Contents
40 The Web Tightens
Overview
In a tense Caemlyn, Rand leaves reclusive Mat to witness Logain’s triumphant capture. A beggar openly hunts the boys by name, forcing Rand to flee. Rand climbs a wall to see Logain, who appears regal despite his cage and Aes Sedai guards. A mystery girl startles Rand, and he falls unconscious, tightening danger and intrigue around him.
Summary
From The Queen’s Blessing, Rand watches Caemlyn surge toward Logain’s procession. He urges Mat to come, but Mat, withdrawn and suspicious, refuses to leave his bed or accept food from anyone but Rand.
Downstairs, Master Gill warns that a half-mad beggar is asking after Rand, Mat, and their friends by name. Outside, Rand navigates mounting political tension: red for Queen Morgase is outnumbered by white opposition. Even Whitecloaks are jostled, showing how volatile the crowd has become.
At the procession route, a ripple of disgust parts the crowd for the ragged beggar, who singles Rand out and scuttles toward him. Fearing a confrontation that could spark violence, Rand shoves back through the press and runs, escaping into quieter Inner City streets.
Determined to see Logain, Rand climbs a steep, bare slope and scales a high garden wall overlooking the Palace gates. He witnesses the grand entry: trumpeters, drummers, Guards, and finally a caged Logain surrounded by Aes Sedai and Warders. Despite defeat, Logain stands like a king, drawing awed silence wherever he looks, then laughs as he’s taken inside.
Shaken by Logain’s bearing, Rand wonders why Aes Sedai watch him so closely. A girl’s voice answers that they keep him from the True Source. Startled, Rand loses his precarious perch, strikes his head, and blacks out, as the city’s tensions and the hunt for the boys tighten around him.
Who Appears
- Rand al’ThorLeaves Mat to see Logain’s procession; flees a beggar hunting him; climbs a wall, witnesses Logain’s bearing, is startled by a girl, and falls unconscious.
- Mat CauthonReclusive and suspicious, refuses to leave the room; accepts only food from Rand; avoids Loial and crowds.
- Basel GillWarns Rand a beggar is asking after the boys by name; advises caution and an alley exit.
- LamgwinInn guard loyal to Queen Morgase; cautions Rand to watch his back amid looming trouble.
- Unnamed BeggarHalf-mad figure hunting Rand and friends by name; publicly points at Rand and pursues him.
- LogainThe captured false Dragon; paraded in a cage yet projects regal defiance, mesmerizing the crowd.
- Aes SedaiEight women sit on Logain’s wagon corners, watching him to prevent touching the True Source.
- Warder(s)A dozen ride escort around Logain’s wagon, scanning the crowd and guarding the Aes Sedai.
- Queen’s GuardsHold the procession route and Palace approaches amid a hostile, white-cockaded crowd.
- The Girl (unidentified)Speaks from above the wall, explaining the Aes Sedai’s watch; startles Rand into falling.