New Spring the novel is based off of a short story in Legends, which my brother has and I have read once or twice. It is rather short for a Wheel of Time novel at a bit over 300 pages, but it is very tightly focused on several characters. It is the story of how Lan becomes Moiraine's warder, but also how Moiraine and Siuan start their search for the Dragon Reborn. I'm not sure it would make such a good starting point for the series as I think The Eye of the World does a very good job of framing the narrative of the series and sinking hooks into the reader. (I will admit to a probable bias on my part, I did read The Eye of the World in a single day that first time.) I think New Spring makes more sense if you have read all the other (or at least the first five or six) novels of the main series first. The novel does a good job of standing on its own, I think, but I would and have recommended people start with the main series first. My summaries will be extremely brief, so you should really read along with the book. And with that, let us begin.
Chapter 1: The Hook
Summary: Lan is checking on the sentries after three days of fighting in the snow outside of Tar Valon. In the course of his rounds, a rude Tairen officer delivers a message from Lord Emares. He wants Lan to move his troops into position to be the anvil for the Lord's hammer, catching "five or six hundred Aiel" between them. Bukama, Lan's companion, rouses his men and they head for a ridge called "the Hook" on which to situate themselves for the strike on the Aiel. On the ridge, they are ready with their bows when a large column of Aiel come out the the trees in front of them, several times what the Tairen had estimated. Lan and his troops prepare to face these Aiel when suddenly the column halts and then shouts something in the Old Tongue before moving to avoid Lan's men, heading eastward.
There is a whole lot of stuff shoved into chapter one, Jordan does a great job of dumping tons of information in a relatively short number of pages. I'll also note that there is no prologue nor is there a glossary. We're introduced to Lan's history and the fact that Bukama has been his teacher for most of his life, after he was taken out of doomed Malkier. We see Lan as a leader of men here, something we may see more of at the end of the series. We'll get to the part later where he reiterates his vow not to lead men into the Blight. He initially got involved in this war because he thought the Aiel were Darkfriends, but no longer sees it that way.
There were some little things in this chapter which tied it to the main series. I'll point out one line in particular which I found interesting: "Lan pulled his looking glass from the leather case tied to his saddle. It was a good glass, Cairhienin made, and when he pressed the brass-bound tube to his eyes, the Aiel, still a mile off, seemed to leap closer." I know this came after much of the series was already written, at least this longer version of New Spring, but you have to admire the way he puts in these details. I don't think it is too far of a stretch to imagine this glass may have come from the same workshop that made Rand his own rather large looking glass. Well, it is a stretch, but at least the same country (although I seem to recall something about the maker living in one of the towns ransacked when the Shaido storm onto the scene, but it has been a while so I might be wrong.) At the very least, there is a nice parallel here to Rand's use of the looking glass against the Aiel in the Shaido Siege. Perhaps I'm stretching here? I find it funny that Lan is wondering why all these trumpets are sounding. Ha. Take your pick: Laman Damodred is dead, the Dragon Reborn has been born or the Aiel are heading back to the waste. Admittedly the explicit reason is probably the first.
There is a whole lot of stuff shoved into chapter one, Jordan does a great job of dumping tons of information in a relatively short number of pages. I'll also note that there is no prologue nor is there a glossary. We're introduced to Lan's history and the fact that Bukama has been his teacher for most of his life, after he was taken out of doomed Malkier. We see Lan as a leader of men here, something we may see more of at the end of the series. We'll get to the part later where he reiterates his vow not to lead men into the Blight. He initially got involved in this war because he thought the Aiel were Darkfriends, but no longer sees it that way.
There were some little things in this chapter which tied it to the main series. I'll point out one line in particular which I found interesting: "Lan pulled his looking glass from the leather case tied to his saddle. It was a good glass, Cairhienin made, and when he pressed the brass-bound tube to his eyes, the Aiel, still a mile off, seemed to leap closer." I know this came after much of the series was already written, at least this longer version of New Spring, but you have to admire the way he puts in these details. I don't think it is too far of a stretch to imagine this glass may have come from the same workshop that made Rand his own rather large looking glass. Well, it is a stretch, but at least the same country (although I seem to recall something about the maker living in one of the towns ransacked when the Shaido storm onto the scene, but it has been a while so I might be wrong.) At the very least, there is a nice parallel here to Rand's use of the looking glass against the Aiel in the Shaido Siege. Perhaps I'm stretching here? I find it funny that Lan is wondering why all these trumpets are sounding. Ha. Take your pick: Laman Damodred is dead, the Dragon Reborn has been born or the Aiel are heading back to the waste. Admittedly the explicit reason is probably the first.
