Chapter 13 - Choices
Description
Master Fitch, the innkeeper of the Stag and Lion, warmly welcomes Moiraine (going by “Mistress Alys”) and her party through a secret gate into the inn’s stableyard after their week-long journey to Baerlon. Upon arrival, they learn from both the gatekeeper Avin and Fitch that there is trouble brewing: Children of the Light are in the city, suspicious of everyone; a false Dragon in Ghealdan has allegedly defeated Aes Sedai in battle; and his self-proclaimed People of the Dragon are moving toward Tear. These revelations prompt a brief discussion between Rand and Thom about the Prophecies of the Dragon, specifically regarding the Stone of Tear and a mysterious “Sword That Cannot Be Touched.” Despite the troubling news, the chapter ends with the promise of warm beds, hot meals, and much-needed baths for the weary travelers.Characters
- Rand al'Thor
- Falls asleep after receiving Moiraine's healing touch, experiences vivid dreams, and struggles with doubts about returning home.
- Mat Cauthon, Matrim
- Makes comments about the ferry crossing and watches Egwene's demonstration with unease.
- Egwene
- Demonstrates her ability to channel the One Power under Moiraine's guidance, expresses great enthusiasm about becoming an Aes Sedai, and shows no awareness of Rand's distress.
- Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai
- Teaches Egwene about the True Source and One Power, guides her through her first channeling experience, and explains the differences between saidin and saidar.
- Lan, Elyas Machera
- Leads the group to a hidden shelter, handles payment and interaction with the ferryman, and manages their escape after destroying the ferry.
- Perrin Aybara
- Expresses desire to rest and follows the group to their shelter.
- Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin
- Shows concern about Moiraine's methods and sympathizes with Rand's distress over Egwene.
- Master Hightower
- Operates the ferry for gold payment, shows suspicion and greed during the crossing, and flees in terror after the ferry's destruction.
- haulers
- Assist Hightower with operating the ferry and flee with him after its destruction.
Takeaways
- The group arrives in Baerlon, a walled city much larger than their home village, where they must use false names for safety.
- Children of the Light (Whitecloaks) are present in Baerlon, creating potential danger as they hate Aes Sedai and are searching for signs of evil.
- News reaches them of a man claiming to be the Dragon Reborn in Ghealdan, who has fought a battle with Aes Sedai and is gathering followers called the People of the Dragon.
- The party learns of a prophecy stating that the Stone of Tear will not fall until the Dragon Reborn wields the "Sword That Cannot Be Touched."
- They take shelter at the Stag and Lion inn, entering secretly through a back gate to avoid attention.