Contents
Chapter 36
Overview
Rand’s party leaves Rhuidean, shadowed by the Shaido, as Aviendha begins an enforced vigil at Rand’s side. Peddler Hadnan Kadere joins under Rhuarc’s protection despite Couladin’s challenge, and Keille’s presence with a gleeman deepens the mystery. Rand senses hidden danger among the peddlers and declares a new phase has begun.
Summary
The Aiel break camp at dawn and depart Rhuidean in three parallel columns: the Taardad Jindo with Rand and Mat, the Shaido under Couladin, and the Wise Ones’ party. Tension simmers as Couladin shadows Rhuarc’s force, and Aviendha is set to remain by Rand, clearly to watch him.
As they travel, Aviendha pointedly confronts Rand about Elayne’s feelings and letters, embarrassing him and revealing her role as near-sister to Elayne. Mat, still nursing wounds he refused to have Healed, broods over leaving the Waste but feels bound to Rand and fate.
Scouts report peddlers ahead. Rhuarc meets Hadnan Kadere, who lacks a guide and had nearly blundered toward forbidden Rhuidean. Rhuarc claims Kadere to travel with the Taardad toward Cold Rocks Hold, over Couladin’s objections, and names Imre Stand as the night’s stop.
Keille Shaogi, a formidable fellow peddler, sells Mat a wide-brimmed hat and reveals a traveling gleeman with their train. Rand studies the wagons and concludes Kadere is dangerous, noting that “the eyes” betray him despite his surface fear.
As the columns resume their trek with Maidens guarding the peddlers, Rand murmurs that they “ride with evil” and that “it has begun,” acknowledging layered snares and many watchers—Moiraine, the Wise Ones, and Lanfear—while the Shaido continue to shadow the Taardad toward Cold Rocks.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorLeads Taardad from Rhuidean; studies peddlers, senses hidden evil; acknowledges many watchers.
- Mat CauthonWeary and wary, refuses Healing, eyes escape; buys a wide-brimmed hat from Keille.
- AviendhaAssigned to stay near Rand; confronts him about Elayne; bristles yet shadows him closely.
- RhuarcClaims peddler Kadere for Taardad escort; checks Couladin’s posturing; leads toward Imre Stand.
- CouladinShaido leader shadowing Taardad; challenges Rhuarc’s claim over peddlers; simmers with defiance.
- Hadnan KaderePeddler nearly strays to Rhuidean; joins under Rhuarc; outwardly fearful but with unsettling eyes.
- Keille ShaogiDominant peddler who sells Mat a hat; travels with a gleeman; exudes control and mystery.
- Moiraine DamodredRides with Wise Ones; watches Rand and events closely; defers trading until camp.
- Egwene al'VereWith Wise Ones; watches Rand’s group from afar, restrained from intervening.
- Lan MandragoranWarder riding flank, keeps wary eye on Shaido and terrain.
- MelaineWise One who briefly rides with Moiraine; observes developments intently.
- HeirnTaardad sept chief supporting Rhuarc in confronting the peddlers.
- DorindhaMaiden scout who reports peddlers’ wagons and teases Mat.
- Gleeman (unnamed)Traveling performer with Keille’s wagon; anxious amid Aiel scrutiny.