Chapter 2 - Saidin

Summary

In the mountain camp, Leya departs to see Moiraine while Min reveals to Perrin a vision of Leya’s bloody death, though she cannot determine when it will occur. Loial explains the nature of ta'veren to Min, who laments her lack of control over her life, before Rand emerges from Moiraine’s hut to address his Shienaran followers. Perrin finds Rand in a secluded vale, where Rand expresses his frustration with Moiraine’s guidance and his struggle with channeling Saidin, eventually triggering a violent tremor in the earth that shocks him before he retreats into brooding silence.

Characters

• Leya — A Tinker woman riding a piebald mare, Leya ignores the Dragon Reborn's banner and demands to speak privately with Moiraine Sedai immediately. Declining offers of food and drink, she hurries up the slope toward Moiraine's hut, leaving her horse with Perrin.
• Perrin — Perrin tends to the camp, shares a tense conversation with Min about Leya’s vision, and later confronts Rand in a secluded vale to discuss Rand’s turmoil over his duty and his ability to channel Saidin, which manifests as a violent earth tremor.
• Min — Min watches Leya depart and reveals to Perrin a clear vision of the Tinker woman’s bloody death. She later argues with Loial about her forced involvement with ta'veren before turning her attention back to Rand’s impending confrontation with Moiraine.
• Loial — An Ogier, Loial interrupts Perrin and Min to explain the nature of ta'veren to Min, who feels caught between their pull and Aes Sedai interference. He admits he joined their group to see Ogier groves and plans to write a book about his companions.
• Rand (the Dragon Reborn, Lord Dragon) — Rand emerges from Moiraine’s hut to accept the devotion of his Shienaran followers before disappearing into the trees. He later retreats to a secluded vale where he confesses his fear of Saidin’s taint and his duty to the Last Battle, accidentally unleashing a massive earth tremor through his power before brooding alone.
• Uno — A Shienaran soldier with a scarred face and painted eyepatch, Uno leads the Shienaran men in a unified bow and declaration of service to Rand, speaking with deep respect despite his usual habit of cursing.
• Masema — A Shienaran soldier, Masema displays utter devotion to Rand, bowing with the other men and watching them with shining eyes as they await the Dragon Reborn's command.
• Ragan — The youngest of the Shienaran soldiers, Ragan bows with the others to Rand, acknowledging the Dragon Reborn’s authority alongside his comrades.
• Masuto — A Shienaran soldier, Masuto stirs the camp stew with a long wood spoon and grins widely at Perrin and Min while they whisper by the fire.