ChapterTrack

Chapter 13 - Choices

Summary

The group travels slowly north toward Baerlon, with Lan teaching the youths combat skills and Moiraine healing their fatigue. Tensions rise as Egwene adopts Aes Sedai customs and argues with Rand about his fear of the Aes Sedai, prompting Moiraine to sternly remind them of the relentless threat of the Dark One. Rand eavesdrops on Moiraine teaching Egwene about channeling and the history of the Breaking, narrowly avoiding detection. Upon reaching Baerlon, they enter the walled city under aliases, greeted by the gatekeeper Avin who warns of the Children of the Light and the Dragon Reborn's movements. They are escorted to the Stag and Lion inn by the innkeeper Fitch, who welcomes Mistress Alys and her companions.

Characters

  • Moiraine / Alys (Aes Sedai, Mistress Alys) — Moiraine heals the group’s fatigue and rides at the head of the party with Lan. She silences Rand and Egwene’s argument with a stern warning about the Dark One’s pursuit. Later, she privately teaches Egwene about the One Power and the history of the Breaking before leading the group into Baerlon under the alias Alys, where she is welcomed by the innkeeper Fitch.
  • Lan / Andra (Warder, Master Andra) — Lan scours the path ahead, teaches the boys sword and axe fighting, and insists on secrecy and slow travel. He exchanges aliases with Moiraine, enters Baerlon disguised in ordinary clothes, and is greeted by the innkeeper Fitch as Master Andra.
  • Rand (sheepherder) — Rand rides Cloud, learning to shoot and fight while secretly worrying about the Dark One. He argues with Egwene about Aes Sedai, then eavesdrops on Moiraine and Egwene before hiding and watching Moiraine return to the camp. He marvels at the size of Baerlon and walks with Thom toward the inn.
  • Mat — Mat jokes about seeing the world and travels with the group, practicing juggling skills with Thom's guidance. He argues with Rand, discusses their destination with Mat, and watches the city of Baerlon with awe.
  • Perrin — Perrin travels with the group, learning axe fighting from Lan. He expresses disbelief at the sight of Baerlon and carries Mat’s bow while discussing the Whitecloaks with the gatekeeper Avin.
  • Egwene — Egwene unbraids her hair to resemble an Aes Sedai and argues with Rand about her choice. She spends nights with Moiraine, learning about the One Power, and arrives in Baerlon eager for her future at the White Tower.
  • Thom / Thom Merrilin (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.
  • Bela — Bela is the shaggy brown mare carrying Egwene. She walks steadily beside the other horses through the forest and into Baerlon.
  • Cloud — Cloud is Rand’s spirited gray horse. He trots through the woods and into Baerlon, where Rand dismounts him in the stableyard.
  • Mandarb — Mandarb is Lan’s stallion. He moves at a faster pace than the others, galloping ahead to scout and covering twice as much ground as the rest of the party.
  • Aldieb — Aldieb is Moiraine’s white mare. She moves out to allow the gatekeeper a clear view of Moiraine and is led through the gates of Baerlon.
  • Avin (gatekeeper, Master Avin) — Avin is a wizened, half-toothless gatekeeper in Baerlon. He recognizes Mistress Alys, lets the group through the closed gates, and warns them about the Children of the Light and the rumors surrounding the Dragon Reborn.
  • Fitch (innkeeper, Master Fitch) — Fitch is the innkeeper of the Stag and Lion. He greets Mistress Alys and Master Andra warmly, offering them hot meals and baths upon their arrival in Baerlon.
  • Mutch — Mutch is a wiry stableman at the Stag and Lion. He initially objects to the group entering through the stableyard but complies when Fitch intervenes.