Contents
Chapter 32
Overview
Perrin, Faile, Tam, Abell, Verin, and Tomas ride toward Watch Hill, noting abandoned farms and puzzling Trolloc behavior. Verin suggests the raids may be bait to draw wider forces. At Jac al’Seen’s fortified farm, locals press Perrin about Whitecloak charges; he admits killing Whitecloaks and denounces Padan Fain. Offered sanctuary, Perrin refuses as news arrives that Lord Luc is coming.
Summary
At dawn, Verin declares they will leave for Watch Hill, warning Perrin she will not aid rashness. Perrin invites Alanna, who remains cool, and persuades Loial to stay behind and discreetly watch Alanna. The group rides light: Tam, Abell, Perrin, Faile, Verin, Tomas, with Aiel scouts Gaul, Bain, and Chiad ranging ahead.
Crossing abandoned farms north of Emond’s Field, they note empty houses left unburned and fields untrodden. Perrin questions why Trollocs have not attacked the villages; Faile supports that there must be a reason. Verin proposes the raids may be a lure to draw attention and soldiers to the Two Rivers, possibly provoking war. The party continues in uneasy silence, wary of ravens and the Whitecloaks.
Approaching Jac al’Seen’s prosperous farm, they see rooftop lookouts and many refugees taken in after nearby attacks. The Aiel slip away to avoid notice. Inside, amid crowded hospitality, locals gawk at Verin, Tomas, and Faile, while Perrin notes changed faces from home and keeps his jealousy and unease in check.
Jac al’Seen welcomes them but insists on village safety; Verin demurs, claiming an interest in countryside stories. Suspicion rises when Adine Lewin repeats rumors about Aes Sedai and the boys. Jac asks Perrin directly about the Whitecloak accusations. Perrin explains that Whitecloaks brand dissenters Darkfriends and admits he killed some after they slew a friend and tried to kill him. Verin adds that Children sow mistrust.
Perrin names Padan Fain—now calling himself Ordeith—an admitted Darkfriend who rides with the Whitecloaks, drawing mixed reactions. Despite risks, Elisa al’Seen offers Perrin sanctuary and a hiding place; moved but resolute, he refuses, saying he has tasks. As they eat, a rooftop sentry bursts in with urgent news: Lord Luc is coming.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraLeads the ride toward Watch Hill; questions Trolloc behavior; admits killing Whitecloaks; denounces Padan Fain; refuses offered sanctuary.
- Verin MathwinDirects departure; posits Trolloc raids as a lure to draw wider forces; calmly deflects suspicion and takes notes.
- Faile (Zarine) BashereInsists on accompanying Perrin; supports his reasoning about Trollocs; poised among locals; subtly protective of Perrin.
- Tam al’ThorGuides the route and local stops; estimates Trolloc numbers; helps frame risks and timing.
- Abell CauthonCo-leads travel plans; discusses Trolloc counts and Whitecloak risks; vouches for Perrin.
- TomasWarder to Verin; vigilant on the road; challenges local suspicion with pointed questions.
- LoialLeft behind to observe Alanna discreetly; outwardly claims time to work on his book.
- GaulAiel scout; ranges ahead and avoids notice near the al’Seen farm.
- BainMaiden of the Spear; scouts with Chiad; keeps out of sight at the farm.
- ChiadMaiden of the Spear; scouts with Bain; remains unseen to avoid stirring gossip.
- Jac al’SeenFarmer hosting refugees; questions Perrin about Whitecloak charges; offers sanctuary.
- Elisa al’SeenMatriarchal host; urges village safety; compassionately offers to hide Perrin.
- Adine LewinVoices rumors and suspicion about Aes Sedai and the boys; silenced by neighbors.
- Flann LewinRefugee patriarch whose farm was attacked; restrains Adine during the questioning.
- Wit al’SeenJac’s cousin; counters wild rumors with calmer testimony.
- Laila Dearn (Lewin)Former friend of Perrin; now married with a child; symbolizes time’s changes.
- Natley LewinLaila’s husband; present among the refugees at the farm.
- Wil al’SeenCharming local who draws Faile’s brief attention before Perrin intervenes.
- Alanna MosvaniAes Sedai traveling with the group; unreadable and mercurial; remains at the sickhouse this day.
- Lord LucNot yet onstage; his imminent arrival is announced at chapter’s end.