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                               A CROWN OF SWORDS

The Wheel of Time Book #7 by Robert Jordan

   Summary by Lars Jacobsson: <[e-mail]>
   Edited by Karl-Johan NorΘn: <[e-mail]>


  Prologue. Lightnings

   (The events in the prologue take place mostly before or during the
   battle at Dumai's Wells). Elaida is having a palace built for her in
   what used to be the Warders' practice yard, a palace to out shine even
   the topless towers of Cairhien. She receives news from Alviarin that
   Nynaeve and Elayne have been spotted in Ebou Dar, posing as full
   sisters. Though doubtful at first, Elaida is forced to acknowledge the
   news when Alviarin produces sketches of them, made by the Ebou Dari
   agent to the Gray Ajah. She sends orders to Teslyn and Joline, to have
   them brought to the White Tower. Alviarin also bring news of the
   Asha'man, now numbering 400 if the agent in Caemlyn is to be believed.
   Elaida dispatches Toveine and 50 other sisters to root them out. A
   report claiming that Egwene al'Vere is the rebel Amyrlin convinces
   Elaida that the rebels are ready to give up. Alviarin proposes
   increased recruiting for the Guards, the army led by Gareth Bryne is
   said to number 20.000 men, but is turned down. Elaida has the
   Foretelling. She sees the Black Tower rent in blood and fire, Aes
   Sedai walking it's grounds.

   The Shaido Aiel gather before the attack on the Aes Sedai wagon-train.
   To make the spears attack Aes Sedai, Sevanna and a few Wise Ones loyal
   to her has murdered another Wise One, making it plain that she was
   killed by the One Power. The rest of the Shaido, convinced it was Aes
   Sedai work, are now willing to attack. At first the attack seems to be
   a success, Wise Ones wielding the Power are overcoming the Aes Sedai.
   But then arrives first Perrin's rescue party and then the Asha'man,
   via Gateways, turning the tide against the Shaido. They flee before
   slaughter at the hands of the Asha'man.

   Alviarin, now back in her quarters, receives a visit from Mesaana, who
   demands to know what Elaida said in their meeting. Alviarin is the
   leader of the Black Ajah and the head of the Great Council consisting
   of herself and twelve other Black sisters. She cannot sense Saidar in
   Mesaana.

   Pedron Niall receives an important message just before he is
   assassinated by Abdel Omerna, the false spymaster. Eamon Valda enters
   the room too late to save Niall, but slays Omerna. The message is
   destroyed in a pool of wine. Valda plans to be the new Lord Captain
   Commander, with the support of High Inquisitor Asunawa.

   Less than 200 Younglings are left of the 581 that Gawyn led to
   Cairhien. They are looking for surviving sisters, and has just spotted
   one when they are attacked by Aiel. When the Aiel move on, the sister
   is gone.

  1. High Chasaline

   In the aftermath of battle, emotions run strong in the camp of Rand's
   forces. More than 180 Asha'man and 90 Wise Ones are in the camp,
   together with the captive Aes Sedai. Cairhien and Tairen troops feel
   none too comfortable around the Aiel. The captive Shaido are naked,
   since there are no white robes to dress them in, which does not seem
   decent to most of the wetlanders.

  2. The Butcher's Yard

   Rand is walking among the dead, memorizing the faces and names of the
   dead Maidens. Both Taim and the Wise Ones want to be in charge of the
   captive Aes Sedai, Rand gives the task to the wise Ones and orders the
   Asha'man back to the Black Tower for training and recruiting. He
   retains 4 soldiers, 4 Dedicated and 1 Asha'man, Dashiva, as an honor
   guard.

   Alanna heals Rand's wounds from the beatings and from riding in the
   box.

