ToM: Stronger than Blood

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Gawyn POV#

Hours after the battle Gawyn sits exhausted in Egwene's quarters when she returns. The blood stains are being cleaned. A fourth assassin was killed taking two Tower Guards and a Warder with her.[1] Mesaana was masquerading as Danelle. Egwene had no warning because Gawyn's messenger was killed.[2] She was worried that Silviana's message was too strongly worded. He says he learned to surrender and promises to obey her in everything else if she lets him protect her. He wants to marry right now but she is still shy about protocol. What would Elayne and her parents say? She leaves to speak to the Hall. He examines the bodies of Celark and Mazone, then the assassins. Something must be done about the Seanchan. He examines the bodies of the three assassins. He takes their ter'angreal rings and puts them in his pocket.[3]

More Lan POV

Lan POV#

Lan is aware that Nynaeve now holds his bond. Her passion and kindness are remarkable. He has reached the Silverwall Keeps, a fortification at the border between Kandor and Arafel on the Firchon Pass protecting the westward access to Shol Arbela. Yakobin the Undaunted held keeps when Trollocs invaded deep into Arafel. There are thousands camped there, obviously waiting for Lan. He is furious that someone sent word ahead, but Andere replies that it is the obvious place that Lan would have to pass. He insists that they still pretend to be a caravan and they proceed through the pass. Rakim keeps reminding him, death is lighter than a feather, heavier than a mountain. The men all wear hadori and the women ki'sain. It would have made Bukama cry. They pass through the gates and Lan says they are on their way to Fal Moran with supplies for Shienar for the Last Battle. They almost make their way through unnoticed but a young man in a window shouts recognition. He is Kaisel Noramaga, grandson of Queen Ethenielle of Kandor. Kendral, grandson of King Paitar of Arafel is there, too. They both insist on joining Lan and his army. Lan asks how he was recognized. Kaisel replies that Nynaeve told them about Mandarb. Lan thinks curses, and blessings, for her. He surrenders and says, "The Golden Crane flies for Tarmon Gai'don." A call grows to a cheer, then a roar.

More Lan POV

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Notes (Possible Spoilers)#

[#1] Now accounting for all five Bloodknives sent by Tuon. (TGS,Ch36)
[#2] The one he sent in ToM,Ch33.
[#3] This does not bode well at all.