Kin

From A Wheel of Time Wiki

The Kin is a group of female channelers who help runaways from the White Tower. None of these women were Aes Sedai, but having trained in the tower they have some similar rules. Rank among the Kin is determined by age, not strength in the power. The thirteen oldest members in Ebou Dar comprise the Knitting Circle and are the ruling body of the Kin. The oldest of the Knitting Circle is know as the Eldest. Because the Kin do not use the Oath Rod they live significantly longer lives than Aes Sedai bound by the rod.

Until recently the Kin believed their existence was unknown, but Aes Sedai actually used them to locate runaways. In this way 9 out of 10 White tower runaways were recovered.

Recently Egwene al'Vere, the Amyriln seat to the rebel Aes Sedai has unveiled a plan that the elderly Aes Sedai can have the three oaths removed and be sent to the kin as a lesser, older sort of Aes Seadai, when they feel old. So far this plan has not come into action and has met strong opposition.