Contents
Chapter 27
Overview
Perrin’s party navigates the decaying Ways toward Manetheren’s Waygate, where Trollocs and a Myrddraal attack. As Machin Shin closes in, they flee through the gate and Loial locks it from the outside. In the Mountains of Mist, signs of Shadow appear, Faile treats Perrin’s wounds, and Perrin disturbingly finds no wolves nearby.
Summary
Perrin and Gaul follow Loial’s leading light through the dark, crumbling Ways, Perrin listening for Machin Shin. On an Island, Faile confronts Perrin over his headlong decisions, tensions flaring before they approach the Guiding that marks the Manetheren Waygate path.
Before they can move on, Perrin scents Trollocs. A brutal fight erupts under their lanterns: Gaul dances the spears, Bain and Chiad veil and kill with arrows, Loial smashes with his pole, Faile throws knives, and Perrin wields his hammer. A Myrddraal joins; despite wounds, the group brings it down, Perrin shattering its head with his hammer.
More Trollocs gather in the dark when the terrifying sigh of Machin Shin rises. Loial opens the Waygate and orders everyone out. They bolt through; outside on a mountainside, Faile tumbles from her saddle, and Loial dives out just as Machin Shin engulfs pursuing Trollocs. He replaces two Avendesora leaves on the outer face, locking the gate from this side without destroying it.
The group takes in the valley of ruined Manetheren in the Mountains of Mist. After a hawk is shot and ravens swarm the area, Perrin suspects the Shadow’s eyes. Faile tends Perrin’s wounds with ointment and stitches, their friction mixing with care. Seeking confirmation of Shadowspawn, Perrin reaches for nearby wolves—but finds none, an absence that leaves him troubled.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraLeads the group through the Ways; fights Trollocs and a Myrddraal; escapes Machin Shin; wounded; unsettled by the absence of wolves.
- Faile (Zarine Bashere)Clashes with Perrin, fights with knives, then skillfully tends his injuries; sharp-tongued yet caring.
- LoialOgier guide in the Ways; opens the Manetheren Waygate and locks it from outside; wounded in the battle.
- GaulAiel Stone Dog; fights Trollocs and helps against the Myrddraal; steady battlefield partner to Perrin.
- BainAiel Maiden; provides covering archery against the Myrddraal; cool under pressure.
- ChiadAiel Maiden; fights alongside Bain with bow and spear; helps hold the line.
- Machin ShinThe Black Wind in the Ways; nearly overtakes the party and consumes pursuing Trollocs.
- Trollocs and MyrddraalShadowspawn ambushers in the Ways; a Fade leads them until Perrin’s hammer and Aiel arrows fell it.