Chapter 48 - First Claiming

Summary

Min Farshaw navigates the chaotic aftermath of the battle in Falme, finding an unconscious and freezing Rand al’Thor under an oak tree and carrying him to a nearby house to warm him. As she tends to him, Lanfear manifests and declares her ownership over the Dragon Reborn before vanishing. Egwene al’Vere arrives, noting that she felt Rand's need, and tells Min that Rand cannot marry and is not safe for any of them before leaving to bring Nynaeve. Meanwhile, Byar rides away from the destroyed city, determined to report the betrayal and destruction of the Children of the Light to the leadership in Tar Valon.

Characters

• Min — Min climbs the streets of Falme to find Rand, drags his unconscious body into a house, and lies beside him to provide warmth. She encounters Lanfear when the Forsaken appears, and endures Egwene’s cold warning about the danger of loving the Dragon before being left alone with him.
• Rand / Rand al'Thor / Lews Therin Telamon (the Dragon Reborn) — Rand lies unconscious and ice-cold under an oak tree with a melted sword hilt fused to his hand. He stirs and murmurs briefly when Lanfear touches his forehead, but remains unresponsive to Min's care and Egwene's presence.
• Lanfear — Lanfear appears as a beautiful woman in white to Min, smoothing Rand's hair and declaring that she has guided his steps and will shape him. She asserts her claim over Lews Therin and vanishes from the room.
• Egwene — Egwene enters the room, senses Rand's need, and asks Min if she knows what Rand truly is. After Min's defiant response, Egwene leaves to fetch Nynaeve.
• Nynaeve — Nynaeve is mentioned by Egwene as being outside with Elayne, getting the horses and confirming that the Seanchan left most of their mounts behind. She states they should leave Falme as soon as possible.
• Bela — Bela is found among the horses left behind by the Seanchan, though the animal does not appear on-screen in this scene.