Chapter 35

Verin pushes the company off-road toward Stedding Tsofu, with Ingtar grumbling yet complying. Entering the stedding brings a chill and instant refreshment; channeling is absent. Mat’s worsening condition resists Verin’s Healing, while Loial is uneasy despite relief at returning.

Erith, an Ogier, welcomes them but asks most Shienarans remain outside. As they proceed through the Great Trees and Ogier dwellings, Loial admires Erith and explains the Ogier Longing and their bond to stedding. The group encounters three Aiel Maidens, who veil and advance when they see armed men.

Ingtar and the others ready weapons, but Ogier Juin intervenes, invoking the Pact that forbids strife in a stedding. The Aiel—led by Rhian—apologize, saying they are in hostile Treekiller lands and have come for sung wood. They depart, eyeing Rand suspiciously.

Settled in a guest house, Rand hears Mat and Perrin’s tale of meeting an Aiel man earlier, raising suspicion that Aiel are searching for “He Who Comes With the Dawn,” possibly linked to Rand. Ogier women visit, clearly noticing Loial, who hides behind a book.

Loial privately reveals dread that, if Elders learn he left Stedding Shangtai without permission, they will arrange his marriage and end his travels. As Mat voices unease about using the Ways, Juin arrives: the Elders summon them, signaling imminent discussion of accessing Stedding Tsofu’s Waygate.