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Chapter 13 - Choices

Summary

The group arrives in the massive city of Baerlon after a grueling week-long journey, entering through the main gates with the help of a bribed gatekeeper named Avin who warns them of the presence of the Children of the Light. Inside the city, Moiraine assumes the alias Alys and Lan adopts the name Andra to avoid drawing attention from the Whitecloaks and potential Darkfriends. They are welcomed by Fitch, the innkeeper of the Stag and Lion, who provides them with hot meals and baths. During the transit into the city, Thom Merrilin explains the Prophecies of the Dragon to Rand, specifically the Stone of Tear and the Sword That Cannot Be Touched, while Moiraine reinforces the absolute necessity of their escape from the Dark One, silencing any hope of turning back.

Characters

  • Rand / Rand al'Thor — Rand rides into Baerlon, gasping at the sight of the towering log wall and hundreds of chimneys. He walks with Thom Merrilin, questioning the gleeman about the Stone of Tear and the Sword That Cannot Be Touched. He dismounts at the Stag and Lion, listening to the gatekeeper and observing the city's atmosphere with unease regarding the Children of the Light.
  • Mat — Mat marvels at the size of Baerlon, leaning forward on his horse to stare at the city walls and rooftops. He practices juggling stones and is later shocked to learn of the Children of the Light from the gatekeeper. He remains silent and pale when Moiraine threatens to kill him if he disobeys her.
  • Perrin — Perrin arrives in Baerlon shaking his head in disbelief at the population density. He carries Mat’s bow while maintaining a thoughtful silence. He mutters under his breath at the mention of Darkfriends.
  • Egwene / Egwene al'Vere — Egwene cuts her hair to conceal her identity as an initiate, styling it in the manner of an Aes Sedai. She travels with Moiraine, learning about the One Power and the history of the male Aes Sedai. Upon reaching Baerlon, she gasps in surprise at the city and agrees eagerly with Moiraine about the desire for hot baths.
  • Thom / Thom Merrilin (gleeman) — Thom entertains the group with stories and teaches juggling. In Baerlon, he explains the Karaethon Cycle prophecies to Rand, clarifying the nature of the Stone of Tear and the Sword That Cannot Be Touched.
  • Moiraine / Alys (Aes Sedai, Mistress Alys) — Moiraine heals the group before they depart and teaches Egwene about the One Power. She forces the group to adhere to a strict, slow pace and silences their complaints with a chilling threat to kill them if the Dark One takes them. In Baerlon, she assumes the alias Alys and negotiates entry with the gatekeeper Avin before leading the group to the Stag and Lion inn.
  • Lan / Andra (Warder, Master Andra) — Lan rides his stallion Mandarb, scouting the path and enforcing the slow pace to conserve the horses. He teaches the boys combat techniques, emphasizing the 'flame and the void.' In Baerlon, he assumes the alias Andra, bribes the gatekeeper Avin, and exchanges his color-shifting cloak for a plain one before escorting the group into the inn.
  • Avin (gatekeeper) — Avin is a wizened gatekeeper who opens the gates of Baerlon for Moiraine after recognizing her and receiving a bribe from Lan. He warns them about the Children of the Light and their presence in the city, mentioning the trouble in Ghealdan and the Dragon Reborn, before locking the gates again.
  • Fitch (innkeeper) — Fitch is the innkeeper of the Stag and Lion. He hurries out to meet the group in the stableyard, welcoming 'Mistress Alys' and 'Master Andra' as expected guests. He promises them hot meals and the best baths in Baerlon.
  • Mutch — Mutch is a wiry stableman who appears at the stable doors and objects to the group entering through the back. He is silenced by the innkeeper Fitch and directed to help with the horses.
  • Cloud — Cloud is Rand's spirited gray horse. He rides into Baerlon and trots through the gates after Bela. He is led into the stableyard of the Stag and Lion by Rand.
  • Bela — Bela is Egwene's shaggy brown mare. She follows the group into Baerlon and enters the stableyard of the Stag and Lion.
  • Mandarb — Mandarb is Lan's black stallion. Lan rides him to scout the path ahead and back, covering twice the distance of the others. He arrives in Baerlon with Lan at the front of the group.
  • Aldieb — Aldieb is Moiraine's white mare. She is ridden by Moiraine into Baerlon. Her presence helps persuade the gatekeeper Avin to open the gates quickly. She is led into the stableyard by Moiraine.