Book Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Wheel of Time – Book 7
- Jason Montero
- Sep 6
- 28 min read
Book summary by chapter of A Crown of Swords. Includes spoilers from the first bolt of lightning to the end of the book. The shadow of Mashadar coils through Shadar Logoth’s rubble as Rand, cloaked in power and sorrow, stands over the wreckage of his conquest. An ancient darkness consumes even today’s monsters. The Wheel turns, but in its spin echoes a fear—what Rand unleashed in triumph may become a terror greater than the foe he destroyed.
Introduction – A Crown of Swords
Not all crowns are forged in gold—some are shaped by madness, guilt, and shadows that refuse to fade. In A Crown of Swords, Robert Jordan takes us deeper into The Wheel of Time, where destinies twist and splinter under the weight of prophecy and power. The battle at Dumai’s Wells left scars in the land and in the hearts of those who survived, but what comes next is not healing—it’s escalation.
This book summary by chapter dives into the tangled paths of Rand al’Thor, Egwene al’Vere, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara, as they navigate betrayal, politics, and war. In Ebou Dar, danger gathers like storm clouds; in the White Tower, rivalries fester. The taint on Saidin grows more insidious, and long-buried enemies return under new names. No choice is without consequence, and no alliance comes without cost.
If you want to follow the story from the very beginning and understand how each thread was woven, start here with the reading order of The Wheel of Time ➤
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Chapter Navigation
Prologue Summary – A Crown of Swords – Lightning
From atop the White Tower, Elaida gazes over Tar Valon, plotting to consolidate her power. The construction of her grand palace progresses slowly without the aid of the Ogier, but her vision of dominance remains clear. On her desk, a message from Galina confirms the capture of Rand al’Thor, filling Elaida with confidence in her impending victory. However, her grip on the Tower is not absolute. Alviarin, her Keeper, informs her of new threats: Elayne and Nynaeve are in Ebou Dar, the Black Tower is growing, and the rebel Aes Sedai have chosen Egwene al’Vere as their own Amyrlin. Still, Elaida is convinced of her triumph, predicting the reunification of the Tower, the fall of the Black Tower, and Rand’s submission. Meanwhile, Sevanna and the Shaido prepare to capture the Dragon Reborn, disregarding ancient traditions and relying on sheer ambition. Sevanna leads the Shaido Wise Ones in an ambush against the Aes Sedai holding Rand al’Thor. As their forces split, battle erupts with fireballs and lightning streaking across the sky. The brutality of combat throws the Aiel into chaos, but Sevanna remains steadfast, convinced that capturing Rand will grant her absolute power. However, the Aes Sedai’s attacks suddenly subside, and an invisible dome appears over the wagons. Sevanna orders an intensified assault, but resistance crumbles. Meanwhile, in the Fortress of the Light, Pedron Niall is assassinated by Omerna, only for Elmon Valda to eliminate Omerna immediately and seize command. Gawyn Trakand flees with the Younglings after the battle, unable to fulfill his vow to kill Rand. As chaos spreads, war seems far from over.
Chapter 1 Summary – A Crown of Swords – High Chasaline
The wind sweeps through Braem Wood, passing over villages and forgotten ruins as refugees seek direction in a world spiraling into chaos. On a hilltop, charred wagons encircle a camp bearing al’Thor’s banner. Perrin Aybara, exhausted and haunted, reflects on the recent losses while the stench of death lingers in the air. The Aiel have taken Shaido prisoners, forcing them to serve naked as gai’shain. Men from the Two Rivers and Cairhien watch with unease. The captured Aes Sedai remain under the strict watch of the Asha’man, whose power unsettles all. Aram, Perrin’s devoted follower, suggests a drastic action against the sisters, sparking his lord’s anger. Tension in the camp is palpable—Aiel, Asha’man, and soldiers stand on the brink of conflict, while Rand al’Thor, now free, grapples with the weight of his destiny.
Chapter 2 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Butcher’s Yard
From the hill, Perrin watches in horror at the aftermath of the battle at Dumai’s Wells. Thousands of vultures blanket the battlefield strewn with corpses while Rand, accompanied by Min, walks among the fallen Maidens, memorizing each name. Kiruna and other freed Aes Sedai attempt to reassert their influence, but Rand asserts his authority, handing the captured sisters over to the Aiel Wise Ones instead of the Asha’man or the White Tower. Satisfied, Sorilea takes control. Taim insists that Rand should keep Asha’man as his personal guard, but the Dragon Reborn accepts only Corlan Dashiva, baffling everyone. As tensions rise between Aes Sedai, Asha’man, and Aiel, Rand orders the camp to move. Perrin warns him of growing instability, but hardened by suffering, Rand resigns himself to pressing forward. A Gateway opens to Cairhien, where new intrigues await.
