Chapter 24 - Scouting and Discoveries

Summary

Mat Cauthon, feeling stronger after his healing, attempts to scout the White Tower's grounds and escape routes, but his descriptions are already known to the bridge guards who confirm he is confined under strict orders. His casual wanderings lead to a tense encounter with Else Grinwell, a novice who rejects his friendly overtures, before he discovers the Warder training yard where Elayne's brothers, Gawyn and Galad, are practicing. Provoked by his desire to earn money and test his remaining skills, Mat wagers and defeats both brothers in a quarterstaff duel, during which he involuntarily speaks the Old Tongue and exhibits strange Manetheren reflexes. The fight leaves Mat physically depleted and mentally shaken by the surge of past-life memory, while Hammar Gaidin observes the display with interest, noting the ancient combat style Mat employed.

Characters

• Mat / Mat Cauthon — Mat wakes, eats heavily, and sneaks out to scout the Tower, learning from guards that his description is widely known and he is confined. He encounters Else Grinwell, who dismisses him, then finds the Warder training yard where he challenges and defeats Gawyn and Galad in a quarterstaff duel, speaking the Old Tongue and exhibiting Manetheren skills. After the fight, Gawyn and Hammar speak to him, giving him his winnings and asking his origins, before Mat collapses from exhaustion and hunger.
• Gawyn — Gawyn practices swordplay with his brother Galad under the observation of Aes Sedai and Accepted. He recognizes Mat, accepts his wager, and is struck down by Mat's quarterstaff. Afterward, he learns Galad is being tended to by Green Ajah sisters and offers Mat sympathy regarding his condition.
• Galad — Galad trains with a practice sword alongside Gawyn, displaying skill against various opponents. He initially refuses Mat's wager on moral grounds but accepts it when pressed. He fights Mat fiercely with a sword but is ultimately defeated by the quarterstaff, sustaining hits that require the attention of Green Ajah Aes Sedai.
• Hammar / Hammar Gaidin (Warder) — Hammar, a blocky Warder, directs the training session for Gawyn and Galad. He oversees the wager between Mat and the brothers, validates Mat's victory by comparing his technique to the legendary blademaster Jearom, and collects the wager from Galad on Mat's behalf.
• Else / Else Grinwell — Else, a novice, encounters Mat in the gardens and coldly rebuffs his friendly greeting, insisting he stay away before hurrying off. Her demeanor is distant and knowing, a stark contrast to her previous warmth.