  3. Hill of the Golden Dawn

   All Rand's forces Travel to a hill outside Cairhien, so as not to
   rouse suspicion. They are met by a Wise One, Feraighin, from the
   tents. Rumors are that Rand has willingly gone with the Aes Sedai to
   the White Tower, and more Aiel are succumbing to the bleakness.
   Colavaere has crowned herself Queen of Cairhien, and Faile is in her
   service, which shocks Perrin. Colavaere claims Rand has gone to
   Caemlyn or Tear, and will confirm her on the throne when he returns.

   The rebels south of the city has been joined by Lord Darlin and some
   other Tairens.

  4. Into Cairhien

   Rand, Perrin, Min, Loial, a dozen Maidens led by Sulin, Aram, Dobraine
   and Havien with some men and some Asha'man travel to and enter
   Cairhien. Inside the palace they come across some young Cairhienin that
   are playing Aiel. They say Faile is one of Colavaere's attendants.

  5. A Broken Crown

   Rand & Co. enters the Grand Hall of the Sun, confronting Colavaere.
   Faile is indeed one of her attendants. At first Colavaere tries to
   justify her actions and meet the accusations of treason and murder,
   but soon she is just looking for a way out. Rand strips her of the
   crown and exiles her to the smallest farm she owns. She demands the
   headsman but Rand does not want anymore death.

   Annoura of the Gray Ajah appears, claiming to be Berelain's advisor.

  6. Old Fear, and New Fear

   Perrin and Faile make their way back to their room, talking of events
   after Perrin's departure from Cairhien. Perrin finally confronts
   Faile's jealousy, clearing the air a bit.

   Rand learns Berelain is on the Sea Folk ship anchored outside the
   city.

  7. Pitfalls and Tripwires

   Rand travels to Caemlyn with one of the Asha'man, Fedwin. Fedwin is
   not dressed in the black coat, trying to avoid attention. He is there
   to keep an eye out for traveling Aes Sedai. He can also bring messages
   to Rand in Cairhien.

   Rand learns Lady Dyelin is fighting off nobles trying to claim the
   throne, she is holding it for Elayne.

   Rand also meets with Bashere and orders the army in Tear forward into
   Illian.

  8. The Figurehead

   Egwene meets with Sheriam and Siuan to go over the day to day business
   of a traveling army. Sheriam, after some coaxing, reveals that the
   council sent 10 sisters back to the White Tower, outwardly in answer
   to Elaida's summons, but in reality to spread the word of the Red Ajah
   setting up Logain among the other Ajahs.

   Lelaine and Romanda have each put a woman in Egwene's service,
   obviously to spy on her. Egwene doesn't have the heart to send them
   away.

   Through the bracelet Egwene feels Moghedien escape. She also feels
   that it was a man channeling who freed her.

  9. A Pair of Silverpike

   Areina, a hunter for the horn, and Nicola, a novice in her mid
   twenties with great potential, try to blackmail Egwene into allowing
   more lessons for Nicola. She is frustrated that she is not allowed to
   learn faster. Egwene sends them both away with fearsome oaths,
   threatening to throw them both out on their ears.

   After telling Siuan of Moghedien's escape, Siuan suggests letting
   Faolain and Theodrin snoop around for clues.

   Egwene receives a letter from Merana, now settled in Caemlyn. They
   have met with al'Thor and have found him courteous.

  10. Unseen Eyes

   In Tel'aran'rhiod, Egwene delivers messages to Elayne and Nynaeve. She
   says Moghedien has escaped and that Nicola knows they were pretending
   to be Aes Sedai before they reached Salidar. They are not to return
   until they have the Bowl of the Winds, and the matter with Nicola has
   been cleared up.

   She meets with Amys, Bair and Melaine. She tells them she is the
   Amyrlin now, and asks them not to tell Rand.

  11. An Oath

   Faolain (now Blue Ajah) and Theodrin (now Brown), return from their
   search and tell Egwene that some of the men saw Halima last night.
   They then swear an oath of loyalty to her. Faolain admits she does not
   like her but thinks it is wrong the way the other sisters are treating
   her. Egwene has tasks ready for them.

   Delana plans to lay a proposal in front of the Hall, that they should
   declare Elaida Black Ajah.

