Chapter 18 - The Caemlyn Road

Description

The party reaches the Caemlyn Road and travels eastward while being pursued by Trollocs and Myrddraal. After three days of tense travel, they encounter a large force of Trollocs with catchpoles and hooks, led by a Fade. In the ensuing battle, Moiraine uses her powers to create an earthquake and wall of flame to drive back their pursuers, though the effort leaves her weakened. As they continue their flight, with horns signaling approaching enemies from multiple directions, Lan leads them to the ruins of an ancient city called Aridhol. Moiraine reluctantly agrees to seek shelter there, though she first creates a false trail to deceive their pursuers. When Mat asks about the abandoned city’s other name, Moiraine reveals it is called Shadar Logoth, as they enter its vine-covered ruins just before nightfall.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Rides with the group, observes their surroundings, and expresses concern about the pursuing Trollocs while showing particular worry for Egwene's safety.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Questions the location and purpose of the abandoned city, and shows increasing anxiety about the pursuing Trollocs.
  3. Perrin Aybara - Makes practical observations about the abandoned state of the city walls and participates in discussions about their situation.
  4. Egwene - Questions the history of the city and shows disappointment about the lack of tea and comfort.
  5. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Leads the group while visibly weakened, creates diversionary trails using her power, and reveals the dark history of Aridhol/Shadar Logoth.
  6. Lan, Elyas Machera - Scouts for pursuers, reports on Trolloc movements, suggests seeking shelter in the mysterious city, and demonstrates deep concern for Moiraine's weakened state.
  7. Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin - Questions the safety of their destination and maintains vigilance throughout their journey.
  8. Nynaeve al'Meara - Attempts to advise Moiraine about herbs for fatigue and maintains a contentious relationship with the Aes Sedai.

Takeaways

  1. The group is chased by three groups of Trollocs and Myrddraal, forcing them to fight through one group with Moiraine using powerful magic to defeat them.
  2. Moiraine uses her powers again to create an earthquake and wall of fire to hold off the pursuing forces, severely weakening herself in the process.
  3. During the battle, Mat unconsciously shouts an ancient battle cry of Manetheren, revealing that the "old blood" of that kingdom still runs strong in the Two Rivers people.
  4. The group is forced to seek shelter in Shadar Logoth, an abandoned and dangerous city that even Trollocs fear to enter.
  5. Moiraine creates a false trail to temporarily mislead their pursuers as they enter the ruins of Shadar Logoth (formerly called Aridhol), which was once an ally of Manetheren during the Trolloc Wars.