Daniel Ramirez’s Reviews > A Crown of Swords > Status Update

A Morning of Victory: Gareth Bryne makes it clear his army belongs to Egwene. The Band led by Talmanes trails them. Siuane reveals that Lan’s bond has been passed to Myrelle without his consent, which is akin to rape. Lan is sent to Nynaeve, in the hope that such a mission will keep him alive. Theodrin, Faolain, Nisao, and Myrelle swear oaths to Egwene.

Egwene enters Nynaeve’s and Elayne’s dreams to warn them about the blackmail and to stay in Ebou Dar. She meets with the Wise Ones to tell them she is now Amyrlin and to ask what she can about Rand. She also has many dreams that foretell the future. The chapter ends with her saying she will do what must be done, echoing the words that also mark the end of many Rand chapters.

A woman who channels Saidin frees Moghedien. Sheriam secretly sent an embassy of Aes Sedai to Elaida. There is a Tower Law that prevents the Amyrlin from putting herself in danger besides during a time of war, which stops Egwene from going directly to Rand. Nicola, a novice, and Arribas, a Hunter for the Horn, attempt to blackmail Egwene. She struggles to feed her army.

I’ve been thinking this a lot lately, but A Broken Crown is one of the best chapters in The Wheel of Time thus far. The text is covered in veiled, frenzied fear, perceivable only because of Perrin’s heightened sense of smell. The fear comes from all the nobles within the Grand Hall of the Sun Throne who bear witness to Rand’s judgement and exile of the usurper Colavaere. Too many memorable lines to even count.

Colavaere has crowned herself Queen of Cairhien. The Tairen and Cairhienin rebels are gathering to the south of the city. Many of the Aiel are leaving, thinking Rand has been captured or bent his knee to the Aes Sedai.

“The wheel of time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again… There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning.” woohoo lets do this again

Elaida demands Elayne and Nynaeve are brought to her, and Ewgene stilled for posing as the Amyrlin Seat. Sevanna escapes the battle of Dumai’s Wells. Alviarin pledges herself directly to Mesanna who lurks in the White Tower. Pedron Niall is assassinated by Omerna, who is then killed by Eamon Valda, the true orchestrator of the murder alongside Asunawa, the High Inquisitor. Valda will be named Captain Commander.