The Dragon Reborn: Chapter 29

A Trap to Spring

Author: Val a'Shain

Characters: Egwene, Elayne, Nynaeve, Laras and Siuan.

Setting: The White Tower

Point of view: Nynaeve

Nynaeve, Egwene and Elayne are in the kitchens helping to prepare the midday meal under the supervision of Laras, the mistress of the kitchens. Nynaeve has allready developed a thorough disliking of the woman for her ability to wield a wooden spoon. Being forced to curtsy to the woman makes her grinds her teeth almost as much as the thought of Moiraine does.

Nynaeve is relieved when she sees the Amyrlin Seat enter the kitchens, she thinks it is about time. Siuan inspects the kitchens before turning to the spit the three girls are taking care of. In a loud voice she announces Elayne should watch her language and calls Laras to make sure she does. Egwene doesn't recognize this as an attempt to speak to them alone and protests. Elayne didn't op het mouth after all. The result is that both Egwene and Elayne are dragged off by the ear by Laras, leaving Nynaeve to talk to the Amyrlin.

Siuan tells her she was going to call them to her study but that there is news that couldn't wait. Sheriam has found another Gray man, or woman in this case, lying dead in her bed. The Amyrlin want to know if they found our anything. Nynaeve tells her about Else and the things they found in the storeroom but doesn't mention Egwene's visit to the World of Dreams. Siuan tells her she didn't send Else and that all things belonging to the Black sisters had been burnt. This information makes the trap even more obvious.

Nynaeve proposes to spring the trap. The Amyrlin replies she will provide gold for the journey and asks if Elayne will be joining them. It is decided she will. Siuan thinks the conversation has lasted long enough but gives Nynaeve a chance to ask a last question. Nynaeve wants to know what Callandor is. Siuan is visibly shaken by the question. She tells Nynaeve that it is one of the most powerful sa'angreal ever made. The only one who can touch it is the Dragon Reborn, it is one of the signs mentioned in the prophecies. The High Lords of Tear keep it in the stone to keep it out of the hands of the Dragon so he cannot break the world again. It is also prophesied that the stone will not fall until the Dragon holds Callandor. Siuan notes that the Black Ajah could be after one of the other objects related to the One Power stored there but that they must not be allowed to have that particular one.

Before leaving the Amyrlin tells Nynaeve she should make things right with Laras who really is doing a good job running the kitchens. Nynaeve voices her opinion of Laras and the Amyrlin tells her Laras let it be knows she thinks the Accepted should have gotten a turn at the lighter jobs as not to break their spirit. with that she leaves Nynaeve. When Elayne and Egwene return Elayne tells Nynaeve soap tastes horrible and that she hopes the Amyrlin didn't tell them to stay in Tar Valon. Nynaeve replies they'll leave as soon as possible.

<< Previous Chapter / Next Chapter >>