Chapter 3 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Eyes of the World Watch
Perrin Aybara rides through Cairhien, unease growing in his chest. Mat is nowhere to be found, and Rand remains secluded with the enigmatic Min, leaving Perrin with too many unanswered questions. Tensions among the nobles are palpable as Rand’s control over the city remains fragile. When Berelain approaches with troubling news, Perrin realizes the situation is graver than he thought. Meanwhile, Faile watches her husband with suspicion, sensing that something is deeply troubling him. Elsewhere in the city, spies lurk in the shadows, reporting Rand’s every move to unknown forces. Amidst conspiracies and treacherous alliances, the threat of the Shaido looms ever closer. As the sun sets over Cairhien, Perrin knows danger lurks around every corner and that peace is nothing more than a fleeting illusion.
Chapter 4 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Shadows in the White Tower
Egwene al’Vere faces the Supreme Council of Aes Sedai in Salidar. As Amyrlin, she struggles to assert her authority amidst political games and distrustful gazes. Romanda and Lelaine attempt to manipulate her, but Egwene holds her ground. With intelligence gathered from Siuan, she carefully plans her next moves, knowing that a single misstep could be disastrous. Meanwhile, in the White Tower, Elaida seeks to solidify her rule, unaware that Alviarin is pulling strings behind the scenes. Egwene, in turn, sends secret messages to allies within the Tower, weaving her own web of influence. Through the World of Dreams, Nynaeve and Elayne uncover clues about a lost object of power, heightening the urgency of their quest. The war among the Aes Sedai intensifies, and Egwene understands that her path to victory will be paved with sacrifice.
Chapter 5 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Price of Power
Rand al’Thor gazes over the horizon from his fortress in Cairhien. He wears the crown of laurel with resignation, knowing the weight of the world rests on his shoulders. Min remains by his side, offering silent support as he grapples with the taint of Saidin. His mind teeters between sanity and madness, but he must press forward. Reports arrive of the Seanchan threat growing in the south and a rebellion among Tear’s nobles. Meanwhile, Lews Therin whispers in his mind, fueling his worst fears. Rand summons his generals and devises new strategies, determined to prevent further betrayals. However, every decision distances him further from his humanity, shaping him into the legend that all fear. As night falls, he wonders whether he will ever be more than just the Dragon Reborn, or if his fate is sealed in blood and war.
Chapter 6 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Same Fear and the New One
Perrin watches as the crowd parts before Rand and his entourage. Min, Annoura, and Loial accompany him, leaving Perrin and Faile behind. While Faile plays with her fan in a subtle language, Dobraine laments not having executed Colavaere. The woman, now unconscious, is sent into exile. Faile expresses concern about the Aes Sedai, fearing Rand may not have truly won his confrontation with them. Perrin reassures her but detects the lingering scent of fear in his wife. On their way to their quarters, Perrin and Faile are followed by a group of young nobles imitating the Aiel. In their room, tensions rise as Faile expresses jealousy over Berelain, but Perrin convinces her of his love. Just as the moment becomes intimate, Rand bursts in with urgent news: the time for rest is over, and new orders are coming.
Chapter 7 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Hidden Traps and Laid Snares
Rand immerses himself in Saidin, feeling its devastating power and the taint that accompanies it. As he struggles for control, Lews Therin’s voice resurfaces, urging him to destroy his enemies. Sulin interrupts, reminding him of his pending journey. Rand, accompanied by Asha’man and Maidens, travels to Caemlyn in search of Bael and Bashere. Disguised as a prisoner, he meets with them, as well as Deira, Melaine, and Dorindha. Tensions rise at the news that Aes Sedai have been secretly gathering in the city. Meanwhile, in Andor, Dyelin maintains control, imprisoning nobles who attempted to proclaim themselves monarchs. Rand confirms that the army will march toward Illian, but his mind is consumed with worries about Sammael, Elayne, and the fragile balance holding his rule together. War is imminent, and every step he takes seems to draw him closer to chaos.
Chapter 8 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Only a Decorative Figure
Egwene, in her tent, assesses the state of the rebel Aes Sedai army. With resources running low, she insists they must depart the next day, disregarding Sheriam’s suggestions to delay longer. The young Amyrlin, aware that many sisters seek to slow their advance, firmly asserts her authority. While reviewing reports, she discovers that Romanda and Lelaine are attempting to reduce soldiers’ pay, a move she immediately rejects to prevent desertions. Tension in the camp rises with the recent escape of Logain. Secretly, Egwene keeps watch over Moghedien, held captive with an a’dam, but suddenly feels the connection break—someone has freed her. Alarmed, she rushes to her tent, but it is too late. The shadow of a man who can channel has fallen upon them. Worried about the implications of this escape, Egwene seeks answers and plans her next moves.
Chapter 9 Summary – A Crown of Swords – A Pair of Hearts
Egwene summons Siuan and Leane to discuss Moghedien’s escape. Siuan, irritated, laments not having monitored her more closely, but Egwene suspects that the Forsaken was freed by an ally. She orders an investigation to determine if anyone saw the mysterious man. The young Amyrlin also remains concerned about the lack of news regarding Rand and Merana’s mission in Caemlyn. She suspects the embassy has failed to control him and fears that his impulsiveness will spark conflict with the Aes Sedai. While walking through the camp, she is approached by Nicola and Areina, who hint that they know secrets about her, Nynaeve, and Elayne, attempting to blackmail her. Furious, Egwene intimidates them into submission, but she realizes the danger of her secrets being exposed is far from over. Tired and frustrated, she returns to her tent, knowing she must navigate the intricate game of power with caution.
