Chapter 18

Perrin readies to leave the Stone of Tear for the Two Rivers, reluctantly taking his axe and arranging supplies. Gaul reports the other Aiel refuse to go, but confirms Perrin’s preparations are in place and warns that Faile and Loial openly plan to travel the Ways. Perrin asks Gaul to spirit Faile away if Perrin falls.

In the stables, Faile appears with Loial and the Maidens Bain and Chiad, who side with Faile. Perrin prepares Stepper and a packhorse, while Faile pointedly refuses to ask favors and mocks Perrin. A violent tremor shudders through the Stone—Perrin senses Rand as the cause—so he orders an immediate departure. They gallop out through the Dragonwall Gate, beyond Tear’s walls, until the ta’veren pull fades.

On the road, the Aiel women catch up on foot, trading jibes with Gaul. Faile maintains her dominance in the party’s decisions and presses Loial to find the Waygate. Crossing the Tairen horse country, Loial laments the vanished Ogier grove, revealing deep anger over the loss.

Loial locates the hidden Waygate in a hillside, opens it with the Avendesora leaf, and the ancient portal reveals the dim, mirrorlike entry. Perrin lights a pole-lantern and rides through first, followed by Gaul, entering the light-devouring blackness where time slides differently. Gaul warns Perrin that Bain and Chiad plan to teach him a lesson on Faile’s behalf.

Determined to seize initiative before Loial navigates, Perrin follows the pitted white line toward the first guidepost, intending to make Faile think he has gone on without her. He aims to lead as long as he can, despite not fully knowing the Ways.