Chapter 2: A Wish Fulfilled
Summary: As Accepted, Moiraine and Siuan are waiting on the Amyrlin Seat, Tamra Ospenya and her Keeper, Gitara Moroso in the Amyrlin's sitting room. Moiraine wants to hear one of Gitara's Foretellings. Moiraine thinks how she and Siuan have advanced in their training in lock step, and will probably match Elaida's record of shortest time as novice and Accepted (three years each.) Tamra orders them to make tea and they do, using the Power to heat the water. As Moiraine reaches to give Gitara her cup of tea when she stands up suddenly stands up and cries:
The Foretelling is probably the most important part of this chapter, but I'd like to point out something a bit more interesting. Siuan and Moiraine replaced Temaile and Brendas on Amyrlin attendance duty. If Gitara had been a few hours sooner (or Rand perhaps), a future Black Ajah member would have heard. From Verin's notes, she may not have been Black at the time. Either she was a Darkfriend before coming to the tower or became one after being raised. Still, she was one of the Thirteen who left the Tower with Liandrin. Incidentally, Brendas was part of the circle which healed Mat and joins the rebels at Salidar. Actually, I believe Jordan did a rather good job of making many of the Aes Sedai, Accepted and novices we see in New Spring ones we see in the main series. Easier when you write the book after many of the main series ones, but it is nice to see younger versions of people we've already met. The length of training times are important for determining hierarchy (once we learn how that works) and of course for the Supergirls to blast apart.
He is born again! I feel him! The Dragon takes his first breath on the slope of Dragonmount! He is coming! He is coming! Light help us! Light help the world! He lies in the snow and cries like the thunder! He burns like the sun!Gitara gasps and falls into Moiraine's arms, bringing them both to the carpet. She is dead and the Amyrlin orders them to lie about what happened. There was no Foretelling as far as anyone is concerned.
The Foretelling is probably the most important part of this chapter, but I'd like to point out something a bit more interesting. Siuan and Moiraine replaced Temaile and Brendas on Amyrlin attendance duty. If Gitara had been a few hours sooner (or Rand perhaps), a future Black Ajah member would have heard. From Verin's notes, she may not have been Black at the time. Either she was a Darkfriend before coming to the tower or became one after being raised. Still, she was one of the Thirteen who left the Tower with Liandrin. Incidentally, Brendas was part of the circle which healed Mat and joins the rebels at Salidar. Actually, I believe Jordan did a rather good job of making many of the Aes Sedai, Accepted and novices we see in New Spring ones we see in the main series. Easier when you write the book after many of the main series ones, but it is nice to see younger versions of people we've already met. The length of training times are important for determining hierarchy (once we learn how that works) and of course for the Supergirls to blast apart.
Chapter 3: Practice
Summary: Moiraine and Siuan are disturbed by what they have just witnessed and decide to practice for the testing (to become Aes Sedai.) Moiraine mentions how Siuan, the fisherman's daughter, is the leader between the two of them. She also mentions how she believes Siuan will be Amyrlin one day. Siuan expresses her desire to explore the world. Moiraine reflects on some of their more memorable pranks. Siuan weaves a ward against eavesdropping in one of their rooms and Moiraine begins to practice, quickly distracted when Siuan begins to discuss the implications of Gitara's Foretelling. Myrelle, a fellow Accepted, bursts into their room. Together Myrelle and Siuan help Moiraine practice before another Accepted, Tarna, barges in to announce that the novices have a free day and that the Accepted have been ordered to assemble for an address before the Amyrlin. Oh, and that Gitara has died. They all rush to the Oval Lecture Hall where they chat with Zemaille, a Sea Folk Accepted, and Aisling Noon, a Tuatha'an Accepted, before Tamra arrives. She announces that the Accepted will go out and collect the names and other relevant information for children born during the fighting around Tar Valon, as the Tower wishes to give a bounty to every woman who bore a child during that time. Moiraine and Siuan are excited to leave the city.
We learn a little about weaves for the testing process from Accepted to Aes Sedai, but not much else about the test. We'll see Moiraine's later on. Again we meet some interesting people who will play an important part later. Perhaps most notable of the ones I've mentioned are Myrelle, who is part of the Salidar Six along with some other stuff, and Aisling, who ends up as one of the sisters bonded after the botched Black Tower raid. I'd also like to note that Zemaille becomes a Brown and one of the keepers of the Thirteenth Depository (along with some other Sea Folk Aes Sedai.) Makes me wonder who planned that out and whether or not these sisters report back to the Sea Folk. Seems like most of the people Moiraine and Siuan run into play some role in the events of the main series.
