9 Tellings of the Wheel

Rand anxiously watches as Moiraine begins tending Tam, whose breathing eases though he remains unconscious. Lan questions Rand about Tam’s heron-mark blade and the mysterious rider Rand saw. Moiraine rebukes blame, noting a warning she missed and explaining ravens can be the Dark One’s spies. She reveals Tam’s fever stems from a tainted Trolloc blade.

Too tired for ordinary Healing, Moiraine uses an angreal—an old, rare focus of the One Power—to draw more strength. While she works, Lan explains the truth about Myrddraal, dispelling exaggerated tales and stressing their deadly nature. Rand admits killing a Trolloc at the farm, and Moiraine completes the Healing, removing the taint; Tam will recover with rest.

When Rand protests leaving the Two Rivers, Moiraine and Lan lay out the facts: only two farms were attacked—al’Thor and Aybara—and, in the village, the forge and Cauthon’s house were first struck. The pattern shows a purpose: the Myrddraal sought young men of a specific age—Rand, Mat, and Perrin. The enemy will likely return if they remain.

Moiraine proposes Tar Valon as the safest refuge, where Aes Sedai and Warders can protect them and perhaps discover why the Shadow wants them. Rand, torn between home and duty, accepts leaving to protect the village. Departure will be after dark and kept secret; Rand will leave Tam a note.

Bran and Marin al’Vere check on Tam; Marin manages the sickroom while urging Rand to rest. Left alone again, Rand resolves to stay by Tam’s side until sleep overtakes him, determined to tell his father before he goes.