Chapter 29 - The Last Knot

Summary

Perrin observes the Shaido camp of Maiden through dense fog while coordinating a multi-pronged assault to rescue Faile. He manages tensions with Masema, confirms tactical updates from Seanchan allies, and asserts command over Gallenne and Arganda as his forces array on the ridge. Below, trapped gai'shain signal their survival through Maighdin's fading channeling, prompting Aravine and Theril to locate them while Rolan takes charge of clearing the rubble. The battle erupts as Shaido raiders advance, only to be met by volleys from Two Rivers archers, Seanchan damane strikes on the flanks, and coordinated fireballs from allied channelers. Perrin charges down the slope toward the town gates with Aram, engaging veiled warriors in close combat while pushing relentlessly toward his wife.

Characters

• Perrin Aybara (Lord, First Captain) — Observes the Shaido camp through fog, coordinates the assault on Maiden, and asserts command over Gallenne and Arganda before charging down the slope toward the town gates with Aram to reach Faile.
• Dannil Lewin — Stands at the ridge edge to monitor for detection, later arrays Two Rivers men into three ranks, and carries a bow during the engagement.
• Balwer — Reports Masema's position below, advises keeping Haviar and Nerion hidden, and monitors the Prophet's followers for signs of corruption.
• Masema (Prophet of the Lord Dragon) — Confronts Perrin about Aes Sedai using Healing, claims authority over the Dragon's people, and positions himself close to Perrin under the guise of protection while harboring hostile intentions.
• Basel Gill (Master Gill) — Prepares to lead servants north while stubbornly insisting on waiting for news of his lady and the captive girl before departing.
• Lini — Refuses to leave the ridge until Maighdin is safe, slaps away Master Gill's assistance, and climbs into a cart with indignation.
• Breane — Accompanies her husband to the evacuation carts, sighs in relief at his quiet acquiescence, and shares in his indignation over Perrin's orders.
• Lamgwin — Wears a shortsword despite being a tavern brawler, knuckles his forehead in acquiescence to Perrin's command, and murmurs comforting words to Breane.
• Sulin (Shoufa) — Reports that northern sentries are dead, conveys news of Elienda, Briain, and Aviellin's condition, and leads Janina into the fog to secure Healing.
• Annoura — Stands with the Wise Ones while Edarra overrides Masuri regarding Healing duties, then lowers her arm after receiving a warning stare from the Wise One.
• Masuri Sokawa — Draws her arm back to channel but obeys Edarra's command to wait, later nods obediently as allies begin their coordinated attack.
• Edarra — Directs the channeling efforts during the battle, signals allies to attack, and parries Shaido Wise Ones' spells while maintaining tactical control over the engagement.
• Aram — Follows Perrin out of the fog into a combat stance, runs alongside him down the slope toward the enemy lines, and engages veiled warriors in close quarters.
• Berelain (First of Mayene, Lady First) — Intervenes to calm Masema's rhetoric, objects strenuously to being held back from the fight, and is protected by Gallenne's orders while wearing her coronet.
• Neald — Stumbles out of the mist alongside a Seanchan officer, yawns to mask exhaustion, and confirms that Banner-General Khirgan's forces will proceed with the original plan.
• Gueye Arabah (lieutenant) — Delivers tactical updates about approaching Aiel armies, bows to Perrin and Berelain, and displays skittishness around the Aes Sedai present.
• Faile Bashere (Lady Faile) — Endures captivity in the rubble, receives news of their discovery by Aravine and Theril, and prepares to move as Rolan takes charge of clearing the path.
• Maighdin — Sustains her fading strength to signal allies above, eventually succeeding after hours of continuous effort while staring fixedly at the red scarf.
• Alliandre — Helps Maighdin to her feet, faces a thunderhead expression upon learning of Galina's betrayal, and orders Faile to huddle against the far wall for safety.
• Lacile — Alternates between tears and laughter upon hearing rescue news while trapped in the collapsed basement alongside her companions.
• Arrela — Joins Alliandre in supporting Maighdin and reacts with shifting emotions as the group prepares to be extracted from the rubble.
• Theril — Follows Faile despite orders, spots Galina's escape and the building collapse, cries upon believing she is dead, and triggers the rescue by noticing the moving scarf.
• Aravine — Leads a rescue party after Theril's warning, frames her white cowl around her face, and confirms to Faile that the collapse was deliberately triggered by Galina.
• Rolan — Appears in the rubble gap, chuckles at Faile's defiance, orders her to move aside, and assumes control of the debris removal while making unwanted advances toward her.
• Grady — Reports exhaustion from repeated gateway work, takes an unsteady step when seeing Perrin, and agrees to keep a nervous eye on Mishima despite his fatigue.
• Tam al'Thor (First Captain) — Expresses skepticism about Mazrim Taim and the Black Tower, accepts his role as First Captain over Gallenne and Arganda, and arranges bowmen into expanding ranks.
• Bertain Gallenne (Lord Captain of the Winged Guards) — Clashes with Arganda over tactical priorities, bristles at being ordered to protect Berelain instead of fighting, and grunts in reluctant compliance.
• Gerard Arganda (First Captain of the Legion of the Wall) — Glances through the fog toward Masema, growls at Gallenne's suggestion to kill him, and offers no objections to Tam's appointment as First Captain.
• Hu Barran / Tad Barran / Bar Dowtry / Thad Torfinn / Oren Dautry / Jon Ayellin / Kev Barstere — Stand among the expanded bowman lines alongside familiar faces from Emond's Field and surrounding villages, burdened with quivers and extra sheaves of arrows.