Chapter 29

Perrin leads his group through the Westwood toward the Two Rivers, brooding over Whitecloaks and the deadly figure Slayer. Passing the ruined al’Thor farm, he sees weeks-old fire damage and scattered sheep, confirming the region’s peril. He presses on, planning to reach Emond’s Field quietly and learn what he can.

Before dawn, Perrin and Gaul slip away from camp and circle the village to avoid attention. They enter the Winespring Inn’s kitchen and find Bran and Marin al’Vere polishing silver. After brief reassurances about Egwene, Perrin introduces Gaul; Marin accepts Aiel guest-gifts from Gaul, and later from Bain and Chiad when they arrive with Faile.

Perrin declares his intent to surrender to the Whitecloaks to protect his family, prompting Faile’s furious objection. Bran and Marin urge him to leave at once, revealing Whitecloak patrols, Watch Hill as their camp, and rising danger on all roads. Marin mothers everyone into tea, while Bran discreetly offers Perrin strong brandy and counsel.

The al’Veres explain that Trollocs now raid isolated farms, forcing many families to abandon their holdings. Whitecloaks, led by Lord Bornhald and swayed by Padan Fain—now calling himself Ordeith—have burned Tam al’Thor’s and Abell Cauthon’s farms and hold several villagers prisoner, though Bornhald has stayed outright executions. Tam and Abell hide in the Westwood; Fain offers bounties on relatives of Perrin, Rand, and Mat.

Pressed for the full truth, Bran tells Perrin that his parents, sisters, brother, and kin were all slain by Trollocs at the Aybara farm. Stunned, Perrin finally lets himself grieve, sobbing into Faile’s embrace as she urges him to mourn rather than throw his life away.