Chapter 44

Perrin, Mat, and Hurin pass through a fearful village on Toman Head, noting a charred execution site and families preparing to flee. When Whitecloaks arrive, the trio hastily escape. Perrin confirms through nearby wolves that the Children are not pursuing and resolves to continue following Fain’s old trail toward Falme.

Within the village, Lord Captain Geofram Bornhald secures the townsfolk in the inn to delay any alarm and reflects on stealthy movements across Toman Head and costly skirmishes with Seanchan and damane. He orders Byar to observe the coming battle and carry reports to his son and Pedron Niall, including warnings that Aes Sedai fight openly for the Seanchan and that the Questioners misused the Children. Bornhald suspects spotting Perrin of the Two Rivers and accelerates his plans.

Back at the hilltop camp, Rand struggles to keep his mind off the stakes while Ingtar and the Shienarans wait tensely. Hurin, Mat, and Perrin return with news: Fain’s trail points straight to Falme, and a Whitecloak legion is nearby. Ingtar sees an opportunity if Seanchan attention is split.

Verin declares the Pattern has brought them to this point and proposes a small team. She marks out five: Ingtar for command, Hurin for tracking, Mat to sense the dagger, Rand for strength, and Perrin for support. She refuses to accompany them, warning that any channeling could draw damane. Loial and the Shienarans must remain behind to avoid notice, with Uno trailing discreetly.

The decision stands: five will ride forth through the night to infiltrate Falme and recover the Horn of Valere and Mat’s dagger, while Verin and the rest hold back to minimize detection.