, and Tuon if he does not kill Mat tonight. Teslyn enters the fight, using Air to hurl objects at the gholam since she cannot touch the creature directly with the Power. Terrified that the blood is Olver’s, Mat rushes into the tent finding Lopin, his serving man and a couple of Red Arms dead. Olver has been with Noal, playing Snakes and Foxes. Mat warns Thom and Noal. Joline barges in and asks for horses for the trip to Tar Valon. Mat agrees ({{tom|9}}).

Mat sends Elayne a very irreverent letter which she loves ({{tom|11}}).

The Aes Sedai, warders, former sul’dam, Juilin, Thera, Bayle Domon, and Egeanin leave for Tar Valon. Seta refers to Mat as “Highness.” He tries to reassure them that maybe he can convince Tuon of the validity of channeling. The sul’dam seem to take his words as a promise to remedy the problem for certain. Mat tells Teslyn to inform the Amyrlin that the White Tower has something of his and that he will be coming to claim it soon. He is referring to the Horn of Valere. Setalle Anan is not departing; she and Mat discuss her former status as an Aes Sedai and concerning her taking care of Olver (tom|17}}).

Mat and Thom meet with Elayne in the Palace. Elayne gives Thom official papers absolving him from any crimes and making him court bard of Caemlyn. She and Mat haggle over making the dragons. As part of the bargain, Mat agrees to let Elayne study the foxhead medallion ({{tom|19}}).

Mat is joined in an inn by Noal and Thom to discuss the Tower of Ghenjei. Rumors about Mat abound in Caemlyn. He knows they make him more vulnerable to attack and is proven correct when he is attacked in an alley. The attacker, whom Mat is forced to kill, bears a paper with Mat’s picture on it and gold coin. Mat meets with Birgitte in a tavern to question her about the Tower of Ghenjei. She unsuccessfully tries to dissuade him to abandon this venture ({{tom|22}}).

Mat and Birgitte appear in the dungeon just after Elayne has been injured and healed. Later Mat materializes, peeking around the door of Elayne’s bedroom as she recovers from the dungeon attack, wanting to know if Elayne is decent ({{tom|23}}; {{ch10|24}}).

Aludra gives a demonstration of the prototype dragon for Elayne. Mat is, of course, present ({{tom|29}}).

Mat, playing dice in The Dusty Wheel, knows he is winning without actually being familiar with the game. Once he is recognized, he leaves the tavern. The instant he steps outside, the dice stop. He prepares for what he is sure to come, affixing the foxhead medallion to the ashandarei. Men of the Band help when thugs approach; they hang back when the gholam appears. Mat and the gholam engage in combat until Mat lures the creature into a building where one of the Kinswomen has a skimming platform ready. Mat, using medallion copies which Elayne has made, forces the gholam over the edge and into the void ({{tom|31}}).

Perrin has arrived in Caemlyn by gateway. Mat accosts him with a bagged badger, also warning his friend of their constantly endangered state ({{tom|44}}).

Mat, Perrin, and Thom meet in a tavern, each relaying their stories since they have been parted then discussing the Tower of Ghenjei. Perrin, especially, is fairly stunned by what he hears from the other two ({{tom|47}}).

Perrin has Grady open a gateway from the Traveling ground, depositing Mat, Thom, and Noal near the River Arinelle, the Tower of Ghenjei in view. The three men make their way through the forest to the tower. Thom uses a bronze knife to open a triangular doorway into the tower. The tower has transported them to the realm of the Eelfinn and the Aelfinn. The interior is a maze-like network of shifting rooms and corridors in which they would be thoroughly lost without Mat’s luck and dice ({{tom|53}}).

The three have a number of unpleasant encounters with the Eelfinn, where the men use dice, music, fire, fireworks, and iron, fending off the fox-like creatures as best they can. They enter a room with a black lump in the middle of the floor. Mat recognizes it as the Eelfinn side of the melted stone doorway from Rhuidean. Here they must escape numerous of the creatures until they reach Moiraine in the Chamber of Bonds. She is floating in the air, clothed in mist or steam. Thom is burned as he rescues her. She is unconscious and wearing an odd bracelet. Here Mat must bargain with the Eelfinn—the price has been set: half the light of the world—to save the world. Mat’s left eye. In his bargain, Mat has neglected to include the Aelfinn in the requirement to let them leave the tower. Down one of the corridors, the snake-like Aelfinn appear and begin chase ({{tom|54}}).

After they attempt futilely to escape, Noal chooses to sacrifice himself to save the others. He positions himself in a narrow corridor with the remaining fireworks. Before Mat, Thom and Moiraine leave the old man, he reveals that he is Jain Farstrider. They run and finally reach the room holding the archway leading into the red stone doorway in the Stone of Tear. It has been smashed. They are trapped, and as the Aelfinn move in for the kill, Mat realizes that the ashandarei is the key to escape this sinister realm. He cuts an inverted triangular opening in the wall, then he and Thom, who is carrying Moiraine, run out of the tower in a flash of white light ({{tom|55}}).

Mat, Thom, and Moiraine sit below the Tower of Ghenjei talking. Mat is shocked when he discovers that Thom and Moiraine have feelings for each other. He leaves them alone, hoping to find Grady’s gateway. While at the Arinelle, he makes a cairn for Noal, kills a rabbit, and finds a nearly new cook pot at the river’s edge, thinking of his luck ({{tom|57}}).

Back in Caemlyn Olver plays Snakes and Foxes with Talmanes. At the final play, Olver wins! There is question about the exact timeline at this moment, but there is some speculation that Olver wins the board game at the exact moment that Mat beats the Snakes and Foxes in real life. Afterward, Olver opens Verin’s letter. It is a warning that Caemlyn is going to be attacked by the Shadow’s forces entering through the abandoned Waygate. Verin thought Mat’s curiosity would have provoked him to open it earlier. She had apparently known nothing about Moiraine and the Tower of Ghenjei. Olver and Talmanes see that Caemlyn is on fire ({{tom|Epilogue}}).

[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ({{teotw|1}})

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ({{teotw|3}})

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ({{teotw|2}})

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ({{teotw|1}})

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. They were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
{{Main|Mat's Memories}}

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of Hinderstap leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells [[Talmanes]] that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; {{tgh2|Chapter 47}})

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; {{tdr2|Chapter 24}})

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; {{tsr2|Chapter 24}})

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; {{tfoh2|Chapter 42}})

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; {{loc2|Chapter 38}})

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; {{wh2|Chapter 31}})

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] on broken road; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to [[Talmanes]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." ([[Thom]] to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to [[Thom]], and in the hearing of [[Talmanes]], concerning being married to [[Tuon]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"She's not a woman, [[Talmanes]]...she's an [[Aes Sedai]]. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] about [[Joline]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 28}})

"You're [[Aes Sedai]]. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''[[saidar]]''ed it." (Mat to [[Verin]] regarding the pictures of him and [[Perrin]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 36}})
[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]

Matrim Cauthon

2011-01-22T06:21:43Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Mat's Journey */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Heal]]ed by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ({{tdr|30}})

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ({{teotw|1}}). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ({{teotw|2}}). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ({{teotw|7}}). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ({{teotw|10}}).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called [[The Stag and Lion]]. ({{teotw|13}}) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ({{teotw|14}}).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ({{teotw|15}}; {{ch1|16}}). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ({{teotw|17}}).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ({{teotw|18}}) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ({{teotw|18}}).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a [[ruby dagger|dagger]] with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ({{teotw|19}}).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''[[Spray]]''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ({{teotw|32}}; {{ch1|33}}).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named '[[The Queen's Blessing]],' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ({{teotw|35}});{{ch1|36}})

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ({{teotw|41}}; {{ch1|42}}).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ({{teotw|43}}).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ({{teotw|44}}; {{ch1|45}}).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|48}}) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ({{teotw|49}}) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ({{teotw|50}}; {{ch1|52}}).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ({{teotw|53}}).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named '[[The Good Queen]]' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]], Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named '[[The Wandering Woman]].' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; {{ch7|16}}). He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {{ch7|21}}).

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch7|28}}; {{ch7|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch7|37}}; {{ch7|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before [[the Breaking]], Mat rants to Talmanes about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Sedai]], predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the Band's soldiers ride down the road to the village of Hinderstap. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moiraine]], and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of Hinderstap, approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, [[The Tipsy Gelding]]. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins. ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to Hinderstap, allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and [[Thom]] to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called [[The Shaken Fist]]. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and [[Thom]] ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the Band. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]]'' pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sedai]], [[Verin Mathwin]]. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. Verin begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that Verin uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. Verin then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at Verin insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''[[ta'veren]]'' person in centuries. Verin warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. Verin begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and Verin sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: Verin will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after Verin departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. Verin uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).

Mat, now in Caemlyn and going by the alias of Lord Crimson, sits in a tavern named the Seven-striped Lass stewing over Verin’s letter. After leaving this tavern, he visits two more. In the first tavern, Mat hears of a man whose throat has been ripped out, the blood drained from his body. Mat knows this has to be the gholam, and the dice begin clattering in his head. As he begins to leave, Mat sees a paper being shown, a paper with, he is sure, his picture on it. At the next tavern Thom is performing. Mat tells Thom of the gholam attack. They discuss plans for the Tower of Ghenjei as they walk back to camp. Teslyn detains him before he can retire for the night; she informs him that she and the other Aes Sedai will be departing for Tar Valon. Surprisingly, perhaps, she thanks him for her rescue. Even more surprisingly, Mat voluntarily offers her horses for the trip. As soon as he enters his tent, he smells it—blood! ({{tom|8}}).

At the scent of the blood, Mat ducks and is immediately attacked. Screaming, “Bloody Murder,” he gathers his ashandarei, slashes the tent, and leaps out, wrenching the foxhead medallion from his neck. Mat goes on the offensive, swinging the foxhead. It is the gholam, and he tells Mat that he has been ordered to kill Thom, Noal, and Tuon if he does not kill Mat tonight. Teslyn enters the fight, using Air to hurl objects at the gholam since she cannot touch the creature directly with the Power. Terrified that the blood is Olver’s, Mat rushes into the tent finding Lopin, his serving man and a couple of Red Arms dead. Olver has been with Noal, playing Snakes and Foxes. Mat warns Thom and Noal. Joline barges in and asks for horses for the trip to Tar Valon. Mat agrees ({{tom|9}}).

Mat sends Elayne a very irreverent letter which she loves ({{tom|11}}).

The Aes Sedai, warders, former sul’dam, Juilin, Thera, Bayle Domon, and Egeanin leave for Tar Valon. Seta refers to Mat as “Highness.” He tries to reassure them that maybe he can convince Tuon of the validity of channeling. The sul’dam seem to take his words as a promise to remedy the problem for certain. Mat tells Teslyn to inform the Amyrlin that the White Tower has something of his and that he will be coming to claim it soon. He is referring to the Horn of Valere. Setalle Anan is not departing; she and Mat discuss her former status as an Aes Sedai and concerning her taking care of Olver (tom|17}}).

Mat and Thom meet with Elayne in the Palace. Elayne gives Thom official papers absolving him from any crimes and making him court bard of Caemlyn. She and Mat haggle over making the dragons. As part of the bargain, Mat agrees to let Elayne study the foxhead medallion ({{tom|19}}).

Mat is joined in an inn by Noal and Thom to discuss the Tower of Ghenjei. Rumors about Mat abound in Caemlyn. He knows they make him more vulnerable to attack and is proven correct when he is attacked in an alley. The attacker, whom Mat is forced to kill, bears a paper with Mat’s picture on it and gold coin. Mat meets with Birgitte in a tavern to question her about the Tower of Ghenjei. She unsuccessfully tries to dissuade him to abandon this venture ({{tom|22}}).

Mat and Birgitte appear in the dungeon just after Elayne has been injured and healed. Later Mat materializes, peeking around the door of Elayne’s bedroom as she recovers from the dungeon attack, wanting to know if Elayne is decent ({{tom|23}}; {{ch10|24}}).

Aludra gives a demonstration of the prototype dragon for Elayne. Mat is, of course, present ({{tom|29}}).

Mat, playing dice in The Dusty Wheel, knows he is winning without actually being familiar with the game. Once he is recognized, he leaves the tavern. The instant he steps outside, the dice stop. He prepares for what he is sure to come, affixing the foxhead medallion to the ashandarei. Men of the Band help when thugs approach; they hang back when the gholam appears. Mat and the gholam engage in combat until Mat lures the creature into a building where one of the Kinswomen has a skimming platform ready. Mat, using medallion copies which Elayne has made, forces the gholam over the edge and into the void ({{tom|31}}).

Perrin has arrived in Caemlyn by gateway. Mat accosts him with a bagged badger, also warning his friend of their constantly endangered state ({{tom|44}}).

Mat, Perrin, and Thom meet in a tavern, each relaying their stories since they have been parted then discussing the Tower of Ghenjei. Perrin, especially, is fairly stunned by what he hears from the other two ({{tom|47}}).

Perrin has Grady open a gateway from the Traveling ground, depositing Mat, Thom, and Noal near the River Arinelle, the Tower of Ghenjei in view. The three men make their way through the forest to the tower. Thom uses a bronze knife to open a triangular doorway into the tower. The tower has transported them to the realm of the Eelfinn and the Aelfinn. The interior is a maze-like network of shifting rooms and corridors in which they would be thoroughly lost without Mat’s luck and dice ({{tom|53}}).

The three have a number of unpleasant encounters with the Eelfinn, where the men use dice, music, fire, fireworks, and iron, fending off the fox-like creatures as best they can. They enter a room with a black lump in the middle of the floor. Mat recognizes it as the Eelfinn side of the melted stone doorway from Rhuidean. Here they must escape numerous of the creatures until they reach Moiraine in the Chamber of Bonds. She is floating in the air, clothed in mist or steam. Thom is burned as he rescues her. She is unconscious and wearing an odd bracelet. Here Mat must bargain with the Eelfinn—the price has been set: half the light of the world—to save the world. Mat’s left eye. In his bargain, Mat has neglected to include the Aelfinn in the requirement to let them leave the tower. Down one of the corridors, the snake-like Aelfinn appear and begin chase ({{tom|54}}).

After they attempt futilely to escape, Noal chooses to sacrifice himself to save the others. He positions himself in a narrow corridor with the remaining fireworks. Before Mat, Thom and Moiraine leave the old man, he reveals that he is Jain Farstrider. They run and finally reach the room holding the archway leading into the red stone doorway in the Stone of Tear. It has been smashed. They are trapped, and as the Aelfinn move in for the kill, Mat realizes that the ashandarei is the key to escape this sinister realm. He cuts an inverted triangular opening in the wall, then he and Thom, who is carrying Moiraine, run out of the tower in a flash of white light ({{tom|55}}).

Mat, Thom, and Moiraine sit below the Tower of Ghenjei talking. Mat is shocked when he discovers that Thom and Moiraine have feelings for each other. He leaves them alone, hoping to find Grady’s gateway. While at the Arinelle, he makes a cairn for Noal, kills a rabbit, and finds a nearly new cook pot at the river’s edge, thinking of his luck ({{tom|57}}).

Back in Caemlyn Olver plays Snakes and Foxes with Talmanes. At the final play, Olver wins! There is question about the exact timeline at this moment, but there is some speculation that Olver wins the board game at the exact moment that Mat beats the Snakes and Foxes in real life. Afterward, Olver opens Verin’s letter. It is a warning that Caemlyn is going to be attacked by the Shadow’s forces entering through the abandoned Waygate. Verin thought Mat’s curiosity would have provoked him to open it earlier. She had apparently known nothing about Moiraine and the Tower of Ghenjei. Olver and Talmanes see that Caemlyn is on fire ({{tom|Epilogue}}).

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ({{teotw|1}})

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ({{teotw|3}})

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ({{teotw|2}})

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ({{teotw|1}})

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. They were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
{{Main|Mat's Memories}}

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of Hinderstap leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells [[Talmanes]] that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; {{tgh2|Chapter 47}})

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; {{tdr2|Chapter 24}})

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; {{tsr2|Chapter 24}})

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; {{tfoh2|Chapter 42}})

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; {{loc2|Chapter 38}})

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; {{wh2|Chapter 31}})

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] on broken road; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to [[Talmanes]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 20}})

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." ([[Thom]] to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to [[Thom]], and in the hearing of [[Talmanes]], concerning being married to [[Tuon]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 27}})

"She's not a woman, [[Talmanes]]...she's an [[Aes Sedai]]. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] about [[Joline]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 28}})

"You're [[Aes Sedai]]. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''[[saidar]]''ed it." (Mat to [[Verin]] regarding the pictures of him and [[Perrin]]; {{tgs2|Chapter 36}})
[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]

Aviendha

2011-01-22T05:58:23Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Quotes */

''Kariada Kunai and Napolde Surion''

''Books 1 - 4''
''By Kariada Kunai''

''Books 5 - 10''
''By Napolde Surion''

ah-vee-EHN-dah

== Books 1-4 ==

== General==

Aviendha is of the Nine Valleys sept of the [[Taardad]] [[Aiel]] ({{acos|13}}). (Aviendha's claim to the Bitter Water sept in {{tdr|38}} is an error which has since been corrected in all later editions of the book.) Once ''[[Far Dareis Mai]]'', a Maiden of the Spear, she is now training to become a [[Wise One]] ({{tsr|23}}).

Tall with blue-green eyes, [[Rand]] describes Aviendha as a "more than pretty woman" ({{tfoh|4}}). He also thinks she has a haughty unsmiling stare and is as "proud as a green-eyed hawk" ({{tsr|22}}). Even [[Amys]] tells Aviendha she has too much pride ({{acos|13}}). According to [[Mat]], she has "a viper for a tongue and a temper to make [[Nynaeve]] look meek" ({{tsr|36}}).

As a Maiden, Aviendha wore her hair short, with a tail in the back which hung to her shoulders, and the Aiel ''cadin'sor'' ({{tdr|38}}). Since giving up the spear to become a Wise One, she has been growing out her hair, which is covered by a scarf and still short of her shoulders, as well as a shawl and skirts ({{tfoh|4}}).

Aviendha was born in NE 980 ({{Prol8}}). She has the ability to channel born in her, and has the potential to be as strong as [[Egwene]] ({{tsr|23}}). She knows almost nothing about Healing, but has the Talents of Unweaving and [[Reading Residues]] ({{tfoh|32}}) ({{tpod|2}}).

When Aviendha first meets Mat, he asks her if she can "do any dances without spears." Her response is apparently less than satisfactory for Mat. ({{tdr|56}})

Aviendha, in a group with [[Jolien]], [[Dailin (1)|Dailin]], [[Bain]], and [[Chiad]], is among the last of the Aiel sent by the Wise Ones to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn. It is during this search that she first meets Egwene, [[Elayne]], and Nynaeve. Aviendha asks for their help to Heal Dailin, who has been injured. Aviendha finds it strange that three Aes Sedai would make their way to [[Tear (City)|Tear]], so she follows them to see what they will do once Nynaeve Heals Dailin. When the three are captured, Aviendha goes for help and rescues them. ({{tdr|39}})

As per [[Moiraine]]'s order, Aviendha stays close to Elayne, Egwene, and Nynaeve in the [[Stone of Tear]]. Egwene thinks that if the two got to know each other better, they could become friends. ({{tsr|5}})

Aviendha visits Egwene in her rooms while in the Stone of Tear, and the two spend time together laughing and talking. Though they don't always understand each others' ways, the two become friends. ({{tsr|9}}) Aviendha also helps Egwene prepare for her journey into [[Aiel Waste|the Waste]] ({{tsr|16}}).

When Egwene tells Elayne that Aviendha has the spark, she is not surprised. Elayne says she feels a kinship for the Aiel just as she does for others who can channel. Both Egwene and Amys think that Aviendha will be very strong. ({{tsr|35}})

When Rand asks Aviendha why she doesn't like him, she first tells him that as He Who Comes With the Dawn, she cannot like nor dislike him. She then hints that she may spite him for going to [[Rhuidean]] for honor and yet still be "free", while she must go and be tied to the Wise Ones, studying. She also says that he treats Elayne badly, but since Egwene still likes him, and she is friends with Egwene, she will give him a chance. ({{tsr|22}})

Later, Rand sees Aviendha on her return from Rhuidean. He is happy to see her, even though she dislikes him, for her dislike does not stem from who he is. She dislikes him simply because she feels he mistreats Elayne. Aviendha, however, stares at him with pure hate. Rand realizes that, having just gone to Rhuidean, she would now know of the prophecy stating that he would destroy the Aiel. Mat warns Rand not to turn his back on her. ({{tsr|34}})

Aviendha tells Rand that Elayne is the woman for him, saying that she is a wetlander like him and, much to Rand's embarrassment, describes Elayne's body in blatant detail. She then goes on to scold Rand for rejecting Elayne after she "bared her heart" to him in letters. ({{tsr|36}})

During their journey through the Waste, Aviendha is adamant about Rand's relationship with Elayne. When she catches him looking at another woman, she scolds him, saying "You belong to Elayne." ({{tsr|37}}) She even tells him: "If I could, I would take you ''gai'shain'' and give you to Elayne!" ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand snaps at Aviendha for her lack of respect for him, Rhuarc intercedes that he will not be treated as a "wetlander king," although, he says, "Some do push the bounds of honor." At hearing that, Aviendha tenses up and holds her tongue. ({{tsr|37}})

After a few days of travel, Egwene approaches Rand and yells at him, telling him to stop doing whatever it is that is upsetting Aviendha so ({{tsr|37}}).

As Rand retires for bed, Aviendha follows him to his tent and then is there the next morning when he wakes. Rand is happy to see her, because he knows who she is and what her feelings for him are. ({{tsr|37}})

For the majority of the trip, Aviendha walks besides Rand's horse. Sometimes Rand walks along with her, but he is not able to walk for as long as she can. Occasionally he has been able to get her to ride along with him, saying he gets a crick in his neck from looking down at her all the time, although even the slightest laugh from any Aiel gets her off the horse and walking once more. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha lectures Rand on Aiel customs as they travel, and he finds it enjoyable at times. Whenever she realizes that they begin to talk as two normal people would, she snaps at him and returns to her stony self, as if having been caught in a trap. ({{tsr|48}})

Of all the Aiel traveling with them, Aviendha is the only one who talks with Rand at any length ({{tsr|48}}).

Rand thinks he sees compassion on Aviendha's face once, when the Wise Ones approach him to see how he is, although as soon as she sees Rand looking at her, it is gone ({{tsr|48}}).

Keille mentions to Rand that perhaps Aviendha shows contempt for him because he belongs to another. Rand disagrees with her, saying: "Aviendha would plant a knife in my ribs if she believed I had thought of her that way." ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand tells Aviendha that he does not know what he ever did to her, she replies "You have done nothing to me, and you never will." ({{tsr|49}})

Rand tries to give Aviendha a bracelet in thanks for her teachings. Aviendha at first does not want to take the gift, but eventually does. When she finds out that he got it from other Maidens, she realizes that they think he is trying to get her interest and approve. She will not let Rand take the gift back after this, saying it would take away her honor, and instead says they must think what they do, even if it means nothing. ({{tsr|50}}) Throughout the rest of the journey, however, Aviendha tries to hide the bracelet from the other Maidens ({{tsr|57}}).

During that same encounter, Aviendha apologizes to Rand for her attitude at dinner earlier. Rand later learns that this apology was not forced by the Wise Ones, but sincere and voluntary. ({{tsr|50}})

== Becoming a Wise One ==

Aviendha was almost not allowed to go across the Dragonwall to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn, as she had other duties to begin training as a Wise One ({{tdr|39}}). As it is, she is late to begin her training ({{tsr|23}}).

When Aviendha is finally summoned to Rhuidean, she is very reluctant to go. Moiraine tells her she has received a message from the Wise Ones telling her to report at once. Aviendha instead wants to go to [[Tanchico]] with Nynaeve and Elayne to hunt for the [[Black Ajah]]. ({{tsr|12}})

Aviendha does not want to become a Wise One, and refuses training at first, wanting to remain a Maiden of the Spear. When Aviendha does agree to go to Rhuidean, she runs the whole way, determined to beat Mat and Rand there ({{tsr|23}}).

Aviendha, as well as Moiraine, is still in Rhuidean by the time Rand and Mat return. Rand suggests going back to Rhuidean to look for Aviendha and Moiraine, but [[Melaine]] explodes, telling him that he would not come back out alive. Later that afternoon, on the seventh day since everyone left, Rand sees a very sunburned and weary Aviendha scrambling up the mountain ({{tsr|34}}).

Upon Aviendha's return, the Wise Ones take her into a tent, where she later emerges wearing a bulky brown skirt with a loose white blouse, and a shawl looped around her arms. She looks less than happy, and when she sees Rand, she gives him a look of pure "animal rage." ({{tsr|34}})

Later that evening, Aviendha is in the sweat tent along with the other Wise Ones, Moiraine, and Egwene when they discuss Rand. She tosses water into a kettle, creating steam for the tent, and has a sour look on her face. Egwene empathizes as she remembers the chores she had to do as a novice in the White Tower. ({{tsr|35}})

During this meeting, [[Bair]] orders Aviendha to watch Rand for the Wise Ones. She is to get as close to him as she can and talk to him, to see if he will let anything slip. This may get in the way of her training, but the Wise Ones believe it is the only way. Aviendha refuses, bursting out, almost in tears, that she hates him. The Wise Ones threaten her with chores, expecting to be obeyed, and some of Aviendha's stubbornness recedes. It is not until Egwene asks her to do it for her, and to look after him for Elayne, that Aviendha finally says "I will watch him for Elayne." ({{tsr|35}})

The next morning, Aviendha waits for Rand outside his tent and stays with him the entire day. Rand describes her as she walks beside his horse: "Stalking. If she were a cat, she would be lashing her tail." ({{tsr|36}})

During his training with [[Lan]], Rand asks how to defeat an Aiel attack. Aviendha explodes, demanding to know why he would want to fight his own people, and why he would ask a wetlander instead of an Aiel anyway. [[Rhuarc]] approaches and scolds Aviendha for sulking so long, telling her there is a limit even though she suffered a disappointment, and that her obligation to her people will not be fulfilled by her petty tantrums. Aviendha glowers as if blaming Rand for being scolded. ({{tsr|37}})

That evening, the group gets attacked while at the campfire by [[Trollocs]]. Though she has given up the spear, Aviendha uses a corner of her shawl to veil her face and fights along with the rest of them. ({{tsr|37}}) She is later scolded by the Wise One's for her actions ({{tsr|48}}).

When Rand tells Egwene how he is uncomfortable around Aviendha, the Wise Ones have a talk with her. Upon her return, Aviendha demands that she teach him about Aiel ways and customs. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha's nights and parts of some days are spent with the Wise Ones, during which she learns about channeling and becoming one of them ({{tsr|48}}).

One of Aviendha's first times channeling is a giant ball of fire, which tumbles out ahead of the Wise Ones' party before winking out on the horizon. The Wise Ones are very excited when this happens. ({{tsr|48}})

When the group reaches Cold Rocks Hold, and it is apparent that Rand does not know everything he should about the Aiel, the Wise Ones threaten to scold Aviendha in private. Rand intercedes in her defense, saying that she was a good teacher. He asks that she remain as such. ({{tsr|49}})

Aviendha shows a temper during dinner that night, and is told to dust carpets in order to work it out. She says it may take all night. ({{tsr|50}})

Aviendha is currently an Apprentice. Aviendha is strong in the One Power. Her Talents include Unweaving and Reading Residues and she is known for weaving particularly strong Wards ({{cot|14}}). She has had hostility attracted to her from other Aes Sedai due to the fact that she is a wilder ({{cot|11}}). In common with many Aiel, she finds a delight in rain ({{kod|13}}).

Strongly muscled but softly curved ({{tfoh|31}}), Aviendha stands taller than an average woman due to her Aiel blood. Her hair is a dark red hue and shoulder length, growing out from her Maiden's cut. Her eyes are a deep blue green that blaze with fire to match her personality and nature.

"He had given her the ivory bracelet she wore, roses amongst thorns, suiting her nature." –( ({{loc|16}}).

Abandoning ''cadin'sor'', the chose attire of the Maidens, Aviendha dresses in the garb of a Wise One; bulky gray skirts, pale blouse, thick woolen shawl and a dark head scarf folded around her temples to keep her growing hair back. She is never without three favored pieces of jewelry; a necklace of silver snowflakes given to her by her Near-Sister Egwene al'Vere ({{tfoh|7}}), from Rand al'Thor an ivory bracelet carved with roses and thorns, and an amber brooch in the shape of a turtle that is known to be an ''[[angreal]]''. Apart from these pieces she wears no other ornamentation. However, Aviendha harbors a secret love of silks and velvets. At first she shies away from them, but grows to love them when Daughter-Heir Elayne Trakand encourages her to get used to wearing them, although she would never admit this! ({{cot|13}})

Aviendha, like all Aiel, takes the law of ''[[ji'e'toh]]'' very seriously, and is constantly bemused and frustrated at wetlander's inability to follow suit. She believes she has incurred a great ''toh'' towards Elayne for her intimate relationship with Rand ({{tfoh|31}}).

Aviendha is currently residing in the Sun Palace of Caemlyn with Elayne. She is present at many of the affairs of State that Elayne must see to, such as status reports from [[Halwin Norry|Norry]], [[Birgitte]] and the [[Reene Harfor|First Maid]] ({{cot|11}}), dealing with the [[Atha'an Miere]] ({{cot|12}}), meeting High Seats of Houses ({{cot|13}}), as well as continuing her studies to become a Wise One. It is during this time at the Sun Palace that both Aviendha and Elayne feel the tremendous channeling to the West as Rand attempts to cleanse ''saidin''. ({{cot|12}})

*She discovers she can identify the use of ''ter'angreal'' ({{kod|15}}).

*[[Nadere]] and [[Dorindha (1)|Dorindha]] tell her she has neglected her training too long and take her away to [[Arad Doman]] ({{kod|15}}).
===The Gathering Storm Timeline===
*Aviendha scouts with [[Rhuarc]]. She is punished for doing so ({{tgs|3}}).
*After taking her to Arad Doman, the Wise One do not give her any further training. Instead, they are punishing her, but she does not know why ({{tgs|3}}).
*Amys asks her what she plans to do about Min. Aviendha tells Amys that they will reach an accommodation and she will marry Rand ({{tgs|3}}).
*When Adrin is killed by a [[Bubble of Evil]], Aviendha saves the mansion from burning down ({{tgs|11}}).
*Melaine asks her opinion of Rand's plan for the Merchant's Council ({{tgs|11}}).
*Min approaches Aviendha to discuss Rand, but only succeeds in annoying her ({{tgs|26}}).
*While annoyed, she sees the Wise Ones to complain about their treatment of her and rejects their punishments. They tell her this is what they have wanted ({{tgs|26}}).
*She Travels to [[Cold Rocks Hold]] to go through the stone columns in Rhuidean ({{tgs|26}}).

'''Towers of Midnight'''

As the final requirement to become a Wise One, Aviendha Travels to the Waste to go through the glass column ''ter’angreal'' in Rhuidean. While traveling on foot from Cold Rocks Hold to Rhuidean, Aviendha camps one night beside a huge rock formation. She reflects on the obvious, through her lens, inferiority of the wetlands compared to the Waste. She is roasting a “shellback,” when a mysterious woman appears from out of the darkness. The woman gives her name as [[Nakomi]], and she asks Aviendha a number of disturbing questions about the Aiel, question connected to the future and purpose of the Aiel after the Last Battle, living in the wetlands, ''toh'', and related matters. Nakomi leaves the camp, disappearing into the night as she had come. Aviendha cannot find her and is left with these questions concerning the Aiel unresolved ({{tom|39}}).

The night before Aviendha is to go through the glass columns of Rhuidean, she sits on a rock outcropping which overlooks the city, mulling over issues of the Aiel, Rand, Elayne and the [[Seanchan]]. What the Seanchan had done in capturing Wise Ones could not be tolerated. She reaffirms her resolve to go through the ''ter’angreal'' and become a Wise One ({{tom|45}}).

Aviendha, having just completed her trek through the ''ter’angreal'', walks out of the glass columns somewhat disappointed. There had been no real surprises for her, and her ancestors’ journey to the Waste does not seem extraordinary to her in the least. Knowing how she had “read” ''ter’angreal'' in the palace in Caemlyn, she reaches out and touches one of the glass columns with her hand. The power in this ''ter’angreal'' is too overwhelming for her. Aviendha turns to go and…She was [[Malidra]], a scavenging creature who is killed by a device of advanced technology. Then Aviendha is herself once again. She is confused, wondering if this viewing is from a time before what she had seen inside the columns. She has come for answers so decides to journey through the columns once more if it is possible ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Norlesh]], a woman with her husband and two children. They are in the Waste, they are destitute, and they are starving. Norlesh’s husband tries to trade ore for food but all have been forbidden to trade with Aiel. Aviendha is once more herself and cannot believe that Aiel would behave so. In trepidation she takes another step ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Tava]], fourteen years old and running and screaming amidst the flames in the canyon. The attackers of the Hold ride large, leathery flying beasts. The invaders wear helmets which look like large insect heads. Tava’s father tries to rally the remaining Aiel to rebuild the Hold. They are, however, dispirited, and they disperse. Aviendha is crying. She knows now that those were Seanchan invaders, and that this is not the long, past history of her people but the future ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Ladalin]], a Wise One of the Taardad Aiel. She cannot channel. There are only three clan chiefs and two Wise Ones, all that is left of the Council of twenty-two. Ladalin had been a maiden of the spear, and she has known only war her entire life. In the Aiel mind there are only themselves and Seanchan. Only four clans remain intact. The Aiel are losing the war against the Seanchan, and although the Seanchan have warned them that they will be hunted down if they retreat to the Three-fold Land, the small council decides to return to the Waste. Aviendha steps forward again, nearly to the center of the ''ter’angreal'', tears streaming down her face. She cannot understand how this has happened. Another step ({{tom|49}}).

She was [[Oncala]], Maiden of the Spear, descendant of the Dragon. She and the Aiel with her are in Caemlyn to seek help from the throne. Oncala resents almost every aspect of Andor, especially the royal house. She takes offense at nearly everything done or said. The Aiel and Seanchan are at an impasse. Oncala and one of her party have acquired secret Seanchan papers to show the Andoran Queen in the hope that she will be provoked to take action against the Seanchan. They are purposely deceiving the Queen by leaving out one of the sheets. This ploy works, and not only Andor, but the other nations enter the war against the Seanchan. It was this act that gave the Seanchan the perceived impetus to attack the other nations. Aviendha feels devastated. Oncala had thought of her great mother—the face in Oncala’s mind was the face of Aviendha. She steps into the center of the glass columns ({{tom|49}}).

She is [[Padra]], Maiden of the Spear, daughter of the Dragon Reborn and one of four siblings, all of whom can channel and have since childhood. She sees herself as superior to both Aes Sedai and Wise Ones. After killing Seanchan through a Gateway, she goes through her own Gateway to the Aiel camp in Arad Doman. The Aiel have never assimilated into the Wetland cities. She enters a tent in which her siblings and the clan chiefs are meeting. They still consider themselves to be warriors and look with derision on wetlanders and their ways. The Aiel are rudderless, Rand not having known what to do with them; they lack identity. Padra leads the council in deciding to declare war on the Seanchan ({{tom|49}}).

It is night. Aviendha, emotions ravaged, cries out for the columns to show her more, but the ''ter’angreal'' is silent. Is what she experienced destined or fluid? What she saw seemed absolute, but she knows she must do whatever necessary to try to circumvent this disaster. She runs into the desert, away from Rhuidean, to think on all she has experienced before returning to the wetlands to confer with the other Wise Ones ({{tom|49}}).

