Chapter 5 - Winternight

Summary

Tam and Rand return to their isolated farmhouse, where Tam reveals he owns a fine sword previously hidden away and locks the doors in anticipation of danger. Their vigil is broken by an assault from Trollocs who burst through the door; Tam fights them off while urging Rand to flee into the woods. Rand escapes, later returning to the house to find most of the attackers dead, only to be confronted by a surviving Trolloc named Narg who attempts to trick him before being killed by Tam's sword which Rand used in defense. Realizing the cart and horses are gone, Rand repairs the cart shaft with the sword, gathers essential supplies, and prepares to carry the feverish Tam to safety in Emond's Field.

Characters

• Rand — Rand works the farm with his father, then flees into the woods during a Trolloc attack. He sneaks back to the house, kills a Trolloc with a thrown sword, gathers supplies, repairs the broken cart shaft with Tam's sword, and prepares to carry his father to Emond's Field.
• Tam — Tam inspects the farm for signs of the rider, reveals a hidden sword, and fights off Trollocs attacking their home. He orders Rand to escape, later falls ill with fever in the woods, and is found by Rand who intends to carry him to the Wisdom for healing.
• Narg (Trolloc) — Narg is a large Trolloc with a wolf's muzzle who survives the initial attack on the farm. He attempts to intimidate and deceive Rand into lowering his weapon, claiming he wants to speak to a Myrddraal, but is killed when Tam's sword impales him from the ground.