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

  1. Rand al'Thor - Falls asleep after receiving Moiraine's healing touch, experiences vivid dreams, and struggles with doubts about returning home.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Makes comments about the ferry crossing and watches Egwene's demonstration with unease.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Perrin Aybara - Expresses desire to rest and follows the group to their shelter.
  7. Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin - Shows concern about Moiraine's methods and sympathizes with Rand's distress over Egwene.
  8. Master Hightower - Operates the ferry for gold payment, shows suspicion and greed during the crossing, and flees in terror after the ferry's destruction.
  9. haulers - Assist Hightower with operating the ferry and flee with him after its destruction.

Takeaways

  1. The group arrives in Baerlon, a walled city much larger than their home village, where they must use false names for safety.
  2. Children of the Light (Whitecloaks) are present in Baerlon, creating potential danger as they hate Aes Sedai and are searching for signs of evil.
  3. 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.
  4. 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."
  5. They take shelter at the Stag and Lion inn, entering secretly through a back gate to avoid attention.