Chapter 6 - The Westwood

Summary

Rand al'Thor drags his feverish father Tam al'Thor on a makeshift litter through the dark woods toward Emond's Field, struggling with exhaustion and the terror of pursuit. As he travels, Tam mutters deliriously about the War of the Shadow and the Tree of Avendesora, while Rand is forced to confront the reality that the stories of the world are true. They narrowly evade a patrol of Trollocs and a hooded rider on a soundless horse, leaving Rand shaken but determined to reach the village before the searchers return to their farm.

Characters

• Rand — Rand al'Thor bandages his father's wound, constructs a litter from cart shafts and blankets, and drags Tam through the dark Westwood toward Emond's Field. He endures physical exhaustion and psychological terror as he evades a group of Trollocs and a mysterious hooded rider, while grappling with the truth of the world's dangers during his father's fever dreams.
• Tam — Tam al'Thor lies unconscious or delirious on the litter, suffering from a high fever and muttering incoherently about battles, historical figures like Laman, and the Tree of Life. He briefly clutches Rand's collar and speaks of Kari before sinking back into murmurs, unaware of the danger passing them on the road.