   Lord Bryne rides into camp asking Egwene to ride with him to witness
   something. Egwene agrees and takes Siuan and Myrelle with her. During
   the ride, Egwene and Bryne discuss how he has planned to conquer Tar
   Valon.

  12. A Morning of Victory

   They reach a wagon train that has been robbed. Unfortunately rumors
   from the travelers say Rand has joined Elaida, and Bryne is worried
   how it will affect morale. Egwene says she is sure he has not, and
   will let sisters announce the truth as soon as she returns to camp.

   Following Siuan's suspicions they trick Myrelle into leading them to
   the secret camp where she and Nisao are hiding Lan. Unfortunately they
   also find Nicola and Areina there, having successfully blackmailed the
   sisters. Egwene lets Siuan handle the girls while she convinces Lan
   that Nynaeve needs him in Ebou Dar. When he sees sense, she helps him
   a bit on the way by Skimming.

   To escape punishment Nisao and Myrelle also wear loyalty to Egwene.

   When back in camp, Halima "helps" Egwene by soothing her headaches.

  13. The Bowl of the Winds

   Nynaeve, Elayne, Aviendha and Birgitte travel to the ship of the Sea
   Folk's Mistress of the Ships, to ask help in using the bowl once they
   locate it. The Sea Folk negotiate a tough deal.

  14. White Plumes

   While watching the horse races, Mat spots the darkfriend who tried to
   kill him and Rand on the way to Caemlyn. He follows her through the
   throng, at one time finding himself forced to buy a signet ring to
   avoid discovery. He follows her until she slips into a palace,
   occupied by Jaichim Carridin.

  15. Insects

   Carridin is in Ebou Dar on orders from Pedron Niall. He is to plunge
   Altara and Murandy into chaos, which he has succeeded in doing. He is
   also under orders to kidnap Elayne from the palace. The darkfriend Mat
   followed is trying to find the cache of ter'angreal for Sammael.

   Carridin spots Mat outside the palace. Sammael arrives, but when told
   he says he is not interested in Mat, all he wants is the cache. As
   soon as Sammael is gone, Carridin orders Mat located.

  16. A Touch on the Cheek

   On his way to see Nynaeve and Elayne in their rooms, Mat is cornered by
   Teslyn and Joline. When Salidar-loyal Aes Sedai find him, a tugging
   match begins. He is not able to get away until the queen sends for
   him. The Queen allows him to write a message to Nynaeve and Elayne,
   which she promises will be delivered to them. Mat writes that they are
   unlikely to find anything and should head for Caemlyn.

   Queen Tylin has chosen Mat for her new pretty, and starts to make
   pretty obvious advances. She is interrupted when her son, Beslan,
   arrives. He is introduced to Mat.

  17. The Triumph of Logic

   When returning to the inn two men are waiting for Mat. After defeating
   them Mat is about to tuck away his knives when he finds a slip of
   paper in his coat. It says Elayne and Nynaeve are pushing too far and
   are still in danger from the Tower.

   Teslyn and Joline argue on whether they should finally report back to
   Elaida.

   Falion and Ispan of the Black Ajah are in Ebou Dar, ready to give up
   their search for the cache. Their house is being watched by a man from
   across the street.

  18. As the Plough Breaks the Earth

   Rand meets with Mandelein, Iridian and Janwin, all clan-chiefs, to
   prove he is not under Aes Sedai influence. They are waited on by
   Merana Sedai.

   Rand instructs Berelain to return to Mayene.

   Cadsuane Melaidhrin, probably the oldest living Aes Sedai, walks into
   Rand's throne room, and immediately starts bullying him, being rude
   and superior. All the sisters are shocked, they were sure Cadsuane was
   long dead.

   Idrien Tarsin, head of Rand's school in Cairhien, arrives bringing
   grave news.

  19. Diamonds and Stars

   Cadsuane meets with Merana, Annoura, Daigan, Corele Hovian, Bera and
   Kiruna in her quarters. Cadsuane asks the questions, they answer.

