The dramatic curtain of Episode 3 of Season 3 of "The Wheel of Time" lifts with Sammael and Selene, alias Lanfear, stealthily converging on Rahvin. Their urgent mission: to locate the Dragon, amidst looming shadows cast by a greater peril – Moghedian. Lanfear warns of Moghedian's menacing strategy to isolate and dismantle them one by one. Their sole refuge lies in an unholy alliance, aimed at eliminating this looming threat. Yet, Moghedian has beaten them to the punch, already embedded herself within Rahvin's sphere of influence, aiming to sway him to her side.
Elsewhere, Nynaeve and Elayne find themselves in an intense conversation with Verin, who assigns them a daunting task: delving into the minds of Joiya and Amico, two sisters rendered still but resolutely silent. Verin suggests a novel approach – interviewing them separately, believing this could unlock new avenues of progress. Tempting them with the glimmer of a second chance at life, Amico cracks first, disclosing the intricate web of the Black Ajah. She speaks of their trio structure, where each sister knows only one other's identity, her contact being Liandrin. However, Amico's narrative diverges sharply from Joiya's. Amico claims Liandrin is headed to Tear to aid a Forsaken and seize Callandor, while Joiya insists Liandrin is seeking out Mazrim Taim, the false dragon of Saldaea, with intentions of confrontation.
Nynaeve senses deceit in both accounts, yet one truth stands unshaken: Liandrin holds the crucial key to unraveling this tangled conspiracy.
Elsewhere, Elaida grapples with inner turmoil, her trembling hand and tight bracelet betraying her distress. Seeking solace, she requests a meeting with Siuan but faces a stone wall of refusal. Instead, she turns to the Red Ajah, particularly Tsutama and Galina, attempting to court their favor and urge them back to the Sitting. Her overtures fall on deaf ears.
In the distant desert, Rand and his companions find themselves in the custody of the Wise Ones. However, their path is fraught with peril – Shaido raiders are on the hunt, forcing them to rush towards Rhuidean. During this perilous journey, Egwene discovers her latent potential as a dreamwalker, explaining her vivid desert escapades. This revelation is conveyed by Melindhra of the Chumai Sept of the Taardad Aiel, adorned with a golden crane tattoo on her back. In a private moment, she reveals a profound connection to Lan, honor-bound to fulfill the destiny of his father's ancestry.
As conversations turn to dreams, Lanfear reveals to Rand a potential loophole in her Dark Oaths—should the Dark One meet his demise. She whispers of a sa’angreal, its power rivaling that of Callandor, and its unique destiny tied to women. United with Callandor, this artifact might wield the strength necessary to vanquish the Dark One forever.
Elsewhere, Perrin pays homage to his beloved wife, while Alanna grapples with her own sorrow, Ihvon’s passing striking her like a thunderbolt. His absence leaves her adrift, unsure how to navigate her grief. Together, they arrive in town just as a contingent of Whitecloaks rides in, having apprehended Natti Cauthon, Mat’s mother, along with her daughters. The townspeople, led by Lord Luc who promptly recognizes Perrin, hustle into the inn.
The folk of the Two Rivers deliberate fiercely on their course of action, ultimately resolving to stand by Perrin’s side, refusing to let him surrender himself. However, this does not deter the capture of Natti, fueling Perrin’s determination to reclaim her and the girls.
Meanwhile, Nynaeve and Elayne delve into research, uncovering clues that suggest Liandrin might hail from Tanchico—perhaps the birthplace of her son, further solidifying their suspicion that both Aes Sedai are deceitful. Moreover, the artifacts Nyomi stole could hold the master key to their mysteries. Verin was in the midst of cataloging these items when one, in particular, caught their eye: a bracelet akin to those used by Seanchan sul’dams to control channelers, but far older. Considering Tanchico’s proximity to Falme, where the Seanchan first landed, they surmise she might be searching for a matching collar.
When the duo is assaulted by a gray man, reminiscent of the assassin who targeted Nyn at the White Lion Inn, they realize they are on the right path. The Tower’s safety is compromised, prompting them to flee for Tanchico that very night.
Sensing an advantageous moment, Elaida spots a harried Min scurrying about and endeavors to persuade her to lower her guard. Confiding intimately, Elaida reveals that the Esteemed of the Red Ajah are poised to convene a vote within the Hall of the Sitters. Siuan's defeat is imminent, paving the way for a coup that will restore the Red Ajah to their rightful place within the Tower. Upon their resurgence, their ultimate goal remains steadfast – to uncover and imprison the Dragon Reborn.
Concurrently, Mat finds himself engaged in a sparring match with the Princes, while Nynaeve looks on intently. Effortlessly besting both opponents simultaneously, he decides to depart for Tanchico, unaware of Min's covert gaze and subsequent pursuit.
Behold, Liandrin and her cohorts have arrived in Tanchico, instantly sowing discord upon their entrance. Liandrin seizes a bride and, alongside Nyomi, embarks on the perilous task of erasing her memories. As the episode draws to a close, Liandrin remains unwavering in her mission, laser-focused on locating the matching collar and chaining the Dragon Reborn. However, lurking in the shadows, Moghedian weaves her own sinister schemes.
