Chapter 31: On the Scent

At the burning Defender of the Dragonwall, Verin Heals Hurin while Rand reunites with Mat, Perrin, Ingtar, and Loial. Rand admits he briefly held both the Horn of Valere and Mat's dagger before Darkfriends took them back. The group moves to The Great Tree, an inn where Verin is known.

In his room, Rand burns Selene's letters. Downstairs he tells the others about the Portal Stone and the mirror world where Hurin tracked the Darkfriends' future trail, and how he and Loial stole the Horn back before riding ahead to Cairhien.

Perrin watches Rand with new eyes. The wolves call Rand Shadowkiller, and Perrin senses it is true. His own changes press in too: the lamb at dinner tastes too well-cooked, and he wants it raw.

Verin reveals that the huge statue being unearthed near Tremonsien is a male sa'angreal, one of a pair with a female counterpart still buried on Tremalking. Used together, they could Break the World again. She speaks lightly, but the words are aimed at Rand.

Hurin returns with the Horn's trail: it leads to the newly built manor of Lord Barthanes Damodred, with Trolloc scent around the grounds. Appealing to King Galldrian is ruled out; he would seize the Horn and never let it go. Rand then produces sealed invitations from both Barthanes and Galldrian, unopened. Verin discards Galldrian's and accepts Barthanes's for the following night. Rand will attend as a lord.