Chapter 32 - A Storm of Light
Summary
Rodel Ituralde and his depleted forces use the burning city of Maradon as a tactical killing ground against an overwhelming Trolloc army until Davram Bashere's Saldaean reinforcements arrive to reclaim parts of it. After learning that Lord Torkumen abandoned his post and Yoeli died defending the city, Bashere prepares to evacuate when scouts reveal a vastly larger Shadowspawn horde approaching. Rand al'Thor arrives through a gateway, praises Ituralde's defense, and single-handedly annihilates the advancing army with a devastating storm of fire, ice, and wind, causing the mad Lord Torkumen to blind himself in terror. Exhausted but resolute, Rand returns to the Stone of Tear where he shares his justified anger with Min Farshaw, discusses the potential dangers of Callandor, and discovers that King Mattin Stepaneos of Arad Doman survived White Tower captivity, bringing him profound relief before he prepares to leave the field command to Bashere.
Characters
- Rodel / Ituralde (Lord Ituralde) — Leads a depleted force in a guerrilla defense of Maradon, survives the city's fall, and meets Bashere to coordinate evacuation before Rand's arrival.
- Davram / Bashere (Lord Bashere) — Commands Saldaean reinforcements that reclaim parts of Maradon, plans an evacuation when a larger enemy force appears, and accepts Rand's command to lead the remaining troops.
- Torkumen (Lord Torkumen) — Abandons his post during the siege, is found alive but blind and mad after witnessing Rand's power, and is confirmed as a Darkfriend by Bashere.
- Rand / al'Thor (Dragon Reborn, Car'a'carn, Lord Dragon) — Steps alone against thousands of Trollocs and unleashes a massive storm of fire, ice, and wind to destroy them, then returns exhausted to the Stone of Tear to discuss strategy and Callandor with Min before discovering Mattin Stepaneos is alive.
- Min — Monitors Rand's emotional state through their bond, reads prophecies regarding Callandor, and helps guide him to Cadsuane where she witnesses his relief at finding the Arad Doman king alive.
- Evasni (Maiden) — Guards Rand's quarters and reports on his physical condition after the battle before helping him rest.
- Ifeyina (Maiden) — Stands guard alongside Evasni and solemnly notes that Rand has gained much from his recent trials despite his exhaustion.
- Naeff — Observes Rand's overwhelming display of the One Power with awe, questions a distant scream in the building, and assists Bashere with gateway logistics.
- Malain — Organizes cavalry outside the command post to feign an assault on Trolloc fortifications while Bashere plans the evacuation.
- Vogeler — Questions Lord Torkumen's ramblings about a consuming light until Bashere explains the man witnessed Rand's power firsthand.
- Cadsuane (Sedai) — Hosts Mattin Stepaneos in her quarters and allows him to remain hidden while Rand visits, demonstrating her continued accommodation of the Dragon Reborn.
- Merise — Peeks out from Cadsuane's room to assess Rand's condition before reluctantly opening the door at her mistress's command.
- Mattin / Stepaneos (King of Arad Doman) — Survives White Tower captivity in hiding, is discovered by Rand through logical deduction, and kneels to his liege while weeping with relief.
- Flinn — Steps through a gateway behind Bashere and closes it after the conversation concludes.