Chapter 20: Dust on the Wind

As the group flees Shadar Logoth at night, Mashadar—a vast, glowing fog that kills on contact—blocks the street and separates Moiraine and Lan from the others. Moiraine tells them to follow a red star east toward the River Arinelle and warns them not to make noise. Trollocs attack and the companions scatter in every direction. Rand gallops through tendrils of Mashadar and watches it consume pursuing Trollocs and a Fade, then finds Mat in the darkness.

Perrin and Egwene find each other at the city gate but are chased by Trollocs to the river's edge, where both plunge into the icy Arinelle. Perrin swims to the far bank alone, unable to find Egwene.

Thom catches up with Rand and Mat, and they discover a trader's boat moored along the riverbank. Trollocs attack as they board, and the crew casts off into the night. The captain, Bayle Domon, demands to know who they are. Thom spins a cover story about treasure-hunting in Aridhol, and they pay for passage to Whitebridge with the silver coins Moiraine gave them. Domon reveals that Trollocs have been attacking farms and villages in Saldaea all winter, and refuses to turn back for the missing companions. Rand stares upriver, regretting that he could not keep Egwene safe.