Scene 3 - What Is It?#

Sheriam, Leane, and Liandrin stand with Nynaeve in a chamber at the White Tower containing the Three Arches, a ter'angreal from before the Breaking of the World. They explain that ter'angreals serve many purposes, but their creation is a lost art, and many Aes Sedai have been killed or burned out studying them. Leane reassures Nynaeve that this ter'angreal’s function is known: it forces a novice to confront her greatest fears, though what she experiences remains private, and she need only walk through each arch and return. They then share two rules, kept secret until this moment:

1. Once you start, you must continue to the end or otherwise they will be put out of the Tower with enough money for a year, and never be allowed back.
2. "To seek, to strive, is to know danger." and there is the possibility of danger. Some women have never returned.

They offer Nynaeve one last chance to refuse, noting that each woman gets three attempts before permanent expulsion from the Tower. Leane admits she failed her first attempt. Nynaeve declares she’s ready, and Sheriam instructs her to strip to her shift, as she can bring nothing inside and cannot channel. Sheriam, Leane, and Liandrin weave to activate the Three Arches. Sheriam warns, "The way back will come but once."

Nynaeve steps into the first arch.

Scene 4 - What Was#

Inside the first arch, Nynaeve finds herself in her childhood. Her father, Beerien, notices crimsonthorn root in her hand and takes her to a nearby stream to rinse it off. Bandits armed with bows emerge, shooting at Nynaeve and Beerien. They flee, pursued by the bandits, until Nynaeve’s mother, Elnore, appears with a bow, shooting back to cover their escape. The al’Mearas reach their home, locking the door, and hide Nynaeve in the cellar. Beerien urges her to be brave and quiet, saying in the Old Tongue, "We shall go into the old land so our children can always hold us and will never be alone."[1] As the bandits break in, Beerien closes the cellar door and joins Elnore upstairs to fight. Nynaeve grabs a meat cleaver just as Sheriam’s voice echoes, "The way back will come but once," and an arch doorway appears. After a moment’s hesitation, Nynaeve steps through, returning to the Three Arches chamber in the White Tower. Liandrin pours water over her in a symbolic cleansing, and Leane heals her minor injuries. Nynaeve asks if the vision was real, but Sheriam replies that no one knows.

The Three Arches activate again, and Sheriam repeats her warning, "The way back will come but once."

Nynaeve enters the next arch.

Scene 5 - What Is#

Inside the second arch, Nynaeve awakens on a bed in the Two Rivers, surrounded by sick villagers in a room possibly within the Winespring Inn. Tam, lying in the bed beside her, explains that a fever has ravaged the community since her departure. Nynaeve opens his shirt, revealing fever blisters on his chest, and spots crimsonthorn root on a nearby table. Tam reveals that the new Wisdom, Natti, gave it to him. Confronting Natti, Nynaeve learns she’s administering the root to Tam and others for a painless death. Nynaeve insists Aes Sedai can heal the fever, but Natti retorts that they sought help months ago with no response, accusing Nynaeve of abandoning them and declaring the Two Rivers is no longer her home.

Returning to Tam, Nynaeve reassures him he’ll be fine, but he knows the truth and asks her to stay until the herbs "have done their work." Sheriam’s voice echoes, "The way back will come but once," and an arch doorway appears. Despite Tam’s plea to stay, Nynaeve steps through, returning to the Three Arches chamber in the White Tower. Liandrin pours water over her in a symbolic cleansing. Nynaeve pleads with the Aes Sedai to aid the Two Rivers against the plague, but Liandrin insists she must continue through the arches.

The Three Arches activate again, and Sheriam repeats her warning, "The way back will come but once."

Nynaeve enters the next arch.