   Min brings Rand news of Colavaere's suicide. Having just received news
   of Herid Fel's death, Rand is very sad. Min comforts him.

  20. Patterns Within Patterns

   The Shaido around Sevanna now number less than 20.000, although she
   expects more to come back. Sevanna, together with her loyal Wise Ones,
   uses the gray stone cube to summon the Wetlander man, Caddar. He
   arrives, quicker than expected, with a woman he calls Maisa. He says
   he has an item that can control Rand, but is unwilling to give it to
   Sevanna until he is captured. Instead he gives them what he calls
   traveling boxes, that can transport them to other lands.

   When leaving, Sammael and Graendal, for that is who they really are,
   are followed by a man that draws the True Power directly from the
   Great Lord.

  21. Swovan Nights

   Another attempt is made to kidnap Mat, but it fails.

   Birgitte visits Mat in the inn, asking him to help them in the search
   for the cache. After a night of heavy drinking, he agrees, on one
   condition. Nynaeve and Elayne must apologize to him for the way they
   treated him after their rescue from the Stone of Tear. Aviendha agrees
   whole-heartedly with Mat, which makes Elayne agree to his condition.

  22. A Small Sacrifice

   Nynaeve and Elayne visit Mat in his room, and apologize. They also ask
   his help and advice, and convince him to move into the palace.

   On their way out Nynaeve and Elayne are stopped by the inn keeper, who
   is convinced that they are runaways from the Tower, pretending to be
   Aes Sedai. She threatens to turn them in with the real Aes Sedai, if
   they won't come with her to the Circle, a group of women who take on
   outcasts or runaways. Elayne fervently tries to convince her they are
   real Aes Sedai, buy Nynaeve has an idea. Maybe the Circle knows the
   location of the cache, and so she agrees to follow the inn keeper.

  23. Next Door to a Weaver

   Setalle, the inn keeper, takes them to the Circle, where there a more
   than a few women strong in the power. Nynaeve and Elayne are shielded
   and asked questions to determine if they are truly from the Tower.
   Elayne gets more and more frustrated and finally demands to know where
   the Bowl of the Winds is. They are turned out and told not to return.

  24. The Kin

   On their way back, discussing the Kin, as the Circle calls themselves,
   Nynaeve and Elayne are struck by blunt stone-head arrows. A man tries
   to coax them into a waiting wagon, but Nynaeve received only a
   glancing blow and channels him away, together with the rest of the
   crowd. She then heals Elayne. They suspect Teslyn and Joline to be
   responsible.

  25. Mindtrap

   Moghedien has reached Shayol Ghul. Shaidar Haran captures her spirit
   in a mindtrap.

   After spending some time in a vacuole, Moghedien meets Moridin, a man
   that has touched the True Power. He now holds her mindtrap and gives
   her orders.

  26. The Irrevocable Words

   Gathered in her bed chamber, Morgase, Gill, Lamgwin. Lini, Tallanvor,
   Breane witness the attack of Seanchan forces on the Fortress of Light.
   After an hour the Fortress is captured.

   Morgase is taken to see the High Lady Suroth, and is presented with a
   choice: either she helps the Seanchan and she can remain on the throne
   of Andor, or she resists and is destroyed. To show her she means
   business Suroth shows her the former Panarch of Tarabon, now
   performing for the High Lady.

  27. To Be Alone

   Loial and Karldin, an Asha'man, are off to the steddings, about the
   Waygates.

   After a feigned fight between Rand and Perrin, Perrin Travels with 6
   Wise Ones, all the Two Rivers men, Aram, Faile, Bain, Chiad, Jur
   Grady, Fager Neald, Seonid & Masuri (Aes Sedai), Gaul, Berelain,
   Nurelle, Gallenne, two dozen fake Cairhien maidens, real Maidens and
   900 Winged Guards to Ghealdan to find and stop the Prophet.

