Chapter 6 - The Hunt Begins

Summary

Perrin Aybara and the others discover that Rand al'Thor has vanished overnight, leaving only a note explaining his fear of Ba'alzamon. Moiraine Sedai confirms that Perrin's recurring dream of a sword is actually a vision of Callandor and resolves to pursue Rand to Tear to protect him from the potentially loose Forsaken. She dismisses the Shienaran soldiers, sending Uno to Jehannah with funds, while ordering Min to ride to Tar Valon to warn the Amyrlin Seat, insisting that only a woman can approach the White Tower without raising alarm. Perrin and Loial agree to accompany Moiraine in the pursuit. Min shares private details of her recent visions with Perrin, revealing that he will encounter an Aielman in a cage, a Tuatha'an with a sword, and two female birds, and urgently warns him to run if he ever meets the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, hinting at her own binding to Rand.

Characters

• Perrin — Perrin confronts Moiraine about Rand's departure and his own dreams, eventually agreeing to join her in chasing after the Dragon Reborn. Later, Min reveals her new visions to him, and he struggles with the implications of her warning about a beautiful woman.
• Moiraine (Aes Sedai) — Moiraine explains the danger of the Forsaken to Perrin, confirms the significance of Callandor, and takes command of the group's next moves, sending Uno to Jehannah, Min to Tar Valon, and keeping Perrin and Loial to follow Rand.
• Min — Min argues against being sent to Tar Valon, but Moiraine insists on her unique ability to enter the White Tower. She later confesses to Perrin that she sees herself bound to Rand and gives him a cryptic warning about a future encounter with a beautiful woman.
• Loial (Ogier) — Loial listens to the discussion about the Prophecies and Callandor, confirming his knowledge of the Stone of Tear. He eagerly agrees to accompany Moiraine on the journey to find his friend Rand, citing his desire to write a book about the events.
• Lan (Warder) — Lan enters the hut with information that half the group dreamed of swords, confirming the group's suspicion. He later closes the door on Min's attempt to send a message to Nynaeve, stating he will deliver it himself.
• Uno — Uno reveals that the earthquake created a new path into the valley where Rand went. He accepts Moiraine's payment to ride to Jehannah and is dismissed from the active pursuit, leaving a frustrated impression.
• Masema (Shienaran) — Masema approaches Perrin in the stream, asking why Rand abandoned them. He later reports to Moiraine that he dreamed of Rand holding the crystal sword.