Chapters 18-21 Summary

Each night, while on the road to Tar Valon, a different Aes Sedai conducts learning sessions with Egwene and Nynaeve. During a lesson conducted by the Amyrlin Seat herself, she succeeds in angering Nynaeve enough that Nynaeve uses the One Power to hurl the Amyrlin Seat into the side of the tent. Siuan tells Nynaeve that she must overcome the block that requires her to be angry in order to channel the One Power. When they arrive at Tar Valon, Egwene begins her apprenticeship as a novice, but Nynaeve, whose powers are already well developed, if unpredictable, is allowed to attempt to ascend to the ranks of the Accepted, one step away from full sisterhood.

After lying in wait for several days, Rand's party spot Fain approaching from the north. Under cover of darkness, Rand and Loial sneak down into the...