Contents
Chapter 54
Overview
Perrin crosses the Alguenya and assembles a rescue host: thousands of Aiel under Rhuarc, ninety-four Wise Ones led by Sorilea, and mounted Cairhienin and Mayeners. Using wolves to scout, he closes on Elaida’s six Aes Sedai holding Rand.
Dannil’s Two Rivers men and nine Salidar Aes Sedai join, igniting Wise One–Aes Sedai tensions. As Perrin nears, the wolves warn of a much larger enemy force ahead.
Summary
At Cairhien’s Feast of Lights, Perrin crosses the Alguenya with Loial and Gaul, determined to pursue the Aes Sedai who caged Rand. He coordinates with Dobraine and Havien Nurelle to bring Cairhienin armsmen and Mayener Winged Guards, mindful of rumors should he strip the city’s defenses.
Rhuarc arrives with over five thousand siswai’aman and nearly a thousand Maidens, plus ninety-four Wise Ones led by Sorilea, despite fears of worsening Aiel bleakness if Rand’s captivity becomes known. Perrin drives the column hard, using wolves to locate the Aes Sedai wagon camp and measure the shrinking distance each day.
On the road, Aiel internal frictions surface: Sulin and Nandera fight a brutal hand-to-hand duel that ends with Nandera leading and Sulin obeying. Among the Wise Ones, Sorilea asserts primacy over Amys after a private parley, unifying their counsel. Meanwhile, Perrin and Loial debate Tower law and past captures of powerful men, weighing the danger if thirteen sisters are involved.
Perrin’s wolves guide him to a nearby column bearing the Red Wolfhead and, against his orders, the Red Eagle of Manetheren. He reunites with Dannil’s Two Rivers men and encounters nine Salidar Aes Sedai: Bera Harkin, Kiruna Nachiman, Merana Ambury, Verin Mathwin, Alanna Mosvani, and others with many Warders. Learning Rand is several days north and that Alanna senses him injured, Perrin reveals Elaida’s faction holds Rand and invites them to join his pursuit.
Kiruna and Bera insist on directing actions, while Wise Ones and Aes Sedai bristle and silently scheme. The combined host advances with Aiel, Cairhienin, Mayeners, and Two Rivers archers under banners of the Dragon and the Wolfhead. As they near contact on the tenth day, the wolves urgently send that many, many twolegs lie ahead, compelling Perrin to brace for a larger confrontation than expected.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraLeads a rescue pursuit for Rand; coordinates mixed forces; scouts via wolf sendings; reunites with Two Rivers men.
- RhuarcAiel clan chief; brings thousands of siswai’aman and Maidens; manages Aiel discipline and secrecy.
- SulinMaiden of the Spear; fights Nandera and yields authority; sharp-tongued toward Perrin.
- NanderaMaiden leader; defeats Sulin and assumes command responsibilities among Maidens.
- SorileaWise One leader; asserts primacy over Amys; leads ninety-four channelers aiding the pursuit.
- AmysWise One; initially contests Sorilea but reaches accord; supports bringing many Wise Ones.
- Dobraine TaborwinCairhienin lord; contributes five hundred armsmen; grim realist urging direct action.
- Havien NurelleCommander of Mayener Winged Guards; eager and respectful; bonds with Aiel and Perrin.
- LoialOgier companion; offers lore on Tower law and past captures; worries about Erith.
- GaulStone Dog; close to Perrin; trades stories with Nurelle; steady Aiel presence.
- Dannil LewinLeads Two Rivers men; brings Wolfhead and Red Eagle banners; follows Aes Sedai guidance until Perrin arrives.
- Bera HarkinSalidar Aes Sedai; shares leadership with Kiruna; insists on directing Perrin’s actions.
- Kiruna NachimanSalidar Aes Sedai; authoritative and dismissive; presses to control the rescue effort.
- Merana AmburySalidar envoy nominal head; subdued and anxious, overshadowed by Bera and Kiruna.
- Verin MathwinBrown Ajah; watchful and secretive; frustrated yet cautious within the expanded host.
- Alanna MosvaniGreen Ajah; senses Rand’s condition; anxious and pained; refuses to explain her connection.
- AramPerrin’s sword-bearing follower; unwaveringly loyal and detached from Aes Sedai politics.
- UrienReyn Aiel under Rhuarc; part of siswai’aman contingent; aids Aiel organization.
- Wolves (Two Moons, Wildfire, Half Tail)Scout the Aes Sedai camp and guide Perrin; send urgent warning of many foes ahead.