Chapter 4 - A Deal

Summary

Perrin waits with Berelain and their retinue in a meadow for Seanchan negotiators, prepared to trade his claim to Manetheren for Faile's release. The Seanchan arrive led by Banner-General Tylee Khirgan and Captain Mishima, accompanied by Tallanvor, a sul'dam, and the damane Norie. After formal introductions and brief discussion of prophecies and lineage, Perrin demonstrates his longbow's lethal accuracy by shooting through a thick branch, which Norie then ignites with flame to prove her power. A sudden sulfurous wind unsettles the group before Tylee initially orders a withdrawal. Perrin then proposes an alliance: he will provide Asha'man, Aes Sedai, and Wise Ones to fight the Shaido, along with a plan to drug their channelers using Traveling and special tea guaranteed by Suroth Sabelle Meldarath's letter. Tylee recognizes the signature and questions Perrin's identity, but he declares his willingness to deal with the Dark One to rescue Faile, securing her agreement to the bargain.

Characters

• Perrin / t'Bashere Aybara (Lord of the Two Rivers, Liege Lord to Queen Alliandre) — Waits in a meadow prepared to trade his claim to Manetheren for Faile's release, demonstrates his longbow's lethal accuracy by shooting through a thick branch, and proposes an alliance with Tylee Khirgan using Asha'man, Aes Sedai, and a plan to drug the Shaido's channelers.
• Stepper — A dun stallion that Perrin rides, stamps his hoof in impatience, and carries him into the negotiation while shivering slightly from the sudden sulfurous wind.
• Gallenne (Captain) — Wears a crimson plumed helmet and red-lacquered breastplate, argues against Berelain accompanying them, and buckles on his helmet when the Seanchan signal their arrival.
• Berelain / sur Paendrag Paeron (First of Mayene, Blessed of the Light, Defender of the Waves, High Seat of House Paeron, Lady First) — Dresses in a red silk dress and wears Mayene's narrow crown, insists on remaining with Perrin despite Gallenne's protests, and fiercely defends their lands against Tylee's territorial claims.
• Annoura (Wise One, Gray sister) — Attempts to negotiate alongside Berelain but is dismissed, then tries to leave her orders from Grady before Perrin secures her compliance.
• Arganda (Alliandre's First Captain) — Wears a silvered helmet and breastplate, growls about the possibility of a trap, and rides alongside Perrin into the meadow.
• Aram (onetime Tinker) — Rides up beside Stepper warning that Masema says the meeting is a trap, but Perrin orders him to stay behind to prevent him from revealing plans to the Prophet.
• Grady / Jur Grady (Master Grady) — Stands beside his bay gelding in a plain black coat, known for his weathered farmer's face and deadly skill with a blade.
• Tallanvor — Rides out on a dappled gray to formally introduce the leaders of both parties before retreating to stand beside the banners.
• Tylee / Khirgan (Banner-General, of the Ever Victorious Army) — Arrives on a bay warhorse, questions Perrin about prophecies and Berelain's lineage, observes the branch demonstration with Norie's flame, and ultimately agrees to Perrin's alliance proposal after recognizing Suroth's signature.
• Mishima / Bakayar (Captain, of the Ever Victorious Army) — Flips his reins while discussing trust, blows a horn to signal withdrawal, and identifies Suroth's signature on Perrin's letter.
• Norie (damane) — A gray-clad woman who receives praise from her sul'dam, then sets the thrown branch ablaze with flame to demonstrate her power to the Seanchan and Perrin.
• Leof / Leof Torfinn — Carries Perrin's Red Wolfhead banner and rides forward into the meadow alongside the other banners.
• Tod / al'Caar (Red Eagle of Manetheren) — Looks ecstatic carrying the Manetheren banner, appears stricken when Perrin orders him to roll it up, and hands the staff to Perrin for the negotiation.
• Jondyn Barran — One of two archers positioned in the trees who successfully shoots pile arrows through a thick branch during Perrin's demonstration.
• Jori Congar — The second archer alongside Jondyn Barran who fires the pile arrows that pierce the branch.