Chapter 50 - The Hammer

Summary

Perrin, Moiraine, Lan, Loial, and Zarine arrive in the stifling heat of Tear and check into the Star inn, where Perrin discovers a smithy and spends the day working as an apprentice for the smith Dermid Ajala, earning a hammer for his skill. Afterward, Moiraine reveals that the High Lord Samon is actually the Forsaken Be'lal, who intends to trap and kill Rand al'Thor using the sword Callandor; despite Loial’s fear and Zarine’s dread, the group resolves to fight rather than flee. Lan notes the presence of hidden Aiel in the city, and Moiraine and Lan plan to infiltrate the Stone of Tear to confront Be'lal while the others remain at the inn.

Characters

• Perrin (blacksmith, farmboy) — Arriving in Tear, Perrin rides to a smithy where he spends the day working the bellows and forging a chamfer knife under the direction of the smith Dermid Ajala. He earns the smith's respect and a gift of a heavy hammer before rejoining his companions to hear Moiraine's report about the Forsaken Be'lal.
• Moiraine (Aes Sedai) — Moiraine guides the group to the Star inn in Tear, hiding her identity with a hood and ring on a cord. She later convenes a meeting to reveal that High Lord Samon is the Forsaken Be'lal, whose alias the Netweaver suggests he is a schemer, and that he plans to steal Callandor from Rand. She asserts that the group must stay and fight, and she and Lan plan to enter the Stone of Tear to confront him. Lan then informs Moiraine that there are Aiel in Tear and departs to find a way into the Stone.
• Lan (Warder) — Lan leads the group into the city and selects their inn, though he keeps his color-shifting cloak packed away. He insists on accompanying Moiraine into the Stone of Tear to fight Be'lal, revealing that he has spotted Aiel hiding on the city rooftops.
• Loial (friend Ogier) — Loial expresses worry about the defeated demeanor of Tear's people and initially fears staying when Moiraine mentions the Forsaken. He provides information from Ogier lore about Be'lal's envy and his title 'Netweaver' before agreeing to remain with the group.
• Zarine / Faile (mistress) — Zarine, who insists on being called Faile, questions the group about their destination and the danger of the Forsaken. After reaffirming her commitment to the hunt despite her fear, she remains with the group.
• Dermid Ajala (smith) — A Tairen smith with pale blue eyes and a thick build who welcomes Perrin into his workshop. He tests Perrin's skills, allows him to work the forge, and gifts him a heavy hammer after Perrin produces a high-quality chamfer knife.