Chapter 17 - Watchers and Hunters

Description

In this chapter, the group’s stay in Baerlon comes to an abrupt end following a midnight encounter between Rand and a Myrddraal at the Stag and Lion inn. After a hasty preparation for departure, they attempt to leave through the city gates but are confronted by Whitecloaks led by Bornhald, leading to a display of Moiraine’s power where she appears to grow to giant size and drives them back. The group flees the city, only to see flames rising from what they believe to be the Stag and Lion, sparking an argument between Nynaeve and Moiraine about the responsibilities of an Aes Sedai to help those in need versus protecting their charges. They make a cold camp for a brief rest before dawn, with the young men questioning whether they’ll ever truly be safe again, before continuing their journey eastward with Lan maintaining constant vigilance against pursuit.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Enters common room after conversation with Nynaeve, participates in dancing with various partners including Moiraine and Egwene, later encounters a Fade in the hallway and is saved by Lan's timely arrival, then flees the inn with the group.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Protests about lacking a turn to dance, later helps with the group's escape from Baerlon.
  3. Perrin Aybara - Dances in the common room, claps along with music, and discusses the burning of the Stag and Lion with the group.
  4. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Dances in the common room, later uses her powers to create an illusion of great height to intimidate Whitecloaks, then leads the group's escape from Baerlon.
  5. Lan, Elyas Machera - Guards the group during festivities, arrives in time to save Rand from the Fade, and leads their escape from Baerlon.
  6. Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin - Performs various tales and music in the common room, including stories about the Great Hunt of the Horn, entertaining the crowd until late in the night.
  7. Egwene - Participates in dancing at the inn, shares meaningful but silent glances with Rand during their dance, and later follows Moiraine from the common room.
  8. Nynaeve al'Meara - Participates in dancing at the inn, later leaves after Moiraine and Egwene depart.
  9. Master Fitch - Innkeeper of the Stag and Lion who warmly welcomes the group and is later warned about danger by Moiraine.
  10. Avin - Gatekeeper who provides information about Children of the Light and current events.
  11. Ara - Bath attendant who speaks loosely about troubles and Trollocs.
  12. Lord Bornhald - Leader of the Whitecloaks who confronts the group at the city gates.
  13. Children of the Light - Group of Whitecloaks who attempt to stop the party from leaving Baerlon.
  14. Master Hightower - Suspicious ferryman who grants them passage across the river.

Takeaways

  1. The group flees Baerlon at night after encountering a Myrddraal that confronts Rand in the inn's hallway.
  2. Moiraine uses her powers to create an illusion making herself appear giant-sized to intimidate and escape from Whitecloaks who try to stop them at the town gate.
  3. The Stag and Lion inn is seen burning in the distance after their escape, suggesting the Darkfriends have attacked it as Moiraine had warned Master Fitch they might.
  4. Despite Nynaeve's protests about abandoning the inn's people to their fate, Moiraine explains they cannot help without endangering everyone further, though she promises to secretly send gold for rebuilding.
  5. The group makes a brief camp outside the city, with everyone on edge after their dramatic escape and the realization they are not safe even in walled cities.