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The Bowl of the Winds sat atop its unfolded white wrappings in the center of the hilltop, a shallow, heavy disc of clear crystal two feet across, worked inside with thick swirling clouds An ornate piece, yet siht of what it could do What they hoped it could do Nynaeve took up her place nearby, the angreal finally clicking shut on her wrist She worked her hand, looking surprised that the chains did not seem to inconvenience her; it fit as if made for her hand The three Kinswo at Reanne’s back and appearing htened than ever, if that was possible The Windfinders still stood arrayed behind Renaile, al her divided skirts, Elayne met Aviendha at the Bowl and eyed the Sea Folk suspiciously Did they intend to create a fuss? She had been afraid of exactly that fro enough to join the link The Atha’an Miere were sticklers for rank enough to shame the White Tower, and Garenia’s presence meant that Renaile din Calon Blue Star, Windfinder to the Mistress of the Ships to the Atha’an Miere, would not be part of the circle Should not be

Renaile frowned searchingly at the wo their capabilities "Talaan din Gelyn," she barked suddenly, "take your station!" It was like a whipcrack! Even Nynaeve ju her heart, then ran to the Bowl As soon as she ain "Metarra din Junalle, take your station!" Metarra, plump yet solid, sped on Talaan’s heels Neither apprentice was old enough to have earned what the Sea Folk called a "salt na Rainyn and two other Windfinders, all of whom moved quickly, yet not so fast as the apprentices By the nuher in rank than Rainyn, dignified women with a quiet air of command, but markedly weaker Then Renaile paused, only for a heartbeat, yet in that rapid listing it stood out "Tebreille din Gelyn South Wind, take your station! Caire din Gelyn Running Wave, assume the command!"

Elayne felt a moment of relief that Renaile had not na as Renaile’s pause had Tereille and Caire exchanged one look, Tebreille gris and amedallions marked each Windfinder to a Clan Wave the Sea Folk on the hilltop was their equal In brocaded yellow silks, Caire was slightly the taller, Tebreille in brocaded green somewhat sterner of face, both more than handsome women, and it did not take their na, al chin Caire silently pointed to a spot at her right side; Tebreille did not speak either, nor did she hesitate in standing where her sister pointed, but her face was stone With her, a circle of thirteen women surrounded the Bowl nearly shouldertoshoulder Caire’s eyes almost sparkled Tebreille’s were leaden Elayne was res No knife is sharper than a sister’s hate

Caire glared around the circle of woh trying to fix each face in herherself, Elayne hurriedly passed the last angreal, the small amber turtle, to Talaan and started to explain hoas used The explanation was si how could fuiven the chance for five words

"Silence!" Caire roared Tattooed fists on her hips and bare feet apart, she belonged on the deck of a ship going into battle "There will be no talking on station without my per to your ship" Nothing in Caire’s tone suggested that she was speaking to her own daughter Talaan bowed deeply, touching her heart, andinaudible Caire snorted conteested a wish that she could order her to report herself to soht have been heard at the base of the hill "Today, we shall do what has not been done since the Breaking of the World, when our ancestors fought wind and wave gone ht, they survived Today, ill use the Bowl of the Winds, lost to us for more than two thousand years, and now returned I have studied the ancient lore, studied the records of the days when our fore of the Winds, and the salt entered our blood What is known of the Bowl of the Winds, I know, more than anyone else" Her eyes cut toward her sister, a satisfied glance that Tebreille did not acknowledge Which seemed to satisfy Caire even more "What the Aes Sedai cannot do, I will do today, if it pleases the Light I expect every woman to stand her station to the last I will not accept failure"

The rest of the Atha’an Miere seemed to accept that speech as expected and proper, but the Kinsworandiose did not begin to describe it; plainly Caire fully expected that the Light would be pleased, and she would be most displeased if it was not! Nynaeve rolled her eyes to the heavens and opened her mouth Caire forestalled her

"Nynaeve," the Windfinder announced loudly, "you will now de Be about it, woht Her lips writhed She looked about to burst a blood vessel "I assume that means I have permission to speak!" she murmured Fortunately too low to be heard by Caire, on the far side of the circle Opening her eyes, she put on a smile that was quite horrible when added to the rest of her expression She was a sour stomach and several other co is to eht of saidar suddenly shone bright around Nynaeve; she was using the angreal on her hand already, by what Elayne could feel "I assu the abrupt tightening of Caire’s mouth, Nynaeve went on "Elayne will now assist me in the demonstration If we have your permission?"

"I prepare myself to embrace the Source," Elayne put in quickly, before Caire could erupt, "but I don’t actually embrace it" She opened herself, and the Windfinders leaned forward, peering at her, though there really was nothing to see yet Even Kirstian and Garenia forgot their fear enough to show interest "While I’m at this point, the res