  28. Bread and Cheese

   Having moved into the palace, Mat cannot escape the Queen.

   To help Nynaeve and Elayne, he sits with Birgitte and Nalesean outside
   the Kin's house for days on end, being ta'veren.

   Nynaeve, Elayne and Aviendha spy on Carridin

  29. The Festival of Birds

   Mat, Birgitte and Nalesean spends the Festival with Beslan and his
   friends. A third kidnap / murder attempt is made, but is fought off.
   Upon reaching the tavern opposite the Kin's house, Beslan voices his
   approval of his mother's choice of pretty. Mat goes off at random,
   ending up following a woman from the Kin's house.

  30. The First Cup

   Elayne takes charge off the group of Aes Sedai, demanding they tell
   her of the Kin. Apparently the Tower has known of the Kin since the
   start.

   Elayne reveals Mat may have found the Bowl.

   Moghedien is in Ebou Dar on a mission from Moridin. When she spots
   Nynaeve on her way to see the Ship Mistress of the Sea Folk, she goes
   after her. From the roof of an inn she fires bale-fire at the boat
   Nynaeve is traveling on, slicing it in two. It sinks quickly.

  31. Mashiara

   Trapped in the sunken boat and convinced she is going to die, Nynaeve
   surrenders completely. Suddenly Saidar fills her and she breaks the
   boat apart, swimming for the surface. To weak to reach it, she is
   rescued by Lan, having followed her in another boat. Nynaeve is so
   happy to see him she decides they will wed that very evening. He will
   be her warder as soon as Myrelle can pass the bond. Only then does she
   realize her block is gone.

   Elayne and the other Aes Sedai enter the Kin's house. After making
   sure they understand that she is the leader of the Aes Sedai, Elayne
   offers all of the women another chance to be Aes Sedai by joining
   Egwene. Reanne, who is 411 years old and the leader, says that there
   are 1783 women on their rolls, who would all like to be Aes Sedai.
   This comes as a shock to the Aes Sedai, both Reanne's age and the
   number of women who can channel.

   Reanne is about to tell them where the cache is when Mat enters,
   claiming to have found it, having followed the woman to an almost
   unused store-room in the Rahad.

  32. Sealed to the Flame

   Covarla, 11 other Sisters and the remaining Younglings reach the White
   Tower with news of defeat at Dumai's Wells, and of the existence of
   several hundred Asha'man. Elaida sends Covarla and the Sisters to a
   village beyond the bridge-towns, to hide. She realizes she cannot
   recall Toveine and the attack on the Black Tower, since the Sisters
   are traveling separately and covertly, so as to surprise the
   Asha'man. Elaida, losing her grip, obeys when Alviarin outlines what
   she must do to remain on the Seat. She is to stir up hostility between
   the Green, Gray, Yellow and Brown Ajahs.

   As soon as Alviarin is gone, Elaida starts planning how to rid herself
   of her. She visits an old friend, Seaine of the White Ajah, and gives
   her the task of seeking out traitors in the Tower, people who have
   been in contact with al'Thor and maybe helped the former Amyrlin
   escape.

   Seaine seeks the help of a friend in the Red Ajah, Pevara. Together
   they will hunt the Black Ajah.

  33. A Bath

   The night Rand ordered the armies forward into Illian, he Traveled to
   Rhuidean and fetched the two Ter'angreal in the shape of a man and a
   woman.

   Believing the night with Min was forced by him, Rand shuts himself
   away in his room. It is 4 days before Min can convince him that she
   loves him. She makes him prepare to meet the Sea Folk on the ship in
   the river.

  34. Ta'veren

   Rand meets with the Ship-mistress. Since Rand is ta'veren she reveals
   more than necessary, providing Rand with a good ground for
   negotiations. He demands transport for his troops and supplies
   whenever needed. He also wants patrols off the western shores and news
   from Arad Doman and Tarabon. The Ship Mistress says that no ships
   return from the Aryth Ocean, making Rand suspect the Seanchan are
   already back.

