Fleeing from Ebou Dar with the kidnapped Daughter of the Nine Moons, Mat Cauthon learns that he can neither keep her nor let her go, for both the Shadow and the might of the Seanchan empire are now in deadly pursuit. At Tar Valon, Egwene al'Vere lays siege to the White Tower.

She must win quickly, with as little bloodshed as possible, for unless the Aes Sedai are reunited only the male Asha'man will remain to defend the world against the Dark One. Meanwhile, Rand al'Thor must gamble again, with himself at stake - not knowing which of his allies are really enemies.