Chapter 39 - Weaving of the Web

Summary

Rand al'Thor leaves his room at The Queen’s Blessing after failing to persuade a sullen Mat Cauthon to accompany him to the streets of Caemlyn. After speaking with Innkeeper Master Gill about a beggar asking for him and receiving advice from the guard Lamgwin, Rand joins the crowds celebrating the arrival of the false Dragon, Logain. Navigating the tense political atmosphere marked by red and white cockades, Rand is spotted by a ragged beggar who points at him, prompting Rand to flee through the city. Seeking a better vantage point, Rand climbs a high wall overlooking the Palace grounds to watch Logain’s procession. As he observes the caged false Dragon and the surrounding Aes Sedai, a voice speaks to him from above; Rand looks up to see Logain, who then strikes him and knocks him from the wall into darkness.

Characters

• Rand — Rand argues with Mat Cauthon before leaving for the streets, speaks with Master Gill and Lamgwin, flees a pointing beggar, climbs a wall to view Logain's procession, and is knocked off the wall by Logain.
• Mat — Mat remains curled up in his bed at The Queen’s Blessing, refusing to leave with Rand despite Rand's attempts to persuade him to go see the procession.
• Master Gill / Gill (Innkeeper) — Master Gill informs Rand that a beggar has been asking for him and his friends, warns him about the political tensions in the city, and points out enemies watching the inn.
• Lamgwin — Lamgwin, a bulky guard hired by Master Gill, watches the street from the alley entrance and warns Rand to watch his back as he departs.
• Logain (false Dragon) — Logain appears in a cage on a massive wagon during the procession, holding himself with kingly defiance amidst the hostile crowd, and later reveals himself by striking Rand and knocking him off a wall.