Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
At dawn, Rand is found gone, leaving a note about facing his hunter and truth in dreams. Widespread dreams of Callandor reveal his destination: Tear’s Stone.
Moiraine fears the Forsaken, confirms the trail, and splits the party: she, Lan, Perrin, and Loial pursue Rand; the Shienarans and Min are sent on critical errands.
Summary
Perrin wakes to Lan’s news that Rand has disappeared. In the grim aftermath of the battle, Masema, shaken and zealous, presses Perrin for answers and convinces himself the Dragon left to spread his coming. Perrin finds Moiraine, Min, Loial, and Uno in Lan’s quarters, where Min produces Rand’s terse note: he is being hunted again and seeks truth in dreams, leaving to prevent more deaths.
Perrin challenges Moiraine about driving Rand away and whether she truly believes he is the Dragon. Moiraine admits this was not her plan and warns of deadly ignorance, the weakening Seals, and the possible freedom of the Forsaken. Pressed about dreams, Perrin recounts his recurring vision of a crystal sword in columned halls; Moiraine identifies the Heart of the Stone in Tear and Callandor. Lan confirms many soldiers dreamed similarly, strengthening the conclusion that Rand’s destination is Tear.
Moiraine explains shielding dreams and cautions Perrin to be wary. Uno then reports tracking hoofprints up a new rockfall exit created by the earthquake, proving Rand’s route. Moiraine orders an immediate pursuit but divides responsibilities: she, Lan, Perrin, and Loial will ride after Rand; the wounded Shienarans, led by Uno, will go to Jehannah for funds and await word.
Moiraine sends a protesting Min alone to Tar Valon with secret letters for the Amyrlin, insisting on secrecy and urgency. Outside, Min tells Perrin new viewings tied to his choice: an Aielman in a cage, a Tuatha’an with a sword, a falcon and a hawk on his shoulders, and a dire warning to flee the most beautiful woman he meets. She confesses love for Rand and despair at being sent away; Perrin pledges to help Rand as the pursuers prepare to depart.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraNarrative focus; challenges Moiraine, reports dream of Callandor, commits to pursuing Rand.
- Moiraine DamodredConfirms Tear and Callandor from dreams; fears Forsaken; organizes pursuit and dispatches missions.
- Lan MandragoranWakes Perrin; gathers dream reports; leads tracking; rides to pursue Rand.
- Min FarshawFinds Rand’s note; protests separation; sent to Tar Valon; shares viewings about Perrin and warns him.
- LoialSupports pursuit for friendship and his book; recalls Prophecies; accompanies Moiraine.
- Uno NomestaTracks Rand’s escape via quake-formed path; leads Shienarans to Jehannah.
- MasemaIncreasingly fanatical; interprets Rand’s departure as holy purpose.
- Rand al’ThorAbsent but central; leaves note, likely heads to Tear to face his hunter and Callandor.