Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Rand is outfitted with fine new clothes, including a cloak bearing a dragon sigil, deepening his fear of Aes Sedai designs.
He plans to flee but pauses to witness the Amyrlin Seat’s formal Welcome. Agelmar’s sudden lockdown seals all gates and stables, leaving Rand trapped as bells announce the coming summons.
Summary
Fal Dara erupts with preparations for the Amyrlin Seat. Rand hurries to his room, where Elansu and servants replace his and his friends’ worn clothes with costly garments from Lady Amalisa at Moiraine’s request. Embarrassed by Shienaran customs, Rand yields his old clothes and dresses quickly.
Among the gifts, Rand discovers a blue cloak embroidered with a golden-maned, crimson-scaled serpent with claws—a dragon—and panics over who might have seen it and what it implies. He packs selectively, hides the dangerous sigil, and retrieves Thom Merrilin’s gleeman bundle and flute, resolved to leave Fal Dara immediately.
To reach his horse swiftly, Rand crosses the outer courtyard, where he witnesses the Amyrlin’s ceremonial Welcome. Fourteen Aes Sedai and their Warders attend; Lord Agelmar and Ronan conduct the rite. The Amyrlin acknowledges Fal Dara’s watch, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Feeling exposed when her gaze brushes him, Rand slips away.
At the Lord’s Stable, Tema greets Rand with lordly deference. Rand orders his stallion saddled for a quick departure, but Tema, ashamed, reveals Agelmar has just ordered all stables and gates sealed; no horse may leave, and no one may pass without permission. As the keep bells peal, signaling the end of the Welcome, Tema notes the Amyrlin will now send for Rand and his friends. Realizing he is trapped, Rand runs.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorProtagonist; receives dragon-marked finery, plans to flee, witnesses the Amyrlin’s Welcome, and finds the keep sealed.
- Elansu (Shatayan)Head housekeeper; oversees replacing Rand’s clothing at Moiraine’s instruction, insisting every stitch be taken.
- TemaHead groom; deferentially informs Rand that Agelmar has sealed all stables and gates.
- Lord Agelmar JagadLord of Fal Dara; conducts the Amyrlin’s Welcome and orders a sudden lockdown of gates and stables.
- Ronan (Shambayan)Master of ceremonies; leads the formal exchange during the Amyrlin’s Welcome.
- The Amyrlin SeatArrives with Aes Sedai and Warders; presides over the Welcome, her presence prompting Rand’s fear of a summons.
- Lady AmalisaAgelmar’s sister; provides Rand’s new clothes, including the perilous dragon-marked cloak.