Chapter 6 - The Scent of a Dream

Summary

Perrin rides into the snow-covered forest to clear his mind but remains fixated on locating Faile and the Shaido. He detects a foul, burnt-sulphur scent that terrifies his horse and Aram, identifying it as Darkhound tracks circling his camp through an Asha'man gateway. After sending Aram back to warn Dannil and the camp of the Shadowspawn, Perrin follows the trail westward before encountering Berelain's party. Berelain approaches him alone with food, urges him to maintain noble appearances for his followers' sake, and reveals a secret document from the Seanchan Empress confirming Masema's treason. She notes her thief-catchers are missing, learns of Masuri and Annoura's secret meetings with the Prophet, and vows to investigate Annoura before feigning lightheartedness about Wild Hunt rumors while Perrin displays the Darkhound tracks to the guards.

Characters

• Perrin — Rides into the forest to clear his head but remains fixated on locating Faile and the Shaido. He identifies Darkhound tracks circling his camp through an Asha'man gateway, deduces they were not hunting him, and later accepts food from Berelain while learning of Masema's secret alliance with the Seanchan.
• Stepper — React in fear to the Darkhound scent, stop dead, and balk as Perrin forces him forward along the trail. The dun eventually catches up to Berelain's party and carries his rider through the snow-covered woods.
• Aram — Rides alongside Perrin, draws his sword at the scent of wrongness before sheathing it on orders. He reluctantly returns to camp to warn Dannil about the Darkhounds, then watches as Perrin displays the tracks to the guards.
• Dannil — Receives a message via Aram to alert everyone in camp about the recent Darkhound presence so they can maintain a sharp lookout.
• Masuri (Sedai) — Rides a dapple mare among Berelain's party, keeping her distance from Annoura while watching Perrin and Berelain closely alongside the Wise Ones.
• Annoura (Sedai) — Rides a brown mare behind Masuri, marked by numerous dark braids, and attempts to persuade Berelain to hand over the Seanchan document for destruction before watching the exchange from a distance.
• Carelle — Spots Perrin through the trees and points him out to Berelain's party, prompting the entire group to turn their attention toward his location.
• Berelain (First of Mayene) — Approaches Perrin alone with food, urges him to maintain noble appearances for his followers' sake, and reveals a secret document from the Seanchan Empress confirming Masema's treason. She notes her thief-catchers are missing, learns of Masuri and Annoura's secret meetings with the Prophet, and vows to investigate Annoura before feigning lightheartedness about Wild Hunt rumors.
• Asinbayar (High Lady) — One of the Seanchan High Ladies whose name appears on the wax-sealed document granting protection to its bearer in the Empress's name.
• Barsabba (High Lady) — The other Seanchan High Lady whose signature accompanies Asinbayar's on the secret alliance document found in Masema's camp.
• Empress — Referenced on the document as the ruler under whose name protection is granted, confirming Masema's direct dealings with the Seanchan leadership.