Chapter 36: Among the Elders

Juin leads the group into the Elders' hall in Stedding Tsofu, while Loial nervously stays outside, watched by a knot of Ogier women. Inside, seven Elders sit on a dais led by Alar, the Eldest. She warns that the Ways risk not only death and madness but perhaps one's very soul.

To prove her point, Alar has Trayal brought in — an Ogier who was among the last to travel the Ways. His body lives but there is nothing inside: no mind, no soul. Verin confirms the emptiness with a touch. Despite the warning, the group insists on pursuing the Horn of Valere.

The Elders grant permission. Alar notes that Loial is far from Stedding Shangtai and asks Rand — whom she can sense is strongly ta'veren — to promise he will see Loial safely home. Rand gives his word. Outside, Loial reveals that Erith gave him a trueheart blossom and called him handsome, prompting good-natured teasing from Mat and Perrin.

Alar leads them to the Waygate, which stands in a clearing just outside the stedding boundary, surrounded by a low coping shaped like briar and burningleaf as a warning. When Verin opens the gate, pitch-black darkness fills the crack instead of silver light — Machin Shin is waiting. Rand shouts a warning and Verin replaces the Avendesora leaf, sealing the gate. Verin wonders aloud at the Black Wind appearing at every Waygate they try, and gives Rand a look that seems to connect him to it.

Ingtar declares he will go back to Cairhien and force Barthanes to talk. Loial mentions other stedding with Waygates — Stedding Cantoine, Stedding Taijing, Caemlyn, and Tar Valon — but Verin fears Machin Shin will be waiting at any gate they try. Hurin suggests using a Portal Stone to reach a parallel world and travel quickly to Toman Head via the Aryth Ocean. Verin knows how to use the Stones but doubts they can find one — until Alar reveals there is a Portal Stone not far from where they stand.