Chapter 38: Practice

Egwene sits in her novice room at the White Tower, secretly practicing channeling by juggling tiny balls of light. Nynaeve paces furiously after being punished by Sheriam for clouting an Accepted who insulted her, and Min watches from a stool. They discuss Galad's good looks and Min shares her ability to read his character—warning that he is so devoted to doing what is right that he would hurt people without noticing.

Elayne arrives with news that King Galldrian of Cairhien is dead, making the conflict there a war of succession. She also mentions seeing Logain weeping on a bench in the Inner Court, which reminds Egwene painfully of Rand and what gentling could mean for him. Nynaeve accidentally channels a gale into the room when her temper flares, knocking Min off her stool, and is stricken with guilt.

Egwene and Elayne resume practicing together, passing balls of light back and forth until Nynaeve threatens to report them. Min suddenly sees danger around all of them—something new and growing clearer. Before they can discuss it further, Liandrin of the Red Ajah appears at the door and dismisses Min and Elayne.

Liandrin tells Egwene and Nynaeve that the boys from their village are being hunted by the Shadow and in grave danger. She says they can help and orders them to meet her at the edge of the Ogier grove before sunset with horses, telling no one. She warns that the Black Ajah walks the halls of the White Tower itself. Their destination is Toman Head.

After Liandrin leaves, Egwene and Nynaeve puzzle over why a Red sister would help, but cannot dismiss her words. Min and Elayne, who listened through a hole in the wall, insist on coming too. Min declares she has been looking for an excuse to leave the Tower, and Elayne refuses to be left behind. Min confirms that she can see all four of them linked to the boys and bound up in the same danger. They begin planning their departure.