Contents
Chapter 56
Overview
Perrin braces Emond’s Field for a massive Trolloc assault while Whitecloaks threaten to abandon them. The line buckles until Faile arrives leading Watch Hill and Deven Ride to flank the Trollocs, routing the Shadowspawn.
Perrin then forces the Whitecloaks to leave the Two Rivers. Ordeith/Padan Fain retreats, plotting new vengeance.
Summary
At dawn in the Winespring Inn, Perrin writes a farewell letter to Faile and joins preparations as Trollocs mass to the north and south. The village hides its fires; women form a defensive circle around the children. Perrin orders the Companions to protect the women if the line breaks.
At the Green, Whitecloaks under Dain Bornhald intend to leave for Watch Hill. Perrin goads them into remaining by promising to submit after the battle. When the assault begins, Two Rivers archery and catapults cut swathes, but the Trollocs crash through the stakes. Verin and Alanna hurl fire while Gaul, Chiad, Loial, Bran, and others fight hand to hand. The line buckles; women surge in to help hold it.
Perrin is unhorsed, kills a Myrddraal, and sees the defense collapsing. As panic rises over the unguarded children, a messenger reports attackers striking the Trollocs from the north. Watch Hill has come, led by Faile beneath a red eagle banner; Deven Ride strikes as well. Caught between volleys, the Trollocs rout; Myrddraal fall; the field becomes a slaughter.
Perrin and Faile reunite; she reveals she led Watch Hill after racing there with Bain. They confirm Deven Ride came independently. As the village gathers around them, the Whitecloaks arrive to arrest Perrin. Daise Congar exposes that they sat idle during the fight. With bows trained on them, Perrin orders the Whitecloaks to leave the Two Rivers; Bornhald withdraws, vowing vengeance.
Watch Hill’s mayor, Jerinvar Barstere, pledges support as “Lord Perrin” talk spreads. Perrin and Faile withdraw together. In the Westwood, Ordeith (Padan Fain), with renegade Whitecloaks and a Myrddraal, rages at the outcome and rides north, vowing to scourge the Two Rivers by striking first at Caemlyn and then Tar Valon.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraLeads Emond’s Field defense, promises to surrender to keep Whitecloaks fighting, holds the line, reunites with Faile, expels Whitecloaks.
- Faile (Zarine) BashereRaces to Watch Hill, returns leading reinforcements under the Red Eagle; helps flank Trollocs; reunites with Perrin.
- Dain BornhaldWhitecloak commander; vows to leave, is shamed into staying; later sits idle, tries to arrest Perrin, then withdraws vowing vengeance.
- Padan Fain (Ordeith)Plots the Two Rivers’ ruin; furious at the rout; flees with renegade Whitecloaks and a Myrddraal, planning moves on Caemlyn and Tar Valon.
- AramFollows Perrin into battle, saves him from a Trolloc, fights fiercely with his sword.
- Verin MathwinHurls fire from catapults’ positions; observes Perrin with cool interest amid the battle.
- Alanna MosvaniChannels battle-fire alongside the defenders; Ihvon guards her closely.
- GaulAiel Stone Dog; fights back-to-back with Chiad, helping hold the collapsing line.
- ChiadMaid of the Spear; fights with Gaul against overwhelming Trolloc pressure.
- LoialOgier companion; wields twin axes, stands fast in the thickest fighting.
- Tam al'ThorCommands the southern defenses; fights grimly; survives bloodied.
- Abell CauthonOversees western archers and catapults; keeps men steady under assault.
- Bran al'VereHelps command the northern line; wounded but steadfast in the defense.
- Marin al'VereJoins the women’s charge; hamstrings and kills Trollocs with a cleaver.
- Daise CongarLeads women into the fight; later exposes the Whitecloaks’ inaction before the village.
- Jaret ByarWhitecloak zealot; backs Bornhald, nearly draws on villagers before retreating.
- Jerinvar BarstereMayor of Watch Hill; pledges support to Perrin and moves to see Whitecloaks off.
- Jaim AybaraYoung messenger and distant cousin to Perrin; reports reinforcements and Trolloc rout.