== Miscellaneous ==

*Aviendha has a first-sister, [[Niella]], a weaver, who always wanted Aviendha to wed rather than take the spear. Nielle was recently taken ''[[gai'shain]]'' by Chareen Maidens. ({{tfoh|32}})

*Aviendha's sister-mother, [[Lian (2)|Lian]], is sister-wife to Amys ({{tsr|12}}).

*Before crossing the Dragonwall, Aviendha used to visit Cold Rocks Hold, where Rhuarc, Amys, and Lian live ({{tsr|12}}).

*Min has a vision of her "Aviendha would have Rand's babies, too. Four of them at once! Something was odd about that, though. The babies would be healthy, but still something odd." ({{Wh|12}})).

== Strengths and Talents ==

Aviendha is involved with many events that demonstrate her strength in [[the One Power]]. Many Aes Sedai are amazed to find an Aiel who can channel when Aviendha arrives in [[Salidar]] with Mat Cauthon and the [[Band of the Red Hand]] ({{loc|38}}).

Her Talent of Unweaving is discovered when she Unweaves a gateway, an act that shocks all channelers present as it is meant to be a very dangerous and almost impossible feat ({{tpod|2}}). She is also a member of the circle that uses [[the Bowl of the Winds]] to amend the strange weather cycles that have been gripping the lands ({{tpod|5}}).

Aviendha is able to identify the uses for the ''ter'angreal'' in Elayne's rooms. She offers to take over the study of the ''ter'angreal'', but the Wise Ones send her away to continue her training ({{kod|13}}).

Aviendha is no better than Elayne at [[Healing]] ({{kod|13}}).

== Relationships ==

Aviendha tries to push Rand away from her as she believes that is the only way of clearing her ''toh'' to Elayne. Finally, she succumbs as she knows her heart is true. She saw in the arches of Rhuidean that she would be romantically linked with Rand and she knew that she could not deny the truth ({{tfoh|31}}). Elayne and Aviendha both realize their love for Rand and realize it is a blessing, not a curse upon them both. They both then undertake the ceremony to be bonded as [[first sister bond|First-Sisters]], under the midwifery of the Wise One Monaelle ({{Prol9}}]).

Aviendha and Elayne now decided that they will Bond Rand as their [[Warder]]. Despite his initial protests for their safety and sanity, he agrees. Recognizing Rand's love for [[Min]] as well as themselves, Aviendha and Elayne include her into the weave, and therefore the Bond ({{wh|12}}). Aviendha, Elayne and Min will be sister-wives in the Aiel way, if they all are to marry Rand. Min also has a viewing that Aviendha will bear Rand's children. Quintuplets! ({{wh|12}}). While Elayne is pregnant however, Aviendha has appointed herself, along with Elayne's Warder Birgitte, as her First-Sister's carer and takes this job very seriously.

== Quotes ==

"I do not argue- when you make sense, Rand al'Thor." ({{tfoh2|Chapter 32}})

"Laugh while you can, wetlander. When this land begins to break you, it will be a fitting punishment for your treatment of Elayne." ({{tsr2|Chapter 37}})

"It is stupid to anger Aes Sedai." ({{tsr2|Chapter 48}})

"Yes, Rand al'Thor. I hate you with all of my heart. And I always will". (Aviendha tries to hate Rand and push him away as she feels that Rand really belongs to Elayne. She has been asked to watch over Rand and feels guilty for loving him; {{tfoh2|Chapter 4}}).

"My sister has you by the ear, [[Zaida din Parede]]. Hung up by the ankles in fact." (Aviendha makes fun of the Sea Folk. Hanging people from the rigging by their ankles is a punishment of the Sea Folk that is a constant source of amusement for Aviendha. She possesses the strange sense of humor that is typical to an Aiel that "could be rough at times." ({{cot2|Chapter 13}} She can also be very blunt as she has never learned that words can cut as deep as one of her Maiden's spears; {{cot2|Chapter 12}})

"Always assume your enemy will do what you do not want. Decide what you least want them to do and plan on that." (Aviendha speaks to Dyelin about which houses will ally themselves with Elayne; {{cot2|Chapter 14}})

"Men cause trouble even when they are elsewhere." (Aviendha and Elayne comfort each other about Rand's absence and safety after feeling the massive wave of Channeling in the West; {{cot2|Chapter 14}}))

"No longer a Maiden, not quite a Wise One. Her entire identity had been wrapped up in those spears, her self forged into their steel as surely as the carbon that strengthened them. She had grown from childhood certain that she would be ''Far Dareis Mai''. Indeed, she had joined the Maidens as soon as possible" ({{tgs2|Chapter 3}})

""If you make a bridal wreath for my first-sister and me, I will pick it up." (to Rand, {{wh2|Chapter 12}}).

"He had offered her marriage once. A man! Offering marriage! Another of those strange wetlander customs. Even disregarding the strangeness of it, disregarding the insult his proposal had shown Elayne, Aviendha could never have accepted Rand al'Thor as her husband. Couldn’t he understand that a woman must bring honor to a marriage? What could a mere apprentice offer? Would he have her come to him as an inferior? It would shame her completely to do that" (about Rand, {{tgs2|Chapter 3}}).

"She took even longer than you, Amys! As stubborn a girl as I’ve ever seen" (Melaine, {{tgs2|Chapter 26}}).

"’If that is the case, why would we return to this land? Would that not be like seeking more punishment, once ''toh'' is met?’" (Nakomi to Aviendha on when ''toh'' has been met, {{tom|Chapter 39}}).

"But how could they be happy, when the Light-cursed Seanchan were in the land? Her hatred of the invaders ran deep…Perhaps that hatred had destroyed the Aiel." (Ladalin’s thoughts concerning the Dragon’s desire for peace, {{tom|Chapter 49}}).

"She knew she was not good with people. When she spoke, insults were too common." (Oncala in the Andoran Court, {{tom|Chapter 49}}).

"'I don’t want to go on.'" (Aviendha inside the glass column ''ter’angreal'' after seeing Oncala, {{tom|Chapter 49}}).
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Aviendha

2011-01-22T05:51:05Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Quotes */

''Kariada Kunai and Napolde Surion''

''Books 1 - 4''
''By Kariada Kunai''

''Books 5 - 10''
''By Napolde Surion''

ah-vee-EHN-dah

== Books 1-4 ==

== General==

Aviendha is of the Nine Valleys sept of the [[Taardad]] [[Aiel]] ({{acos|13}}). (Aviendha's claim to the Bitter Water sept in {{tdr|38}} is an error which has since been corrected in all later editions of the book.) Once ''[[Far Dareis Mai]]'', a Maiden of the Spear, she is now training to become a [[Wise One]] ({{tsr|23}}).

Tall with blue-green eyes, [[Rand]] describes Aviendha as a "more than pretty woman" ({{tfoh|4}}). He also thinks she has a haughty unsmiling stare and is as "proud as a green-eyed hawk" ({{tsr|22}}). Even [[Amys]] tells Aviendha she has too much pride ({{acos|13}}). According to [[Mat]], she has "a viper for a tongue and a temper to make [[Nynaeve]] look meek" ({{tsr|36}}).

As a Maiden, Aviendha wore her hair short, with a tail in the back which hung to her shoulders, and the Aiel ''cadin'sor'' ({{tdr|38}}). Since giving up the spear to become a Wise One, she has been growing out her hair, which is covered by a scarf and still short of her shoulders, as well as a shawl and skirts ({{tfoh|4}}).

Aviendha was born in NE 980 ({{Prol8}}). She has the ability to channel born in her, and has the potential to be as strong as [[Egwene]] ({{tsr|23}}). She knows almost nothing about Healing, but has the Talents of Unweaving and [[Reading Residues]] ({{tfoh|32}}) ({{tpod|2}}).

When Aviendha first meets Mat, he asks her if she can "do any dances without spears." Her response is apparently less than satisfactory for Mat. ({{tdr|56}})

Aviendha, in a group with [[Jolien]], [[Dailin (1)|Dailin]], [[Bain]], and [[Chiad]], is among the last of the Aiel sent by the Wise Ones to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn. It is during this search that she first meets Egwene, [[Elayne]], and Nynaeve. Aviendha asks for their help to Heal Dailin, who has been injured. Aviendha finds it strange that three Aes Sedai would make their way to [[Tear (City)|Tear]], so she follows them to see what they will do once Nynaeve Heals Dailin. When the three are captured, Aviendha goes for help and rescues them. ({{tdr|39}})

As per [[Moiraine]]'s order, Aviendha stays close to Elayne, Egwene, and Nynaeve in the [[Stone of Tear]]. Egwene thinks that if the two got to know each other better, they could become friends. ({{tsr|5}})

Aviendha visits Egwene in her rooms while in the Stone of Tear, and the two spend time together laughing and talking. Though they don't always understand each others' ways, the two become friends. ({{tsr|9}}) Aviendha also helps Egwene prepare for her journey into [[Aiel Waste|the Waste]] ({{tsr|16}}).

When Egwene tells Elayne that Aviendha has the spark, she is not surprised. Elayne says she feels a kinship for the Aiel just as she does for others who can channel. Both Egwene and Amys think that Aviendha will be very strong. ({{tsr|35}})

When Rand asks Aviendha why she doesn't like him, she first tells him that as He Who Comes With the Dawn, she cannot like nor dislike him. She then hints that she may spite him for going to [[Rhuidean]] for honor and yet still be "free", while she must go and be tied to the Wise Ones, studying. She also says that he treats Elayne badly, but since Egwene still likes him, and she is friends with Egwene, she will give him a chance. ({{tsr|22}})

Later, Rand sees Aviendha on her return from Rhuidean. He is happy to see her, even though she dislikes him, for her dislike does not stem from who he is. She dislikes him simply because she feels he mistreats Elayne. Aviendha, however, stares at him with pure hate. Rand realizes that, having just gone to Rhuidean, she would now know of the prophecy stating that he would destroy the Aiel. Mat warns Rand not to turn his back on her. ({{tsr|34}})

Aviendha tells Rand that Elayne is the woman for him, saying that she is a wetlander like him and, much to Rand's embarrassment, describes Elayne's body in blatant detail. She then goes on to scold Rand for rejecting Elayne after she "bared her heart" to him in letters. ({{tsr|36}})

During their journey through the Waste, Aviendha is adamant about Rand's relationship with Elayne. When she catches him looking at another woman, she scolds him, saying "You belong to Elayne." ({{tsr|37}}) She even tells him: "If I could, I would take you ''gai'shain'' and give you to Elayne!" ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand snaps at Aviendha for her lack of respect for him, Rhuarc intercedes that he will not be treated as a "wetlander king," although, he says, "Some do push the bounds of honor." At hearing that, Aviendha tenses up and holds her tongue. ({{tsr|37}})

After a few days of travel, Egwene approaches Rand and yells at him, telling him to stop doing whatever it is that is upsetting Aviendha so ({{tsr|37}}).

As Rand retires for bed, Aviendha follows him to his tent and then is there the next morning when he wakes. Rand is happy to see her, because he knows who she is and what her feelings for him are. ({{tsr|37}})

For the majority of the trip, Aviendha walks besides Rand's horse. Sometimes Rand walks along with her, but he is not able to walk for as long as she can. Occasionally he has been able to get her to ride along with him, saying he gets a crick in his neck from looking down at her all the time, although even the slightest laugh from any Aiel gets her off the horse and walking once more. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha lectures Rand on Aiel customs as they travel, and he finds it enjoyable at times. Whenever she realizes that they begin to talk as two normal people would, she snaps at him and returns to her stony self, as if having been caught in a trap. ({{tsr|48}})

Of all the Aiel traveling with them, Aviendha is the only one who talks with Rand at any length ({{tsr|48}}).

Rand thinks he sees compassion on Aviendha's face once, when the Wise Ones approach him to see how he is, although as soon as she sees Rand looking at her, it is gone ({{tsr|48}}).

Keille mentions to Rand that perhaps Aviendha shows contempt for him because he belongs to another. Rand disagrees with her, saying: "Aviendha would plant a knife in my ribs if she believed I had thought of her that way." ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand tells Aviendha that he does not know what he ever did to her, she replies "You have done nothing to me, and you never will." ({{tsr|49}})

Rand tries to give Aviendha a bracelet in thanks for her teachings. Aviendha at first does not want to take the gift, but eventually does. When she finds out that he got it from other Maidens, she realizes that they think he is trying to get her interest and approve. She will not let Rand take the gift back after this, saying it would take away her honor, and instead says they must think what they do, even if it means nothing. ({{tsr|50}}) Throughout the rest of the journey, however, Aviendha tries to hide the bracelet from the other Maidens ({{tsr|57}}).

During that same encounter, Aviendha apologizes to Rand for her attitude at dinner earlier. Rand later learns that this apology was not forced by the Wise Ones, but sincere and voluntary. ({{tsr|50}})

== Becoming a Wise One ==

Aviendha was almost not allowed to go across the Dragonwall to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn, as she had other duties to begin training as a Wise One ({{tdr|39}}). As it is, she is late to begin her training ({{tsr|23}}).

When Aviendha is finally summoned to Rhuidean, she is very reluctant to go. Moiraine tells her she has received a message from the Wise Ones telling her to report at once. Aviendha instead wants to go to [[Tanchico]] with Nynaeve and Elayne to hunt for the [[Black Ajah]]. ({{tsr|12}})

Aviendha does not want to become a Wise One, and refuses training at first, wanting to remain a Maiden of the Spear. When Aviendha does agree to go to Rhuidean, she runs the whole way, determined to beat Mat and Rand there ({{tsr|23}}).

Aviendha, as well as Moiraine, is still in Rhuidean by the time Rand and Mat return. Rand suggests going back to Rhuidean to look for Aviendha and Moiraine, but [[Melaine]] explodes, telling him that he would not come back out alive. Later that afternoon, on the seventh day since everyone left, Rand sees a very sunburned and weary Aviendha scrambling up the mountain ({{tsr|34}}).

Upon Aviendha's return, the Wise Ones take her into a tent, where she later emerges wearing a bulky brown skirt with a loose white blouse, and a shawl looped around her arms. She looks less than happy, and when she sees Rand, she gives him a look of pure "animal rage." ({{tsr|34}})

Later that evening, Aviendha is in the sweat tent along with the other Wise Ones, Moiraine, and Egwene when they discuss Rand. She tosses water into a kettle, creating steam for the tent, and has a sour look on her face. Egwene empathizes as she remembers the chores she had to do as a novice in the White Tower. ({{tsr|35}})

During this meeting, [[Bair]] orders Aviendha to watch Rand for the Wise Ones. She is to get as close to him as she can and talk to him, to see if he will let anything slip. This may get in the way of her training, but the Wise Ones believe it is the only way. Aviendha refuses, bursting out, almost in tears, that she hates him. The Wise Ones threaten her with chores, expecting to be obeyed, and some of Aviendha's stubbornness recedes. It is not until Egwene asks her to do it for her, and to look after him for Elayne, that Aviendha finally says "I will watch him for Elayne." ({{tsr|35}})

The next morning, Aviendha waits for Rand outside his tent and stays with him the entire day. Rand describes her as she walks beside his horse: "Stalking. If she were a cat, she would be lashing her tail." ({{tsr|36}})

During his training with [[Lan]], Rand asks how to defeat an Aiel attack. Aviendha explodes, demanding to know why he would want to fight his own people, and why he would ask a wetlander instead of an Aiel anyway. [[Rhuarc]] approaches and scolds Aviendha for sulking so long, telling her there is a limit even though she suffered a disappointment, and that her obligation to her people will not be fulfilled by her petty tantrums. Aviendha glowers as if blaming Rand for being scolded. ({{tsr|37}})

That evening, the group gets attacked while at the campfire by [[Trollocs]]. Though she has given up the spear, Aviendha uses a corner of her shawl to veil her face and fights along with the rest of them. ({{tsr|37}}) She is later scolded by the Wise One's for her actions ({{tsr|48}}).

When Rand tells Egwene how he is uncomfortable around Aviendha, the Wise Ones have a talk with her. Upon her return, Aviendha demands that she teach him about Aiel ways and customs. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha's nights and parts of some days are spent with the Wise Ones, during which she learns about channeling and becoming one of them ({{tsr|48}}).

One of Aviendha's first times channeling is a giant ball of fire, which tumbles out ahead of the Wise Ones' party before winking out on the horizon. The Wise Ones are very excited when this happens. ({{tsr|48}})

When the group reaches Cold Rocks Hold, and it is apparent that Rand does not know everything he should about the Aiel, the Wise Ones threaten to scold Aviendha in private. Rand intercedes in her defense, saying that she was a good teacher. He asks that she remain as such. ({{tsr|49}})

Aviendha shows a temper during dinner that night, and is told to dust carpets in order to work it out. She says it may take all night. ({{tsr|50}})

Aviendha is currently an Apprentice. Aviendha is strong in the One Power. Her Talents include Unweaving and Reading Residues and she is known for weaving particularly strong Wards ({{cot|14}}). She has had hostility attracted to her from other Aes Sedai due to the fact that she is a wilder ({{cot|11}}). In common with many Aiel, she finds a delight in rain ({{kod|13}}).

Strongly muscled but softly curved ({{tfoh|31}}), Aviendha stands taller than an average woman due to her Aiel blood. Her hair is a dark red hue and shoulder length, growing out from her Maiden's cut. Her eyes are a deep blue green that blaze with fire to match her personality and nature.

"He had given her the ivory bracelet she wore, roses amongst thorns, suiting her nature." –( ({{loc|16}}).

Abandoning ''cadin'sor'', the chose attire of the Maidens, Aviendha dresses in the garb of a Wise One; bulky gray skirts, pale blouse, thick woolen shawl and a dark head scarf folded around her temples to keep her growing hair back. She is never without three favored pieces of jewelry; a necklace of silver snowflakes given to her by her Near-Sister Egwene al'Vere ({{tfoh|7}}), from Rand al'Thor an ivory bracelet carved with roses and thorns, and an amber brooch in the shape of a turtle that is known to be an ''[[angreal]]''. Apart from these pieces she wears no other ornamentation. However, Aviendha harbors a secret love of silks and velvets. At first she shies away from them, but grows to love them when Daughter-Heir Elayne Trakand encourages her to get used to wearing them, although she would never admit this! ({{cot|13}})

Aviendha, like all Aiel, takes the law of ''[[ji'e'toh]]'' very seriously, and is constantly bemused and frustrated at wetlander's inability to follow suit. She believes she has incurred a great ''toh'' towards Elayne for her intimate relationship with Rand ({{tfoh|31}}).

Aviendha is currently residing in the Sun Palace of Caemlyn with Elayne. She is present at many of the affairs of State that Elayne must see to, such as status reports from [[Halwin Norry|Norry]], [[Birgitte]] and the [[Reene Harfor|First Maid]] ({{cot|11}}), dealing with the [[Atha'an Miere]] ({{cot|12}}), meeting High Seats of Houses ({{cot|13}}), as well as continuing her studies to become a Wise One. It is during this time at the Sun Palace that both Aviendha and Elayne feel the tremendous channeling to the West as Rand attempts to cleanse ''saidin''. ({{cot|12}})

*She discovers she can identify the use of ''ter'angreal'' ({{kod|15}}).

*[[Nadere]] and [[Dorindha (1)|Dorindha]] tell her she has neglected her training too long and take her away to [[Arad Doman]] ({{kod|15}}).
===The Gathering Storm Timeline===
*Aviendha scouts with [[Rhuarc]]. She is punished for doing so ({{tgs|3}}).
*After taking her to Arad Doman, the Wise One do not give her any further training. Instead, they are punishing her, but she does not know why ({{tgs|3}}).
*Amys asks her what she plans to do about Min. Aviendha tells Amys that they will reach an accommodation and she will marry Rand ({{tgs|3}}).
*When Adrin is killed by a [[Bubble of Evil]], Aviendha saves the mansion from burning down ({{tgs|11}}).
*Melaine asks her opinion of Rand's plan for the Merchant's Council ({{tgs|11}}).
*Min approaches Aviendha to discuss Rand, but only succeeds in annoying her ({{tgs|26}}).
*While annoyed, she sees the Wise Ones to complain about their treatment of her and rejects their punishments. They tell her this is what they have wanted ({{tgs|26}}).
*She Travels to [[Cold Rocks Hold]] to go through the stone columns in Rhuidean ({{tgs|26}}).

'''Towers of Midnight'''

As the final requirement to become a Wise One, Aviendha Travels to the Waste to go through the glass column ''ter’angreal'' in Rhuidean. While traveling on foot from Cold Rocks Hold to Rhuidean, Aviendha camps one night beside a huge rock formation. She reflects on the obvious, through her lens, inferiority of the wetlands compared to the Waste. She is roasting a “shellback,” when a mysterious woman appears from out of the darkness. The woman gives her name as [[Nakomi]], and she asks Aviendha a number of disturbing questions about the Aiel, question connected to the future and purpose of the Aiel after the Last Battle, living in the wetlands, ''toh'', and related matters. Nakomi leaves the camp, disappearing into the night as she had come. Aviendha cannot find her and is left with these questions concerning the Aiel unresolved ({{tom|39}}).

The night before Aviendha is to go through the glass columns of Rhuidean, she sits on a rock outcropping which overlooks the city, mulling over issues of the Aiel, Rand, Elayne and the [[Seanchan]]. What the Seanchan had done in capturing Wise Ones could not be tolerated. She reaffirms her resolve to go through the ''ter’angreal'' and become a Wise One ({{tom|45}}).

Aviendha, having just completed her trek through the ''ter’angreal'', walks out of the glass columns somewhat disappointed. There had been no real surprises for her, and her ancestors’ journey to the Waste does not seem extraordinary to her in the least. Knowing how she had “read” ''ter’angreal'' in the palace in Caemlyn, she reaches out and touches one of the glass columns with her hand. The power in this ''ter’angreal'' is too overwhelming for her. Aviendha turns to go and…She was [[Malidra]], a scavenging creature who is killed by a device of advanced technology. Then Aviendha is herself once again. She is confused, wondering if this viewing is from a time before what she had seen inside the columns. She has come for answers so decides to journey through the columns once more if it is possible ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Norlesh]], a woman with her husband and two children. They are in the Waste, they are destitute, and they are starving. Norlesh’s husband tries to trade ore for food but all have been forbidden to trade with Aiel. Aviendha is once more herself and cannot believe that Aiel would behave so. In trepidation she takes another step ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Tava]], fourteen years old and running and screaming amidst the flames in the canyon. The attackers of the Hold ride large, leathery flying beasts. The invaders wear helmets which look like large insect heads. Tava’s father tries to rally the remaining Aiel to rebuild the Hold. They are, however, dispirited, and they disperse. Aviendha is crying. She knows now that those were Seanchan invaders, and that this is not the long, past history of her people but the future ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Ladalin]], a Wise One of the Taardad Aiel. She cannot channel. There are only three clan chiefs and two Wise Ones, all that is left of the Council of twenty-two. Ladalin had been a maiden of the spear, and she has known only war her entire life. In the Aiel mind there are only themselves and Seanchan. Only four clans remain intact. The Aiel are losing the war against the Seanchan, and although the Seanchan have warned them that they will be hunted down if they retreat to the Three-fold Land, the small council decides to return to the Waste. Aviendha steps forward again, nearly to the center of the ''ter’angreal'', tears streaming down her face. She cannot understand how this has happened. Another step ({{tom|49}}).

She was [[Oncala]], Maiden of the Spear, descendant of the Dragon. She and the Aiel with her are in Caemlyn to seek help from the throne. Oncala resents almost every aspect of Andor, especially the royal house. She takes offense at nearly everything done or said. The Aiel and Seanchan are at an impasse. Oncala and one of her party have acquired secret Seanchan papers to show the Andoran Queen in the hope that she will be provoked to take action against the Seanchan. They are purposely deceiving the Queen by leaving out one of the sheets. This ploy works, and not only Andor, but the other nations enter the war against the Seanchan. It was this act that gave the Seanchan the perceived impetus to attack the other nations. Aviendha feels devastated. Oncala had thought of her great mother—the face in Oncala’s mind was the face of Aviendha. She steps into the center of the glass columns ({{tom|49}}).

She is [[Padra]], Maiden of the Spear, daughter of the Dragon Reborn and one of four siblings, all of whom can channel and have since childhood. She sees herself as superior to both Aes Sedai and Wise Ones. After killing Seanchan through a Gateway, she goes through her own Gateway to the Aiel camp in Arad Doman. The Aiel have never assimilated into the Wetland cities. She enters a tent in which her siblings and the clan chiefs are meeting. They still consider themselves to be warriors and look with derision on wetlanders and their ways. The Aiel are rudderless, Rand not having known what to do with them; they lack identity. Padra leads the council in deciding to declare war on the Seanchan ({{tom|49}}).

It is night. Aviendha, emotions ravaged, cries out for the columns to show her more, but the ''ter’angreal'' is silent. Is what she experienced destined or fluid? What she saw seemed absolute, but she knows she must do whatever necessary to try to circumvent this disaster. She runs into the desert, away from Rhuidean, to think on all she has experienced before returning to the wetlands to confer with the other Wise Ones ({{tom|49}}).

== Miscellaneous ==

*Aviendha has a first-sister, [[Niella]], a weaver, who always wanted Aviendha to wed rather than take the spear. Nielle was recently taken ''[[gai'shain]]'' by Chareen Maidens. ({{tfoh|32}})

*Aviendha's sister-mother, [[Lian (2)|Lian]], is sister-wife to Amys ({{tsr|12}}).

*Before crossing the Dragonwall, Aviendha used to visit Cold Rocks Hold, where Rhuarc, Amys, and Lian live ({{tsr|12}}).

*Min has a vision of her "Aviendha would have Rand's babies, too. Four of them at once! Something was odd about that, though. The babies would be healthy, but still something odd." ({{Wh|12}})).

== Strengths and Talents ==

Aviendha is involved with many events that demonstrate her strength in [[the One Power]]. Many Aes Sedai are amazed to find an Aiel who can channel when Aviendha arrives in [[Salidar]] with Mat Cauthon and the [[Band of the Red Hand]] ({{loc|38}}).

Her Talent of Unweaving is discovered when she Unweaves a gateway, an act that shocks all channelers present as it is meant to be a very dangerous and almost impossible feat ({{tpod|2}}). She is also a member of the circle that uses [[the Bowl of the Winds]] to amend the strange weather cycles that have been gripping the lands ({{tpod|5}}).

Aviendha is able to identify the uses for the ''ter'angreal'' in Elayne's rooms. She offers to take over the study of the ''ter'angreal'', but the Wise Ones send her away to continue her training ({{kod|13}}).

Aviendha is no better than Elayne at [[Healing]] ({{kod|13}}).

== Relationships ==

Aviendha tries to push Rand away from her as she believes that is the only way of clearing her ''toh'' to Elayne. Finally, she succumbs as she knows her heart is true. She saw in the arches of Rhuidean that she would be romantically linked with Rand and she knew that she could not deny the truth ({{tfoh|31}}). Elayne and Aviendha both realize their love for Rand and realize it is a blessing, not a curse upon them both. They both then undertake the ceremony to be bonded as [[first sister bond|First-Sisters]], under the midwifery of the Wise One Monaelle ({{Prol9}}]).

Aviendha and Elayne now decided that they will Bond Rand as their [[Warder]]. Despite his initial protests for their safety and sanity, he agrees. Recognizing Rand's love for [[Min]] as well as themselves, Aviendha and Elayne include her into the weave, and therefore the Bond ({{wh|12}}). Aviendha, Elayne and Min will be sister-wives in the Aiel way, if they all are to marry Rand. Min also has a viewing that Aviendha will bear Rand's children. Quintuplets! ({{wh|12}}). While Elayne is pregnant however, Aviendha has appointed herself, along with Elayne's Warder Birgitte, as her First-Sister's carer and takes this job very seriously.

== Quotes ==

"I do not argue- when you make sense, Rand al'Thor." ({{tfoh2|Chapter 32}})

"Laugh while you can, wetlander. When this land begins to break you, it will be a fitting punishment for your treatment of Elayne." ({{tsr2|Chapter 37}})

"It is stupid to anger Aes Sedai." ({{tsr2|Chapter 48}})

"Yes, Rand al'Thor. I hate you with all of my heart. And I always will". (Aviendha tries to hate Rand and push him away as she feels that Rand really belongs to Elayne. She has been asked to watch over Rand and feels guilty for loving him; {{tfoh2|Chapter 4}}).

"My sister has you by the ear, [[Zaida din Parede]]. Hung up by the ankles in fact." (Aviendha makes fun of the Sea Folk. Hanging people from the rigging by their ankles is a punishment of the Sea Folk that is a constant source of amusement for Aviendha. She possesses the strange sense of humor that is typical to an Aiel that "could be rough at times." ({{cot2|Chapter 13}} She can also be very blunt as she has never learned that words can cut as deep as one of her Maiden's spears; {{cot2|Chapter 12}})

"Always assume your enemy will do what you do not want. Decide what you least want them to do and plan on that." (Aviendha speaks to Dyelin about which houses will ally themselves with Elayne; {{cot2|Chapter 14}})

"Men cause trouble even when they are elsewhere." (Aviendha and Elayne comfort each other about Rand's absence and safety after feeling the massive wave of Channeling in the West; {{cot2|Chapter 14}}))

"No longer a Maiden, not quite a Wise One. Her entire identity had been wrapped up in those spears, her self forged into their steel as surely as the carbon that strengthened them. She had grown from childhood certain that she would be ''Far Dareis Mai''. Indeed, she had joined the Maidens as soon as possible" ({{tgs2|Chapter 3}})

""If you make a bridal wreath for my first-sister and me, I will pick it up." (to Rand, {{wh2|Chapter 12}}).

"He had offered her marriage once. A man! Offering marriage! Another of those strange wetlander customs. Even disregarding the strangeness of it, disregarding the insult his proposal had shown Elayne, Aviendha could never have accepted Rand al'Thor as her husband. Couldn’t he understand that a woman must bring honor to a marriage? What could a mere apprentice offer? Would he have her come to him as an inferior? It would shame her completely to do that" (about Rand, {{tgs2|Chapter 3}}).

"She took even longer than you, Amys! As stubborn a girl as I’ve ever seen" (Melaine, {{tgs2|Chapter 26}}).

"’If that is the case, why would we return to this land? Would that not be like seeking more punishment, once ''toh'' is met?’" (Nakomi to Aviendha on when ''toh'' has been met, {{tom2|Chapter 39}}).

"But how could they be happy, when the Light-cursed Seanchan were in the land? Her hatred of the invaders ran deep…Perhaps that hatred had destroyed the Aiel." (Ladalin’s thoughts concerning the Dragon’s desire for peace, {{tom2|Chapter 49}}).

"She knew she was not good with people. When she spoke, insults were too common." (Oncala in the Andoran Court, {{tom2|Chapter 49}}).

"'I don’t want to go on.'" (Aviendha inside the glass column ''ter’angreal'' after seeing Oncala, {{tom2|Chapter 49}}).

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Aviendha

2011-01-22T05:38:19Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* The Gathering Storm Timeline */

''Kariada Kunai and Napolde Surion''

''Books 1 - 4''
''By Kariada Kunai''

''Books 5 - 10''
''By Napolde Surion''

ah-vee-EHN-dah

== Books 1-4 ==

== General==

Aviendha is of the Nine Valleys sept of the [[Taardad]] [[Aiel]] ({{acos|13}}). (Aviendha's claim to the Bitter Water sept in {{tdr|38}} is an error which has since been corrected in all later editions of the book.) Once ''[[Far Dareis Mai]]'', a Maiden of the Spear, she is now training to become a [[Wise One]] ({{tsr|23}}).

Tall with blue-green eyes, [[Rand]] describes Aviendha as a "more than pretty woman" ({{tfoh|4}}). He also thinks she has a haughty unsmiling stare and is as "proud as a green-eyed hawk" ({{tsr|22}}). Even [[Amys]] tells Aviendha she has too much pride ({{acos|13}}). According to [[Mat]], she has "a viper for a tongue and a temper to make [[Nynaeve]] look meek" ({{tsr|36}}).

As a Maiden, Aviendha wore her hair short, with a tail in the back which hung to her shoulders, and the Aiel ''cadin'sor'' ({{tdr|38}}). Since giving up the spear to become a Wise One, she has been growing out her hair, which is covered by a scarf and still short of her shoulders, as well as a shawl and skirts ({{tfoh|4}}).

Aviendha was born in NE 980 ({{Prol8}}). She has the ability to channel born in her, and has the potential to be as strong as [[Egwene]] ({{tsr|23}}). She knows almost nothing about Healing, but has the Talents of Unweaving and [[Reading Residues]] ({{tfoh|32}}) ({{tpod|2}}).

When Aviendha first meets Mat, he asks her if she can "do any dances without spears." Her response is apparently less than satisfactory for Mat. ({{tdr|56}})

Aviendha, in a group with [[Jolien]], [[Dailin (1)|Dailin]], [[Bain]], and [[Chiad]], is among the last of the Aiel sent by the Wise Ones to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn. It is during this search that she first meets Egwene, [[Elayne]], and Nynaeve. Aviendha asks for their help to Heal Dailin, who has been injured. Aviendha finds it strange that three Aes Sedai would make their way to [[Tear (City)|Tear]], so she follows them to see what they will do once Nynaeve Heals Dailin. When the three are captured, Aviendha goes for help and rescues them. ({{tdr|39}})

As per [[Moiraine]]'s order, Aviendha stays close to Elayne, Egwene, and Nynaeve in the [[Stone of Tear]]. Egwene thinks that if the two got to know each other better, they could become friends. ({{tsr|5}})

Aviendha visits Egwene in her rooms while in the Stone of Tear, and the two spend time together laughing and talking. Though they don't always understand each others' ways, the two become friends. ({{tsr|9}}) Aviendha also helps Egwene prepare for her journey into [[Aiel Waste|the Waste]] ({{tsr|16}}).

When Egwene tells Elayne that Aviendha has the spark, she is not surprised. Elayne says she feels a kinship for the Aiel just as she does for others who can channel. Both Egwene and Amys think that Aviendha will be very strong. ({{tsr|35}})

When Rand asks Aviendha why she doesn't like him, she first tells him that as He Who Comes With the Dawn, she cannot like nor dislike him. She then hints that she may spite him for going to [[Rhuidean]] for honor and yet still be "free", while she must go and be tied to the Wise Ones, studying. She also says that he treats Elayne badly, but since Egwene still likes him, and she is friends with Egwene, she will give him a chance. ({{tsr|22}})

Later, Rand sees Aviendha on her return from Rhuidean. He is happy to see her, even though she dislikes him, for her dislike does not stem from who he is. She dislikes him simply because she feels he mistreats Elayne. Aviendha, however, stares at him with pure hate. Rand realizes that, having just gone to Rhuidean, she would now know of the prophecy stating that he would destroy the Aiel. Mat warns Rand not to turn his back on her. ({{tsr|34}})

Aviendha tells Rand that Elayne is the woman for him, saying that she is a wetlander like him and, much to Rand's embarrassment, describes Elayne's body in blatant detail. She then goes on to scold Rand for rejecting Elayne after she "bared her heart" to him in letters. ({{tsr|36}})

During their journey through the Waste, Aviendha is adamant about Rand's relationship with Elayne. When she catches him looking at another woman, she scolds him, saying "You belong to Elayne." ({{tsr|37}}) She even tells him: "If I could, I would take you ''gai'shain'' and give you to Elayne!" ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand snaps at Aviendha for her lack of respect for him, Rhuarc intercedes that he will not be treated as a "wetlander king," although, he says, "Some do push the bounds of honor." At hearing that, Aviendha tenses up and holds her tongue. ({{tsr|37}})

After a few days of travel, Egwene approaches Rand and yells at him, telling him to stop doing whatever it is that is upsetting Aviendha so ({{tsr|37}}).

