Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
Mat learns Whitecloaks have invaded the Two Rivers, allegedly hunting the Dragon Reborn and a yellow-eyed man, pushing Perrin to depart for home to protect his family. Mat, haunted by a baffling attack where Trollocs killed a Myrddraal for him, fights fate’s pull, unable to commit to going despite clear stakes.
Summary
In a raucous Maule tavern, Mat broods over the night's attack in the Stone, recalling a Gray Man targeting him and a Myrddraal confronting him before a pack of Trollocs inexplicably turned on and killed the Fade, then ignored Mat. Uneasy and feeling pulled back toward the Stone, he drinks and listens to talk.
At a nearby table, a Kandori merchant claims the Children of the Light have entered the Two Rivers, hunting the Dragon Reborn and a Darkfriend with yellow eyes. Alarmed for home, Mat buys the table drinks and rushes back to the Stone.
Mat finds Perrin packing to return to the Two Rivers. Perrin says Rand muttered about doing “what they don't expect” and seemed relieved Perrin would leave. Believing Whitecloaks can find his family and will hurt people seeking him, Perrin is determined to go. Mat struggles to say he will go too; the words stick, as if fate resists.
Wandering the halls, Mat thinks of his parents and sisters, then crosses paths with Berelain, who pointedly ignores him. Realizing he has been acting as if he already decided, he flips a Tar Valon coin, curses Aes Sedai and Rand, and calls himself the biggest fool as he presses on, still torn.
Who Appears
- Mat CauthonBroods over a Gray Man and Myrddraal attack; hears Whitecloak rumors; confronts Perrin; wrestles with fate about returning home.
- Perrin AybaraPacks to return to the Two Rivers, determined to protect family from Whitecloaks hunting a man with yellow eyes.
- Berelain sur Paendrag PaeronPasses Mat in the Stone’s halls, coolly dismissive, highlighting his frustration with nobles.
- PaetramKandori master merchant spreading the rumor of Whitecloaks in the Two Rivers; unsettles Mat with details.