24 Flight Down the Arinelle

Perrin and Egwene trudge toward Caemlyn, sharing rides on Bela and scraping by on meager foraging. Egwene tries to kindle fire using the One Power, recalling earlier success on the riverbank, but cannot repeat it. Ruins and restless nights with frightening dreams deepen their unease as they fail to find any settlements.

Smelling smoke, Perrin scouts and discovers Elyas Machera, a wild-looking man in furs with striking yellow eyes and a feast of rabbits. Elyas invites them to eat, then laughs at their course, revealing they are far north of Caemlyn and in empty country. He warns he dislikes people—and their reaction to his “friends.”

Wolves pad into the firelight—Dapple, Burn, Hopper, and Wind—surrounding the camp while others watch from the trees. Elyas explains he “talks” with wolves by shared feelings, that wolves remember ancient hunts with men, and pointedly says Perrin can do the same. When Egwene offers a fabricated Saldaean backstory, the wolves sense lies and the scent of Trollocs and Halfmen in their thoughts.

Under pressure, Perrin recounts their true flight from Emond’s Field, Baerlon, and Shadar Logoth. Elyas, who distrusts Aes Sedai and claims the Red Ajah once tried to gentle him—leading him to kill Warders—insists wolfbrother abilities predate the One Power. He urges them to stay with the pack for safety from Trollocs and Fades.

Egwene refuses; she aims for Caemlyn and Tar Valon. Elyas, heeding Dapple’s judgment that Perrin stands “between” worlds, agrees to guide them south. Burn, driven by hatred of Trollocs, leads several young males away to hunt. To his disquiet, Perrin feels the wolves departing and tastes Burn’s blood-hungry resolve in his own mind.