25 The Traveling People

Rand dreams he is trapped in shifting mazes—spires of polished stone, then a burning thorn maze—hunted by Ba’alzamon. When Ba’alzamon confronts him, Rand forces the realization that it is a dream, breaking free, only to see his face merge with Ba’alzamon’s in endless mirrors. He wakes on the Spray and finds his finger bleeding from a thorn prick, blurring dream and reality.

The river voyage crawls against contrary winds as Bayle Domon drives boat and crew without pause. Fear of Trollocs keeps discipline at first, but soon the crew grumbles about never making shore. Domon quells talk by displaying captured Trolloc weapons. Thom watches the crew’s mood warily, warning Rand that a mutiny could leave no witnesses.

Floran Gelb tries to blame Rand, Mat, and Thom for the Trolloc attack, but the crew shuns him for his failed watch. Thom distracts the men with performances and trains the boys in stories, juggling, and showcraft to reduce tension. Rand scans the banks for friends but sees only ancient wonders, including colossal carved monarchs and a distant, seamless metal tower. Domon speaks of far-off marvels and the lure of the wider world.

Restless, Rand climbs the mast and performs a daring slide down the forestay, astonishing the crew. Afterward he is shaken by his own fearlessness. In the bow, he discovers Mat secretly playing with a gold-and-ruby dagger taken from Shadar Logoth. Mat distrusts everyone and makes Rand swear silence, planning to sell it if needed for their journey.

Thom covers Rand’s stunt as part of training, but privately notes Rand’s uncommon poise at heights. Uneasy about the dreams and his own changes, Rand insists they must reach Tar Valon to find answers before he loses control.