Contents
3 The Peddler
Overview
On the eve of Bel Tine, Emond’s Field buzzes with secrets and arrivals. Moiraine and her companion Lan meet Rand, Mat, and Ewin, forging a small bond with mysterious coins and hinting at the Two Rivers’ forgotten past. An ominous raven and a tight-lipped Village Council deepen unease as the peddler arrives.
Summary
Rand and Mat deliver casks to the Winespring Inn, where the Village Council sits unusually silent and intent. Mat reveals a prank that angered the Luhhans, and the boys avoid the room’s tense discussion. In the cellar, Ewin Finngar rushes in with news of strangers at the inn.
Outside, Rand senses he’s being watched and spots a raven fixed on him. He and Mat throw stones; the raven dodges unnervingly. A woman—Moiraine—appears, calling the bird a vile omen, and the raven flies west. Moiraine’s presence and regal bearing captivate the boys.
Moiraine learns their names and gives each boy a silver coin, calling it a token and a bond to come when asked. When Rand asks why she’s come, she calls herself a student of history and hints that places and people wear many names as the Wheel turns. Her words unsettle the boys, and she departs toward the bridge.
Lan, a tall, wolf-graceful man in a color-shifting cloak, follows Moiraine, assessing the boys with a chilling glance. Ewin speculates he’s a Warder, which Mat dismisses as story-talk. Rand and Mat decide to keep the coins unspent, feeling they should not part with them.
Meanwhile, the Village Council continues its private talk. The boys still hope to see the gleeman, but a commotion across the Wagon Bridge announces the peddler’s long-awaited arrival, adding to the village’s mounting anticipation and unease.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorHelps deliver casks, feels watched, meets Moiraine, receives a silver coin, and questions her purpose.
- Matrim (Mat) CauthonPlays a prank with floured dogs, spots the strangers, meets Moiraine, receives a coin, chooses to keep it.
- MoiraineMysterious lady; gives the boys coins, hints at deep history and the Wheel’s Pattern, disperses a raven.
- LanStern, wolf-like companion to Moiraine; silently assesses the boys and departs with her.
- Ewin FinngarEager younger boy who reports the strangers, meets Moiraine, and receives a coin.
- Bran al'VereInnkeeper and Mayor; leads a hushed Village Council meeting, keeping matters private.
- Tam al'ThorRand’s father; joins the secretive Council discussion at the inn.
- Haral LuhhanBlacksmith at the Council; unintentionally targeted by Mat’s prank through his dogs.
- Jon ThaneMiller; present at the tight-lipped Village Council gathering.
- Cenn BuieThatchmaster and Council member; reluctant yet part of the secretive discussion.
- Rowan HurnCouncil member; attends the private meeting at the inn’s hearth.
- Samel CraweCouncil member; joins the closed-door discussion before the fire.