Chapter 2 - The Welcome

Summary

Rand al'Thor attempts to flee Fal Dara before the Amyrlin Seat arrives, but is thwarted by a stable closure order. He witnesses the formal welcome ceremony in the courtyard, where Lord Agelmar and Ronan greet the Amyrlin Seat with traditional rites. Realizing he cannot leave and that the Amyrlin is now searching for him, Rand prepares to leave his room and runs to join the others, having learned from the head groom Tema that all gates are sealed.

Characters

• Rand / Rand al'Thor — Rand rushes through the keep trying to avoid the Amyrlin's arrival, only to find his room ransacked by servants replacing his clothes. He narrowly avoids detection by Elansu, hides his old gleeman cloak and flute, and attempts to sneak out to his horse, but discovers all gates and stables are sealed by order of Lord Agelmar upon realizing the Amyrlin is coming for him.
• Elansu (shatayan of the keep) — Elansu directs servants in replacing Rand's clothes and firmly insists he leave everything, including his boots. She challenges Rand at the door to ensure nothing was left behind before accepting his bundle and departing.
• Lord Agelmar (Lord of Fal Dara) — Lord Agelmar stands beside Ronan before the Amyrlin's palanquin in the courtyard, eventually offering bread, salt, and welcome to the keep on behalf of House Jagad.
• Ronan (shambayan) — Ronan stands beside Lord Agelmar, rapping his staff three times to call out the challenge of welcome to the Amyrlin Seat and participating in the formal greeting ceremony.
• Amyrlin Seat (Mother, Watcher of the Seals, Flame of Tar Valon) — The Amyrlin Seat arrives in a palanquin, responding to the traditional challenges of welcome against the shadow at noon. She accepts Lord Agelmar's welcome and wipes her face.
• Tema (head groom) — Tema greets Rand with deep bows, refusing to saddle Red because the stable is closed by order. He explains that the gates are sealed and announces that the Amyrlin is sending for Rand and his friends.