Chapter 4 - The Gleeman

Summary

Thom Merrilin, a vibrant gleeman, arrives in Emond's Field and performs juggling tricks and storytelling for the gathered villagers, drawing the wary attention of Moiraine and Lan. After the Council emerges from the inn, Nynaeve and the Mayor argue over the appropriate response to the news of the False Dragon, with the Mayor firmly silencing Cenn Buie's complaints. Tam al'Thor explains the political necessity of managing public fear to Bran's satisfaction, then reveals that he now believes Rand's claims about the black-cloaked rider after receiving confirmation from other villagers, relieving Rand's anxiety as the two depart for their farm.

Characters

Thom Merrilin / Thom (gleeman, Master Gleeman, Master Bard) — Thom Merrilin arrives in the village, introducing himself as a gleeman and former court bard. He entertains the crowd with juggling colored balls and reciting a vast array of tales from various Ages, drawing the attention of both the youths and Moiraine, before retreating into the inn when the Council emerges.
Rand — Rand watches Thom Merrilin's performance with interest, feeling a mix of excitement and wariness regarding the black-cloaked rider. He later joins his friends in discussing the watch, attempts to convince his father to let him join, and ultimately accepts Tam's decision to return to the farm, feeling relieved upon learning Tam now believes him.
Egwene — Egwene reacts with delight at seeing a gleeman and asks for specific stories, only to be scolded by Thom Merrilin for her age-appropriate behavior. She glares at Rand for laughing at her request and later follows Nynaeve away after the Wisdom rebukes the Council.
Moiraine (Lady, Lady Moiraine) — Moiraine joins the crowd listening to Thom Merrilin, prompting him to stop his performance and bow to her with visible wariness. She responds with grace, exchanging polite remarks about stories before turning away with Lan.
Lan — Lan stands silently by Moiraine's shoulder, blending into the shadows. He follows Moiraine as she bows to Thom Merrilin and then turns away, moving with a gliding grace that distinguishes him from the crowd.
Mat / Matrim — Mat laughs at Egwene's request for stories and then shouts for the gleeman to eat fire. He eagerly asks Thom about the war and later discusses volunteering for the watch with Perrin, showing enthusiasm for the prospect of seeing soldiers or Tinkers.
Perrin — Perrin listens to Thom Merrilin's stories and is noted for his large size. He discusses the war and the black rider with Rand and Mat, agreeing to seek other witnesses to the rider's appearance before approaching the Mayor.
Nynaeve (Wisdom) — Nynaeve emerges from the inn with the Village Council, confronting Bran al'Vere about his prioritization of the gleeman and guests over the danger of the False Dragon. She leaves abruptly after a heated exchange, followed by Egwene.
Cenn — Cenn Buie complains about the cost of the gleeman and later grows purple with rage at Nynaeve's disrespect. He is rebuked by the Mayor, who tells him to stop acting like a black-veiled Aiel, causing Cenn to freeze in astonishment.
Haral Luhhan (Master Luhhan) — Haral Luhhan remains with the stony-visaged Cenn Buie after the Council disperses, talking quietly with him while the other council members move off in their separate directions.
Tam (Father) — Tam al'Thor explains to Rand the political strategy behind the Council's handling of the False Dragon news. He reveals that he now believes Rand's sighting of the black rider due to corroborating reports from other villagers, and then leads Rand back to their farm.
Bela — Bela is brought out of the stable by Tam, who gathers Rand onto the cart. The shaggy brown mare pulls the high-wheeled cart out of the stableyard and along the Quarry Road.
Hu — Hu, one of the stablemen, receives a nod from Tam and helps bring Bela out of the stable, having tended to the peddler's horses earlier.
Tad — Tad, one of the stablemen, stands by the stalls while Tam speaks quietly to him and Hu before the cart departs.