Chapter 10 - Leavetaking

Summary

Rand, Mat, and Perrin meet in the stables where Lan Mandragoran and Moiraine Sedai prepare for their escape from Emond's Field. The group is surprised by the arrival of Egwene al'Vere, who insists on accompanying them after deducing their plans, and Thom Merrilin, who declares his intention to travel with them to Tar Valon. Before departing, they are nearly discovered by a local patrol led by Jon Thane, forcing them to move through the Winespring Water to avoid detection. As they ride toward the North Road, Rand spots a Draghkar in the sky, confirming that Myrddraal are hunting them, and the group gallops forward in haste.

Characters

• Rand — Rand exchanges nervous smiles with his friends, trying hard to appear eager to be off. He helps saddle Bela for Egwene and mounts the spirited gray horse Cloud, which tosses and prances as he struggles to settle into the saddle.
• Mat — Mat notices Rand's sword and jokes about his own bow before Lan sternly reminds them that any object can be a weapon if used with will. He leaves a note for his family and mounts his horse to leave the village.
• Perrin (blacksmith) — Perrin hides his axe under his cloak until Rand questions him, then explains Master Luhhan gave it to him. He argues with Egwene about the reality of the Trollocs and follows Lan out of the village.
• Egwene — Egwene slips into the stable and confronts Moiraine, refusing to be left behind. She deduces the group's plans by observing their behavior, and Moiraine allows her to join the party, riding Bela.
• Moiraine / Moiraine Sedai (Aes Sedai) — Moiraine interrupts the group to confirm they have kept their departure secret. She permits Egwene and Thom to join their party, stating it is part of the Pattern, and leads them out of the village toward Taren Ferry.
• Lan (Warder) — Lan inspects the horses and sternly warns the youths that they must be willing to use any weapon to survive. He leads the group out of the stableyard, halts them to avoid a patrol, identifies a Draghkar in the sky, and commands them to take to the North Road.
• Thom / Thom Merrilin (gleeman) — Thom appears from the hayloft, declaring he is leaving the village and insists on traveling with the group to Tar Valon to perform. He saddles his horse and joins the party despite Lan's suspicion.
• Jon Thane (miller) — Jon Thane leads a patrol of villagers armed with spears and axes toward the inn. He steps forward with a spear to investigate the sounds, forming ranks before marching back into the night.
• Bela — The shaggy brown mare is brought from her stall and saddled for Egwene, shaking her mane as Rand tightens the girth strap for the unfamiliar burden.
• Cloud — A tall gray horse with a black mane and tail, Cloud is spirited and difficult to mount, tossing his head and prancing sideways as Rand attempts to get him into the saddle.