Chapter 30 - Children of Shadow

Description

In the aftermath of their capture by the Children of the Light, Perrin and Egwene face interrogation by Lord Captain Geofram Bornhald while mourning the death of the wolf Hopper, who died trying to protect them. Under the watchful and hateful eye of Child Byar, who had the wolf skinned for a rug, they learn that the Children believe their group consisted of dozens of men and wolves rather than the true smaller number. When questioned about their origins and purpose, Perrin makes the risky choice to tell a version of the truth rather than their prepared lies, though this honesty does little to help their situation. Despite Bornhald’s grandfatherly demeanor, he sentences them to be taken to Amador, where Egwene faces questioning by the Questioners if she doesn’t “come to the Light,” and Perrin faces execution for killing two Children during the fight.

Characters

  1. Perrin Aybara - Struggles with his hatred of the axe, contemplates throwing it away, connects with wolves during battle, and is ultimately captured by Whitecloaks after witnessing Hopper's death.
  2. Egwene - Accompanies Perrin in hiding, gets captured by Whitecloaks, and is bound alongside him.
  3. Lord Bornhald, Lord Captain Bornhald, Lord Captain Geofram Bornhald - Commands the Whitecloaks with grandfatherly demeanor, interrogates the captured youngsters, and decides to take them to Amador while offering them a chance to 'walk in the Light.'
  4. Child Byar - Serves as Bornhald's fanatical subordinate, delivers reports with emotionless efficiency, shows intense hatred toward the prisoners, and brutally strikes Perrin with his own axe.
  5. Hopper - Makes a heroic leap to save Perrin from Whitecloaks, kills one soldier, and dies tragically after being impaled by multiple lances.
  6. Dapple - Mentioned as leading wolves in battle against Whitecloaks.
  7. Wind - Participates in battle against Whitecloaks and is spotted by soldiers.
  8. Lan, Elyas Machera - Mentioned as stalking through the night with his knife during the battle with Whitecloaks.

Takeaways

  1. Perrin and Egwene are captured by the Children of the Light (Whitecloaks) after a violent confrontation where Hopper the wolf dies trying to protect them.
  2. Lord Captain Geofram Bornhald interrogates them, believing them to be Darkfriends due to their association with wolves, knowledge of Trollocs, and possession of a Tar Valon mark.
  3. Despite telling a partially truthful story about their journey, Bornhald decides to take them prisoner to Amador, where Egwene faces questioning and Perrin faces execution for killing two Whitecloaks.
  4. The Whitecloaks suffered significant losses in the fight with the wolves, with nine men dead and twenty-three injured, suggesting the wolves fought fiercely to protect Perrin and Egwene.
  5. Perrin loses his mental connection to the wolves and Elyas after the battle, leaving him uncertain whether they survived.
  6. Child Byar emerges as a dangerous enemy, showing particular hatred toward the prisoners and advocating for their immediate execution.