Chapter 10 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Hidden Eyes
Egwene returns to her tent and is greeted by Selane, a maid who is overly attentive and talkative. Annoyed by her presence, Egwene tolerates her while changing clothes and storing the a’dam bracelet in a chest. Before sleeping, she spies outside and notices a figure lurking in the shadows, wondering if it is Selane, Meri, or perhaps even Nicola and Areina. Using her dreamwalking ability, she enters Tel’aran’rhiod, observing the dreams of Nynaeve and Elayne to warn them about Moghedien and the threats against them. She then seeks out Amys and other Wise Ones to discuss Rand’s situation and the Aes Sedai’s influence over him. During her journey in the World of Dreams, she is nearly drawn into Gawyn’s dream, which unsettles her. Finally, Egwene reflects on the prophetic dreams that continue to haunt her.
Chapter 11 Summary – A Crown of Swords – An Oath
Egwene wakes up and, after enduring Meri’s criticism while dressing, heads out to inspect the camp. She meets Theodrin and Faolain, who inform her that no one approached Marigan’s tent the previous night. Surprised, Egwene receives their loyalty as both women swear to serve her sincerely despite the difficulties they face due to their recent elevation to Aes Sedai. Later, Gareth Bryne arrives with news of something important his patrol has discovered. As she prepares to leave with him, Egwene is approached by Romanda and Lelaine, who argue about internal problems in the Hall, particularly Delana’s accusations regarding the Black Ajah. Finally, Egwene, accompanied by Myrelle and Siuan, rides with Bryne to see what he has found, though her mind remains occupied with the conflicts within the White Tower and the uncertain future ahead.
Chapter 12 Summary – A Crown of Swords – A Morning of Victories
Egwene rides with Gareth Bryne, Siuan, and Myrelle through the arid landscape, marked by drought and abnormal heat. As they cross the Reisendrelle River, Egwene reflects on the fate of the world and the importance of Nynaeve and Elayne’s mission. Along the way, they encounter a patrol from the Band of the Red Hand, led by Talmanes, which infuriates Myrelle. Bryne reveals that more than ten thousand men are following their path, adding to their army’s strength. Egwene notices the growing tension between factions as they inspect a farm devastated by war. Upon reaching their destination, Bryne informs her of a troubling rumor: that Rand has sworn loyalty to Elaida in the White Tower. Egwene, certain it is false, attempts to suppress the spread of the news. Later, Myrelle takes her to a secret camp where she meets Lan Mandragoran, now bonded to her without his consent. Egwene decides to send him to Ebou Dar to protect Nynaeve, giving him a purpose to keep him alive.
Chapter 13 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Bowl of the Winds
Aviendha travels on a small boat alongside Elayne, Nynaeve, and Birgitte, struggling to conceal her discomfort with so much water around her. As they sail, they discuss Nicola and Areina, as well as the possibility of using Mat’s ta’veren nature to find the Bowl of the Winds. Upon arriving at the Sea Folk’s ship, Nynaeve battles her seasickness and the tense reception from Nesta din Reas, Mistress of the Ships. Despite the initial hostility, Elayne negotiates firmly and reveals their knowledge of the Bowl, shocking the Sea Folk. Nesta summons more of her people’s leaders to discuss the terms of an agreement, making it clear that the Atha’an Miere will set their own conditions. Aviendha, feeling out of place on the ship, struggles against her fear of the water while observing the peculiar culture of the Sea Folk and the importance they place on the artifact they seek.
Chapter 14 Summary – A Crown of Swords – White Feathers
Mat attends a horse race at the Silver Circuit and bets all his money on Wind, ridden by Olver. While waiting for the race, he receives news that Elayne and the others have left the palace without informing him, which infuriates him. During the race, his attention is drawn to a vulpine-faced woman wearing a hat with white feathers, who seems eerily familiar. Suddenly, he remembers she once tried to kill him with a dark and deadly knife. After winning his bet, he decides to follow her through the city, suspecting that it is no coincidence to find her in Ebou Dar. He tracks her to a palace and discovers that she is a guest of Jaichim Carridin, an Inquisitor of the Whitecloaks. As he pieces the clues together, Mat realizes he is caught in something dangerous, and his suspicions are confirmed when he feels the dice rolling in his head—a sign that his fate has changed.
