27 Shelter From the Storm

Arriving at Whitebridge aboard the Spray, Rand, Mat, and Thom marvel at the ancient White Bridge and disembark. Captain Domon pays Thom and tempts them to sail on to Illian, but they press into town to seek news of their companions.

At The Wayfarers’ Rest, the innkeeper Bartim shares major news: Logain, a false Dragon, is captured and paraded north by Aes Sedai, and Illian proclaims the Hunt for the Horn. Bartim also reports two disturbing inquiries: a weaselly, frantic man recently sought three country boys, and a hooded, faceless-feeling figure—clearly a Myrddraal—has repeatedly asked after the same group, adding a girl and a white-haired gleeman.

As Thom carefully questions Bartim, Floran Gelb in the adjoining room loudly accuses “three” passengers on Domon’s Spray of being Darkfriends chased by Trollocs. Realizing exposure is imminent, Thom parcels out money, warns the boys to avoid Aes Sedai, and leads them out a window. He acquires a plain cloak as a disguise and plans a quiet exit toward the gates.

In the square, a Myrddraal appears and freezes Rand and Mat with its gaze. Thom shoves his bundled cloak and instruments into Rand’s arms, orders them to remember “the Queen’s Blessing” in Caemlyn, and charges the Fade. Blue light flares; Thom screams as he tangles with the creature, giving Rand and Mat time to run.

Panic ripples through Whitebridge as the boys flee with Thom’s bundle. Outside town, they collapse and argue over Thom’s fate; Mat insists he is dead, while Rand clings to hope. With no sign of pursuit and only Thom’s final instruction, they set off down the road toward Caemlyn and the Queen’s Blessing.