Contents
Chapter 37
Overview
Rand’s party finds Imre Stand butchered, proof that Trollocs have entered the Waste. Camp tensions rise as the peddlers reveal Isendre and Kadere pointedly tests Rand.
That night, Trollocs and Myrddraal attack both camps. The Aiel and Rand repel them, suggesting a targeted strike at Rand and a diversion to hinder the Wise Ones.
Summary
Approaching Imre Stand, scouts report trouble. Rand, Rhuarc, Aviendha, and Mat find the herders’ stone shelter ransacked and drenched in old blood, with goats wandering untended. Despite Aviendha’s doubts, Rand and Mat judge Trollocs responsible. The Jindo and Shaido make camp uneasily, the Wise Ones and Moiraine inspect the scene, and water is rationed from a tiny spring.
The peddlers unveil a new companion, the alluring Isendre, who fixates on Rand, while Kadere coolly tests him about Callandor. Aviendha angrily defends Elayne’s claim on Rand. Seeking distraction, Rand practices swordforms with Lan, then accepts Rhuarc’s offer to learn the spear. Rhuarc rebukes Aviendha for sulking and confirms her path as a Wise One apprentice.
From Mat’s view, trade booms as Aiel bargain hard for books, lace, and ribbons, spurning poor steel. Mat’s unwanted battle-knowledges and Old Tongue fluency trouble him. The gleeman Jasin Natael quizzes Mat obsessively about Rhuidean until Keille sharply intervenes. That evening Natael sings of Midean’s Ford, clashing with Mat’s intrusive memories of the true, grimmer history.
Without warning, Trollocs and Myrddraal crash into the camps. The Aiel respond instantly; Rand wields a blade of fire, and Mat fights with his spear as arrows and spears fell Shadowspawn. After a brutal melee, the attackers are slain or driven off, though wagons burn and wounded moan as Moiraine Heals who she can.
Rhuarc reports that fewer Trollocs struck the larger Shaido camp while a strong force hit the Wise Ones, implying the raids aimed to pin the Shaido and keep Moiraine away while focusing on Rand. Rand warns he draws enemies wherever he goes. Exhausted, he retires; by morning, Aviendha still keeps watch outside his tent.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorLeader among the Aiel; investigates Imre Stand, trains with Lan and Rhuarc, repels the night assault with a blade of fire.
- AviendhaAssigned to watch Rand; jealous of Isendre; revealed as a Wise One apprentice; fights during the attack and guards Rand’s tent.
- RhuarcTaardad clan chief; leads at Imre Stand, organizes camp, teaches Rand the spear, analyzes the attackers’ objectives.
- Matrim CauthonObserves trade, grapples with intrusive battle-memories, recounts Rhuidean to Natael, fights fiercely in the night battle.
- Moiraine DamodredInvestigates the slaughter, Heals the wounded after the attack; her presence likely targeted by a diversion.
- Hadnan KaderePeddler leader; introduces Isendre, pointedly probes Rand about Callandor, watches events with calculating detachment.
- IsendreSeductive companion of Kadere; flirts with Rand, stirs Aviendha’s ire, keeps close to the wagons during the attack.
- Jasin NataelGleeman; presses Mat for details of Rhuidean, performs “Midean’s Ford,” travels with Keille.
- Lan MandragoranWarder; drills Rand in swordforms, outlines Aiel tactics and countermeasures.
- Egwene al'VereWith the Wise Ones; assists after the attack and pointedly chides Rand regarding Aviendha.
- CouladinShaido leader; glowers over trade arrangements; his camp is attacked less heavily.
- AmysWise One; travels with Moiraine and Bair, helps after the attack.
- BairWise One; helps tend the wounded; earlier focused on Moiraine’s trinket with the others.
- KeillePeddler woman; argues with Natael, disapproves of his interest in Rhuidean tales.
- AdelinMaiden scout; first reports trouble at Imre Stand.
- HeirnJindo; shares Rhuarc’s fire and smokes after the battle.