Chapter 37 - Prince of the Ravens

Summary

Mat Cauthon waits in a prepared ambush position near a swamp, anxiously timing the arrival of an enemy force hunting for Tuon while reflecting on his sudden marriage to her. After Vanin confirms the pursuers are charging hard, Mat springs his trap: crossbowmen behind a trench fire three volleys, sling-men hurl Aludra's explosive cylinders, and Talmanes' cavalry flanks the attackers. The enemy, driven mad by a hundred-thousand-crown bounty, charges relentlessly until they are decimated by bolts, explosives, and finally the Aes Sedai's fireballs. In the aftermath, Hartha discovers the severed head of the traitor leading the force. Musenge reveals the traitor's identity will interest Tuon and insists on addressing Mat as 'Prince of the Ravens' due to his marriage, a title Mat accepts with amused resignation.

Characters

• Mat / Matrim Cauthon (Prince of the Ravens) — Reflects on his marriage to Tuon as inevitable fate but resolves to maintain his identity; successfully commands a multi-layered ambush that decimates a bounty-hunting force, and accepts Musenge's new title with amused resignation.
• Vanin — Returns from scouting to report the enemy is charging hard, prompting Mat to spring the prepared trap.
• Aludra — Fusses over her artillery and lights fuses for sling-men's explosive cylinders, showing fierce dedication despite her temporary alliance with Seanchan.
• Leilwin / Egeanin — Sits mounted with Domon, glaring at the Deathwatch Guards while keeping watch over Aludra.
• Domon — Rides beside Leilwin, ready to defend her if necessary while observing the tense standoff with Seanchan soldiers.
• Joline / Joline Commondor — Argues with Teslyn and restrains Bethamin and Seta from channeling, only acknowledging she feels danger once the battle is fully joined.
• Teslyn / Teslyn Narishma — Dismisses Joline's warnings with a sour remark, then finally joins the fight by hurling a massive fireball when the enemy closes in.
• Edesina / Edesina Sorenthil — Stays quiet during the sisters' argument, focusing on brushing imaginary dust from her skirts to avoid conflict.
• Bethamin — Attempts to ask permission to channel but is coldly shut down by Joline, subsiding into a meek posture.
• Seta — Smiles nervously at Bethamin's attempt but drops it under Joline's glare, remaining obedient and uninvolved in the fighting.
• Blaeric — Stares darkly at Mat from his bay gelding, still suspecting him of involvement in Joline's earlier troubles.
• Fen — Shifts uncomfortably in his saddle and strokes his sword hilt while glaring at Mat, maintaining his suspicion.
• Musenge — Questions Mat's delay, fights in the ambush with a torn sleeve and arrow wound, and insists on calling Mat 'Prince of the Ravens' due to his marriage to Tuon.
• Hartha — Walks over the mound of corpses to locate the traitor leading the enemy force, returning with the severed head.
• Mandevwin — Commands the crossbow ranks and forms the defensive square, successfully directing the trap's execution.
• Macoll — Uncases and fastens the Dragon banner to his saddle as the battle begins.
• Talmanes / Talmanes Delovinde — Leads a cavalry flank out of the forest, firing volleys from horsebow that clear enemy saddles and help close the trap.
• Pips — Stamps impatiently while waiting, then carries Mat into position and later bears his weight during the battle.