Chapter 31 - Play for Your Supper

Summary

Rand and Mat continue their journey south on the Caemlyn Road, surviving on cold water and scavenged food while being pursued by the unknown threat of the Fade. Their suspicion grows as they encounter wary villagers and are briefly chased from a farm by its owner and his sons. They eventually find temporary refuge at the farm of Master Grinwell, where they earn their keep by working the fields and entertaining the family with juggling and flute playing. Rand attracts the attention of Grinwell's daughter Else, causing tension with her mother, before the pair is allowed to sleep in a warm bed for the night. The next day, they travel to the village of Arien, where their performances earn them a meal and a better room at the local inn, and finally a ride from a farmer named Eazil Forney as they approach Four Kings.

Characters

• Rand — Rand travels east with Mat, hiding in hedgerows from horsemen and surviving on cold water and scavenged food. He struggles with hunger and the memory of Thom, and argues with Mat about selling Mat's ruby-hilted dagger to buy passage to Caemlyn. He works on Master Grinwell's farm, plays the flute for the family, and is watched closely by Mistress Grinwell.
• Mat — Mat travels with Rand, remaining highly suspicious of every person they meet, including farmers and innkeepers. He refuses to sell his dagger and argues with Rand about their destitution. He entertains the Grinwell children with juggling to earn their favor and later performs at an inn in Arien to secure a room and food.
• Master Grinwell (Master) — A sturdy farmer with nine children who hires Rand and Mat to help with his work. He allows them to sleep in his daughter's bed in exchange for their entertainment and chores, though he is wary of strangers.
• Mistress Grinwell (Mistress) — The wife of Master Grinwell, who washes clothes for Rand and Mat and watches Rand closely while he plays the flute. She discourages her husband from letting the boys stay longer than necessary and shows clear disapproval of her daughter Else's interest in Rand.
• Else — The dark-haired, big-eyed eldest daughter of Master Grinwell, who watches Rand while he works and smiles at him in a way that displeases her mother. She expresses admiration for his flute playing and is upset when Rand leaves without staying longer.
• Eazil Forney — A farmer who drives a cart and gives Rand and Mat a ride in the back of his wagon after they spend a night at the inn in Arien.