Chapter 37 - Imre Stand

Summary

Rand al’Thor and his entourage arrive at Imre Stand, discovering a slaughtered shepherd’s outpost that Mat identifies as Trolloc work, signaling a dark threat in the Three-fold Land. At the camp, Rand observes peddlers Hadnan Kadere and Keille Shaogi arriving with their companion Isendre, who flirts boldly with Rand while Kadere probes him for information about Callandor. Aviendha, recently appointed as a Wise One, enforces her role as Rand’s shadow and chides him for his interactions with women. Rand practices with a spear under Rhuarc’s instruction while Mat Cauthon socializes with the newly introduced gleeman Jasin Natael, discovering his memory of the past lives has expanded and allowing him to read Old Tongue. The camp is suddenly attacked by Trollocs and Myrddraal in a surprise night assault; Rand fights with Callandor, Mat utilizes his spear with help from his fragmented memories, and Aes Sedai heal the wounded. Rand notes the attack may have been intended to isolate Moiraine and delay the gathering of the clan chiefs, while Moiraine declares the strike was aimed at him.

Characters

• Heirn — Heirn is a Shaido guard who stands with Rhuarc. He attempts to buy Two Rivers tobacco from the peddlers. He eats at Rhuarc’s fire with Rand, Mat, and Natael.
• Jeade'en — Jeade'en is Rand’s dappled stallion, ridden by Rand to Imre Stand and during the subsequent skirmish.
• Pips — Pips is Mat’s nondescript brown gelding, ridden to Imre Stand and during the night attack.