44 The Dark Along the Ways

Loial recounts the history of the Ways: a gift from male Aes Sedai to Ogier during the Breaking, allowing swift travel between stedding and groves. Over centuries, the Ways rotted under the taint, birthing the Black Wind, Machin Shin, leading the Ogier Elders to forbid their use. Moiraine argues the Eye of the World may be at risk and the Ways are their only safe route past Whitecloaks and Trollocs.

Pressed by Moiraine’s warning and the Pattern’s pull, Rand, Mat, and Perrin agree to go. Nynaeve and Egwene refuse to be left behind, and Moiraine acknowledges their importance. After hesitation, Loial agrees to guide them. They plan late into the night with Lan’s counsel and Loial’s knowledge, while Nynaeve lists supplies and Master Gill arranges provisions and a pre-dawn wake-up.

Amid planning, Rand privately urges Egwene to stay safe, but she insists Min’s viewing ties her to the quest; a tense moment flares over Rand mentioning Elayne. After baths, Mat keeps the Shadar Logoth dagger close. Rand sleeps and dreams: he confronts Ba’alzamon in a stone hall with three clay figures—wolf, dagger, and heron-sword—symbolizing Perrin, Mat, and Rand. Ba’alzamon claims their struggle repeats across Ages and alleges Aes Sedai of the Black Ajah.

Rand denies him, smashes the figures, and awakens on the floor. Mat wakes from the same dream, horrified that his clay figure took his face. Rand finds a real wooden splinter in his palm from the dream; when dropped, it vanishes, but the wound remains. Moiraine arrives before dawn, learns of the dream, and Heals Rand’s hand, warning that time is short. The company prepares to leave Caemlyn for the Waygate at first light.