ChapterTrack

Chapter 20 - Saidin

Summary

Rand, Selene, Loial, and Hurin continue their journey toward Cairhien, with Selene repeatedly pressuring Rand to claim the Horn of Valere for himself rather than hiding it or delivering it. While resting near the village of Tremonsien, Rand encounters the Eye of the World and becomes mesmerized by saidin, nearly succumbing to the void before forcing himself away through sheer will. The group arrives in the terraced village, noting the distinct appearance of its inhabitants, and proceeds to the Nine Rings inn, where Selene makes one final, desperate attempt to persuade Rand to take the Horn.

Characters

  • Rand / Lord Rand — Rand travels with Selene and Loial, refusing to let them see the Horn of Valere or the Shadar Logoth dagger. At the Eye of the World, he is mesmerized by the crystal sphere and the song of saidin, entering a deep trance where he nearly channels uncontrollably before breaking the void and shouting a fragment of the Prophecies of the Dragon. He and his companions then ride to the village of Tremonsien and stop at the Nine Rings inn.
  • Selene (My Lady) — Selene demands to see the Horn of Valere and tries to seduce Rand into taking it for himself, offering him glory and her companionship. She warns him of the danger from guards at the excavation and later follows him to the Nine Rings inn, where she makes one last attempt to convince him to claim the artifact.
  • Loial (Ogier, alantin) — Loial travels alongside his horse, carrying the Horn of Valere in a chest covered by his blanket to disguise it as clothes. He observes Rand's strange behavior during the incident with the giant hand and crystal sphere and later rides into Tremonsien, noting the village's layout and the locals' reaction to his size.
  • Hurin — Hurin rides with the group, tracking scents. He notes that the guards in the pit below have noticed their presence as they depart for the village of Tremonsien.
  • Red (bay stallion) — Red is Rand's bay stallion, ridden through the hills and to Tremonsien. He stops abruptly at the cliff edge and shies at Rand's shout, scrambling to safety away from the precipice.