Chapter 40 - The Web Tightens

Summary

Rand al'Thor falls from the palace wall into the garden, where he is discovered by Elayne al'Mourien and her brother Gawyn, who tend to his wounds before Galad Damodred confronts them. Rand is arrested by Queen's Guards led by Tallanvor and escorted to Queen Morgase, who has just been speaking with Elaida Trakand about the captured Dragon Reborn, Logain. Morgase interrogates Rand regarding his identity and his possession of a heron-mark sword, while Elaida delivers a dire Foretelling that Rand stands at the heart of the world's coming pain and division. Trusting Rand's story and appearance, Morgase grants him his freedom and suggests he leave Caemlyn, allowing him to depart under the guard of Tallanvor and the companionship of Elayne and Gawyn, leaving Rand unsettled by Elaida's prophecy and Gawyn's remark that he resembles an Aielman.

Characters

Rand / Rand al'Thor — Rand falls from the palace wall, landing in a garden where he is tended by Elayne and observed by Gawyn. He is escorted by guards to the Queen, where he is questioned about his heron-mark sword and identity. Elaida Sedai delivers a Foretelling regarding his dangerous role in the world's future. Freed by Morgase, Rand leaves the palace, unsettled by the Aes Sedai's prophecy and Gawyn's comment about his resemblance to an Aielman.
Elayne (my Lady, Daughter-Heir) — Elayne finds Rand in her garden and tends his wounds with medical supplies she carries. She defends him against Galad's suspicions and later against the guards' accusations. She escorts him to Queen Morgase, vouching for his innocence and guest-right, and accompanies him out of the palace, sharing a final exchange before parting.
Gawyn (my Lord) — Gawyn follows Elayne into the garden and assists in covering for Rand. He accompanies them to the Queen, criticizing Galad's envy and accepting his sister's command to become her First Prince of the Sword. He escorts Rand out of the palace, noting that Rand's appearance resembles that of an Aielman.
Galad (First Prince of the Sword, Lord Galadedrid Damodred) — Galad appears in the garden, confronting Elayne and Gawyn about their trespassing and questioning Rand's character. He warns Elayne about the dangers of accepting strangers and leaves when commanded, though he later reports a 'dirty peasant' to the guards, prompting the arrest.
Tallanvor (Guardsman-Lieutenant Tallanvor, Lord Tallanvor) — Tallanvor leads the Queen's Guards into the garden and arrests Rand based on Galad's report. He escorts Rand to the Queen, remaining vigilant and distrustful throughout the audience. He reluctantly obeys Morgase's order to escort Rand out with courtesy, though he slams the sally-port shut behind him.
Morgase (Queen, Her Majesty) — Morgase sits on her throne, listening to Elaida's knitting and Rand's story. She is deeply affected by Elaida's Foretelling and consults her Captain-General before deciding to uphold justice over suspicion. She questions Rand's intentions and ultimately grants him freedom based on his honesty and the preposterous nature of his claim. She warns him to be careful where he trespasses in the future.
Elaida (Aes Sedai, Elaida Sedai) — Elaida sits knitting behind the throne, observing Rand with intense scrutiny. She questions his origins and his sword, then delivers a Foretelling that Rand stands at the heart of the world's coming pain and division. She demands to remain in the palace to study him further.
Gareth (Captain-General, Lord Gareth) — Gareth Bryne stands by the throne, listening to the proceedings. He supports Rand's possession of the sword and advises Morgase to imprison Rand for safety, though he ultimately accepts the Queen's decision to release him.