Moiraine POV#

Accepted Moiraine and Siuan stand in attendance to Tamra and Gitara Moroso in the Amyrlin's quarters. Moiraine is keenly interested in the battle around Tar Valon because her uncle started the war.[1] High Captain of the Tower Guard Azil Mareed makes regular reports but they are not shared with Accepted. This is the largest battle since Artur Hawkwing's time. Tamra and Gitara were both Blue Ajah. Gitara has had the Foretelling before. Moiraine wonders if that is why Tar Valon was already surrounded by the army when the Aiel arrived[2] and hopes that she might hear one. Temaile and Brendas had the previous shift.

Both Siuan and Moiraine are orphans. Their mothers died young and their fathers since they enrolled at the White Tower.[3] Elaida a'Roihan was the only other to finish novice training in three years. Siuan channels to heat tea and Moiraine feels a tingle.[4] They hear the sound of distant trumpets.[5] Tamra sends Moiraine to see if there is any news. Outside in the anteroom, Elin Warrel, the novice on duty, is reading a book of love stories. She is three years older than Moiraine. Moiraine chides her for reading love stories as Aes Sedai seldom have a love life. Moiraine returns to the Amyrlin's quarters. Gitara jerks to her feet and has a Foretelling:

• "He is born again! I feel him! The Dragon takes his first breath on the slope of Dragonmount! He is coming! He is coming! Light help us! Light help the world! He lies in the snow and cries like the thunder! He burns like the sun!"

then she falls over dead. Tamra is dismayed. She Delves her with Air, Water and Spirit. She swears Moiraine and Siuan to secrecy, telling them to lie if necessary, even to a sister.[6] She tells them to send in Elin Warrel, then they may leave. Moiraine rues wishing to hear a Foretelling.