Chapter 37 - What Might Be

Summary

Verin Mathwin and Alar lead the group to a nearby Portal Stone in Stedding Tsofu, where Verin explains that the symbols on the stone represent various worlds that might be, forcing Rand to gamble on a symbol to transport them to Toman Head. Rand channels saidin to activate the Stone, but instead of arriving instantly, he is thrown into a chaotic series of visions of alternate lives and deaths, including one where he marries Egwene and another where he serves as a soldier for Queen Elayne. The surge of power affects everyone, leaving them physically and mentally shaken in a desolate landscape on Toman Head in late autumn, revealing they have lost four months of time rather than gaining a shortcut. Despite Verin's warnings about Rand's lack of control, the group mounts their horses and rides west to search for Padan Fain and the Horn of Valere, with Rand rejecting Verin's physical aid.

Characters

Alar (Eldest) — Alar leads the group to a weathered stone column hidden near a giant beech tree, explaining that the Ogier found it upright and it resisted being moved. She bids everyone farewell and departs into the trees with Juin, having granted the group access to the Portal Stone.
Ingtar — Ingtar questions the necessity of using the Portal Stone and initially resists Verin's authority, but eventually pledges to follow her to Shayol Ghul if it means recovering the Horn. After the chaotic journey, he stands with his sword drawn, trembling, before Verin steadies him with a comforting touch.
Verin (Aes Sedai, Sedai) — Verin guides the group to the Portal Stone and explains the mechanics of the Worlds That Might Be, instructing Rand to choose a symbol to travel to Toman Head. She struggles to her feet after the power surge, scolds Rand for his lack of control, and determines they have lost four months of time before ordering the group to ride west to find the Horn.
Rand (Dragon Reborn) — Rand rides Red to the Portal Stone and, under Verin's instruction, channels saidin to activate it, which plunges him into a stream of visions of alternate lives and deaths. He collapses after the surge, reveals he lived and died many times in the visions, and refuses Verin's help to stand, later riding west with his friends to find Fain.
Mat — Mat looks eager to use the Stone, makes a weak joke, and is later huddled in a ball with his arms around his head during the power surge. He grabs Rand's coat to swear he will never betray him, and eventually stands up to ride west, looking ill but moving spryly.
Perrin — Perrin stands with his fingers dug into his face to remove what he has seen, dropping his hands after the surge to ask where they are. He confirms with Rand that they are in Toman Head and notes that they have few choices in their lives regardless of what they do.
Loial — Loial appears concerned about being allowed to go and makes a loud gulp during the channeling. He sits sprawled with wide eyes after the surge, stunned by the experience, before the group mounts to ride west.
Uno — Uno curses at someone hanging back and later kneels on the ground to scrub the back of his hand across his mouth after the power surge.
Masema — Masema weeps openly with tears streaming down his face during and after the chaotic event at the Stone.
Hurin — Hurin looks around anxiously for a place to run after the power surge ends, observing the desolate surroundings.
Red (horse) — Red is ridden by Rand to the stone and stands stiff-legged and quivering with wild, rolling eyes during the power surge.
jui (Jui) — Jun is the Ogier who accompanies Alar and leaves with the other Ogier into the trees.