Chapter 8: A Place of Safety

Moiraine heals Tam of the Trolloc-blade taint, drawing on an angreal—a small ivory figurine from the Age of Legends. She warns that without it she could have done little; such tainted wounds fester and kill if left alone. Tam will need weeks of rest, but he will live.

Lan confirms the black-cloaked rider Rand saw was a Myrddraal, a near-human Trolloc throwback that draws power from the Dark One. Rand admits a Trolloc told him the Halfman wanted to speak with him before it attacked.

Moiraine explains the raid was not random. Only the al'Thor and Aybara farms were struck, and in the village the Trollocs went straight for the forge and Mat's house. The Myrddraal was hunting three young men of nearly the same age: Rand, Mat, and Perrin. Something in one or all of them frightens the Dark One, and the Trollocs will return.

For the village's sake, the three must leave. Moiraine offers Tar Valon, where Aes Sedai and Warders can shield them and Aes Sedai knowledge may explain why they are wanted. They will ride out after dark. Rand agrees, and stays at his father's bedside to wait for him to wake.