22 Birdcalls by Night

In the southern tents, Mat Cauthon enjoys Melindhra’s massage and bristles at her talk of his “shadow” under Rand. Birdcall wards sound from north and south, and Mat arms himself with the foxhead medallion and raven-marked spear. He fights through Trollocs and Darkfriends shouting “Sammael and the Golden Bees,” killing multiple Trollocs and finally a Myrddraal with relentless attack. The seemingly futile attack troubles Mat; no one should waste forces without purpose.

Above in the pass, Rand awakens to the wards and seizes saidin. As Aiel deploy, a Draghkar ensnares Aviendha until Rand destroys it with a narrow stream of balefire. Startled, Aviendha incinerates a second Draghkar stalking Rand, nearly burning him and provoking his angry outburst. Realizing his mistake, Rand apologizes from outside the tent as Aviendha retreats in anger.

Wise Ones Amys, Bair, and Melaine, with Egwene, arrive after sensing Aviendha’s channeling; Egwene chastises Rand and goes to Aviendha. Moiraine and Lan appear later; Rand notes the diversion below was likely to mask the Draghkar strike, recalling a similar ploy at Cold Rocks Hold. Moiraine cautions him not to underestimate the Forsaken and departs.

Adelin and Maidens return ashamed for leaving his tent, offering spears in submission per ji’e’toh. Rand refuses the punishment and orders them back to guard. He then confronts Asmodean, who admits sensing the Draghkar and choosing not to act. Discussing the raid, Rand asserts Sammael’s hand, inadvertently speaking with knowledge of Serendahar and an old baiting attempt, which unsettles Asmodean.

After hours debating motives without resolution—whether Sammael sought to lure Rand or another Forsaken framed him—Rand returns. The Maidens report Aviendha asleep and Egwene gone, flood Rand with conflicting advice, and quiet when he dismisses the matter. Rand beds down, uneasy, dreaming of Aviendha hurling fire with Sammael laughing beside her.