Chapter 13 - From Stone to Stone

Summary

Rand al’Thor, Loial, and Hurin awaken in a surreal, colorless hollow containing a massive stone cylinder after the entire camp has vanished. Rand attempts to use the One Power to channel through the Stone to return to their original world but is repelled by the tainted nature of saidin, which manifests as a slimy, rancid filth that shatters his void. Hurin confirms that the scent trail of the Darkfriends is still faintly present on the rim of the hollow, and Rand decides to pursue them rather than risk channeling again, trusting that they must have reached this place by another means. Loial questions how they can navigate the Stones without the Power, but Rand resolves to find another way, and the trio rides south toward the distant trail.

Characters

• Rand (Lord Rand) — Rand wakes in the desolate hollow, attempts to channel through the stone cylinder, but recoils from the tainted feel of saidin. He decides to pursue the Darkfriends instead of trying to use the Power again, promising to find another way to return, and rides south with his companions.
• Loial (Ogier) — Loial recognizes the stone cylinder from an ancient text and explains its potential function. He expresses deep doubt about their ability to use the Stone or navigate this world without the One Power, but follows Rand southward on his horse.
• Hurin (sniffer) — Hurin calms his fear by placing his trust in Rand as a lord who must protect and resolve the situation. He confirms he can still smell the faint trail of the Darkfriends leading away from the hollow and leads the group south.
• Red — Red, Rand's stallion, is hobbled in the hollow, later mounted by Rand, and whickers nervously due to the strange visual distortions of the landscape.