Chapter 15 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Insects
Jaichim Carridin, writing a coded report, watches with irritation as ants get trapped in his ink. In his mind, the situation in Altara and Murandy is similar: the chaos caused by the Dragon’s sworn followers serves to strengthen the control of the Children of the Light. Lady Shiaine, a dangerous assassin and Darkfriend, arrives to demand more money. Annoyed by her lack of results, Carridin intimidates her, making it clear that his patience is running out. However, his attention shifts when he sees Mat Cauthon on the street through the window. A sudden and terrifying memory overtakes him: a vision of fire and suffering linked to Mat, the Horn of Valere, and a ruby-hilted dagger. At that moment, Sammael appears, demanding that he locate a cache of Power-wrought objects. As a warning, he reminds him of his sister’s fate. Carridin understands that failure is not an option.
Chapter 16 Summary – A Crown of Swords – A Brush on the Cheeks
Mat Cauthon arrives at the Tarasin Palace intending to leave a message for Elayne and Nynaeve. After a confusing parade of servants, he encounters Joline and Teslyn, two Aes Sedai loyal to Elaida. They attempt to warn him of the dangers his friends face, hinting that he should seek the White Tower’s protection. Mat does not trust them and prefers to cut the conversation short. Just as it seems he will not escape their pressure, Queen Tylin summons him. In her presence, Mat tries to warn her about Jaichim Carridin and his connection to the Darkfriends, but the queen dismisses his warning with exasperating indifference. Beslan, Tylin’s son, arrives after having killed a man in a duel, and the queen proudly congratulates him. Before Mat can react, Beslan adopts him as his new companion for parties and fights, trapping him in a whirlwind of unwanted commitments.
Chapter 17 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Triumph of Logic
Back at The Wandering Woman, Mat tries to collect his thoughts, but the dice in his head keep rolling. While consulting with his men, he receives disturbing news: a strange mist has appeared in the Rahad, and people have either vanished or been found dead. Before he can act, two men attempt to assassinate him at his inn. Using his agility and quick reflexes, he kills both, though he barely survives the attack. Innkeeper Setalle Anan examines the scene calmly as Mat discovers an anonymous note in his jacket warning him that Elayne and Nynaeve are still in danger. Meanwhile, Joline and Teslyn debate their loyalty to Elaida and whether capturing Nynaeve and Elayne is the right move. At the same time, Falion and Ispan, Aes Sedai of the Black Ajah, fail to locate a stash of angreal in Ebou Dar and conclude that capturing Nynaeve might be a better alternative.
Chapter 18 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Cadsuane’s Visit
Rand is negotiating with the Aiel chiefs, struggling to maintain his authority. To assert his control over the Aes Sedai, he orders Merana to serve him tea as if she were a mere servant. The Aiel chiefs remain unsurprised, indicating that the Wise Ones have already explained the situation. Rand tries to convince them that the Aes Sedai do not control him and that their loyalty is essential in the fight against the Shaido. However, the Aiel leaders seem more concerned with war and their people’s future. After the meeting, Berelain arrives, furious that Rand has ordered her return to Mayene, but he insists that her safety is paramount. Suddenly, Cadsuane Melaidhrin, a legendary Aes Sedai, appears unannounced. Her defiant attitude suggests that Rand is on the brink of madness. Enraged, he destroys the room with Saidin. When Cadsuane hints that men who channel often hear voices, Rand feels more disturbed than ever.
Chapter 19 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Diamonds and Stars
Merana, Annoura, and other Aes Sedai are stunned by Cadsuane’s arrival, as her reputation precedes her. She interrogates them relentlessly, seeking information about Rand, the Asha’man, and the White Tower’s plans. Meanwhile, Min rushes through the palace halls to find Rand, seeking comfort after discovering the corpse of Colavaere, who has hanged herself. Rand reveals to her that Herid Fel, the philosopher who advised him, has been brutally murdered, likely by a Shadowspawn. Overwhelmed with grief, Min throws herself into Rand’s arms and begs him to kiss her. Hesitant at first, he eventually gives in, and they surrender to each other in a moment of deep vulnerability. Meanwhile, Cadsuane, satisfied with the information she has gathered, leaves the Sun Palace determined to influence Rand and shape him for his role in the Last Battle, regardless of the methods she must employ.
Chapter 20 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Plots Within Plots
Sevanna meets with the surviving Wise Ones after the Shaido’s massacre. Anxiety reigns among them, as Rand al’Thor does not pursue them, but they also do not know if they can regroup. Sevanna uses a mysterious ter’angreal, a cube with tiny engravings, to contact Caddar, a wetlander who promised her power. When the connection is established, he asks if she has captured Rand. She denies it but agrees to a meeting in ten days. Caddar and his companion, Maisia, appear in a clearing. The woman, who can channel, demonstrates her power using the cube. Sevanna suspects she is Aes Sedai. Caddar offers objects that can control both Rand and the Aes Sedai, but at a steep price. Meanwhile, a mysterious observer uses the True Power to spy on them, reveling in the growing chaos.
