Chapter 34 - The Last Village

Description

As dawn breaks, Rand and Mat finally reach the outskirts of Caemlyn in the cart of Almen Bunt, an elderly farmer who rescued them from a village where they discovered a Fade had enlisted the local innkeeper to search for them. Throughout the nighttime journey, Bunt provides a steady stream of talk about Queen Morgase, Aes Sedai influence, and Andoran politics, while Rand struggles against exhaustion and dark dreams. In one vivid nightmare, he sees a Fade with the severed heads of Lan and Moiraine, leading a bound Mat, Perrin, and Egwene, followed by another where a raven plucks out his eye, causing him to wake with a scream just as they arrive at their destination - Caemlyn, which Bunt proclaims as the grandest city in the world.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Experiences fever dreams about Ba'alzamon and his friends, wakes in terror from a nightmare about a raven plucking out his eye, and finds comfort in early morning daylight.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Watches over exhausted Rand, complains about a night of travel without sleep, and refuses to walk another step.
  3. Master Kinch, Hyam Kinch - Gives Rand and Mat a ride toward Carysford before dropping them off.
  4. Master Holdwin, Raimun Holdwin - Has suspicious conversation with a dark figure, reveals he's searching for thieves who stole a heron-marked sword, and offers reward of one hundred crowns.
  5. Almen Bunt - Questions Holdwin's strange associations, shares his opinions about Queen Morgase and Tar Valon's influence, and offers Rand and Mat a ride while telling stories about Andoran politics.
  6. Queen Morgase - Though not present, is discussed at length by Bunt regarding her rule and relationship with Aes Sedai.
  7. Elaida - Mentioned as an Aes Sedai advisor to Queen Morgase whose influence is debated.
  8. Lady Elayne - Mentioned in Bunt's discussion about tradition of sending royal children to train with Aes Sedai.
  9. Lord Gawyn - Mentioned in Bunt's discussion about tradition of sending royal children to train with Warders.
  10. Luc - Mentioned as having died in the Blight before becoming First Prince of the Sword.
  11. Tigraine - Mentioned as having vanished before taking the throne, causing succession troubles.
  12. Taringail Damodred - Mentioned as having schemed to maintain his position as Prince Consort through remarriage after Tigraine's disappearance.
  13. Ba'alzamon - Appears in Rand's nightmare threatening him and showing visions of his friends' torture.
  14. raven - Appears in Rand's nightmare and plucks out his eye while claiming ownership over him.

Takeaways

  1. The arrival at Caemlyn is delayed when they encounter a village where an innkeeper named Holdwin is working with a Fade to catch them, offering a reward of 100 crowns in gold.
  2. They escape detection by hitching a ride with an old farmer named Almen Bunt, who is traveling to Caemlyn at night to avoid crowds.
  3. During the journey, they learn there is an Aes Sedai named Elaida who has significant influence in the Queen's court at Caemlyn.
  4. Rand has a vivid nightmare featuring a raven plucking out his eye, adding to the growing supernatural threats they face.
  5. The chapter concludes with their arrival at Caemlyn after a night of travel, marking a significant milestone in their journey to safety.