Contents
4 The Gleeman
Overview
Padan Fain arrives with alarming news: war in Ghealdan, a Dragon-claimant who can channel, and Aes Sedai moving to oppose him. The Village Council takes Fain inside to question him, heightening village anxiety. Outside, tensions flare among the youths as Egwene declares Wisdom ambitions and Perrin confirms the mysterious rider. A white-haired gleeman emerges, promising further upheaval.
Summary
Padan Fain drives into Emond’s Field and, after building anticipation, announces grave news: war in Ghealdan around a man claiming to be the Dragon who can channel. Villagers panic over prophecies and Aes Sedai. Fain insists only Aes Sedai can oppose such a man; the Village Council escorts him into the inn for private questions.
As the crowd disperses, Rand, Mat, and Perrin debate the implications. They worry about war and Aes Sedai, and recall tales of devastation from false Dragons. Nynaeve scolds them for foolish talk; Egwene arrives, amused and stern by turns.
Rand asks Egwene to dance; she reveals her new braid and announces she’s apprenticing to be a Wisdom and may leave the Two Rivers someday, unsettling Rand. Their exchange sours as they misunderstand each other’s hopes and fears about leaving home and growing up.
Mat and Perrin return with new revelations: Moiraine gave Perrin a coin as well, and Perrin also saw the black-cloaked rider near the smithy. Egwene dismisses their fears as childish tales, but Rand and Perrin remain convinced. The inn door opens, and a white-haired man hurries out—clearly the awaited gleeman—closing the scene on a note of expectation.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorCentral viewpoint; weighs Fain’s news, clashes gently with Egwene, worries about Aes Sedai and the rider.
- Padan FainPeddler; announces war in Ghealdan and a channeling Dragon-claimant; goes inside to brief the Council.
- Mat CauthonExcited by news; reveals Moiraine gave Perrin a coin; shares rider sightings and teases friends.
- Perrin AybaraCautious; confirms seeing the black‑cloaked rider; also bears Moiraine’s coin; dreads war and Aes Sedai.
- Egwene al'VereDeclares Wisdom ambitions, shows her braid; challenges the boys’ fears and scolds Rand’s rumors.
- Nynaeve al'MearaWisdom; rebukes the boys for reckless talk; intends the Women’s Circle to question Fain properly.
- Bran al'VereMayor; restores order, leads the Council to question Fain inside the inn.
- Tam al'ThorSupports Bran in managing the crowd; urges calm and reasoned discussion.
- Cenn BuieThatcher; stokes fear, presses Fain on whether the Dragon is false, rails about Aes Sedai.
- Haral LuhhanBlacksmith; corrects misconceptions about the Dragon; later carries a hammer after Perrin’s warning.
- Ewin FinngarYoung villager; blurts that men who channel go mad, earning Cenn’s scolding.
- White-haired gleeman (unnamed)Shaggy-haired stranger who rushes from the inn at the end, heralding performances and new trouble.