Chapter 10 - Leavetaking

Description

As nightfall descends, Rand, Mat, and Perrin gather in the Winespring Inn’s stable with their newly acquired weapons - a sword, bow, and axe respectively. They are joined by a determined Egwene, who has deduced their plans to leave, and Thom Merrilin, who insists on accompanying them to Tar Valon. Despite initial protests, Moiraine accepts both additions to their party, viewing them as part of the Pattern. The group prepares for departure with fresh horses, including Bela for Egwene, and must carefully navigate out of the village to avoid being spotted by newly formed village patrols. As they finally make their way beyond Emond’s Field, their progress is interrupted by the sighting of a Draghkar, a creature worse than Trollocs, forcing them to abandon their careful cross-country pace for the North Road in hopes of reaching Taren Ferry ahead of their pursuers.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Shows reluctance to accept Egwene's presence, participates in the group's stealthy escape from the village, and spots a dangerous Draghkar while traveling.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Questions Egwene's decision to join them, carries his bow as a weapon, and follows Lan's instructions during the escape.
  3. Perrin Aybara - Carries a battle axe given by Master Luhhan, confirms checking the stables as ordered, and participates in the group's escape.
  4. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Leads the group's escape, allows Egwene and Thom to join despite Lan's objections, and explains the danger of the Draghkar.
  5. Lan, Elyas Machera - Leads the group's escape through the village, checks for patrols, and provides tactical guidance about wolves and Trollocs.
  6. Egwene - Discovers the group's plan to leave, confronts them at the stable, and successfully argues her way into joining the journey.
  7. Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin - Reveals himself hiding in the hayloft, insists on joining the group's journey to Tar Valon, and expresses concern about Trollocs.
  8. Jon Thane - Leads a patrol of villagers past the inn while wearing old armor and carrying a spear.

Takeaways

  1. The group prepares to flee Emond's Field at night, with the unexpected additions of Egwene and Thom Merrilin joining their party.
  2. Rand, Mat, and Perrin are all armed with weapons unusual for their village - Rand with a sword, Perrin with an axe, and Mat with his bow.
  3. The group must sneak out of the village to avoid being seen by villager patrols who are now guarding against another Trolloc attack.
  4. A Draghkar, a creature worse than Trollocs and created during the Age of Legends, is spotted hunting them from the sky, forcing the group to abandon their careful cross-country route for the faster North Road to reach Taren Ferry.
  5. Village patrols clad in ancient armor are now guarding Emond's Field, showing how the attack has changed the previously peaceful village.