Knife of Dreams

How it opens

In the camp of the Aes Sedai who oppose Elaida, near Dragonmount, the Amyrlin's boat has been found overturned in the reeds, and the sisters believe Egwene is dead. Then Egwene summons Siuan Sanche to a meeting in Tel'aran'rhiod, the World of Dreams, and Siuan rides through the night to tell the others that Egwene and Leane are alive, held prisoner inside the Tower. Egwene forbids any rescue that involves sisters, and the Sitter Lelaine Akashi asks Siuan to be as faithful to her as to Egwene, should Egwene die or be stilled. At first light the next morning, the Gray sister Beonin opens a gateway to a grove near the White Tower, puts on a face that is not her own, and sets out to reach Elaida.

Who you meet early

• Siuan SancheSiuan Sanche was once the Amyrlin Seat. Nynaeve Healed her after she was stilled, and among the sisters she now holds a low place, faithful to Egwene. She is also working off a debt to Gareth Bryne.
• Lelaine AkashiLelaine Akashi is a Blue Sitter in the Hall of the sisters who oppose Elaida. Before that Hall raised Egwene, Lelaine and Romanda struggled with each other to be named Amyrlin.
• Sheriam BayanarSheriam Bayanar is the Keeper of the Chronicles in the camp. She is one of the sisters, with Myrelle, Morvrin, Carlinya, Beonin and Nisao, who swore oaths of fealty to Egwene.
• MorvrinMorvrin is a round-faced Brown sister whose placid face hides a sharp mind. She is among the sisters sworn to obey Egwene.
• Beonin MarinyeBeonin Marinye is a Gray sister from Tarabon with a love for the law, and she keeps a small tent in the camp. Her Warder, Tervail, has saved her life at least twenty times.
• Elaida do Avriny a'RoihanElaida do Avriny a'Roihan holds the Amyrlin Seat in the White Tower, which she took when Siuan Sanche was deposed. She has had Mattin Stepaneos, the King of Illian, kidnapped and brought to the Tower.
• Tarna FeirTarna Feir is a Red sister and Elaida's Keeper of the Chronicles, cold by nature and hard to faze. Elaida trusts her a great deal.