Chapter 39 - Weaving of the Web

Description

In Caemlyn, Rand observes the city’s mounting tensions from his room at The Queen’s Blessing before venturing out to witness the procession of the captured false Dragon, Logain. After a brief encounter with a mysterious beggar who recognizes him, Rand flees through the crowded streets and eventually climbs a high wall to watch the parade. From this vantage point, he witnesses the arrival of Logain, who, despite being caged and guarded by Aes Sedai and Warders, maintains a regal bearing that silences the crowd wherever his gaze falls. The false Dragon’s undefeated demeanor, despite his captivity, deeply unsettles Rand, and as he ponders the Aes Sedai’s role in guarding Logain, he is startled by a girl’s voice and falls from his perch on the wall, losing consciousness.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Watches crowds from his inn window celebrating the arrival of the false Dragon, attempts to convince Mat to join him in viewing the procession, and experiences a dangerous encounter with a mysterious beggar before falling from a wall.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Remains isolated in his room at The Queen's Blessing, refuses to interact with anyone but Rand, and shows increasing paranoia about Loial.
  3. Loial, son of Arent son of Halan - Referenced in Mat's paranoid comments about Trollocs.
  4. Basel Gill, Master Gill - Warns Rand about someone asking after him and his friends in the city, shares information about strange shapes outside the city, and advises caution.
  5. Lamgwin - Guards the alley entrance of The Queen's Blessing while maintaining vigilant watch of the street.
  6. Logain - Appears as the captured false Dragon, maintains regal bearing despite imprisonment, and creates waves of silence among the crowd with his gaze.
  7. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Though not present in person, mentioned as watching Logain to prevent him from touching the True Source.
  8. Mother Grubb - Mentioned as a local healer and fortune teller who might be able to help Mat.
  9. Girl's voice - Unseen speaker who explains why Aes Sedai watch Logain.

Takeaways

  1. Rand watches from a high wall as the captured false Dragon Logain is brought into Caemlyn in an iron cage, but despite his imprisonment, Logain maintains a regal bearing that silences crowds with awe.
  2. The city of Caemlyn is deeply divided between supporters of Queen Morgase (wearing red) and her opponents (wearing white), with tensions near the breaking point despite the celebrations.
  3. A mysterious beggar who knows Rand's name hunts for him through the crowds, forcing him to flee and find a new vantage point.
  4. Aes Sedai guard Logain's cage, apparently preventing him from touching the True Source, suggesting he has genuine power.
  5. The chapter ends with Rand falling from the wall after being startled by a girl's voice, potentially putting him in danger.