Chapter 43 - Decisions and Apparitions

Description

In a tense evening at The Queen’s Blessing inn, the companions make critical decisions about their journey after Moiraine reveals they must travel through the dangerous Ways to reach the Eye of the World before the Dark One. While Loial reluctantly agrees to guide them despite breaking Ogier law, each member of the group wrestles with their own fears about the perilous path ahead. The night takes a darker turn when both Rand and Mat experience disturbing dreams where Ba’alzamon confronts them with mysterious clay figures and claims this struggle has happened countless times before, leaving Rand with a physical wound from the dream-world and growing concerns about the urgency of their mission, especially after Moiraine heals his injured palm and warns that time grows very short.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Experiences vivid nightmare about three clay figures and Ba'alzamon, wakes to discover a real splinter wound from his dream, and seeks comfort in denying the Dark One's power while grappling with mounting fears.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Shares his own nightmare about the clay figures and Ba'alzamon, reveals his growing paranoia about the dagger, and struggles with the Dark One knowing his identity.
  3. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Summons the group to leave before dawn, examines Rand's mysterious wound from his dream, and urges haste while implying greater dangers ahead.
  4. Ba'alzamon - Appears in dreams tormenting Rand and Mat, claims to have fought them across many ages, and offers them power while threatening torture and death if they refuse to serve him.
  5. tabby cat - Purrs beside Moiraine's chair then is gently placed on the floor.

Takeaways

  1. Ba'alzamon appears in the dreams of both Rand and Mat, showing them three clay figures representing them and Perrin, with distinct symbols (sword, dagger, and wolf) identifying each.
  2. Ba'alzamon claims this contest between them has happened countless times throughout history, with Rand always eventually kneeling or dying, and reveals the existence of the Black Ajah among the Aes Sedai.
  3. Rand awakens with a physical wound and a splinter from his dream that vanishes when removed, proving the dreams are more than just dreams.
  4. Moiraine heals Rand's wound and her reaction suggests increased urgency in their mission, saying "Time grows very short."
  5. The group prepares to leave for the Ways before first light, despite the dangers Loial warned about, as it's their only path to reach the Eye of the World ahead of the Dark One's forces.