As Rand retires for bed, Aviendha follows him to his tent and then is there the next morning when he wakes. Rand is happy to see her, because he knows who she is and what her feelings for him are. ({{tsr|37}})

For the majority of the trip, Aviendha walks besides Rand's horse. Sometimes Rand walks along with her, but he is not able to walk for as long as she can. Occasionally he has been able to get her to ride along with him, saying he gets a crick in his neck from looking down at her all the time, although even the slightest laugh from any Aiel gets her off the horse and walking once more. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha lectures Rand on Aiel customs as they travel, and he finds it enjoyable at times. Whenever she realizes that they begin to talk as two normal people would, she snaps at him and returns to her stony self, as if having been caught in a trap. ({{tsr|48}})

Of all the Aiel traveling with them, Aviendha is the only one who talks with Rand at any length ({{tsr|48}}).

Rand thinks he sees compassion on Aviendha's face once, when the Wise Ones approach him to see how he is, although as soon as she sees Rand looking at her, it is gone ({{tsr|48}}).

Keille mentions to Rand that perhaps Aviendha shows contempt for him because he belongs to another. Rand disagrees with her, saying: "Aviendha would plant a knife in my ribs if she believed I had thought of her that way." ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand tells Aviendha that he does not know what he ever did to her, she replies "You have done nothing to me, and you never will." ({{tsr|49}})

Rand tries to give Aviendha a bracelet in thanks for her teachings. Aviendha at first does not want to take the gift, but eventually does. When she finds out that he got it from other Maidens, she realizes that they think he is trying to get her interest and approve. She will not let Rand take the gift back after this, saying it would take away her honor, and instead says they must think what they do, even if it means nothing. ({{tsr|50}}) Throughout the rest of the journey, however, Aviendha tries to hide the bracelet from the other Maidens ({{tsr|57}}).

During that same encounter, Aviendha apologizes to Rand for her attitude at dinner earlier. Rand later learns that this apology was not forced by the Wise Ones, but sincere and voluntary. ({{tsr|50}})

== Becoming a Wise One ==

Aviendha was almost not allowed to go across the Dragonwall to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn, as she had other duties to begin training as a Wise One ({{tdr|39}}). As it is, she is late to begin her training ({{tsr|23}}).

When Aviendha is finally summoned to Rhuidean, she is very reluctant to go. Moiraine tells her she has received a message from the Wise Ones telling her to report at once. Aviendha instead wants to go to [[Tanchico]] with Nynaeve and Elayne to hunt for the [[Black Ajah]]. ({{tsr|12}})

Aviendha does not want to become a Wise One, and refuses training at first, wanting to remain a Maiden of the Spear. When Aviendha does agree to go to Rhuidean, she runs the whole way, determined to beat Mat and Rand there ({{tsr|23}}).

Aviendha, as well as Moiraine, is still in Rhuidean by the time Rand and Mat return. Rand suggests going back to Rhuidean to look for Aviendha and Moiraine, but [[Melaine]] explodes, telling him that he would not come back out alive. Later that afternoon, on the seventh day since everyone left, Rand sees a very sunburned and weary Aviendha scrambling up the mountain ({{tsr|34}}).

Upon Aviendha's return, the Wise Ones take her into a tent, where she later emerges wearing a bulky brown skirt with a loose white blouse, and a shawl looped around her arms. She looks less than happy, and when she sees Rand, she gives him a look of pure "animal rage." ({{tsr|34}})

Later that evening, Aviendha is in the sweat tent along with the other Wise Ones, Moiraine, and Egwene when they discuss Rand. She tosses water into a kettle, creating steam for the tent, and has a sour look on her face. Egwene empathizes as she remembers the chores she had to do as a novice in the White Tower. ({{tsr|35}})

During this meeting, [[Bair]] orders Aviendha to watch Rand for the Wise Ones. She is to get as close to him as she can and talk to him, to see if he will let anything slip. This may get in the way of her training, but the Wise Ones believe it is the only way. Aviendha refuses, bursting out, almost in tears, that she hates him. The Wise Ones threaten her with chores, expecting to be obeyed, and some of Aviendha's stubbornness recedes. It is not until Egwene asks her to do it for her, and to look after him for Elayne, that Aviendha finally says "I will watch him for Elayne." ({{tsr|35}})

The next morning, Aviendha waits for Rand outside his tent and stays with him the entire day. Rand describes her as she walks beside his horse: "Stalking. If she were a cat, she would be lashing her tail." ({{tsr|36}})

During his training with [[Lan]], Rand asks how to defeat an Aiel attack. Aviendha explodes, demanding to know why he would want to fight his own people, and why he would ask a wetlander instead of an Aiel anyway. [[Rhuarc]] approaches and scolds Aviendha for sulking so long, telling her there is a limit even though she suffered a disappointment, and that her obligation to her people will not be fulfilled by her petty tantrums. Aviendha glowers as if blaming Rand for being scolded. ({{tsr|37}})

That evening, the group gets attacked while at the campfire by [[Trollocs]]. Though she has given up the spear, Aviendha uses a corner of her shawl to veil her face and fights along with the rest of them. ({{tsr|37}}) She is later scolded by the Wise One's for her actions ({{tsr|48}}).

When Rand tells Egwene how he is uncomfortable around Aviendha, the Wise Ones have a talk with her. Upon her return, Aviendha demands that she teach him about Aiel ways and customs. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha's nights and parts of some days are spent with the Wise Ones, during which she learns about channeling and becoming one of them ({{tsr|48}}).

One of Aviendha's first times channeling is a giant ball of fire, which tumbles out ahead of the Wise Ones' party before winking out on the horizon. The Wise Ones are very excited when this happens. ({{tsr|48}})

When the group reaches Cold Rocks Hold, and it is apparent that Rand does not know everything he should about the Aiel, the Wise Ones threaten to scold Aviendha in private. Rand intercedes in her defense, saying that she was a good teacher. He asks that she remain as such. ({{tsr|49}})

Aviendha shows a temper during dinner that night, and is told to dust carpets in order to work it out. She says it may take all night. ({{tsr|50}})

Aviendha is currently an Apprentice. Aviendha is strong in the One Power. Her Talents include Unweaving and Reading Residues and she is known for weaving particularly strong Wards ({{cot|14}}). She has had hostility attracted to her from other Aes Sedai due to the fact that she is a wilder ({{cot|11}}). In common with many Aiel, she finds a delight in rain ({{kod|13}}).

Strongly muscled but softly curved ({{tfoh|31}}), Aviendha stands taller than an average woman due to her Aiel blood. Her hair is a dark red hue and shoulder length, growing out from her Maiden's cut. Her eyes are a deep blue green that blaze with fire to match her personality and nature.

"He had given her the ivory bracelet she wore, roses amongst thorns, suiting her nature." –( ({{loc|16}}).

Abandoning ''cadin'sor'', the chose attire of the Maidens, Aviendha dresses in the garb of a Wise One; bulky gray skirts, pale blouse, thick woolen shawl and a dark head scarf folded around her temples to keep her growing hair back. She is never without three favored pieces of jewelry; a necklace of silver snowflakes given to her by her Near-Sister Egwene al'Vere ({{tfoh|7}}), from Rand al'Thor an ivory bracelet carved with roses and thorns, and an amber brooch in the shape of a turtle that is known to be an ''[[angreal]]''. Apart from these pieces she wears no other ornamentation. However, Aviendha harbors a secret love of silks and velvets. At first she shies away from them, but grows to love them when Daughter-Heir Elayne Trakand encourages her to get used to wearing them, although she would never admit this! ({{cot|13}})

Aviendha, like all Aiel, takes the law of ''[[ji'e'toh]]'' very seriously, and is constantly bemused and frustrated at wetlander's inability to follow suit. She believes she has incurred a great ''toh'' towards Elayne for her intimate relationship with Rand ({{tfoh|31}}).

Aviendha is currently residing in the Sun Palace of Caemlyn with Elayne. She is present at many of the affairs of State that Elayne must see to, such as status reports from [[Halwin Norry|Norry]], [[Birgitte]] and the [[Reene Harfor|First Maid]] ({{cot|11}}), dealing with the [[Atha'an Miere]] ({{cot|12}}), meeting High Seats of Houses ({{cot|13}}), as well as continuing her studies to become a Wise One. It is during this time at the Sun Palace that both Aviendha and Elayne feel the tremendous channeling to the West as Rand attempts to cleanse ''saidin''. ({{cot|12}})

*She discovers she can identify the use of ''ter'angreal'' ({{kod|15}}).

*[[Nadere]] and [[Dorindha (1)|Dorindha]] tell her she has neglected her training too long and take her away to [[Arad Doman]] ({{kod|15}}).
===The Gathering Storm Timeline===
*Aviendha scouts with [[Rhuarc]]. She is punished for doing so ({{tgs|3}}).
*After taking her to Arad Doman, the Wise One do not give her any further training. Instead, they are punishing her, but she does not know why ({{tgs|3}}).
*Amys asks her what she plans to do about Min. Aviendha tells Amys that they will reach an accommodation and she will marry Rand ({{tgs|3}}).
*When Adrin is killed by a [[Bubble of Evil]], Aviendha saves the mansion from burning down ({{tgs|11}}).
*Melaine asks her opinion of Rand's plan for the Merchant's Council ({{tgs|11}}).
*Min approaches Aviendha to discuss Rand, but only succeeds in annoying her ({{tgs|26}}).
*While annoyed, she sees the Wise Ones to complain about their treatment of her and rejects their punishments. They tell her this is what they have wanted ({{tgs|26}}).
*She Travels to [[Cold Rocks Hold]] to go through the stone columns in Rhuidean ({{tgs|26}}).

'''Towers of Midnight'''

As the final requirement to become a Wise One, Aviendha Travels to the Waste to go through the glass column ''ter’angreal'' in Rhuidean. While traveling on foot from Cold Rocks Hold to Rhuidean, Aviendha camps one night beside a huge rock formation. She reflects on the obvious, through her lens, inferiority of the wetlands compared to the Waste. She is roasting a “shellback,” when a mysterious woman appears from out of the darkness. The woman gives her name as [[Nakomi]], and she asks Aviendha a number of disturbing questions about the Aiel, question connected to the future and purpose of the Aiel after the Last Battle, living in the wetlands, ''toh'', and related matters. Nakomi leaves the camp, disappearing into the night as she had come. Aviendha cannot find her and is left with these questions concerning the Aiel unresolved ({{tom|39}}).

The night before Aviendha is to go through the glass columns of Rhuidean, she sits on a rock outcropping which overlooks the city, mulling over issues of the Aiel, Rand, Elayne and the [[Seanchan]]. What the Seanchan had done in capturing Wise Ones could not be tolerated. She reaffirms her resolve to go through the ''ter’angreal'' and become a Wise One ({{tom|45}}).

Aviendha, having just completed her trek through the ''ter’angreal'', walks out of the glass columns somewhat disappointed. There had been no real surprises for her, and her ancestors’ journey to the Waste does not seem extraordinary to her in the least. Knowing how she had “read” ''ter’angreal'' in the palace in Caemlyn, she reaches out and touches one of the glass columns with her hand. The power in this ''ter’angreal'' is too overwhelming for her. Aviendha turns to go and…She was [[Malidra]], a scavenging creature who is killed by a device of advanced technology. Then Aviendha is herself once again. She is confused, wondering if this viewing is from a time before what she had seen inside the columns. She has come for answers so decides to journey through the columns once more if it is possible ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Norlesh]], a woman with her husband and two children. They are in the Waste, they are destitute, and they are starving. Norlesh’s husband tries to trade ore for food but all have been forbidden to trade with Aiel. Aviendha is once more herself and cannot believe that Aiel would behave so. In trepidation she takes another step ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Tava]], fourteen years old and running and screaming amidst the flames in the canyon. The attackers of the Hold ride large, leathery flying beasts. The invaders wear helmets which look like large insect heads. Tava’s father tries to rally the remaining Aiel to rebuild the Hold. They are, however, dispirited, and they disperse. Aviendha is crying. She knows now that those were Seanchan invaders, and that this is not the long, past history of her people but the future ({{tom|48}}).

She is [[Ladalin]], a Wise One of the Taardad Aiel. She cannot channel. There are only three clan chiefs and two Wise Ones, all that is left of the Council of twenty-two. Ladalin had been a maiden of the spear, and she has known only war her entire life. In the Aiel mind there are only themselves and Seanchan. Only four clans remain intact. The Aiel are losing the war against the Seanchan, and although the Seanchan have warned them that they will be hunted down if they retreat to the Three-fold Land, the small council decides to return to the Waste. Aviendha steps forward again, nearly to the center of the ''ter’angreal'', tears streaming down her face. She cannot understand how this has happened. Another step ({{tom|49}}).

She was [[Oncala]], Maiden of the Spear, descendant of the Dragon. She and the Aiel with her are in Caemlyn to seek help from the throne. Oncala resents almost every aspect of Andor, especially the royal house. She takes offense at nearly everything done or said. The Aiel and Seanchan are at an impasse. Oncala and one of her party have acquired secret Seanchan papers to show the Andoran Queen in the hope that she will be provoked to take action against the Seanchan. They are purposely deceiving the Queen by leaving out one of the sheets. This ploy works, and not only Andor, but the other nations enter the war against the Seanchan. It was this act that gave the Seanchan the perceived impetus to attack the other nations. Aviendha feels devastated. Oncala had thought of her great mother—the face in Oncala’s mind was the face of Aviendha. She steps into the center of the glass columns ({{tom|49}}).

She is [[Padra]], Maiden of the Spear, daughter of the Dragon Reborn and one of four siblings, all of whom can channel and have since childhood. She sees herself as superior to both Aes Sedai and Wise Ones. After killing Seanchan through a Gateway, she goes through her own Gateway to the Aiel camp in Arad Doman. The Aiel have never assimilated into the Wetland cities. She enters a tent in which her siblings and the clan chiefs are meeting. They still consider themselves to be warriors and look with derision on wetlanders and their ways. The Aiel are rudderless, Rand not having known what to do with them; they lack identity. Padra leads the council in deciding to declare war on the Seanchan ({{tom|49}}).

It is night. Aviendha, emotions ravaged, cries out for the columns to show her more, but the ''ter’angreal'' is silent. Is what she experienced destined or fluid? What she saw seemed absolute, but she knows she must do whatever necessary to try to circumvent this disaster. She runs into the desert, away from Rhuidean, to think on all she has experienced before returning to the wetlands to confer with the other Wise Ones ({{tom|49}}).

== Miscellaneous ==

*Aviendha has a first-sister, [[Niella]], a weaver, who always wanted Aviendha to wed rather than take the spear. Nielle was recently taken ''[[gai'shain]]'' by Chareen Maidens. ({{tfoh|32}})

*Aviendha's sister-mother, [[Lian (2)|Lian]], is sister-wife to Amys ({{tsr|12}}).

*Before crossing the Dragonwall, Aviendha used to visit Cold Rocks Hold, where Rhuarc, Amys, and Lian live ({{tsr|12}}).

*Min has a vision of her "Aviendha would have Rand's babies, too. Four of them at once! Something was odd about that, though. The babies would be healthy, but still something odd." ({{Wh|12}})).

== Strengths and Talents ==

Aviendha is involved with many events that demonstrate her strength in [[the One Power]]. Many Aes Sedai are amazed to find an Aiel who can channel when Aviendha arrives in [[Salidar]] with Mat Cauthon and the [[Band of the Red Hand]] ({{loc|38}}).

Her Talent of Unweaving is discovered when she Unweaves a gateway, an act that shocks all channelers present as it is meant to be a very dangerous and almost impossible feat ({{tpod|2}}). She is also a member of the circle that uses [[the Bowl of the Winds]] to amend the strange weather cycles that have been gripping the lands ({{tpod|5}}).

Aviendha is able to identify the uses for the ''ter'angreal'' in Elayne's rooms. She offers to take over the study of the ''ter'angreal'', but the Wise Ones send her away to continue her training ({{kod|13}}).

Aviendha is no better than Elayne at [[Healing]] ({{kod|13}}).

== Relationships ==

Aviendha tries to push Rand away from her as she believes that is the only way of clearing her ''toh'' to Elayne. Finally, she succumbs as she knows her heart is true. She saw in the arches of Rhuidean that she would be romantically linked with Rand and she knew that she could not deny the truth ({{tfoh|31}}). Elayne and Aviendha both realize their love for Rand and realize it is a blessing, not a curse upon them both. They both then undertake the ceremony to be bonded as [[first sister bond|First-Sisters]], under the midwifery of the Wise One Monaelle ({{Prol9}}]).

Aviendha and Elayne now decided that they will Bond Rand as their [[Warder]]. Despite his initial protests for their safety and sanity, he agrees. Recognizing Rand's love for [[Min]] as well as themselves, Aviendha and Elayne include her into the weave, and therefore the Bond ({{wh|12}}). Aviendha, Elayne and Min will be sister-wives in the Aiel way, if they all are to marry Rand. Min also has a viewing that Aviendha will bear Rand's children. Quintuplets! ({{wh|12}}). While Elayne is pregnant however, Aviendha has appointed herself, along with Elayne's Warder Birgitte, as her First-Sister's carer and takes this job very seriously.

== Quotes ==

"I do not argue- when you make sense, Rand al'Thor." ({{tfoh2|Chapter 32}})

"Laugh while you can, wetlander. When this land begins to break you, it will be a fitting punishment for your treatment of Elayne." ({{tsr2|Chapter 37}})

"It is stupid to anger Aes Sedai." ({{tsr2|Chapter 48}})

"Yes, Rand al'Thor. I hate you with all of my heart. And I always will". (Aviendha tries to hate Rand and push him away as she feels that Rand really belongs to Elayne. She has been asked to watch over Rand and feels guilty for loving him; {{tfoh2|Chapter 4}}).

"My sister has you by the ear, [[Zaida din Parede]]. Hung up by the ankles in fact." (Aviendha makes fun of the Sea Folk. Hanging people from the rigging by their ankles is a punishment of the Sea Folk that is a constant source of amusement for Aviendha. She possesses the strange sense of humor that is typical to an Aiel that "could be rough at times." ({{cot2|Chapter 13}} She can also be very blunt as she has never learned that words can cut as deep as one of her Maiden's spears; {{cot2|Chapter 12}})

"Always assume your enemy will do what you do not want. Decide what you least want them to do and plan on that." (Aviendha speaks to Dyelin about which houses will ally themselves with Elayne; {{cot2|Chapter 14}})

"Men cause trouble even when they are elsewhere." (Aviendha and Elayne comfort each other about Rand's absence and safety after feeling the massive wave of Channeling in the West; {{cot2|Chapter 14}}))

"No longer a Maiden, not quite a Wise One. Her entire identity had been wrapped up in those spears, her self forged into their steel as surely as the carbon that strengthened them. She had grown from childhood certain that she would be ''Far Dareis Mai''. Indeed, she had joined the Maidens as soon as possible" ({{tgs2|Chapter 3}})

""If you make a bridal wreath for my first-sister and me, I will pick it up." (to Rand, {{wh2|Chapter 12}}).

"He had offered her marriage once. A man! Offering marriage! Another of those strange wetlander customs. Even disregarding the strangeness of it, disregarding the insult his proposal had shown Elayne, Aviendha could never have accepted Rand al'Thor as her husband. Couldn’t he understand that a woman must bring honor to a marriage? What could a mere apprentice offer? Would he have her come to him as an inferior? It would shame her completely to do that" (about Rand, {{tgs2|Chapter 3}}).

"She took even longer than you, Amys! As stubborn a girl as I’ve ever seen" (Melaine, {{tgs2|Chapter 26}}).

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aiel Characters]]
[[Category:Channelers]]
[[Category:Maidens of the Spear]]
[[Category:Taardad]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Articles to be re-written]]

Aviendha

2011-01-22T05:26:33Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* The Gathering Storm Timeline */

''Kariada Kunai and Napolde Surion''

''Books 1 - 4''
''By Kariada Kunai''

''Books 5 - 10''
''By Napolde Surion''

ah-vee-EHN-dah

== Books 1-4 ==

== General==

Aviendha is of the Nine Valleys sept of the [[Taardad]] [[Aiel]] ({{acos|13}}). (Aviendha's claim to the Bitter Water sept in {{tdr|38}} is an error which has since been corrected in all later editions of the book.) Once ''[[Far Dareis Mai]]'', a Maiden of the Spear, she is now training to become a [[Wise One]] ({{tsr|23}}).

Tall with blue-green eyes, [[Rand]] describes Aviendha as a "more than pretty woman" ({{tfoh|4}}). He also thinks she has a haughty unsmiling stare and is as "proud as a green-eyed hawk" ({{tsr|22}}). Even [[Amys]] tells Aviendha she has too much pride ({{acos|13}}). According to [[Mat]], she has "a viper for a tongue and a temper to make [[Nynaeve]] look meek" ({{tsr|36}}).

As a Maiden, Aviendha wore her hair short, with a tail in the back which hung to her shoulders, and the Aiel ''cadin'sor'' ({{tdr|38}}). Since giving up the spear to become a Wise One, she has been growing out her hair, which is covered by a scarf and still short of her shoulders, as well as a shawl and skirts ({{tfoh|4}}).

Aviendha was born in NE 980 ({{Prol8}}). She has the ability to channel born in her, and has the potential to be as strong as [[Egwene]] ({{tsr|23}}). She knows almost nothing about Healing, but has the Talents of Unweaving and [[Reading Residues]] ({{tfoh|32}}) ({{tpod|2}}).

When Aviendha first meets Mat, he asks her if she can "do any dances without spears." Her response is apparently less than satisfactory for Mat. ({{tdr|56}})

Aviendha, in a group with [[Jolien]], [[Dailin (1)|Dailin]], [[Bain]], and [[Chiad]], is among the last of the Aiel sent by the Wise Ones to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn. It is during this search that she first meets Egwene, [[Elayne]], and Nynaeve. Aviendha asks for their help to Heal Dailin, who has been injured. Aviendha finds it strange that three Aes Sedai would make their way to [[Tear (City)|Tear]], so she follows them to see what they will do once Nynaeve Heals Dailin. When the three are captured, Aviendha goes for help and rescues them. ({{tdr|39}})

As per [[Moiraine]]'s order, Aviendha stays close to Elayne, Egwene, and Nynaeve in the [[Stone of Tear]]. Egwene thinks that if the two got to know each other better, they could become friends. ({{tsr|5}})

Aviendha visits Egwene in her rooms while in the Stone of Tear, and the two spend time together laughing and talking. Though they don't always understand each others' ways, the two become friends. ({{tsr|9}}) Aviendha also helps Egwene prepare for her journey into [[Aiel Waste|the Waste]] ({{tsr|16}}).

When Egwene tells Elayne that Aviendha has the spark, she is not surprised. Elayne says she feels a kinship for the Aiel just as she does for others who can channel. Both Egwene and Amys think that Aviendha will be very strong. ({{tsr|35}})

When Rand asks Aviendha why she doesn't like him, she first tells him that as He Who Comes With the Dawn, she cannot like nor dislike him. She then hints that she may spite him for going to [[Rhuidean]] for honor and yet still be "free", while she must go and be tied to the Wise Ones, studying. She also says that he treats Elayne badly, but since Egwene still likes him, and she is friends with Egwene, she will give him a chance. ({{tsr|22}})

Later, Rand sees Aviendha on her return from Rhuidean. He is happy to see her, even though she dislikes him, for her dislike does not stem from who he is. She dislikes him simply because she feels he mistreats Elayne. Aviendha, however, stares at him with pure hate. Rand realizes that, having just gone to Rhuidean, she would now know of the prophecy stating that he would destroy the Aiel. Mat warns Rand not to turn his back on her. ({{tsr|34}})

Aviendha tells Rand that Elayne is the woman for him, saying that she is a wetlander like him and, much to Rand's embarrassment, describes Elayne's body in blatant detail. She then goes on to scold Rand for rejecting Elayne after she "bared her heart" to him in letters. ({{tsr|36}})

During their journey through the Waste, Aviendha is adamant about Rand's relationship with Elayne. When she catches him looking at another woman, she scolds him, saying "You belong to Elayne." ({{tsr|37}}) She even tells him: "If I could, I would take you ''gai'shain'' and give you to Elayne!" ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand snaps at Aviendha for her lack of respect for him, Rhuarc intercedes that he will not be treated as a "wetlander king," although, he says, "Some do push the bounds of honor." At hearing that, Aviendha tenses up and holds her tongue. ({{tsr|37}})

After a few days of travel, Egwene approaches Rand and yells at him, telling him to stop doing whatever it is that is upsetting Aviendha so ({{tsr|37}}).

As Rand retires for bed, Aviendha follows him to his tent and then is there the next morning when he wakes. Rand is happy to see her, because he knows who she is and what her feelings for him are. ({{tsr|37}})

For the majority of the trip, Aviendha walks besides Rand's horse. Sometimes Rand walks along with her, but he is not able to walk for as long as she can. Occasionally he has been able to get her to ride along with him, saying he gets a crick in his neck from looking down at her all the time, although even the slightest laugh from any Aiel gets her off the horse and walking once more. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha lectures Rand on Aiel customs as they travel, and he finds it enjoyable at times. Whenever she realizes that they begin to talk as two normal people would, she snaps at him and returns to her stony self, as if having been caught in a trap. ({{tsr|48}})

Of all the Aiel traveling with them, Aviendha is the only one who talks with Rand at any length ({{tsr|48}}).

Rand thinks he sees compassion on Aviendha's face once, when the Wise Ones approach him to see how he is, although as soon as she sees Rand looking at her, it is gone ({{tsr|48}}).

Keille mentions to Rand that perhaps Aviendha shows contempt for him because he belongs to another. Rand disagrees with her, saying: "Aviendha would plant a knife in my ribs if she believed I had thought of her that way." ({{tsr|48}})

When Rand tells Aviendha that he does not know what he ever did to her, she replies "You have done nothing to me, and you never will." ({{tsr|49}})

Rand tries to give Aviendha a bracelet in thanks for her teachings. Aviendha at first does not want to take the gift, but eventually does. When she finds out that he got it from other Maidens, she realizes that they think he is trying to get her interest and approve. She will not let Rand take the gift back after this, saying it would take away her honor, and instead says they must think what they do, even if it means nothing. ({{tsr|50}}) Throughout the rest of the journey, however, Aviendha tries to hide the bracelet from the other Maidens ({{tsr|57}}).

During that same encounter, Aviendha apologizes to Rand for her attitude at dinner earlier. Rand later learns that this apology was not forced by the Wise Ones, but sincere and voluntary. ({{tsr|50}})

== Becoming a Wise One ==

Aviendha was almost not allowed to go across the Dragonwall to hunt for He Who Comes With the Dawn, as she had other duties to begin training as a Wise One ({{tdr|39}}). As it is, she is late to begin her training ({{tsr|23}}).

When Aviendha is finally summoned to Rhuidean, she is very reluctant to go. Moiraine tells her she has received a message from the Wise Ones telling her to report at once. Aviendha instead wants to go to [[Tanchico]] with Nynaeve and Elayne to hunt for the [[Black Ajah]]. ({{tsr|12}})

Aviendha does not want to become a Wise One, and refuses training at first, wanting to remain a Maiden of the Spear. When Aviendha does agree to go to Rhuidean, she runs the whole way, determined to beat Mat and Rand there ({{tsr|23}}).

Aviendha, as well as Moiraine, is still in Rhuidean by the time Rand and Mat return. Rand suggests going back to Rhuidean to look for Aviendha and Moiraine, but [[Melaine]] explodes, telling him that he would not come back out alive. Later that afternoon, on the seventh day since everyone left, Rand sees a very sunburned and weary Aviendha scrambling up the mountain ({{tsr|34}}).

Upon Aviendha's return, the Wise Ones take her into a tent, where she later emerges wearing a bulky brown skirt with a loose white blouse, and a shawl looped around her arms. She looks less than happy, and when she sees Rand, she gives him a look of pure "animal rage." ({{tsr|34}})

Later that evening, Aviendha is in the sweat tent along with the other Wise Ones, Moiraine, and Egwene when they discuss Rand. She tosses water into a kettle, creating steam for the tent, and has a sour look on her face. Egwene empathizes as she remembers the chores she had to do as a novice in the White Tower. ({{tsr|35}})

During this meeting, [[Bair]] orders Aviendha to watch Rand for the Wise Ones. She is to get as close to him as she can and talk to him, to see if he will let anything slip. This may get in the way of her training, but the Wise Ones believe it is the only way. Aviendha refuses, bursting out, almost in tears, that she hates him. The Wise Ones threaten her with chores, expecting to be obeyed, and some of Aviendha's stubbornness recedes. It is not until Egwene asks her to do it for her, and to look after him for Elayne, that Aviendha finally says "I will watch him for Elayne." ({{tsr|35}})

The next morning, Aviendha waits for Rand outside his tent and stays with him the entire day. Rand describes her as she walks beside his horse: "Stalking. If she were a cat, she would be lashing her tail." ({{tsr|36}})

During his training with [[Lan]], Rand asks how to defeat an Aiel attack. Aviendha explodes, demanding to know why he would want to fight his own people, and why he would ask a wetlander instead of an Aiel anyway. [[Rhuarc]] approaches and scolds Aviendha for sulking so long, telling her there is a limit even though she suffered a disappointment, and that her obligation to her people will not be fulfilled by her petty tantrums. Aviendha glowers as if blaming Rand for being scolded. ({{tsr|37}})

That evening, the group gets attacked while at the campfire by [[Trollocs]]. Though she has given up the spear, Aviendha uses a corner of her shawl to veil her face and fights along with the rest of them. ({{tsr|37}}) She is later scolded by the Wise One's for her actions ({{tsr|48}}).

When Rand tells Egwene how he is uncomfortable around Aviendha, the Wise Ones have a talk with her. Upon her return, Aviendha demands that she teach him about Aiel ways and customs. ({{tsr|48}})

Aviendha's nights and parts of some days are spent with the Wise Ones, during which she learns about channeling and becoming one of them ({{tsr|48}}).

One of Aviendha's first times channeling is a giant ball of fire, which tumbles out ahead of the Wise Ones' party before winking out on the horizon. The Wise Ones are very excited when this happens. ({{tsr|48}})

When the group reaches Cold Rocks Hold, and it is apparent that Rand does not know everything he should about the Aiel, the Wise Ones threaten to scold Aviendha in private. Rand intercedes in her defense, saying that she was a good teacher. He asks that she remain as such. ({{tsr|49}})

Aviendha shows a temper during dinner that night, and is told to dust carpets in order to work it out. She says it may take all night. ({{tsr|50}})

Aviendha is currently an Apprentice. Aviendha is strong in the One Power. Her Talents include Unweaving and Reading Residues and she is known for weaving particularly strong Wards ({{cot|14}}). She has had hostility attracted to her from other Aes Sedai due to the fact that she is a wilder ({{cot|11}}). In common with many Aiel, she finds a delight in rain ({{kod|13}}).

Strongly muscled but softly curved ({{tfoh|31}}), Aviendha stands taller than an average woman due to her Aiel blood. Her hair is a dark red hue and shoulder length, growing out from her Maiden's cut. Her eyes are a deep blue green that blaze with fire to match her personality and nature.

"He had given her the ivory bracelet she wore, roses amongst thorns, suiting her nature." –( ({{loc|16}}).

Abandoning ''cadin'sor'', the chose attire of the Maidens, Aviendha dresses in the garb of a Wise One; bulky gray skirts, pale blouse, thick woolen shawl and a dark head scarf folded around her temples to keep her growing hair back. She is never without three favored pieces of jewelry; a necklace of silver snowflakes given to her by her Near-Sister Egwene al'Vere ({{tfoh|7}}), from Rand al'Thor an ivory bracelet carved with roses and thorns, and an amber brooch in the shape of a turtle that is known to be an ''[[angreal]]''. Apart from these pieces she wears no other ornamentation. However, Aviendha harbors a secret love of silks and velvets. At first she shies away from them, but grows to love them when Daughter-Heir Elayne Trakand encourages her to get used to wearing them, although she would never admit this! ({{cot|13}})

Aviendha, like all Aiel, takes the law of ''[[ji'e'toh]]'' very seriously, and is constantly bemused and frustrated at wetlander's inability to follow suit. She believes she has incurred a great ''toh'' towards Elayne for her intimate relationship with Rand ({{tfoh|31}}).

Aviendha is currently residing in the Sun Palace of Caemlyn with Elayne. She is present at many of the affairs of State that Elayne must see to, such as status reports from [[Halwin Norry|Norry]], [[Birgitte]] and the [[Reene Harfor|First Maid]] ({{cot|11}}), dealing with the [[Atha'an Miere]] ({{cot|12}}), meeting High Seats of Houses ({{cot|13}}), as well as continuing her studies to become a Wise One. It is during this time at the Sun Palace that both Aviendha and Elayne feel the tremendous channeling to the West as Rand attempts to cleanse ''saidin''. ({{cot|12}})

*She discovers she can identify the use of ''ter'angreal'' ({{kod|15}}).

*[[Nadere]] and [[Dorindha (1)|Dorindha]] tell her she has neglected her training too long and take her away to [[Arad Doman]] ({{kod|15}}).
===The Gathering Storm Timeline===
*Aviendha scouts with [[Rhuarc]]. She is punished for doing so ({{tgs|3}}).
*After taking her to Arad Doman, the Wise One do not give her any further training. Instead, they are punishing her, but she does not know why ({{tgs|3}}).
*Amys asks her what she plans to do about Min. Aviendha tells Amys that they will reach an accommodation and she will marry Rand ({{tgs|3}}).
*When Adrin is killed by a [[Bubble of Evil]], Aviendha saves the mansion from burning down ({{tgs|11}}).
*Melaine asks her opinion of Rand's plan for the Merchant's Council ({{tgs|11}}).
*Min approaches Aviendha to discuss Rand, but only succeeds in annoying her ({{tgs|26}}).
*While annoyed, she sees the Wise Ones to complain about their treatment of her and rejects their punishments. They tell her this is what they have wanted ({{tgs|26}}).
*She Travels to [[Cold Rocks Hold]] to go through the stone columns in Rhuidean ({{tgs|26}}).

'''Towers of Midnight'''

As the final requirement to become a Wise One, Aviendha Travels to the Waste to go through the glass column ter’angreal in Rhuidean. While traveling on foot from Cold Rocks Hold to Rhuidean, Aviendha camps one night beside a huge rock formation. She reflects on the obvious, through her lens, inferiority of the wetlands compared to the Waste. She is roasting a “shellback,” when a mysterious woman appears from out of the darkness. The woman gives her name as Nakomi, and she asks Aviendha a number of disturbing questions about the Aiel, question connected to the future and purpose of the Aiel after the Last Battle, living in the wetlands, toh, and related matters. Nakomi leaves the camp, disappearing into the night as she had come. Aviendha cannot find her and is left with these questions concerning the Aiel unresolved ({{tom|39}}).

The night before Aviendha is to go through the glass columns of Rhuidean, she sits on a rock outcropping which overlooks the city, mulling over issues of the Aiel, Rand, Elayne and the Seanchan. What the Seanchan had done in capturing Wise Ones could not be tolerated. She reaffirms her resolve to go through the ter’angreal and become a Wise One ({{tom|45}}).

