Chapter 7 - Blacksmith’s Puzzle

Summary

In the early morning snow, Perrin and Berelain's party examine Darkhound tracks impressed upon a stone slab while Masuri channels over them to deduce their rarity and urgency. Gallenne attempts to warn Berelain of their precarious supplies and suggests altering plans, but she firmly refuses and vows to rescue Faile regardless of the danger. Masuri explains that the hounds are likely gone and will not return, easing the soldiers' fear until Perrin hears bird calls signaling Masema's approaching army. The Prophet arrives with a massive force of followers, offers grain from So Habor as a veiled trap, speaks fervently about serving the Light while dismissing all else as dross, and retreats south when Mayene and Ghealdan reinforcements arrive. Meanwhile, Gerard Arganda rides past the group without making respects, heading east toward a mouse-colored rider accompanied by an Aiel man on snowshoes.

Characters

• Aram — Stands smugly without fear as the group examines the Darkhound tracks, later crowding beside Perrin with a scowl when Masema's forces approach.
• Perrin / Aybara (Lord Perrin Goldeneyes) — Observes the vanished Darkhound tracks and smells their burnt-sulphur scent, deciphers bird calls to detect Masema's approaching army, and prepares his men for a potential confrontation while restraining his anger toward the Prophet.
• Stepper — Grows accustomed to the lingering sulphur smell but bares his teeth aggressively at Masema's gelding when the Prophet arrives.
• Berelain / Paeron (my Lady, ruler) — Commands her party to remain stationary despite Gallenne's warnings, firmly vows to rescue Faile regardless of the danger, and maintains a calm demeanor while facing Masema's arrival.
• Annoura / Sedai (Gray sister, Taraboner sister) — Hides her face in her hood to avoid the Wise Ones, rides alongside Masuri when summoned, and appears ill at ease during Masema's speech before asking where his fanaticism leads him.
• Masuri / Sedai (Brown sister, Aes Sedai) — Channels over the stone slab to study the tracks, delivers a detailed lecture on Darkhound behavior and rarity, and calmly counters Masema's religious pronouncements with practical advice about fear.
• Nevarin — Nods approvingly at Masuri's findings, commands her to speak publicly, and sharply informs Perrin that the Wise Ones plan to ensure his and Berelain's safe return from the impending clash.
• Marline — Stands tall beside Nevarin and Carelle with twilight-blue eyes, maintaining a calm self-assurance while observing the Aes Sedai examine the tracks.
• Carelle — Positions herself between Nevarin and Marline, laughs at Perrin's comment about the Wise Ones' stubborn obedience, and watches the unfolding standoff without intervening.
• Bertain / Gallenne (Lord Captain of the Winged Guards) — Forces his horse near the stone slab, jokes about salting Darkhound ears to steady his troops, warns Berelain of their precarious supply situation, and rapidly arrays his lancers for defense before dispatching a messenger.
• Nengar — Rides alongside Masema with shaved topknots and feverish eyes, carries multiple swords, and ignores the surrounding lancers as the Prophet addresses Perrin.
• Bartu — Rides beside Nengar with a shorter stature, equipped with a horsebow and quiver, and follows Masema's lead without comment during the tense standoff.
• Masema (Prophet, Prophet of the Lord Dragon Reborn) — Arrives with a massive force of followers, offers grain from So Habor as a veiled trap, speaks fervently about serving the Light while dismissing all else as dross, and retreats south when Mayene and Ghealdan reinforcements arrive.
• Gerard / Arganda (First Captain of Alliandre’s bodyguard) — Spurs his horse past Perrin and Berelain without making respects, heading east toward a mouse-colored rider accompanied by an Aiel man on snowshoes.