ChapterTrack

Chapter 24 - Flight Down the Arinelle

Summary

Rand wakes from a nightmare of Shadar Logoth and Ba'alzamon to find himself on the deck of the Spray, where he and Mat learn that the crew, led by the suspicious sailor Floran Gelb, blames them for the recent Trolloc attack and considers mutiny. Thom Merrilin manages the growing unrest by entertaining the sailors with gleeman lessons, while Rand climbs the mast for a moment of exhilaration before revealing that Mat possesses a golden dagger taken from the treasure in Shadar Logoth, a secret they agree to keep from the rest of the crew. During this time, the ship struggles against contrary winds and currents, passing massive stone statues carved into the cliffs and a distant metal tower, as Thom explains the allure of distant wonders to keep Rand's mind off his fear of madness, leading Rand to resolve to reach Tar Valon to seek answers.

Characters

  • Rand — Rand wakes from a terrifying dream and observes the Spray's slow progress down the Arinelle. He climbs the mast for a moment of freedom, interacts with Thom Merrilin, and discovers Mat holding a golden dagger from Shadar Logoth, keeping Mat's secret from the suspicious crew.
  • Mat — Mat broods in the bows of the ship, refusing to discuss his nightmares. He reveals to Rand that he took a golden dagger from the treasure in Shadar Logoth, insisting they keep this secret from everyone else, including Thom and Domon, due to distrust of the crew.
  • Thom (the gleeman) — Thom monitors the crew's mutinous grumblings and diverts their attention by teaching Rand and Mat gleeman skills like tumbling and juggling. He later catches Rand as he slides down the forestay, warning him about the danger of falling from the mast.
  • Bayle Domon (Captain) — Captain Domon drives his crew hard with threats of Trollocs to maintain discipline against mutiny. He explains the nature of the metal tower and the wonders of the world to Rand and Mat, asserting that strangeness, not gold, is the true pull of travel.
  • Floran Gelb — Floran Gelb leads the crew's suspicion against the youths, arguing that they brought the Trollocs. He is isolated by the crew for his bluster, relegated to filthy tasks, and watches the boys with murderous intent while they work.