Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
Perrin and Faile reach Rand’s chambers, encountering a fearful Berelain and a wary High Lord Torean. Inside, Rand is grievously wounded after murderous reflections attack him; Moiraine Heals most injuries but not his old scar.
Moiraine reveals the “bubbles of evil” explanation, easing Forsaken fears. Rand refuses to be driven, vows to choose his own course, while Rhuarc contrasts Aiel prophecy with wetlander belief, keeping judgment pending.
Summary
Perrin and Faile traverse the dim corridors of the Stone, unsettled by servants’ and Defenders’ fear. They meet High Lord Torean lurking near Rand’s rooms and note his guards’ readiness. Berelain emerges from Rand’s anteroom terrified and rebuffs Torean’s oily “protection,” then flees. Faile, nettled by Berelain’s presence, withdraws, leaving Perrin to continue alone.
At Rand’s door, Maidens Bain and Chiad block Perrin before relenting; Perrin enters to find Rand blood-smeared amid shattered mirrors and wreckage, gripping Callandor. Perrin sends for Moiraine and stanches Rand’s wound. Rhuarc arrives, confirms rumors are spreading, and says Berelain told him the truth. Moiraine and Lan enter; Moiraine Heals Rand, closing all wounds but his old, unhealed scar. Rand refuses to leave the chamber or release Callandor.
Questioned, Rand recounts how his reflections attacked from the mirrors. He suspects a Forsaken, but Moiraine judges it “too simple and too complex” and explains that as the Dark One’s prison weakens, “bubbles of evil” drift through the Pattern and burst on threads, especially ta’veren. Rhuarc reports seeing Mat alive, heading toward the servants’ quarter near the river, easing immediate fears.
Moiraine warns Rand that familiarity will embolden Tairen plots and more dangers will come; she urges a decision and to inform her. Rand accepts help but asserts he will decide his path. As Bain and Chiad bring water to tend him, Moiraine departs. Outside, Rhuarc explains the Aiel follow a separate prophecy — He Who Comes With the Dawn — and that Rand must still prove himself. Seeing Tairen hostility and counting on Aiel protection being uncertain, Perrin resolves that Faile must choose to leave Tear without him for safety.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraInvestigates Rand’s chambers; confronts Aiel guards; aids wounded Rand; learns of ‘bubbles of evil’; worries over Faile’s safety.
- Rand al’ThorFound bloodied after mirror-reflection attacks; Healed by Moiraine except for old scar; insists on choosing his own course.
- Moiraine DamodredHeals Rand and explains the ‘bubbles of evil’; pressures Rand to decide his next move and keep her informed.
- RhuarcArrives to assess the situation; confirms rumors; reports Mat alive; explains Aiel prophecy and withholds final judgment on Rand.
- Faile (Zarine Bashere)Accompanies Perrin, bristles over Berelain, then withdraws; her safety becomes Perrin’s concern.
- Berelain sur PaendragFlees Rand’s rooms in terror; rejects Torean’s offer of ‘protection’; clearly shaken by what she witnessed.
- BainMaiden of the Spear guarding Rand; spars verbally with Perrin; later brings water to tend Rand.
- ChiadMaiden of the Spear guarding Rand; helps deter Perrin, then aids in tending Rand.
- Lan MandragoranMoiraine’s Warder; exchanges curt respect with Rhuarc; supports Moiraine and arranges practical needs.
- High Lord ToreanScheming Tairen lord near Rand’s rooms; offers Berelain ‘protection’; wary and hostile beneath politeness.
- Tairen officer of DefendersLeads ceremonial guard outside Rand’s rooms; fearful and outmatched by Aiel authority.