Chapter 15 - Strangers and Friends
Description
In Baerlon, Rand awakens from troubled dreams and ventures into the city, where he encounters Min, a mysterious young woman who sees prophetic visions around people, including disturbing images surrounding Rand and his companions. Later, he finds a fearful and ragged Padan Fain, who begs him not to reveal his presence to Moiraine before fleeing into the crowd. After running into Mat, they discuss their shared nightmare about Ba’alzamon and dead rats, deciding to keep it secret from Moiraine. Rand then has an unnaturally bold confrontation with three Children of the Light, led by Lord Bornhald, which nearly escalates to violence before the Town Watch intervenes. After consulting with Thom about their dreams, who advises them to keep quiet about the matter, they learn that Nynaeve has tracked them to Baerlon, forcing them to face an uncomfortable confrontation with their former Wisdom.Characters
- Rand al'Thor
- Wakes late from troubled dreams, experiences strange symptoms of heat and aggression during confrontation with Whitecloaks, then returns to normal state feeling disturbed by his behavior.
- Mat Cauthon, Matrim
- Uses his sling to play a prank on Whitecloaks by knocking over barrels, later shows concern for Rand's reckless behavior.
- Perrin Aybara
- Stays in bed due to troubled sleep and nightmares, confides in Rand about his own disturbing dreams, and expresses desire to never leave Emond's Field again.
- Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin
- Performs stories in the common room, later advises the boys about their dreams and warns them about speaking dangerous names.
- Master Fitch
- Argues with his cook about rats in the inn, shows deference to her threats to quit, and maintains his role as innkeeper.
- Sara
- Head cook who confronts Master Fitch about her cat's rat-catching abilities, shows authority over her kitchen, and provides breakfast for Rand.
- Cirri
- Sara's cat who allegedly killed numerous rats in the inn.
- Ciel
- Serving maid who brings Rand his breakfast.
- Lord Bornhald, Lord Captain Bornhald, Lord Captain Geofram Bornhald
- Whitecloak officer who confronts Rand in the street, notices his heron-marked sword, and threatens him with future consequences.
Takeaways
- Rand encounters three Children of the Light (Whitecloaks) and engages in a dangerous confrontation with them, exhibiting uncharacteristically reckless behavior and experiencing strange sensations of heat and tingling.
- Mat plays a prank on the Whitecloaks by knocking over barrels with his sling, drawing their hostile attention to Rand.
- Thom warns Rand and Mat about the dangers of speaking Ba'alzamon's name and reveals that the men mentioned in their shared dream (Guaire Amalasan, Raolin Darksbane, etc.) were dangerous historical figures who were killed by the White Tower.
- Nynaeve has tracked the group to Baerlon, forcing her way across the river despite the sunken ferry, and is now meeting with Moiraine at the inn.
- The boys agree, on Thom's advice, to keep their shared nightmare secret from Moiraine, at least for the time being.