Chapter 21 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Swovan Night
During the Swovan Night festival, Mat encounters three beggars attempting to rob him. He easily defeats them but feels his luck shifting. At The Wandering Woman, Birgitte waits in his room, and he recognizes her as the legendary heroine. She confirms that she was prematurely expelled from the Wheel and is now Elayne’s Guardian. They agree to keep their respective histories secret. Meanwhile, in the palace, Nynaeve, Elayne, and Aviendha anxiously wait. They know Mat is crucial to their plan but doubt his reliability. When Birgitte returns drunk after drinking with Mat and Beslan, she reveals that he demanded an apology and recognition. Aviendha insists that Elayne and Nynaeve have toh with Mat for having dismissed his help in Tear. Reluctantly, both agree to make amends with him. A storm, unlike any other, approaches.
Chapter 22 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Small Sacrifices
Elayne and Nynaeve visit Mat to apologize. Hungover, he receives them in confusion. Elayne swears by the Lion Throne to treat him with respect, follow his advice if reasonable, and allow him to assign them a personal guard. Mat accepts but remains wary. They then try to convince him to help them find the Bowl of the Winds, a ter’angreal in the Rahad. Mat insists they take an escort. After their talk, Elayne and Nynaeve are confronted by Setalle Anan, the innkeeper, who does not believe they are true Aes Sedai. She reveals that she knows women who shelter those who could not complete White Tower training. Intrigued, Nynaeve accepts her help, and both remove their Great Serpent rings to avoid suspicion. Setalle leads them to a mysterious group called the Kin.
Chapter 23 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Between a Weaving and a Dye House
Nynaeve and Elayne follow Setalle Anan through Ebou Dar, pretending to be naive young women seeking aid. The innkeeper takes them to a modest house hidden between a weaving shop and a dye house, where they are introduced to Reanne Corly, a gray-haired woman with great authority. From the start, the visitors are met with distrust and tested with questions about the White Tower. Though they answer correctly, Reanne and her companions remain reluctant to help them. Nynaeve suspects they have found a secret group of women who can channel and who may know the Bowl of the Winds' location. However, when they reveal that they are Aes Sedai, they are rejected and threatened with being turned over to the real sisters in the palace. Expelled and frustrated, they are forced to reconsider their options.
Chapter 24 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Kin
While Reanne and the others deliberate, Nynaeve and Elayne walk away disappointed. On the street, they argue about Reanne’s true age, as if she can channel, she should have aged more slowly. Suddenly, they are attacked with blunt-tipped arrows. Elayne is struck and falls unconscious. A group of unknown assailants attempts to drag them into a carriage, but Nynaeve uses the One Power to drive them off before healing her friend. Frightened and confused, they try to identify their attackers. They suspect either the palace Aes Sedai or the women of the Kin. With few options, Elayne concludes that only Mat can help them find the Bowl of the Winds. Resigned, they decide to seek his aid, despite Nynaeve hating the idea. Devastated, she ends up in tears at having to rely on him.
Chapter 25 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Mental Trap
Moghedien is trapped in a recurring nightmare, reliving her capture and the humiliation of being enslaved with an a’dam. In her dream, Aran’gar frees her and drags her to Shayol Ghul, where she is brought before Shaidar Haran. Desperate, Moghedien tries to justify her failure, but the Great Lord shows no mercy. To her horror, she watches as Shaidar Haran creates a cour’souvra, a mental trap that completely subjugates her. Her will is torn from her with unbearable pain until she loses all sense of self. When she awakens, she finds herself in a cell, trembling with fear. Shaidar Haran visits and forces her to swear loyalty. Later, she is taken before Moridin, who holds her cour’souvra. Moghedien realizes she is no longer free; she now belongs to him. Though he calls her one of the Chosen, she knows she is nothing more than his servant.
Chapter 26 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Irrevocable Words
Morgase lies in the Fortress of the Light, tormented by Valda’s abuse and Asunawa’s torture. Breane tries to restore her strength, but the queen drowns in shame. Suddenly, Tallanvor bursts in with unsettling news: strange flying creatures have arrived with armed men. Amidst the confusion of the attack, Morgase and her allies witness the invasion. The Fortress falls to an unknown enemy—the Seanchan. When she is brought before Suroth, she is horrified to discover the existence of damane, women who can channel enslaved with controlling collars. Suroth offers her the chance to rule Andor in the Empress’s name or face a worse fate. Morgase realizes her time is over. In secret, she utters the words abdicating her throne in favor of Elayne. Later, Tallanvor and Balwer offer her a way to escape. Morgase accepts, leaving behind the only life she has ever known.
Chapter 27 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Being Alone
Perrin leaves Cairhien after being dismissed by Rand, who is sinking deeper into isolation. He meets Loial, who departs on a mission to investigate the Ways, and Faile, who has recruited Selande and other young nobles. Aiel and Aes Sedai also join him, increasing tension within his group. Through a Gateway created by the Asha’man, they travel to Ghealdan in search of the Prophet Masema, whose fanatical devotion to the Dragon Reborn has plunged the region into chaos. Perrin fears the complications of his mission and the ongoing silent rivalry between Faile and Berelain. With his makeshift army and the promise of confronting a religious zealot, he rides south, hoping that his ta’veren nature will work in his favor this time.
