Chapter 25 - Return to Bandar Eban
Summary
Rand al'Thor and Min Farshaw return to Bandar Eban through a gateway to find the city devastated by starvation and despair. Min offers Rand hope with a viewing of his future victory, while he feels deep guilt over his previous abandonment of the capital. He encounters former soldiers who rally to help him restore order, and Naeff delivers weapons and armor through a gateway. At the docks, Master Iralin blocks access due to rumors of spoiled food, but Rand discovers that the Sea Folk ships still carry plenty of good grain. Rand appoints Durnham as military commander and Iralin as city steward, then prepares to distribute supplies and heal the sick while organizing a new city guard.
Characters
- Rand / Rand al'Thor (Lord Dragon, Coramoor) — Returns to Bandar Eban and feels crushing guilt over abandoning the starving city, but regains resolve through Min's reassurance. Discovers that Sea Folk ships still carry good grain despite widespread rumors of spoilage, appoints Durnham as military commander and Iralin as city steward, and prepares to distribute food and heal the sick.
- Min / Min Farshaw — Accompanies Rand through a gateway into the devastated capital, sensing his deep remorse before offering a viewing of his future victory and a hopeful inn in the Two Rivers. Observes the city's despair turn to hope as Rand restores order and secures supplies, firmly believing in his ability to lead despite his self-doubt.
- Naeff — Stands guard at the gateway with two Maidens, follows orders to keep a low profile, and immediately creates a passage to deliver weapons, armor, and uniforms to Rand's newly formed city guard.
- Lerian — One of the Maidens guarding the alleyway, scouts ahead with Heidia, and shows visible anxiety over the small guard detail until Rand calms her with a touch on the shoulder.
- Heidia — Guards the alley alongside Lerian, peers suspiciously at the city streets, and relaxes when Rand steadies her before they step out onto the boardwalks.
- Milis din Shalada Three Stars (Sailmistress) — Confirms her authority over the Sea Folk vessel Whitecap, explains that Iralin blocked unloading due to fear of archers, and leads Rand below deck where he discovers the grain is actually good.
- Durnham (Captain, Commander) — Former King's Guard soldier turned beggar who rallies with fellow toughs to help Rand restore order, organizes a five-hundred-strong guard, cleans up, and finds usable food before accepting command under Iralin.
- Votabek — One of the toughs lounging at an alleyway who initially hesitates but joins Durnham's effort to help Rand clean up the city and distribute supplies.
- Redbord — Another tough who responds to Durnham's call, walks over to assist in organizing the former soldiers, and helps secure the newly discovered good grain.
- Iralin (Master of the docks, Steward) — Blocks access to the docks out of despair over spoiled food rumors and tries to sift bad grain from good, but is named steward of the city by Rand after discovering the Sea Folk ships still carry plenty of fresh supplies.