Contents
Chapter 49
Overview
Rand enters Cold Rocks Hold and is formally recognized by roofmistress Lian as Car’a’carn, while Couladin is deliberately humiliated. In Rhuarc’s home, customs, alliances, and rivalries are laid bare. Plans fix Alcair Dal for a month hence, with support and opposition outlined, and Moiraine probes Rand’s war aims.
Summary
Rhuarc leads Rand, Aviendha, Mat, the peddlers, and the Wise Ones into Cold Rocks Hold, where the canyon reveals terraced homes and gardens. At the entrance ceremony, Couladin insolently asks leave as if a clan chief and is publicly slighted by roofmistress Lian, granted only beggar’s welcome. Pressed by Aviendha to uphold proper form, Rand modestly asks leave as a guest; upon Amys’s confirmation, Lian honors him as Car’a’carn, and the hold erupts in ululation.
Inside Lian and Rhuarc’s home, Rand learns Rhuarc’s sisterwives are Amys and Lian. Gift-giving follows, revealing Aiel bluntness beneath courtesy. Moiraine and Egwene arrive to deep respect; Moiraine declines to press guest gifts when Lian insists her presence is honor enough. A meal displays Aiel customs, while Aviendha pointedly “teaches” Rand every detail, their tension clear.
News arrives that chiefs Jheran (Shaarad) and Bael (Goshien) have reached Alcair Dal, with Erim (Chareen) en route. Though the Shaarad–Goshien feud exists, Wise Ones insist the Peace of Rhuidean will hold at the Golden Bowl. Rhuarc counsels waiting roughly a month so no clan loses honor by arriving late, then three to four days’ march to Alcair Dal.
Discussing support, Rhuarc expects backing from himself, Bruan (Nakai), and Dhearic (Reyn), but warns of Shaido trouble: Sevanna’s ambitions and Couladin’s defiance despite never entering Rhuidean. Rand refuses to don cadin’sor, insisting his Dragons prove him. When Moiraine pointedly asks where he will “lead the spears to war once more,” Rand, wary of revealing plans, excuses himself and leaves to walk.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorCar’a’carn; enters Cold Rocks Hold, honored by Lian; refuses cadin’sor; weighs clan politics and timing for Alcair Dal; evades Moiraine’s probing.
- RhuarcTaardad clan chief; guides entry; husband to Amys and Lian; counsels waiting a month; outlines likely allies and Shaido risks.
- AviendhaAssigned to teach/watch Rand; enforces entry customs; gives prickly, exhaustive instruction; resents role yet remains.
- CouladinDefiant Shaido; demands entry as a chief and is shamed; glowers at Rand; clear future threat.
- LianRoofmistress of Cold Rocks; Rhuarc’s wife; formally honors Rand, slighting Couladin; hosts the group with firm Aiel courtesy.
- AmysWise One and Rhuarc’s wife; validates Rand to Lian; monitors Aviendha; wary of increasing Aes Sedai presence.
- Moiraine DamodredAes Sedai; honored guest; refuses to over-gift; pointedly asks where Rand will lead the spears to war.
- Mat CauthonAccompanies Rand; uneasy with the hold and customs; warns Rand about Couladin; shares in political news.
- Egwene al'VereAccepted learning from Wise Ones; welcomed warmly; watches tensions between Rand and Aviendha.
- Lan MandragoranMoiraine’s Warder; accepted as Aan’allein; observes quietly during meal and counsel.
- BairWise One; supports Peace at Alcair Dal; reins in a forward gai’shain and Aviendha’s lecturing.
- MelaineWise One; asserts Goshien are not Shaido; wary of Moiraine; joins strategic discussion.
- SeanaWise One; reports dreamwalking that Bruan will hurry the Nakai to Alcair Dal.
- HeirnJindo sept leader; formally welcomed; represents proper entry custom.