Contents
Chapter 4
Overview
Thom forges a warning to inflame rivalries among High Lords, further destabilizing Tear’s court. Mat, rattled by deadly cards, plans to flee but is drawn to stay, fearing Moiraine’s influence and sensing looming events. Thom decides to remain near Rand, aiming to shield him from political and Aes Sedai snares.
Summary
Late at night in his modest room, Thom Merrilin completes a forged note that mimics High Lord Carleon’s hand: a warning to Lady Alteima that her husband, High Lord Tedosian, suspects her. He plans to plant it to inflame noble rivalries, then hurriedly hides his materials when a knock sounds.
Mat Cauthon enters, disheveled and tense. He reports that playing cards came to life and tried to kill him, terrifying nobles into quitting their games. Shaken, Mat declares he will leave Tear, believing danger is closing in and fearing Rand al’Thor may be going mad. Thom masks his concern, weighing the risks of staying versus abandoning Rand to Moiraine and the High Lords.
As they talk, Mat complains that Moiraine constantly tracks his movements and wonders if she uses the Power to keep him in Tear. He describes recurring, irresistible feelings that something momentous is about to happen whenever he plans to depart, which always delays him. Thom avoids naming ta’veren, suggests seeking counsel from Nynaeve, and admits he cannot solve Mat’s missing memories.
Mat insists he will leave immediately, but Thom coaxes him to wait until morning and play stones. Mat’s resolve wavers; he sits, declining wine to keep a clear head. Watching how easily Mat is diverted, Thom recognizes the pull surrounding Rand and questions whether he himself is caught by it. He decides it is worth staying to help keep Rand free of political traps and to keep Mat from Aes Sedai control.
Content with his decision, Thom sets the first stones and begins a tale about a Domani wager, while the forged note waits to set Tear’s noble factions further at odds.
Who Appears
- Thom MerrilinGleeman and schemer; forges a note to pit Tairen High Lords and chooses to stay to aid Rand and protect Mat.
- Mat CauthonShaken by murderous playing cards; resolves to flee Tear but wavers, fearing Moiraine’s influence and sensing looming events.
- Moiraine DamodredOff-page influence; closely monitors Mat, whom he suspects of being restrained by her, symbolizing Aes Sedai control.
- Rand al'ThorOff-page focus; his potential madness and political peril drive Thom’s decision to stay and guide events.
- High Lord CarleonTarget of Thom’s forgery; his simulated hand warns Lady Alteima, intended to stoke noble suspicion.
- High Lord TedosianNamed in the forged note as a suspicious husband, a lever in Thom’s political manipulation.
- Lady AlteimaRecipient of the forged warning, a pawn in Thom’s plan to exacerbate court rivalries.
- Nynaeve al'MearaMentioned as a possible counselor for Mat; her stern guidance is rejected by him.
- Siuan Sanche (the Amyrlin Seat)Appears on the deadly cards Mat describes, highlighting the uncanny threat he faced.