Chapter 28 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Game of Queen Tylin
Mat moves into the Tarasin Palace with his men, despite his distrust of the Aes Sedai and nobility. His quarters are luxurious, adorned with golden mirrors, balconies, and carved furniture, but his unease grows when the dice stop rolling in his head. Queen Tylin, with her dominant demeanor, pursues him boldly, trapping him in a game where he feels defenseless. Though he tries to avoid her, she corners him in his room and seduces him with a determination that unsettles him. Mat, indignant and unsure how to handle the situation, finds himself forced to accept his new role in this unusual courtship. Meanwhile, Nynaeve and Elayne begin acting independently, evading him and adding to his concerns. Frustrated, Mat becomes entangled in palace intrigues while the sense of looming danger intensifies, and the silence of the dice continues.
Chapter 29 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Festival and the Ambush
During the Festival of Birds, Mat tries to avoid Tylin, but she locks him in his room, mocking his resistance. Beslan, unaware of the situation, joins his group for celebrations. Amidst disguises and music, Mat notices he is being watched. While observing a mysterious house, armed beggars suddenly attack. Mat, Birgitte, and Nalesean fight fiercely, but something strange happens—the beggars begin killing each other. Beslan, exhilarated, believes it is Mat’s ta’veren luck at work, but Mat only feels unease. Upon returning to the tavern, he suffers another humiliation: Beslan approves of his relationship with Tylin, further confusing him. Enraged and desperate to regain control over his life, Mat follows a woman who exits the watched house, unaware that the dice have started rolling in his head again, foreshadowing an unexpected turn in his fate.
Chapter 30 Summary – A Crown of Swords – The Kin’s Revelation
Elayne confronts the Aes Sedai, who treat her like a novice and want to punish her for revealing the secret of the Kin. Furious, she demands to be recognized as Aes Sedai, reminding them that Egwene raised her to the shawl. Surprised, the women reluctantly acknowledge her authority. Vandene and Adeleas reveal the truth: the Kin have existed in secret for centuries, aiding Tower runaways and protecting them. While Elayne celebrates her victory, Moghedien, in disguise, locates a masked woman and launches a devastating attack on her vessel. However, something stops her at the last moment, causing the ship to sink rather than be completely destroyed. Terrified by her independent action, she flees before being discovered. In the city, fate moves in the shadows, and danger grows as everyone plays their own game on a board where chance and willpower intertwine.
Chapter 31 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Mashiara
Nynaeve is sailing down the river when a massive surge of Saidar catches her off guard, destroying her vessel. She sinks into the dark waters, trapped among the wreckage. Unable to breathe, she tries to swim, but the exit is blocked by mud. Desperate, she struggles to reach Saidar, but her block prevents her. Just as she loses consciousness, she completely surrenders, and at that moment, the Power flows through her, allowing her to escape the submerged cabin. Weak and exhausted, she is rescued by firm hands—Lan. Dazed and embarrassed by her disheveled state, she dries her clothes with the Power and confronts her beloved. When he reveals that his bond was given to Myrelle, Nynaeve’s fury erupts. Confident and determined, she declares that not only will he be her Warder, but also her husband. No matter the obstacles, she is ready to claim and protect him.
Chapter 32 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Sealed to the Flame
Elaida dreams of a future where Egwene and the rebels submit to her authority, but Alviarin wakes her with alarming news: the expedition against Rand has been a disastrous failure. Dozens of Aes Sedai are missing or captured, and the Asha’man, far more numerous than expected, have proven to be a real threat. Elaida orders the debacle to be covered up, but Alviarin, with a calculating tone, manipulates her into taking drastic measures, solidifying her own control over the White Tower. Meanwhile, Seaine receives a secret task from Elaida—to find proof of the Black Ajah’s existence. Terrified by the magnitude of the mission, she turns to her old friend Pevara, a Red with personal reasons to hate Darkfriends. The two agree to investigate in secret, knowing that any misstep could cost them their lives. In the Tower, tensions between Ajahs grow, while the true battle for power is only just beginning.
Chapter 33 Summary – A Crown of Swords – A Bath
Rand locks himself in his quarters after Perrin’s departure, tormented by guilt and dreams in which Colavaere and his fallen Maidens accuse him. His mind wavers between using the ter’angreal from Rhuidean to increase his power and fearing madness. Min interrupts his isolation, challenging his guilt and reminding him that he is not alone. Rand, surprised by her affection, insists that she must stay away for her own safety, but Min refuses. They argue passionately until she convinces him that she was not a victim but made her own choice. Finally, Rand relents and accepts her company. Min urges him to pull himself together, shave, and bathe before meeting with the Sea Folk. The Maidens assist with his grooming while Min watches amusedly. Prepared for his next challenge, Rand sets off to meet with the Atha’an Miere.
