Chapter 41 - Old Friends and New Threats

Description

As the companions reunite at The Queen’s Blessing inn, tensions escalate when Whitecloaks searching for Darkfriends threaten Master Gill, leading to a confrontation that ends with their hasty retreat. The emotional reunion between Rand and his friends is dampened by their discovery of Mat’s deteriorating condition, caused by a ruby-hilted dagger he took from Shadar Logoth. Moiraine reveals that the dagger carries the evil of Mashadar, which has been slowly poisoning Mat with suspicion and hatred, drawing Darkfriends and Trollocs to its taint. After learning that Trolloc forces are gathering outside Caemlyn for an assault on the city, the group faces the gravity of their situation as Moiraine prepares to heal Mat using her angreal, though she cannot be certain she isn’t too late to save him from the dagger’s corruption.

Characters

Rand al'Thor - Throws himself against doorframe after fleeing palace, expresses concern about Whitecloaks to Master Gill, and demonstrates distress about Moiraine's revelations regarding Mat's condition.
Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Lies feverishly on bed, displays paranoid and hostile behavior toward his friends, and attempts to attack Moiraine with a ruby-hilted dagger.
Nynaeve al'Meara - Attempts to treat Mat before being forcefully pulled away by Moiraine, shows concern for his condition, and questions the nature of his illness.
Egwene - Shows concern for Mat's condition, steps back fearfully when he mentions her dreams, and witnesses Moiraine's revelation about the dagger's evil.
Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Reveals the corrupting nature of Mat's dagger from Shadar Logoth, demonstrates its danger to the group, and prepares to attempt healing using her angreal.
Lan, Elyas Machera - Moves with supernatural speed to stop Mat's attack on Moiraine, maintains his grip on Mat's dagger throughout the confrontation, and provides tactical information about Trollocs surrounding Caemlyn.
Perrin Aybara - Sits despondently on bed with head in hands, expresses belief that they bring pain wherever they go, and reveals oddly yellow eyes during confrontation with Moiraine.
Basel Gill, Master Gill - Welcomes the group through a secret entrance, shares information about current events in Caemlyn, and offers accommodations while showing concern about hosting an Aes Sedai.
Lamgwin - Guards the door while caring for a cat, demonstrates protective nature toward the inn's cats, and maintains vigilance against potential threats.
Gilda - Announces the arrival of visitors, shows excitement about Rand's possible connection to nobility, and follows Master Gill's instructions to maintain discretion.
tabby cat - Watches stone game between Loial and Master Gill, maintains dignified presence, and leaves offended when disturbed.
calico cat - Enters hallway to rub against innkeeper's ankles and engages in territorial dispute with gray cat.
gray cat - Appears under table, hisses at calico cat, and flees into stableyard.
Loial, son of Arent son of Halan - Plays stones with Master Gill, discusses ta'veren nature with Rand, and requests to travel with the group to Tar Valon.

Takeaways

Moiraine and the others have finally found Rand and Mat in Caemlyn at The Queen's Blessing inn.
The Whitecloaks are actively searching for Rand and Mat in Caemlyn, forcing them to hide and plan to leave the city soon.
Mat is gravely ill due to carrying a ruby-hilted dagger from Shadar Logoth, which contains an evil that will eventually turn him into a source of deadly contagion that can infect others through proximity alone.
Trollocs and Fades are gathering outside Caemlyn in large numbers, preparing to enter the city to capture Rand and the others.
Perrin has undergone some concerning changes, including yellow-tinted eyes and a darker outlook, suggesting something significant happened to him during their separation.
Moiraine attempts to heal Mat using her angreal, though the outcome remains uncertain.