Chapter 4 - The Gleeman

Summary

Thom Merrilin, a gleeman, arrives in Emond's Field and entertains the villagers with juggling and boasts of his storytelling prowess, drawing the attention of Moiraine and Lan who observe from the crowd. After a tense exchange between Nynaeve and Mayor Bran al'Vere regarding the false Dragon and the Village Council's handling of the situation, Rand, Mat, and Perrin plan to find more witnesses to the black-cloaked rider they all saw. Rand and his father Tam depart for the farm, where Tam explains the political necessity of controlling information to prevent panic and reveals that other youths, including Jon Thane's son, have also seen the mysterious figure, validating Rand's fears.

Characters

• Thom Merrilin / Thom (gleeman, Master Gleeman, Master Bard, Courtbard) — Thom Merrilin arrives in Emond's Field, introducing himself as an exalted Master Gleeman and former Courtbard. He performs juggling tricks with colored balls and recites a list of epic tales to the villagers, while maintaining a wary respect for the stranger Moiraine.
• Rand (lad) — Rand observes Thom Merrilin's performance with amusement and interacts with Egwene, who requests stories about Lenn. He later joins Mat and Perrin to discuss the black-cloaked rider and plans to find more witnesses before departing with his father.
• Moiraine (Lady) — Moiraine joins the crowd watching Thom Merrilin and engages in a polite but wary exchange with him regarding his stories. She accepts his bow with grace before walking away with Lan.
• Mat / Matrim Cauthon (boy) — Mat watches Thom Merrilin with delight, shouting requests for fire-eating. He later debates with Rand and Perrin about the black-cloaked rider and volunteers for the village watch patrols.
• Perrin / Perrin Aybara (lad) — Perrin listens to Thom Merrilin and confirms his travels to the Mire and Mountains of Mist. He agrees to join the watch patrols if Master Luhhan permits, and helps Rand plan to find more witnesses to the black rider.
• Nynaeve (Wisdom) — Nynaeve emerges from the inn with the Village Council and confronts Bran al'Vere about the false Dragon and the lack of concern for the village's safety, before striding away in annoyance.
• Bran al'Vere (Mayor, Master al'Vere, Brandelwyn al'Vere) — Bran al'Vere questions Thom Merrilin's behavior and argues with Nynaeve about who should worry about the village's safety. He later snaps at Cenn Buie for his impertinence and returns to the inn.
• Cenn / Cenn Buie (old grandfather) — Cenn Buie criticizes the gleeman's expense and complains about Nynaeve's lack of respect. He is reprimanded by Mayor Bran al'Vere for acting like a black-veiled Aiel and is calmed by Haral Luhhan.
• Tam (father) — Tam explains to Rand why the Council controlled the narrative about the false Dragon to prevent panic. He reveals that other youths have also seen the black-cloaked rider, validating Rand's fears, before they depart for the farm.
• Haral Luhhan (Master Luhhan, blacksmith) — Haral Luhhan accompanies Cenn Buie after the Council disperses, talking quietly to him.
• Padan Fain (Master Fain) — Padan Fain remains inside the Winespring Inn, enjoying mulled wine and avoiding the cold Green while the villagers watch the gleeman.