Chapter 34 - The Last Village

Summary

Rand and Mat, exhausted and starving after fleeing through the night, reach the outskirts of a village and observe an innkeeper named Holdwin conspiring with a dark, faceless Fade while discussing a bounty for the two boys. Recognizing the imminent threat of the Myrddraal, Rand approaches the innkeeper's neighbor, an old farmer named Almen Bunt, who is preparing to leave in his cart. Bunt agrees to give them a ride to Caemlyn, monopolizing their time with a long monologue about Queen Morgase, the political influence of the White Tower, and the history of Andor's succession, during which Rand falls into a terrified dream about Tam, Lan, Moiraine, and a raven tearing out his eye, only to wake up as they arrive in the city.

Characters

• Rand — Rand and Mat slip through the night to a village, where they overhear Holdwin talking with a Fade. Realizing the danger, Rand convinces a reluctant Mat to accept a ride from the farmer Almen Bunt. Lulled by the cart's motion and Bunt's incessant talking, Rand dreams of his friends being taken by the Halfman and a raven attacking him, waking in terror as they enter Caemlyn.
• Mat — Mat complains of exhaustion and hunger as he and Rand travel to the village. He is wary of the innkeeper and the Fade but agrees to Bunt's offer of passage after Rand argues it is safer than waiting. He remains suspicious and watchful in the cart. Rand has a nightmare, and Bunt is startled by his screams.
• Almen Bunt (the old farmer) — Almen Bunt is a leathery-faced, toothless old farmer who stands by his cart. He argues with Holdwin about the strange visitors in the village and his own plan to go to Caemlyn alone. He gives Rand and Mat a ride, speaking incessantly about Queen Morgase, the White Tower, and Andor's political history.
• Holdwin / Raimun Holdwin (the innkeeper) — Holdwin is the nervous innkeeper of the village inn. He meets secretly with a faceless Fade, discussing a bounty for Rand and Mat and their stolen sword. He is irritated by Bunt's interference and dismisses him from his inn.