Contents
Chapter 17
Overview
Beset by grolm, Rand refuses to flee until overwhelming numbers force him to use a Portal Stone under Selene’s guidance. In a harrowing surge of saidin, he transports the group and their horses back to the real world in Kinslayer’s Dagger.
Believing they may be ahead of Fain, they decide to watch for the Darkfriends, while Rand makes Selene promise to keep his dangerous ability secret.
Summary
Grolm close in on Rand, Loial, Hurin, and Selene. Rand insists on fighting and chooses a bare hilltop. Falling into the void, he shoots with preternatural precision, killing five grolm by striking their center eyes. The euphoria and pull of saidin tempt Rand even as he forces himself to stop.
More grolm approach from multiple directions, compelling a retreat to a nearby Portal Stone Selene knows. At the Stone, Selene directs Rand to focus on a symbol for the true world. Embracing saidin despite its sickness and heat, Rand triggers the Stone amid flickering reality and searing pain.
The group, with their horses, arrives in the real world, likely Kinslayer’s Dagger; the Stone lies fallen and weathered. Colors are vivid again, confirming their return. Rand asks Selene to keep his involvement secret; she agrees, praising his destiny as he struggles with both attraction to her and fear of his power.
They debate their position relative to Fain’s Darkfriends. Selene explains mirror worlds may reflect great events ahead of time, meaning Hurin’s faint trail there could place them ahead here. They choose to watch the place corresponding to where Hurin lost the trail, hoping to intercept the Horn or link up with Ingtar. Rand orders a camp well away from the Stone.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorLeads the group; kills grolm with uncanny archery; uses the Portal Stone via saidin to return them; hides his power.
- SeleneUrges using the Portal Stone; guides Rand to the correct symbol; keeps his secret; presses him toward greatness.
- HurinSupports Rand, warns of time; explains his tracking; plans to find the trail’s analogue; seeks a safe camp.
- LoialBacks Rand’s decisions; abandons his staff during the climb; offers cautious counsel on their situation.