Chapter 27 - The Shadow in the Night

Summary

In the Foregate of Cairhien, Rand al’Thor and Loial encounter a Trolloc disguised as a puppet and fight it off before being herded through deserted streets by more Trollocs hiding in similar disguises. Selene rejoins them, and they escape into the grounds of the Illuminators, where they inadvertently trigger a massive fireworks display that destroys part of the facility and kills the pursuing Trollocs. After fleeing the scene, Rand and Loial return to their inn to find a note from Selene and realize their position is precarious as they await further developments.

Characters

• Rand — Rand fights a disguised Trolloc with his sword and helps Loial defeat it. He leads Loial and Selene through the streets of Cairhien, eventually entering the Illuminators' courtyard where he accidentally ignites a firework that destroys the enemy position and allows them to escape.
• Loial — Loial throws a Trolloc aside, killing it, then accompanies Rand and Selene to the Illuminators' grounds, accidentally causing a fireworks mishap while trying to be quiet, and later helps Rand flee the scene, noting that Selene slipped away during their escape.
• Selene — Selene finds Rand and Loial being hunted by Trollocs and accompanies them to the Illuminators' courtyard. She criticizes Rand's lack of calmness and guides them through the obstacle course of fireworks before disappearing into the chaos created by the explosion.
• Aludra — Aludra, a woman with pale green dress and braided hair, argues with Tammuz about the ruined fireworks display, berating him for his incompetence and ordering him to buy manure as punishment while she prepares for the next display for King Galldrian.
• Tammuz — Tammuz, a man in yellow baggy breeches and shirt, is the reason for the failed fireworks display. He complains to Aludra about the unfairness of his punishment and arranges the smoldering sticks to right the toppled stand before being dismissed.
• Hurin — Hurin waits in Rand's room at the inn, cleaning his weapons. He asks about Rand's delay and the status of the gleeman Thom before Rand reads a note from Selene and expresses his frustration about Ingtar's absence.
• Cuale — Cuale, the innkeeper, greets Rand and Loial upon their return and hands them a sealed parchment left by an old woman servant, noting the crescent moon and stars seal.