Chapter 24 - Flight Down the Arinelle

Summary

Rand al'Thor endures a harrowing nightmare in Shadar Logoth where he is hunted by Ba’alzamon through a cursed maze of mirrors and stone, only to wake on the deck of the Spray, realizing the terror was a dream but confirming his survival through the blood on his finger. As the boat struggles down the Arinelle River against contrary winds, Rand observes the ancient statues along the bluffs and learns from Captain Domon about the distant metal tower and the wonders of the world, though he struggles with homesickness. Rand climbs the mast for a dangerous thrill, which shocks the crew until Thom Merrilin intervenes, convincing Domon it is part of Rand's training. On deck, Rand discovers Mat Cauthon hiding a gold dagger from Shadar Logoth, who reluctantly admits to taking it and reveals he is suffering from the same nightmares as Rand. Thom then begins teaching Rand and Mat juggling and stories to maintain crew morale and distract from the growing mutiny fueled by the disgraced sailor Floran Gelb.

Characters

• Rand — Rand experiences a terrifying nightmare in Shadar Logoth, confronting Ba’alzamon in a maze of mirrors and stone before waking up on the Spray. He watches the river pass, engages with Captain Domon's accounts of the world's wonders, climbs the mast dangerously, and later discovers Mat's hidden dagger, sharing a moment of mutual concern about their shared nightmares.
• Mat — Mat broods on the deck, hiding a gold dagger taken from Shadar Logoth in his coat. He secretly admits to Rand that he is having nightmares like those in Baerlon and insists they keep the dagger a secret from everyone, including Thom and Domon.
• Thom / Thom Merrilin (gleeman) — Thom diverts the crew's attention with stories and music, then convinces Captain Domon that Rand's dangerous climb was training. He begins teaching Rand and Mat juggling and stories, while closely monitoring the dissatisfied crew and the disgraced sailor Gelb.
• Captain Domon / Domon / Bayle Domon (Captain, captain) — Domon drives his crew hard down the Arinelle, using the Trolloc weapons to suppress mutiny. He shares tales of distant wonders like the metal tower and Tremalking with the youths and agrees with Thom's explanation for Rand's reckless climb.
• Gelb / Floran Gelb (crewman) — Gelb tries to blame Rand, Mat, and Thom for the Trolloc attack but is isolated by the rest of the crew who remember his failure to keep watch. He stands apart from the group, watching with hatred as Thom teaches the boys and the crew relaxes.