Chapter 44 - The Dark Along the Ways

Description

Following their escape from Caemlyn before dawn, the group enters the Ways through a Waygate hidden in a shop’s cellar, marked by an ancient stone carving of Avendesora. Inside, they find themselves in a realm of impenetrable darkness where their lanterns barely pierce the blackness, following white lines along bridges and ramps between Islands marked with script-filled Guidings that only Loial can properly read. The oppressive darkness affects everyone, causing them to cluster together for comfort as they traverse this strange dimension where time moves differently than the outside world. After an indeterminate period of travel, during which Rand begins to find the journey almost boring despite his unease, their progress is suddenly halted when they discover their bridge ends in a jagged gap, presenting their first real obstacle in this dangerous realm.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Follows Moiraine down the back hall, leads Red and pack horse onto bridge, and grows increasingly anxious about the deteriorating structures within the Ways.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Stays close to Rand out of fear, expresses concern about Perrin's strange behavior, and follows the group into the Ways.
  3. Egwene - Presses close to Rand during moments of fear and follows group instructions while traversing the Ways.
  4. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Leads the group into the Ways, demonstrates knowledge of Ogier script, and uses her power to unlock the Waygate while maintaining calm authority.
  5. Lan, Elyas Machera - Takes lead position with Moiraine, maintains vigilance throughout journey, and provides tactical support during their entry into the Ways.
  6. Perrin Aybara - Acts strangely enough to worry Mat, maintains position in line, and follows group into the Ways.
  7. Loial, son of Arent son of Halan - Guides the group through the Ways, translates Ogier script on the Guidings, and expresses deep concern about the dangers within while sharing historical knowledge.
  8. Gilda - Serves as cook at the inn and straightens up when the party passes through kitchen.
  9. Ramey - Operates hidden latches in stable, confirms path is clear, and helps prepare for group's departure.
  10. stablemen - Help clear tools and operate hidden mechanisms to reveal the Waygate.

Takeaways

  1. The group enters the Ways through a hidden Waygate beneath a shop in Caemlyn, accessed via Moiraine's magic and an Avendesora leaf key.
  2. Inside the Ways, they encounter absolute darkness that seems to consume their lantern light, with only ancient stone paths, bridges, and guideposts marked with Ogier script showing the way.
  3. The Ways are revealed to be deteriorating, with acid-like damage to the stones and broken bridges, making travel increasingly dangerous.
  4. Loial explains that the Ways were once beautiful passages filled with sunlight and built among trees, but have since fallen into darkness and decay.
  5. The group discovers their first major obstacle when they encounter a broken bridge, suggesting their journey through the Ways may be more perilous than initially thought.
  6. The party maintains a tight formation due to the oppressive darkness, with Moiraine insisting they must keep moving and only stop for sleep.