Chapter 45 - What Follows in Shadow

Description

The companions make their desperate escape through the Ways as they discover they are being followed by an unknown presence. Upon finding Trolloc runes and the remains of Trollocs trapped in stone, they learn that the Dark One’s forces have discovered how to use the Ways. Their journey becomes more urgent when they hear the approach of Machin Shin, the Black Wind that steals souls, forcing them to race toward the exit. At the final Waygate, they find the key missing, requiring Moiraine to melt an opening with her staff despite its corrupting effects. Through quick thinking and coordinated effort, they manage to escape just ahead of the Black Wind, whose maddening voices promise pain and death. Once safely outside, near the towers of Fal Dara, Moiraine declares that the dangerous Waygate must be walled up to prevent others from wandering into its deadly paths.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Pushes Red closer to inspect gap in bridge, experiences vertigo from endless drop, and comforts Egwene while wrestling with growing fears about their safety.
  2. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Shows increasing fear about their situation, stays close to Rand out of anxiety, and questions the safety of their path.
  3. Egwene - Presses close to Rand during moments of terror and follows group instructions while traversing the Ways.
  4. Nynaeve al'Meara - Questions Moiraine about their path, shows skepticism about their safety, and comforts Egwene during tense moments.
  5. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Creates protective magic, guides the group through difficult passages, and demonstrates expertise in handling magical dangers while conserving her strength.
  6. Lan, Elyas Machera - Takes lead position with Moiraine, maintains vigilance throughout journey, and provides tactical support during their entry 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 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 discovers Trollocs have been using the Ways, explaining how they reached the Two Rivers undetected and gathered armies near Caemlyn.
  2. The party is pursued by Machin Shin (the Black Wind), a malevolent entity in the Ways that steals souls and speaks with maddening voices.
  3. Moiraine uses her power to cut through a Waygate to escape, though the corrupted nature of the Ways makes her magic unstable and leaves her staff charred.
  4. The group successfully escapes to near Fal Dara, though Moiraine warns that worse dangers lie ahead and orders the compromised Waygate to be walled up.