Chapter 20 - Dust on the Wind

Description

The group’s escape from Shadar Logoth splinters as they flee through the night, pursued by Trollocs and a Myrddraal. Rand, Mat, and Thom become separated from the others, eventually finding their way to the Arinelle River where they desperately make their way onto Captain Bayle Domon’s ship, the Spray. After a brief skirmish with Trollocs on deck, they secure passage to Whitebridge with their silver coins, though Rand refuses to trade his heron-marked sword. The captain reveals his own recent troubles with Trollocs in Saldaea and refuses to stop for any other survivors, leaving Rand to wrestle with guilt and worry over abandoning Egwene and the others as the Spray sails downriver into the night.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Leads exploration of Shadar Logoth with Mat and Perrin, follows Mordeth to treasure chamber, recognizes danger, and leads escape back to companions.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Explores ruins with Rand and Perrin, follows Mordeth into treasure chamber, and flees with others after discovering Mordeth's true nature.
  3. Perrin Aybara - Helps with practical matters like horse care, expresses skepticism about treasure, and participates in the ill-fated exploration of the city.
  4. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Sets protective wards around their shelter, reveals the dark history of Shadar Logoth/Aridhol, and reluctantly agrees to seek refuge in the ruins when pressed by circumstances.
  5. Lan, Elyas Machera - Leads the group to shelter, delivers news about pursuing Trollocs and Myrddraal, and expresses concern about what could force Myrddraal into the city.
  6. Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin - Helps with the horses, questions the safety of their shelter, and maintains vigilance throughout their stay.
  7. Nynaeve al'Meara - Attempts to treat Moiraine with herbs and argues about her abilities to help despite their antagonistic relationship.
  8. Egwene - Assists Nynaeve with caring for Moiraine and questions aspects of their situation.
  9. Mordeth - Appears as a supposedly friendly treasure hunter, attempts to lure the young men into helping him, reveals his true monstrous nature when Tar Valon is mentioned, and vanishes through a crack after threatening them.

Takeaways

  1. Rand, Mat, and Thom escape the Trollocs by boarding Captain Bayle Domon's ship, the Spray, though they are separated from the rest of their group.
  2. The ship's captain, Bayle Domon, agrees to give them passage to Whitebridge in exchange for silver coins, after initially threatening to throw them overboard.
  3. Domon reveals that Trollocs have been increasingly active even in Saldaea during the winter, with people saying it means the Dark One is stirring and the Last Days are coming.
  4. Rand feels guilty about leaving Egwene and the others behind, remembering his promise to protect her, though Thom tries to reassure him they'll be safe with Moiraine and Lan.
  5. The ship is already several miles downriver from where they boarded, making any attempt to go back for the others impossible.