Chapter 53 - The Wheel Turns

Description

In the aftermath of their victory at the Eye of the World, the companions find the Blight transformed, with signs of spring emerging where death and corruption once ruled. After Loial performs a moving Tree Song to protect the Green Man’s final resting place, they journey south through an unusually quiet Blight, eventually reaching Fal Dara where they discover their actions have coincided with a miraculous victory at Tarwin’s Gap. At the keep, Moiraine reveals the Horn of Valere to Lord Agelmar but forbids its use, insisting it must be taken to Illian instead. Seven days later, as celebrations continue in the city, Rand secretly plans his departure, sharing a bittersweet moment with Egwene as he decides he must leave rather than risk harming others with his newfound power, while Moiraine, listening from afar through her gem, confirms to herself that the Dragon has indeed been Reborn and the Prophecies will be fulfilled.

Characters

  1. Rand al'Thor - Contemplates the devastation in the Green Man's garden while wrestling with feelings of hollow victory and mounting personal concerns.
  2. Egwene - Expresses sorrow over the Green Man's fate and helps tend to Moiraine.
  3. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Lies weakened but orders the Warder to let Loial sing, discusses the Eye of the World's purpose, and shows interest in recovered artifacts including the Horn of Valere.
  4. Lan, Elyas Machera - Attempts to stop Loial's singing but acquiesces to Moiraine's wishes, then discusses military implications with Lord Agelmar.
  5. Loial, son of Arent son of Halan - Performs a powerful Tree Song to preserve the Green Man's oak tree and surrounding area from the Blight, demonstrating both his musical abilities and connection to nature.
  6. Lord Agelmar - Discusses victories with Lan and accepts Moiraine's directives about protecting the recovered artifacts.
  7. The Green Man - Though deceased, his presence lingers in the oak tree that marks his grave, demonstrating a final resistance against the Blight.
  8. King Easar - Mentioned as being strong in the Light during discussions of victory.

Takeaways

  1. The Green Man's garden is withering away, though Loial manages to protect a small portion with his Tree Song around the oak marking the Green Man's grave.
  2. The Blight appears subdued and weakened following their victory at the Eye of the World, with signs of spring returning to the land.
  3. The group returns to Fal Dara amid celebrations of an miraculous victory at Tarwin's Gap, where the earth itself helped defeat the Trollocs.
  4. Moiraine arranges for the Horn of Valere to be transported to Illian rather than being used immediately against the Shadow.
  5. Rand decides to leave the group and travel alone, refusing to go to Tar Valon, fearing what the Aes Sedai might do to him if they discover his ability to channel.
  6. Moiraine secretly confirms through magical eavesdropping that Rand is indeed the Dragon Reborn, fulfilling the Prophecies.