Contents
10 Leavetaking
Overview
Rand endures a terrifying dream that hints at the Shadow’s reach, then resolves to leave after a sober talk with Tam. A hostile village confrontation forces Moiraine to reveal Emond’s Field’s Manetheren heritage, shaming the mob. With tensions eased, Lan rushes Rand and Mat out to begin their flight.
Summary
Rand dreams of a desolate land dominated by a black mountain that calls to him. Pursued by Trollocs and a faceless horror, he stumbles into a gleaming city with a white tower, only for it to twist into a trap where a Myrddraal greets him. He wakes in the inn, shaken.
Finding Tam recovering, Rand recounts the attack and Moiraine’s claims. Tam warns him to be wary of Aes Sedai and Warders, yet supports Rand leaving for safety. When Rand says they depart tonight, Tam urges caution and jokes about following once he is well.
Lan interrupts with news of trouble. Downstairs, villagers, led by the Coplins and Congar, accuse Moiraine of bringing Trollocs and threaten to drive her out. Moiraine answers by invoking fiery light from her staff and recounting the lost nation of Manetheren, whose people once stood where Emond’s Field stands now.
Her tale shames the crowd. Paet al’Caar apologizes first; others disperse in embarrassed silence while the Coplins slink away. As calm returns, Lan hustles Rand and Mat through the inn toward the stableyard to begin their secret departure.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorProtagonist; suffers a sinister dream, confers with Tam, agrees to leave, and follows Lan to depart.
- Moiraine DamodredAes Sedai; confronts hostile villagers and recounts Manetheren’s history, shaming them into dispersing.
- Lan MandragoranWarder; warns of trouble, observes the confrontation, and hustles Rand and Mat out to leave.
- Tam al'ThorRand’s father; recovering, cautions about Aes Sedai and Warders, supports Rand’s departure.
- Mat CauthonRand’s friend; anxious but ready, joins Rand as Lan urges them to go.
- Bran al'VereMayor; intervenes to protect Moiraine and rebukes threats against his inn.
- Haral LuhhanBlacksmith; silently intimidates the agitators, helping defuse the confrontation.
- Hari CoplinAgitator; leads accusations against Moiraine, threatens her, then falters when opposed.
- Darl CoplinSupports Hari’s threats against Moiraine but retreats under pressure.
- Bili CongarJoins the accusers briefly, then slips away when challenged.
- Cenn BuieReluctant critic; cites distrust of Aes Sedai, then shows shame after Bran’s rebuke.
- Paet al'CaarPublicly apologizes to Moiraine, crediting her healing of his son, prompting others to disperse.