Chapter 22: A Path Chosen

Perrin wakes alone on the east bank of the Arinelle, his horse lost in the river crossing from Shadar Logoth. He has no food and no way to make a fire, but his sling and snares can yield a rabbit, and the day is calm with no sign of Trollocs.

Following hoofprints downriver, he finds Egwene camped in a thicket. Bela swam her across, and she has bread and cheese kept dry in oiled paper. Neither has seen the others since the night before.

They argue over what to do. Whitebridge is where Moiraine would look for them, but the Fades will look there too. Perrin proposes they cut cross-country to Caemlyn instead, since no one would expect it, and go on to Tar Valon if Moiraine never comes. To his surprise, Egwene agrees and lets him lead.