  35. Into the Woods

   Rand and Min visit the rebel camp outside Cairhien. They meet the two
   leaders, Lord Darlin from Tear and Lady Caraline from
   Cairhien.Caraline recognizes Rand as the Dragon Reborn but Darlin does
   not.

   Min sees a king's crown on Darlin's head.

   When they enter a tent they spot Padan Fain in the service of Lord
   Toram Riatin.

   Cadsuane is also in the tent together with 2 Aes Sedai friends and 3
   Red Ajah from the Tower.

  36. Blades

   Rand is fighting Toram, a blade-master, with practice blades when a
   bubble of evil strikes the camp. It kills a Red Sister before Cadsuane
   can take command and lead the flight out of the mist.

   Fain suddenly jumps Rand, cutting his side with the Shadar Logoth
   dagger. The wound is on top of the old one and Rand is close to death.
   Cadsuane and a Yellow Sister, Samitsu, try to heal him but are unable
   to.

   They exit the mist, Darlin carrying Rand despite having found out he
   is the Dragon. On the road they stop a carriage and on the way back
   Min tells Cadsuane of her and Rand's time of captivity.

   When Rand is back in bed Flinn, an Asha'man, manages to heal him
   better than both Cadsuane and Samitsu.

  37. A Note from the Palace

   Mat, Beslan, Lan, Nalesean, Elayne, Nynaeve, some of the Wise Women and
   some of Mat's Red Arms set out for the Rahad to collect the Bowl.

   Lan reveals he and Nynaeve were married last night on a Sea Folk ship.

  38. Six Stories

   As they reach the house they are met by Falion, Ispan and a band of
   darkfriends. They are also confronted by a Gholam, which kills Nalesean
   and several of Mat's men, and also one of the Wise Women. The Gholam
   and Falion escapes but Ispan is taken prisoner.

   They locate the cache and the Bowl.

  39. Promises to Keep

   Back in the palace, Mat tells of the Gholam. Six were created, 3 male,
   3 female.

   The Sea Folk, The Wise Women and the Aes Sedai all agree to go to a
   Kin farm outside the city to use the Bowl. Olver is missing so Mat and
   few men stay behind, to look for him. They will join the others as
   soon as possible.

   The Seanchan have reached Ebou Dar, and are now attacking. Mat is
   caught under a collapsing house.

  40. Spears

   Galina, second only to Alviarin in the Black Ajah, is a prisoner of
   the Shaido. She has helped kill a king, a queen and break two
   Amyrlins. Sevanna wants Galina for a pet Aes Sedai, to use her power.
   Sammael arrives with Graendal. Through gateways he spreads the Shaido
   over the lands, some emerging in front of Rand's troops that are out
   to clear Kinslayer's Dagger.

   Shaidar Haran is watching Sammael's actions.

  41. A Crown of Swords

   Rand wakes up. Though not fully recovered he Travels with Min and some
   Asha'man to Lord Bashere's camp. One of the Asha'man, Dashiva, is
   almost as strong in the Power as Rand. There he collects the Saldaean
   cavalry and 15.000 cross-bow men, the men Taim recruited that could
   not be taught to channel. They travel to Illian where Rand and the
   Asha'man spread out and channel, setting off all Sammael's wards at
   once. Rand notices Sammael Traveling and follows. He comes out in
   Shadar Logoth where he spots Liah, the left behind Maiden. When
   killing Trollocs and Myrddraal with the Power he is almost struck by
   Sammael's lightning. He finds himself hanging from a ledge over a hole
   of unknown depth, when a black-haired man in a black coat helps him up.
   The man channels, but not Saidin. Sammael is killed (?) by Mashadar.

   Upon returning to Illian the city is in Bashere's hands and Lord
   Gregorin den Lushenos offers Rand the Laurel crown, the throne and all
   of Illian.

   The Laurel crown is given a new name, the Crown of Swords.

   Lars Andersson