Chapter 35 - Caemlyn

Description

At the Queen’s Blessing inn in Caemlyn, Rand and Mat find sanctuary with the innkeeper Basel Gill, who proves to be an old friend of Thom Merrilin. After verifying their connection to Thom through the gleeman’s distinctive flute and patched cloak, Gill offers them shelter and food despite their inability to pay, though he warns them to keep quiet about both Aes Sedai and their association with Thom. During their conversation in the stable yard, Gill reveals Thom’s hidden past as the Queen’s Court-bard and his dramatic fall from grace, which involved a complicated mix of romance with Queen Morgase, trouble over his nephew’s involvement with Aes Sedai matters, and harsh words spoken to the Queen that led to him fleeing Caemlyn just ahead of imprisonment or execution - a history that makes discretion essential for their safety in the city.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Nervously arrives at Caemlyn, marvels at the city's grandeur, struggles with dwindling resources and growing paranoia, and receives advice about hiding his sword in the grand capital.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Shows increasing paranoia and fear of being found, contemplates abandoning their quest, and reluctantly follows Rand's determined leadership.
  3. Almen Bunt - Drives them to Caemlyn while sharing local politics and history, warns Rand about his sword, and provides helpful contextual information about the city and its leadership.
  4. Queen Morgase - Though not physically present, is extensively discussed as the ruler of Andor and subject of political commentary.
  5. Elaida - Mentioned as the Queen's Aes Sedai advisor whose influence causes political tension.
  6. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Referenced in discussions about finding her and the others in Caemlyn.
  7. Basel Gill, Master Gill - Innkeeper of The Queen's Blessing who recognizes Thom's flute, shares concerns about current politics, and offers shelter to Rand and Mat despite their inability to pay.
  8. Thom Merrilin, Master Merrilin - Though not present, is discussed extensively regarding his past as Court-Bard and current troubles with Queen Morgase.
  9. serving maids, cook - Sweep floors and polish candlesticks while smiling at newcomers.
  10. merchants - Enter and exit through city gates with wagons full of goods.
  11. Queen's Guards - Stand watch at the gates maintaining order while showing disdain for newcomers.
  12. Master Holdwin - Mentioned as someone working with suspicious figures and offering rewards.
  13. Gareth Bryne - Mentioned as Captain-General who once pursued Thom Merrilin.

Takeaways

  1. Rand and Mat arrive at Caemlyn, a massive walled city that dwarfs any they've previously seen, with an Inner City housing the palace.
  2. Basel Gill, innkeeper of The Queen's Blessing, accepts them based on their connection to Thom Merrilin, offering them food and lodging despite their inability to pay.
  3. Master Gill reveals Thom's past as the Queen's Courtbard and his fall from grace, which involved a scandal with his nephew and inappropriate words to Queen Morgase, resulting in him still being wanted by the Queen's Guards.
  4. The innkeeper warns them to keep quiet about both their connection to Aes Sedai and to Thom, as either could bring them trouble in the current political climate.
  5. The city is filled with tensions between Queen's supporters and others, with both Guards and Whitecloaks causing trouble for those who speak against their respective causes.