Chapter 44 - The Dark Along the Ways

Summary

The group prepares for a pre-dawn departure from The Queen’s Blessing, where Master Gill confirms the Waygate location is clear and provides them with mounts and supplies. They proceed through a hidden stable passage to a cellar beneath a closed shop, where Loial identifies the stone gate and Moiraine unlocks it using the leaf of Avendesora. One by one, they step through the shimmering portal into the dark, oppressive environment of the Ways, where light is consumed by the surrounding blackness and time flows differently. Loial leads them along a white line and across stone bridges, following Ogier script on Guiding stones to navigate the labyrinthine structure, until they are halted on a bridge by the sudden appearance of a jagged gap in the path ahead.

Characters

Rand — Rand follows Moiraine through the inn and stable, leading the pack horse into the cellar and then through the Waygate. Inside the Ways, he struggles with the oppressive darkness and the strange flow of time, clinging to his sword for comfort before riding behind Loial. He eats while mounted and watches as the group is stopped by a gap in the bridge ahead.
Moiraine (Aes Sedai) — Moiraine oversees the group's departure, thanking Master Gill and checking on Loial before leading the column through the hidden passage. In the cellar, she creates a floating light, unlocks the Waygate, and removes the leaf of Avendesora to open the gate, ensuring she is the last to pass through so the gate can be closed.
Lan — Lan leads Mandarb through the Waygate first and then provides lanterns for the group. He rides on Moiraine's other side, urging the anxious Ogier forward, and later dismounts to distribute food to the travelers in the dark.
Perrin — Perrin travels through the dark alley and cellar, entering the Ways where he presses close to Rand for comfort in the darkness. He takes charge of leading the pack horse through the labyrinth and helps the group navigate the stone bridges.
Mat — Mat stays close to Rand, expressing nervousness about the dark cellar and the strange environment of the Ways. He expresses incredulity at the thought of the gate being under a building, marvels at the endless darkness, and eventually catches up to the group after his horse leaps through.
Egwene — Egwene rides into the cellar and through the Waygate, where she presses close to Rand in the darkness. She looks around with apprehension at the light-consuming blackness of the Ways.
Nynaeve — Nynaeve waits anxiously in the back hall and stable, follows the group into the stable and cellar, and rides into the Ways. She complains about the smells in the alley and enters the Ways in shocked silence before hurrying to join the group.
Loial — Loial complains about the darkness in the stable and leads the group to the Waygate, identifying it by instinct. He enters the cellar, expresses anger at the destruction of the trees, and retrieves the leaf of Avendesora to open the gate. He guides the group through the dark labyrinth, following Ogier script on Guiding stones.
Master Gill (innkeeper) — Master Gill manages the pre-dawn departure, calming the cook and lending Rand a horse named Red. He confers with Ramey to confirm the way is clear and bids the group farewell with well wishes.
Ramey (head groom, stableman) — Ramey is the leathery-skinned head groom who clears the stable wall and manipulates hidden latches to reveal the passage. He eagerly closes the hidden door behind the group and shifts impatiently when Loial pauses.
Mandarb — Mandarb stands arrogantly in the stable before being led through the hidden passage and the Waygate, his shadowy reflection vanishing into the shimmer.
Aldieb — Aldieb nuzzles Moiraine's hand in the stable and steps delicately down the ramp into the cellar, following Moiraine through the Waygate.
Red — Red is the bay horse lent to Rand by Master Gill, described as tall and deep-chested but lacking the fire of Cloud. He is led down the ramp into the cellar and through the Waygate.
Bela — Bela is the shaggy brown mare ridden by Egwene, who goes straight to her in the stable before being led down the ramp and into the Ways.