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Chapter 35 - Caemlyn

Summary

Rand and Mat arrive in the vast, noisy city of Caemlyn riding in the cart of Almen Bunt, who warns them about the danger of their stolen sword and the bounty on their heads before departing. Rand and Mat navigate the crowded streets, purchasing cloth and cord to wrap their weapons to blend in with locals, before locating The Queen's Blessing inn. Inside, they meet the innkeeper Master Gill, who recognizes Thom Merrilin’s flute and cloak, reveals Thom’s past as a courtbard and his trouble with Queen Morgase and Elaida, and offers the boys food and lodging without payment while warning them to keep their connection to Aes Sedai and Thom’s identity secret.

Characters

  • Rand — Rand marvels at the immense size and noise of Caemlyn before riding into the city with Almen Bunt. He buys red cloth and white cord to wrap his sword, asks pedestrians for directions to The Queen's Blessing, and presents Thom Merrilin’s flute and cloak to Master Gill to prove their identity and receive aid.
  • Mat — Mat suffers from the sensory overload of the city and fears for their safety, nearly succumbing to despair before Rand rallies him. He accompanies Rand to the inn, where he stands wary beside Master Gill and reacts with cynicism to Gill's warnings about the political climate regarding Aes Sedai.
  • Almen Bunt (the old farmer) — Almen Bunt drives his cart into Caemlyn and gives Rand and Mat a ride, speaking incessantly about Queen Morgase and Andor's history. He warns the boys about the innkeeper Holdwin and the Fade, advises them to hide or discard the sword, and departs without taking payment or further interest in their plight.
  • Basel Gill / Basel (the innkeeper, Master Gill) — Master Gill, the fat innkeeper of The Queen's Blessing, recognizes Thom Merrilin’s flute and cloak in the stableyard. He explains Thom’s history as a courtbard and his conflict with Queen Morgase and Elaida, then offers Rand and Mat food and beds free of charge while instructing them to keep their association with Thom and Aes Sedai secret.