Chapter 39 - Weaving of the Web

Summary

Rand al'Thor leaves his room at The Queen's Blessing to join the crowds in Caemlyn celebrating the capture of Logain, finding his friend Mat Cauthon too stubborn to leave his bed. After a brief exchange with the innkeeper Master Gill and a warning from the guard Lamgwin, Rand navigates the city's tense political atmosphere, marked by the prevalence of white cockades over red, and evades a pursuing beggar who points him out. He climbs a high wall to witness the procession, viewing Logain al'Moiraine in an iron cage, who appears defiant despite his captors. As Rand watches, a girl's voice interrupts him, and he falls from the wall, losing consciousness.

Characters

• Rand — Rand leaves his room to join the celebration, ignoring Mat's refusal to come with him. He encounters Master Gill and Lamgwin, who warn him of the city's dangers and the political tension between Queen supporters and opponents. Rand climbs a high wall to watch the procession of Logain, observing the caged man's defiance. After hearing a girl's voice, he falls from the wall and blacks out.
• Mat — Mat remains in his room at The Queen's Blessing, curled up in bed and refusing to see the celebration or leave the room due to his suspicion and fear. He eats meals brought to him by Rand but stays hidden.
• Master Gill (Gill) — The innkeeper of The Queen's Blessing warns Rand about a mad beggar who has been asking after him and advises him to watch his back against political tensions in the city.
• Lamgwin — A bulky guard hired by Master Gill, Lamgwin stands watch at the alley entrance and warns Rand to be careful, noting that he would be a useful ally in a fight.
• Logain (the False Dragon, the man in the cage) — Logain rides in a massive wagon, confined within an iron cage pulled by sixteen horses. He holds himself upright with defiance, wearing ordinary clothes but carrying himself like a king. He looks over the crowd with an expression of authority and laughs as he is taken into the Palace.