Contents
Chapter 5
Overview
In Maerone, Mat Cauthon balances command with tavern rounds and a flirtation, revealing his inherited battle-knowledge and aversion to heroics. He rescues orphan Olver from abusive Hunters of the Horn, notes Sea Folk arriving in Aringill, and recalls Rand’s secret midnight instructions. Before dawn, Mat orders the Band south at speed, deploying scouts to serve as a decoy in Rand’s plan against Sammael.
Summary
Mat Cauthon passes a sweltering midday in the Golden Stag at Maerone, bantering with Talmanes, Daerid, and Nalesean about gambling and luck before flirting and dancing with the serving girl Betse. His pattern-dance stirs ancient battle and court memories gained from the ter’angreal, underscoring his skill and his refusal to be a hero despite leading the Band.
Making his daily rounds through Maerone’s crowded taverns, Mat notes soldiers, merchants, and Hunters for the Horn, while enforcing discipline via Redarms. He recalls a secret, disjointed midnight visit from Rand, who commanded him to “make haste slowly,” using the Band as decoy in a larger plan to draw Sammael’s eye while Rand executes the true strike.
Down by the river, Mat sees a Sea Folk ship anchor near Aringill and watches a Wavemistress and Swordmaster go ashore to meet the Queen’s Guards, an unusual inland appearance he cannot parse. The ship then heads upriver toward the Alguenya, dashing his hope of hiring it for supplies.
Back in town, Mat intervenes when two Murandian Hunters (Paers and Culen) assault a refugee boy for sitting a horse. He floors them and orders Harnan to eject them from Maerone. Learning the boy, Olver, is newly orphaned, Mat assigns Edorion to feed, bathe, and clothe him, intending to find guardians later.
After more dancing with Betse into the night, Mat abruptly orders Talmanes, Daerid, and Nalesean to ready the Band to move at first light. At dawn he leads roughly six thousand men south, banners and drums blaring to ensure notice, then shuts down the noise and sends scouts ahead. Citing Comadrin’s maxims, he drives for thirty-five miles a day, aiming for speed and surprise so Sammael sees the Band coming while Rand’s true plan unfolds elsewhere.
Who Appears
- Matrim CauthonCommander of the Band; dances with Betse, enforces order, rescues Olver, recalls Rand’s orders, and marches south as decoy.
- Betse SilvinCairhienin serving maid who dances with Mat; flirty, talkative, and becomes the focus of his attention.
- Talmanes DelovindeCairhienin cavalry commander; stoic aide to Mat, discusses gambling and preparations for the sudden march.
- DaeridVeteran commander of the Band’s foot; aids Mat and grumbles over the short-notice departure.
- Nalesean AldiayaTairen cavalry commander; proud and practical, helps lead the column and reacts to Mat’s pace.
- Edorion SelornaYoung Tairen lord; reminds Mat of rounds and is tasked to feed, bathe, and clothe Olver.
- Estean AndiamaTairen lord; fetches a boat for Mat and reports the Sea Folk ship.
- Mistress DaelvinInnkeeper of the Golden Stag; manages her staff, indulges Mat’s dancing, and keeps firm order.
- OlverOrphaned refugee boy; rescued by Mat from abusive Hunters after sitting a horse.
- HarnanRedarm file leader; ordered to settle the street incident and eject the offending Hunters.
- Paers and CulenMurandian Hunters for the Horn; assault Olver and are knocked down and expelled by Mat’s order.
- PadryServant to the Murandian Hunters; pleads for them and identifies them as Hunters for the Horn.
- Rand al’ThorAppears in Mat’s recollection; gives secret, urgent instructions to use the Band as decoy against Sammael.
- Sea Folk Wavemistress and SwordmasterHigh-ranking Atha’an Miere delegation seen landing at Aringill before their ship heads upriver.