Chapter 26 - Whitebridge

Description

Following their narrow escape from a Myrddraal in Whitebridge’s inn, Rand, Mat, and Thom flee through the town after learning that both a madman and a Fade have been seeking them. During their escape, they encounter Floran Gelb spreading tales of them being Darkfriends, forcing them to flee through a window. Thom, after revealing a tragic history about his nephew Owyn’s death related to Aes Sedai, disguises himself and plans their escape from the town. When confronted by a Myrddraal in the town square, Thom sacrifices himself to allow Rand and Mat to escape, giving them instructions to seek out The Queen’s Blessing inn in Caemlyn before engaging the Fade in combat. The boys flee through the panicked town and out the gates, running until they’re far from Whitebridge, where they grapple with Thom’s apparent death before continuing their journey toward Caemlyn, carrying the gleeman’s belongings and the weight of his sacrifice.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Escapes through a secret alley from a Myrddraal pursuing them at the inn, suffers guilt over leaving others behind, and flees until exhausted with Mat while carrying Thom's cloak and possessions.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Questions Thom's loyalty, draws his dagger during an argument, and flees with Rand while trying to convince him that Thom is dead.
  3. Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin - Attempts to convince the boys to flee to Illian, gives them his remaining money, and sacrifices himself fighting a Myrddraal to allow their escape.
  4. Captain Bayle Domon - Offers Thom passage to Illian for performing, returns their fares, and attempts to convince them to continue traveling with his ship.
  5. Floran Gelb - Spreads rumors about Trollocs and Darkfriends to other customers in the inn, causing danger for the group.
  6. Bartim - Serves as innkeeper of the Wayfarers' Rest, shares news about Logain and the Hunt for the Horn, and warns the group to leave after revealing information about other seekers.
  7. workmen - Sit at a table listening to Gelb's stories about Trollocs.
  8. merchants - Visit Captain Domon's ship to conduct business.
  9. carriage drivers - Transport merchants to and from the docks.
  10. sailors - Work on the ship and react to Mat's poor flute playing.

Takeaways

  1. Thom sacrifices himself fighting a Myrddraal to allow Rand and Mat to escape Whitebridge, telling them to seek out The Queen's Blessing inn in Caemlyn.
  2. A madman and a Myrddraal had previously been asking around Whitebridge about the group, particularly interested in three country boys.
  3. Former crew member Gelb is spreading stories in Whitebridge about Rand, Mat, and Thom being Darkfriends who travel with Trollocs.
  4. Thom reveals he had a nephew named Owyn who died after getting in trouble with Aes Sedai, explaining his motivation to protect Rand and Mat.
  5. The group learns that Logain, the false Dragon, has been captured and is being taken north to Tar Valon, with the Aes Sedai displaying him in towns along the way.
  6. The Hunt for the Horn of Valere has been proclaimed, with Illian calling for warriors to gather there for the search.