Chapter 4 - The Gleeman

Description

In this chapter, the gleeman Thom Merrilin makes his first appearance at the Winespring Inn, initially disgruntled by his reception but soon warming to his audience. Despite his theatrically patched cloak and gruff demeanor, he demonstrates his skills with juggling and promises tales of every Age to the gathering crowd. His performance is interrupted by Moiraine’s arrival, leading to a tense but courteous exchange. Meanwhile, the Village Council concludes their meeting with Padan Fain, resulting in a heated disagreement between Nynaeve and Mayor al’Vere. As the chapter closes, Tam reveals to Rand that other young men have also seen the mysterious black rider, lending credibility to their sightings and prompting the Council to organize watches around the Two Rivers, though they keep this information from the younger villagers to avoid spoiling the upcoming Festival.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Discusses the black rider with friends, helps convince his father about the mysterious figure, and accompanies Tam back to their farm while maintaining vigilance.
  2. Tam al'Thor - Attends Council meeting, explains village politics to Rand, reveals others have seen the black rider, and decides to return home early.
  3. Bela - Serves as their cart horse for the journey home.
  4. Bran al'Vere, Brandelwyn al'Vere, Master al'Vere - Gets angry at Nynaeve during Council meeting and storms back into inn.
  5. Cenn Buie - Argues with the Mayor about Nynaeve's behavior and gets reprimanded for acting like a 'black-veiled Aiel'.
  6. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Expresses excitement about joining the patrol and seeing soldiers, discusses the black rider with friends.
  7. Nynaeve al'Meara - Criticizes the Council's decisions and argues with Bran al'Vere.
  8. Egwene - Shows interest in the gleeman's stories and accepts his offer to assist in his performance.
  9. Haral Luhhan, Master Luhhan, Mistress Luhhan - Mentioned as being unable to bear butchering and helps calm Cenn Buie.
  10. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Interrupts the gleeman's performance and engages in a careful exchange with him.
  11. Lan, Elyas Machera - Accompanies Moiraine, described as having a fierce black stallion in the stable.
  12. Hu - Speaks with Tam in the stable.
  13. Tad - Speaks with Tam in the stable.
  14. Perrin Aybara - Discusses joining the patrol and suggests finding more witnesses who've seen the black rider.
  15. Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin - Arrives as a gleeman, performs juggling and storytelling for the villagers, displays wariness of Moiraine, and has a brown gelding in the stable.
  16. Ban Thane, Ban Crawe - Mentioned as another witness who saw the black rider.
  17. Bandry Crawe, Lem Thane - Mentioned as another witness who saw the black rider.

Takeaways

  1. A gleeman named Thom Merrilin arrives at the inn, displaying his skills in juggling and promising to tell stories of all ages at the festival.
  2. The Village Council now believes the boys about the mysterious black rider, as multiple young men have reported seeing him, and they plan to set up watches across the Two Rivers.
  3. Tam and Rand leave the village early to protect their farm from the mysterious rider, rather than staying for Winternight festivities.
  4. The Council's earlier meeting about the false Dragon was revealed to be a strategy to prevent panic in the village, letting people trust in their leaders' judgment rather than spreading fears about the war.
  5. Moiraine's presence makes Thom notably uncomfortable, suggesting some tension between them.