Chapter 41 - An Unexpected Ally

Summary

Galad Damodred and Bornhald ride to the edge of their camp as arrows rain down upon a sudden horde of Trollocs emerging from a buried Portal Stone in the ruins below. Perrin Aybara’s forces on the heights above bombard the Shadowspawn with archery and channeling, and Perrin explains to Faile, Berelain, and Alliandre that enemies herded his army into an ambush targeting the Whitecloaks. Deciding to save his former foes despite past grievances, Perrin charges down the hill with his army, breaks the Trolloc lines surrounding Galad, and rescues him. Wounded and pinned by a dying beast, Galad names Perrin’s punishment for past killings and formally pronounces him cleansed of guilt. Jaret Byar attempts to stab Perrin from behind out of long-standing hatred but is killed by Bornhald, who stands by his moral choice. The two leaders reconcile as allies and wade back into the battle together.

Characters

• Galad / Damodred — Rides to the camp edge and fights on foot after his horse is killed, sustaining a twisted ankle. He is pinned by a dying Trolloc before being rescued by Perrin, then names Perrin's punishment for past killings and formally pronounces him cleansed of guilt.
• Bornhald — Fights alongside Galad and helps him to his feet after he falls. He kills Jaret Byar to prevent a dishonorable backstab, expressing horror at taking a friend's life but standing by his moral choice before rejoining the battle.
• Perrin / Aybara (Goldeneyes) — Explains that enemies used a buried Portal Stone to herd his army into an ambush targeting the Whitecloaks. He charges down the hill with his forces, breaks the Trolloc lines surrounding Galad, and accepts the Whitecloak Lord Captain's judgment as fair.
• Faile — Questions Perrin about the trap and the overwhelming enemy numbers before kissing him for his honor and leading Berelain and Alliandre to the rear guard.
• Berelain — Rides pale-faced at the sight of the Shadowspawn horde before being led to safety by Faile.
• Alliandre — Voices concern about facing a Forsaken but nods in agreement when Perrin reminds her that fighting them is inevitable for the Dragon's forces.
• Grady — Reports to Perrin that channeling from the Trolloc summoner is weak and intermittent, then salutes as he is tasked with watching for the enemy channeler.
• Neald — Stands on a rock formation with Grady and signals the Asha'man, Aes Sedai, and Wise Ones to launch a full channeling assault against the Trolloc horde below.
• Arganda — Trots up to Perrin smiling after losing his helmet plumes, boasting of killing over two dozen beasts and praising the tactical advantage of Perrin's position.
• Jori Congar — Rides up to Perrin on Stepper's side to report that Galad's force is being surrounded and trapped by the advancing Shadowspawn.
• Gallenne — Charges Trolloc ranks with his horsemen, reports fifty thousand beasts so far, questions why Perrin should risk his advantage to save Galad, but agrees to join the downhill charge after recognizing Perrin's honor.
• Trom — Rallies his remaining legion to attack Trollocs opposite Aybara and fights desperately through the horde to reach the wounded Galad.
• Jaret Byar / Byar — Positions himself behind Perrin to deliver a fatal backstab out of long-standing hatred, but is frozen and killed by Bornhald's sword before his blow lands.
• Stout — Galad's mount, which is leaped upon and slashed by Trollocs during the melee, collapsing with a spurting neck wound.
• Stepper — Perrin's horse, ridden sure-footed down the steep incline during the charge that breaks the Whitecloak siege.