Aviendha, having just completed her trek through the ter’angreal, walks out of the glass columns somewhat disappointed. There had been no real surprises for her, and her ancestors’ journey to the Waste does not seem extraordinary to her in the least. Knowing how she had “read” ter’angreal in the palace in Caemlyn, she reaches out and touches one of the glass columns with her hand. The power in this ter’angreal is too overwhelming for her. Aviendha turns to go and…She was Malidra, a scavenging creature who is killed by a device of advanced technology. Then Aviendha is herself once again. She is confused, wondering if this viewing is from a time before what she had seen inside the columns. She has come for answers so decides to journey through the columns once more if it is possible ({{tom|48}}).

She is Norlesh, a woman with her husband and two children. They are in the Waste, they are destitute, and they are starving. Norlesh’s husband tries to trade ore for food but all have been forbidden to trade with Aiel. Aviendha is once more herself and cannot believe that Aiel would behave so. In trepidation she takes another step ({{tom|48}}).

She is Tava, fourteen years old and running and screaming amidst the flames in the canyon. The attackers of the Hold ride large, leathery flying beasts. The invaders wear helmets which look like large insect heads. Tava’s father tries to rally the remaining Aiel to rebuild the Hold. They are, however, dispirited, and they disperse. Aviendha is crying. She knows now that those were Seanchan invaders, and that this is not the long, past history of her people but the future ({{tom|48}}).

She is Ladalin, a Wise One of the Taardad Aiel. She cannot channel. There are only three clan chiefs and two Wise Ones, all that is left of the Council of twenty-two. Ladalin had been a maiden of the spear, and she has known only war her entire life. In the Aiel mind there are only themselves and Seanchan. Only four clans remain intact. The Aiel are losing the war against the Seanchan, and although the Seanchan have warned them that they will be hunted down if they retreat to the Three-fold Land, the small council decides to return to the Waste. Aviendha steps forward again, nearly to the center of the ter’angreal, tears streaming down her face. She cannot understand how this has happened. Another step ({{tom|49}}).

She was Oncala, Maiden of the Spear, descendent of the Dragon. She and the Aiel with her are in Caemlyn to seek help from the throne. Oncala resents almost every aspect of Andor, especially the royal house. She takes offense at nearly everything done or said. The Aiel and Seanchan are at an impasse. Oncala and one of her party have acquired secret Seanchan papers to show the Andoran Queen in the hope that she will be provoked to take action against the Seanchan. They are purposely deceiving the Queen by leaving out one of the sheets. This ploy works, and not only Andor, but the other nations enter the war against the Seanchan. It was this act that gave the Seanchan the perceived impetus to attack the other nations. Aviendha feels devastated. Oncala had thought of her great mother—the face in Oncala’s mind was the face of Aviendha. She steps into the center of the glass columns ({{tom|49}}).

She is Padra, Maiden of the Spear, daughter of the Dragon Reborn and one of four siblings, all of whom can channel and have since childhood. She sees herself as superior to both Aes Sedai and Wise Ones. After killing Seanchan through a Gateway, she goes through her own Gateway to the Aiel camp in Arad Doman. The Aiel have never assimilated into the Wetland cities. She enters a tent in which her siblings and the clan chiefs are meeting. They still consider themselves to be warriors and look with derision on wetlanders and their ways. The Aiel are rudderless, Rand not having known what to do with them; they lack identity. Padra leads the council in deciding to declare war on the Seanchan ({{tom|49}}).

It is night. Aviendha, emotions ravaged, cries out for the columns to show her more, but the ter’angreal is silent. Is what she experienced destined or fluid? What she saw seemed absolute, but she knows she must do whatever necessary to try to circumvent this disaster. She runs into the desert, away from Rhuidean, to think on all she has experienced before returning to the wetlands to confer with the other Wise Ones ({{tom|49}}).

== Miscellaneous ==

*Aviendha has a first-sister, [[Niella]], a weaver, who always wanted Aviendha to wed rather than take the spear. Nielle was recently taken ''[[gai'shain]]'' by Chareen Maidens. ({{tfoh|32}})

*Aviendha's sister-mother, [[Lian (2)|Lian]], is sister-wife to Amys ({{tsr|12}}).

*Before crossing the Dragonwall, Aviendha used to visit Cold Rocks Hold, where Rhuarc, Amys, and Lian live ({{tsr|12}}).

*Min has a vision of her "Aviendha would have Rand's babies, too. Four of them at once! Something was odd about that, though. The babies would be healthy, but still something odd." ({{Wh|12}})).

== Strengths and Talents ==

Aviendha is involved with many events that demonstrate her strength in [[the One Power]]. Many Aes Sedai are amazed to find an Aiel who can channel when Aviendha arrives in [[Salidar]] with Mat Cauthon and the [[Band of the Red Hand]] ({{loc|38}}).

Her Talent of Unweaving is discovered when she Unweaves a gateway, an act that shocks all channelers present as it is meant to be a very dangerous and almost impossible feat ({{tpod|2}}). She is also a member of the circle that uses [[the Bowl of the Winds]] to amend the strange weather cycles that have been gripping the lands ({{tpod|5}}).

Aviendha is able to identify the uses for the ''ter'angreal'' in Elayne's rooms. She offers to take over the study of the ''ter'angreal'', but the Wise Ones send her away to continue her training ({{kod|13}}).

Aviendha is no better than Elayne at [[Healing]] ({{kod|13}}).

== Relationships ==

Aviendha tries to push Rand away from her as she believes that is the only way of clearing her ''toh'' to Elayne. Finally, she succumbs as she knows her heart is true. She saw in the arches of Rhuidean that she would be romantically linked with Rand and she knew that she could not deny the truth ({{tfoh|31}}). Elayne and Aviendha both realize their love for Rand and realize it is a blessing, not a curse upon them both. They both then undertake the ceremony to be bonded as [[first sister bond|First-Sisters]], under the midwifery of the Wise One Monaelle ({{Prol9}}]).

Aviendha and Elayne now decided that they will Bond Rand as their [[Warder]]. Despite his initial protests for their safety and sanity, he agrees. Recognizing Rand's love for [[Min]] as well as themselves, Aviendha and Elayne include her into the weave, and therefore the Bond ({{wh|12}}). Aviendha, Elayne and Min will be sister-wives in the Aiel way, if they all are to marry Rand. Min also has a viewing that Aviendha will bear Rand's children. Quintuplets! ({{wh|12}}). While Elayne is pregnant however, Aviendha has appointed herself, along with Elayne's Warder Birgitte, as her First-Sister's carer and takes this job very seriously.

== Quotes ==

"I do not argue- when you make sense, Rand al'Thor." ({{tfoh2|Chapter 32}})

"Laugh while you can, wetlander. When this land begins to break you, it will be a fitting punishment for your treatment of Elayne." ({{tsr2|Chapter 37}})

"It is stupid to anger Aes Sedai." ({{tsr2|Chapter 48}})

"Yes, Rand al'Thor. I hate you with all of my heart. And I always will". (Aviendha tries to hate Rand and push him away as she feels that Rand really belongs to Elayne. She has been asked to watch over Rand and feels guilty for loving him; {{tfoh2|Chapter 4}}).

"My sister has you by the ear, [[Zaida din Parede]]. Hung up by the ankles in fact." (Aviendha makes fun of the Sea Folk. Hanging people from the rigging by their ankles is a punishment of the Sea Folk that is a constant source of amusement for Aviendha. She possesses the strange sense of humor that is typical to an Aiel that "could be rough at times." ({{cot2|Chapter 13}} She can also be very blunt as she has never learned that words can cut as deep as one of her Maiden's spears; {{cot2|Chapter 12}})

"Always assume your enemy will do what you do not want. Decide what you least want them to do and plan on that." (Aviendha speaks to Dyelin about which houses will ally themselves with Elayne; {{cot2|Chapter 14}})

"Men cause trouble even when they are elsewhere." (Aviendha and Elayne comfort each other about Rand's absence and safety after feeling the massive wave of Channeling in the West; {{cot2|Chapter 14}}))

"No longer a Maiden, not quite a Wise One. Her entire identity had been wrapped up in those spears, her self forged into their steel as surely as the carbon that strengthened them. She had grown from childhood certain that she would be ''Far Dareis Mai''. Indeed, she had joined the Maidens as soon as possible" ({{tgs2|Chapter 3}})

""If you make a bridal wreath for my first-sister and me, I will pick it up." (to Rand, {{wh2|Chapter 12}}).

"He had offered her marriage once. A man! Offering marriage! Another of those strange wetlander customs. Even disregarding the strangeness of it, disregarding the insult his proposal had shown Elayne, Aviendha could never have accepted Rand al'Thor as her husband. Couldn’t he understand that a woman must bring honor to a marriage? What could a mere apprentice offer? Would he have her come to him as an inferior? It would shame her completely to do that" (about Rand, {{tgs2|Chapter 3}}).

"She took even longer than you, Amys! As stubborn a girl as I’ve ever seen" (Melaine, {{tgs2|Chapter 26}}).

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aiel Characters]]
[[Category:Channelers]]
[[Category:Maidens of the Spear]]
[[Category:Taardad]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Articles to be re-written]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-10-01T15:34:29Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* General */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 [[Leana]] 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).

The scene changes to Mat, who is making his way through the [[Altara]]n 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|TGS Epilogue]]).
[[Category:New Articles]]

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

* 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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|TGS Ch. 2]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|TGS Ch. 6]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|TGS Ch. 8]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|TGS Ch. 12]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|TGS Ch. 16]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|TGS Ch. 25]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 38]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|TGS Ch. 39]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|TGS Ch. 41]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|TGS Ch. 43]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|TGS Ch. 45]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

Egwene discussing Rand with some of the White Sisters, "'Nobody ''subjugates'' the Aiel." ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 16]]).

Debating Elaida at dinner, in front of some of the Sitters, "'Coward.'" ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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|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|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|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|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|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|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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

Among the rebel Hall, "'You will address me as 'Mother,' Romanda.'" ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

"'Besides. Who are you to lecture me on being rash?'" Egwene to Siuan ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 45]]).

"'I bear it already, Saerin,'" Egwene on taking the weight of responsibility of Amyrlin ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46]]).

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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46]]).
[[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
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[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
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Egwene al'Vere

2010-10-01T15:05:42Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* General */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 [[Leana]] 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).

The scene changes to Mat, who is making his way through the [[Altara]]n 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|TGS Epilogue]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

* 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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|TGS Ch. 2]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|TGS Ch. 6]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|TGS Ch. 8]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|TGS Ch. 12]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|TGS Ch. 16]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|TGS Ch. 25]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 38]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|TGS Ch. 39]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|TGS Ch. 41]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|TGS Ch. 43]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|TGS Ch. 45]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

Egwene discussing Rand with some of the White Sisters, "'Nobody ''subjugates'' the Aiel." ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 16]]).

Debating Elaida at dinner, in front of some of the Sitters, "'Coward.'" ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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|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|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|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|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|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|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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

Among the rebel Hall, "'You will address me as 'Mother,' Romanda.'" ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

"'Besides. Who are you to lecture me on being rash?'" Egwene to Siuan ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 45]]).

"'I bear it already, Saerin,'" Egwene on taking the weight of responsibility of Amyrlin ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46]]).

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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46]]).
[[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Rebel Aes Sedai]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-10-01T03:04:13Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Quotes */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 Leana 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]]).

The Forsaken meet in ''Tel'aran'rhiod''. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Helima; 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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 Helima (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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]]).

Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Helima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Helima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Helima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|TGS Epilogue]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

* 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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|TGS Ch. 2]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|TGS Ch. 6]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|TGS Ch. 8]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|TGS Ch. 12]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|TGS Ch. 16]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|TGS Ch. 25]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 38]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|TGS Ch. 39]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|TGS Ch. 41]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|TGS Ch. 43]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|TGS Ch. 45]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

Egwene discussing Rand with some of the White Sisters, "'Nobody ''subjugates'' the Aiel." ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 16]]).

Debating Elaida at dinner, in front of some of the Sitters, "'Coward.'" ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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|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|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|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|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|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|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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

Among the rebel Hall, "'You will address me as 'Mother,' Romanda.'" ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

"'Besides. Who are you to lecture me on being rash?'" Egwene to Siuan ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 45]]).

"'I bear it already, Saerin,'" Egwene on taking the weight of responsibility of Amyrlin ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46]]).

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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46]]).
[[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Rebel Aes Sedai]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-10-01T03:02:39Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Quotes */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 Leana 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]]).

The Forsaken meet in ''Tel'aran'rhiod''. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Helima; 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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 Helima (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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]]).

Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Helima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Helima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Helima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|TGS Epilogue]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

* 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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|TGS Ch. 2]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|TGS Ch. 6]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|TGS Ch. 8]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|TGS Ch. 12]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|TGS Ch. 16]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|TGS Ch. 25]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 38]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|TGS Ch. 39]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|TGS Ch. 41]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|TGS Ch. 43]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|TGS Ch. 45]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

Egwene discussing Rand with some of the White Sisters, "'Nobody ''subjugates'' the Aiel." ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 16]]).

Debating Elaida at dinner, in front of some of the Sitters, "'Coward.'" ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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|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|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|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|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|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|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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

Among the rebel Hall, "'You will address me as 'Mother,' Romanda.'" ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 43]]).

"'Besides. Who are you to lecture me on being rash?'" Egwene to Siuan ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 45]]).

"'I bear it already, Saerin,'" Egwene on taking the weight of responsibility of Amyrlin ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46]]).

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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 46]]).

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Rebel Aes Sedai]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-10-01T02:49:12Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Quotes */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 Leana 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]]).

The Forsaken meet in ''Tel'aran'rhiod''. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Helima; 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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 Helima (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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]]).

Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Helima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Helima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Helima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|TGS Epilogue]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

* 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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|TGS Ch. 2]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|TGS Ch. 6]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|TGS Ch. 8]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|TGS Ch. 12]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|TGS Ch. 16]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|TGS Ch. 25]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 38]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|TGS Ch. 39]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|TGS Ch. 41]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|TGS Ch. 43]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|TGS Ch. 45]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

Egwene discussing Rand with some of the White Sisters, "'Nobody ''subjugates'' the Aiel." ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 16]]).

Debating Elaida at dinner, in front of some of the Sitters, "'Coward.'" ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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|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|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|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|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|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|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 41]]).

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Rebel Aes Sedai]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-10-01T02:22:18Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Timeline */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 Leana 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]]).

The Forsaken meet in ''Tel'aran'rhiod''. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Helima; 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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 Helima (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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]]).

Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Helima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Helima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Helima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|TGS Epilogue]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

* 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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|TGS Ch. 2]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|TGS Ch. 6]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|TGS Ch. 8]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|TGS Ch. 12]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|TGS Ch. 16]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|TGS Ch. 25]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 38]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|TGS Ch. 39]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|TGS Ch. 41]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|TGS Ch. 43]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|TGS Ch. 45]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

Egwene responding to Mattin Stepaneos, "'You've been kidnapped and brought aboard a sinking ship.'" ({{kod2|Chapter 24}}).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Rebel Aes Sedai]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-10-01T02:21:44Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Timeline */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 Leana 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]]).

The Forsaken meet in ''Tel'aran'rhiod''. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Helima; 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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 Helima (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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]]).

Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Helima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Helima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Helima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|TGS Epilogue]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

* 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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|TGS Ch. 2]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|TGS Ch. 6]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|TGS Ch. 8]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|TGS Ch. 12]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|TGS Ch. 16]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|TGS Ch. 25]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 38]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|TGS Ch. 39]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|TGS Ch. 41]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|TGS Ch. 43]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|TGS Ch. 45]] and [[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

Egwene responding to Mattin Stepaneos, "'You've been kidnapped and brought aboard a sinking ship.'" ({{kod2|Chapter 24}}).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Rebel Aes Sedai]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-10-01T02:07:56Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* General */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 Leana 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]]).

The Forsaken meet in ''Tel'aran'rhiod''. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Helima; 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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 Helima (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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]]).

Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Helima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Helima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Helima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 41|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 43|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 45|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 46|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Epilogue|TGS Epilogue]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

== 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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

Egwene responding to Mattin Stepaneos, "'You've been kidnapped and brought aboard a sinking ship.'" ({{kod2|Chapter 24}}).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
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[[Category:Articles to be updated]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-09-30T19:47:14Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* General */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 Leana 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]]).

The Forsaken meet in ''Tel'aran'rhiod''. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Helima; 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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 Helima (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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]]).

Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Helima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Helima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Helima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

== 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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

Egwene responding to Mattin Stepaneos, "'You've been kidnapped and brought aboard a sinking ship.'" ({{kod2|Chapter 24}}).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Rebel Aes Sedai]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-09-30T19:46:09Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* General */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 Leana 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]]).

The Forsaken meet in ''Tel'aran'rhiod''. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Helima; 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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 Helima (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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]]).

Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Helima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Helima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Helima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

== 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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

Egwene responding to Mattin Stepaneos, "'You've been kidnapped and brought aboard a sinking ship.'" ({{kod2|Chapter 24}}).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
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Egwene al'Vere

2010-09-30T19:44:14Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* General */

eh-GWAIN ahl-VEER

== General ==

Egwene al'Vere is the [[Amyrlin Seat]] for the [[Salidar Aes Sedai]]. She was raised from [[Accepted]] because nowhere in [[the Tower]] Law does it say that the Amyrlin Seat must be [[Aes Sedai]]. She has not held the [[Oath Rod]] because it is still in the White Tower. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) Although she never got to choose an [[Ajah]], she wanted to choose the [[Green Ajah]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]) Her Keeper of the Chronicles is [[Sheriam Bayanar]] of the [[Blue Ajah]] ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]).

Egwene's full title is Egwene al'Vere, the Watcher of [[the seals|the Seals]], the Flame of [[Tar Valon]], the Amyrlin seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene is ''[[damane]]'' in [[Falme]], her ''sul'dam'' calls her Tuli after her pet when she was young. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She goes under the pseudonym Mistress Joslyn when travelling to [[Tear]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]]) She claims to be Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah when she is in the [[Aiel Waste]], ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 11|TSR Ch. 11]]), though she does later admit to being only an Accepted ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 33|LoC Ch. 33]]).

Egwene has dark brown hair and big brown eyes. 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. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]]) She wears it unbraided once she leaves the [[Two Rivers]] because few Aes Sedai wear their hair braided. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 11|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC, Ch. 35]].

Egwene was born in [[Emond's Field]] and was the daughter of [[Bran al'Vere|Bran]], Mayor of Emond's Field, and [[Marin al'Vere]]. She has four older sisters who are [[Elisa al'Vere|Elisa]], [[Alene al'Vere|Alene]], [[Loise al'Vere|Loise]] and [[Berowyn al'Vere|Berowyn]]. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW Ravens]]) Her family lives in the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW Ch. 1]]).

Egwene, [[Nynaeve]] and [[Elayne]] were sent to hunt the [[Black Ajah]] by [[Siuan Sanche]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 14|TDR Ch. 14]]) This leads them out of the White Tower and towards [[Tear]] to find the thirteen known Black Ajah. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29|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]] ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 54|TDR Ch. 54]]).

Egwene begins to get headaches once [[Logain]] disappears. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]) Halima, [[Aran'gar]] in disguise, is causing them and gets closer to Egwene by massaging her to 'stop' the headaches. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]) Ideas about this predicament have been put forward; for instance that Halima is secretly using [[Compulsion]] on Egwene. One possible example is when Egwene suddenly decides that she will make sure that all Aes Sedai swear upon the [[Oath Rod]], though she recently thought that the Oath Rod did more harm than good ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 16|CoT Ch. 16]]).

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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]];[[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 30|Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 Leana 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|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'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]]).

The Forsaken meet in ''Tel'aran'rhiod''. The point of view is through the lens of Aran'gar (Helima; 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.
([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|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) ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 Helima (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, Egwene, not the ''Amyrlin'' ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]]).

Romanda realizes what has been niggling at the back of her mind and calls for the arrest of Delana and Helima, explaining why. After a search, it is found that Helima, Delana, and Delana's serving woman had been seen walking toward the Traveling ground. Helima had been in the lead, Delana and the serving woman carrying their belongings ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]).

Another milestone for Egwene occurs at breakfast when a [[Cairhien (Nation)|Cairhien]]in 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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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! ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 2|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 4|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 6|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 8|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 (The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 13|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 16|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 25|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 26|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 30|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|TGS Ch. 30]]).

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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 38|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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'' ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 39|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|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 ([[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 40|TGS Ch. 40]]).

== Timeline ==

* 981 NE: Egwene is born to Bran and Marin al'Vere ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW Ch. 3]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|ACoS Ch. 12]]).

* 989 NE: Egwene catches Breakbone fever and Nynaeve Heals her ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 21|TEotW Ch. 21]]).

* 998 NE: Egwene leaves the Two Rivers ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW Ch. 10]]).

* 998NE: Egwene learns that she can channel and does so with the help of [[Moiraine Damodred|Moiraine Sedai]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]).

* 998NE: Egwene and Nynaeve arrive at the [[White Tower]] to begin their training and Egwene becomes a [[novice]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW Ch. 18]]).

* 998NE: Egwene is captured by the Seanchan after [[Liandrin]]'s betrayal and becomes ''damane'' ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 40|TGH Ch. 40]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives back at the White Tower and becomes an Accepted ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 11|TDR Ch. 11]] and [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 23|TDR Ch. 23]]).

* 999NE: Egwene arrives in Tear to hunt for the Black Ajah and then goes to the [[Aiel Waste]] with him ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 48|TDR Ch. 48]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 22|TSR Ch. 22]])

* 999NE: Egwene is attacked by [[Lanfear]] who thinks that she is [[Aviendha]] ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

* 999NE: Egwene is summoned to Salidar by the Hall and is raised to Amyrlin Seat. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene calls [[the Hall]] to vote on War against [[Elaida]] and wins ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]])

* 1000NE: Egwene and her army [[Travel]] to [[Tar Valon]] to begin the siege of the White Tower ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 15|TPoD Ch. 15]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene is captured when she turns the chains of Tar Valon harbor into ''cuendillar'' ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 20|CoT Ch. 20]]).

* 1000NE: Egwene continues to be a captive in the White Tower ([[Knife of Dreams: Prologue|KoD Prologue]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 1|KoD Ch. 1]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 2|KoD Ch. 2]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 3|KoD Ch. 3]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 23|KoD Ch. 23]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]] and [[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 25|KoD Ch. 25]]).[[Category:New Articles]]

== 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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 4|TGH Ch. 4]]) She had the spark inborn, something that it quite rare, ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 12|TEotW Ch. 12]]), though apparently not in the Two Rivers, which has produced three ''[[ta'veren]]'' and multiple channelers. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 31|TSR Ch. 31]]) She is also unusually strong in Earth, predominantly a male strength; this means that she can Delve for metal ores. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Ch. 42]]) She also has strength in Fire, also a male Power ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 36|ACoS Ch. 36]]).

Egwene is a Dreamer and a Dreamwalker. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 12|TGH Ch. 12]] and [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|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'', ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 25|TDR Ch. 25]]) and [[Perrin]]'s involvement with [[Faile]] and [[Berelain]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 37|TDR Ch. 37]]) She is the only Dreamer in the White Tower since [[Corianin Nedeal]]. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 21|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. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23|TSR Ch. 23]]) Before she was trained to enter ''Tel'aran'rhiod'' at will, Egwene used a ring ''ter'angreal'' to visit it ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 27|TDR Ch. 27]]).

Egwene has several other Talents; she figured out the weave of Travelling, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 27|LoC Ch. 27]]), though she needed [[Moghedien]]'s help to figure out the weave for Skimming. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Chapter 9]]) Moghedien also helped her to discover the weave for making ''cuendillar'', ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 17|CoT Ch. 17]]), and the forbidden weave of Compulsion. ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18|CoT Ch. 18]]) Egwene is poor at Healing but was able to teach [[Aviendha]] to manage multiple weaves ([[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 52|TFoH Ch. 52]]).

== Relationships ==

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. ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 36|TGH Ch. 36]]) However, after leaving the [[Two Rivers]], they both realise that they are not meant to be with each other ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 7|TSR Ch. 7]]).

Egwene comes to learn that she is in love with [[Gawyn]], Elayne's brother. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 14|LoC Ch. 14]]) They profess their love when they meet in [[Cairhien (City)|Cairhien]] and Egwene tells him that they will be bonded. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 16|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 ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 32|ACoS Ch. 32]]).

Egwene has a very precarious relationship with the Hall. From the start,[[ Lelaine]] and [[Romanda]] try to control her. ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|LoC Ch. 36]]) If Egwene had not been made Amyrlin Seat, either Romanda or Lelaine would have. [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 35|LoC Ch. 35]]) When Egwene wins the vote on war with Elaida, she tries to exert more control over the Hall. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 12|LoC Ch. 12]]), [[Faolain]] and [[Theodrin]] swore because she is Amyrlin Seat, ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 11|ACoS Ch. 11]]) and Sheriam and others also swore ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 16|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, ([[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 36|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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 ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|KoD Ch. 24]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

== Dreams ==

Egwene's Dreams
{{main|Egwene's Dreams}}
== Miscellaneous ==

* Whatever Egwene does, she wants to do it to the best of her ability. ([[The Eye of the World: Ravens Prologue|TEotW, Ravens]]) 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 ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 18|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 ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 23|TEotW Ch. 23]]).

* The first time she sees a glow around a woman channeling ''saidar'' is when Elayne channels when they first meet ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 22|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 ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 15|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]]. ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 47|TSR Ch. 47]])

* Egwene has nightmares of her Seanchan captivity for weeks after she is rescued ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|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 ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 19|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. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 9|ACoS Ch. 9]]) When Egwene rebuffs her, she blackmails Myrelle and Nisao about Lan until Egwene stops them again ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 12|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 ([[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 52|TSR Ch. 52]], [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 32|LoC Ch. 32]] and [[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 10|ACoS Ch. 10]].

* Min has several viewings of Egwene; the first is that Egwene loves Rand but is not in love with him. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW Ch. 15]]) She is linked with Rand, Mat, Perrin and Galad, ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 42|TGH Chapter 42]]) and Min saw the white flame of the Aes Sedai around Egwene, indicating that Egwene would become Amyrlin Seat ([[The Great Hunt: Chapter 24|TGH Ch. 24]]).

* Egwene wants any and every woman who can channel to be linked to the White Tower. ([[A Crown of Swords: Chapter 31|ACoS Ch. 31]]) She opens the novice book to women of any age. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 17|TPoD Ch. 17]]) This leads to over a thousand novices joining the Salidar Aes Sedai. ([[The Path of Daggers: Chapter 30|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 ([[Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 18| CoT Ch. 18]]).

== Quotes ==

"al'Vere, Egwene (ahl-VEER, eh-GWAIN): A young woman from Emond's Field. Now in training to be Aes Sedai"- (The Dragon Reborn, Glossary).

"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|The Eye of the World, Chapter 12]]).

"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|The Great Hunt, Chapter 13]]).

"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|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|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 22]]).

"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|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|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|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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 36]]).

"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|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 37]]).

" 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|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|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|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|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|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

"'Just another novice?' he [Mattin Stepaneos] murmured. 'I think you be mistaken, Cariandre.'" ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 24]]).

Egwene responding to Mattin Stepaneos, "'You've been kidnapped and brought aboard a sinking ship.'" ({{kod2|Chapter 24}}).

"...they all indicated the same thing. She [Egwene] was winning her war." ([[Knife of Dreams: Chapter 24|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|Knife of Dreams, Chapter 25]]). [[Category:New Articles]]

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Aes Sedai Characters]]
[[Category:Damane]]
[[Category:Novices]]
[[Category:Accepted]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Point of View Characters]]
[[Category:Rebel Aes Sedai]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]

Egwene al'Vere

2010-09-30T19:14:14Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* General */

Egwene al'Vere

2010-09-30T17:31:09Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* General */

Egwene al'Vere

2010-09-30T17:24:51Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* General */

Matrim Cauthon

2010-08-09T21:16:00Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Quotes */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Healing|Healed]] by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 30|TDR, Ch. 30]])

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades. Read about them here.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]]). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]]). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 7|TEotW, Ch. 7]]). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW, Ch. 10]]).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called the Stag and Lion. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 13|TEotW, Ch. 13]]) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 14|TEotW, Ch. 14]]).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW, Ch. 15]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 16|Ch. 16]]). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 17|TEotW, Ch. 17]]).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a dagger with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 19|TEotW, Ch. 19]]).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''Spray''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 32|TEotW, Ch. 32]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 33|Ch. 33]]).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named 'The Queen's Blessing,' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 35|TEotW, Ch. 35]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 36|Ch. 36]])

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 41|TEotW, Ch. 41]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 42|Ch. 42]]).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 43|TEotW, Ch. 43]]).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 44|TEotW, Ch. 44]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 45|Ch. 45]]).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 48|TEotW, Ch. 48]]) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 49|TEotW, Ch. 49]]) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 50|TEotW, Ch. 50]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 52|Ch. 52]]).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 53|TEotW, Ch. 53]]).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named 'The Good Queen' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching Cairhien, Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named 'The Wandering Woman.' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; (ch7|16}}. He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {ch7|21}}.

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch2|28}}; {{ch2|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch2|37}}; {{ch2|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before the [[Breaking]], Mat rants to [[Talmanes]] about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Sedai]], predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the [[Band's]] soldiers ride down the road to the village of [[Hinderstap]]. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moiraine]], and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of [[Hinderstap]], approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, The Tipsy Gelding. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins. ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to [[Hinderstap]], allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and [[Thom]] to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called The Shaken Fist. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and [[Thom]] ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the [[Band]]. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]]'' pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sedai]], [[Verin Mathwin]]. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. [[Verin]] begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that [[Verin]] uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. [[Verin]] then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at [[Verin]] insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''[[ta'veren]]'' person in centuries. [[Verin]] warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. [[Verin]] begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and [[Verin]] sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: [[Verin]] will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after [[Verin]] departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. [[Verin]] uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW, Ch. 3]])

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]])

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. Thy were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
~NOTE~ I have done my best to collect all of Mat's memories, though some may be missing. I have included excerpts from the books that deal with his memories.

'''1'''

''"Soft, the winds, like springtime's fingers.
Soft, the rains, like heaven's tears.
Soft, the years roll by in gladness,
never hinting storms to come,
never hinting whirlwinds' ravage,
rain of steel and battle thunder,
war to tear the heart asunder."''

It was "Midean's Ford." An old song; of [[Manetheren]], oddly enough, and war before the Trolloc Wars. Natael did a fair job of it; nothing like Thom's sonorous recitals, of course, but the rolling words drew a crowd of Aiel thick around the edge of the fire's light. Villainous [[Aedomon]] led the [[Safer]]i down on unsuspecting Manetheren, pillaging and burning, driving all before them until King [[Buiryn]] gathered Manetheren's strength, and the men of Manetheren met the Saferi at Midean's Ford, holding, though heavily outnumbered, through three days of unrelenting battle, while the river ran red and vultures blacked the sky. On the third day, numbers dwindling, hope fading, Buiryn and his men fought their way across the ford in a desperate sortie, driving deep into Aedomon's horde, seeking to turn the enemy back by killing Aedomon himself. But forces too great to overpower swept in around them, trapping them, driving them ever in on themselves. Surrounding their king and the Red Eagle banner, they fought on, refusing surrender even when their doom became clear.

Natael sang how their courage touched even Aedomon's heart, and how at last he allowed the remnant to go free, turning his army back to Safer in honor of them.

''"Back across the blood-red water,
marching back with heads held high.
No surrender, arm or sword,
no surrender, heart or soul.
Honor be theirs, ever after,
honor all the Age shall know."''

He plucked the final chord, and the Aiel whistled their approval, drumming spears on their hide bucklers, some raising ululating cries.

It had not been that way, of course. Mat could remember ... Light, I don't want to! But it came anyway ... he remembered counseling Buiryn not to accept the offer, being told in return that the smallest chance was better than none. Aedomon, glossy black beard hanging below the steel mesh that veiled his face, drew his spearmen back, waited until they were strung out and nearly to the ford before the hidden archers rose and the cavalry charged in. As for turning back to Safer.... Mat did not think so. His last memory at the ford was trying to keep his feet, waist-deep in the river with three arrows in him, but there was something later, a fragment. Seeing Aedomon, gray-bearded now, go down in a sharp fight in a forest, toppling from his rearing horse, the spear in his back put there by an unarmored, beardless boy ({{tsr|37}}).

'''2'''

"Fool Shaido," [[Aviendha]] muttered at his back. Maybe she was right; maybe the amusement was for her riding. But Rand did not think so.

Mat galloped up trailing a cloud of yellowish brown dust, hat pulled low and spear resting upright on his stirrup iron like a lance. "What is this place, Rand?" he asked loudly, to be heard over the shouts. "All those women would say was 'Move faster. Move faster.' " Rand told him, and he frowned at the towering rock face of the butte. "You could hold that thing for years, I suppose, with supplies, but it isn't a patch on the Stone, or the Tora Harad."

"The Tora what?" Rand said. .

Mat rolled his shoulders before answering. "Just something I heard of, once." He stood in his stirrups to peer back over the heads of the Jindo toward the peddlers' train. "At least they're still with us. I wonder how long before they finish trading and go." ({{tsr|49}}).

'''3'''

Grunting, he closed his eyes again. Cute? Light! And short. Only Aiel could call him short. In every other land he had been in, he was taller than most men, if not always by much. He could remember being tall. Taller than Rand, when he rode against Artur Hawkwing. And a hand shorter than he was now when he fought beside [[Maecine]] against the [[Aelgar]]i. He had spoken to Lan, claiming he had overheard some names; the Warder said Maecine had been a king of [[Eharon]], one of the Ten Nations ... that much Mat already knew ... some four or five hundred years before [[the Trolloc Wars]]. Lan doubted that even [[the Brown Ajah]] knew more; much had been lost in the Trolloc Wars, and more in [[the War of the Hundred Years]]. Those were the earliest and latest of the memories that had been planted in his skull. Nothing after [[Artur Paendrag Tanreall]], and nothing before Maecine of Eharon ({{tfoh|22}}).

