7 Out of the Woods

In the moonlit Westwood, Rand examines Tam’s wound and finds only a shallow cut that burns with fever. Realizing the danger of Trollocs returning, Rand quiets Tam’s muttering, tends the wound, and rigs a litter from blankets and cart shafts. He belts on Tam’s heron-mark sword despite fear, then begins hauling Tam toward Emond’s Field through the trees rather than risk the road.

The trek is grueling and slow; roots and uneven ground jar Tam, whose fever worsens. Tam mutters of past wars—Laman’s Sin, Cairhien’s burning, and battles to the Shining Walls—while Rand fights exhaustion and hunger. Hearing hoofbeats, Rand hides as a Myrddraal rides past with a double file of Trollocs. After they pass, the silent rider doubles back, searching the woods, then gallops away toward the farm, leaving Rand shaken but determined.

Rand resumes, driven by fear and the need for help. Tam’s delirium deepens: he speaks of Avendesora and Avendoraldera, the Aiel War, and a woman who died after giving birth in the snow. He describes finding a freezing infant and bringing the child home for Kari, calling the child Rand. The revelation staggers Rand, who tries to dismiss it as fever-dream talk, yet doubt gnaws at him.

Exhausted but resolute, Rand forces himself onward toward Emond’s Field, clinging to the hope of reaching Nynaeve and safety while the question of his parentage echoes in his mind.