Chapter 44 - The Dark Along the Ways

Summary

Led by Loial, the group escapes Caemlyn under the cover of darkness by finding a hidden Waygate in the cellar of a shop. Moiraine opens the gate using the leaf of Avendesora, and the companions enter the dark, oppressive labyrinth of the Ways, where time moves faster and the darkness actively resists their lanterns. After the group crosses, Moiraine seals the gate behind her, and they begin their journey through the crumbling stone bridges and islands of the Ways, guided by Ogier script, until they encounter a broken bridge ahead of them.

Characters

Rand — Rand follows the group blindly in the dark, leads the pack horse through the narrow alleys, and experiences the disorienting effects of the Waygate, feeling the cold stretch time and perceive the world outside as moving in slow motion. He travels through the blackness with the others, riding his horse Red and maintaining a grip on his sword hilt for comfort.
Moiraine (Aes Sedai) — Moiraine guides the group to the Waygate, lights her way with a ball of flame, and opens the ancient lock with her staff. She retrieves the leaf of Avendesora to activate the gate, leads Aldieb through first, and remains last to seal the gate from the other side, preventing pursuit.
Lan (Warder) — Lan brings up the rear as they enter the cellar, climbs back up to pull the cellar doors shut, and leads Mandarb through the Waygate. He rides on the side of the Ogier through the dark, and dismounts midday to distribute food while keeping time.
Loial (Ogier) — Loial leads the party to the Waygate, complaining about the dark and the destruction of the groves. He activates the gate, enters the Ways, and guides the group along the white line and bridges, reading the Ogier script on the Guidings to determine their path until he spots a broken bridge ahead.
Perrin — Perrin follows the group in the dark, appearing strange and nervous to Mat, and rides through the Waygate in shocked silence. He crowds close to Rand in the darkness for comfort and leads the pack horse through the Ways while the group travels.
Mat — Mat stays close to Rand, worrying about Perrin's behavior. He passes through the Waygate in normal speed, staring at the darkness, and eventually eats bread and cheese while riding, finding the journey almost boring until the bridge ends.
Egwene — Egwene goes to her horse Bela, follows the group into the cellar, and passes through the Waygate in shocked silence. She presses close to Rand in the darkness and looks as if she wishes she could rethink her decision to accompany the group into the Ways.
Nynaeve — Nynaeve goes to her mare, follows the group through the alleys, and complains about the smells in the narrow passages. She passes through the Waygate in shocked silence and joins the huddled group in the dark.
Master Gill (innkeeper) — Master Gill waits with the group, speaks with the stableman Ramey, and reassures Moiraine of his loyalty to the Queen and Tar Valon. He wishes the group well as they prepare to leave.
Mandarb — Mandarb stands arrogantly in the stable, waits for Lan, and steps into the alleyway. He balks slightly before stepping into the Waygate's shimmering surface, vanishing into the dark.
Aldieb — Aldieb stretches her nose to nuzzle Moiraine's hand in the stable, steps delicately down the ramp into the cellar, and is led through the Waygate by Moiraine.
Bela — Bela is mounted by Egwene in the stable and follows the group through the alleys and into the cellar before being led through the Waygate.
Red / Cloud (bay) — Red (known as Red to Rand) is mounted by Rand in the stable. He is described as a bay horse with none of the fire of his previous mount, and he moves down the ramp and through the Waygate.
pack_horse (pack horse) — The pack horse, bulky with wicker panniers and supplies, leads the group initially. It is untied in the cellar, and Rand leads it down the ramp and through the Waygate before Perrin takes its reins.