In this section, hidden enemies strike.
Both Rand’s and Elayne’s sections end unspectacularly, which
ends the book rather unspectacularly. Both make the same point, which is that the
opponents hidden in their midst can pose a sudden threat.
In Elayne’s case, the sudden attack takes place at the end
of an otherwise bland series of interactions with her party. Reading through
this recital of ordinary events is meant to emphasize the hidden nature of the
threat, and show how the Black Ajah behave as normally as anyone else, using
their normalcy as cover. The revelation of the Black Ajah is described as just
another part of an otherwise ordinary week, provoking no excitement.
The ‘explosion’ Elayne was disturbed by turned out to be
simply a runaway Accepted hiding among the Kinswomen. The manner in which she
is concealed among the Kin is similar to how the Black Ajah hide among trusted
friends, but with much less dire consequences. The author builds up this supposed
‘explosion’ and then offhandedly describes discovery of the double murder in an
emotionless and logical fashion. This is done to continue disarming the reader’s
suspicions so that the attack on Rand in the next chapter can be played for
maximum effect.
Dyelin is introduced, and with the events just revealed, Elayne
and the reader now can’t help wonder if she is as truthful and loyal as she
claims, or whether she is a secret threat.
A long-time foil for the heroes, Carridin, is replaced by Hanlon,
just as the captive Black Ajah Ispan has been replaced by the Black sister traveling
with Elayne. The advantage gained by knowing who was a Darkfriend has been
erased, and the heroes are back where they started with unknown villains in
their midst and no clues as to their identity.
The attack on Rand is handled differently than the one on Elayne.
The chapter begins with a set-up meant to remind us that everyone serves Rand loyally.
The Asha’man have been elevated to Rand’s most trusted guardians now that the Maidens’
complaint has them letting anyone in to see Rand. Sorilea brings five Aes Sedai
from Elaida’s embassy who have decided to swear fealty to Rand. It is implied
that everyone serves Rand. There are no problems apparent, so now he decides to
deal with Cadsuane.
Just as he leaves, a subtle reminder that all is not well is
given in the form of a single paragraph of the Maidens outside his door. They still
disapprove of his actions. And then from out of nowhere, Rand is attacked!
The attack is sudden, violent and abnormal from any previous
threat he has faced. There was no warning, no challenge, no duel, just an
immense hammer of Power meant to flatten him. He manages to identify his
attackers, and defends himself against Dashiva’s next weave with a globe of
Power that serves as a metaphor for his situation. The globe will keep out
everything than can harm him, but also the things which sustain him. He cannot
live that way. Moments later, his attackers have fled, leaving Rand to wander
aimlessly through the wreckage looking for someone to fight.
Finally, he finds Morr, an Asha’man who has spontaneously
gone mad while guarding Min. In his final encounter with Taim, Rand adds several
names to the list of deserters, all men who had been raised and appointed to
serve Rand by Taim. When he euthanizes Morr, Rand refuses to cry, saying he has
no time for tears, already hardening himself to the perceived weakness of
emotion. If he can’t trust those near him, he won’t allow himself to feel anything for them.
Bizarrely, a few other short points of view end the book.
Perrin recruits the prophet to follow him back to Cairhien, but his refusal to
Travel using the One Power means long delays. Faile’s kidnapping implies the
same. The Pattern offers at least these two reasons to delay Perrin’s return,
in case one or the other should fail to keep him in Ghealdan. Lastly, an undetermined
number of days in the future, Egwene leads her army to the shores of the Erinin
to lay siege to Tar Valon. By including this scene, there is no need to discuss
Egwene or the rebels in the next book.
Writing Lessons:
Build up a single paragraph, or pages at a time, to evoke
the mood or emotions you want the reader to have.
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