Chapter 40 - The Web Tightens

Summary

Rand al'Thor, having fallen from a palace wall into a garden, is tended to by the Daughter-Heir Elayne and her brother Gawyn before they are apprehended by the Queen's Guard led by Tallanvor. The trio is brought before Queen Morgase, where Rand faces interrogation regarding his identity and his heron-mark sword. Elaida Sedai delivers a dire Foretelling about Andor's future and identifies Rand as a figure of great importance and danger, though Morgase, convinced by Gareth Bryne and Elayne's testimony, grants Rand his freedom due to the lack of concrete evidence against him. Rand departs the palace in a state of shock after Gawyn remarks that he resembles an Aielman, prompting him to flee back toward the city streets to avoid further scrutiny.

Characters

• Elayne (the Daughter-Heir) — Elayne tends to Rand's wounds in the garden, claims him as her guest to protect him from the guards, and later defends him before Queen Morgase, arguing that he taught her about the people of the Two Rivers.
• Gawyn (Lord Gawyn) — Gawyn accompanies Elayne, observes Rand's injuries, and explains the political dynamics involving Elaida to Rand before escorting him out of the Queen's presence.
• Galad (Galadedrid Damodred, Lord Galad) — Galad confronts Elayne and Gawyn in the garden, suspecting Rand of being a threat, but is dismissed by Elayne before the guards arrive.
• Tallanvor (Guardsman-Lieutenant Tallanvor) — Tallanvor leads the Queen's Guard in apprehending Rand, insists on taking him into custody based on Galad's report, and reluctantly escorts him out after the Queen's command.
• Morgase (the Queen, Queen Morgase) — Queen Morgase presides over the inquiry, listens to Elayne's defense, questions Elaida's Foretelling, and ultimately grants Rand his freedom despite Elaida's warnings.
• Elaida (Aes Sedai, Elaida Sedai) — Elaida knits during the audience, interrogates Rand about his origins, identifies his sword as significant, and delivers a dark Foretelling that Rand stands at the heart of future pain and division.
• Gareth Bryne (Captain-General, Lord Gareth) — Gareth Bryne stands by the Queen's throne, asserts that the heron-mark sword belongs with Rand, and advises the Queen to imprison the boy for safety before agreeing to his release.
• Rand (Rand al'Thor) — Rand falls into the garden, is treated by Elayne and Gawyn, is brought before the Queen, claims to be a shepherd from the Two Rivers, and is released after being identified as potentially significant by Elaida and Gareth Bryne.