30 A Wager

At night in Eianrod, Rand seeks calm by the river, avoiding another tense evening of lessons with Asmodean and pressure from Moiraine. He reflects on his ta’veren effects—both fortunate and deadly—and on Aiel customs, trading brief words with Sulin about absent Maidens and the need for him to eat.

Rhuarc and Mangin arrive with captured riders: young Tairen lords Edorion and Estean, and Cairhienin officers Meresin and Daricain. They report Cairhien is besieged by Couladin’s Shaido, the Foregate burned during the first assault, and conditions inside are desperate. Rand clarifies he did not send the attackers and intends to save the city.

Assessing time, Rand proposes using spare mounts so messengers can outpace the Aiel on foot, to warn Meilan and Cairhien that help is coming. Meresin and Daricain fervently volunteer, vowing secrecy even if captured. Edorion, dubious, wagers ten thousand gold crowns that Rand cannot arrive within seven days; Sulin accepts on Rand’s behalf.

As the messengers depart, Rand learns he possesses vast shares from the Aiel “fifth,” the Stone of Tear’s treasure, and taxes gathered under Aiel custom, prompting thoughts of governance and of Elayne and Min. He orders Rhuarc to send Sha’mad Conde scouts to reconnoiter Couladin’s dispositions and insists Estean be questioned as an ally, not a prisoner. Finally, Rand resolves to eat and rest before the forced march at dawn.