Chapter 27 - Shelter From the Storm

Description

Through the uneasy days spent with the Tuatha’an, Perrin grows increasingly restless while Elyas inexplicably insists on waiting, citing a mysterious feeling of importance. Life among the Traveling People proves both enchanting and frustrating, as their peaceful ways and constant music draw in Egwene, who learns their dances and accepts gifts from the handsome young Aram, while Perrin struggles with their pacifist philosophy and his growing connection to the wolves. His anxiety peaks with a terrifying dream where Ba’alzamon burns a wolf to ash and marks him by having a raven pierce his eye, leading to an abrupt departure from the Tuatha’an camp at dawn. After a ceremonial farewell where Elyas surprisingly participates in their rituals, the group sets out with the wolves scouting ahead, leaving behind a worried Raen who senses something ominous about the day, while Perrin grapples with his strengthening bond to the wolves and his concern over Egwene’s apparent attachment to the Tuatha’an way of life.

Characters

  1. Perrin - Frets about time spent with Tuatha'an, wrestles with his growing connection to wolves, and experiences vivid dreams while struggling to maintain distance from his wolf abilities.
  2. Lan, Elyas Machera - Demonstrates surprising patience with the Tuatha'an despite obvious discomfort, claims 'something' tells him to wait, and maintains a mysterious demeanor about their extended stay.
  3. Egwene - Learns the women's dance, spends time with Aram and Ila, and wears beads given by Aram while showing increasing interest in Tuatha'an ways.
  4. Raen - Leads the Tuatha'an caravan, shows hospitality to travelers, and maintains peaceful demeanor despite wariness of Elyas.
  5. Ila - Feeds Elyas despite personal dislike, shows growing concern about Egwene's interactions with Aram, and maintains Tuatha'an traditions.
  6. Aram - Pursues Egwene romantically, challenges Perrin with triumphant looks, and demonstrates growing discontent with the Way of the Leaf.
  7. Dapple - Shows impatience with delayed travel, maintains leadership of the wolf pack, and communicates strategic concerns to Elyas.
  8. Wind - Complains about poor hunting, contemplates leaving human affairs, and remains wary of challenging Dapple's decisions.
  9. Hopper - Maintains steadfast loyalty to Dapple's decisions and demonstrates readiness to defend her leadership through combat if necessary.

Takeaways

  1. The party spends several days with the Tuatha'an, where their peaceful lifestyle begins to affect the travelers despite their wariness of outsiders.
  2. Egwene becomes increasingly drawn to the Tuatha'an way of life, particularly through her connection with a young man named Aram who gives her gifts and tries to convince her to stay.
  3. Perrin continues to struggle with his growing connection to the wolves and experiences a terrifying dream where Ba'alzamon kills a wolf and marks him by having a raven pierce his eye.
  4. Elyas suddenly announces it's time to leave after Perrin's dream, coinciding with the Tuatha'an's own decision to change direction and possibly seek refuge in a stedding.
  5. The wolves communicate about "Heartfang" (the Dark One) and share Perrin's dream, suggesting a deeper connection between their abilities and the growing darkness.