Contents
Chapter 45
Overview
Mat reaches Caemlyn to deliver Elayne’s letter but is rebuffed at the Royal Palace by hostile Guards influenced by new advisor Gaebril. At The Queen’s Blessing, Mat learns Gaebril has replaced many Guards and stoked Morgase’s anger at Tar Valon. Refusing to yield, Mat resolves to enter the Palace by another route.
Summary
At dawn, Mat and Thom ride into bustling Caemlyn. Determined to deliver Elayne’s sealed letter within an hour, Mat heads for the Royal Palace. A Palace officer, hostile to Tar Valon, denounces him and orders his arrest when Mat claims to bear Tower business. Mat flees through the Inner City and slips back into the New City.
Deciding against another attempt at the gates, Mat recalls The Queen’s Blessing and seeks refuge there. He reconnects with stablehand Ramey and Cook Coline, then finds Thom and innkeeper Basel Gill in the library. Conversation reveals citywide anger toward the White Tower since Elayne’s disappearance, and that Morgase’s new advisor, Lord Gaebril, has replaced many Guards and worsened tensions.
Gill advises returning later and invoking Elayne’s name with deference to avoid Gaebril’s men, but Mat refuses to bow or trust the Guard rotation. He declares he will avoid the gates entirely. A toss of dice lands the Dark One’s Eyes, underscoring the risk. Despite the omen, Mat commits to a riskier entry, asks for a meal to await his return, and departs resolved to deliver Elayne’s letter by stealth.
Who Appears
- Mat CauthonDetermined to deliver Elayne’s letter; rebuffed by Palace Guards; learns of Gaebril’s influence; resolves to enter the Palace by another route.
- Thom MerrilinTravels with Mat; returns to The Queen’s Blessing; provides context and caution while Mat plans his next move.
- Basel GillInnkeeper of The Queen’s Blessing; explains Gaebril’s rise and Guard changes; advises a cautious, deferential approach.
- Palace Guard OfficerHostile gate captain who rejects Mat’s claim and orders his arrest for bringing Tower business.
- RameyStablehand at The Queen’s Blessing; takes Mat’s horse and recognizes coin more than faces.
- Coline (Cook)The Queen’s Blessing’s cook; misremembers Mat’s past, provides domestic color, and prompts Gill with chores.