14 The Stag and Lion

Before resting, Moiraine refreshes everyone with the One Power, though she cannot restore herself. At dawn, Lan pushes them north at a cautious pace, scouting constantly. The route avoids farms and villages, and nerves ease as no Trollocs or Draghkar appear, though winter’s grip lingers.

Each evening Lan trains Perrin with the axe and Rand with the sword, emphasizing calm focus; Thom entertains quietly. Friction grows: Egwene unbraids her hair, asserting her intent to become Aes Sedai, leading to a public argument with Rand. Later, when the boys idly dream of Illian, Moiraine returns and sternly reminds them of Winternight, declaring she will destroy them herself before letting the Dark One take them.

Rand, uneasy about Moiraine’s nightly talks with Egwene, secretly eavesdrops. Moiraine explains the Five Powers, the humanity of Aes Sedai, and Egwene’s fear and resolve; she hints another Two Rivers woman could channel. Nearly discovered, Rand retreats, then suffers troubled dreams.

On the sixth day, they finally sight Baerlon’s walls. Moiraine warns to keep quiet about the Shadow and to use aliases: Alys for Moiraine, Andra for Lan. At the gate, the keeper Avin, who knows them, admits them discreetly and reports Children of the Light in town due to a false Dragon in Ghealdan; rumors speak of battles, dead Aes Sedai, and the title “People of the Dragon.”

Inside, Thom explains Prophecies about the Stone of Tear and a Sword That Cannot Be Touched. Lan leads them through a hidden side gate into the Stag and Lion’s stableyard. Welcomed by Innkeeper Master Fitch despite a surly stableman, they secure hot meals and baths, settling into Baerlon under assumed names while Whitecloaks prowl the city.