Chapter 47: More Tales of the Wheel

While Moiraine questions Padan Fain below, Agelmar tells Egwene and Nynaeve the story of Malkier's fall. Jealousy and the treachery of a Darkfriend hero stripped the Borderforts; Trollocs overran the land, and Lan's parents anointed him in his cradle as the next king before riding out to die. Twenty bodyguards carried the infant to safety. Lan denies the title but is bound by the oath sworn over him.

Moiraine returns shaken. Three years ago a Halfman brought Fain to Shayol Ghul, where the Dark One reshaped him into a hound and set him hunting the three boys through every village around the Two Rivers. He brought the Trollocs to Emond's Field, followed the party through the Ways, and was caught by Machin Shin in Caemlyn—the Black Wind recognised something kin in him and fled.

Moiraine warns that the seals on Shayol Ghul are weakening and there is no time to spare. She tells Agelmar the Waygate of Mafal Dadaranell must be walled up at once. Then she names Rand, Mat, and Perrin ta'veren, with the old blood of Manetheren strong in almost all of them. They ride for the Eye of the World at sunrise.