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Chapter 25 - Cairhien

Summary

Rand al’Thor, Loial, and Hurin arrive in the city of Cairhien and are registered by officers Tavolin and Sandair before seeking lodging at an inn where they receive noble invitations which Rand discards to avoid the political intrigue of the Great Game. While Loial and Hurin remain at the inn, Rand ventures into the lively Foregate and, drawn by a voice singing, recognizes the gleeman Thom Merrilin, who confirms he survived their previous escape and directs Rand to meet him later with his musical instruments.

Characters

  • Rand / Rand al'Thor (Lord Rand, Lord of House al'Thor) — Rand rides into Cairhien with Loial and Hurin, ignoring the stiff demeanor of the escorting soldiers. He registers at the city gate, rejects invitations from noble Houses by burning them, and seeks out the Foregate to escape the city's oppressive atmosphere, where he spots Thom Merrilin performing.
  • Loial (Ogier) — Loial accompanies Rand into Cairhien, carrying the Horn of Valere under a blanket. He observes the Topless Towers with sadness, registers at the gate, and declines Rand's invitation to go to the Foregate, stating he will stay in their room to rest and read.
  • Hurin (Sniffer) — Hurin explains the history of Cairhien to Rand and advises him on local customs regarding the Foregate. He waits while Tavolin and clerks register their arrival at the gate, declines to go to the Foregate due to safety concerns, and accepts a drink in the inn's common room.
  • Tavolin / Elricain (Officer) — Tavolin commands the escort of soldiers, rides with disdain at the Foregate crowd, and returns from the guardhouse with officers to confirm Rand's identity with the clerks.
  • Sandair / Asan — Sandair, a balding officer, registers the names of Rand's party in a ledger and instructs Rand to return the next day to provide the name of their inn, also offering to help locate Lady Selene.
  • Cuale (Innkeeper) — Cuale, the plump innkeeper, greets Rand's group with excessive bows, provides them with rooms in the Defender of the Dragonwall, and presents them with invitations from noble Houses on a tray.