Chapter 43 - Decisions and Apparitions

Summary

In the library of the Queen's Blessing, Loial explains the history of the Ways to Moiraine and the youths, detailing how male Aes Sedai created them as a gift to the Ogier after accepting sanctuary in stedding, before their corruption by Machin Shin. Moiraine reveals the threat to the Eye of the World and tasks Loial with guiding them through the Waygate, to which Loial reluctantly agrees. The group decides to journey to the Eye of the World rather than Tar Valon, with Rand, Mat, and Perrin agreeing to try and save the world as ta'veren centerpoints, while Egwene and Nynaeve resolve to stay with them. During the night, Rand and Mat share a vivid dream where Ba'alzamon confronts them, claiming they are his eternal enemies and forcing them to acknowledge their shared fate. Upon waking, Rand discovers his hand is bleeding from a splinter that vanishes upon removal; Moiraine heals the wound instantly, warning them that time is short.

Characters

• Loial (Ogier, son of Arent son of Halan) — Loial explains the creation of the Ways by male Aes Sedai during the Time of Madness and their subsequent corruption by Machin Shin. He reluctantly agrees to guide the group through the Ways to Fal Dara after Moiraine explains the threat of the Eye of the World to the Dark One.
• Moiraine (Aes Sedai, the Aes Sedai) — Moiraine listens to Loial’s explanation of the Ways and reveals the urgency of reaching the Eye of the World to stop the Dark One. She compels the group to choose between facing the threat or fleeing, and when they agree, she tasks Loial with guiding them. She heals Rand's wound after his dream, warning that time is short.
• Rand (Rand al'Thor) — Rand questions the danger of the Ways and later tries to persuade Egwene to leave him, but she refuses. He experiences a dream where Ba'alzamon claims he is their eternal enemy, waking to find his hand bleeding from a splinter that vanishes upon removal. Moiraine heals his wound and warns him that time is short.
• Mat — Mat demands to know why they must go to the Blight and later recounts his dream of Ba'alzamon, in which the entity claimed to know his face. He wakes clutching the dagger, distressed that the Dark One recognizes him, and lies awake in fear alongside Rand.
• Egwene — Egwene asks Loial how the Ways were made and refuses Moiraine's suggestion that she and Nynaeve should stay behind for safety. She insists on accompanying the men to the Eye of the World, stating that she cannot hide while they face danger.
• Perrin — Perrin displays a mask of weary resignation but secretly feels eagerness at the prospect of hunting in the Blight. He sits quietly while the others debate, confirming the Tinker story about the Eye of the World and accepting the decision to join the group.
• Nynaeve — Nynaeve angrily questions the decision to enter the Ways but accepts her place in the Pattern alongside Egwene. She creates a list of supplies needed for the journey and challenges Moiraine's authority with a veiled threat about her own abilities.
• Lan (Warder) — Lan joins the planning session long after dark, offering comments in his iron-cored drawl. He later opens the door for Master Gill and watches the dagger under Mat's pillow.
• Master Gill / Gill (Master, innkeeper) — Master Gill enters the library multiple times to light lamps, bring food, and report on the Whitecloaks outside. He agrees to arrange their supplies and warns them that he will wake them before daybreak, grinning about leaving the watchers an empty box.