'''4'''

Scrubbing a hand through his hair, Mat sat down heavily on the coping. The memories that had once cluttered his head like raisins in a cake now blended with his own. In one part of his mind he knew he had been born in [[the Two Rivers]] twenty years before, but he could remember clearly leading the flanking attack that turned the Trollocs at [[Maighande]], and dancing in the court of Tarmandewin, and a hundred other things, a thousand. Mostly battles. He remembered dying more times than he wanted to think of. No seams between lives anymore; he could not tell his memories from the others unless he concentrated ({{tfoh|3}})

'''5'''

Frowning, he squatted with his elbows on his knees. Lan got down with him, but he hardly noticed. A dicey problem. And fascinating. "Best if you try to shove him away. Hit him from the south, mainly." He pointed to the River Gaelin; it joined the Alguenya some miles north of the city. "There are bridges up here. Leave the Shaido a clear path to them. Always leave a way out, unless you really want to find out how hard a man can fight when he's nothing to lose." His finger slid east. Wooded hills for the most part, it seemed. Probably not much different from right around here. "A blocking force here on this side of the river will make sure they go for the bridges, if it's big enough and positioned right. Once they are moving, [[Couladin]] won't want to try fighting someone ahead of him while you're coming behind." Yes. Almost exactly the same as at Jenje. "Not unless he's a complete fool, anyway. They might make it to the river in good order, but those bridges will choke them. I don't see Aiel swimming, or hunting out fords for that matter. Keep the pressure on, shove them across. With luck you'll be able to harry them all the way to the mountains." It was like Cuaindaigh Fords, too, late in the Trolloc Wars, and on much the same scale. Not much different from the Tora Shan, either. Or Sulmein Gap, before Hawkwing found his stride. The names flickered through his head, the images of bloody fields forgotten even by historians. Absorbed in the map as he was, they did not register as anything but his own remembrances. "Too bad you don't have more cavalry. Light cavalry is best for the harrying. Bite at the flanks, keep them running, and never let them settle to fight. But Aiel should do almost as well." ({{tfoh|42}})

'''6'''

The stormy meeting with Rand had gone on till the sun set, him dodging, refusing, Rand following as doggedly as Hawkwing after the rout at Cole Pass ({{tfoh|51}})

'''7'''

The music caught him up, missed notes and all, and the pattern dance, and memories floated in his head as they floated back and forth across the floor. In memory he was a head taller, with long golden mustaches and blue eyes. He wore a red-sashed coat of amber silk with a ruff of finest Barsine lace and yellow sapphire studs from [[Aramaelle]] on his chest, and he danced with a darkly beautiful emissary of the Atha'an Miere, the Sea Folk. The fine gold chain linking her nose ring to one of her multitude of earrings held tiny medallions that identified her as Wavemistress of Clan Shodin. He did not care how powerful she was; that was for the king to worry over, not a middling lord. She was beautiful and light in his arms, and they danced beneath the great crystal dome at the court of [[Shaemal]], when all the world envied [[Coremanda]]'s splendor and might. Other memories flitted around the edges, sparking off bits of that remembered dance. The morrow would bring news of increasingly heavy Trolloc raids out of [[The Blight|the Great Blight]], and another month word that Barsine of the golden spires had been ravaged and burned and the Trolloc hordes were sweeping south. So would begin what later would be called the Trolloc Wars, though none gave it that name to begin, three hundred years and more of all but unbroken battle, blood, fire and ruin before the Trollocs were driven back, the [[Dreadlords]] hunted down. So would begin the fall of Coremanda, with all its wealth and power, and [[Essenia]], with its philosophers and famed seats of learning, of Manetheren and Eharon and all of [[The Ten Nations]], smashed even in victory to rubble from which other lands would rise, lands that barely remembered the Ten Nations as more than myths of a happier time. But that lay ahead, and he banished those memories in the pleasure of this one. Tonight he danced the pattern dance with...

He blinked, for an instant startled by sunlight streaming through the windows and the fair face beaming up at him through a sheen of perspiration. Very nearly he fumbled the complex interweaving of his feet with Betse's as they whirled down the floor, but he caught himself before tripping her, the steps coming instinctively. This dance was his as surely as those memories were, borrowed or stolen, but so seamlessly woven into those he really had lived that he could no longer tell the difference without thinking. All his, now, filling holes in his own memories; he might as well have lived them all ({{loc|5}}).

'''8'''

Tylin Quintara, by the Grace of the Light, Queen of Altara, Mistress of the Four Winds, Guardian of the Sea of Storms, High Seat of House Mitsobar, awaited him in a room with yellow walls and a pale blue ceiling, standing before a huge white fireplace with a stone lintel carved into a stormy sea. She was well worth seeing, he decided. Tylin was not young ... the shiny black hair cascading over her shoulders had gray at the temples, and faint lines webbed the corners of her eyes ... nor was she exactly pretty, though the two thin scars on her cheeks had nearly vanished with age. Handsome came closer. But she was... imposing. Large dark eyes regarded him majestically, an eagle's eyes. She had little real power ... a man could ride beyond her writ in two or three days and still have a lot of Altara ahead ... but he thought she might make even an Aes Sedai step back. Like [[Isebele]] of [[Dal Calain]], who had made the Amyrlin [[Anghara]] come to her. That was one of the old memories; Dal Calain had vanished in the Trolloc Wars ({{acos|16}}).

'''9'''

She met his gaze with a merry twinkle and a grin. "There's enough noise in the common room, we could talk without being overheard. Besides, I wouldn't mind sitting and looking a bit. Elayne preaches like a Tovan councilor if I ogle a man for longer than a heartbeat."

He nodded before he thought. Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

'''10'''

"I don't bloody care about your bargains with anybody else, you daughter of the sands," Mat snapped. So his irritation was not that well under control. A man could only take so much.

Gasps rose among the women behind her. Something over a thousand years ago a Sea Folk woman had called an Essenian soldier a son of the sands just before trying to plant a blade in his ribs; the memory lay tucked inside Mat Cauthon's head, now. It was not the worst insult among the Atha'an Miere, but it came close. [[Renaile]]'s face gorged with blood; hissing, eyes bulging in fury, she leaped to her feet, that moonstone-studded dagger flashing in her fist ({{acos|39}}).

'''11'''

He went, muttering to himself. Just like an Aes Sedai. Offer to help her, and the next thing you knew, she had you scaling a sheer cliff in the middle of the night to break fifty people out of a dungeon by yourself. That had been another man, a long time dead, but he remembered it, and it fit. (Mat thinking about Teslyn.) ({{wh|19}}).

'''12'''

Setting out in search of either [Thom and Juilin] he unconsciously began humming "I'm Down at the Bottom of the Well." Well, he was, and night was falling and the rain well and truly coming down. As often happened, another name drifted up out of those old memories, a song of the Court of Takedo in [[Farashelle]], crushed a thousand years ago and more by Artur Hawkwing. The intervening years had made remarkably little change in the tune itself, though. Then, it had been called "The Last Stand of Mandenhar." Either way, it fit too bloody well ({{wh|19}}).

'''13'''

"And if I asked you to wait for three hours?" he asked, still crouching over her. "I remember the Atha'an Miere judging the passage of an hour within minutes." That fellow had not been him, but the memory was his now, passage on an Atha'an Miere vessel from [[Jaramide#Geography|Allorallen]] to [[Eharon#Geography|Barashta]], and a bright-eyed Sea Folk woman who wept when she refused to follow him ashore. (Mat to [[Nestelle din Sakura South Star]]) ({{wh|31}}).

'''14'''

"The Wheel has turned for better or worse. And it will keep on turning, as lights die and forests dim, storms call and skies break. Turn it will. The Wheel is not hope, and the Wheel does not care, the Wheel simply is. But so long as it turns, folk may hope, folk may care. For with light that fades, another will eventually grow and each storm that rages must eventually die. As long as the Wheel turns. As long as it turns. . ."

[[Thom]] recites the above words, which Mat comments have the sound of a song. [[Thom]] confirms this, telling of Doreille writing poetry in the very area in which they are riding. Though Mat still has gaps in his own memory, at this moment he has one of those other men's memories. He was standing on the walls of a mountain fort, in the Splintered Hills of [[Coremanda]], near a natural landmark called The Eagle's Reaches. A pennant-laden army was charging up the hill, arrows raining down upon them. The broken road was there, even in this ancient memory. Below Mat, a woman stood on a balcony--Doreille, the Queen of [[Aridhol]]. [[Aridhol]] had existed long before, along with [[Manetheren]]. The capital of [[Aridhol]] was now called [[Shadar Logoth]]. Though Mat quashes the other man's memory, he has his own memory, a memory of a ruby dagger, and a lust that still leaches into him ({{tgs|27}}).

'''15'''

During the insanity in [[Hinderstap]], Mat guides Pips with his knees. He has trained Pips to obey battle commands, all from those other men's' memories ({{tgs|28}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of [[Hinderstap]] leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells [[Talmanes]] that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; [[The Great Hunt: Chapter 47|The Great Hunt, Chapter 47]])

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 24|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 24]])

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 24|The Shadow Rising Chapter 24]])

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; [[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 42|The Fires of Heaven, Chapter 42]])

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 38|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 38]])

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; [[Winter's Heart: Chapter 31|Winter's Heart, Chapter 31]])

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]
[[Category:Characters with TGS updates]]

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] on broken road; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to [[Talmanes]]; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." ([[Thom]] to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to [[Thom]], and in the hearing of [[Talmanes]], concerning being married to [[Tuon]]; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"She's not a woman, [[Talmanes]]...she's an [[Aes Sedai]]. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to [[Talmanes]] about [[Joline]]; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 28|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 28]])

"You're [[Aes Sedai]]. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''[[saidar]]''ed it." (Mat to [[Verin]] regarding the pictures of him and [[Perrin]]; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 36|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 36]]) [[Category:New Articles]]

Matrim Cauthon

2010-08-09T21:13:12Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* The Dice */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Healing|Healed]] by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 30|TDR, Ch. 30]])

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades. Read about them here.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]]). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]]). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 7|TEotW, Ch. 7]]). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW, Ch. 10]]).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called the Stag and Lion. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 13|TEotW, Ch. 13]]) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 14|TEotW, Ch. 14]]).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW, Ch. 15]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 16|Ch. 16]]). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 17|TEotW, Ch. 17]]).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a dagger with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 19|TEotW, Ch. 19]]).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''Spray''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 32|TEotW, Ch. 32]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 33|Ch. 33]]).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named 'The Queen's Blessing,' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 35|TEotW, Ch. 35]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 36|Ch. 36]])

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 41|TEotW, Ch. 41]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 42|Ch. 42]]).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 43|TEotW, Ch. 43]]).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 44|TEotW, Ch. 44]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 45|Ch. 45]]).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 48|TEotW, Ch. 48]]) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 49|TEotW, Ch. 49]]) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 50|TEotW, Ch. 50]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 52|Ch. 52]]).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 53|TEotW, Ch. 53]]).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named 'The Good Queen' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching Cairhien, Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named 'The Wandering Woman.' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; (ch7|16}}. He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {ch7|21}}.

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch2|28}}; {{ch2|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch2|37}}; {{ch2|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before the [[Breaking]], Mat rants to [[Talmanes]] about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Sedai]], predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the [[Band's]] soldiers ride down the road to the village of [[Hinderstap]]. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moiraine]], and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of [[Hinderstap]], approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, The Tipsy Gelding. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins. ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to [[Hinderstap]], allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and [[Thom]] to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called The Shaken Fist. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and [[Thom]] ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the [[Band]]. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]]'' pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sedai]], [[Verin Mathwin]]. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. [[Verin]] begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that [[Verin]] uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. [[Verin]] then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at [[Verin]] insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''[[ta'veren]]'' person in centuries. [[Verin]] warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. [[Verin]] begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and [[Verin]] sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: [[Verin]] will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after [[Verin]] departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. [[Verin]] uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW, Ch. 3]])

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]])

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. Thy were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
~NOTE~ I have done my best to collect all of Mat's memories, though some may be missing. I have included excerpts from the books that deal with his memories.

'''1'''

''"Soft, the winds, like springtime's fingers.
Soft, the rains, like heaven's tears.
Soft, the years roll by in gladness,
never hinting storms to come,
never hinting whirlwinds' ravage,
rain of steel and battle thunder,
war to tear the heart asunder."''

It was "Midean's Ford." An old song; of [[Manetheren]], oddly enough, and war before the Trolloc Wars. Natael did a fair job of it; nothing like Thom's sonorous recitals, of course, but the rolling words drew a crowd of Aiel thick around the edge of the fire's light. Villainous [[Aedomon]] led the [[Safer]]i down on unsuspecting Manetheren, pillaging and burning, driving all before them until King [[Buiryn]] gathered Manetheren's strength, and the men of Manetheren met the Saferi at Midean's Ford, holding, though heavily outnumbered, through three days of unrelenting battle, while the river ran red and vultures blacked the sky. On the third day, numbers dwindling, hope fading, Buiryn and his men fought their way across the ford in a desperate sortie, driving deep into Aedomon's horde, seeking to turn the enemy back by killing Aedomon himself. But forces too great to overpower swept in around them, trapping them, driving them ever in on themselves. Surrounding their king and the Red Eagle banner, they fought on, refusing surrender even when their doom became clear.

Natael sang how their courage touched even Aedomon's heart, and how at last he allowed the remnant to go free, turning his army back to Safer in honor of them.

''"Back across the blood-red water,
marching back with heads held high.
No surrender, arm or sword,
no surrender, heart or soul.
Honor be theirs, ever after,
honor all the Age shall know."''

He plucked the final chord, and the Aiel whistled their approval, drumming spears on their hide bucklers, some raising ululating cries.

It had not been that way, of course. Mat could remember ... Light, I don't want to! But it came anyway ... he remembered counseling Buiryn not to accept the offer, being told in return that the smallest chance was better than none. Aedomon, glossy black beard hanging below the steel mesh that veiled his face, drew his spearmen back, waited until they were strung out and nearly to the ford before the hidden archers rose and the cavalry charged in. As for turning back to Safer.... Mat did not think so. His last memory at the ford was trying to keep his feet, waist-deep in the river with three arrows in him, but there was something later, a fragment. Seeing Aedomon, gray-bearded now, go down in a sharp fight in a forest, toppling from his rearing horse, the spear in his back put there by an unarmored, beardless boy ({{tsr|37}}).

'''2'''

"Fool Shaido," [[Aviendha]] muttered at his back. Maybe she was right; maybe the amusement was for her riding. But Rand did not think so.

Mat galloped up trailing a cloud of yellowish brown dust, hat pulled low and spear resting upright on his stirrup iron like a lance. "What is this place, Rand?" he asked loudly, to be heard over the shouts. "All those women would say was 'Move faster. Move faster.' " Rand told him, and he frowned at the towering rock face of the butte. "You could hold that thing for years, I suppose, with supplies, but it isn't a patch on the Stone, or the Tora Harad."

"The Tora what?" Rand said. .

Mat rolled his shoulders before answering. "Just something I heard of, once." He stood in his stirrups to peer back over the heads of the Jindo toward the peddlers' train. "At least they're still with us. I wonder how long before they finish trading and go." ({{tsr|49}}).

'''3'''

Grunting, he closed his eyes again. Cute? Light! And short. Only Aiel could call him short. In every other land he had been in, he was taller than most men, if not always by much. He could remember being tall. Taller than Rand, when he rode against Artur Hawkwing. And a hand shorter than he was now when he fought beside [[Maecine]] against the [[Aelgar]]i. He had spoken to Lan, claiming he had overheard some names; the Warder said Maecine had been a king of [[Eharon]], one of the Ten Nations ... that much Mat already knew ... some four or five hundred years before [[the Trolloc Wars]]. Lan doubted that even [[the Brown Ajah]] knew more; much had been lost in the Trolloc Wars, and more in [[the War of the Hundred Years]]. Those were the earliest and latest of the memories that had been planted in his skull. Nothing after [[Artur Paendrag Tanreall]], and nothing before Maecine of Eharon ({{tfoh|22}}).

'''4'''

Scrubbing a hand through his hair, Mat sat down heavily on the coping. The memories that had once cluttered his head like raisins in a cake now blended with his own. In one part of his mind he knew he had been born in [[the Two Rivers]] twenty years before, but he could remember clearly leading the flanking attack that turned the Trollocs at [[Maighande]], and dancing in the court of Tarmandewin, and a hundred other things, a thousand. Mostly battles. He remembered dying more times than he wanted to think of. No seams between lives anymore; he could not tell his memories from the others unless he concentrated ({{tfoh|3}})

'''5'''

Frowning, he squatted with his elbows on his knees. Lan got down with him, but he hardly noticed. A dicey problem. And fascinating. "Best if you try to shove him away. Hit him from the south, mainly." He pointed to the River Gaelin; it joined the Alguenya some miles north of the city. "There are bridges up here. Leave the Shaido a clear path to them. Always leave a way out, unless you really want to find out how hard a man can fight when he's nothing to lose." His finger slid east. Wooded hills for the most part, it seemed. Probably not much different from right around here. "A blocking force here on this side of the river will make sure they go for the bridges, if it's big enough and positioned right. Once they are moving, [[Couladin]] won't want to try fighting someone ahead of him while you're coming behind." Yes. Almost exactly the same as at Jenje. "Not unless he's a complete fool, anyway. They might make it to the river in good order, but those bridges will choke them. I don't see Aiel swimming, or hunting out fords for that matter. Keep the pressure on, shove them across. With luck you'll be able to harry them all the way to the mountains." It was like Cuaindaigh Fords, too, late in the Trolloc Wars, and on much the same scale. Not much different from the Tora Shan, either. Or Sulmein Gap, before Hawkwing found his stride. The names flickered through his head, the images of bloody fields forgotten even by historians. Absorbed in the map as he was, they did not register as anything but his own remembrances. "Too bad you don't have more cavalry. Light cavalry is best for the harrying. Bite at the flanks, keep them running, and never let them settle to fight. But Aiel should do almost as well." ({{tfoh|42}})

'''6'''

The stormy meeting with Rand had gone on till the sun set, him dodging, refusing, Rand following as doggedly as Hawkwing after the rout at Cole Pass ({{tfoh|51}})

'''7'''

The music caught him up, missed notes and all, and the pattern dance, and memories floated in his head as they floated back and forth across the floor. In memory he was a head taller, with long golden mustaches and blue eyes. He wore a red-sashed coat of amber silk with a ruff of finest Barsine lace and yellow sapphire studs from [[Aramaelle]] on his chest, and he danced with a darkly beautiful emissary of the Atha'an Miere, the Sea Folk. The fine gold chain linking her nose ring to one of her multitude of earrings held tiny medallions that identified her as Wavemistress of Clan Shodin. He did not care how powerful she was; that was for the king to worry over, not a middling lord. She was beautiful and light in his arms, and they danced beneath the great crystal dome at the court of [[Shaemal]], when all the world envied [[Coremanda]]'s splendor and might. Other memories flitted around the edges, sparking off bits of that remembered dance. The morrow would bring news of increasingly heavy Trolloc raids out of [[The Blight|the Great Blight]], and another month word that Barsine of the golden spires had been ravaged and burned and the Trolloc hordes were sweeping south. So would begin what later would be called the Trolloc Wars, though none gave it that name to begin, three hundred years and more of all but unbroken battle, blood, fire and ruin before the Trollocs were driven back, the [[Dreadlords]] hunted down. So would begin the fall of Coremanda, with all its wealth and power, and [[Essenia]], with its philosophers and famed seats of learning, of Manetheren and Eharon and all of [[The Ten Nations]], smashed even in victory to rubble from which other lands would rise, lands that barely remembered the Ten Nations as more than myths of a happier time. But that lay ahead, and he banished those memories in the pleasure of this one. Tonight he danced the pattern dance with...

He blinked, for an instant startled by sunlight streaming through the windows and the fair face beaming up at him through a sheen of perspiration. Very nearly he fumbled the complex interweaving of his feet with Betse's as they whirled down the floor, but he caught himself before tripping her, the steps coming instinctively. This dance was his as surely as those memories were, borrowed or stolen, but so seamlessly woven into those he really had lived that he could no longer tell the difference without thinking. All his, now, filling holes in his own memories; he might as well have lived them all ({{loc|5}}).

'''8'''

Tylin Quintara, by the Grace of the Light, Queen of Altara, Mistress of the Four Winds, Guardian of the Sea of Storms, High Seat of House Mitsobar, awaited him in a room with yellow walls and a pale blue ceiling, standing before a huge white fireplace with a stone lintel carved into a stormy sea. She was well worth seeing, he decided. Tylin was not young ... the shiny black hair cascading over her shoulders had gray at the temples, and faint lines webbed the corners of her eyes ... nor was she exactly pretty, though the two thin scars on her cheeks had nearly vanished with age. Handsome came closer. But she was... imposing. Large dark eyes regarded him majestically, an eagle's eyes. She had little real power ... a man could ride beyond her writ in two or three days and still have a lot of Altara ahead ... but he thought she might make even an Aes Sedai step back. Like [[Isebele]] of [[Dal Calain]], who had made the Amyrlin [[Anghara]] come to her. That was one of the old memories; Dal Calain had vanished in the Trolloc Wars ({{acos|16}}).

'''9'''

She met his gaze with a merry twinkle and a grin. "There's enough noise in the common room, we could talk without being overheard. Besides, I wouldn't mind sitting and looking a bit. Elayne preaches like a Tovan councilor if I ogle a man for longer than a heartbeat."

He nodded before he thought. Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

'''10'''

"I don't bloody care about your bargains with anybody else, you daughter of the sands," Mat snapped. So his irritation was not that well under control. A man could only take so much.

Gasps rose among the women behind her. Something over a thousand years ago a Sea Folk woman had called an Essenian soldier a son of the sands just before trying to plant a blade in his ribs; the memory lay tucked inside Mat Cauthon's head, now. It was not the worst insult among the Atha'an Miere, but it came close. [[Renaile]]'s face gorged with blood; hissing, eyes bulging in fury, she leaped to her feet, that moonstone-studded dagger flashing in her fist ({{acos|39}}).

'''11'''

He went, muttering to himself. Just like an Aes Sedai. Offer to help her, and the next thing you knew, she had you scaling a sheer cliff in the middle of the night to break fifty people out of a dungeon by yourself. That had been another man, a long time dead, but he remembered it, and it fit. (Mat thinking about Teslyn.) ({{wh|19}}).

'''12'''

Setting out in search of either [Thom and Juilin] he unconsciously began humming "I'm Down at the Bottom of the Well." Well, he was, and night was falling and the rain well and truly coming down. As often happened, another name drifted up out of those old memories, a song of the Court of Takedo in [[Farashelle]], crushed a thousand years ago and more by Artur Hawkwing. The intervening years had made remarkably little change in the tune itself, though. Then, it had been called "The Last Stand of Mandenhar." Either way, it fit too bloody well ({{wh|19}}).

'''13'''

"And if I asked you to wait for three hours?" he asked, still crouching over her. "I remember the Atha'an Miere judging the passage of an hour within minutes." That fellow had not been him, but the memory was his now, passage on an Atha'an Miere vessel from [[Jaramide#Geography|Allorallen]] to [[Eharon#Geography|Barashta]], and a bright-eyed Sea Folk woman who wept when she refused to follow him ashore. (Mat to [[Nestelle din Sakura South Star]]) ({{wh|31}}).

'''14'''

"The Wheel has turned for better or worse. And it will keep on turning, as lights die and forests dim, storms call and skies break. Turn it will. The Wheel is not hope, and the Wheel does not care, the Wheel simply is. But so long as it turns, folk may hope, folk may care. For with light that fades, another will eventually grow and each storm that rages must eventually die. As long as the Wheel turns. As long as it turns. . ."

[[Thom]] recites the above words, which Mat comments have the sound of a song. [[Thom]] confirms this, telling of Doreille writing poetry in the very area in which they are riding. Though Mat still has gaps in his own memory, at this moment he has one of those other men's memories. He was standing on the walls of a mountain fort, in the Splintered Hills of [[Coremanda]], near a natural landmark called The Eagle's Reaches. A pennant-laden army was charging up the hill, arrows raining down upon them. The broken road was there, even in this ancient memory. Below Mat, a woman stood on a balcony--Doreille, the Queen of [[Aridhol]]. [[Aridhol]] had existed long before, along with [[Manetheren]]. The capital of [[Aridhol]] was now called [[Shadar Logoth]]. Though Mat quashes the other man's memory, he has his own memory, a memory of a ruby dagger, and a lust that still leaches into him ({{tgs|27}}).

'''15'''

During the insanity in [[Hinderstap]], Mat guides Pips with his knees. He has trained Pips to obey battle commands, all from those other men's' memories ({{tgs|28}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of [[Hinderstap]] leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells [[Talmanes]] that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; [[The Great Hunt: Chapter 47|The Great Hunt, Chapter 47]])

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 24|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 24]])

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 24|The Shadow Rising Chapter 24]])

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; [[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 42|The Fires of Heaven, Chapter 42]])

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 38|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 38]])

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; [[Winter's Heart: Chapter 31|Winter's Heart, Chapter 31]])

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]
[[Category:Characters with TGS updates]]

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to Talmanes on broken road; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to Talmanes; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." (Thom to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to Thom, and in the hearing of Talmanes, concerning being married to Tuon; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"She's not a woman, Talmanes...she's an Aes Sedai. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to Talmanes about Joline; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 28|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 28]])

"You're Aes Sedai. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''saidar''ed it." (Mat to Verin regarding the pictures of him and Perrin; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 36|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 36]]) [[Category:New Articles]]

Matrim Cauthon

2010-08-09T21:10:44Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Mat's Memories */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Healing|Healed]] by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 30|TDR, Ch. 30]])

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades. Read about them here.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]]). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]]). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 7|TEotW, Ch. 7]]). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW, Ch. 10]]).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called the Stag and Lion. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 13|TEotW, Ch. 13]]) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 14|TEotW, Ch. 14]]).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW, Ch. 15]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 16|Ch. 16]]). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 17|TEotW, Ch. 17]]).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a dagger with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 19|TEotW, Ch. 19]]).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''Spray''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 32|TEotW, Ch. 32]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 33|Ch. 33]]).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named 'The Queen's Blessing,' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 35|TEotW, Ch. 35]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 36|Ch. 36]])

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 41|TEotW, Ch. 41]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 42|Ch. 42]]).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 43|TEotW, Ch. 43]]).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 44|TEotW, Ch. 44]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 45|Ch. 45]]).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 48|TEotW, Ch. 48]]) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 49|TEotW, Ch. 49]]) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 50|TEotW, Ch. 50]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 52|Ch. 52]]).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 53|TEotW, Ch. 53]]).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named 'The Good Queen' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching Cairhien, Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named 'The Wandering Woman.' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; (ch7|16}}. He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {ch7|21}}.

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch2|28}}; {{ch2|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch2|37}}; {{ch2|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before the [[Breaking]], Mat rants to [[Talmanes]] about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Sedai]], predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the [[Band's]] soldiers ride down the road to the village of [[Hinderstap]]. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moiraine]], and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of [[Hinderstap]], approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, The Tipsy Gelding. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins. ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to [[Hinderstap]], allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and [[Thom]] to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called The Shaken Fist. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and [[Thom]] ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the [[Band]]. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]]'' pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sedai]], [[Verin Mathwin]]. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. [[Verin]] begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that [[Verin]] uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. [[Verin]] then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at [[Verin]] insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''[[ta'veren]]'' person in centuries. [[Verin]] warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. [[Verin]] begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and [[Verin]] sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: [[Verin]] will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after [[Verin]] departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. [[Verin]] uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW, Ch. 3]])

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]])

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. Thy were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
~NOTE~ I have done my best to collect all of Mat's memories, though some may be missing. I have included excerpts from the books that deal with his memories.

'''1'''

''"Soft, the winds, like springtime's fingers.
Soft, the rains, like heaven's tears.
Soft, the years roll by in gladness,
never hinting storms to come,
never hinting whirlwinds' ravage,
rain of steel and battle thunder,
war to tear the heart asunder."''

It was "Midean's Ford." An old song; of [[Manetheren]], oddly enough, and war before the Trolloc Wars. Natael did a fair job of it; nothing like Thom's sonorous recitals, of course, but the rolling words drew a crowd of Aiel thick around the edge of the fire's light. Villainous [[Aedomon]] led the [[Safer]]i down on unsuspecting Manetheren, pillaging and burning, driving all before them until King [[Buiryn]] gathered Manetheren's strength, and the men of Manetheren met the Saferi at Midean's Ford, holding, though heavily outnumbered, through three days of unrelenting battle, while the river ran red and vultures blacked the sky. On the third day, numbers dwindling, hope fading, Buiryn and his men fought their way across the ford in a desperate sortie, driving deep into Aedomon's horde, seeking to turn the enemy back by killing Aedomon himself. But forces too great to overpower swept in around them, trapping them, driving them ever in on themselves. Surrounding their king and the Red Eagle banner, they fought on, refusing surrender even when their doom became clear.

Natael sang how their courage touched even Aedomon's heart, and how at last he allowed the remnant to go free, turning his army back to Safer in honor of them.

''"Back across the blood-red water,
marching back with heads held high.
No surrender, arm or sword,
no surrender, heart or soul.
Honor be theirs, ever after,
honor all the Age shall know."''

He plucked the final chord, and the Aiel whistled their approval, drumming spears on their hide bucklers, some raising ululating cries.

It had not been that way, of course. Mat could remember ... Light, I don't want to! But it came anyway ... he remembered counseling Buiryn not to accept the offer, being told in return that the smallest chance was better than none. Aedomon, glossy black beard hanging below the steel mesh that veiled his face, drew his spearmen back, waited until they were strung out and nearly to the ford before the hidden archers rose and the cavalry charged in. As for turning back to Safer.... Mat did not think so. His last memory at the ford was trying to keep his feet, waist-deep in the river with three arrows in him, but there was something later, a fragment. Seeing Aedomon, gray-bearded now, go down in a sharp fight in a forest, toppling from his rearing horse, the spear in his back put there by an unarmored, beardless boy ({{tsr|37}}).

'''2'''

"Fool Shaido," [[Aviendha]] muttered at his back. Maybe she was right; maybe the amusement was for her riding. But Rand did not think so.

Mat galloped up trailing a cloud of yellowish brown dust, hat pulled low and spear resting upright on his stirrup iron like a lance. "What is this place, Rand?" he asked loudly, to be heard over the shouts. "All those women would say was 'Move faster. Move faster.' " Rand told him, and he frowned at the towering rock face of the butte. "You could hold that thing for years, I suppose, with supplies, but it isn't a patch on the Stone, or the Tora Harad."

"The Tora what?" Rand said. .

Mat rolled his shoulders before answering. "Just something I heard of, once." He stood in his stirrups to peer back over the heads of the Jindo toward the peddlers' train. "At least they're still with us. I wonder how long before they finish trading and go." ({{tsr|49}}).

'''3'''

Grunting, he closed his eyes again. Cute? Light! And short. Only Aiel could call him short. In every other land he had been in, he was taller than most men, if not always by much. He could remember being tall. Taller than Rand, when he rode against Artur Hawkwing. And a hand shorter than he was now when he fought beside [[Maecine]] against the [[Aelgar]]i. He had spoken to Lan, claiming he had overheard some names; the Warder said Maecine had been a king of [[Eharon]], one of the Ten Nations ... that much Mat already knew ... some four or five hundred years before [[the Trolloc Wars]]. Lan doubted that even [[the Brown Ajah]] knew more; much had been lost in the Trolloc Wars, and more in [[the War of the Hundred Years]]. Those were the earliest and latest of the memories that had been planted in his skull. Nothing after [[Artur Paendrag Tanreall]], and nothing before Maecine of Eharon ({{tfoh|22}}).

'''4'''

Scrubbing a hand through his hair, Mat sat down heavily on the coping. The memories that had once cluttered his head like raisins in a cake now blended with his own. In one part of his mind he knew he had been born in [[the Two Rivers]] twenty years before, but he could remember clearly leading the flanking attack that turned the Trollocs at [[Maighande]], and dancing in the court of Tarmandewin, and a hundred other things, a thousand. Mostly battles. He remembered dying more times than he wanted to think of. No seams between lives anymore; he could not tell his memories from the others unless he concentrated ({{tfoh|3}})

'''5'''

Frowning, he squatted with his elbows on his knees. Lan got down with him, but he hardly noticed. A dicey problem. And fascinating. "Best if you try to shove him away. Hit him from the south, mainly." He pointed to the River Gaelin; it joined the Alguenya some miles north of the city. "There are bridges up here. Leave the Shaido a clear path to them. Always leave a way out, unless you really want to find out how hard a man can fight when he's nothing to lose." His finger slid east. Wooded hills for the most part, it seemed. Probably not much different from right around here. "A blocking force here on this side of the river will make sure they go for the bridges, if it's big enough and positioned right. Once they are moving, [[Couladin]] won't want to try fighting someone ahead of him while you're coming behind." Yes. Almost exactly the same as at Jenje. "Not unless he's a complete fool, anyway. They might make it to the river in good order, but those bridges will choke them. I don't see Aiel swimming, or hunting out fords for that matter. Keep the pressure on, shove them across. With luck you'll be able to harry them all the way to the mountains." It was like Cuaindaigh Fords, too, late in the Trolloc Wars, and on much the same scale. Not much different from the Tora Shan, either. Or Sulmein Gap, before Hawkwing found his stride. The names flickered through his head, the images of bloody fields forgotten even by historians. Absorbed in the map as he was, they did not register as anything but his own remembrances. "Too bad you don't have more cavalry. Light cavalry is best for the harrying. Bite at the flanks, keep them running, and never let them settle to fight. But Aiel should do almost as well." ({{tfoh|42}})

'''6'''

The stormy meeting with Rand had gone on till the sun set, him dodging, refusing, Rand following as doggedly as Hawkwing after the rout at Cole Pass ({{tfoh|51}})

'''7'''

The music caught him up, missed notes and all, and the pattern dance, and memories floated in his head as they floated back and forth across the floor. In memory he was a head taller, with long golden mustaches and blue eyes. He wore a red-sashed coat of amber silk with a ruff of finest Barsine lace and yellow sapphire studs from [[Aramaelle]] on his chest, and he danced with a darkly beautiful emissary of the Atha'an Miere, the Sea Folk. The fine gold chain linking her nose ring to one of her multitude of earrings held tiny medallions that identified her as Wavemistress of Clan Shodin. He did not care how powerful she was; that was for the king to worry over, not a middling lord. She was beautiful and light in his arms, and they danced beneath the great crystal dome at the court of [[Shaemal]], when all the world envied [[Coremanda]]'s splendor and might. Other memories flitted around the edges, sparking off bits of that remembered dance. The morrow would bring news of increasingly heavy Trolloc raids out of [[The Blight|the Great Blight]], and another month word that Barsine of the golden spires had been ravaged and burned and the Trolloc hordes were sweeping south. So would begin what later would be called the Trolloc Wars, though none gave it that name to begin, three hundred years and more of all but unbroken battle, blood, fire and ruin before the Trollocs were driven back, the [[Dreadlords]] hunted down. So would begin the fall of Coremanda, with all its wealth and power, and [[Essenia]], with its philosophers and famed seats of learning, of Manetheren and Eharon and all of [[The Ten Nations]], smashed even in victory to rubble from which other lands would rise, lands that barely remembered the Ten Nations as more than myths of a happier time. But that lay ahead, and he banished those memories in the pleasure of this one. Tonight he danced the pattern dance with...

He blinked, for an instant startled by sunlight streaming through the windows and the fair face beaming up at him through a sheen of perspiration. Very nearly he fumbled the complex interweaving of his feet with Betse's as they whirled down the floor, but he caught himself before tripping her, the steps coming instinctively. This dance was his as surely as those memories were, borrowed or stolen, but so seamlessly woven into those he really had lived that he could no longer tell the difference without thinking. All his, now, filling holes in his own memories; he might as well have lived them all ({{loc|5}}).

'''8'''

Tylin Quintara, by the Grace of the Light, Queen of Altara, Mistress of the Four Winds, Guardian of the Sea of Storms, High Seat of House Mitsobar, awaited him in a room with yellow walls and a pale blue ceiling, standing before a huge white fireplace with a stone lintel carved into a stormy sea. She was well worth seeing, he decided. Tylin was not young ... the shiny black hair cascading over her shoulders had gray at the temples, and faint lines webbed the corners of her eyes ... nor was she exactly pretty, though the two thin scars on her cheeks had nearly vanished with age. Handsome came closer. But she was... imposing. Large dark eyes regarded him majestically, an eagle's eyes. She had little real power ... a man could ride beyond her writ in two or three days and still have a lot of Altara ahead ... but he thought she might make even an Aes Sedai step back. Like [[Isebele]] of [[Dal Calain]], who had made the Amyrlin [[Anghara]] come to her. That was one of the old memories; Dal Calain had vanished in the Trolloc Wars ({{acos|16}}).

'''9'''

She met his gaze with a merry twinkle and a grin. "There's enough noise in the common room, we could talk without being overheard. Besides, I wouldn't mind sitting and looking a bit. Elayne preaches like a Tovan councilor if I ogle a man for longer than a heartbeat."

He nodded before he thought. Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

'''10'''

"I don't bloody care about your bargains with anybody else, you daughter of the sands," Mat snapped. So his irritation was not that well under control. A man could only take so much.

