50 Meetings at the Eye

At dawn in the Blight, tensions linger between Nynaeve and Lan while Moiraine removes traces of her warding. The party rides toward the Mountains of Dhoom, and the land’s corruption intensifies. Predatory trees and twisted creatures attack despite Moiraine’s presence, forcing Lan to range and the others to fight. Mat’s arrows, Perrin’s axe, Rand’s heron-mark blade, and Moiraine’s fire keep them moving by painful inches.

A chilling piping announces Worms. The Blight’s denizens break off, and Lan drives the group toward the high passes, warning that even Fades fear a Wormpack. Panic mounts as the Worms close, but just as Rand is about to turn in fear, the terrain transforms: foul Blight gives way to a serene, living grove, beyond the Worms’ pursuit.

Moiraine declares they have reached the Green Man’s place and the Eye of the World. The Green Man appears, an immense, living figure of vine and leaf scarred by a withered fissure. He greets Loial as “little brother” and, noting Perrin, identifies him as a Wolfbrother, evoking old times.

Turning to Rand, the Green Man calls him “Child of the Dragon,” remarking on strange clothes and a sword, then falters with torn memories. He recognizes Moiraine despite the sanctuary’s rule that none should find it twice, and accepts her plea of need—hers and the world’s.

Confirming that the Dark One stirs and the Blight presses harder than ever, the Green Man agrees to lead them to the Eye of the World, offering safety within his realm and setting their next step toward the prophesied confrontation.