We learn a little about weaves for the testing process from Accepted to Aes Sedai, but not much else about the test. We'll see Moiraine's later on. Again we meet some interesting people who will play an important part later. Perhaps most notable of the ones I've mentioned are Myrelle, who is part of the Salidar Six along with some other stuff, and Aisling, who ends up as one of the sisters bonded after the botched Black Tower raid. I'd also like to note that Zemaille becomes a Brown and one of the keepers of the Thirteenth Depository (along with some other Sea Folk Aes Sedai.) Makes me wonder who planned that out and whether or not these sisters report back to the Sea Folk. Seems like most of the people Moiraine and Siuan run into play some role in the events of the main series.
Chapter 4: Leaving the Tower
Summary: Moiraine hurries to pack some things before rushing out of her room for the stables. She finds Siuan waiting for her in the hallway. They see many other Accepted rushing about to get ready as well. At the stables, Moiraine checks on the supplies packed for their trip to the camps, finding that she packed a bunch of things that she won't need. She also remarks on Siuan's poor riding skills. They head for the gates, escorted by eight Tower Guards. Siuan tries to negotiate with the leader of their escort but he sticks to his orders and leads them through the city. Outside, they stop on one of the bridges, their way barred by Whitecloaks. The Whitecloaks ride off and they are eventually able to make their way to one of the camps closer to Tar Valon. They get a table set out for them and some braziers for warmth.
There were lots of names mentioned here, some of which I've talked about previously. In the interest of time, I won't go into them all here, you can take a look if you feel so inclined. I never really felt that so many of these major players were so (relatively) new to the shawl when we meet them later. Then again, I suppose they have the agelessness and not all of them breezed through training like Moiraine and Siuan did. Also notable in this, besides some nice Ogier-made structure descriptions, is the confrontation with the Whitecloaks. Or more like the stand-off-from-a-distance. Contrast that with the confrontation when Verin and company are bringing the Horn and Mat to the Tower. I think it was Egwene who gives the Whitecloaks a bit of her damane training while Verin is rather displeased. Not much else to say here.
There were lots of names mentioned here, some of which I've talked about previously. In the interest of time, I won't go into them all here, you can take a look if you feel so inclined. I never really felt that so many of these major players were so (relatively) new to the shawl when we meet them later. Then again, I suppose they have the agelessness and not all of them breezed through training like Moiraine and Siuan did. Also notable in this, besides some nice Ogier-made structure descriptions, is the confrontation with the Whitecloaks. Or more like the stand-off-from-a-distance. Contrast that with the confrontation when Verin and company are bringing the Horn and Mat to the Tower. I think it was Egwene who gives the Whitecloaks a bit of her damane training while Verin is rather displeased. Not much else to say here.
Chapter 5: The Human Heart
Summary: Moiraine decides it won't be as comfortable as she first thought out here in the cold. The women of the camp are massed in front of their table and are pushing and shoving, despite the efforts of the Guardsmen. Siuan stands up on her stool and uses a weave of the Power to shout for their attention. Once she has it, she lets the weave drop and tells them to line up and be orderly, chiding them for how they have been behaving. Then Moiraine and Siuan begin to write down names and other information. Quickly Moiraine becomes daunted by the sheer magnitude of the task before them. Moiraine helps Susa Wynn and her child by giving them some coin, despite the child's age, as her husband died before the fighting and she has been starving herself to feed her sick child. Word spreads, and a greedy mother comes up looking for a handout. Moiraine offers to Heal the child and the mother quickly leaves. They stop taking names to have a quick lunch when two sisters ride into camp. Meilyn Arganya and her warder and Elaida. Meilyn remarks that Elaida has taken too much interest in the two Accepted before explaining to Moiraine why there are so many women with children in the camps. The White and the Red leave, letting the two Accepted get back to taking names. They work past when the Guardsmen wanted to leave and are forced to make haste back to the Tower so they don't get punished for a late arrival. Katerine, an Accepted, informs Moiraine that Merean, the Mistress of Novices, wants to see her. Once in the study, Merean informs her that her Laman is dead, as are two of her other uncles. Moiraine tries to sleep that night but has nightmares, so she joins Siuan in her room. Neither of them are able to get any restful sleep that night.
