Chapter 8 - A Place of Safety

Summary

Moiraine Sedai heals Tam al'Thor using an angreal, relieving the taint from his wounds while explaining to Rand that the Trollocs and Myrddraal targeted him and his friends specifically. She reveals that a 'place of safety' exists in Tar Valon and declares that Rand, Mat, and Perrin must leave the Two Rivers immediately to protect the village, as the Shadow seeks them. Rand reluctantly accepts this fate, realizing he can no longer stay, and prepares to leave his father sleeping, while Mistress al'Vere and Bran al'Vere manage the household, with Mistress al'Vere ensuring Rand rests and Bran providing his own confused account of the attack's motives.

Characters

• Moiraine / Moiraine Sedai (the Aes Sedai) — Moiraine kneels by Tam's bedside and uses an angreal to heal the taint from his wounds, explaining the nature of the One Power and the danger of the Myrddraal. She informs Rand that the Dark One seeks him, Mat, and Perrin, and orders Rand to travel to Tar Valon for safety, dismissing their protests and insisting they depart before full dark.
• Lan (the Warder, Lurk) — Lan sits quietly by the bed, commenting on Rand's sword and explaining the nature of Myrddraal and Halfmen. He reveals that the Trollocs attacked only two farms and the forge, indicating the attack was purposeful and targeted at specific young men rather than the whole village.
• Rand — Rand stays by his father's bedside, desperate to know Tam is safe. He questions Lan and Moiraine about the attackers and the implications of their attack, eventually realizing the terrible truth that he is the target. He struggles with the news that he must leave home but accepts it to protect the Two Rivers, planning to tell Mat and Perrin.
• Tam — Tam lies unconscious in bed, breathing easier as Moiraine heals him. He remains asleep throughout the chapter, unaware of the plans for his son's departure, and is left in the care of Mistress al'Vere.
• Bran / Bran al'Vere (the Mayor, Master al'Vere) — Bran al'Vere chafes at Moiraine's authority but respects her power. He engages in conversation with Rand, noting that the attack seemed confused and did not seem to target everyone, though he is unaware of the specific targeting of young men.
• Mistress al'Vere — Mistress al'Vere brings Rand food and insists he rest, asserting her authority over the sickroom despite Moiraine's presence. She manages the household affairs and ensures Rand does not wake Tam, taking charge of his immediate care.
• Thom / Thom Merrilin (the gleeman) — Thom enters the room briefly, complaining about being unable to smoke, and then leaves the room. He is not mentioned further in the remainder of the chapter.