Egwene POV#

Egwene is with Sheriam, Siuan, Anaiya, Beonin, Carlinya, Morvrin and Myrelle. They explain that the law does not explicitly state that the woman chosen as Amyrlin must be Aes Sedai. Egwene can hardly believe she will be Amyrlin. Siuan was the youngest ever at thirty. A serving woman goes to fetch dresses while Siuan goes to wake the Sitters. The other Aes Sedai rehearse Egwene for the ceremony where she will be raised to the Amyrlin. They take her to the Little Tower and Sheriam, Morvrin and Myrelle accompany her inside. Romanda as the eldest and Kwamesa as the youngest lead the ceremony. On the first vote, nine of the Sitters stand. Delana then Kwamesa then Janya are first. Malind Nachenin also stands. Samalin, Lelaine and Romanda are among those who stay seated. Egwene then washes the feet of the Sitters starting with Samalin. As she does so, Myrelle looks angry.[1] On the second vote, all stand. Delana and Samalin stand first while Lelaine and Romanda stand last.[2] Afterwards, the Sitters line up in order of age, youngest to oldest, to pay homage. Delana is less than half way down, while Janya, Lelaine and Romanda are the eldest. After the Sitters leave, Myrelle lets in Anaiya, Beonin and Carlinya. Egwene asks what would have happened if Romanda did not stand. They tell her that Romanda or Lelaine would have been raised to the Amyrlin in a few days. Egwene, Sheriam and the rest would have been exiled. They tell her that it is customary for a new Amyrlin to spend her first night in contemplation and prayer but instead they plan to update her on what is going on in Salidar.