Moiraine's charity there reminds me a bit of Elayne (and Siuan could stand in for Nynaeve complaining about the coin she is spending.) Moiraine and Siuan wonder why Elaida follows Meilyn around as she really hasn't deferred to anyone since she attained the shawl. We learn later that this is because Meilyn is stronger than Elaida, but the Accepted don't know the Strength Hierarchy Rules yet. Moiraine doesn't really have much of a reaction to her uncles' deaths, as they were rather cruel men. I found Moiraine's question to Meilyn rather amusing, especially when the White explains it.
Moiraine's charity there reminds me a bit of Elayne (and Siuan could stand in for Nynaeve complaining about the coin she is spending.) Moiraine and Siuan wonder why Elaida follows Meilyn around as she really hasn't deferred to anyone since she attained the shawl. We learn later that this is because Meilyn is stronger than Elaida, but the Accepted don't know the Strength Hierarchy Rules yet. Moiraine doesn't really have much of a reaction to her uncles' deaths, as they were rather cruel men. I found Moiraine's question to Meilyn rather amusing, especially when the White explains it.
Chapter 6: Surprises
Summary: Setsuko, a novice expected to be asked to leave the Tower soon, wakes Moiraine and Siuan up, telling them that the Accepted are to go to the stables again today. Moiraine goes to her room to get ready and comes out to find Siuan already prepared and talking with Sheriam, another accepted. They have confirmation that the Aiel are retreating. Merean is in the Accepteds quarters and tells Moiraine that she won't be joining the other Accepted in their task as she must be in shock. She has unsuccessfully tried to get the Amyrlin to keep all the Accepted in the Tower and is angry. Moiraine is to decipher the lists from the previous day and copy them out so they are legible and Siuan gets volunteered to help her. Moiraine tells Siuan about her uncles as they copy out the lists from the first day. They have decided this will allow them access to more names for their search. They finish that first day's sheets and go to bed, Moiraine continues to have nightmares about the boychild.
The next day, they come back to the tiny room and begin work on the prior day's stack. Clerks come in soon after and are displeased. After a few minutes more of work, Tamra herself enters to question them, and Moiraine manages to get ink on her dress. After a few questions, and her consent that they can continue their work, Tamra leaves. Tamra advised Moiraine about her dress and the ink, which Moiraine realizes means she practically told her to use the Power to clean the stain. Siuan doesn't understand how Moiraine gets that interpretation out of Tamra's words. They find a few potential names and write them down. Later, Jarna Malari, a Gray Sitter, asks to speak with Moiraine. They talk of Cairhien and who will ascend to the throne now, during which Moiraine realizes that she herself is being considered for the throne. Six other Sitters, one from each of the other Ajahs, talk to Moiraine about the throne that day. Tsutama, a Red Sitter, is the most direct in her questioning. Moiraine has a new nightmare that night.
This chapter has some nice moments between Siuan and Moiraine and we get beat over the head about Moiraine's ability with the Game of Houses and Siuan's ability to puzzle out things but apparently not the Game of Houses. Clearly Siuan is able to learn, as we see in the main series. More talk of the impending testing as well. Then we have a new fear for Moiraine. She could have been an Aes Sedai ruler, just as Elayne becomes. It is important to note that she doesn't want to be ruler of Cairhien because she doesn't like the way the politics of her land would force her to kidnap, bribe, blackmail or even assassinate her rivals. She'll mention this later, but for now it is introduced as a way to get her out of the Tower after her test. She wants to get away from the Tower so she can find the boy and now so she doesn't get made a Queen. Oh, and hello Jarna! Jarna was head of the Black (perhaps at this time) and participates in the torture and murder of Tamra. Oh, and she orders the search for the Dragon Reborn and his murder, which gets Ishy mad enough to drop her into a ter'angreal. I get the feeling Jordan mentions Tsutama because she also plays a big role in the main series, including becoming the head of the Reds and agreeing to the plan for them to bond men of th eBlack Tower as Warders. We still don't know the outcome of that delegation, other than it didn't sound so wonderful for them at the end of Knife of Dreams.
The next day, they come back to the tiny room and begin work on the prior day's stack. Clerks come in soon after and are displeased. After a few minutes more of work, Tamra herself enters to question them, and Moiraine manages to get ink on her dress. After a few questions, and her consent that they can continue their work, Tamra leaves. Tamra advised Moiraine about her dress and the ink, which Moiraine realizes means she practically told her to use the Power to clean the stain. Siuan doesn't understand how Moiraine gets that interpretation out of Tamra's words. They find a few potential names and write them down. Later, Jarna Malari, a Gray Sitter, asks to speak with Moiraine. They talk of Cairhien and who will ascend to the throne now, during which Moiraine realizes that she herself is being considered for the throne. Six other Sitters, one from each of the other Ajahs, talk to Moiraine about the throne that day. Tsutama, a Red Sitter, is the most direct in her questioning. Moiraine has a new nightmare that night.
