The latest installment of Reactor’s “Reading The Wheel of Time” series covers the end of chapter 18 and chapter 19 of Towers of Midnight. The discussion follows Faile as she confronts Berelain over rumors linking her to Perrin, then turns to Mat and Thom’s audience with Elayne to negotiate the production of Aludra’s dragons.
Faile tells Berelain that the rumors have damaged Perrin’s honor and that a public reprimand of the maids who spread them would not be enough to put matters right. She initially insists the dispute must be settled through combat, but Berelain eventually agrees to stop pursuing Perrin and proposes that the two women publicly act as friends. Faile accepts the approach as a way to undermine the rumors, while also asking Berelain to direct her attention toward another man for a time.
In Andor, Mat arrives at the palace with Thom and Talmanes to meet Elayne. He presents Aludra’s designs and materials list, explaining how the dragons could give their forces an advantage in battle. Elayne quickly understands their potential and wants production to begin, leading to negotiations over how the weapons will be shared.
Elayne offers the Band of the Red Hand a renewable one-year contract. The agreement gives the Band one dragon for every four produced, with Andor retaining the other three. Elayne also receives Mat’s medallion for three days so she can copy it. Mat warns her that the gholam is in the city, and she asks the Band to begin service at once before she travels to Cairhien.
The installment’s commentary contrasts the two negotiations: Faile uses political pressure to protect Perrin’s reputation, while Mat and Elayne work out terms for a military alliance. It also considers Faile’s assessment of Berelain’s political skill and the different assumptions the two women make about Perrin.
Sources: Reactor.