39 Weaving of the Web

Perrin and Egwene, bound and leashed by Whitecloaks, endure a brutal night march toward Amador. Byar, cold and methodical, hints at a staged “escape” using a sharp rock, a trap that would justify killing them and resolve Bornhald’s deadline to reach Caemlyn. As Perrin senses help from the wolves and realizes the peril, Byar prepares to act.

Lan strikes from the darkness, silently disabling the guards and felling Byar without killing him. He frees Perrin and Egwene, orders them into stolen white cloaks, and moves them through the panicked camp as Moiraine’s lightning batters the perimeter, sowing confusion. They slip out, then rendezvous with Moiraine, who anxiously awaits Nynaeve.

Nynaeve bursts in astride Bela with an extra horse, and the reunited group withdraws into the night. After they bury the stolen cloaks, Egwene presses for Rand and Mat’s whereabouts; Moiraine believes they are heading to Caemlyn and vows to find them.

Nynaeve treats Perrin’s bruises; then she and Moiraine notice Perrin’s yellowing eyes. Moiraine, unsettled, speaks of the Pattern and refuses Healing, implying it is not illness. Perrin realizes she knows about the wolves and fears it’s of the Shadow.

Lan privately explains Elyas Machera’s history and clarifies the wolf-bond is ancient, not inherently evil, though its timing suggests the Pattern’s design. He warns that the world’s boundaries are weakening and time may be short. The chapter closes with their urgent push toward Caemlyn, fearing Rand and Mat may fall under the Shadow without Aes Sedai protection.