This chapter has some nice moments between Siuan and Moiraine and we get beat over the head about Moiraine's ability with the Game of Houses and Siuan's ability to puzzle out things but apparently not the Game of Houses. Clearly Siuan is able to learn, as we see in the main series. More talk of the impending testing as well. Then we have a new fear for Moiraine. She could have been an Aes Sedai ruler, just as Elayne becomes. It is important to note that she doesn't want to be ruler of Cairhien because she doesn't like the way the politics of her land would force her to kidnap, bribe, blackmail or even assassinate her rivals. She'll mention this later, but for now it is introduced as a way to get her out of the Tower after her test. She wants to get away from the Tower so she can find the boy and now so she doesn't get made a Queen. Oh, and hello Jarna! Jarna was head of the Black (perhaps at this time) and participates in the torture and murder of Tamra. Oh, and she orders the search for the Dragon Reborn and his murder, which gets Ishy mad enough to drop her into a ter'angreal. I get the feeling Jordan mentions Tsutama because she also plays a big role in the main series, including becoming the head of the Reds and agreeing to the plan for them to bond men of th eBlack Tower as Warders. We still don't know the outcome of that delegation, other than it didn't sound so wonderful for them at the end of Knife of Dreams.
Chapter 7: The Itch
Summary: They return to more names the following day and Moiraine realizes that somebody will have to visit these mothers and ask careful questions. Tamra comes in and remarks that they are still working there. Then she suddenly gives Moiraine a note and tells her to take it to Kerene Nagashi. Moiraine makes her way to the Green Ajah quarters. She sees Rina Hafden with two warders, Waylin and Elyas, practicing. She sees several other warders and sisters before reaching Kerene's room and handing her the note. Moiraine learns that the note says Tamra wants to speak with Kerene urgently. She is dismissed and heads back to copy down more names. She meets Siuan on her way back. Siuan has delivered a similar note to Aisha Raveneos. They reason that Tamra is gathering searchers to look for the boychild. The next day they deliver three more messages; to Meilyn Arganya, to Valera Gorovni and to Ludice Daneen. They deliver no further messages. Aeldra Najaf is raised as Keeper to replace Gitara. Moiraine and Siuan try to keep watch on the Amyrlin's study but are caught by Aeldra, who wonder why they continue with the work. She also asks after Moiraine's dreams, and is told that Verin has given Moiraine a concoction to help her sleep. That is the end of their spying, as Aeldra warns them she will take notice if she catches them again.
All these references to Verin are interesting, especially in light of what we learn in The Gathering Storm. The main purpose of this chapter was to introduce us to Tamra's searchers. Or really just to tell us that Tamra is working on that problem, even as our two Accepted gather their names and make vague plans for the future. Also in this chapter are Elyas and his Aes Sedai. Hello future Wolfbrother. Rina is mentioned rather briefly by name in one of the other books, but don't ask me which one. One or the other of them, or both, have been shielding themselves from the bond. I forget exactly what we learn there. We learned he was a warder very early on in the series though. As far as I can recall, we never see Aeldra outside of New Spring, so not really sure what became of her.
As I am about a third of the way through New Spring, I'll stop here. Blogger is not being nice right now, so the formatting on this isn't quite where I want it yet. Trying to negotiate some compromises here. Blasted permanent italics...
Until next time, Stay Awesome and may you always find water and shade.
All these references to Verin are interesting, especially in light of what we learn in The Gathering Storm. The main purpose of this chapter was to introduce us to Tamra's searchers. Or really just to tell us that Tamra is working on that problem, even as our two Accepted gather their names and make vague plans for the future. Also in this chapter are Elyas and his Aes Sedai. Hello future Wolfbrother. Rina is mentioned rather briefly by name in one of the other books, but don't ask me which one. One or the other of them, or both, have been shielding themselves from the bond. I forget exactly what we learn there. We learned he was a warder very early on in the series though. As far as I can recall, we never see Aeldra outside of New Spring, so not really sure what became of her.
As I am about a third of the way through New Spring, I'll stop here. Blogger is not being nice right now, so the formatting on this isn't quite where I want it yet. Trying to negotiate some compromises here. Blasted permanent italics...
Until next time, Stay Awesome and may you always find water and shade.
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