Chapter 34

At the inn, Perrin fixates on a black-haired girl watching him and the caged Aiel in the square. Innkeeper Furlan mentions a man in Ghealdan proclaiming the Dragon, unnerving Moiraine and Lan, who identify him as Masema. Moiraine vows harshly to deal with Masema and considers choosing a river route to reach Tear faster.

Perrin, restless and guilty for not stopping children from stoning the Aiel, broods in his room. After an awkward visit to Moiraine’s room seeking answers about Darkfriends and Rand, he resolves to act. He slips out at night to the square, lowers the cage, and breaks its chain, freeing the Aiel.

The Aiel names himself Gaul of the Shaarad, a Stone Dog, and explains he seeks He Who Comes With the Dawn. Perrin tells Gaul that this man is heading to Tear, which aligns with Aiel prophecy about the Stone. Before Gaul can fully recover his legs, Whitecloaks charge into the square.

Gaul veils and “dances” through the Whitecloaks with swift, lethal skill. Forced to defend himself, Perrin uses his axe despite hating its carnage, killing to survive. When the fight ends, a dozen Children lie dead or wounded. Gaul credits Perrin’s skill and clarifies that earlier boasts about Aiel losses were false; he departs into the night for Tear.

Perrin spots the black-haired girl fleeing, likely a witness. Lan arrives, furious at the risk and focused on consequences. He orders Perrin to gather Loial and move the party’s horses to the docks immediately, ready to hire or find a ship to escape before the Whitecloaks can respond.