Nynaeve POV#

Nynaeve and Elayne arrive at Salidar with Birgitte, Marigan, Areina, Nicola, Thom, Juilin, Uno and the other Shienarans. They have a cheerful reunion with Min. They are met by Phaedrine of the Brown Ajah who hustles them to the inn to meet with Sheriam and the other leaders, Anaiya, Beonin, Carlinya, Morvrin and Myrelle. Siuan and Leane are also there. Nynaeve is very curious about their stilling.[1] They tell the Aes Sedai that most of their treasures were gifts from Amathera. The Aes Sedai are very disturbed by the a'dam and the seal, which is now broken. They did not know that Elaida already knows about Salidar. They are intrigued by the twisted ring, amber plaque and iron disc. Siuan says Verin never told her about the twisted ring. They are intrigued by the possibility of Tel'aran'rhiod. They also learn of the Aiel dreamwalkers and that they can talk with Egwene. Through her they can communicate with Moiraine and thus influence Rand. They are angry that Siuan did not tell them about sending the girls after the Black Ajah, but they agree that the girls should not be punished. They let the girls keep the silver arrow.[2] Sheriam tells Nynaeve and Elayne that their first duty is to teach her and the others to enter Tel'aran'rhiod, then sends them away. In the common room of the inn they rejoin the others. Birgitte and Min[3] are playing with Marigan's sons, Jaril and Seve. Two of Myrelle's Warders, Croi Makin and Avar Hachami, stand guard. Faolain confronts them. She was novice for eight years and Accepted for five more. Faolain and Emara were severely punished for taunting Siuan. She takes Areina and Nicola to be tested for channeling potential. As she leaves, Min squints at her and says:

• "A nasty woman. You'd think, if there was any justice, she would have an unpleasant future ahead of her."[4]

They discuss whether they should stay or try to sneak away. Uno says that Ragan has already found some horses they can take. Nynaeve sees three of the Yellow Ajah, Therva Maresis, Nisao Dachen and Dagdara Finchey, and wants to stay so she can learn more of Healing. A Warder talks with Nisao.[5] Siuan and Leane enter from the back room, look angrily at each other, and head in opposite directions.[6] Gareth Bryne enters. He and Elayne greet each other rather coolly. Bryne asks Uno and the Shienarans to join his army and they agree. He then asks Thom to join him in a game of stones and they leave.[7] Siuan tells them to find Theodrin who will get them settled. She stops Nynaeve and takes her upstairs. Siuan wants Nynaeve to let her use the twisted ring. Nynaeve wants to study Siuan's stilling. Siuan has figured out that Nynaeve and Elayne posed as full Aes Sedai. Nynaeve has figured out that Siuan's and Leane's enmity is a ruse. Each agrees to give the other what they want. Nynaeve is pleased with herself that she made a good bargain.

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Elayne POV#

Elayne follows Min to have a talk. Min had another viewing:

• "Those three you brought with you (Marigan, Areina and Nicola) are trouble."

She guesses that maybe they will carry tales.[8] They discuss Min's viewing of Rand tied to Elayne and two others.[9] Min admits that she is one of the others, but she does not know who the third is. They agree to stay friends. They wonder who the third is and Elayne is glad that Aviendha is with Rand!

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