Chapter 34 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Ta’veren
Rand, accompanied by Min, Aes Sedai, Asha’man, and an escort of soldiers and Aiel, heads to the White Spray to negotiate with the Sea Folk. His arrival is grand, with banners, trumpets, and cheering crowds. Harine din Togara, Mistress of the Waves, receives him with caution. Using his ta’veren influence, Rand pressures her until she agrees that the Sea Folk will serve the Coramoor. Min foresees that Harine will face punishment for her decision but will one day become Mistress of the Ships. Rand demands ships, intelligence on Arad Doman and Tarabon, and surveillance of the Seanchan. Harine reveals that ships sailing west are disappearing. Overwhelmed by the claustrophobic cabin, Rand leaves the negotiations to Merana and Rafela. On deck, Min reminds him that he is ta’veren and that today, everything is in his favor. Confident, Rand decides to confront the rebels before sunset.
Chapter 35 Summary – A Crown of Swords – In the Forest
Determined to deal with the rebels alone, Rand takes Min to a forest near Cairhien. There, they encounter Lady Caraline Damodred, who mistakes them for Andoran nobles. Rand identifies himself as the Dragon Reborn, but she is skeptical of his influence over Cairhien. Darlin Sisnera joins the conversation, admitting that the Dragon Reborn has thwarted his plans. To avoid suspicion, Caraline introduces them as her cousins and takes them to her camp. Min perceives visions of Darlin and Caraline, foreseeing that they will marry and that he will become a king. In the tent, Rand discovers that Padan Fain, now under the name Jeraal Mordeth, is manipulating Toram Riatin. Min senses that Fain is extremely dangerous. They also find Cadsuane, who challenges Rand with her authoritative demeanor. Oblivious to the tension, Toram challenges Rand to a practice duel with swords.
Chapter 36 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Steels
Rand accepts a sword duel with Toram Riatin, despite warnings from Min and Caraline. The fight is fierce, a dance of swift and fluid strikes, but Toram fails to land a hit on Rand. Suddenly, a dark mist engulfs the tent, unleashing chaos. Creatures emerge from the fog, brutally killing a Red Ajah Aes Sedai. Amidst the confusion, Padan Fain wounds Rand with his poisoned dagger. Rand collapses, weakened, while Min and Cadsuane try to help him. Toram flees in panic, and the survivors struggle through the mist until they reach a hilltop. Aes Sedai Samitsu attempts to heal Rand, but the poison resists the One Power. With Rand on the brink of death, Cadsuane takes command and orders him to be taken to the Sun Palace, where they might save him before it’s too late.
Chapter 37 Summary – A Crown of Swords – A Palace Note
In Ebou Dar, Mat prepares to accompany Elayne and Nynaeve to the Rahad in search of the Bowl of the Winds. He feels uncomfortable with Queen Tylin’s attention, as she treats him as her lover against his will. While waiting, he receives a note from Tylin informing him that she has moved his belongings to her room. Horrified, Mat looks for any excuse to leave the palace. Nynaeve arrives with Lan, revealing that they have married according to the Sea Folk’s customs. Mat learns that Moghedien has killed two of his men, increasing his worry. During the carriage ride, his mind wrestles between fear of the Forsaken and his dread of Tylin. Finally, he resigns himself to his situation as they attempt to locate the Bowl, fully aware that his luck has once again landed him in more trouble than he ever imagined.
Chapter 38 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Six Floors
Mat is eager to leave, but Ebou Dar’s streets are packed with activity after the recent festival. His caravan moves slowly toward the river, where they board a ship with Nynaeve, Elayne, and the Wise Women. Mat discovers that Nynaeve and Elayne have withheld crucial information, including Moghedien’s presence and the deaths of two of his men. Tensions rise when Elayne misinterprets Mat’s relationship with Tylin, unfairly accusing him. He tries to explain, but the princess only offers veiled mockery. During the journey, Nynaeve suffers from seasickness, and Mat plans their visit to the Rahad. Upon arrival, the danger becomes evident. They face Darkfriends and a mysterious assassin immune to the One Power. Mat fights him using his medallion, discovering the attacker’s vulnerability. After a fierce battle, they recover the Bowl of the Winds, but at a heavy cost—several Wise Women and soldiers perish.
Chapter 39 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Promises to Keep
Back at the palace, Mat insists that they must leave immediately, but he faces resistance. He warns the Aes Sedai and the Sea Folk about the gholam and the Black Ajah threat, but Renaile doubts his claims. Cleverly, Mat forces the Windfinder to agree to the journey to the Kin’s farm. As they prepare to leave, Tylin continues to harass him and leaves him a farewell gift. Mat readies himself for departure, but Olver has disappeared. With the storm approaching, he sends his men to search for the boy. In the streets, confusion grows with rumors of unrest. While investigating, Mat witnesses a terrifying scene—ships burning in the bay and an unknown fleet approaching. Horrified, he recognizes the square sails and realizes the truth: the Seanchan have arrived.
