Lan rescues Egwene and Perrin while Nynaeve and Moiraine make a distraction, and the group continues on toward Caemlyn.
In this gripping installment, Moiraine’s rescue plan goes off exactly as planned. Lan rescues Egwene and Perrin, Moiraine channels a bunch of lightning strikes, and the Whitecloaks’ horses escape thanks to Nynaeve’s handiwork. Not a single complication occurs. Zero tension, zero setbacks. Hollywood, take notes.
If I had to pick the most interesting thing about this chapter, it would be the part where Nynaeve rubs an ointment on the bruises Perrin suffered from the Whitecloaks, and they instantly fade away. In moments. Oh, Nynaeve, don’t worry — I’m sure you just really know your herbology, and this had absolutely nothing to do with the One Power. Go ahead and keep criticizing Moiraine — but pretty soon you’re going to have to either sear yourself out on purpose, or admit that she might not be the villain.
Nynaeve and Moiraine also notice that Perrin’s eyes have changed to a golden color. Lan and Moiraine seem to know something about this. In fact, Lan reveals that he is old acquaintances with Elyas. Just when it seems like we’re going to get some explanation about where this whole wolf thing came from, Moiraine becomes predictably reticent and starts mumbling about “the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.” Translation: “Shut up and stop asking questions!” Thanks a lot for the info dump, Moiraine. God forbid we get a straight answer before book five. You just nuked a Whitecloak camp — why don’t you go check off “smite zealots” on your to-do list and stop blue-balling us with cryptic nonsense?