Chapter 31 - On the Scent

Summary

Rand al’Thor and his companions reunite with Lord Ingtar Gladion’s party in Cairhien following a fire at their inn, where Mat Cauthon explains how Aes Sedai Verin Sedai guided the group to Rand’s location. Rand reveals to his friends how he, Loial, and Selene vanished and returned via Portal Stones, and Verin discloses that Lord Barthanes is hiding the stolen Horn of Valere and the Shadar Logoth dagger in his new manor. Verin proposes using an invitation from Barthanes to infiltrate the estate, while simultaneously revealing to the group the existence of a powerful male sa’angreal being excavated by King Galldrian, which could potentially break the world if misused. The group agrees to Rand's plan to attend Barthanes's feast as a disguise to retrieve the Horn and the dagger, leaving Uno and the soldiers to monitor the manor. Verin’s small, mysterious smile chilled Perrin as they discussed the plan.

Characters

• Rand / Rand al'Thor (Lord Rand, Lord of House al'Thor) — Rand reunites with his friends and Ingtar, burning Selene's letters in a fit of guilt and resolve. He explains his vanishing act involving Portal Stones and accepts Verin's plan to infiltrate Lord Barthanes's manor using a royal invitation, asserting his identity as a shepherd despite his growing dignity and the ornate coat he wears.
• Mat — Mat arrives with Ingtar's party, appearing pale and sick but managing a grin. He explains how Verin coerced a clerk into guiding them to Rand and later juggles eggs while eating ravenously, showing less fear of Rand's power. He questions the wisdom of giving the Horn to King Galldrian and insists on retrieving the Shadar Logoth dagger as well.
• Perrin — Perrin arrives with Mat, his yellow eyes sharp as he internally acknowledges Rand as the 'Shadowkiller' and struggles with his own changing nature and appetites. He plays a stones board with Ingtar, deferring to Verin's authority, and supports Rand's decision to infiltrate Barthanes's manor while remaining wary of the Aes Sedai's influence.
• Loial (the Ogier) — Loial fetches the horses from the untouched stables and rides to the Great Tree inn, claiming to have grown used to walking. He reads books during the meal and points out that the Darkfriends likely could not open the Horn's chest.
• Hurin (Lord, the sniffer) — Hurin recovers from his head injury with Verin's help and rides to track the Darkfriends to Lord Barthanes's new manor. He reports the presence of Trolloc scent and guards, advising that two men could infiltrate the estate, and reveals to the group that Rand possesses a sealed invitation from Barthanes that arrived despite Rand burning all previous ones.
• Ingtar (Lord Ingtar) — Ingtar arrives in Cairhien and confronts Rand about the lost Horn and dagger. He plays stones with Perrin and initially struggles to accept Rand's authority, though he eventually agrees to Verin's plan. He expresses frustration at having to wait and concern over the sa'angreal being unearthed by King Galldrian.
• Verin / Verin Sedai (Aes Sedai) — Verin heals Hurin and reveals her presence in Cairhien, having used her influence to guide Ingtar's party to Rand. She outlines the plan to infiltrate Barthanes's manor to retrieve the Horn and dagger, and discreetly informs the group about the male sa'angreal being excavated by the King, warning of its potential to break the world if used.
• Cuale (innkeeper) — Cuale, the innkeeper of The Defender of the Dragonwall, directs the evacuation of his burning inn but remains focused on saving his silverware. He is not mentioned as present in the final scene but is referenced as the previous innkeeper whose behavior Mistress Tiedra mirrors.
• Tiedra / Mistress Tiedra (innkeeper) — Mistress Tiedra, the innkeeper of The Great Tree, welcomes Verin with a warm, knowing smile and oversees the settling of the group in their rooms. She provides the group with food and brings Rand a book when he asks for it, maintaining a sharp eye on the guests.