Chapter 42 - Remembrance of Dreams

Description

Within the Queen’s Blessing inn in Caemlyn, the companions reunite as Mat recovers from the corrupting influence of the Shadar Logoth dagger, though Moiraine reveals he must still carry it until they reach Tar Valon. After sharing their individual encounters with Ba’alzamon in their dreams, the group learns of multiple warnings about the Dark One’s intention to blind the Eye of the World, coming from both Loial’s tale of a dying man and the Tinkers’ story of an Aiel woman. Moiraine, recognizing the gravity of these convergent warnings and the pattern weaving around the three ta’veren - Rand, Mat, and Perrin - determines they must reach the Eye of the World quickly. With conventional travel too dangerous and time working against them, she proposes using the Ways as their path, turning to Loial for guidance, only to have the Ogier warn that entering the Ways means certain death or consumption by the Shadow.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Leads friends back downstairs, notices Perrin's glowing eyes in shadows, and wrestles with concerns about Mat's condition and their safety.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Still possesses the dangerous dagger, touches it frequently while talking, and shows signs of its continuing influence despite Moiraine's healing.
  3. Perrin Aybara - Sits with closed expression and resigned demeanor, shows amber-glowing eyes in shadows, and demonstrates acceptance of his situation.
  4. Egwene - Cries softly while being comforted by Nynaeve after hearing about the Dark One's influence.
  5. Nynaeve al'Meara - Comforts Egwene while struggling to maintain her own composure during revelations about the Dark One's power.
  6. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Reveals the dangers of the Dark One's influence, explains the significance of the Eye of the World threat, and prepares plans to use the Ways for travel.
  7. Lan, Elyas Machera - Checks for threats outside, returns with warnings, and maintains vigilant watch throughout the meeting.
  8. Loial, son of Arent son of Halan - Shares knowledge about the Ways, reveals story about dying man's warning regarding the Eye of the World, and reluctantly admits he can guide them while warning of extreme danger.
  9. tabby cat - Curls up half-asleep on Loial's stomach before being gently set on floor.

Takeaways

  1. Mat has been healed by Moiraine from the Shadar Logoth dagger's influence, but he must keep the dagger until they reach Tar Valon for complete healing.
  2. Rand, Mat, and Perrin reveal they've been having shared dreams where Ba'alzamon threatens them and mentions the Eye of the World, connecting to earlier warnings about the Dark One's plan to blind the Eye.
  3. Moiraine reveals that all three boys are ta'veren, central figures around whom the Pattern of destiny weaves, and that the Dark One can now touch their dreams.
  4. Moiraine decides they must quickly reach the Eye of the World through the Ways, a dangerous alternate path that Loial knows but strongly warns against using.