Chapter 5 - Winternight

Description

In the fading light of day, Rand and Tam return to their isolated farmhouse, where Tam’s uncharacteristic precautions—locking doors and retrieving an ancient sword marked with herons—hint at impending danger. Their quiet evening is violently interrupted when Trollocs, monstrous hybrid creatures thought to exist only in stories, break into their home. After a desperate fight, Tam helps Rand escape but is wounded in the process. Hiding in the woods, Rand discovers his father has a severe fever from his injury and must return to the ransacked farmhouse to gather supplies. There, he confronts and surprisingly manages to kill a Trolloc named Narg, who mentions a terrifying Myrddraal wanting to speak with him. Finding their cart destroyed and their horse stolen, Rand salvages what he can, including makeshift stretcher materials, determined to get his father to the village where the Wisdom can heal him.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Defends himself against a Trolloc attack at his farm, discovers his father wounded, attempts to gather supplies and escape, ultimately kills a Trolloc named Narg in self-defense, and works to find a way to transport his injured father.
  2. Tam al'Thor - Gets wounded during a Trolloc attack, reveals ownership of a sword with herons on it, attempts to protect Rand by drawing Trollocs away, and becomes feverish from his wounds.
  3. Bela - Mentioned as being taken or killed during the Trolloc attack, leaving Rand without transportation for his father.
  4. Narg - A Trolloc who stays behind at the farmhouse, attempts to deceive Rand into lowering his weapon, mentions a Myrddraal wants to talk to Rand, and ultimately dies in combat with Rand.
  5. Nynaeve al'Meara - Mentioned as someone who could potentially heal Tam's wounds if Rand can get him to the village.
  6. Oren Dautry - Mentioned as a neighbor known for borrowing things, living an hour away from the al'Thor farm.
  7. Haral Luhhan, Master Luhhan, Mistress Luhhan - Mentioned in comparison to a Trolloc's massive chest and arms.

Takeaways

  1. Rand discovers a Trolloc invasion has destroyed his home, with his father Tam severely wounded and feverish.
  2. Tam reveals he owns a sword with herons on it, hinting at an unknown past beyond the Two Rivers.
  3. A Trolloc named Narg confronts Rand in the house, mentioning a Myrddraal wants to speak with him, before Rand kills it in self-defense.
  4. Rand finds their cart destroyed and animals missing, forcing him to improvise a way to transport his injured father to Emond's Field for healing from the Wisdom.
  5. Tam becomes delirious, speaking of past days and nightmares, suggesting there may be important secrets about his history.