Chapter 8 - Dragons' Eggs

Summary

Mat Cauthon wakes to Luca’s troupe packing camp early due to the nearby Seanchan encampment, then rides slowly toward Ebou Dar while Luca complains about local extortion. At Runnien Crossing, Mat negotiates with Aludra to fund her bronze artillery against the Seanchan through Rand al’Thor, successfully resisting ta’veren visions during the pact. The troupe continues its journey, where Egeanin and Domon return married under the name Leilwin Shipless, prompting Mat to secure a private tent for himself. He spends his time with various companions, hears rumors of Rand’s disappearance, and dines with Tuon, learning her superstitions before gifting her a razor mare that momentarily silences his dice visions. Their ride into the woods leads them to the ruins of Londaren Cor, where Mat experiences ta’veren memories of dying there centuries ago. They eventually encounter a Tuatha’an caravan fleeing to Ebou Dar for Seanchan protection, and Mat departs after the Tinker women laugh at something Tuon has told them.

Characters

• Mat / Mat Cauthon — He wakes to the troupe packing camp early due to Seanchan troops, uses his Redarms to hitch wagons, and travels slowly with Luca toward Ebou Dar. He negotiates with Aludra to fund her bronze cannons against the Seanchan through Rand al'Thor, experiences ta'veren memories of dying at the ruins of Londaren Cor, and gives Tuon a razor mare that momentarily silences his dice visions.
• Luca — He rushes to break camp before dawn, complains about paying for lodging and giving free admission to locals, but continues to push the show forward while chasing profit.
• Petra — He explains to Mat that the troupe must leave quickly to avoid trouble with the Seanchan soldiers and their companions, then returns to hitching horses.
• Clarine — She worries about Petra catching a draft or cold while he works in the cool morning air.
• Tuon (High Lady) — She accepts Mat's pet name and gift of a razor mare, rides recklessly into the woods to find ancient ruins, and shares superstitions with Mat while discussing the Dragon Reborn and the Horn of Valere.
• Selucia — She acts as Tuon's chaperone during their ride, scowls at Mat's attempts to command, and laughs when the Tinker women find something amusing about him.
• Gorderan — He drives Tuon's wagon out of Jurador before sunrise.
• Fergin — He handles the reins for Mat's wagon and chats with Metwyn about horses and women, unaware of the channeling inside the Aes Sedai wagon.
• Metwyn — He rides alongside Fergin, discussing trivial matters while remaining oblivious to the sisters' activities.
• Harnan — He sleeps through the early departure, unlike the other Redarms who grumble about waking up.
• Chel Vanin / Vanin — He rouses himself briefly to give orders before rolling back into his blankets to sleep.
• Aludra (Guild) — She reveals her plan to cast bronze lofting tubes for long-range artillery against the Seanchan, agrees to join Mat's cause after he promises funding through Rand al'Thor, and launches a nightflower that triggers a prophetic dream in Mat.
• Egeanin / Leilwin Shipless — She returns from the village married to Domon, insists on keeping her given name, and shares a tender moment with her new husband.
• Domon / Bayle Domon — He marries Egeanin in Runnien Crossing, accepts her chosen name, and smiles contentedly as his new wife.
• Thom Merrilin / Thom — He is mentioned by Mat as having confirmed the skill of the Domani brothers who rent them a tent.
• Balat — One of the lean Domani brothers who eat fire and swallow swords, renting their wall-tent to Mat for privacy.
• Abar — The other Domani brother who shares the tent rental with Balat.
• Lopin — He serves as Mat's new bodyservant, constantly offering delicacies and complaining about needing to mend clothes.
• Nerim — He accompanies Mat, mournfully sighing that his former master Talmanes has replaced him, and competes with Lopin for chores.
• Talmanes — Mentioned by Nerim as having apparently given up his position to another Cairhienin.
• Noal — He visits Mat's tent to spin tall tales and play games while traveling with the troupe.
• Olver — He joins Noal in visiting Mat, playing stones or Snakes and Foxes during their journey.
• Thorn — He visits to play stones and share rumors about the Dragon Reborn's whereabouts before Mat forces him to stop.
• Juilin — He brings reports and his companion Amathera to Mat's tent, though he struggles to keep her from bowing to Tuon.
• Amathera — She clings to Juilin's arm and frequently drops to her knees in fear when she sees Tuon or other Seanchan figures.
• Seeker — He leads the Tuatha'an caravan, bows respectfully to Mat, explains that his people are fleeing to Ebou Dar for Seanchan safety, and listens to Mat's warning about their harsh laws.
• Nerevan — Appears in Mat's ta'veren memory as one of the invaders who conquered Shiota centuries ago.
• Esandara — Appears alongside Nerevan in Mat's vision, leading the invasion that left the ruins of Londaren Cor.