Chapter 54 - The Light of the World
Summary
Matrim Cauthon, Thom Merrilin, and Noal navigate the shifting corridors of the Tower of Ghenjei, using music and dice to counter the Eelfinn's influence until they realize they are trapped in a loop marked by a melted slag doorframe. Surrounded by hostile Eelfinn in a dark chamber, Mat uses iron weapons and a nightflower to create a distraction, leading his companions through a hidden corridor to the Chamber of Bonds. There, they find Moiraine Damodred suspended in a scalding mist, which Thom bravely reaches into to rescue her. Eight Eelfinn appear on pedestals and demand a price for their safe passage; Mat accepts the bargain, paying "half the light of the world" as an Eelfinn rips out his left eye while feeding on his pain and fate. Securing a guarantee of direct, unblocked escape, Mat leads them out but later realizes he forgot to reclaim his dice. As they walk down a straight hallway, Noal points out that Mat's bargain only protected them from the foxes, not the Aelfinn. Dozens of Aelfinn suddenly appear in the distance with bronze swords, prompting Mat to order an immediate retreat.
Characters
- Matrim Cauthon / Mat (son of battles, gambler) — Accepts a deadly bargain with the Eelfinn to rescue Moiraine and secure safe passage, paying the price by having his left eye ripped out while they feed on his pain and fate.
- Thom Merrilin / Thom (gleeman) — Bravely reaches into a scalding mist to pull Moiraine free from her stasis, enduring the heat without flinching and carrying her out of the tower.
- Noal — Assists Mat in navigating the tower's traps, helps secure their escape, and later identifies a critical loophole in Mat's bargain that leaves them vulnerable to the Aelfinn.
- Moiraine Damodred / Moiraine — Found suspended in a protective mist within the Chamber of Bonds, she is rescued by Thom and remains unconscious as her captors demand a heavy price for her freedom.