Chapter 28 - Oddities

Summary

Perrin Aybara senses an unnatural absence of wildlife around his camp and decides to enter the wolf dream to investigate before the upcoming trial with the Whitecloaks. Inside the dreamscape, he and Hopper discover a massive violet dome trapping wolves and Slayer on the Jehannah Road. After learning that mental focus allows passage through the barrier, Perrin rescues the wounded wolf Sparks and escapes to Dragonmount, resolving to train further before confronting Slayer again. Meanwhile, Rodel Ituralde wakes in Maradon to find the city besieged by Trollocs and a breached wall. After recovering from injuries and healing Deepe Bhadar, he orchestrates a calculated ambush within the city streets that successfully decimates the attacking horde, buying time for reinforcements while he reflects on the necessity of trusting his instincts over tactical doctrine.

Characters

• Perrin (Young Bull) — Notices the absence of wolves and wildlife around his camp, sensing a strange disturbance on the wind before deciding to enter the wolf dream to investigate before the upcoming trial. He reflects on Morgase's deception as Maighdin and observes Berelain's reaction to Galad during their earlier parley.
• Faile — Questions Perrin about his plans and expresses concern over the impending trial, though she softens when he defends Morgase's actions. She notes Berelain's obvious attraction to Galad and resolves to potentially exploit that dynamic later.
• Hopper — Appears in the wolf dream to guide Perrin toward a mysterious violet dome on the Jehannah Road. He explains that mental control and identity are key to navigating the dreamspace, then collapses after testing the barrier's edge.
• Slayer — Hunts wolves inside the violet dome with a bow, wounding Sparks before Perrin intervenes. He stands at the barrier's edge, unable to cross it, and retreats when Perrin shifts away to Dragonmount.
• Boundless — Jumps between trees near the dome's edge, smelling anxious as he helps distract Slayer alongside Oak Dancer. He remains outside the barrier while Perrin rescues Sparks.
• Rodel / Ituralde (Lord Ituralde, Great Captain) — Wakes in unnatural heat to find his city besieged by Trollocs and an explosion breaching the northern wall. He recovers from injuries, heals Deepe Bhadar, and orchestrates a complex ambush in Maradon's streets that successfully slaughters the attacking horde.
• Yoeli (Captain) — Warns Ituralde of aid approaching from his sister's watchfire and helps organize cavalry companies for the counterattack. He questions the tactical logic of allowing the enemy to anticipate their next move but follows orders to scatter forces.
• Deepe Bhadar — Senses enemy channelers before an explosion shatters the wall and wounds his leg. He agrees with Ituralde's assessment that holding the city is hopeless but accepts orders to evacuate his Asha'man if necessary.
• Antail — Heals Ituralde's injuries and Deepe Bhadar's shattered leg in a sick tent using a dangerous weave that masks fatigue at the cost of later exhaustion. He reports on the condition of his patients before the battle resumes.
• Tymoth — Arrives on the balcony to take command of the Asha'man after Deepe falls. He receives urgent orders to hold the breached wall with all available power while Ituralde sets up a city-wide ambush.
• Connel — Acts as Ituralde's guard and messenger, surviving the initial explosion and helping drag the injured commander to safety. He later gathers soldiers to form a personal guard and assists in organizing the defense.