Chapter 14

After Mat departs, Perrin readies to leave Tear at dawn for the Two Rivers, brooding over the Whitecloaks’ rumored presence and his duty to protect his people. Berelain enters, announces she will return to Mayene, and pointedly tries to engage Perrin, hinting at desire. Perrin refuses to carry her message to Rand and pointedly ends the encounter, but Berelain caresses him in parting just as Faile arrives.

Faile, surprisingly calm, focuses on Perrin’s packed saddlebags and the rumor about Whitecloaks in the Two Rivers. Perrin reveals he intends to travel the Ways with Loial to arrive quickly. Faile warns of the taint and danger of the Ways, but Perrin insists; Loial can read the guideposts. Faile pivots to join him, already planning supplies and allies, but Perrin states she cannot come.

Prodded by jealousy and hurt, Faile presses Perrin about Berelain. To drive Faile away for her safety, Perrin cruelly suggests he might visit Berelain in Mayene after his return. Faile leaves in stony silence. Alone, Perrin admits to himself he killed Whitecloaks in self-defense and plans to surrender himself in the Two Rivers to stop them harming his people, determined to keep Faile from witnessing his likely death.

In the halls, Faile confronts Berelain, claiming Perrin. Berelain coolly insults her, flips Faile with a deft move, and vows on an Ogier’s oath to take Perrin as a “pet.” Faile draws another knife to continue the fight, but Rhuarc intervenes, disarms both, and orders Berelain to her rooms and Faile to forfeit her prized knives, warning them to keep the peace. Afterward, recalling that Ogier never break oaths, Faile laughs, confident that time and her bond with Perrin will prevail.