Chapter 4 - Strings

Summary

In his sparse quarters, Thom Merrilin works on a forged note intended to sow discord among the Tairen High Lords before being interrupted by Mat Cauthon, who arrives in a state of agitation following a violent vision during a gambling session. Mat confesses his desire to flee Tear, citing the dangerous atmosphere and his belief that he is being kept captive by Moiraine, but Thom skillfully deflects the conversation and redirects Mat's resolve by inviting him to play a game of stones. As Mat becomes distracted by the game, Thom reflects on his own complicated ties to Rand al'Thor and his past debts, ultimately deciding to remain and protect the Dragon Reborn from Aes Sedai influence while beginning to distract Mat with a tale of a wager with a Domani woman.

Characters

• Mat (the lad, boy) — Mat visits Thom late at night, agitated by a card vision and convinced he is trapped in Tear by Moiraine's watch. He nearly commits to leaving immediately but is easily distracted by Thom into playing a board game, eventually losing his urgency to depart.