Chapter 41 - A Hunter’s Oath
Summary
As the Snow Goose docks in Illian, Perrin observes the harbor and the tension between Moiraine and Zarine, who has accompanied them despite Moiraine's reluctance. Moiraine confronts Zarine, demanding she swear to follow her orders without question or else remain behind; when Zarine refuses to leave but accepts the terms of the oath, Moiraine binds her to the group and declares Perrin responsible for her. Perrin reluctantly mounts Stepper with Zarine behind him, and the four companions ride into Illian, with Moiraine warning Zarine that her actions will determine their fates.
Characters
- Perrin / Perrin Aybara (blacksmith, big man) — Perrin watches the harbor of Illian from the Snow Goose, analyzing the social dynamics between Moiraine and Zarine. He reluctantly agrees to carry Zarine behind him on Stepper after Moiraine assigns him responsibility for her, then rides into the city while suppressing his frustration at being forced to guard the young woman.
- Moiraine (Aes Sedai) — Moiraine arrives in Illian with her group and sternly confronts Zarine, demanding she swear an oath of obedience to remain with them rather than being left behind. After Zarine complies, Moiraine mounts her horse and rides toward the city, dismissing Perrin's protests and warning Zarine that her life depends on adhering to the group's purpose.
- Lan (Warder, stone-face) — Lan sits on the deck examining his sword with visible amusement at the tension between Moiraine and Zarine, remaining impassive to their mutual irritation. He later questions Zarine about her resolve and rides ahead into Illian with the group, maintaining his stoic demeanor.
- Loial (Ogier) — Loial remains in his cabin until the group disembarks, arriving on the dock breathless and clutching his saddlebags. He mounts his horse and rides into Illian, offering Perrin a silent, wordless reminder of the dangers of angering Aes Sedai.
- Zarine / Faile (Hunter, shaggy-hair) — Zarine insists on being called Faile and confronts Moiraine's attempts to dismiss her, ultimately swearing a Hunter's oath of obedience to remain with the group. She is hoisted onto Stepper behind Perrin, clinging to his waist as they ride into Illian, and threatens Perrin if he tries to make her his responsibility.
- Captain Adarra / Adarra (Captain) — Captain Adarra navigates the Snow Goose into the Illian harbor, issuing whispered orders to his silent crew. He assists in unloading the horses and formally bids Moiraine farewell upon her disembarkation.
- Stepper (dun) — Stepper is loaded onto the Snow Goose and later carried ashore. Perrin calms the restive stallion on the docks, mounts him, and carries Zarine behind him as they ride into Illian.
- Aldieb (white mare) — Aldieb is unloaded from the Snow Goose and saddled by Moiraine on the dock. She carries Moiraine into Illian.
- Zarine Bashere (black war horse) — Mandarb is unloaded from the Snow Goose and saddled by Lan on the dock before he rides into Illian.