Chapter 47

Fleeing Falme, Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Hurin hear Ingtar’s defiant stand as a rear guard. On a hilltop, they see massed Seanchan to one side and advancing Whitecloaks to the other. Rand, torn by duties, insists Egwene must be saved, while Mat and Perrin argue about their next move.

Facing encirclement, Mat raises the Horn of Valere and blows a golden note that summons a world-blanketing fog. Whitecloak commander Geofram Bornhald drives his legion into the mist and dies as the ground erupts beneath them. Within the fog, legendary heroes—Artur Hawkwing, Birgitte, Gaidal Cain, and others—arrive, declaring they must follow the Dragon and his banner.

Perrin fashions a staff for the Dragon banner, and when Rand unveils it, the heroes commit to his lead. Mat continues to sound the Horn as the heroes charge the Seanchan; Hurin fights at their side. Rand perceives Falme, the harbor, and Bayle Domon’s ship through the mist, even as the heroes clash with damane-supported Seanchan forces that cannot harm the summoned dead.

Alone in the fog, Rand confronts Ba’alzamon, drawing on saidin despite the agony. Their duel mirrors the broader battle: when Rand advances, the heroes drive the Seanchan back; when he falters, the Seanchan surge. Ba’alzamon tempts and threatens, claiming only he can teach Rand to survive the Power’s dangers.

Remembering duty and Egwene’s peril, Rand rejects Ba’alzamon, openly embracing his role. He deliberately exposes himself to draw a killing strike, then counters: Ba’alzamon’s staff pierces Rand’s side, but Rand drives his heron-mark blade into Ba’alzamon’s heart. Ba’alzamon and the surrounding darkness scream, and the world detonates in fire.