Chapter 4 - The Pattern Groans

Summary

Perrin Aybara and his companions investigate a darkening patch of land that resembles the Blight but contains thriving plants, prompting Masuri to note the village within is not native to Ghealdan and Berelain to observe that the Pattern itself is fraying. Perrin orders the anomaly burned and the camp relocated before slipping into a wolf dream where Hopper teaches him to hunt a white stag without killing it, forcing a confrontation with his dual nature and an agreement to master the dream or banish the wolf entirely. Meanwhile, Galad Damodred rides through his orderly camp reflecting on leadership and strategy, debates allying with Tar Valon's Aes Sedai with his Lords Captain to secure survival for the Last Battle, inspects captured travelers, deduces they are army camp followers, and learns from Byar that their leader is Perrin Goldeneyes.

Characters

• Perrin (Young Bull) — Investigates a darkening patch of land resembling the Blight before ordering it burned and the camp relocated; enters a wolf dream where Hopper teaches him to hunt a white stag without killing it, forcing a confrontation with his dual nature and an agreement to master the dream or banish the wolf entirely.
• Seonid — Examines a weed at the edge of the strange patch and identifies its resemblance to Blight flora alongside Nevarin.
• Nevarin — Kneels to inspect the plant, confirms it resembles the Blight she visited as a girl, and reports that Mori scouted the center but saw nothing.
• Masuri — Observes the village's construction and notes the wood is unlike anything native to Ghealdan.
• Berelain — Remarks on "The Pattern groans," citing recent unnatural phenomena like vanishing rooms and spoiling food in cities.
• Faile — Rides into the strange patch without fear, prompting Berelain to follow; later appears in a vision walking toward a cliff with others.
• Sulin — Leads Maidens who quickly inspect the deserted huts and report no inhabitants inside.
• Hopper — Invites him to hunt in the wolf dream, stops him from killing the white stag, and teaches him that the hunt is done while forcing acceptance of necessary control.
• Oak Dancer — Appears as a youthful, nearly white female wolf who asks if they will run two feet at a time during the pack chase.
• Noam — Manifests in a vision as a young man with golden eyes locked in a cage, representing what awaits a wolfbrother consumed by his wolf side.
• Mat — Appears in a vision within the dream fighting against himself while a shadowy figure with a bloody knife creeps behind him.
• Galad (Lord Captain Commander) — Rides through his orderly camp reflecting on leadership and strategy, debates allying with Tar Valon's Aes Sedai with his Lords Captain to secure survival for the Last Battle, inspects captured travelers, deduces they are army camp followers, and learns of Perrin Goldeneyes from Byar.
• Brandel / Vordarian — Rides beside Galad, questions the wisdom of sending a missive to remaining Seanchan-controlled Children, objects to allying with Aes Sedai before accepting the strategic necessity.
• Byar — Arrives on horseback reporting captured travelers on the Jehannah Road, reveals that prisoners confirm a large army nearby skirmished with Aiel, and identifies their leader as Perrin Goldeneyes who killed Byar's father.
• Bornhald — Accompanies Galad through camp, assists in inspecting the captives, realizes they are army camp followers rather than merchants, and relays prisoner reports about the nearby army and Aiel skirmish.
• Gallenne — Trails Berelain into the strange patch alongside Annoura without showing fear.
• Annoura — Rides with Berelain into the darkening meadow without showing fear.