ChapterTrack

Chapter 48 - First Claiming

Summary

Min Farshaw navigates the chaotic streets of Falme to find Rand al’Thor lying unconscious under an oak tree, bearing a severe burn wound and an icy coldness. She carries him to a nearby house and stays with him, only to be interrupted by Egwene al’Vere, who delivers a warning about Rand’s dangerous nature before leaving for Nynaeve. Lanfear suddenly appears, claims ownership over Rand’s soul, and vanishes, leaving Min shaken. Meanwhile, Byar gallops away from the city, having witnessed the destruction of Geofram Bornhald’s legion and resolved to report the dire truths to the leadership of the Children of the Light.

Characters

  • Min — Min pushes through the panicked crowds of Falme, spots the Spray sailing away, and observes a mysterious bowman on water before finding Rand unconscious. She carries him to a nearby house, warms him under blankets, and argues briefly with Egwene before Lanfear appears and vanishes, leaving Min hugging Rand in shock.
  • Rand / Rand al'Thor (Lews Therin Telamon, the Dragon Reborn, my fine Lord Shepherd) — Rand lies sprawled unconscious under an oak, breathing raggedly and radiating icy coldness, with a melted hilt gripped in his hand and a burn wound on his side. He stirs and murmurs only when Lanfear appears above him, claiming him as hers before disappearing.
  • Egwene — Egwene enters the room where Min is keeping warm with Rand, staring at them by the firelight. She explains that she felt Rand pulling at her, warns Min that Rand is not safe for them, and leaves to bring Nynaeve with her back straight and head high.
  • Lanfear — Lanfear appears at the door in a silver-belted white dress, claiming to have guided Rand’s steps and asserting that she controls events rather than Ishamael. She touches Rand’s forehead, tells Min to tend him well, and vanishes from the room.
  • Byar — Byar gallops away from Falme with grim purpose, having witnessed the death of Bornhald and his legion. He resolves to carry the news of Darkfriend betrayal and the strange signs in the sky to Pedron Niall himself.