Chapter 31: Play for Your Supper

Rand and Mat travel the Caemlyn Road on foot after Whitebridge, hiding from riders and sleeping rough, with Mat growing increasingly paranoid and clutching the ruby-hilted dagger at every sign of danger. Kindnesses from strangers are rare, and attempts to earn meals on farms often end in suspicion.

At the Grinwell farm, they earn supper and a bed by doing chores, and afterward Rand plays Thom's flute while Mat juggles for the family. Performing for their supper becomes their new way of traveling, making steady progress east toward Caemlyn, reaching Four Kings.