Chapter 7 - Out of the Woods

Summary

Rand al'Thor drags his feverish father Tam into the ruined Emond's Field, only to find that Wisdom Nynaeve refuses to treat Tam, stating she can do nothing for him. Desperate, Rand seeks out Mayor Bran al'Vere at the Winespring Inn, who reveals that the Aes Sedai Moiraine used her power to drive off the Trollocs during the attack. Realizing they have no other option, Rand agrees to ask Moiraine for help despite his fears of Aes Sedai lore, and finds her and her Warder Lan examining dead Trollocs near the Bel Tine bonfires. Moiraine agrees to try and heal Tam, and the group hurries back to the inn.

Characters

• Rand / Rand al'Thor (sheepherder) — Rand drags his litter through the woods into the burning village, struggling with exhaustion and grief. He brings Tam to Nynaeve, who refuses to heal him, and then to Mayor Bran, who suggests seeking help from an Aes Sedai. Rand locates Moiraine and Lan, accepts their offer to help Tam, and leads them back to the inn, rushing to save his father's life.
• Tam / Tam al'Thor (My father) — Tam lies unconscious on the litter, suffering from a severe fever and wounds inflicted by Trollocs. He remains unresponsive throughout Rand's journey and is transferred to a bed in the inn, where he continues to breathe hoarsely without waking.
• Master Luhhan / Haral (blacksmith) — Haral Luhhan rushes to meet Rand, carrying an axe and wearing a burn-smeared nightshirt. He confirms the attackers were Trollocs, helps carry Tam to Egwene, and later reassures Rand about the village's resilience before departing to resume his work.
• Egwene / Egwene al'Vere — Egwene, exhausted and smudged with soot, meets Rand and leads him to the Wisdom. She hugs Rand after Nynaeve's refusal, then is summoned back by Nynaeve, leaving Rand alone with his fears.
• Nynaeve (Wisdom) — Nynaeve examines Tam's wound and declares that he cannot be healed, stating it is too late. She remains emotionless and firm, prioritizing the care of other wounded villagers over Rand's father, and refuses to change her decision despite Rand's pleas.
• Bran al'Vere / Bran (Mayor, Master al'Vere) — Mayor Bran al'Vere sits in the cold inn, writing and cleaning his feet. He receives Rand and Tam, helps move Tam to a bed, and reveals that Moiraine used ball lightning to defeat the Trollocs. He explains the situation to Rand, who then seeks out the Aes Sedai.
• Thom / Thom Merrilin (gleeman) — Thom Merrilin sits on the inn's foundation, mending his cloak, before helping Rand carry Tam inside. He reveals that Padan Fain has disappeared and that Nynaeve initially refused to help. He warns Rand about Aes Sedai and accompanies him to find Moiraine.
• Moiraine / Moiraine Sedai (Aes Sedai) — Moiraine sits with Lan, examining the bodies of dead Trollocs and counting their band badges. She speaks with Rand, acknowledging her role in the battle and agreeing to attempt to heal Tam, despite the limitations of her power and the turning of the Wheel.
• Lan (Warder) — Lan squats beside a dead Trolloc, removing a metal badge from its shoulder. He accompanies Moiraine as they help destroy the remaining Trollocs, glares at Rand for his urgency, and asserts that Rand's father may not be worth saving compared to Moiraine's condition.