Chapter 41 - Old Friends and New Threats

Summary

Rand returns to The Queen’s Blessing and reports his encounter with Queen Morgase and Elaida to Master Gill and Loial, who urge him to flee Caemlyn within two days due to the danger posed by Elaida’s influence and the Whitecloaks. The group’s departure is interrupted by the arrival of a Whitecloak under-officer seeking them, leading to a tense standoff where Master Gill and his guards threaten violence, forcing the Whitecloaks to retreat. Shortly after, Nynaeve, Egwene, Perrin, and Moiraine arrive, reuniting the group, but their relief is shattered when they find Mat Cauthon in a delirious state, driven mad by a cursed dagger from Shadar Logoth. Moiraine reveals the dagger spreads evil and insists everyone leave the room so she can attempt to cure Mat, leaving the group to wait in fear of their spreading peril.

Characters

• Rand / Rand al'Thor — Runs back to the inn, panting and frantic after escaping the Palace, and recounts his meeting with the Queen to Master Gill and Loial. He agrees to flee in two days and later expresses shock and relief at the arrival of his friends, eventually leading them to Mat's room where he witnesses Mat's feverish madness.
• Lamgwin — Sits by the door scratching a cat, then leans against the wall cleaning his fingernails during the Whitecloak confrontation. He draws his sword along with the other guards to threaten the Whitecloaks, helping to drive them out of the inn.
• Master Gill / Gill (The innkeeper) — Plays stones with Loial, then sternly confronts the Whitecloak under-officer, threatening to call the Queen’s Guards and gesturing with a clenched fist. He comforts a shaken Rand after the Whitecloaks leave and accepts Moiraine’s payment for lodging.
• Loial — Plays stones with Master Gill and explains the concept of ta’veren to Rand. He insists on traveling with the group to Tar Valon to see its groves, then waits in the library as the innkeeper deals with the Whitecloaks.
• Gilda (a serving maid) — Enters the library to warn Master Gill of the Whitecloaks, then later informs him that a lady is asking for Rand and Mat in the kitchens. She is dismissed by Gill to keep quiet about her visit.
• Moiraine / Aes Sedai / Moiraine Sedai (the Aes Sedai) — Arrives in the kitchen with her Warder, ignoring the innkeeper’s suggestion to stay at the Palace. She observes Mat with intense worry, reveals that his dagger carries the evil of Shadar Logoth, and commands everyone to leave the room to treat him.
• Nynaeve / Pretty Nynaeve / Wisdom Nynaeve (the Wisdom) — Reunites with Rand, hugging him and expressing relief. She attempts to treat Mat but is repelled by his accusations, then is physically pulled away from him by Moiraine. She listens in horror as Moiraine explains the cursed nature of Mat’s dagger.
• Egwene — Stands back from the bed and asks about Mat's condition, then listens as Moiraine explains the danger of the dagger and the threat of the Dark One.
• Perrin — Crowds into the kitchen to greet Rand, then sits in Mat’s room staring at the floor with a bitter expression. He speaks up to suggest death might be preferable to the suffering they cause, earning a sharp rebuke from Moiraine.
• Lan / Warder — Leans in the doorway to the stableyard, then moves instantly to seize Mat’s wrist when Mat attempts to strike Moiraine. He holds Mat’s arm firmly while explaining that Fades and Trollocs are gathering outside Caemlyn.
• Mat / Mat Cauthon — Lies curled on the bed, sweating and delirious, accusing his friends of being imposters. He attacks Moiraine with a ruby-hilted dagger while Lan holds his wrist, snarling at the Aes Sedai as the dagger's tainted nature is identified and its location from Shadar Logoth is confirmed by Rand.
• Under-officer — Enters the common room demanding the whereabouts of Darkfriends, sneering at the Queen and Aes Sedai. He is threatened by Master Gill and the guards, draws his men back in haste, and vows to return.
• brindle_cat (brindle cat) — A brindle cat held by Lamgwin when Rand returns, which he scratches behind the ears.
• plump_tabby (plump tabby) — A plump tabby cat sitting on the stones board with its feet tucked under, watching Master Gill and Loial play.
• calico_cat (calico cat) — A calico cat that saunters into the kitchen and strops Master Gill’s ankles, hissing at a gray cat before fleeing.
• fuzzy_gray_cat (fuzzy gray cat) — A fuzzy gray cat that springs from under the table and hisses at the calico cat before rushing out into the stableyard.
• a_woman (a woman) — A woman mixing batter in the kitchen whom Moiraine orders to inform Rand and Mat that someone wishes to see them.