Contents
Chapter 25
Overview
Escorted into Cairhien, Rand confronts the city’s rigid formality and the Foregate’s spectacle. He registers with officials, secures rooms, and accidentally antagonizes Houses by burning invites, deepening his entanglement in Daes Dae'mar. In the Foregate, Rand unexpectedly finds Thom Merrilin alive and arranges to meet him soon.
Summary
Rand, Loial, and Hurin enter Cairhien under Elricain Tavolin’s escort, passing through the riotous Foregate into the city’s strict grid. Rand observes the toppled, rebuilding towers and learns of Galldrian’s entertainments meant to pacify the Foregate. At the gatehouse, Asan Sandair records their entry; Rand asks after the Lady Selene, prompting discreet inquiries.
They choose The Defender of the Dragonwall for lodgings. Rand feels scrutinized by the city’s decorum and splits rooms despite preferring otherwise. With Loial staying to guard the Horn and read, and Hurin remaining in the common room, Rand plans a brief escape back to the Foregate’s liveliness.
Before leaving, the innkeeper Cuale presents three noble invitations. Rand, rejecting Cairhienin scheming, burns them publicly. Hurin warns that such defiance only signals deeper involvement in Daes Dae'mar and creates new enemies, urging future replies—acceptances or polite refusals.
In the Foregate, Rand wanders through performances, puppets, and a mock “Aes Sedai” act, reflecting on danger and loss. Drawn by a harp and a familiar voice, he discovers Thom Merrilin alive, now limping but performing to acclaim. They exchange quick words; Thom avoids Illian due to rumor and danger, and asks for his harp and flute back.
Thom directs Rand to meet him at The Bunch of Grapes, beyond the Jangai Gate, in about an hour. Rand departs to retrieve Thom’s instruments, newly buoyed by the reunion even as noble intrigue closes in.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorArrives in Cairhien, registers, seeks Selene, burns noble invitations, explores Foregate, and reunites with Thom.
- Thom MerrilinAlive and performing in the Foregate, limping; arranges to meet Rand and asks for his harp and flute.
- HurinAdvises Rand on Cairhienin customs and Daes Dae'mar; stays in the inn’s common room.
- LoialGuards the Horn in the room, prefers reading and avoiding notice from other Ogier.
- Elricain TavolinCairhienin officer escorting Rand’s party into the city and to the gatehouse.
- Asan SandairGatehouse officer who records Rand’s entry and agrees to inquire about Lady Selene.
- CualeInnkeeper at The Defender of the Dragonwall; delivers noble invitations to Rand.