Chapter 36 - Web of the Pattern

Summary

Rand and Mat eat in The Queen's Blessing inn, where Master Gill warns them that seeking Elaida would be dangerous due to her influence and powers of perception, but suggests that the Guards could protect them from Darkfriends if Thom's connection were kept secret. Desiring privacy, Rand retreats to the inn's library and is startled by the appearance of Loial, a massive Ogier who reveals he left his stedding to see the world's groves and cities. Loial explains the concept of the Pattern and the term 'ta'veren,' identifying Rand and his friends as individuals around whom the world's events swirl, and expresses a desire to travel with them to Tar Valon to see its groves.

Characters

• Rand / Rand al'Thor — Rand shares a meal with Mat and Master Gill, explaining their flight from Darkfriends while maintaining caution about the White Tower's influence. He seeks out Master Gill and, finding him absent, retreats to the library where he encounters Loial and reveals the full truth of their journey, eventually agreeing to speak with him and potentially meet in Tar Valon.
• Mat — Mat eats silently and broods in the inn room, expressing despair over the loss of his friends and the futility of their journey. He remains sullen and suspicious, noting that anyone could be a Darkfriend, before retreating to bed to hide his face to the wall from Rand.
• Gill (Master Gill) — Master Gill provides Rand and Mat with food and safety, warning them that the White Tower and Elaida pose a greater political threat than the guards or Darkfriends due to her influence and abilities. He manages the inn and ensures the boys are hidden from scrutiny.
• Loial / Loial, son of — Loial, a ninety-year-old Ogier, appears in the library and explains his journey from the stedding to see the world's groves and cities. He identifies Rand as 'ta'veren,' explaining that the Pattern bends around him, and requests to join the group's journey to Tar Valon to observe its groves.