Gasps rose among the women behind her. Something over a thousand years ago a Sea Folk woman had called an Essenian soldier a son of the sands just before trying to plant a blade in his ribs; the memory lay tucked inside Mat Cauthon's head, now. It was not the worst insult among the Atha'an Miere, but it came close. [[Renaile]]'s face gorged with blood; hissing, eyes bulging in fury, she leaped to her feet, that moonstone-studded dagger flashing in her fist ({{acos|39}}).

'''11'''

He went, muttering to himself. Just like an Aes Sedai. Offer to help her, and the next thing you knew, she had you scaling a sheer cliff in the middle of the night to break fifty people out of a dungeon by yourself. That had been another man, a long time dead, but he remembered it, and it fit. (Mat thinking about Teslyn.) ({{wh|19}}).

'''12'''

Setting out in search of either [Thom and Juilin] he unconsciously began humming "I'm Down at the Bottom of the Well." Well, he was, and night was falling and the rain well and truly coming down. As often happened, another name drifted up out of those old memories, a song of the Court of Takedo in [[Farashelle]], crushed a thousand years ago and more by Artur Hawkwing. The intervening years had made remarkably little change in the tune itself, though. Then, it had been called "The Last Stand of Mandenhar." Either way, it fit too bloody well ({{wh|19}}).

'''13'''

"And if I asked you to wait for three hours?" he asked, still crouching over her. "I remember the Atha'an Miere judging the passage of an hour within minutes." That fellow had not been him, but the memory was his now, passage on an Atha'an Miere vessel from [[Jaramide#Geography|Allorallen]] to [[Eharon#Geography|Barashta]], and a bright-eyed Sea Folk woman who wept when she refused to follow him ashore. (Mat to [[Nestelle din Sakura South Star]]) ({{wh|31}}).

'''14'''

"The Wheel has turned for better or worse. And it will keep on turning, as lights die and forests dim, storms call and skies break. Turn it will. The Wheel is not hope, and the Wheel does not care, the Wheel simply is. But so long as it turns, folk may hope, folk may care. For with light that fades, another will eventually grow and each storm that rages must eventually die. As long as the Wheel turns. As long as it turns. . ."

[[Thom]] recites the above words, which Mat comments have the sound of a song. [[Thom]] confirms this, telling of Doreille writing poetry in the very area in which they are riding. Though Mat still has gaps in his own memory, at this moment he has one of those other men's memories. He was standing on the walls of a mountain fort, in the Splintered Hills of [[Coremanda]], near a natural landmark called The Eagle's Reaches. A pennant-laden army was charging up the hill, arrows raining down upon them. The broken road was there, even in this ancient memory. Below Mat, a woman stood on a balcony--Doreille, the Queen of [[Aridhol]]. [[Aridhol]] had existed long before, along with [[Manetheren]]. The capital of [[Aridhol]] was now called [[Shadar Logoth]]. Though Mat quashes the other man's memory, he has his own memory, a memory of a ruby dagger, and a lust that still leaches into him ({{tgs|27}}).

'''15'''

During the insanity in [[Hinderstap]], Mat guides Pips with his knees. He has trained Pips to obey battle commands, all from those other men's' memories ({{tgs|28}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of Hinderstap leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells Talmanes that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; [[The Great Hunt: Chapter 47|The Great Hunt, Chapter 47]])

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 24|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 24]])

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 24|The Shadow Rising Chapter 24]])

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; [[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 42|The Fires of Heaven, Chapter 42]])

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 38|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 38]])

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; [[Winter's Heart: Chapter 31|Winter's Heart, Chapter 31]])

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]
[[Category:Characters with TGS updates]]

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to Talmanes on broken road; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to Talmanes; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." (Thom to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to Thom, and in the hearing of Talmanes, concerning being married to Tuon; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"She's not a woman, Talmanes...she's an Aes Sedai. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to Talmanes about Joline; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 28|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 28]])

"You're Aes Sedai. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''saidar''ed it." (Mat to Verin regarding the pictures of him and Perrin; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 36|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 36]]) [[Category:New Articles]]

Matrim Cauthon

2010-08-09T21:07:31Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Mat's Journey */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Healing|Healed]] by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 30|TDR, Ch. 30]])

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades. Read about them here.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]]). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]]). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 7|TEotW, Ch. 7]]). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW, Ch. 10]]).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called the Stag and Lion. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 13|TEotW, Ch. 13]]) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 14|TEotW, Ch. 14]]).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW, Ch. 15]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 16|Ch. 16]]). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 17|TEotW, Ch. 17]]).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a dagger with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 19|TEotW, Ch. 19]]).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''Spray''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 32|TEotW, Ch. 32]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 33|Ch. 33]]).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named 'The Queen's Blessing,' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 35|TEotW, Ch. 35]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 36|Ch. 36]])

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 41|TEotW, Ch. 41]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 42|Ch. 42]]).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 43|TEotW, Ch. 43]]).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 44|TEotW, Ch. 44]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 45|Ch. 45]]).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 48|TEotW, Ch. 48]]) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 49|TEotW, Ch. 49]]) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 50|TEotW, Ch. 50]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 52|Ch. 52]]).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 53|TEotW, Ch. 53]]).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named 'The Good Queen' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching Cairhien, Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named 'The Wandering Woman.' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; (ch7|16}}. He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {ch7|21}}.

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch2|28}}; {{ch2|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch2|37}}; {{ch2|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before the [[Breaking]], Mat rants to [[Talmanes]] about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Sedai]], predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the [[Band's]] soldiers ride down the road to the village of [[Hinderstap]]. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moiraine]], and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of [[Hinderstap]], approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, The Tipsy Gelding. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins. ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to [[Hinderstap]], allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and [[Thom]] to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called The Shaken Fist. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and [[Thom]] ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the [[Band]]. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]]'' pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sedai]], [[Verin Mathwin]]. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. [[Verin]] begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that [[Verin]] uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. [[Verin]] then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at [[Verin]] insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''[[ta'veren]]'' person in centuries. [[Verin]] warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. [[Verin]] begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and [[Verin]] sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: [[Verin]] will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after [[Verin]] departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. [[Verin]] uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW, Ch. 3]])

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]])

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. Thy were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
~NOTE~ I have done my best to collect all of Mat's memories, though some may be missing. I have included excerpts from the books that deal with his memories.

'''1'''

''"Soft, the winds, like springtime's fingers.
Soft, the rains, like heaven's tears.
Soft, the years roll by in gladness,
never hinting storms to come,
never hinting whirlwinds' ravage,
rain of steel and battle thunder,
war to tear the heart asunder."''

It was "Midean's Ford." An old song; of [[Manetheren]], oddly enough, and war before the Trolloc Wars. Natael did a fair job of it; nothing like Thom's sonorous recitals, of course, but the rolling words drew a crowd of Aiel thick around the edge of the fire's light. Villainous [[Aedomon]] led the [[Safer]]i down on unsuspecting Manetheren, pillaging and burning, driving all before them until King [[Buiryn]] gathered Manetheren's strength, and the men of Manetheren met the Saferi at Midean's Ford, holding, though heavily outnumbered, through three days of unrelenting battle, while the river ran red and vultures blacked the sky. On the third day, numbers dwindling, hope fading, Buiryn and his men fought their way across the ford in a desperate sortie, driving deep into Aedomon's horde, seeking to turn the enemy back by killing Aedomon himself. But forces too great to overpower swept in around them, trapping them, driving them ever in on themselves. Surrounding their king and the Red Eagle banner, they fought on, refusing surrender even when their doom became clear.

Natael sang how their courage touched even Aedomon's heart, and how at last he allowed the remnant to go free, turning his army back to Safer in honor of them.

''"Back across the blood-red water,
marching back with heads held high.
No surrender, arm or sword,
no surrender, heart or soul.
Honor be theirs, ever after,
honor all the Age shall know."''

He plucked the final chord, and the Aiel whistled their approval, drumming spears on their hide bucklers, some raising ululating cries.

It had not been that way, of course. Mat could remember ... Light, I don't want to! But it came anyway ... he remembered counseling Buiryn not to accept the offer, being told in return that the smallest chance was better than none. Aedomon, glossy black beard hanging below the steel mesh that veiled his face, drew his spearmen back, waited until they were strung out and nearly to the ford before the hidden archers rose and the cavalry charged in. As for turning back to Safer.... Mat did not think so. His last memory at the ford was trying to keep his feet, waist-deep in the river with three arrows in him, but there was something later, a fragment. Seeing Aedomon, gray-bearded now, go down in a sharp fight in a forest, toppling from his rearing horse, the spear in his back put there by an unarmored, beardless boy ({{tsr|37}}).

'''2'''

"Fool Shaido," [[Aviendha]] muttered at his back. Maybe she was right; maybe the amusement was for her riding. But Rand did not think so.

Mat galloped up trailing a cloud of yellowish brown dust, hat pulled low and spear resting upright on his stirrup iron like a lance. "What is this place, Rand?" he asked loudly, to be heard over the shouts. "All those women would say was 'Move faster. Move faster.' " Rand told him, and he frowned at the towering rock face of the butte. "You could hold that thing for years, I suppose, with supplies, but it isn't a patch on the Stone, or the Tora Harad."

"The Tora what?" Rand said. .

Mat rolled his shoulders before answering. "Just something I heard of, once." He stood in his stirrups to peer back over the heads of the Jindo toward the peddlers' train. "At least they're still with us. I wonder how long before they finish trading and go." ({{tsr|49}}).

'''3'''

Grunting, he closed his eyes again. Cute? Light! And short. Only Aiel could call him short. In every other land he had been in, he was taller than most men, if not always by much. He could remember being tall. Taller than Rand, when he rode against Artur Hawkwing. And a hand shorter than he was now when he fought beside [[Maecine]] against the [[Aelgar]]i. He had spoken to Lan, claiming he had overheard some names; the Warder said Maecine had been a king of [[Eharon]], one of the Ten Nations ... that much Mat already knew ... some four or five hundred years before [[the Trolloc Wars]]. Lan doubted that even [[the Brown Ajah]] knew more; much had been lost in the Trolloc Wars, and more in [[the War of the Hundred Years]]. Those were the earliest and latest of the memories that had been planted in his skull. Nothing after [[Artur Paendrag Tanreall]], and nothing before Maecine of Eharon ({{tfoh|22}}).

'''4'''

Scrubbing a hand through his hair, Mat sat down heavily on the coping. The memories that had once cluttered his head like raisins in a cake now blended with his own. In one part of his mind he knew he had been born in [[the Two Rivers]] twenty years before, but he could remember clearly leading the flanking attack that turned the Trollocs at [[Maighande]], and dancing in the court of Tarmandewin, and a hundred other things, a thousand. Mostly battles. He remembered dying more times than he wanted to think of. No seams between lives anymore; he could not tell his memories from the others unless he concentrated ({{tfoh|3}})

'''5'''

Frowning, he squatted with his elbows on his knees. Lan got down with him, but he hardly noticed. A dicey problem. And fascinating. "Best if you try to shove him away. Hit him from the south, mainly." He pointed to the River Gaelin; it joined the Alguenya some miles north of the city. "There are bridges up here. Leave the Shaido a clear path to them. Always leave a way out, unless you really want to find out how hard a man can fight when he's nothing to lose." His finger slid east. Wooded hills for the most part, it seemed. Probably not much different from right around here. "A blocking force here on this side of the river will make sure they go for the bridges, if it's big enough and positioned right. Once they are moving, [[Couladin]] won't want to try fighting someone ahead of him while you're coming behind." Yes. Almost exactly the same as at Jenje. "Not unless he's a complete fool, anyway. They might make it to the river in good order, but those bridges will choke them. I don't see Aiel swimming, or hunting out fords for that matter. Keep the pressure on, shove them across. With luck you'll be able to harry them all the way to the mountains." It was like Cuaindaigh Fords, too, late in the Trolloc Wars, and on much the same scale. Not much different from the Tora Shan, either. Or Sulmein Gap, before Hawkwing found his stride. The names flickered through his head, the images of bloody fields forgotten even by historians. Absorbed in the map as he was, they did not register as anything but his own remembrances. "Too bad you don't have more cavalry. Light cavalry is best for the harrying. Bite at the flanks, keep them running, and never let them settle to fight. But Aiel should do almost as well." ({{tfoh|42}})

'''6'''

The stormy meeting with Rand had gone on till the sun set, him dodging, refusing, Rand following as doggedly as Hawkwing after the rout at Cole Pass ({{tfoh|51}})

'''7'''

The music caught him up, missed notes and all, and the pattern dance, and memories floated in his head as they floated back and forth across the floor. In memory he was a head taller, with long golden mustaches and blue eyes. He wore a red-sashed coat of amber silk with a ruff of finest Barsine lace and yellow sapphire studs from [[Aramaelle]] on his chest, and he danced with a darkly beautiful emissary of the Atha'an Miere, the Sea Folk. The fine gold chain linking her nose ring to one of her multitude of earrings held tiny medallions that identified her as Wavemistress of Clan Shodin. He did not care how powerful she was; that was for the king to worry over, not a middling lord. She was beautiful and light in his arms, and they danced beneath the great crystal dome at the court of [[Shaemal]], when all the world envied [[Coremanda]]'s splendor and might. Other memories flitted around the edges, sparking off bits of that remembered dance. The morrow would bring news of increasingly heavy Trolloc raids out of [[The Blight|the Great Blight]], and another month word that Barsine of the golden spires had been ravaged and burned and the Trolloc hordes were sweeping south. So would begin what later would be called the Trolloc Wars, though none gave it that name to begin, three hundred years and more of all but unbroken battle, blood, fire and ruin before the Trollocs were driven back, the [[Dreadlords]] hunted down. So would begin the fall of Coremanda, with all its wealth and power, and [[Essenia]], with its philosophers and famed seats of learning, of Manetheren and Eharon and all of [[The Ten Nations]], smashed even in victory to rubble from which other lands would rise, lands that barely remembered the Ten Nations as more than myths of a happier time. But that lay ahead, and he banished those memories in the pleasure of this one. Tonight he danced the pattern dance with...

He blinked, for an instant startled by sunlight streaming through the windows and the fair face beaming up at him through a sheen of perspiration. Very nearly he fumbled the complex interweaving of his feet with Betse's as they whirled down the floor, but he caught himself before tripping her, the steps coming instinctively. This dance was his as surely as those memories were, borrowed or stolen, but so seamlessly woven into those he really had lived that he could no longer tell the difference without thinking. All his, now, filling holes in his own memories; he might as well have lived them all ({{loc|5}}).

'''8'''

Tylin Quintara, by the Grace of the Light, Queen of Altara, Mistress of the Four Winds, Guardian of the Sea of Storms, High Seat of House Mitsobar, awaited him in a room with yellow walls and a pale blue ceiling, standing before a huge white fireplace with a stone lintel carved into a stormy sea. She was well worth seeing, he decided. Tylin was not young ... the shiny black hair cascading over her shoulders had gray at the temples, and faint lines webbed the corners of her eyes ... nor was she exactly pretty, though the two thin scars on her cheeks had nearly vanished with age. Handsome came closer. But she was... imposing. Large dark eyes regarded him majestically, an eagle's eyes. She had little real power ... a man could ride beyond her writ in two or three days and still have a lot of Altara ahead ... but he thought she might make even an Aes Sedai step back. Like [[Isebele]] of [[Dal Calain]], who had made the Amyrlin [[Anghara]] come to her. That was one of the old memories; Dal Calain had vanished in the Trolloc Wars ({{acos|16}}).

'''9'''

She met his gaze with a merry twinkle and a grin. "There's enough noise in the common room, we could talk without being overheard. Besides, I wouldn't mind sitting and looking a bit. Elayne preaches like a Tovan councilor if I ogle a man for longer than a heartbeat."

He nodded before he thought. Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

'''10'''

"I don't bloody care about your bargains with anybody else, you daughter of the sands," Mat snapped. So his irritation was not that well under control. A man could only take so much.

Gasps rose among the women behind her. Something over a thousand years ago a Sea Folk woman had called an Essenian soldier a son of the sands just before trying to plant a blade in his ribs; the memory lay tucked inside Mat Cauthon's head, now. It was not the worst insult among the Atha'an Miere, but it came close. [[Renaile]]'s face gorged with blood; hissing, eyes bulging in fury, she leaped to her feet, that moonstone-studded dagger flashing in her fist ({{acos|39}}).

'''11'''

He went, muttering to himself. Just like an Aes Sedai. Offer to help her, and the next thing you knew, she had you scaling a sheer cliff in the middle of the night to break fifty people out of a dungeon by yourself. That had been another man, a long time dead, but he remembered it, and it fit. (Mat thinking about Teslyn.) ({{wh|19}}).

'''12'''

Setting out in search of either [Thom and Juilin] he unconsciously began humming "I'm Down at the Bottom of the Well." Well, he was, and night was falling and the rain well and truly coming down. As often happened, another name drifted up out of those old memories, a song of the Court of Takedo in [[Farashelle]], crushed a thousand years ago and more by Artur Hawkwing. The intervening years had made remarkably little change in the tune itself, though. Then, it had been called "The Last Stand of Mandenhar." Either way, it fit too bloody well ({{wh|19}}).

'''13'''

"And if I asked you to wait for three hours?" he asked, still crouching over her. "I remember the Atha'an Miere judging the passage of an hour within minutes." That fellow had not been him, but the memory was his now, passage on an Atha'an Miere vessel from [[Jaramide#Geography|Allorallen]] to [[Eharon#Geography|Barashta]], and a bright-eyed Sea Folk woman who wept when she refused to follow him ashore. (Mat to [[Nestelle din Sakura South Star]]) ({{wh|31}}).

'''14'''

"The Wheel has turned for better or worse. And it will keep on turning, as lights die and forests dim, storms call and skies break. Turn it will. The Wheel is not hope, and the Wheel does not care, the Wheel simply is. But so long as it turns, folk may hope, folk may care. For with light that fades, another will eventually grow and each storm that rages must eventually die. As long as the Wheel turns. As long as it turns. . ."

Thom recites the above words, which Mat comments have the sound of a song. Thom confirms this, telling of Doreille writing poetry in the very area in which they are riding. Though Mat still has gaps in his own memory, at this moment he has one of those other men's memories. He was standing on the walls of a mountain fort, in the Splintered Hills of Coremanda, near a natural landmark called The Eagle's Reaches. A pennant-laden army was charging up the hill, arrows raining down upon them. The broken road was there, even in this ancient memory. Below Mat, a woman stood on a balcony--Doreille, the Queen of Aridhol. Aridhol had existed long before, along with Manetheren. The capital of Aridhol was now called Shadar Logoth. Though Mat quashes the other man's memory, he has his own memory, a memory of a ruby dagger, and a lust that still leaches into him ({{tgs|27}}).

'''15'''

During the insanity in Hinderstap, Mat guides Pips with his knees. He has trained Pips to obey battle commands, all from those other men's' memories ({{tgs|28}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of Hinderstap leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells Talmanes that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; [[The Great Hunt: Chapter 47|The Great Hunt, Chapter 47]])

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 24|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 24]])

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 24|The Shadow Rising Chapter 24]])

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; [[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 42|The Fires of Heaven, Chapter 42]])

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 38|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 38]])

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; [[Winter's Heart: Chapter 31|Winter's Heart, Chapter 31]])

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]
[[Category:Characters with TGS updates]]

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to Talmanes on broken road; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to Talmanes; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." (Thom to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to Thom, and in the hearing of Talmanes, concerning being married to Tuon; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"She's not a woman, Talmanes...she's an Aes Sedai. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to Talmanes about Joline; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 28|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 28]])

"You're Aes Sedai. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''saidar''ed it." (Mat to Verin regarding the pictures of him and Perrin; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 36|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 36]]) [[Category:New Articles]]

Matrim Cauthon

2010-08-09T21:01:54Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Mat's Journey */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Healing|Healed]] by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 30|TDR, Ch. 30]])

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades. Read about them here.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]]). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]]). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 7|TEotW, Ch. 7]]). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW, Ch. 10]]).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called the Stag and Lion. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 13|TEotW, Ch. 13]]) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 14|TEotW, Ch. 14]]).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW, Ch. 15]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 16|Ch. 16]]). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 17|TEotW, Ch. 17]]).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a dagger with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 19|TEotW, Ch. 19]]).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''Spray''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 32|TEotW, Ch. 32]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 33|Ch. 33]]).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named 'The Queen's Blessing,' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 35|TEotW, Ch. 35]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 36|Ch. 36]])

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 41|TEotW, Ch. 41]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 42|Ch. 42]]).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 43|TEotW, Ch. 43]]).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 44|TEotW, Ch. 44]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 45|Ch. 45]]).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 48|TEotW, Ch. 48]]) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 49|TEotW, Ch. 49]]) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 50|TEotW, Ch. 50]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 52|Ch. 52]]).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 53|TEotW, Ch. 53]]).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named 'The Good Queen' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching Cairhien, Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named 'The Wandering Woman.' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; (ch7|16}}. He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {ch7|21}}.

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch2|28}}; {{ch2|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch2|37}}; {{ch2|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of [[Murandy]], down an old road, probably dating from before the [[Breaking]], Mat rants to [[Talmanes]] about women. [[Talmanes]] is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over [[Tuon]], his new wife. Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to [[Caemlyn]], which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between [[Vanin]] and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called [[Hinderstap]]. The [[Aes Seda]]i, predominantly [[Joline]], approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, [[Thom]], [[Talmanes]], the three [[Aes Sedai]], two warders, and five of the [[Band']]s soldiers ride down the road to the village of [[Hinderstap]]. Mat notes that [[Thom]] is rereading the letter from [[Moirain]]e, and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the [[Tower of Ghenjei]] and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into [[Thom]] and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including [[Rand]]. Upon mention of [[Rand]], Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, [[Thom]] begins discussing its history. Mat has an [[Eelfinn]] memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. [[Olver]] and [[Noal]] are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the [[Tower of Ghenjei]]. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the [[Aes Sedai]] and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of [[Hinderstap]], approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, [[Talmanes]], and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, The Tipsy Gelding. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins. ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and [[Thom]], throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the [[Aes Sedai]] are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see [[Aes Sedai]] fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, [[Thom]], and [[Talmanes]] make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the [[Aes Sedai]]. [[Joline]], as usual, initially resists the rescue, [[Edesina]] heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with [[Thom]]. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to [[Hinderstap]], allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and Thom to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called The Shaken Fist. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and Thom ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the [[Band]]. [[Talmanes]] refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally [[Aludra]] and her work. [[Aludra]] has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." [[Bayle Domon]] and [[Egeanin]] (now calling herself "[[Leilwin]]") are there as well. Mat feels [[Rand]]'s ''[[ta'veren]''] pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. [[Olver]] barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the [[Aes Sed]]ai, [[Verin Mathw]]in. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and [[Perrin]], and that she has [[Traveling]] ({{tgs|34}}).

[[Rand]], arriving in [[Falme]], remembers when he was last on [[Toman Head]] and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While [[Rand]] meets with [[Tuon]], she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." [[Rand]] and [[Nynaeve]] are more than a little surprised. [[Tuon]] tells of kidnapping, and [[Rand]] defends Mat. [[Tuon]] wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, [[Nynaeve]] defends Mat, and more fiercely than [[Rand]] had. [[Rand]] speaks of seeing [[Tuon]] with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and [[Perrin]] have of each other. [[Tuon]] believes this is merely a manifestation of the [[Dragon Reborn]]'s madness ({{tgs|35}}).

[[Verin]], her warder, [[Tomas]], Mat, [[Mandevwin]], [[Talmanes]] and [[Thom]] meet in Mat's audience tent. [[Verin]] begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in [[Tear]], intending to [[Travel]] directly to [[Tar Valon]]. She asserts that Mat's ''[[ta'veren]]'' nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that [[Verin]] uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss [[Rand]], his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the [[One Power]]. Mat is shocked to learn that ''[[saidin]]'' has been cleansed. [[Verin]] then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at [[Verin]] insisting that, short of [[Rand]], he is the most strongly ''ta'vere''n person in centuries. [[Verin]] warns Mat that he and [[Perrin]] are in grave danger. [[Verin]] begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and [[Verin]] sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: [[Verin]] will [[Travel]], taking Mat and everyone with him to [[Caemlyn]], and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after [[Verin]] departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. [[Verin]] uses a ''[[ter'angreal]]'', in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to [[Caemlyn]] ({{tgs|36}}).[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW, Ch. 3]])

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]])

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. Thy were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
~NOTE~ I have done my best to collect all of Mat's memories, though some may be missing. I have included excerpts from the books that deal with his memories.

'''1'''

''"Soft, the winds, like springtime's fingers.
Soft, the rains, like heaven's tears.
Soft, the years roll by in gladness,
never hinting storms to come,
never hinting whirlwinds' ravage,
rain of steel and battle thunder,
war to tear the heart asunder."''

It was "Midean's Ford." An old song; of [[Manetheren]], oddly enough, and war before the Trolloc Wars. Natael did a fair job of it; nothing like Thom's sonorous recitals, of course, but the rolling words drew a crowd of Aiel thick around the edge of the fire's light. Villainous [[Aedomon]] led the [[Safer]]i down on unsuspecting Manetheren, pillaging and burning, driving all before them until King [[Buiryn]] gathered Manetheren's strength, and the men of Manetheren met the Saferi at Midean's Ford, holding, though heavily outnumbered, through three days of unrelenting battle, while the river ran red and vultures blacked the sky. On the third day, numbers dwindling, hope fading, Buiryn and his men fought their way across the ford in a desperate sortie, driving deep into Aedomon's horde, seeking to turn the enemy back by killing Aedomon himself. But forces too great to overpower swept in around them, trapping them, driving them ever in on themselves. Surrounding their king and the Red Eagle banner, they fought on, refusing surrender even when their doom became clear.

Natael sang how their courage touched even Aedomon's heart, and how at last he allowed the remnant to go free, turning his army back to Safer in honor of them.

''"Back across the blood-red water,
marching back with heads held high.
No surrender, arm or sword,
no surrender, heart or soul.
Honor be theirs, ever after,
honor all the Age shall know."''

He plucked the final chord, and the Aiel whistled their approval, drumming spears on their hide bucklers, some raising ululating cries.

It had not been that way, of course. Mat could remember ... Light, I don't want to! But it came anyway ... he remembered counseling Buiryn not to accept the offer, being told in return that the smallest chance was better than none. Aedomon, glossy black beard hanging below the steel mesh that veiled his face, drew his spearmen back, waited until they were strung out and nearly to the ford before the hidden archers rose and the cavalry charged in. As for turning back to Safer.... Mat did not think so. His last memory at the ford was trying to keep his feet, waist-deep in the river with three arrows in him, but there was something later, a fragment. Seeing Aedomon, gray-bearded now, go down in a sharp fight in a forest, toppling from his rearing horse, the spear in his back put there by an unarmored, beardless boy ({{tsr|37}}).

'''2'''

"Fool Shaido," [[Aviendha]] muttered at his back. Maybe she was right; maybe the amusement was for her riding. But Rand did not think so.

Mat galloped up trailing a cloud of yellowish brown dust, hat pulled low and spear resting upright on his stirrup iron like a lance. "What is this place, Rand?" he asked loudly, to be heard over the shouts. "All those women would say was 'Move faster. Move faster.' " Rand told him, and he frowned at the towering rock face of the butte. "You could hold that thing for years, I suppose, with supplies, but it isn't a patch on the Stone, or the Tora Harad."

"The Tora what?" Rand said. .

Mat rolled his shoulders before answering. "Just something I heard of, once." He stood in his stirrups to peer back over the heads of the Jindo toward the peddlers' train. "At least they're still with us. I wonder how long before they finish trading and go." ({{tsr|49}}).

'''3'''

Grunting, he closed his eyes again. Cute? Light! And short. Only Aiel could call him short. In every other land he had been in, he was taller than most men, if not always by much. He could remember being tall. Taller than Rand, when he rode against Artur Hawkwing. And a hand shorter than he was now when he fought beside [[Maecine]] against the [[Aelgar]]i. He had spoken to Lan, claiming he had overheard some names; the Warder said Maecine had been a king of [[Eharon]], one of the Ten Nations ... that much Mat already knew ... some four or five hundred years before [[the Trolloc Wars]]. Lan doubted that even [[the Brown Ajah]] knew more; much had been lost in the Trolloc Wars, and more in [[the War of the Hundred Years]]. Those were the earliest and latest of the memories that had been planted in his skull. Nothing after [[Artur Paendrag Tanreall]], and nothing before Maecine of Eharon ({{tfoh|22}}).

'''4'''

Scrubbing a hand through his hair, Mat sat down heavily on the coping. The memories that had once cluttered his head like raisins in a cake now blended with his own. In one part of his mind he knew he had been born in [[the Two Rivers]] twenty years before, but he could remember clearly leading the flanking attack that turned the Trollocs at [[Maighande]], and dancing in the court of Tarmandewin, and a hundred other things, a thousand. Mostly battles. He remembered dying more times than he wanted to think of. No seams between lives anymore; he could not tell his memories from the others unless he concentrated ({{tfoh|3}})

'''5'''

Frowning, he squatted with his elbows on his knees. Lan got down with him, but he hardly noticed. A dicey problem. And fascinating. "Best if you try to shove him away. Hit him from the south, mainly." He pointed to the River Gaelin; it joined the Alguenya some miles north of the city. "There are bridges up here. Leave the Shaido a clear path to them. Always leave a way out, unless you really want to find out how hard a man can fight when he's nothing to lose." His finger slid east. Wooded hills for the most part, it seemed. Probably not much different from right around here. "A blocking force here on this side of the river will make sure they go for the bridges, if it's big enough and positioned right. Once they are moving, [[Couladin]] won't want to try fighting someone ahead of him while you're coming behind." Yes. Almost exactly the same as at Jenje. "Not unless he's a complete fool, anyway. They might make it to the river in good order, but those bridges will choke them. I don't see Aiel swimming, or hunting out fords for that matter. Keep the pressure on, shove them across. With luck you'll be able to harry them all the way to the mountains." It was like Cuaindaigh Fords, too, late in the Trolloc Wars, and on much the same scale. Not much different from the Tora Shan, either. Or Sulmein Gap, before Hawkwing found his stride. The names flickered through his head, the images of bloody fields forgotten even by historians. Absorbed in the map as he was, they did not register as anything but his own remembrances. "Too bad you don't have more cavalry. Light cavalry is best for the harrying. Bite at the flanks, keep them running, and never let them settle to fight. But Aiel should do almost as well." ({{tfoh|42}})

'''6'''

The stormy meeting with Rand had gone on till the sun set, him dodging, refusing, Rand following as doggedly as Hawkwing after the rout at Cole Pass ({{tfoh|51}})

'''7'''

The music caught him up, missed notes and all, and the pattern dance, and memories floated in his head as they floated back and forth across the floor. In memory he was a head taller, with long golden mustaches and blue eyes. He wore a red-sashed coat of amber silk with a ruff of finest Barsine lace and yellow sapphire studs from [[Aramaelle]] on his chest, and he danced with a darkly beautiful emissary of the Atha'an Miere, the Sea Folk. The fine gold chain linking her nose ring to one of her multitude of earrings held tiny medallions that identified her as Wavemistress of Clan Shodin. He did not care how powerful she was; that was for the king to worry over, not a middling lord. She was beautiful and light in his arms, and they danced beneath the great crystal dome at the court of [[Shaemal]], when all the world envied [[Coremanda]]'s splendor and might. Other memories flitted around the edges, sparking off bits of that remembered dance. The morrow would bring news of increasingly heavy Trolloc raids out of [[The Blight|the Great Blight]], and another month word that Barsine of the golden spires had been ravaged and burned and the Trolloc hordes were sweeping south. So would begin what later would be called the Trolloc Wars, though none gave it that name to begin, three hundred years and more of all but unbroken battle, blood, fire and ruin before the Trollocs were driven back, the [[Dreadlords]] hunted down. So would begin the fall of Coremanda, with all its wealth and power, and [[Essenia]], with its philosophers and famed seats of learning, of Manetheren and Eharon and all of [[The Ten Nations]], smashed even in victory to rubble from which other lands would rise, lands that barely remembered the Ten Nations as more than myths of a happier time. But that lay ahead, and he banished those memories in the pleasure of this one. Tonight he danced the pattern dance with...

He blinked, for an instant startled by sunlight streaming through the windows and the fair face beaming up at him through a sheen of perspiration. Very nearly he fumbled the complex interweaving of his feet with Betse's as they whirled down the floor, but he caught himself before tripping her, the steps coming instinctively. This dance was his as surely as those memories were, borrowed or stolen, but so seamlessly woven into those he really had lived that he could no longer tell the difference without thinking. All his, now, filling holes in his own memories; he might as well have lived them all ({{loc|5}}).

'''8'''

Tylin Quintara, by the Grace of the Light, Queen of Altara, Mistress of the Four Winds, Guardian of the Sea of Storms, High Seat of House Mitsobar, awaited him in a room with yellow walls and a pale blue ceiling, standing before a huge white fireplace with a stone lintel carved into a stormy sea. She was well worth seeing, he decided. Tylin was not young ... the shiny black hair cascading over her shoulders had gray at the temples, and faint lines webbed the corners of her eyes ... nor was she exactly pretty, though the two thin scars on her cheeks had nearly vanished with age. Handsome came closer. But she was... imposing. Large dark eyes regarded him majestically, an eagle's eyes. She had little real power ... a man could ride beyond her writ in two or three days and still have a lot of Altara ahead ... but he thought she might make even an Aes Sedai step back. Like [[Isebele]] of [[Dal Calain]], who had made the Amyrlin [[Anghara]] come to her. That was one of the old memories; Dal Calain had vanished in the Trolloc Wars ({{acos|16}}).

'''9'''

She met his gaze with a merry twinkle and a grin. "There's enough noise in the common room, we could talk without being overheard. Besides, I wouldn't mind sitting and looking a bit. Elayne preaches like a Tovan councilor if I ogle a man for longer than a heartbeat."

He nodded before he thought. Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

'''10'''

"I don't bloody care about your bargains with anybody else, you daughter of the sands," Mat snapped. So his irritation was not that well under control. A man could only take so much.

Gasps rose among the women behind her. Something over a thousand years ago a Sea Folk woman had called an Essenian soldier a son of the sands just before trying to plant a blade in his ribs; the memory lay tucked inside Mat Cauthon's head, now. It was not the worst insult among the Atha'an Miere, but it came close. [[Renaile]]'s face gorged with blood; hissing, eyes bulging in fury, she leaped to her feet, that moonstone-studded dagger flashing in her fist ({{acos|39}}).

'''11'''

He went, muttering to himself. Just like an Aes Sedai. Offer to help her, and the next thing you knew, she had you scaling a sheer cliff in the middle of the night to break fifty people out of a dungeon by yourself. That had been another man, a long time dead, but he remembered it, and it fit. (Mat thinking about Teslyn.) ({{wh|19}}).

'''12'''

Setting out in search of either [Thom and Juilin] he unconsciously began humming "I'm Down at the Bottom of the Well." Well, he was, and night was falling and the rain well and truly coming down. As often happened, another name drifted up out of those old memories, a song of the Court of Takedo in [[Farashelle]], crushed a thousand years ago and more by Artur Hawkwing. The intervening years had made remarkably little change in the tune itself, though. Then, it had been called "The Last Stand of Mandenhar." Either way, it fit too bloody well ({{wh|19}}).