Chapter 40 Summary – A Crown of Swords – Spears
Galina Casban, former leader of the Red Ajah and a member of the Black Ajah’s Supreme Council, is a prisoner of the Shaido Aiel. Forced to walk barefoot and barely clothed, she endures brutal punishments under the watchful eye of the Wise Ones, particularly Therava, who delights in her suffering. After nine days of grueling travel, she is brought before Sevanna, the leader of the Shaido, who declares her da’tsang, a shamed slave. Desperate, Galina tries to plead with Sevanna, but the woman assigns her menial tasks meant to break her spirit. Meanwhile, Caddar (Sammael in disguise) offers Sevanna an "Oath Rod" and traveling boxes to move her army before Rand attacks. The Shaido begin using Gateways to relocate, but some are sent to unknown locations due to Sammael’s betrayal. Amidst the chaos, Maeric and his sept are ambushed by Aiel clans loyal to Rand and must fight desperately for survival.
Chapter 41 Summary – A Crown of Swords – A Crown of Swords
Rand recovers after being poisoned by the dagger from Shadar Logoth, thanks to the intervention of Sumeko, Flinn, and other Aes Sedai. Despite his weakness, he dresses and summons the Asha’man to confront Sammael. With the help of Bashere and his army, Rand attacks Illian, creating chaos in Tammuz Square to lure Sammael out of hiding. Sammael flees to Shadar Logoth, where Rand follows him. The city, still corrupted by Mashadar, becomes a treacherous battlefield. Rand finds Liah, a Maiden of the Spear he believed dead, but the woman, driven mad by her time in the cursed city, flees from him. As he evades Sammael’s attacks and the Mashadar’s creeping tendrils, Rand receives unexpected aid from a mysterious man who channels Saidin without being detected. Finally, he discovers that Sammael is waiting for him at the entrance to the Waygate, and he prepares for their final confrontation.
Conclusion – A Crown of Swords
As this chapter of the Wheel closes, no heroes remain untouched and no fate remains stable. A Crown of Swords is not a mere interlude—it is a fracture. Certainties dissolve into prophecy, and the cost of progress is paid in fragments of the soul. Rand’s journey no longer resists madness; it reshapes what it means to remain human under the burden of legend.
Egwene, Mat, Nynaeve, and the others walk paths entangled with shadows older than memory. The arrival of Cadsuane, the rising power of the Seanchan, and the unpredictable strength of the Asha’man signal a turning point. What once seemed a war for control is now a game no one fully understands—except that pain is its only constant.
But the real storm is still gathering. Follow the next chapter in the series with the Book Summary by Chapter – The Path of Daggers ➤
FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – A Crown of Swords
How does Sammael’s death affect Rand al’Thor in A Crown of Swords?
Rand’s victory over Sammael marks a turning point, but it doesn’t bring relief—it deepens his descent into isolation and guilt. The release of Mashadar’s shadow signals a new threat, one that may outstrip the Forsaken he just defeated. Rand emerges more damaged, hardened, and emotionally detached. He begins to fear what he’s becoming as much as what he’s fighting. This moment underscores the tragic cost of his role: that even triumphs leave him haunted, and every step forward may also be a fall into darkness.
Why is the Bowl of the Winds such a key element in A Crown of Swords?
The Bowl of the Winds represents the rare chance to fix what the Dark One broke: the unnatural climate plaguing the world. Elayne, Nynaeve, and Aviendha race to find it because restoring balance to the weather could weaken the forces of chaos. The Bowl also draws together factions—Sea Folk, Kin, Aes Sedai, and Mat Cauthon—who normally wouldn’t cooperate. It becomes a symbol of reluctant unity in the face of apocalypse, and the urgency around it reflects just how fragile the world’s hope has become.
What does Egwene’s rise as Amyrlin truly mean in this book?
In A Crown of Swords, Egwene transforms from figurehead to formidable leader. Despite being doubted and manipulated by veteran Aes Sedai, she asserts her authority through sharp intellect, political foresight, and emotional strength. She handles blackmail, secret missions, and internal sabotage while holding the rebel Tower together. Egwene proves that her strength isn’t brute force—it’s vision, strategy, and resolve. Her rise is a quiet revolution that reshapes the White Tower’s future.
How is Mat Cauthon’s dynamic with Queen Tylin portrayed in this book?
Mat’s relationship with Queen Tylin is an unsettling inversion of control. While often the flirt and escape artist, here Mat is the one cornered—coerced, manipulated, and unable to say no without consequence. The scenes walk a tonal tightrope, but there’s no denying the power imbalance. Mat’s discomfort and lack of agency speak volumes. It’s a rare and jarring moment where a fan-favorite hero is the one trapped in a situation he can’t charm his way out of, revealing a darker layer to courtly “games.”
What does Rand’s mental state reveal about his transformation in A Crown of Swords?
Rand’s internal collapse becomes impossible to ignore in this book. The voice of Lews Therin haunts him more persistently, and his moments of rage and cold detachment grow. Cadsuane’s appearance only intensifies the tension: she sees the cracks and pushes them. Rand is no longer just a warrior or savior—he’s a man on the edge, barely holding onto sanity. His choices are driven by fear, trauma, and the looming knowledge that madness is not a maybe, but a when.
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