Contents
Chapter 31
Overview
Perrin reaches the hidden Aes Sedai, learns they are recruiting girls and constrained by the Three Oaths, and receives Healing. Tam and Abell confirm a large Whitecloak camp holding villagers, prompting Perrin to plan a rescue.
Meanwhile, Bornhald fixates on Perrin while Ordeith drives cruelty, engineers terror, and forces a Myrddraal to serve him, escalating the threat.
Summary
Perrin, Faile, Loial, and the Aiel follow Marin al'Vere to the old sickhouse, where Verin (Brown) and Alanna (Green) await with Warders nearby. Verin explains they came to the Two Rivers seeking girls who can channel, citing unusually strong inborn ability here. Perrin challenges their inaction; Alanna, bound by the Three Oaths and grieving a slain Warder, details limits against using the Power for revenge and risks of drawing Trollocs by channeling.
Alanna Heals Perrin and the Aiel, warning his cheek wound will scar. Discussion confirms the Trollocs’ use of the Ways, now locked by Loial. Alanna muses on ta'veren control, even bonding, then relents. Ihvon announces arrivals, and Tam al’Thor and Abell Cauthon enter; Perrin reassures them Rand and Mat are safe in Tear, dodging questions about Winternight’s cause.
Outside, away from Aes Sedai ears, Tam and Abell describe Whitecloak strength: 700–800 men camped at Watch Hill, heavy patrols toward Emond’s Field, and prisoners used to prevent escapes. They note ravens spying for Fades and bizarre animal slaughters. After shooting a raven, Perrin hears of worsening burns near Deven Ride and reluctance of villagers to harbor fugitives. He vows to scout the camp and free Natti, Bode, Eldrin, and others, then turn fully to the Trollocs.
Shift to Watch Hill: Dain Bornhald returns from another ambushed patrol and orders the Tuatha’an to move south. He keeps prisoners—like the Luhhans—under heavy guard and resists Byar and Farran’s harsher urges. Obsessed with Perrin Aybara due to Byar’s tale of Toman Head, he confronts Ordeith after two “escorting” Children die on Ordeith’s forays.
Bornhald strikes Ordeith, who demands freedom to “scourge” the land to draw Rand, Mat, and Perrin. Citing Gray Men and claiming the Shadow hunts him, Ordeith presses for a free hand; Bornhald, shaken, dismisses him. Ordeith then revels in his plotting—admitting to burning the Aybara farm—and, in a lamp-bright tent, coerces a chained Myrddraal into an accord, tightening his personal web of terror around the Two Rivers.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraDemands answers from Aes Sedai, receives Healing, confers with Tam and Abell, vows to free prisoners and fight Trollocs.
- Verin MathwinBrown Aes Sedai; explains recruiting girls and channeling limits; observes and subtly guides Perrin.
- Alanna MosvaniGreen Aes Sedai; mourns slain Warder Owein, Heals Perrin and Aiel, eyes ta'veren warily, hints at bonding.
- Tam al'ThorArrives from the wilds; confirms Whitecloak strength and prisoners; counsels caution and focus.
- Abell CauthonReports on Whitecloak patrols and wounds; worries for Natti, Bode, and Eldrin; advises Perrin on restraint.
- Faile (Zarine) BashereDefends Perrin’s manners with Aes Sedai, shares light banter, stays back as Perrin speaks privately.
- LoialConfirms he sealed the Waygate; engages Verin on Ogier books; supports Perrin’s mission.
- GaulWary of Aes Sedai; receives Healing; stands ready alongside Perrin.
- BainExplains Perrin’s injury source; receives Healing; remains alert to danger.
- ChiadSkeptical of Aes Sedai, accepts Healing, tests recovered arm with satisfaction.
- Marin al'VereEscorts group to hidden Aes Sedai, urges Perrin to obey them, then departs discreetly.
- IhvonAlanna’s Warder; scouts, relays messages, and signals arrivals quietly.
- TomasVerin’s Warder; unseen sentinel in the woods, maintaining security around the sickhouse.
- Dain BornhaldWhitecloak commander at Watch Hill; targets Perrin, restrains subordinates, clashes with Ordeith.
- Jaret ByarFanatical Whitecloak; pressures for harsher methods and fuels Bornhald’s obsession.
- FarranBrutal Hundredman; executes orders, covets harsher action, liaises with Tuatha’an under limits.
- OrdeithManipulative agitator; spreads terror, fixates on the three youths, murdered Aybaras, coerces a Myrddraal.
- Myrddraal (unnamed)Chained captive in Ordeith’s tent; forced into a binding accord under threat.