Chapter 31 - On the Scent

Summary

Verin Mathwin heals the unconscious Hurin at the fire site, allowing the reunited group to travel to The Great Tree inn. In his room, Rand burns Selene's letters while reflecting on his identity and destiny, then joins Verin, Ingtar, Mat, Perrin, and Loial for a meal. During their discussion, Verin warns that a sa'angreal being unearthed by King Galldrian could break the world if used with its counterpart, and notes that the King would steal the Horn of Valere if revealed. Hurin returns to report that the Darkfriends holding the Horn and the Shadar Logoth dagger are hiding in Lord Barthanes's newly built manor, which Rand is invited to attend the following night.

Characters

• Rand / Rand al'Thor (Lord Rand of House al'Thor) — Rand is reunited with his friends and helps Hurin up from the fire. He burns Selene's letters in his hearth before joining the group at The Great Tree, where he accepts an invitation to Lord Barthanes's manor and asserts his identity as a shepherd to Verin, stating that their priority is to retrieve the Horn and the dagger.
• Verin (Aes Sedai, Verin Sedai) — Verin heals Hurin and guides the group to The Great Tree inn. She reveals the catastrophic potential of a pair of sa'angreal linked to the War of the Powers and explains that King Galldrian would seize the Horn of Valere. She crumples the King's invitation but accepts Barthanes's invitation for Rand to attend the manor.
• Mat — Mat arrives at the fire scene and later juggles boiled eggs while eating at the inn. He questions Rand about their disappearance and the loss of the dagger, and watches Verin with suspicion as she discusses the Horn and the sa'angreal.
• Perrin — Perrin explains how Verin gained access to the guardhouse and helps Rand up. He plays stones with Ingtar at the inn, observing the group's changing dynamics and Rand's growing demeanor, while harboring his own secret thoughts about being the Shadowkiller.
• Loial (Ogier) — Loial fetches the horses and claims he has grown used to walking. He carries the Horn of Valere and reads books at the inn, showing worry for Rand. He suggests that the Darkfriends would have taken the Horn directly if they could, indicating they lack the means to open the chest.
• Ingtar (Lord Ingtar) — Ingtar arrives at the fire with Mat and Perrin, questioning Rand about the Horn. Ingtar plays a slashing, daring game of stones with Perrin and expresses frustration at the need to wait for the invitation to Barthanes's manor, though he ultimately agrees to let Uno's soldiers watch the location.
• Hurin (sniffer) — Hurin is unconscious after the fire until Verin heals him. He regains his strength and follows the trail of the Darkfriends to Lord Barthanes's new manor, reporting the presence of Trolloc scent and advising that infiltration by two men is preferable to a larger force.
• Tiedra (innkeeper, Mistress Tiedra) — Mistress Tiedra greets Verin warmly at The Great Tree inn, recognizing her status and directing servants to settle the group before serving the meal.
• Reader (Woman, Reader) — A woman identified as a Reader tends to Hurin's face at the fire scene, stating that something is broken inside his head. She watches Verin carefully and makes a full curtsy to the Aes Sedai.