Chapter 24 - A Strengthening Storm
Summary
During a fierce storm, Rand struggles with Lews Therin's voice and his lingering Shadar Logoth wounds while channeling saidin, which feels clean but induces nausea. Loial arrives from Algarin's manor, reporting that he has visited every stedding to guard Waygates and called a Great Stump at Shangtai, though he remains hesitant about marrying Erith due to his desire to document Rand's journey. In another room, Cadsuane reprimands Samitsu for allowing Asha'man to bond their Warders under Sashalle's influence and sends her back to Cairhien to monitor the situation. Rand confronts Logain about the bonded men, who warns of Mazrim Taim's secret faction controlling the Black Tower before Rand orders him, Bashere, and Loial to secretly negotiate a truce with the Seanchan after Bashere reports their tents were ransacked for seals on the Dark One's prison. Meanwhile, Elza listens to her Warder Fearil's report on Cairhien and resolves through their bond to kill anyone who threatens Rand.
Characters
- Rand / al'Thor (sheepherder) — Struggles with Lews Therin's voice and his lingering Shadar Logoth wounds while channeling saidin feels clean but nauseous; decides to send Bashere, Logain, and Loial on a secret mission to negotiate a truce with the Seanchan.
- Min — Snaps Rand out of his melancholy with a punch and reads his mind through their bond; expresses concern over potential threats to him and his allies, including Dobraine.
- Lews Therin (dead madman, the dead man) — Whispers warnings and cynical advice into Rand's mind, occasionally reaching for saidin but remaining a persistent, fragmented presence in Rand's thoughts.
- Loial — Reports visiting every stedding except Shangtai to guard Waygates and calls a Great Stump at Shangtai; reveals his mother Erith will attend and expresses reluctance to marry her yet due to his desire to document Rand's journey.
- Cadsuane — Confronts Samitsu about Asha'man bonding their Warders, dismisses her back to Cairhien to spy on Sashalle Sunamon, and prepares to support Rand's dangerous plans.
- Samitsu — Reports that Toveine and Gabrelle have bonded Logain while Sashalle manipulated the Warders; regains her composure after Cadsuane reassures her of her healing skills and intelligence.
- Logain / Ablar — Defends his decision to allow bonded Asha'man by revealing Mazrim Taim's secret faction and warns Rand that Taim controls most of the Black Tower before being ordered to negotiate with the Seanchan.
- Bashere / Davram (Lord Davram) — Reports his tent and Dobraine's were ransacked by men carrying forged notes, likely targeting seals for the Dark One's prison; agrees to join the truce mission with Rand.
- Elza — Eagerly serves Rand as an Aes Sedai sworn to him, listens to her Warder Fearil's report on Cairhien, and resolves through their bond to kill anyone who threatens the Dragon Reborn.
- Fearil — Reports his successful mission in Cairhien to Elza; shows pleasure at her orders and a willingness to kill threats to Rand through their bonded connection.