Contents
18 The Caemlyn Road
Overview
At the Stag and Lion, a Myrddraal confronts Rand, forcing the group to flee Baerlon immediately. At the Caemlyn Gate, Moiraine overawes Children of the Light, melting Bornhald’s sword and securing their escape.
As the inn burns behind them, the party debates helping but presses on, camping briefly before continuing toward Caemlyn.
Summary
In the crowded common room, Thom performs heroic tales and leads dancing. Rand joins the reels with Nynaeve, Moiraine, and Egwene, but notices a scar-faced man watching him. Lan later identifies the man as a Whitecloak spy, and warns of an early departure.
Seeking milk, Rand encounters a Myrddraal in the hall. Paralyzed by its gaze, he nearly dies before approaching boots send the Fade fleeing, claiming Rand “belongs to the Great Lord.” Lan arrives, confirms pursuit is imminent, and orders an immediate departure. Thom decides to rejoin them for safety.
In the stableyard, Moiraine warns Master Fitch of Darkfriends and urges cooperation; Nynaeve, still distrustful, resolves to protect the youths. They ride through silent streets to the Caemlyn Gate, where Watchmen begin opening it—until Children of the Light, led by Bornhald, intervene, calling them Darkfriends.
Moiraine steps from the shadows, magnified and wreathed in darkness, intercepts Bornhald’s attack with her staff, and melts his blade. Her towering illusion terrifies Watchmen and Whitecloaks alike, letting Lan drive the party through the half-open gate. Outside, Moiraine returns to normal size and they gallop away as the gates slam.
Flames soon rise over Baerlon; the Stag and Lion is burning. Nynaeve demands they help, but Moiraine argues that returning risks everyone and promises discreet compensation and aid later. They make a cold, brief camp before dawn, trade quiet fears about safety, and at first light ride east on the Caemlyn Road, Lan ever watchful.
Who Appears
- Rand al’ThorNearly slain by a Myrddraal; flees Baerlon; conflicted over Egwene and danger; rides east toward Caemlyn.
- Moiraine DamodredConfronts Whitecloaks with a fearsome display; melts Bornhald’s sword; prioritizes flight; promises aid to Fitch later.
- Lan MandragoranDetects threats, leads escape, warns of pursuit, keeps watch through the night, guides the party east.
- Egwene al’VereFrightened by events, steadies with Rand’s support, witnesses Moiraine’s illusion, continues determined toward Tar Valon.
- Nynaeve al’MearaTracks and joins group; demands helping Baerlon; clashes with Moiraine but continues to protect the youths.
- Thom MerrilinPerforms at the inn; chooses to ride with the group again to avoid Whitecloak scrutiny.
- Mat CauthonDances, spots Baerlon fire, worries about safety; flees with the others into the night.
- Perrin AybaraDances, questions future safety, rides in tight formation during the escape.
- Child-captain BornhaldConfronts them at the gate, declares them Darkfriends; sword melted by Moiraine; recoils in fear.
- Master FitchInnkeeper of the Stag and Lion; dismisses danger; later his inn burns; promised compensation.
- MutchSour stableman likely to talk; watches their departure with a lamp.
- Myrddraal (Fade)Corners Rand in the hall, claims him for the Dark One, then withdraws as help approaches.
- Whitecloak spy with scarScarred man in common room watching Rand; identified as a Whitecloak informant.
- Baerlon WatchmenOpen the gate for a bribe; intimidated by Whitecloaks and Moiraine’s display.