Chapter 13 - Rumors

Summary

In a crowded Maule tavern, Mat Cauthon gathers rumors indicating that the Children of the Light have entered the Two Rivers hunting the Dragon Reborn and a man with yellow eyes. Mat confronts a Kandori merchant for details, then rushes to the Stone of Tear to find Perrin Aybara, who is packing to leave immediately to stop the Whitecloaks from harming their families. After a tense discussion about their shared ta'veren fate and the urgency of the threat, Perrin departs for the Two Rivers while Mat, initially resisting his own pull toward home, resolves to follow by flipping a gold coin that lands on the Flame of Tar Valon, interpreting the result as a sign that he must go. Before leaving the Stone, Mat encounters Berelain, rebukes her for ignoring him, and tosses her a gold mark as a gesture of dismissal or affection.

Characters

• Perrin — Found packing his saddlebags in his room at the Stone of Tear, Perrin confirms to Mat that he is leaving for the Two Rivers to stop the Whitecloaks from hurting their families. He acknowledges their different paths and expresses relief that Mat is leaving, then departs without further delay.