Chapter 20 - Saidin

Summary

Rand al'Thor, accompanied by Loial, Hurin, and Selene, rides through the fading landscape toward Cairhien, pausing to examine a massive excavation featuring a giant stone hand holding a crystal sphere. Rand is drawn into a trance by the sphere and the pull of saidin, nearly channeling the One Power before breaking the connection by reciting the Karaethon Cycle. The group proceeds to the village of Tremonsien and the inn known as the Nine Rings, where Selene pleads with Rand to flee south to Cairhien with the Horn of Valere, but he steadfastly refuses, declaring the Horn is not his to keep.

Characters

• Rand (Lord Rand) — Rand leads his companions through the hills of Cairhien, refusing Selene's demand to see the Horn of Valere. He becomes entranced by a crystal sphere in an excavation, fighting a trance-like pull from saidin before breaking it by reciting the Karaethon Cycle. At the inn in Tremonsien, he declines Selene's offer to flee with the Horn, insisting it belongs to no one person.
• Selene (My Lady) — Selene demands to see the Horn of Valere and urges Rand to flee with her. She expresses terror when Rand nearly channels at the crystal sphere, and later presses him for a chance at greatness with the Horn, only to be rebuffed at the inn.
• Loial — Loial walks alongside his horse to save his mount after receiving the Horn. He covers the chest with his blanket when entering the village and later describes Rand's behavior to him after Rand emerges from his trance at the excavation.
• Hurin — Hurin tracks the group's path and warns Rand about the guards at the excavation site. He accompanies them to Tremonsien, remaining wary of the Trollocs pursuing them.
• Red — Red, Rand's stallion, carries him through the landscape and shies at Rand's shout at the excavation site, nearly falling into the pit before scrambling to safety.