Rand POV#

Moiraine, Lan, Rand, Mat, Perrin, Thom, Egwene and Nynaeve ride east along the Caemlyn Road, which runs north of the Hills of Absher. It is wilderness from Baerlon to Whitebridge, the only bridge across the Arinelle River south of Maradon. On the third day they hear horns behind them. Lan scouts and reports three to five fists of Trollocs, each led by a Fade. When they hear more horns ahead, they leave the road and head north for the Arinelle River. They are trapped by one group of Trollocs and have to fight. Mat yells, "Carai an Caldazar! Carai an Ellisande! Al Ellisande!" Mat is unhorsed when a Trolloc gets a noose around his neck.[1] When Lan beheads the Fade, the Trollocs collapse, also. They are confronted by three more fists and Fades. Moiraine uses the ivory figurine angreal to cause an earthquake and create a wall of fire to slow them. They continue north and Nynaeve gives Moiraine an herb concoction to restore her. As they ride, Egwene says she nearly understood what Mat shouted. Moiraine translates from the Old Tongue, "For the honor of the Red Eagle. For the honor of the Rose of the Sun. The Rose of the Sun." Eldrene was called the Rose of the Sun. Emond's Field folks are still strong in Arad's[2] blood. Lan suggests a hiding place. At first Moiraine refuses, but finally she acquiesces as there is no other choice. She lays a false trail going the opposite direction,[3] then they ride to Shadar Logoth and enter.

Notes#

[#1] Foreshadowing Mat's later encounter with a noose. (TSR,Ch26)
[#2] This is the one and only mention of Arad in the series. Perhaps an early king of Manetheren?
[#3] This weave is described in TWoTRPG as using Air, Earth and Spirit. The weave fools the Trollocs and Fades, but Padan Fain sensing the
boys directly is not misled. (TEotW,Ch47)

Artwork#

• The Caemlyn Road (coming soon) (James Beveridge)