Scene 6 - What Might Be#

Inside the third arch, Nynaeve is engulfed in a chaotic vision: screaming voices fill the air as she floats in a void, wearing a red dress, hands pressed over her ears. Fragmented images of Lan appear, reciting words from a past moment (Scene 8 - Episode 108). Abruptly, Nynaeve is flung out of the arch, landing back in the Three Arches chamber in the White Tower with two bloodstains on her shirt. She admits she doesn’t remember what happened. Sheriam pours water over her in a symbolic cleansing, and Leane examines her, declaring the blood is not hers. Nynaeve opens her hand to find she’s clutching Lan’s hadori. Sheriam announces that Nynaeve is now Accepted and offers her an Aes Sedai ring, lacking its stone, but Nynaeve rejects it, declaring that if the test’s purpose is to prioritize the Tower above all else, she wants no part of it. As she storms out, Liandrin warns that leaving means she can never return, but Nynaeve continues out of the chamber.

In her room at the White Tower, Nynaeve packs her belongings. Egwene enters, pleading with her to stay, but Nynaeve insists she came to the Tower for Egwene’s sake, and now that Egwene no longer needs her, she’ll honor the true meaning of an Aes Sedai—"servants of all"—elsewhere.

Nynaeve rides away from the White Tower, and Lan gallops up to join her. She explains she couldn’t remain at the Tower and plans to return to the Two Rivers. Lan offers to accompany her, if she’ll have him. She questions his bond with Moiraine, but he doesn’t respond. Faintly, Sheriam’s voice echoes, "The way back will come but once," and an arch doorway appears. Nynaeve ignores it, and the doorway vanishes.

Scene 7 - She Made Her Choice#

Within the Three Arches chamber at the White Tower, the final arch closes, marking the end of Nynaeve’s test. Leane declares that Nynaeve has made her choice and exits the room. Sheriam concedes that Alanna was correct in her assessment. Liandrin attempts to justify the events, but Sheriam retorts that Nynaeve’s trust in them led to her death. Sheriam expresses hope that Liandrin will carry eternal guilt, admitting she will as well, before departing. Alone, Liandrin — still clutching the water vase intended for Nynaeve — hurls it away in frustration toward the arch.

Scene 9 - All Will Bow#

In the center of Atuan’s Mill, Perrin, Ingtar, Masema, Uno, Loial, the other Hunters of the Horn of Valere, and the town’s residents are surrounded by Seanchan soldiers in insect-themed armor, gathered before a stepped palanquin. Perrin questions their identity and purpose, but Loial admits he knows nothing of these invaders. The Seanchan leader, High Lady Suroth, adorned in a metallic mask covering most of her face, signals with her long, lacquered fingers. A young woman, Miri, wearing a plain dress with a metallic mouthpiece and gorget, steps forward alongside another woman with a painted face and two guards. Miri moves through the crowd, searching, and points to a girl, whom the guards seize and remove.[1]

Suroth gestures again, and Alwhin, a third figure from the palanquin, addresses the captives. She declares them squatters on land stolen from the Seanchan, which they now reclaim. As Miri selects two more girls to be taken away, Alwhin recounts how Luthair Paendrag’s fleet crossed the Aryth Ocean, fulfilling the promised "return." Uno whispers to Ingtar that they must stop this, but Ingtar cautions they’re outnumbered and unarmed, though Uno reveals a hidden dagger. Alwhin proclaims that swearing oaths and bowing to High Lady Suroth will absolve their forefathers’ debts.

Uno stares down one of the Seanchan soldiers. Alwhin asks who will be the first to swear the oaths. Uno's guard volunteers him and two other Seanchan soldiers grab him and take him forward. Uno manages to stab them twice before they disarm him. Alwhin commands Uno to avert his eyes and kneel, but he refuses. Alwhin tells him to bend the knee and swear the oath, but again Uno refuses, spitting in her direction. High Lady Suroth raises all four of her long nails, pauses, and then lowers them. The Seanchan guards force Uno to his knees at the base of the palanquin, where a sharp, curved, hornlike object is attached. Alwhin warns that those who do not swear the oaths will have the oaths sworn for them. All of the Seanchan soldiers, in unison, shout "To obey. To wait. To Serve." Uno still refuses to swear. High Lady Suroth raises two fingers, pauses , and then lowers them. One of the Seanchan guards slams Uno's mouth onto the horn, and then the second slams his foot on the back of Uno's shoulders, forcing the horn through Uno's head. With that, High Lady Suroth slowly, precisely, says "All will bow." Everyone bows with the Shienarans and Perrin last, and while Perrin bows to one knee, he stares at Ishamael. Alwhin then speaks the oath and everyone repeats it.

