Chapter 21 - An Open Gate

Summary

Perrin convenes a council to review intelligence on Cairhien and the Seanchan, ultimately deciding to march on the Whitecloaks before heading south to meet Elayne. Balwer presents bounty posters for Perrin and Mat while hinting at political maneuvering, but refuses monetary payment in favor of information. Meanwhile, Ituralde’s defensive line collapses when Lieutenant Lidrin succumbs to battle madness and charges, forcing a chaotic retreat until Saldaean reinforcements from Maradon open their gates and rout the Shadowspawn, rescuing the wounded commander. In a secluded grove, Morgase shares a poignant farewell with Tallanvor, who declares his undying devotion despite her lingering hatred for Gaebril, before departing for Tear to join Rand’s forces.

Characters

• Perrin / Perrin Aybara — Convenes a council to review intelligence on Cairhien and the Seanchan, decides to march against the Whitecloaks before heading to Andor, and dismisses Balwer's warnings about bounty posters while resolving to send refugees home.
• Faile — Sits beside her husband during the council, smells worried when he mentions Andor, and later walks with Berelain while their scents indicate anger despite companionable words.
• Seonid — Delivers a comprehensive report on Cairhien's political state, Elayne's coronation, Rand's movements in Arad Doman, and the Seanchan expansion, steering the meeting back to strategy after interruptions.
• Alliandre — Questions the commander about moving her foreign troops onto Andoran soil and is firmly told she will remain in Jehannah until the Whitecloak threat is resolved.
• Arganda — Leans forward eagerly to discuss battle plans, notes the brewing conflict near Arad Doman, and observes that former gai'shain are hardening into capable soldiers.
• Edarra — Confirms the Aiel's deployment to Arad Doman, warns of a blood feud with the Seanchan over captured Wise Ones, and asserts the Car'a'carn cannot demand more than a year and a day from her people.
• Annoura — Sits on a silk pillow and suggests that an alliance with the Seanchan would be advantageous if the Last Battle arrives.
• Morgase — Withdraws to a secluded pool to reflect on past manipulations by Taringail and Gaebril, distinguishes her hatred from love, and listens as Tallanvor declares his devotion before departing for Tear.
• Tarn / Tam — Questions whether refugees will want to return home, noting many prefer to face the coming war alongside Perrin rather than hide in their villages.
• Gallenne — Eagerly approves of the plan to destroy the Whitecloaks with archers and channelers, then requests that her men be allowed to charge the remaining rabble.
• Balwer — Reveals bounty posters for Perrin and Mat, hints at Whitecloak-Seanchan ties and Rand's peace overtures to the Seanchan, and refuses monetary payment, claiming information is his true reward.
• Grady — Reports his full recovery from illness, explains that larger gateway circles are tiring but functional, and confirms he can create passages wide enough for two wagons.
• Neald — Mentioned as nearly recovered from his sickness alongside Grady during the Asha'man's logistical update.
• Sulin — Confirms Gaebril was a Forsaken who used forbidden weaves to twist minds in the palace, validating Perrin's earlier report with firsthand knowledge of the lightning strike.
• Berelain — Walks beside Faile as the meeting breaks up, engaging in companionable conversation that masks their underlying anger and political maneuvering.
• Rodel / Ituralde — Commands a delaying retreat down a hillside against overwhelming Trolloc forces, loses his horse Dawnweave to a javelin, breaks his leg, and is rescued by Saldaean reinforcements from Maradon.
• Lidrin — Succumbs to battle madness, charges the enemy alone breaking the pike line, and dies laughing as he takes Trollocs with him.
• Yoeli — Leads Saldaean forces that open Maradon's gates to rout the Shadowspawn, rescues the wounded Ituralde, and rides him into the besieged city while fearing political repercussions for his actions.
• Tallanvor — Finds her at the stream, announces his departure for Tear to join Rand's army, confesses his unrequited love and bitterness over Gaebril, and removes himself from the departure list at her request.