42 Before the Arrow

In his tent, Mat broods over being ta’veren and determines to ride south at dawn, away from Aiel and battle. Wandering into Rand’s empty tent, he finds Jasin Natael and, soon after, Lan. Studying Rand’s maps, Mat critiques a head-on assault and, carried by battle-lore he barely admits to, outlines a plan to strike from the south, leave the Gaelin bridges open for Shaido retreat, post a blocking force, and split reserves to deter the four undecided clans.

Mat warns that if any of the four clans join Couladin, Rand’s forces could be crushed, so only half should press Couladin while the rest contain outside threats. Realizing how much he has revealed, Mat panics—then Rand enters. Mat declares he will leave at first light. Rand, without trying to stop him, wishes him well and cautions him not to confide in Egwene. Relieved, Mat departs past Maidens, clan chiefs, and Tairen lords, planning a quiet escape.

After Mat leaves, Rand confirms with Lan that Mat’s impromptu strategy mirrors the chiefs’ plan and reflects grimly that he will one day pull Mat and Perrin back and use them as needed. He orders Natael to play a dirge and lies by the maps, determined to defeat Couladin without destroying Cairhien.

The Aiel chiefs and Tairen Lord Weiramon enter to finalize dispositions. Weiramon blunders over Aiel customs before sitting. Rand smokes, listens, and approves only small adjustments from their reconnaissance. With the city’s survival and the undecided clans in mind, Rand steels himself for a battle that will begin tomorrow.