Chapter 44 - The Breaking Storm

Summary

Perrin awakens in the Winespring Inn and, despite his weakened state, attempts to pursue Loial and Gaul into the Westwood to secure the Waygate, but is thwarted by Faile and Marin al'Vere who force him to remain in bed. When a cry of Trollocs breaks out, Perrin is mounted on Stepper and brought to the village defenses, where he observes the villagers organizing under the command of Tam al'Thor, Bran al'Vere, and Abell Cauthon. As five hundred Trollocs charge the hedge of stakes, the Two Rivers lads fire arrows and the Aes Sedai detonate catapults filled with explosive stones, annihilating the attack without direct intervention from Perrin. In the aftermath, Tomas identifies the assault as a test, while Verin Mathwin analyzes the logistics of Waygate travel, and Perrin realizes the Shadow is using the gate and prepares to ride south to investigate the source of the alarm.

Characters

• Marin al'Vere (Mistress al'Vere) — Marin al'Vere intervenes in the struggle between Perrin and Faile, advising Faile to use a softer touch with Perrin. She helps Perrin back to his room and offers him pie, managing the domestic situation until the Trolloc alarm sounds.
• Chiad — Chiad runs from the Westwood alongside Bain, confirming the threat of the Trolloc charge.
• Tad — Tad leads Swallow alongside Hu and Stepper.