Scene 10 - How Long Will It Take You#

Rand enters the asylum garden, carrying Logain’s meal. Logain discerns that Rand conceals his true identity with dyed, shortened hair. When Logain inquires about Yann, Rand reminds him that Yann suffered an accident and that he will now assume his care. Logain prods Rand, asking how long it will take him to voice the question he truly intends, before revealing he remembers Rand from his Tar Valon parade, noting his glow as a male channeler was brighter than any he had witnessed. Logain recalls laughing then, foreseeing that Rand would shake the world. Rand finally sits beside Logain and asks how to control his channeling. Logain chuckles, demanding a bottle of Ghealdanin red wine as a condition for sharing his knowledge, before walking away.

Scene 11 - Hunt for the Horn#

In the Foregate, Rand al'Thor observes a gleeman entertaining a crowd with a story about the Hunt for the Horn. As he moves through the area, he notices individuals being branded with an image of the Horn of Valere. Approaching Selene, Rand inquires about the activity. She explains that people are gathering to become Hunters for the Horn of Valere, a tradition called every few hundred years in Illian. Selene describes the Horn as a legendary artifact capable of summoning an army of the dead, noting that the Queen of Cairhien has offered half her fortune to whoever retrieves it and returns it to Cairhien.

Rand approaches a table laden with wine bottles, seeking a Ghealdanin red for Selene. When she questions his choice, he replies that he thinks she enjoys a bit of mystery. Selene instructs the bartender to cover the first glass for each Hunter but to charge double for subsequent drinks bought for their companions. She and Rand then depart, with Selene suggesting they find him a better coat.

Scene 12 - She Never Came Out#

Egwene and Elayne walk through the Tower, with Egwene complaining of a hangover as Elayne teases her. Egwene knocks on Nynaeve's door, and receiving no answer, enters the room. They find Sheriam packing Nynaeve's belongings. Sheriam admits this wasn’t how she intended Egwene to learn the news, revealing that Nynaeve entered the Three Arches but did not emerge.

Egwene insists on retrieving Nynaeve, but Elayne explains that’s not how the process works. Sheriam suggests Egwene's grief will ultimately strengthen her. Sheriam departs, and Elayne attempts to comfort Egwene, who orders her to leave. Elayne exits, and Egwene shuts the door, collapsing in tears.

Scene 13 - You Left Them#

Liandrin stands in Mat's room as he sleeps. He wakes, startled by her presence, and attempts light banter, but she interrupts, speaking of losing a sister of great power and respect. She informs him his door is open and he’s free to leave, though Mat doubts her sincerity. Liandrin mentions that Egwene is in the Tower and needs a friend, adding that she doesn’t care where Mat goes as their business is concluded. As she turns to leave, Mat protests, feeling dismissed without explanation after all this time. Liandrin reveals a sister died today due to inadequate preparation, blaming her distraction with Mat. She admits she never saw what Moiraine saw in him, instead viewing him as a coward who feigns wit, wallows in self-pity, and blames his friends for abandoning him when he was the one who left them. She declares Mat no longer matters to her, and with that, she leaves.

