Chapter 38 - Rescue

Summary

Perrin and Egwene, bound as prisoners by the Children of the Light, are rescued when Lan al'Tear attacks their guard Byar and creates a diversion with lightning while Moiraine Sedai scatters the camp horses. After securing their freedom and changing into Whitecloak cloaks to blend in, the group reunites with Nynaeve al'Meara, who had retrieved Egwene's horse Bela. At a hidden camp, Perrin discovers his eyes have turned yellow and learns from Lan that he can communicate with wolves through Elyas Machera, a former Warder. While Moiraine asserts that Rand and Mat are likely in Caemlyn, Lan warns Perrin that the Dark One's influence may be growing, urging them to find the other boys quickly before it is too late.

Characters

• Perrin (blacksmith) — Perrin endures his captivity as a prisoner, wakes to find his bonds cut by Lan, and retrieves a Whitecloak cloak. He reunites with Egwene and Nynaeve, suffers from yellowed eyes and a psychic link to wolves, and has a conversation with Lan about Elyas Machera and the dangers facing Rand and Mat.
• Egwene — Egwene remains asleep during the initial rescue, wakes to find her bonds cut, and is reunited with Nynaeve. She expresses concern for Rand and Mat, and eventually falls asleep by the fire while the others discuss the situation.
• Lan (Warder, Lord of the Seven Towers, Diademed Battle Lord of the Malkieri) — Lan ambushes and incapacitates Byar, extinguishes the lantern, and cuts the prisoners' bonds. He leads Perrin and Egwene out of the Whitecloak camp using lightning as a distraction and later discusses Elyas Machera and the looming threat of the Dark One with Perrin.
• Moiraine / Moiraine Sedai (Aes Sedai) — Moiraine confronts Lan about his hesitation and waits for Nynaeve to return with Bela. She reveals that Rand and Mat are likely in Caemlyn, examines Perrin's eyes with concern, and asserts that they must reach Caemlyn quickly to prevent the Dark One from gaining further control.
• Nynaeve — Nynaeve rides Bela to meet the group at the rendezvous point and hugs Egwene. She heals Perrin's bruises with an ointment, notices his yellowed eyes with worry, and argues with Moiraine about the lack of a solution, before storming off in anger.
• Bela — Nynaeve brings Bela to the rendezvous, reuniting the horse with Egwene. The group departs the Whitecloak camp on the horses provided.