'''13'''

"And if I asked you to wait for three hours?" he asked, still crouching over her. "I remember the Atha'an Miere judging the passage of an hour within minutes." That fellow had not been him, but the memory was his now, passage on an Atha'an Miere vessel from [[Jaramide#Geography|Allorallen]] to [[Eharon#Geography|Barashta]], and a bright-eyed Sea Folk woman who wept when she refused to follow him ashore. (Mat to [[Nestelle din Sakura South Star]]) ({{wh|31}}).

'''14'''

"The Wheel has turned for better or worse. And it will keep on turning, as lights die and forests dim, storms call and skies break. Turn it will. The Wheel is not hope, and the Wheel does not care, the Wheel simply is. But so long as it turns, folk may hope, folk may care. For with light that fades, another will eventually grow and each storm that rages must eventually die. As long as the Wheel turns. As long as it turns. . ."

Thom recites the above words, which Mat comments have the sound of a song. Thom confirms this, telling of Doreille writing poetry in the very area in which they are riding. Though Mat still has gaps in his own memory, at this moment he has one of those other men's memories. He was standing on the walls of a mountain fort, in the Splintered Hills of Coremanda, near a natural landmark called The Eagle's Reaches. A pennant-laden army was charging up the hill, arrows raining down upon them. The broken road was there, even in this ancient memory. Below Mat, a woman stood on a balcony--Doreille, the Queen of Aridhol. Aridhol had existed long before, along with Manetheren. The capital of Aridhol was now called Shadar Logoth. Though Mat quashes the other man's memory, he has his own memory, a memory of a ruby dagger, and a lust that still leaches into him ({{tgs|27}}).

'''15'''

During the insanity in Hinderstap, Mat guides Pips with his knees. He has trained Pips to obey battle commands, all from those other men's' memories ({{tgs|28}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of Hinderstap leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells Talmanes that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; [[The Great Hunt: Chapter 47|The Great Hunt, Chapter 47]])

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 24|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 24]])

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 24|The Shadow Rising Chapter 24]])

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; [[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 42|The Fires of Heaven, Chapter 42]])

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 38|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 38]])

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; [[Winter's Heart: Chapter 31|Winter's Heart, Chapter 31]])

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]
[[Category:Characters with TGS updates]]

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to Talmanes on broken road; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to Talmanes; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." (Thom to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to Thom, and in the hearing of Talmanes, concerning being married to Tuon; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"She's not a woman, Talmanes...she's an Aes Sedai. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to Talmanes about Joline; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 28|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 28]])

"You're Aes Sedai. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''saidar''ed it." (Mat to Verin regarding the pictures of him and Perrin; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 36|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 36]]) [[Category:New Articles]]

Matrim Cauthon

2010-08-09T20:41:27Z

Monari'Lyn Al'Eradore: /* Quotes */

''Author: Atarah al'Norahn''

MAT-rihm CAW-thon

==General==

Matrim Cauthon was born in 978 NE, in [[Emond's Field]], [[Andor]], to [[Abell]] and [[Natti Cauthon]]. Other than his parents, his family consists of two younger sisters, [[Bodewhin Cauthon|Bodewhin]] and [[Eldrin Cauthon|Eldrin]].

Most women find him appealing, with a wiry body and brown hair and eyes. Dancing and flirting seem to be two of his favorite past times. He also has quite a bit of a gambling streak, and places dice often. Many people who see him gambling declare that he seems to have [[the Dark One]]'s own luck. While in Emond's Field his luck was average; he lost as much as he won. After the incident at [[Shadar Logoth]], his luck became rather good. After he was [[Healing|Healed]] by the [[Aes Sedai]] in [[the White Tower]], it became extraordinary. ([[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 30|TDR, Ch. 30]])

Another major side to Mat is that of the prankster. In Emond's Field, he was well known for his escapades. Read about them here.

==Mat's Journey==

Mat's journey, like [[Rand]] and [[Perrin]]'s, begins the day before [[Bel Tine]] when he sees a [[Fade]] and discusses it with Rand. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]]). Later on the same day, he meets [[Moiraine]], the Aes Sedai who will take him and his friends away from Emond's Field. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]]). That night, his house is one of the one's targeted when [[Trollocs]] attack Emond's Field. Luckily, he is not injured. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 7|TEotW, Ch. 7]]). The next evening, Moiraine and her [[Warder]], [[Lan]], whisk Mat, Perrin, Rand and [[Egwene]] away from Emond's Field and towards a safer place ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 10|TEotW, Ch. 10]]).

After several days of traveling, Mat and company wind up in [[Baerlon]], where they stay at an inn called the Stag and Lion. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 13|TEotW, Ch. 13]]) His sleep that night is disturbed by dreams of [[Ba'alzamon]], the Dark One, who is after the three boys for a reason that is unknown to them ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 14|TEotW, Ch. 14]]).

A few incidents occur while the group is in Baerlon; Mat plays pranks on a group of [[Whitecloaks]], shares his dream with Rand (who, incidentally, had the same dream) and Thom, and is, along with the others, shocked by [[Nynaeve]]'s arrival in Baerlon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 15|TEotW, Ch. 15]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 16|Ch. 16]]). When a fade shows up in Baerlon, Mat and company flee, confronting the Whitecloaks in the process ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 17|TEotW, Ch. 17]]).

Three days later, they are attacked by Trollocs. The entire group has to fight in order to get away. During the battle, Mat shouts a phrase in [[the Old Tongue]] without knowing it. ''"[[Pronunciation Guide|Carai an Caldazar]]! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!"'' ("For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun.") ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]) They finally reach an abandoned city named [[Shadar Logoth]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 18|TEotW, Ch. 18]]).

Mat, along with Rand and Perrin, leaves the camp in Shadar Logoth to go exploring. They meet a man named [[Mordeth]] who asks for their help before attempting to kill them. As they flee, Mat grabs a dagger with a large ruby on the hilt. When they return to the camp, they are told that Lan is out looking for them and scouting the city. When he returns, they learn that there are Trollocs in Shadar Logoth ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 19|TEotW, Ch. 19]]).

The group decides to leave Shadar Logoth, but [[Mashadar]], the evil mist of the city, is rising with the coming dark. They are all separated, but manage to get out of the city alive. Mat, Rand and [[Thom]] end up jumping aboard a boat named the ''Spray''. The three of them are dropped off at [[Whitebridge]]. There, they encounter a Fade. Rand and Mat get away, while Thom stays to delay it.

Thinking that Thom is dead, Mat and Rand head off towards [[Caemlyn]]. Along the way, they meet a multitude of [[Darkfriends]] who either try to kill or capture them. During the trip, Mat begins to act strangely; he is often dark and brooding ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 32|TEotW, Ch. 32]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 33|Ch. 33]]).

Finally, Mat and Rand reach Caemlyn and proceed towards an inn named 'The Queen's Blessing,' the place that Thom had told them to go if the three of them got separated. Mat shuts himself away in his room and refuses to leave. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 35|TEotW, Ch. 35]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 36|Ch. 36]])

Mat is still in his room when Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve finally arrive in Caemlyn. When Moiraine sees Mat, she is aghast. Although he tries to injure her with the ruby dagger when she touches him, she manages to partially Heal him, bringing him back to his usual self. The others are told that the reason Mat became sick was because the dagger is tainted. She was unable to Heal him enough so as to be able to take the dagger away from him; if he is separated from it before he is fully Healed at the Tower, he will die ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 41|TEotW, Ch. 41]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 42|Ch. 42]]).

Moiraine decides that they all need to go to [[the Eye of the World]]. After speaking with [[Loial]], the [[Ogier]] that Rand met in Caemlyn, she decides that they will use [[the Ways]]. Before leaving Caemlyn, Mat is once again plagued by dreams of Ba'alzamon ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 43|TEotW, Ch. 43]]).

Mat and company proceed to travel through the Ways. Like everyone else, Mat is spooked out, especially when they are almost caught by ''[[Machin Shin]]''. Never the less, they finally arrive in [[Fal Dara]], [[Shienar]] ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 44|TEotW, Ch. 44]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 45|Ch. 45]]).
Their stay in Fal Dara is relatively short before they set off for [[the Blight]], intent on finding the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 48|TEotW, Ch. 48]]) Finally, after an unpleasant trip through the Blight, they reach the Green Man's garden and are led to the Eye of the World. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 49|TEotW, Ch. 49]]) There, the group is faced by two of the Forsaken, [[Aginor]] and [[Balthamel]]. After they are defeated, Mat, along with Loial, Lan and Perrin, enters the Eye of the World. There, they find the Dragon Banner, [[the Horn of Valere]], and one of [[The Seals]] to the Dark One's prison. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 50|TEotW, Ch. 50]]); [[The Eye of the World: Chapter 52|Ch. 52]]).
After this long ordeal, Mat and the others go back to Fal Dara ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 53|TEotW, Ch. 53]]).

Back in Fal Dara, a few things of consequence happen. Mat discovers that, since obtaining the ruby dagger and being partially Healed, his luck has significantly increased. Later, [[Padan Fain]], now a known Darkfriend, steals the Horn of Valere and Mat's ruby dagger ({{tgh|3}}; {{ch2|6}}). Without the dagger, the Aes Sedai won't be able to fully Heal him of its taint. For this reason, the [[Amyrlin Seat]] asks if he will accompany the party that will go to find the two stolen items ({{tgh|7}}; {{tgh|8}}) When they leave, Perrin and Rand accompany them ({{tgh|9}}).

The Hunt for the Horn is relatively uneventful until Mat and Perrin find Rand with the Dragon Banner, which Moiraine had put into his saddlebags. It is then that they learn that Rand is the [[Dragon Reborn]]. After this revelation, they both avoid him ({{tgh|11}]). When Rand, Loial and [[Hurin]] are found missing the next morning, Mat and company continue on without them ({{tgh|14}}). Eventually, they end up in the city of [[Cairhien]], where they are reunited with Rand, Loial and Hurin ({{tgh|30}})

When Hurin discovers that the Horn of Valere is in Lord [[Barthanes]]' manor, Mat, Rand and some of the others attend a party there({{tgh|21}}; {{ch2|32}}). The Horn of Valere, however, is no longer there. Believing that Padan Fain has gone to [[Falme]], they try to go through a [[Waygate]], but encounter Machin Shin. Gathering everyone together, they all head for Stedding Tsofu. They arrive and gain permission from the Ogier Elders to use the Stedding Tsofu Waygate, only to encounter ''Machin Shin'' again({{tgh|33}}; {{ch2|35}}; {{ch2|36}}). As a last resort, Rand takes them to [[Toman Head]] with the use of a [[Portal Stone]]. They arrive to find that four months have passed ({{tgh|37}})

Mat, along with Rand, Perrin, Hurin and [[Ingtar]], goes into Falme with the intent of recovering the Horn of Valere and the ruby dagger. They find both items in the house of the [[Seanchan]] Lord [[Turak]], whom Rand kills ({{tgh|45}}). As they leave the city, they are caught between the Seanchan army and the [[Whitecloaks]], with no escape. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, and the Heroes of the Horn ride to their rescue ({{tgh|47}}).

Once everything is finally over, Mat heads to the White Tower to be Healed ({{tgh|49}}). By the time Mat finally reaches the White Tower, he is very ill. It takes ten Aes Sedai and a powerful ''[[sa'angreal]]'' to Heal him ({{tdr|11}}; {{ch3|18}}).

When Mat awakens, he is thin and weak. He receives visits from [[Lanfear]] in the guise of Selene, who attempts to get him to join her, and then from [[Siuan]] and [[Leane]]. They inform him that he will be staying at the Tower for quite awhile ({{tdr|19}}; {{ch3|20}}).

Tired of being cooped up in his room, Mat goes out for a walk and ends up at the Warder practice field. There, he bets [[Gawyn]] and [[Galad]] that he can beat them both and wins ({{tdr|24}}).

Later on, he is visited by [[Egwene]], [[Elayne]] and [[Nynaeve]]. They talk for a while and come to an agreement. They will give him one of the letters that Siuan gave them to get around easily if he will carry a letter to [[Morgase]] from Elayne. He agrees because it will get him out of Tar Valon ({{tdr|28}}). He leaves the Tower and begins gambling at taverns in the city to make some money for his trip. He ends up making a fortune. After an attempt n his life by a [[Gray Men|gray man]] and Darkfriends, he runs into Thom at an inn named 'The Woman of [[Tanchico]],' and convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him ({{tdr|30}}; {{ch3|31}}).

Mat is able to secure passage on a ship using the Amyrlin's letter, but that night he is once again attacked by Darkfriends. They finally arrive safely in Aringill. They decide to stay in the stable of an inn named 'The Good Queen' for the night. There, they save [[Aludra]], an [[Illuminator]], from some men. In return, Aludra gifts Mat with fireworks ({{tdr|32}}; {{ch3|40}}).

On the way to Caemlyn. Mat and Thom are once again attacked by Darkfriends. They kill them and continue on towards Caemlyn ({{tdr|44}}). When they arrive, Mat attempts to deliver Elayne's letter, but the guards won't let him. Later, he remembers how Rand once got into the palace by climbing a wall. He decides to try it out and succeeds. On his way to Morgase, he hears a man telling someone to kill Elayne. After delivering Elayne's letter, he realizes that it was Morgase's lover, Lord [[Gaebril]], and is glad that he didn't say anything ({{tdr|45}}; {{ch3|46}}). Mat and Thom decide to go to Tear to rescue Elayne ({{tdr|47}}). When they reach Tear, Mat uses his luck to find [[Comar]], Gaebril's lackey ({{tdr|49}}).

Because Thom gets sick, Mat takes him to a Wise Woman, [[Ailhuin Guenna|Mother Guenna]], who is able to tell them about Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve. Mat heads off for [[the Stone of Tear]], where he meets [[Juilin]] and some of the [[Aiel]]. Using the fireworks that Aludra gave him, he blasts a hole in the wall, and Mat and Juilin start looking for the three girls ({{tdr|52}}; {{ch3|54}}). They manage to free the girls; despite the fact that Mat and Juilin risked their lives among the [[Black Ajah]], Elayne, Egwene and Nynaeve do not thank them ({{tdr|55}}).

The Stone of Tear is now secure, Mat is playing cards with some Tairen lords. Suddenly, his cards come to life and attack him. He manages to turn them all back into cards. After this, the Tairens all avoid him ({{tsr|2}}).

Later, wanting to escape and not knowing what to do, he goes through the twisted red doorway ''[[ter'angreal]]'' that Egwene told him about. There, he meets the [[Aelfinn]], who tell him four things.
1) If he doesn't go to [[Rhuidean]], he will die.
2) He is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons.
3) He will die and live again.
4) He will have to give up half the light of the world to save the world.
({{tsr|15}})

When everyone is ready to leave for the [[Aiel Waste]], Rand transports himself, Mat and the others using a Portal Stone ({{tsr|22}})) When Rand requests of the Aiel [[Wise Ones]] to go to Rhuidean, Mat asks if he can accompany him, and the Wise Ones concede ({{tsr|23}}).

In Rhuidean, Mat finds another twisted red doorway ''ter'angreal''. Little does he know that the [[Eelfinn]], unlike the Aelfinn, do not answer questions, but grant wishes. When they don't answer his questions, he angrily begins demanding things of them. He tells them that he wants the holes in his memory to be filled, that he wants to be free of Aes Sedai channeling, and that he wants to go back to Rhuidean. When Rand finds him, Mat is hanging from Avendesora with a spear bearing a curved blade and a [[foxhead medallion]]. He has also gained fluency in the Old Tongue ({{tsr|24}}; {{ch4|26}}).

After returning from Rhuidean, Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Imre Stand]], and then to [[Cold Rocks Hold]], participating in battles against Trollocs along the way ({{tsr|36}}; {{ch4|37}}; {{ch4|48}}; {{ch4|49}}; {{ch4|50}}). He also accompanies Rand to [[Alcair Dal]] ({{tsr|57}}; {{ch4|58}}).

Since Rhuidean is now open to everyone, Mat and the others, as well as the Aiel, have moved in. While Mat is out on the streets, he meets [[Melindhra]], a [[Shaido]] [[Maiden of the Spear]] who has chosen to follow Rand ({{tfoh|3}}). Later, when they are in bed together, [[Darkhounds]] attack; however, no one is killed ({{tfoh|6}}).

They are soon on the move again. Mat accompanies Rand and the Aiel to [[Jangai Pass]] and the town of [[Taien]], which has been destroyed. Later, when they are camped, they are attacked by Trollocs. Both Mat and Melindhra join the fight ({{tfoh|20}}; {{ch5|21}}; {{ch5|22}}.

After reaching Cairhien, Mat decides that he is going to leave Rand and the others ({{tfoh|23}}; {{ch5|42}}). When he goes to tell Rand, he ends up discussing battle plans with Lan ({{tfoh|42}}). However, despite his intentions to leave, the next day's planned battle against the Shaido prevents him from escaping. When he can't get away, he notices that the Shaido have set an unexpected trap. He goes to warn the Tairens and Cairhienin soldiers, and ends up leading them throughout the battle {{tfoh|43}}; {{ch5|44}}). During said battle, Mat encounters Couladin, the leader of the Shaido, and kills him ({{tfoh|45}}). [[Talmanes]] and [[Nalesean]], the Tairen and Cairhienin leaders of the soldiers that Mat led, end up swearing fealty to him ({{tfoh|45}}).

After returning to Cairhien, Mat learns that Melindhra is really a Darkfriend when she tries to kill him, but he ends up killing her instead ({{tfoh|51}})The next morning, Mat is present when Lanfear attacks Rand, Egwene and Aviendha, but he is not injured ({{tfoh|52}}). Later, however, he is killed during Rand's attack on Rahvin in Caemlyn, but is brought back to life when Rand [[balefire]]s Rahvin ({{tfoh|54}}); {{ch5|55}}).

Some time later as Mat leads his newly found army, [[the Band of the Red Hand]], towards Tear, there is another assassination attempt on his life, this time by a group of Aiel ({{loc|22}}). Later, Rand asks Mat to go to [[Salidar]] in order to find Elayne, who is now Queen of Andor as Morgase is presumed to be dead. Mat agrees, and Aviendha accompanies him ({{loc|23}}). When he arrives in Salidar with the Band of the Red Hand, he gets the shock of his life when he learns that Egwene is the rebel's Amyrlin. Several days later, he is enlisted to go to [[Ebou Dar]] with Elayne and Nynaeve ({{loc|38}}; {{ch6|44}}). During the trip to Ebou Dar, Mat is pestered by Elayne, Nynaeve, and [[Vandene]] and [[Adeleas]], the two Aes Sedai who are accompanying them ({{loc|23}}).

Once in Ebou Dar, Mat opts not to stay in the palace, but randomly chooses an inn named 'The Wandering Woman.' Over the next little while, he spends his time attempting to keep track of Elayne and Nynaeve, wandering around the city, and going to festivals with [[Beslan]], Queen [[Tylin]]'s son. Tylin seems to be interested in him ({{loc|52}}; {{acos|14}}; (ch7|16}}. He is also attacked a couple more times, and meets [[Birgitte]] ({{acos|17}}; {ch7|21}}.

After a long wait, Mat finally gets his thanks from Nynaeve and Elayne for rescuing them in Tear. They then enlist his help in finding [[the Bowl of the Winds]], and he moves into [[the Tarasin Palace]] with them. Unfortunately for Mat, this brings him into Tylin's path, and she claims him for her own ({{acos|22}}; {{ch2|28}}; {{ch2|29}}).

Mat finally finds the hiding place of the Bowl of the Winds, and accompanies Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Lan and the Kin into [[the Rahad]] to get it. There, two Black sisters and the ''[[gholam]]'' attack them ({{acos|31}}; {{ch2|37}}; {{ch2|38}}). All the women leave Ebou Dar with the Bowl of the Winds and Mat, Thom, Juilin and Olver are accidentally left behind when the Seanchan attack Ebou Dar. He is injured when a wall topples onto him ({{acos|39}}). He spends 'A Path of Daggers' recuperating.

While still in Ebou Dar, Mat meets Aludra the Illuminator again, and spends quite a bit of time with her. He is also attacked by the ''gholam'' again. It is then that he meets [[Noal Charin]], an old man, who helps him ({{wh|15}}; {{ch9|16}}). Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, he meets [[Tuon]], though he does not know that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons ({{wh|17}}).

By this time, Mat wants nothing more than to get away from Ebou Dar, Tylin and the Seanchan. With this in mind, he begins moving his belongings back to The Wandering Woman inn. On one of these trips, he gets himself into an even worse circumstance. [[Setalle Anan]], the owner, has been aiding [[Joline]] Sedai so as not to let her be caught by the Seanchan. Mat ends up agreeing to help her get out of the city. Upon returning to the Tarasin Palace, Mat visits Teslyn Sedai in the ''damane'' quarters and adds both [[Teslyn]] and [[Edesina]] to the list of Aes Sedai escapees. Mat, Thom and Juilin begin to forming a plan, but are unable to get it to work without ''[[sul'dam]]''. When Mat meets [[Egeanin]] and [[Bayle Domon]], who want to hire the three men, their problems are solved. Egeanin pulls some strings to make the escape possible ({{wh|18}}; {{ch9|19}}; {{ch9|29}}).

The next night, the plan is put into action. Mat goes up to the ''[[damane]]'' kennels and ends up freeing one of the [[Sea Folk]] [[Windfinders]]. When he returns to Tylin's room, he is surprised to find her there, as she was supposed to be away. He ends up, with her permission, tying her up and leaving her under the bed so that no one thinks that she helped him. As he reaches the stable yard, he runs into Tuon. It is then that he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Shocked, he says three times that she is his wife, not realizing that he has thus completed his half of the Seanchan marriage ceremony. They end up taking Tuon and [[Selucia]], her maid, with them ({{wh|30}}; {{ch9|31}}).

Once they are out of Ebou Dar, they take refuge in [[Valan Luca]]'s circus ({{cot|1}}). Over the next little while, as they travel towards [[Lugard]], [[Murandy]], Mat courts Tuon. At one point, [[Renna]], one of the ''sul'dam'', attempts to escape and Mat is forced to kill her ({{cot|2}}; {{ch10|3}}; {{ch10|28}}; {{ch10|29}}).

Tuon reflects on Matrim Cauthon while she holds audience in Ebou Dar. When Lieutenant-General Tylee Khirgan has the actual heads of Trollocs delivered, Tuon realizes that, not only had she felt safe with Mat (or rather, Matrim), but she wonders what other things he had said which she mistakenly discounted, but which were true ({{tgs|19}}).

While riding through the mountains of Murandy, down an old road, probably dating from before the Breaking, Mat rants to Talmanes about women. Talmanes is perceptive enough to know that Mat's bad temper is owing to his missing of and worry over Tuon, his new wife. Mat, Thom, Talmanes, and several thousand of Mat's usual entourage are riding on their way to Caemlyn, which is about two hundred leagues to the north. Between Vanin and the new maps, it is determined that they are nearing a village called Hinderstap. The Aes Sedai, predominantly Joline, approach Mat and make a demand for horses, so they can set off on their own. Mat refuses her terms. Mat gives the Band his directives for the town ({{tgs|20}}).

Mat, Thom, Talmanes, the three Aes Sedai, two warders, and five of the Band's soldiers ride down the road to the village of Hinderstap. Mat notes that Thom is rereading the letter from Moiraine, and this launches Mat into his own reverie and dread about the Tower of Ghenjei and the upcoming attempted rescue. This all leads into Thom and Mat talking and reminiscing about past times, including Rand. Upon mention of Rand, Mat sees the colors swirl in his head, and he sees Rand and the missing hand, thinking of his shock a few weeks earlier when he had first seen the injury. Reciting the words of an ancient song, relating to the area in which they are currently riding, Thom begins discussing its history. Mat has an Eelfinn memory, and there is now no doubt that the ruby dagger still affects him. Olver and Noal are discussed, and how the boy intends to follow them to the Tower of Ghenjei. The town emerges in a green-pastured valley in the mountains, what appears to be a lovely, pastoral scene. Mat sends three of the soldiers with the Aes Sedai and warders, while Thom goes into one of the inns by himself to gather information. Mat notices that the villagers' clothing have been greatly mended. Barlden, the mayor of Hinderstap, approaches them, informing the visitors of the "Rules." There is a curfew mandating that all outsiders be out of the town by nightfall. Mat, Talmanes, and the remaining two soldiers locate the most decrepit of the three inns, The Tipsy Gelding. Mat engages the locals and begins gambling, desiring to lose, which he does, noting to himself again the torn and patched state of the clothing, as well as their evident exhaustion. Eventually the mayor enters, believing Mat to be cheating, conventionally cheating, and intervenes. The final stakes for the last throw of the dice are Mat's chest of gold for food and supplies from the villagers. They all go outside, the villagers gathering supplies onto a wagon. Meanwhile, the mayor and a group of men are talking, one of the men gesturing toward Mat, a sheet of paper in his hand. Nightfall is only minutes away. The mayor tosses the last throw of the dice. Mat wins. The mayor and betting villagers go back into The Tipsy Gelding. That is when the screaming begins. ({{tgs|27}}).

In raging, crazed frenzy, the villagers of Hinderstap try to kill everyone, each other as well as Mat and his crew. Corpses litter the street. Mat and his three companions mount and ride away from The Tipsy Gelding, fighting their way out of the fray. The entire town has gone mad, including women and children. One of Mat's soldiers is thrown from his saddle and mortally wounded by the villagers. While trying to save the fallen Red Arm, Mat becomes trapped, and Thom, throwing knives, rescues him. Making their way toward the inn where the Aes Sedai are staying, the five men seem to have left the slaughtering villagers behind. When they reach the nicest of the three inns, they see Aes Sedai fireballs being thrown from the upper story. Mat, Thom, and Talmanes make their way stealthily into the inn, using the servants' stairway and reaching the Aes Sedai. Joline, as usual, initially resists the rescue, Edesina heals Delarn (the wounded Red Arm), and all thirteen, in addition to two of the inn's serving girls, bound, escape out of the town. They camp north of the town, on the opposite side of Mat's main encampment. Mat sits on a rock outcropping, talking with Thom. Thom, extracting a folded paper he had taken from a drunken man in the inn he had patronized, shows Mat what is on the paper. It is a drawing of Mat's face, including hat and foxhead medallion. Apparently an outlander woman has been passing around multiple copies of Mat's likeness and offering a reward to anyone who can pinpoint his location. Mat pockets the paper. The bound serving girls suddenly and mysteriously disappear from under the warders' guard. Mat returns to Hinderstap, allowing only Thom to accompany him. As they enter the village, they notice that things, at first glance, appear to be normal--that cannot be normal under the circumstances. Then they begin seeing dead villagers from the night before, walking around. Also, the only blood that shows is Delarn's. The mayor is summoned, takes Mat and Thom to his house, and begins to tell his story. Several months previously villagers began noticing small things: an isolated broken door, ripped clothing, some shared nightmares. Some of the women started comparing notes and realized that everyone was having the nightmares and that almost no one remembered going to bed at night. Only those who retired early, before sunset, ever remembered going to bed. But oddly, everyone always woke up in their beds the next morning. Any traveler trapped in the village overnight and killed was trapped for good and woke up in one of the vacant beds in the town. Barlden relays that none of them know what happens at night, and when Mat begins to tell him, the mayor forestalls Mat, telling him that they do not want to know. Barlden reiterates the "Rules," no fires and no outsiders after sunset. The villagers cannot leave, nor can they commit suicide. Mat asks about the picture of himself. Barlden tells that the pictures have been spread around nearby villages, by someone in a village about twenty leagues to the northeast, in a town called Trustair. The individual can be found in an inn called The Shaken Fist. There is another picture, one depicting a burly fellow with a beard, and a note says that he has golden eyes. Mat and Thom ride out with the chest of gold and the wagon of supplies. Mat leaves the amount of gold for what he thinks would be a fair price and some added silver ({{tgs|28}}).

Striving to evade the mysterious woman who is looking for him, Mat concocts an elaborate and convoluted scheme involving scripts for various members of the Band. Talmanes refuses to take any of it seriously. Mat checks on various aspects of the camp: the horses, the crossbowmen, and finally Aludra and her work. Aludra has been calculating her stores and expected requirements for making her "dragons" and "dragons' eggs." Bayle Domon and Egeanin (now calling herself "Leilwin") are there as well. Mat feels Rand's ta'veren pull on him, knowing the time for the Last Battle is growing near. Olver barges into the tent to tell Mat of a woman in camp possessing papers with Mat's picture on them and that he is supposed to tell Mat that she has a "distinctive" face. Mat contemplates Olver's ugliness while going to meet this woman. The woman is the Aes Sedai, Verin Mathwin. Mat grasps that she is the one who has been passing around likenesses of him and Perrin, and that she has Traveling ({{tgs|34}}).

Rand, arriving in Falme, remembers when he was last on Toman Head and thinks of Mat and the ruby dagger. While Rand meets with Tuon, she mentions "Matrim Cauthon." Rand and Nynaeve are more than a little surprised. Tuon tells of kidnapping, and Rand defends Mat. Tuon wonders at such loyalty. Surprisingly, Nynaeve defends Mat, and more fiercely than Rand had. Rand speaks of seeing Tuon with Mat, referring to the color-swirling visions that he and Mat and Perrin have of each other. Tuon believes this is merely a manifestation of the Dragon Reborn's madness ({{tgs|35}}).

Verin, her warder, Tomas, Mat, Mandevwin, Talmanes and Thom meet in Mat's audience tent. Verin begins her tale. She had started out from the manor house in Tear, intending to Travel directly to Tar Valon. She asserts that Mat's ta'veren nature kept diverting her off course. Mat detects that Verin uses preconceptions concerning Brown Sisters to deceive people regarding her craftiness, the entire time letting Mat in on the scam. They discuss Rand, his insanity, and that it is not mainly due to the One Power. Mat is shocked to learn that saidin has been cleansed. Verin then resumes her story of how she landed in Trustair. Mat is disconcerted at Verin insisting that, short of Rand, he is the most strongly ta'veren person in centuries. Verin warns Mat that he and Perrin are in grave danger. Verin begins her sly negotiations with Mat. She gives him a sealed letter and specific instructions. At this Mat and Verin sit down to strike a deal. After some initial haggling, they settle on a compromise: Verin will Travel, taking Mat and everyone with him to Caemlyn, and in return Mat will either wait thirty days and discard the letter and be about his business, or he will wait till the tenth day after Verin departs, open her letter and do what it says. He notices that she has more sealed letters in her satchel. Verin uses a ter'angreal, in the form of a translucent, stone lily, to take everyone to Caemlyn ({{tgs|36}}).[[Category:New Articles]]

==Mat's Escapades==

Most of his life, Mat has been a big prankster, playing all kinds of jokes and often dragging Rand along with him. Mat's mother used to tell him that the Forsaken would come for him if he didn't mend his ways. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

When Mat and Rand are ten years old, [[Cenn Buie]] caught them in his apple trees ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 3|TEotW, Ch. 3]])

Once, when Mat was ten years old, he tried to cut a firework open to see what was inside, causing an uproar; [[Bran al'Vere]] cuffed him, [[Doral Barran]], the then [[Wisdom]] had switched him and his father strapped him. For a month, no one in Emond's Field would talk to him with the exception of Rand and Perrin ({{tdr|40}}).

Soon after turning thirteen, Mat talked Rand into stealing a jar of apple brandy. Nynaeve found them asleep at Bran al'Vere's table. Their heads were hurting so badly that they didn't even feel the switches she gave them ({{tsr|7}}).

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat covered two of [[Haral Luhhan]]'s dogs with flour. Having told [[Adan al'Caar]], [[Ewin Finngar]] and [[Dag Coplin (2)|Dag Coplin]] that some farms had seen ghost hounds, he set them loose near Dag's house, but they ran straight home. [[Alsbet Luhhan]] had left her door open, so they ran inside and got flour all over the house. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 2|TEotW, Ch. 2]])

On the day before Bel Tine, Mat and [[Dav Ayellin|Dav]] caught a badger and planned to let it loose on the Green so that they could watch the girls run. ([[The Eye of the World: Chapter 1|TEotW, Ch. 1]])

==Viewings and Dreams==

"And the other one ... a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face." ([[Min]]'s viewing of Mat; {{teotw|15}}).

"You know I've read you, Egwene. I don't understand most of it - I almost never do - but I see things I am sure link you to Rand, and Perrin, and Mat, and - yes, even Galad, the light help you for a fool. How can any of that happen if the Seanchan take you off across the ocean?" (Min to Egwene; {{tgh|42}}).

"Mat, placing his own left eye on a balance scale. Mat, hanging by his neck from a tree limb. There had been a dream of Mat and Seanchan, too, but she was willing to dismiss that as a nightmare. It had to have been just a nightmare. Just like the one about Mat speaking the Old Tongue. That had to come from what she had heard during his Healing." (Egwene's Dream; {{tdr|25}}).

"There had been dreams of Mat, too. Of Mat with dice spinning 'round him - she felt she knew where that one came from - of Mat being followed by a man who was not there - she still did not understand that; there was a man following, or maybe more than one, but in some way there was no one there - of Mat riding desperately toward something unseen in the distance that he had to reach, and Mat with a woman who seemed to be tossing fireworks about. An Illuminator, she assumed, but that made no more sense than anything else." (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|37}}).

"Mat, rattling a dice cup. His opponent stared at Mat with eyes of fire. Mat did not seem to see the man, but Perrin knew him." (Perrin's Dream; {{tdr|43}}).

"What did it mean that Mat was dicing with the Dark One, and why did he keep shouting, "I am coming!" and why did she think in the dream that he was shouting at her?" (Egwene's dream; {{tdr|48}}).

"Mat wrestling with a Seanchan woman who tied an invisible leash to him." (Egwene's dream; ({{tsr|11}}).

"Mat, standing where a road forked ahead of him. He flipped a coin, started down one branch, and suddenly was wearing a wide brimmed hat and walking with a staff bearing a short sword blade." (Perrin's Dream; ({{tsr|28}}).

"Mat stood naked and bound, snarling; an odd spear with a black shaft had been thrust across his back behind his elbows, and a silver medallion, a foxhead, hung on his chest." (Perrin's dream; ({{tsr|53}}).

"Mat throwing dice with blood streaming down his face, the wide brim of his hat pulled low so she could not see his wound, while Thom Merrilin put his hand into a fire to draw out the small blue stone that now dangled on Moiraine's forehead." (Egwene's Dream; {{tfoh|15}}).

"Mat spoke strange words she almost understood ... the Old Tongue, she thought ... and two ravens alighted on his shoulders, claws sinking through his coat into the flesh beneath. He seemed no more aware of them than Perrin had been of the hawk and falcon, yet defiance passed across his face, and then grim acceptance. In another a woman, face shrouded in shadow, beckoned him toward great danger; Egwene did not know what, only that it was monstrous." (Egwene's Dream; {{loc|15}}).

"Mat sat on a night-shrouded hilltop, watching a grand Illuminator's display of fireworks, and suddenly his hand shot up, seized one of those bursting lights in the sky. Arrows of fire flashed from his clenched fist, and a sense of dread filled her. Men would die because of this. The world would change. But the world was changing; it always changed." (Egwene's Dream; {{acos|10}}).

"Mat, weighing two Aes Sedai on a huge set of balance scales, and on his decision depended¦.She could not say what; something vast; the world, perhaps. There had been other dreams, most tinged with suffering. Recently, all of her dreams about Mat were pale and full of pain, like shadows cast by nightmares, almost as though Mat himself were not quite real. That made her afraid for him, left behind in Ebou Dar, and gave her agonies of grief for sending him there, not to mention poor old Thom Merrilin." (Egwene's Dream; {{tpod|15}}).