Scene 14 - It's the Ones Who Survive#

Liandrin walks out onto an open area high in the Tower. She approaches an open furnace containing molten metal, recites a prayer for Nynaeve in the Old Tongue, and drops Nynaeve's ring into the furnace, where it melts completely away. Egwene approaches soon after, accusing Liandrin of wanting Nynaeve dead. Liandrin ignores the accusation and turns to leave, but Egwene weaves fire to block her exit. Liandrin extinguishes the flames and confronts Egwene, stating that Nynaeve had power, but Egwene was meant to be the wise one who knew her place. As Egwene backs toward the ledge, Liandrin reminds her of the Aes Sedai oaths, which prohibit lying, and admits she sent Nynaeve to the Three Arches because she believed in her, yet Nynaeve disappointed her. Liandrin adds that history is often written not by the most powerful women, but by those who survive, and if Egwene minds her place, she might endure. Egwene retorts that Liandrin has no idea what she’s capable of, then departs.

Scene 15 - One Less Poor Mouth#

Selene and Rand attend a noble’s party in Cairhien, surrounded by numerous nobles. Rand wears a red coat adorned with golden herons embroidered on the collar, shoulders, and sleeves, reminiscent of the cover art for A Memory of Light. Selene notes that the nobles are curious about them, mentioning that Lady Dhulaine invited them to dinner next week. She adds that the nobles are playing Daes Dae'mar, seeking to use Rand in their schemes. Rand inquires about Ghealdan wine, prompting Selene to search for a bottle. In her absence, Lady Anvaere approaches Rand, warning him against accepting Lady Dhulaine’s invitation due to hidden motives. When Anvaere presses him for a decision, Rand tosses the invitation into a nearby fire. Anvaere observes Rand, deducing he’s staying in the Foregate, and comments on the barbarity of celebrating while the poor starve, their only hope pinned on the Hunt for the Horn. Rand suggests the Queen’s reward makes the hunt worthwhile, but Anvaere reveals there is no reward, and the Horn may not even exist. She explains the Queen’s true motive: after the Aiel War, refugees flooded the Foregate, causing overcrowding. Unable to expel them without risking revolt, the Queen uses the Hunt for the Horn to lure them away—those who die are simply one less mouth for the rich to feed.

Selene returns, and Lady Anvaere introduces herself, attempting to learn Selene’s identity. Selene declines to share her name and leads Rand away, presenting him with a bottle of Ghealdanin red wine. Rand relays Anvaere’s explanation of the hunt, and Selene confirms that everything in Cairhien is part of a scheme, with no genuine reward. When Rand asks why Selene is helping him, she tells him not to ask questions he already knows the answer to. Rand decides to leave, taking the bottle of wine and departing without Selene.

Scene 16 - You Can't#

Rand returns, panting, to Logain with a bottle of Ghealdanin red wine. Logain tells Rand that suppressing the urge to channel won’t make it disappear, revealing that the desire to touch the One Power is unstoppable. As Logain fills his cup with wine until it overflows, he warns Rand that the urge will eventually spill out. Rand calls him mad, but Logain denies it, claiming the Aes Sedai use the idea of madness as a lie to harm men who can channel. Rand insists that Logain is not the Dragon, but Logain counters, asserting that the blood of Lews Therin flows through his own veins and that he can hear his whispers.

Scene 17 - Not Now#

Mat finds Egwene crying alone in the Tower garden. He approaches her, hesitates, then decides to leave and returns to his room. Egwene looks up afterward, as if sensing someone’s presence.

Scene 18 - The Door Is Open#

Mat returns to his room, moves the chest of drawers blocking the hole between his and Min’s room, and urges Min to come over. She does, notices his open door, and remarks on it. Min suggests they leave, but Mat hesitates, uncertain of where to go. Min declares she won’t wait for him and exits the room. Mat follows shortly after.

Scene 19 - Wolf Rescue#

Seanchan soldiers escort a caravan of wagons with prisoners through a forest toward Falme. Perrin, shackled and half-asleep, awakens to see Ishamael on the opposite bench. Perrin asks Ishamael’s identity, and Ishamael replies he stands between Perrin and a spike, then explains the caravan’s purpose. Ishamael claims Perrin is an honored guest of Lady Suroth, destined for a new life with the Seanchan.

