Chapter 3 - The Peddler

Description

The peddler Padan Fain arrives in Emond’s Field, drawing crowds eager for both his wares and news from beyond the Two Rivers. After some theatrical buildup, he reveals disturbing tidings of war in Ghealdan, where a man claiming to be the Dragon Reborn can wield the One Power, causing destruction and drawing both opposition and support. The news throws the village into an uproar, with the Village Council quickly sequestering Fain in the Winespring Inn for questioning. In the aftermath, Rand, Mat, and Perrin discuss the implications of a false Dragon and Aes Sedai, leading to a tense interaction between Rand and Egwene, who reveals her aspirations to become a Wisdom, potentially leaving the Two Rivers. The youths also share their unsettling encounters with a mysterious black-cloaked rider, though Egwene dismisses their concerns as foolish tales.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Discusses the peddler's news with his friends, has an awkward conversation with Egwene about her future plans, and shares information about the mysterious rider.
  2. Bran al'Vere, Brandelwyn al'Vere, Master al'Vere - Leads the Village Council in questioning Padan Fain about the news of the false Dragon.
  3. Cenn Buie - Questions whether the Dragon is truly false and argues with others during the gathering, showing his confrontational nature.
  4. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Shares excitement about the false Dragon news, reveals a story about Bili Congar naming the Dark One, and gets scolded by Nynaeve.
  5. Nynaeve al'Meara - Scolds Mat for his behavior, criticizes the Council's questioning methods, and enters the inn to get information herself.
  6. Egwene - Reveals her braid indicating marriageable age, discusses her aspirations to become a Wisdom, and argues with Rand about leaving the Two Rivers.
  7. Haral Luhhan, Master Luhhan, Mistress Luhhan - Attends the gathering and responds to Fain's news about the false Dragon.
  8. Padan Fain - Arrives as the peddler, dramatically shares news about war and the false Dragon in Ghealdan, and enjoys being the center of attention while teasing out information.
  9. Perrin Aybara - Joins Rand and Mat in discussion, reveals his own encounter with the mysterious rider, and expresses concern about the possibility of war.
  10. Mistress Ayellin - Mentioned as being treated by Nynaeve for a fever.
  11. Bili Congar - Mentioned in Mat's story about naming the Dark One and subsequent misfortunes.
  12. Hu - Helps stable Fain's horses.
  13. Tad - Helps stable Fain's horses.

Takeaways

  1. The peddler Padan Fain arrives and reveals news of a war in Ghealdan caused by a man claiming to be the Dragon Reborn, who can actually channel the One Power.
  2. Aes Sedai have ridden from Tar Valon to confront this alleged Dragon Reborn, marking this as a serious threat unlike previous false Dragons.
  3. Egwene reveals to Rand that she plans to become a Wisdom, possibly leaving the Two Rivers, causing tension in their relationship.
  4. Perrin confirms he also saw the mysterious black-cloaked rider watching the village, though adults dismissed his sighting.
  5. The Village Council pulls Padan Fain aside for private questioning, indicating the severity of the news about the Dragon Reborn.