"Mat stood on a village green, playing at bowls. The thatch-roofed houses were vague, in the manner of dreams - sometimes the roofs were slate; sometimes the houses seemed of stone, sometimes wood - but he was sharp and clear, dressed in a fine green coat and that wide-brimmed hat, just as he had been the day he rode into Salidar. There was not another human being in sight. Rubbing the ball between his hands, he took a short run and casually rolled it across the smooth grass. All nine pins fell, scattered as if they had been kicked. Mat turned and picked up another ball, and the pins were back upright. No, there was a fresh set of pins. The old still lay where they had fallen. He hurled the ball again, a lazy underhanded bowl. And Egwene wanted to scream. The pins were not turned pieces of wood. Thy were men, standing there watching the ball roll toward them. None moved until the ball sent them flying. Mat turned to pick up another ball, and there were more new pins, new men, standing in orderly formation among the men lying sprawled on the ground as if dead. No, they were dead. Unconcerned, Mat bowled." (Egwene's dream; {{cot|20}})

==Mat's Memories==
~NOTE~ I have done my best to collect all of Mat's memories, though some may be missing. I have included excerpts from the books that deal with his memories.

'''1'''

''"Soft, the winds, like springtime's fingers.
Soft, the rains, like heaven's tears.
Soft, the years roll by in gladness,
never hinting storms to come,
never hinting whirlwinds' ravage,
rain of steel and battle thunder,
war to tear the heart asunder."''

It was "Midean's Ford." An old song; of [[Manetheren]], oddly enough, and war before the Trolloc Wars. Natael did a fair job of it; nothing like Thom's sonorous recitals, of course, but the rolling words drew a crowd of Aiel thick around the edge of the fire's light. Villainous [[Aedomon]] led the [[Safer]]i down on unsuspecting Manetheren, pillaging and burning, driving all before them until King [[Buiryn]] gathered Manetheren's strength, and the men of Manetheren met the Saferi at Midean's Ford, holding, though heavily outnumbered, through three days of unrelenting battle, while the river ran red and vultures blacked the sky. On the third day, numbers dwindling, hope fading, Buiryn and his men fought their way across the ford in a desperate sortie, driving deep into Aedomon's horde, seeking to turn the enemy back by killing Aedomon himself. But forces too great to overpower swept in around them, trapping them, driving them ever in on themselves. Surrounding their king and the Red Eagle banner, they fought on, refusing surrender even when their doom became clear.

Natael sang how their courage touched even Aedomon's heart, and how at last he allowed the remnant to go free, turning his army back to Safer in honor of them.

''"Back across the blood-red water,
marching back with heads held high.
No surrender, arm or sword,
no surrender, heart or soul.
Honor be theirs, ever after,
honor all the Age shall know."''

He plucked the final chord, and the Aiel whistled their approval, drumming spears on their hide bucklers, some raising ululating cries.

It had not been that way, of course. Mat could remember ... Light, I don't want to! But it came anyway ... he remembered counseling Buiryn not to accept the offer, being told in return that the smallest chance was better than none. Aedomon, glossy black beard hanging below the steel mesh that veiled his face, drew his spearmen back, waited until they were strung out and nearly to the ford before the hidden archers rose and the cavalry charged in. As for turning back to Safer.... Mat did not think so. His last memory at the ford was trying to keep his feet, waist-deep in the river with three arrows in him, but there was something later, a fragment. Seeing Aedomon, gray-bearded now, go down in a sharp fight in a forest, toppling from his rearing horse, the spear in his back put there by an unarmored, beardless boy ({{tsr|37}}).

'''2'''

"Fool Shaido," [[Aviendha]] muttered at his back. Maybe she was right; maybe the amusement was for her riding. But Rand did not think so.

Mat galloped up trailing a cloud of yellowish brown dust, hat pulled low and spear resting upright on his stirrup iron like a lance. "What is this place, Rand?" he asked loudly, to be heard over the shouts. "All those women would say was 'Move faster. Move faster.' " Rand told him, and he frowned at the towering rock face of the butte. "You could hold that thing for years, I suppose, with supplies, but it isn't a patch on the Stone, or the Tora Harad."

"The Tora what?" Rand said. .

Mat rolled his shoulders before answering. "Just something I heard of, once." He stood in his stirrups to peer back over the heads of the Jindo toward the peddlers' train. "At least they're still with us. I wonder how long before they finish trading and go." ({{tsr|49}}).

'''3'''

Grunting, he closed his eyes again. Cute? Light! And short. Only Aiel could call him short. In every other land he had been in, he was taller than most men, if not always by much. He could remember being tall. Taller than Rand, when he rode against Artur Hawkwing. And a hand shorter than he was now when he fought beside [[Maecine]] against the [[Aelgar]]i. He had spoken to Lan, claiming he had overheard some names; the Warder said Maecine had been a king of [[Eharon]], one of the Ten Nations ... that much Mat already knew ... some four or five hundred years before [[the Trolloc Wars]]. Lan doubted that even [[the Brown Ajah]] knew more; much had been lost in the Trolloc Wars, and more in [[the War of the Hundred Years]]. Those were the earliest and latest of the memories that had been planted in his skull. Nothing after [[Artur Paendrag Tanreall]], and nothing before Maecine of Eharon ({{tfoh|22}}).

'''4'''

Scrubbing a hand through his hair, Mat sat down heavily on the coping. The memories that had once cluttered his head like raisins in a cake now blended with his own. In one part of his mind he knew he had been born in [[the Two Rivers]] twenty years before, but he could remember clearly leading the flanking attack that turned the Trollocs at [[Maighande]], and dancing in the court of Tarmandewin, and a hundred other things, a thousand. Mostly battles. He remembered dying more times than he wanted to think of. No seams between lives anymore; he could not tell his memories from the others unless he concentrated ({{tfoh|3}})

'''5'''

Frowning, he squatted with his elbows on his knees. Lan got down with him, but he hardly noticed. A dicey problem. And fascinating. "Best if you try to shove him away. Hit him from the south, mainly." He pointed to the River Gaelin; it joined the Alguenya some miles north of the city. "There are bridges up here. Leave the Shaido a clear path to them. Always leave a way out, unless you really want to find out how hard a man can fight when he's nothing to lose." His finger slid east. Wooded hills for the most part, it seemed. Probably not much different from right around here. "A blocking force here on this side of the river will make sure they go for the bridges, if it's big enough and positioned right. Once they are moving, [[Couladin]] won't want to try fighting someone ahead of him while you're coming behind." Yes. Almost exactly the same as at Jenje. "Not unless he's a complete fool, anyway. They might make it to the river in good order, but those bridges will choke them. I don't see Aiel swimming, or hunting out fords for that matter. Keep the pressure on, shove them across. With luck you'll be able to harry them all the way to the mountains." It was like Cuaindaigh Fords, too, late in the Trolloc Wars, and on much the same scale. Not much different from the Tora Shan, either. Or Sulmein Gap, before Hawkwing found his stride. The names flickered through his head, the images of bloody fields forgotten even by historians. Absorbed in the map as he was, they did not register as anything but his own remembrances. "Too bad you don't have more cavalry. Light cavalry is best for the harrying. Bite at the flanks, keep them running, and never let them settle to fight. But Aiel should do almost as well." ({{tfoh|42}})

'''6'''

The stormy meeting with Rand had gone on till the sun set, him dodging, refusing, Rand following as doggedly as Hawkwing after the rout at Cole Pass ({{tfoh|51}})

'''7'''

The music caught him up, missed notes and all, and the pattern dance, and memories floated in his head as they floated back and forth across the floor. In memory he was a head taller, with long golden mustaches and blue eyes. He wore a red-sashed coat of amber silk with a ruff of finest Barsine lace and yellow sapphire studs from [[Aramaelle]] on his chest, and he danced with a darkly beautiful emissary of the Atha'an Miere, the Sea Folk. The fine gold chain linking her nose ring to one of her multitude of earrings held tiny medallions that identified her as Wavemistress of Clan Shodin. He did not care how powerful she was; that was for the king to worry over, not a middling lord. She was beautiful and light in his arms, and they danced beneath the great crystal dome at the court of [[Shaemal]], when all the world envied [[Coremanda]]'s splendor and might. Other memories flitted around the edges, sparking off bits of that remembered dance. The morrow would bring news of increasingly heavy Trolloc raids out of [[The Blight|the Great Blight]], and another month word that Barsine of the golden spires had been ravaged and burned and the Trolloc hordes were sweeping south. So would begin what later would be called the Trolloc Wars, though none gave it that name to begin, three hundred years and more of all but unbroken battle, blood, fire and ruin before the Trollocs were driven back, the [[Dreadlords]] hunted down. So would begin the fall of Coremanda, with all its wealth and power, and [[Essenia]], with its philosophers and famed seats of learning, of Manetheren and Eharon and all of [[The Ten Nations]], smashed even in victory to rubble from which other lands would rise, lands that barely remembered the Ten Nations as more than myths of a happier time. But that lay ahead, and he banished those memories in the pleasure of this one. Tonight he danced the pattern dance with...

He blinked, for an instant startled by sunlight streaming through the windows and the fair face beaming up at him through a sheen of perspiration. Very nearly he fumbled the complex interweaving of his feet with Betse's as they whirled down the floor, but he caught himself before tripping her, the steps coming instinctively. This dance was his as surely as those memories were, borrowed or stolen, but so seamlessly woven into those he really had lived that he could no longer tell the difference without thinking. All his, now, filling holes in his own memories; he might as well have lived them all ({{loc|5}}).

'''8'''

Tylin Quintara, by the Grace of the Light, Queen of Altara, Mistress of the Four Winds, Guardian of the Sea of Storms, High Seat of House Mitsobar, awaited him in a room with yellow walls and a pale blue ceiling, standing before a huge white fireplace with a stone lintel carved into a stormy sea. She was well worth seeing, he decided. Tylin was not young ... the shiny black hair cascading over her shoulders had gray at the temples, and faint lines webbed the corners of her eyes ... nor was she exactly pretty, though the two thin scars on her cheeks had nearly vanished with age. Handsome came closer. But she was... imposing. Large dark eyes regarded him majestically, an eagle's eyes. She had little real power ... a man could ride beyond her writ in two or three days and still have a lot of Altara ahead ... but he thought she might make even an Aes Sedai step back. Like [[Isebele]] of [[Dal Calain]], who had made the Amyrlin [[Anghara]] come to her. That was one of the old memories; Dal Calain had vanished in the Trolloc Wars ({{acos|16}}).

'''9'''

She met his gaze with a merry twinkle and a grin. "There's enough noise in the common room, we could talk without being overheard. Besides, I wouldn't mind sitting and looking a bit. Elayne preaches like a Tovan councilor if I ogle a man for longer than a heartbeat."

He nodded before he thought. Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

'''10'''

"I don't bloody care about your bargains with anybody else, you daughter of the sands," Mat snapped. So his irritation was not that well under control. A man could only take so much.

Gasps rose among the women behind her. Something over a thousand years ago a Sea Folk woman had called an Essenian soldier a son of the sands just before trying to plant a blade in his ribs; the memory lay tucked inside Mat Cauthon's head, now. It was not the worst insult among the Atha'an Miere, but it came close. [[Renaile]]'s face gorged with blood; hissing, eyes bulging in fury, she leaped to her feet, that moonstone-studded dagger flashing in her fist ({{acos|39}}).

'''11'''

He went, muttering to himself. Just like an Aes Sedai. Offer to help her, and the next thing you knew, she had you scaling a sheer cliff in the middle of the night to break fifty people out of a dungeon by yourself. That had been another man, a long time dead, but he remembered it, and it fit. (Mat thinking about Teslyn.) ({{wh|19}}).

'''12'''

Setting out in search of either [Thom and Juilin] he unconsciously began humming "I'm Down at the Bottom of the Well." Well, he was, and night was falling and the rain well and truly coming down. As often happened, another name drifted up out of those old memories, a song of the Court of Takedo in [[Farashelle]], crushed a thousand years ago and more by Artur Hawkwing. The intervening years had made remarkably little change in the tune itself, though. Then, it had been called "The Last Stand of Mandenhar." Either way, it fit too bloody well ({{wh|19}}).

'''13'''

"And if I asked you to wait for three hours?" he asked, still crouching over her. "I remember the Atha'an Miere judging the passage of an hour within minutes." That fellow had not been him, but the memory was his now, passage on an Atha'an Miere vessel from [[Jaramide#Geography|Allorallen]] to [[Eharon#Geography|Barashta]], and a bright-eyed Sea Folk woman who wept when she refused to follow him ashore. (Mat to [[Nestelle din Sakura South Star]]) ({{wh|31}}).

'''14'''

"The Wheel has turned for better or worse. And it will keep on turning, as lights die and forests dim, storms call and skies break. Turn it will. The Wheel is not hope, and the Wheel does not care, the Wheel simply is. But so long as it turns, folk may hope, folk may care. For with light that fades, another will eventually grow and each storm that rages must eventually die. As long as the Wheel turns. As long as it turns. . ."

Thom recites the above words, which Mat comments have the sound of a song. Thom confirms this, telling of Doreille writing poetry in the very area in which they are riding. Though Mat still has gaps in his own memory, at this moment he has one of those other men's memories. He was standing on the walls of a mountain fort, in the Splintered Hills of Coremanda, near a natural landmark called The Eagle's Reaches. A pennant-laden army was charging up the hill, arrows raining down upon them. The broken road was there, even in this ancient memory. Below Mat, a woman stood on a balcony--Doreille, the Queen of Aridhol. Aridhol had existed long before, along with Manetheren. The capital of Aridhol was now called Shadar Logoth. Though Mat quashes the other man's memory, he has his own memory, a memory of a ruby dagger, and a lust that still leaches into him ({{tgs|27}}).

'''15'''

During the insanity in Hinderstap, Mat guides Pips with his knees. He has trained Pips to obey battle commands, all from those other men's' memories ({{tgs|28}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

== The Dice ==

~NOTE~ As with 'Mat's Memories', I have done as much research on this section as I could. Once again, there are most likely a few things missing. Here are a bunch of excerpts from sections of the book where the dice warn Mat of an upcoming event. They are numbered to help separate them.

'''1.'''

"He had no idea why he had not simply ignored them. Except that his step was lighter and he felt full of vinegar. No wonder, really, leaving tomorrow at last. The dice seemed to be spinning in his head, and there was no knowing what pips would show when they landed. Odd, that. It must be Melindhra worrying him. Yes. He would definitely leave early, and as quietly as a mouse tiptoeing on feathers" ({{tfoh|42}}).

"That should bring the Shaido in right enough, especially if Couladin was leading. If Couladin really was leading, if he thought Rand was with the pikes, if the pikes could hold until the horse arrived... A lot of ifs. Mat could hear those dice rolling in his head again. This was the biggest gamble he had ever taken in his life. He wondered how long it was until nightfall; a man should be able to make his way out in the night. He wished those dice would get out of his head, or else fall so he knew what they showed. Scowling into the rain, he booted [[Pips]] on down the hillside." ({{tfoh|44}}).

Reducing the platform by one outer ring of square stones, he turned. Bael was waiting out there in what seemed a huge square doorway into daylight with the steps beyond. At his side, Pevin looked no more perturbed by what he saw than the Aiel chief, which was to say not at all. Pevin would carry that banner wherever Rand went, even [[Shayol Ghul|the Pit of Doom]], and never blink. Mat shoved back his hat to scratch his head, then jerked it low again, muttering something about dice in his head. (On the way to face Rahvin; {{tfoh|54}}).

'''2.'''

"The largest palace he had seen yet filled one entire side of the square, all domes and spires and colonnades three and four stories above the ground. The other three sides mixed great houses with inns and shops, each as white as the next. A statue of a woman in flowing robes, taller than an Ogier, stood on an even taller pedestal in the middle of the square, one arm raised to point south toward the sea. There were only a handful of people walking across the pale paving stones, and no wonder in that heat. A few were eating their midday meal on the lowest step of the pedestal, and pigeons and seagulls flocked about fighting for scraps. It was a picture of tranquility. Mat did not understand why he suddenly felt the dice rolling in his head." ({{loc|47}}).

The stately innkeeper introduced herself as Setalle Anan, though her hazel eyes had never been born in Ebou Dar. "Good my Lords... " Large gold hoops in her ears swayed as she bowed her head equally to Mat and Nalesean. "... may The Wandering Woman offer you her humble accommodation?"

She was pretty despite a touch of gray in her hair, but Mat watched her eyes. She wore a marriage knife hanging from a close-fitting necklace, the hilt set with red and white stones nestling in her generous cleavage, and she also had one of those curving knives in her belt. Still, he could not help grinning. "Mistress Anan, I feel like I've come home."

The odd thing was, the dice had stopped rolling in his head ({{loc|47}}).

'''3.'''

"Thank you ... " Mat gave a start. The fellow was gone, swallowed up in the crowd. Strange, but he had looked familiar. Maybe another long-dead acquaintance drifting out of those old memories. Maybe... It hit him like an Illuminator's nightflower exploding inside his head. A white-haired man with a hooked nose. That old man had been at the Silver Circuit, standing not far from the woman who had just gone into Carridin's rented palace. Turning his hat in his hands, he frowned uneasily at the palace. The Mire never held a bog like this one. He could feel the dice tumbling in his head suddenly, and that was always a bad sign ({{acos|14}}).

Normally, displays of wealth made Mat feel comfortable. For one thing, where there was money, some might stick to his fingers. This time he felt impatient, more so by the step. And anxious. The last time he had felt the dice rolling so hard in his head was just before he found himself with three hundred of the Band, a thousand of Gaebril's White Lions on a ridge to his front and another thousand coming hard up the road behind him, when all he had been trying to do was ride away from the entire mess. That time he had avoided the chop by the grace of other men's memories and more luck than he had a right to. The dice almost always meant danger, and something else he had not figured out yet. The prospect of having his skull cracked was not enough, and once or twice there had been no possibility of such, yet the upcoming likelihood of Mat Cauthon dead in some spectacular fashion seemed the most usual cause. Unlikely, maybe, in the Tarasin Palace, but unlikely did not make the dice go away. He was going to leave his message, grab Nynaeve and Elayne by the scruff of the neck if he had an opportunity, give them a talking-to that made their ears glow, and then get out ({{acos|16}}).

Mat wanted to back away; even Teslyn stood close enough to be almost touching him. Instead he put on his most insolent grin. It had always landed him in trouble back home, but it seemed appropriate. Those dice in his head could have nothing to do with this pair, or they would have stopped spinning. And he did have the medallion. "They see pretty well, I'd say." Nynaeve badly needed to be snatched down a peg or six, and Elayne even more, but he was not about to stand by and listen to this woman talk Nynaeve down. If that meant defending Elayne too, so be it "Maybe you should abandon your nonsense." Joline's smile vanished, but Teslyn replaced it with one of her own, a razored smile ({{acos|16}}).

"Majesty," he said, sweeping his hat wide in a bow and flourishing an imaginary cloak, "by your summons do I come." Imposing or not, it was hard to keep his eyes away from the not small lace-trimmed oval where her white-sheathed marriage-knife hung. A very nicely rounded sight indeed, yet the more bosom a woman displayed, the less she wanted you to look. Openly, at least. White-sheathed; but he already knew she was a widow. Not that it mattered. He would as soon tangle himself with that [[Mili Skane|fox-faced Darkfriend]] as with a queen. Not looking at all was difficult, but he managed. Most likely she would call guards rather than draw the gem-encrusted dagger thrust behind a woven-gold belt to match the collar her marriage knife hung from. Maybe that was why the dice were still rolling in his head. The possibility of an encounter with the headsman would set them spinning if anything did ({{acos|16}}).

Tall triple-arched windows opening onto a wrought-iron balcony admitted a sea breeze that was surprisingly pleasant, if not exactly cool, yet Mat felt hotter than in the street, and it had nothing to do with her stare. Deyeniye, dyu ninte concion ca'lyet ye. That was what he had said. The bloody Old Tongue popping out of his mouth again without him knowing it. He had thought he had that little bother under control. No telling when those bloody dice would stop or for what. Best to keep his eyes to himself and his mouth shut as much as possible. "I thank you, Majesty." He made very sure of those words ({{acos|16}}).

"You are Lord Mat Cauthon?" There was just a hint of question in the title. Her eyes minded him more than ever of an eagle's. A queen could not like someone coming to her pretending to be a lord.

"Just Mat Cauthon." Something told him she would hear a lie. Besides, letting people think he was a lord was just a ruse, one he would rather have managed without. In Ebou Dar you could find a duel any time you turned around, but few challenged lords except other lords. As it was, in the last month he had cracked a number of heads, bloodied four men and run half a mile to escape a woman. Tylin's stare made him nervous. And those dice still rattled about in his skull. He wanted out of there. "If you'll tell me where to leave the letter, Majesty...?" ({{acos|16}}).

She nodded calmly, hazel eyes serene. Men knifed in her inn did not ruffle her feathers. "They insisted on carrying it up themselves. Their stock, so they claimed. They took the room just before you came in. For a few hours, they said, to sleep before traveling on toward Nor Chasen." That was a small village on the coast to the east, but it was unlikely they would have told the truth. Her tone implied as much. She frowned at the dead men as though wishing she could shake them alive to answer questions. "They were picky about the room, though. The pale-haired man was in charge. He turned down the first three he was offered, then accepted this, that was meant for a single servant. I thought he was being stingy with a coin."
"Even a thief can be tightfisted," Mat said absently. This could have qualified to start those dice rolling in his head ... a head that would have been cracked open for sure without the luck of that fellow stepping on the one board in the whole inn that would squeak ... but the bloody things were still tumbling. He did not like it ({{acos|17}}).

Mat frowned after her. A gilded woman? In his room? The chest of gold rested now in a small hollow beneath the kitchen floor, in front of one of the stoves, but the dice in his head drummed like thunder suddenly ({{acos|21}}).

He nodded before he thought Other men's memories told him Tovans were a stark and disapproving people, abstemious to the point of pain; at least they had been, a thousand years gone and more. He was not sure whether to laugh or groan. On the one hand, a chance to talk with Birgitte ... Birgitte! he doubted he would ever get over the shock ... but on the other, he doubted he would be able to hear the music downstairs for the noise of those dice rattling in his skull. She must be a key to it, somehow. A man with any brains would climb out the window right now. "A pitcher or two sounds fine to me," he told her ({{acos|21}}).

"I won't shout at you," Nynaeve shouted. "And all the rest, too. I promise, you... you...!" She gobbled on the edge of swallowing her tongue as she realized she could not call him one of the names he warranted without breaking the promise already. And yet, the effect of her shout was most gratifying.

With a cry, he shuddered and dropped the cloth, clutched his head with both hands. His eyes bulged. "Flaming dice," he whimpered, or something very like. It suddenly struck Elayne that he would be a very good source of pithy language. Stablemen and the like always seemed to scrape their tongues clean the moment they saw her. Of course, she had promised herself to civilize him, to make him useful to Rand, but that need not interfere too much with his language. In fact, she realized there was a good deal she had not promised not to do. Pointing that out should settle Nynaeve considerably ({{acos|21}}).

Mat knew he was in trouble from the day he moved into the Tarasin Palace. He could have refused. Just because the flaming dice started or stopped did not mean he had to do anything; usually when they stopped spinning, it was too late not to do something. The problem was, he wanted to know why. Before very many days, he wished he had taken his curiosity by the throat and throttled it ({{acos|28}}).

'''4.'''

Nobody slipped a note under his door that night. Nobody rattled the lock. He began to think things might turn for the better. Tomorrow was the Festival of Birds. From what he had heard of the costumes some people wore, men and women both, it might be possible Tylin would find herself a new duckling to chase after. Somebody might come out of that bloody house across from the Rose of the Eldar and hand him the bloody Bowl of the Winds. Things just had to turn for the better.

When he woke for his third morning in the Tarasin Palace, the dice were rolling in his head ({{acos|28}}).

Waking to the dice, Mat considered going back to sleep until they went away, but at last he got up feeling grumpy. As if he did not have more than enough on his plate already. He chased Nerim away and dressed himself, eating the last of the bread and cheese from the night before while he did, then went to check on Olver. The boy flashed between bursts of yanking on his clothes in a hurry to be out and stopping entirely with boot or shirt in hand to spout dozens of questions that Mat answered with half a mind. No, they would not go racing today, and never mind the rich races at the Circuit of Heaven, north of the city. Maybe they could go see the menagerie. Yes, Mat would buy him a feathered mask for the festival. If he ever got dressed. That sent him into a flurry.

What really occupied Mat's thoughts were those bloody dice. Why had they started up again? He still did not know why they had before! ({{acos|29}}).

It was too much. The woman hounded him, tried to starve him; now she locked them in together like... like he did not know what. Lambkin! Those bloody dice were bouncing around in his skull. Besides, he had important business to see to. The dice had never had anything to do with finding something, but... He reached her in two long strides, seized her arm, and began fumbling in her belt for the keys. "I don't have bloody time for ... " His breath froze as the sharp point of her dagger beneath his chin shut his mouth and drove him right up onto his toes ({{acos|29}}).

"If I'm not back by tomorrow," Mat shouted back absently over his shoulder, "tell them they'll have to find it for themselves!" He walked on after the woman in a daze, not hearing if Nalesean or Beslan shouted again. The man knew! He remembered once thinking that Beslan and his mother were both mad. They were worse! All of Ebou Dar was mad! He was hardly aware of the dice still spinning inside his skull ({{acos|29}}).

Snatching off his hat, Mat considered throwing it down and jumping on it. Women! He should have known better than to expect sympathy. He would like to throttle the bloody Daughter-Heir. And Nynaeve, too, on general principle. Except, of course, that he could not. He had made promises. And those dice were still using his skull for a dice cup. And one of the Forsaken might be around somewhere. Settling the hat squarely back on his head, he marched down the landing, brushed past the Wise Women and caught up to Elayne. She was still trying to fight down giggles, but every time she cut her eyes his way, the color in her cheeks renewed itself and so did the giggles ({{acos|38}}).

Her tone was so mild that Elayne must have passed on the truth about Tylin, but if anything, that only soured his mood further. He did not want anyone to know. Bloody useless! But those dice were still rattling around in his head. "Maybe Moghedien likes back doors," he said dryly. Something cluttered in the dark end of the hall, and one of the men with Harnan cursed loudly about rats({{acos|38}}).

"We are bloody well getting out of here now," Mat said again later, and this time there was argument. There had been argument for the past half-hour, near enough. Outside, the sun was past its noon peak. The trade winds cut the heat a little; stiff yellow curtains fastened over the tall windows bulged and snapped at gusts. Three hours back in the Tarasin Palace, the dice still bouncing in his head, and he wanted to kick something. Or somebody. He tugged at the scarf tied around his neck; it felt as though the rope that had given him the scar under that scarf was back and tightening slowly. "Love of the Light, are you all blind? Or just deaf?" ({{acos|39}}).

The ''sul'dam'' apparently was not satisfied. The foxhead went cool again, and from behind another roar hammered him to the pavement, pavement that jumped up to meet him. Through the ringing in his ears, he heard masonry groan. Above him, the white-plastered brick wall began leaning outward.

"What happened to my bloody luck?" he shouted. He had time for that. And just time to realize, as brick and timbers crashed down on him, that the dice in his head had just stopped dead ({{acos|39}}).

'''5.'''

Mat groaned. It was not his leg, this time, or the fact that every man in Ebou Dar seemed to be choosing the bosom they rested their heads on except for Mat Cauthon. Those bloody dice had just started tumbling in his head again. Something bad was coming his way. Something very bad ({{wh|15}}).

"I think I can do better for you than that," Mat told him, but the rest of what he had been going to say died on his tongue. The dice were still spinning in his head, he realized. He had managed to forget them with the ''gholam'' trying to kill him, but they were still bouncing, still waiting to land. If they were warning of something worse than the ''gholam'', he did not want to know. Only, he would. There was no doubt of that. He would, when it was too late ({{wh|16}}).

Light, he wished those bloody dice in his head would just stop and get it over with! No, that was a lie. Since he had finally realized what they meant, he had never wanted the dice to stop ({{wh|17}}).

Flinging open the doors of Tylin's apartments, Mat strode in, sailed his hat across the width of the room and stopped dead, his mouth hanging open and everything he had planned to say frozen on his tongue. His hat hit the carpets and rolled, he did not see where. A gust of wind rattled the tall triple-arched windows that led out onto a long, screened balcony overlooking the Mol Hara.

Tylin turned in a chair carved to look like gilded bamboo and stared at him over her golden wine cup. Waves of glossy black hair touched with gray at the temples framed a beautiful face with the eyes of a bird of prey, and not one best pleased at the moment. Inconsequential things seemed to leap at him. She kicked her crossed leg slightly, rippling layered green and white petticoats. Pale green lace trimmed the oval opening in her gown that half exposed her full breasts, where the jeweled hilt of her marriage knife dangled. She was not alone. Suroth sat facing her, frowning into her winecup and tapping long fingernails on the arm of her chair, a pretty enough woman despite her hair being shaved to that long crest, except that she made Tylin seem a rabbit by comparison. Two of those fingernails on each hand were lacquered blue. Seated at her side was a little girl, of all things, also in an elaborately flowered robe over pleated white skirts, but with a sheer veil covering her entire head - it seemed to be shaved completely! - and wearing a fortune in rubies. Even in a state of shock, he noticed rubies and gold. A slender woman, nearly as dark as her stark black gown and tall even had she been Aiel, stood behind the girl's chair with her arms folded and ill-concealed impatience. Her wavy back hair was short, but not shaved at all, so she was neither of the Blood nor ''so'jhin''. Imperiously beautiful, she put Tylin and Suroth both in the shade. He noticed beautiful women, too, even when he did feel hit in the head with a hammer.

It was not the presence of Suroth or the strangers that jerked him to a halt, though. The dice had stopped, landing with a thunder that made his skull ring. That had never happened before. He stood there waiting for one of the Forsaken to leap out of the flames in the marble fireplace, or the earth to swallow the palace beneath him.

"You aren't listening to me, pigeon," Tylin cooed in dangerous tones. "I said, take yourself down to the kitchens and have a pastry until I have time for you. Have a bath while you're about it." Her dark eyes glittered. "We will discuss your mud later."

In a daze, he ran it through again in his head. He had walked into the room, the dice had stopped, and nothing had happened. Nothing!

"This man has been set upon," the tiny, veiled figure said, rising. Her tone turned cold as the wind outside. "You told me the streets were safe, Suroth! I am displeased."

Something had to happen! It already should have! Something always happened when the dice stopped ({{wh|17}}).

'''6.'''

As the mayor of Hinderstap leaves Mat and his group, and after apprising them of the "Rules," he is joined by some burly men casually carrying axes. They fall into step with the mayor, and all walk together in the same direction as though nothing is untoward. It is then that the dice start rattling in Mat's head. He decides to ignore them ({{tgs|27}}).

Moments before the sun sets behind the clouds, while Mat gambles with the villagers, he tells Talmanes that they are staying. At this the dice stop rattling in his head ({{tgs|27}}). [[Category:New Articles]]

==Relationships with other Characters==

The relationship between Mat and Rand starts off as that of best friends. During their early years, Mat and Rand pulled a lot of pranks on people in Emond's Field and just generally had a good time together. Once Mat learns that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, he becomes very cautious and uncomfortable, and tries to avoid him. He eventually accepts the fact and maintains his friendship with Rand. Rand considers Mat one of the few people that he can still trust.

As with Rand, Mat and Perrin were good friends back when they lived in the Two Rivers. As the series progresses, they understandably become a bit distant as their paths don't cross all that much; however, they are still bound by the bonds of friendship and the fact that they both came from the Two Rivers. Either one would most likely help the other any way possible.

Before leaving Emond's Field, Mat and Egwene didn't have much of a relationship despite their connections to Rand. Still, both being from the Two Rivers, they still feel a certain connection to them. Mat's relationship with Nynaeve is much the same.

Mat doesn't have the best of relationships with Aes Sedai, mainly because he has a hard time trusting them. A lot of this comes from his memories of past lives. The Aes Sedai with whom he is best acquainted is Moiraine; he seems to think well enough of her, though he does seem to put a limit to the extent to which he will trust her.

Throughout the series, Thom and Juilin become friends of Mat's. He meets Thom in 'The Eye of the World' in Emond's Field, and Juilin in 'The Dragon Reborn' when he goes to rescue Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve from the Stone of Tear. Later, they are with him in Ebou Dar and help him plan to get Joline, Teslyn and Edesina out of the city. In 'The Eye of the World,' Thom fights a Fade to buy Rand and Mat time to escape; he often tries to protect all three of the Emond's Field boys since he wasn't able to save his own nephew from Aes Sedai.

Mat's relationship with Tuon gets off to a very rocky start indeed. The first time that they meet, Tuon wishes to buy him. Forever after, she calls him 'Toy', even though he tries many times to get her to call him by his real name. In 'Winter's Heart', he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons, his fated wife. In 'Crossroads of Twilight,' he begins to court her. Mat thinks that Tuon is pretty, if on the thin side.

==Quotes==

"It has to be there at the Last Battle. Nothing says it can't be used before then. Nothing says it can't. (Mat about the Horn of Valere; [[The Great Hunt: Chapter 47|The Great Hunt, Chapter 47]])

"Swords aren't the be-all and end-all, you know. I could do fairly well against either of you, I think, if you had a sword and I had my quarterstaff." (Mat to Gawyn and Galad; [[The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 24|The Dragon Reborn, Chapter 24]])

"I have no intention of marrying. And I have no intention of dying, either, whether I am supposed to live again or not. I walk around with holes in my memory, holes in my life, and you stare at me like idiots. If I had my way, I would want those holes filled, but at least answers to my questions might fill some in my future. You have to answer - !) (Mat to the Eelfinn; [[The Shadow Rising: Chapter 24|The Shadow Rising Chapter 24]])

"Everything always changes. The best plan lasts until the first arrow leaves the bow." (Mat to Lan; [[The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 42|The Fires of Heaven, Chapter 42]])

"Now. When the poor blind fool they've chosen out for their Amyrlin gets here, I will do the talking. She can't be very bright, or they'd never have been able to shove her into the job. Amyrlin Seat for a bloody village in the middle of bloody nowhere. You keep your mouth shut and curtsey for all you're worth, and I'll pull your bacon off the coals again." (Mat to Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve; [[Lord of Chaos: Chapter 38|Lord of Chaos, Chapter 38]])

"She is my wife. Your bloody Daughter of the Nine Moons is my wife!" (Mat to Egeanin; [[Winter's Heart: Chapter 31|Winter's Heart, Chapter 31]])

[[Category:All Characters]]
[[Category:Main Characters]]
[[Category:Band of the Red Hand]]
[[Category:Emond's Fielders]]
[[Category:Articles to be updated]]
[[Category:Characters with TGS updates]]

"Women are like...goats..." (Mat to Talmanes on broken road; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"I'm not giving up gambling," Mat muttered. "Or drinking." (Mat to Talmanes; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 20|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 20]])

"The trouble with you, Mat, is that you're actually good at lying, unlike those other two boys." (Thom to Mat on broken road to Hinderstap; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"Marriage, I guess. Burn me, but I'm not going to stop drinking or gambling." (Mat to Thom, and in the hearing of Talmanes, concerning being married to Tuon; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 27|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 27]])

"She's not a woman, Talmanes...she's an Aes Sedai. Don't think of her as a woman." (Mat to Talmanes about Joline; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 28|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 28]])

"You're Aes Sedai. . .I figured you . . . you know, ''saidar''ed it." (Mat to Verin regarding the pictures of him and Perrin; [[The Gathering Storm: Chapter 36|The Gathering Storm, Chapter 36]]) [[Category:New Articles]]