Ishamael offers Perrin water, which he initially refuses but eventually accepts. Wolves howl in the distance. Ishamael reveals he knows of Perrin’s golden eyes and their significance. When Perrin again questions his identity, Ishamael shows a vision of a figure with flaming eyes. Perrin, stunned, asserts that Rand killed him, prompting Ishamael to ask if Moiraine told him so. The wolves draw closer, and Perrin hears fighting between them and the guards. A suldam and damane emerge from another wagon, killing wolves.

Ishamael tells Perrin that the more wolf-like he becomes, the more he belongs to Ishamael, and that he’ll be watching. Ishamael exits the wagon, closing the door. Moments later, Elyas bursts through, unlocks Perrin’s shackles, and they escape together. Elyas points to a wolf, instructing Perrin to follow it, which he does.

Scene 20 - Setup#

Min prepares two horses for departure when Mat arrives, carrying a bag of food and asking if she stole them. Min responds that she prefers "liberated" and asks Mat to hold the horses while she retrieves one more item. Instead, she meets Liandrin, informing her that Mat is joining her, mostly at his suggestion. Liandrin asks if Min knows the way, and Min confirms she does. Liandrin reminds Min that success will free them both from Moiraine's control. Min grabs some bread and returns to Mat.

Scene 21 - Let Go#

Selene waits for Rand in his room as he arrives, still wearing his red coat. Selene warns that if he leaves her alone again, she will kill him. They engage in passionate lovemaking, during which she asks him to demonstrate the One Power. He does so, struggling to control it, and she urges him to go further and let go. Rand awakens later, still channeling, which ignites the roof. Selene opens the door, concerned for Rand, and they flee the room, watching the inn burn from a distance.

Scene 22 - Help Me Or Leave#

Egwene stands in the Three Arches room, attempting to open the arches without success. Elayne enters and informs her she is not the first to attempt bringing people back, though none have succeeded, adding that it requires more than one Aes Sedai. Egwene tells Elayne to help or leave, but Elayne refuses. Egwene tries again, prompting Elayne to warn that she risks injury, death, or expulsion by the sisters if caught. Elayne recounts Nynaeve’s journey to the Tower, noting that many believed she died but she survived, driven by concern for Egwene. Elayne asks if Nynaeve would want Egwene to jeopardize her future this way. Egwene wonders how this could have happened, given Nynaeve’s strength. Elayne offers to fetch blankets so they can stay the night.

Scene 23 - Leaving Home#

In Two Rivers, Nynaeve lives with her husband Lan and their daughter Elnore Jr. Perrin plays chase with Elnore Jr, who carries a sword. Nynaeve asks if Perrin made it, but Elnore Jr says Lan can teach her to use it. Mat, finely dressed, arrives on horseback and dismounts. They exchange greetings, and Mat delivers a letter from Egwene to Nynaeve.

As evening falls, Mat and Perrin play with Elnore Jr while Nynaeve and Lan prepare dinner. Nynaeve shares that the letter reports Egwene and other Greens are heading north due to Trollocs invading Saldaea. Lan asks Nynaeve if she regrets leaving the Tower, but she does not answer. A Trolloc smashes through the door, forcing Nynaeve and Elnore Jr to retreat to the cellar. Nynaeve instructs Elnore Jr to stay quiet downstairs, grabs an axe, and returns upstairs. The Trolloc inside is dead, but fighting has moved outside, where more Trollocs attack. Nynaeve exits the house, kills a Trolloc, and sees Mat lying dead. A thrown axe kills Perrin, and three Trollocs slay Lan. Nynaeve channels, killing the remaining Trollocs. While crying over Lan, she hears Elnore Jr call out. Elnore Jr points to an arch, asking what it is. Recognizing it, Nynaeve sees more Trollocs approaching, takes Elnore Jr, and steps through the arch. She emerges alone, screaming and crying. Egwene and Elayne, awakened from sleep, rush to comfort her.