Chapter 26 - Parley

Summary

Perrin leads his diverse army onto a grassy plain opposite the Whitecloak forces, using Asha'man and Wise Ones to blast the ground before them as a psychological warning rather than an attack. He announces himself via voice weave, demands equal parley, and prepares a pavilion for negotiations. Galad Damodred, initially urged by Bornhald and Byar to attack immediately, agrees to delay battle and ride to the meeting after recognizing the potential to avoid bloodshed. Inside the pavilion, introductions reveal Berelain of Mayene, Alliandre of Ghealdan, Faile, and a servant named Maighdin. Galad is stunned to discover Maighdin is actually Morgase Trakand, alive and well. After tense discussions over past killings and justice, Perrin proposes Morgase as an impartial judge for a trial. Galad accepts the proposal on the condition that his captives are released, setting a formal trial for three days later in the same pavilion.

Characters

Perrin / Perrin Aybara / Aybara — Reflects on his hammer versus axe metaphor, chooses to prevent bloodshed through psychological warfare and parley rather than immediate combat. Orchestrates a ground blast to demonstrate power without killing and formally demands equal terms for negotiation with the Whitecloaks.
Stepper — Trots onto the Jehannah Road alongside Perrin, carrying him toward the battlefield while the army follows.
Grady — Reports that gateway weaves are failing and enhances Perrin's voice to broadcast his demands across the plain.
Neald — Confirms other weaves function normally but admits he cannot create a gateway or skim for the pavilion, later attempting to do so without success.
Gaul — Stands with Maidens of the Spear near the front lines and relays Perrin's orders to summon the Aes Sedai and Wise Ones forward.
Alliandre / Alliandre Maritha Kigarin (Queen of Ghealdan, Blessed of the Light, Defender of Garens Wall) — Arrives at the parley pavilion and formally bows to Galad, confirming her status as the reigning monarch of Ghealdan.
Berelain / Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron — Sits beside Perrin during negotiations, captivating Galad with her beauty and drawing a faint blush from him before he forces his focus back to the political discussion.
Faile / Faile ni Bashere t'Aybara — Rides at Perrin's side during the standoff, observes Galad with suspicion, and rests a hand on her husband's shoulder during the tense trial proposal.
Arganda (First Captain of Ghealdan) — Questions the tactical wisdom of revealing their power early but accepts Perrin's explanation that it serves as psychological warfare to break the Whitecloak charge.
Tam — Receives orders to prepare the Two Rivers longbowmen for a volley and relays the command to his men.
Seonid — Sternly refuses Perrin's request to blast the ground, citing the One Power as a weapon that could harm the Whitecloaks.
Galad / Galad Damodred (Lord Captain Commander) — Debates with Bornhald and Byar before deciding to delay battle for parley, rides to the pavilion, and is stunned to discover a servant is actually his living stepmother Morgase. Ultimately agrees to a trial judged by her after securing the release of Perrin's captives.
Bornhald — Urges Galad to attack immediately rather than parley, driven by anger over his father's death, but reluctantly follows orders to attend the meeting.
Byar / Child Byar (Child Byar) — Acts as Galad's guard, vehemently opposes the trial proposal fearing it is a trap, and freezes when questioned about Morgase's impartiality.
Harnesh — Receives orders from Galad to take command and lead an unmerciful charge if Galad falls during the parley.
Morgase / Morgase Trakand (Defender of the Realm, Protector of the People, High Seat of House Trakand) — Disguised as a servant, she is recognized by Galad and confirms she has renounced her throne for Elayne. Agrees to serve as an impartial judge for Perrin's trial if he submits to it.
Robb Solter — Rides back to camp to fetch Berelain, Alliandre, and supplies for the parley pavilion while Maidens trail behind him.