Chapter 21 - Within the Stone

Summary

Rand al'Thor arrives in Tear with Cadsuane, Min, Nynaeve, Alivia, and several Maidens, observing the city's poverty and ta'veren-induced anomalies like falling pigeons and a steamwagon. After securing a room overlooking the Stone of Tear, Rand battles claustrophobia and Lews Therin's presence by channeling saidin to open a gateway to the Heart of the Stone. He navigates the labyrinthine corridors to Alanna Damodred's apartments, where he finds High Lord Darlin Sisnera besieged by Caraline Damodred, Weiramon Saniago, and Anaiyella Narencelona. Bera Harkin arrives with news that the rebel High Lords have accepted Darlin as King of Tear for the Dragon Reborn in exchange for restoring their titles and lands. Rand enforces the agreement, orders the nobles back to Illian, and commands Darlin to arrest Seanchan agents, gather troops, and prepare for Tarmon Gai'don in Arad Doman while Cadsuane silently counts his temper outbursts.

Characters

• Rand / Lord Dragon / Lord of the Morning / Astoril — Channels saidin to overcome claustrophobia and Lews Therin's interference, opens a gateway to the Stone of Tear, and enforces the rebel High Lords' acceptance of Darlin as King while ordering him to prepare for Tarmon Gai'don in Arad Doman.
• Cadsuane / Cadsuane Melaidhrin — Observes Rand's temper and ta'veren effects, silently counts his outbursts with the words "One," "Two," and "Three," and advises him to honor the terms offered to the rebels.
• Min / Min Farshaw — Experiences a bleak viewing of death regarding two boys outside the walls, converses with Caraline about clothing, and warns Rand through their bond when he nearly loses control.
• Nynaeve / Nynaeve al'Meara — Struggles to ride her mare, glides across the carpet to join Min, and warns Weiramon Saniago about Rand's volatile temper.
• Alivia — React with fear to a Seanchan accent, leap through the gateway to guard Rand, and stand by the door in Darlin's apartments.
• Nandera (Maiden) — Insist on bringing Maidens into the city despite Rand's offer to leave them behind and stare at him with hardened eyes.
• Sarendhra (Maiden) — Grunt contemptuously when Rand offers a hand down from the gateway, demonstrating Shaido pride and independence.
• Doni — Argue with Com about the number of steamwagons that pulled wagons from Cairhien and eagerly accept gold coins tossed by Rand.
• Com — Correct Doni regarding the distance covered by the steamwagons and argue over the details before running off with his companion.
• Agardo Saranche / Saranche (innkeeper, Master Saranche) — Greet Rand's party, initially claim all large rooms are taken, but quickly secure one after Cadsuane's implicit threat and a heavy payment.
• Iagin Handar / Handar (Defender of the Stone) — Greet Rand with a deep bow, explain that Defenders remain on guard per his original orders, and offer to summon the High Lords or provide a guide through the shifting corridors.
• Alanna / Alanna Damodred — Wait in her apartments with Darlin and Caraline, express suspicion and anger toward Cadsuane, and reveal that rebel terms have been accepted.
• Darlin Sisnera / Darlin (High Lord Darlin, King Darlin, Steward in Tear for the Dragon Reborn) — Accept the crown offered by the rebels, question why they would choose him as king, and agree to gather troops and prepare for Tarmon Gai'don in Arad Doman.
• Caraline Damodred / Caraline — Flirt with Darlin about the crown, discuss rebel seizure of food supplies, and engage in conversation with Min about fashion.
• Weiramon Saniago / Weiramon (High Lord Weiramon) — Boast about a failed attempt to aid Darlin, argue for staying in Tear, but ultimately obey Rand's command to return to Illian.
• Anaiyella Narencelona / Anaiyella (High Lady Anaiyella) — Report her Master of the Horse died fighting Seanchan and echo Weiramon's pledge of obedience to Rand while displaying nervous deference.
• Bera Harkin / Bera Sedai / Bera — Arrive with news that rebel High Lords have accepted Darlin as king, explain the terms of surrender, and reveal Seanchan agents influenced wavering nobles.
• Lews Therin — Voice madness and desire to die in Rand's mind, hum at Alanna's beauty, warn against changing Min's viewing, and urge Rand to trust him for Tarmon Gai'don.
• Tai'daishar — Serve as a sleek black warhorse that Rand rides into Tear, respond to knee commands, and snort at the approaching steamwagon.