Chapter 35 - Caemlyn

Summary

Rand and Mat arrive in the massive, noisy city of Caemlyn, initially riding in a cart with the farmer Almen Bunt, who warns them about a bounty on their heads and advises them to hide Mat's dagger before departing. Overwhelmed by the city's crowds and paranoia about Fades, Rand convinces a despondent Mat to proceed to an inn called The Queen's Blessing, where they disguise Rand's sword to blend in with local fashion. At the inn, they are welcomed by the innkeeper Basel Gill, who recognizes Thom Merrilin's flute and cloak, reveals Thom's history as a former Courtbard who fell out of favor with Queen Morgase and Elaida, and offers the hungry boys shelter and food in exchange for their silence regarding their troubles with Aes Sedai.

Characters

• Rand — Rand arrives in Caemlyn with Mat, is warned by Almen Bunt about pursuers, and leads Mat to The Queen's Blessing. He wraps his sword in red cloth and white cord to hide the heronmark, presents Thom's flute and cloak to Basel Gill, and accepts the innkeeper's offer of food and lodging while maintaining secrecy about their connection to Moiraine.
• Mat — Mat is horrified by the noise and crowds of Caemlyn, nearly panics at the mention of Fades, and reluctantly follows Rand's lead. He clutches the Shadar Logoth dagger, questions the safety of their plan, and is drawn by the smell of food at The Queen's Blessing, where he remains wary of Innkeeper Gill.
• Almen Bunt (Bunt) — An old farmer who gave Rand and Mat a ride to Caemlyn, Bunt warns them about the bounty hunter Holdwin and advises Mat to hide or sell his dagger. He abruptly drives away after giving them advice, leaving the boys alone in the city streets.
• Basel Gill (Master Gill, innkeeper) — The fat, pink-faced innkeeper of The Queen's Blessing who recognizes Thom Merrilin's flute and cloak. He reveals Thom's past as Courtbard and his rift with Queen Morgase and Elaida, then offers Rand and Mat food and shelter in exchange for their silence about Aes Sedai and Thom's identity.
• unknown — A round woman with her hair in a bun at the back of her head, she matches the innkeeper pound for pound in size and keeps stirring pots in the kitchen while Gill questions the boys.
• unknown_2 — A broad-faced man wearing a white cockade and armband who asks Rand and Mat if they are Queen's men, then laughs at them when they indicate they are country boys.
• Shopkeeper (shopkeeper) — A tight-lipped shopkeeper who sells Rand red cloth and white cord to wrap his sword, cursing Rand and spitting near his foot when asked for a place to wrap it.