Chapter 47 - More Tales of the Wheel

Summary

In Fal Dara, Lord Agelmar reveals to the group that Lan is the last King of Malkier, detailing the history of his kingdom's fall and Lan's upbringing by the Bodyguards who swore to avenge his people. Moiraine subsequently discloses the terrifying truth about Padan Fain, explaining that the Dark One has corrupted him for three years, forcing him to hunt Rand, Mat, and Perrin through dreams and physical compulsion after being taken to Shayol Ghul. She warns that the seals at Shayol Ghul are weakening as Ba'alzamon grows stronger, appearing in dreams and Shadar Logoth. Despite Lord Agelmar's request to leave the boys behind for their safety, Moiraine insists that Rand, Mat, and Perrin are ta'veren destined to fight the Dark One at the Eye of the World, compelling him to allow their journey into the Blight.

Characters

• Rand — Rand paces the room counting strides and trips, anxiously observing his friends and listening to Moiraine and Agelmar. He feels an uneasy sensation when Fain's name is discussed and shivers when Moiraine reveals Fain's long-term pursuit by the Dark One.
• Mat — Mat slouches in his chair with a nervous grin, unconsciously touching the Shadar Logoth dagger. He crashes his chair, complains impatiently about the delay, and curses softly while listening to Moiraine's grim account of Fain.
• Perrin — Perrin sits with his yellow eyes staring unblinking at bread crumbs, seemingly lost in thought. He recalls Fain's behavior from three years ago and listens intently to the revelation about Fain's corruption.
• Egwene (Lady Egwene) — Egwene sits with Nynaeve and Agelmar, asking questions about Lan's titles and history. She expresses hope for Fain's redemption and gasps when Moiraine reveals Fain's role in the Trolloc attack on the Two Rivers.
• Nynaeve (The Wisdom) — Nynaeve listens to Agelmar's story with a pale face and turns her back on Moiraine upon her entry. She denies Moiraine that she and Egwene should stay behind, asserting her commitment to the Pattern and her refusal to show less courage than the men.
• Lan / Lan Mandragoran (Lord of the Seven Towers, King of the Malkieri, Dai Shan, Uncrowned, Lord of the Lakes) — Lan enters the room with Moiraine and stands silently at her heels. He later confirms that Fain followed them through the Ways and that the Black Wind caught him but fled.
• Moiraine / Moiraine Sedai (Aes Sedai) — Moiraine enters with Lan and commands a servant to bring water. She describes Fain's corruption by Ba'alzamon, his three-year hunt, and the weakening seals at Shayol Ghul. She insists the boys must accompany them to the Blight because they are ta'veren.
• Loial — Loial studies the joinery of the walls, muttering in Ogier. He listens to the history of Malkier and Manetheren, commenting that Manetheren was the most beautiful stedding except for Tar Valon.
• Agelmar / Lord Agelmar (The Lord of Fal Dara, Lord of Fal Dara) — Agelmar hosts the group, telling them the history of Malkier and Lan's lineage as the last King. He listens to Moiraine's warning about the Dark One and agrees to her demands, though he expresses doubt about farmboys fighting the Shadow.