Chapter 26 - Discord

Summary

Rand and Loial visit The Bunch of Grapes to meet Thom Merrilin, where they are initially barred by Thom's companion, Dena, until Thom returns. Rand reveals he possesses the Horn of Valere, but Thom, wary of the dangers and political intrigue of Cairhien, refuses to join the quest, citing his new life with Dena and his desire to avoid the Great Game. Thom shares verses of the Karaethon Cycle with Rand and reveals that his nephew Owyn was gentled by the Aes Sedai, reinforcing Rand's fear of his own potential to channel. After Rand departs, Thom is confronted by Zera, who warns him against involvement with the outland lord and urges him to marry Dena.

Characters

• Rand / Rand al'Thor (boy, shepherd, my Lord, Lord Rand) — Rand rushes to meet Thom Merrilin, bringing him his harp and flute. He reveals the Horn of Valere to Thom, who initially laughs it off before taking it seriously. Rand questions Thom about the Karaethon Cycle and learns of Thom's nephew Owyn's fate. He eventually leaves Thom after Thom refuses to join his quest, warning him to keep a clean break.
• Loial / Loial, son of Arent son of Halan (friend Ogier) — Loial accompanies Rand to meet Thom, carrying the Horn disguised under his blanket. He meets Thom formally and attempts to sit on the bed when invited by Dena. Later, he excuses himself to let Rand speak with Thom privately, citing an interest in a dice game.
• Hurin — Hurin remains in Rand's room while Loial and Rand go to The Bunch of Grapes.
• Dena (young woman) — Dena, a slender Cairhienin woman, shares a room with Thom Merrilin and juggling balls. She questions Rand and Loial about their presence and threatens them to leave if they break the furniture. She kisses Thom, reveals her ambition to be a gleeman, and is dismissed by Thom to pay Ivon for knives.
• Thom / Thom Merrilin (gleeman, old fool, uncle) — Thom returns to his room with Dena and is brought Rand's instruments. He reacts with laughter to the news of the Horn but ultimately refuses Rand's offer to join the quest, citing his affection for Dena and fear of the Great Game. He shares prophecies with Rand, reveals his nephew Owyn was gentled by the Red Ajah, and is later admonished by Zera to marry Dena.
• Zera — Zera, a woman with whom Thom is acquainted, confronts him in his room after Rand leaves. She warns him that the young lord is likely an outlander and that Cairhien is dangerous. She advises him to marry Dena and avoid the Great Game, leaving him to ponder her words.