11 The Road to Taren Ferry

Before dawn in the stable, Lan readies five horses and warns Rand, Mat, and Perrin that any tool becomes a weapon if they have the will. The boys reveal their arms—Rand’s sword, Mat’s bow, Perrin’s axe—and quietly debate Moiraine’s claim that Trollocs hunt them. Moiraine arrives; Rand admits telling Tam, earning a rebuke she quickly sets aside to urge haste.

Egwene appears determined to join, inferring their plan from their suspicious behavior. Despite Lan’s protest, Moiraine permits Egwene, calling it part of the Pattern. Thom Merrilin then reveals himself from the loft and insists on traveling with them. Lan grudgingly accepts. Rand proposes Bela for Egwene; Lan agrees, and they swiftly saddle up.

They attempt to slip out unseen but encounter armed village patrols. Lan leads the group into the Winespring Water to mask their trail, then carefully guides them around houses and patrols toward the village’s north edge.

Outside Emond’s Field, Rand spots a vast winged shape crossing the moon. Lan names it a Draghkar, and Moiraine warns it means the Myrddraal can soon learn their location. To outrun pursuit, Lan orders everyone onto the North Road; they gallop together toward Taren Ferry.