Thom Merrilin
Chapter 4 - The Gleeman
Thom Merrilin / Thom — aliases: gleeman, Master Gleeman, Master Bard, Courtbard
Thom Merrilin arrives in Emond's Field, introducing himself as an exalted Master Gleeman and former Courtbard. He performs juggling tricks with colored balls and recites a list of epic tales to the villagers, while maintaining a wary respect for the stranger Moiraine.
Chapter 7 - Out of the Woods
Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: gleeman
Thom Merrilin sits on the inn's foundation, mending his cloak, before helping Rand carry Tam inside. He reveals that Padan Fain has disappeared and that Nynaeve initially refused to help. He warns Rand about Aes Sedai and accompanies him to find Moiraine.
Chapter 8 - A Place of Safety
Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: 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.
Chapter 10 - Leavetaking
Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: gleeman
Thom appears from the hayloft, declaring he is leaving the village and insists on traveling with the group to Tar Valon to perform. He saddles his horse and joins the party despite Lan's suspicion.
Chapter 11 - The Road to Taren Ferry
Thom — aliases: the gleeman
Thom rides with the group, expressing his wish to sing and eat. He mounts quickly after the Draghker attack and rides through the fog.
Chapter 12 - Across the Taren
Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: the gleeman, Master Merrilin
Thom distracts the ferryman with a dagger flourish and later complains about the duration of the fog cover. He observes the ferry sinking with concern and is restrained by Rand when he nearly interrupts Moiraine's lesson, showing sympathetic understanding of the situation.
Chapter 13 - Choices
Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: gleeman
Thom entertains the group with stories and juggling lessons. He explains the Karaethon Cycle and the prophecies concerning the Stone of Tear to Rand. He is recognized by the gatekeeper Avin and enters Baerlon with the group.
Chapter 14 - The Stag and Lion
Thom — aliases: the gleeman
Thom shares a narrow bed with Rand and Lan, practices his flute and grand poses, and later performs in the common room, drawing a muffled shout of approval from below. He remains asleep during Rand's nightmare, snoring loudly through the night.
Chapter 15 - Strangers and Friends
Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: the gleeman
Thom performs in the common room, then intercepts Rand and Mat to forbid them from speaking of Ba'alzamon, urging them to keep their dreams secret before rushing back to the inn with them.