Chapter 49 - What Was Meant to Be

Summary

Rand al'Thor awakens five days after the Battle of Falme to find himself supported by Min Farshaw and visited by Moiraine Sedai. He learns that his friends have departed for Tar Valon with the Horn of Valere and is informed by Moiraine that he battled Ba'alzamon in the sky, an event witnessed by thousands, and that two more of the Seven Seals of the Dark One have been broken. Despite Rand's initial resistance and grief over the loss of his sword and the departure of his companions, Moiraine and his loyal companions Loial and Perrin remain with him. When the Shienaran soldiers, freed from their oaths by the shattering of ties, pledge themselves to him, and Masema declares his devotion, Rand finally accepts his role, resolving to fulfill his duty and stop Padan Fain.

Characters

• Rand (the Dragon, Lord Dragon) — Rand awakens in a forest camp five days after the Battle of Falme, discovering a heron brand on both palms. He learns of his friends' departure and hears from Moiraine about the public battle with Ba'alzamon and the breaking of the Seals. After rejecting his identity initially, he accepts his duty as the Dragon Reborn when Uno and Masema pledge their lives to him.
• Min — Min Farshaw tends to the unconscious Rand and explains the departure of the others. She supports Rand physically and emotionally as he processes his injuries and Moiraine's revelations, squeezing his hand in comfort despite her fear.
• Moiraine — Moiraine Sedai appears to Rand, confirming he killed Ba'alzamon and revealing the breaking of two Seals. She presents evidence of the Dragon's public battle and attempts to persuade Rand that he is needed to face the Last Battle, urging him to choose his destiny.
• Loial — Loial sits in the camp reading To Sail Beyond the Sunset. He confirms he is staying with Rand out of friendship rather than obligation and receives Rand's assurance that he is still considered a friend.
• Perrin — Perrin Aybara sits staring into the campfire and declares his intention to stay with Rand. He acknowledges the power of the Pattern that has woven them together since Emond's Field.
• Uno (the one-eyed man) — Uno leads the Shienaran soldiers in kneeling before Rand. He declares that their oaths to Lord Agelmar are broken and that they now pledge themselves to Rand as the Dragon Reborn, laying their swords before him.
• Masema — Masema, who previously hated Rand, kneels before him with fervent devotion after witnessing the battle. He declares himself Rand's man to the death, addressing him as Lord Dragon.
• Lan — Lan sits under a tree sharpening his belt knife. He gives Rand a careful look and a nod upon Rand's arrival at the camp.
• Ba'alzamon — Ba'alzamon is not present but is discussed by Moiraine. Rand recalls killing him with his heron-mark sword, though Moiraine notes the Dark One is not slain so easily and appeared in the sky above Falme.