View source for The Eye of the World: Chapter 36

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''Author: Val a'Shain''

{{title|Web of the Pattern}}
{{icon|{{leaf}}}}
{{pov|Rand}}
{{Setting2|The Queen's Blessing}}
'''Characters:''' [[Almen Bunt]], [[Rand]], [[Mat]], [[Basel Gill|Master Gill]], [[Loial]]
==Outline==
In the Queen's Blessing, Basel Gill tells Rand and Mat more about the current situation. Rand meets Loial.
==Summary==
Master Gill settles Rand and Mat down at a table in the corner and offers them a plate of food. Not a grand meal, the troubles of the world have not passed by Caemlyn. Food is in short supply. The innkeeper wants to know what kind of trouble Rand and Mat are in. Rand tells him the story, leaving out the worst of the [[Shadowspawn]], and tells him they were hoping to meet their friends here. Rand intends to head for [[Tar Valon]] if they do not show up.

Master Gill tells them approaching the [[Aes Sedai]] advisor of Queen [[Morgase]], [[Elaida]] of the [[Red Ajah]], will not be a good idea because of their connection with [[Thom]] and he hints at political trouble in the city. Before he can explain he is called away to the kitchen though. Rand and Mat are taken to their room in the attic by one of the maids where Mat lies down on the bed and refuses to get up. He has been suspicious and pessimistic throughout the conversation with Master Gill. Rand goes down to see if he can find the innkeeper alone.

Master Gill is nowhere to be found and after spending some time in the common room of the inn, Rand retreats to the privacy of the library. Rand is admiring Master Gill's collection of books when he notices he is not alone. A creature looking like a Trolloc to Rand shares the room with him. Rand panics and reaches for his sword but the creature assures Rand that he is not a Trolloc and introduces himself as Loial. Loial is an [[Ogier]].

Loial tells him what he is doing in Caemlyn. He left the ''[[stedding]]'', the home of Ogier they are tied to in some way, without permission of the Elders to see the world he has read about. Especially the Groves. At ninety years of age he is not allowed to go 'Outside' without their permission. Loial seems to think the world has changed a lot since the books he read were written.

The Ogier seems to think that Rand is an [[Aiel]] and is surprised to learn Rand is from the [[Two Rivers]] - which he knows as [[Manetheren]]. Loial asks Rand why he is so far from home. For some reason Rand feels compelled to tell Loial the truth. The whole story this time. After listening carefully the Ogier tells Rand he is ''[[ta'veren]]'', a person whose thread the Pattern weaves the threads of other lives around. Maybe his friends are, too. Loial asks permission to travel with Rand. He does not want to miss the opportunity to travel with a ''ta'veren''. Considering the danger he is in Rand politely declines the offer. He still fears for the life of his friends. Loial comforts him and tells him his friends will be alright. Rand is not too sure about that.

==Notes==
===Mysteries===
;How does Loial tell the boys are ''ta'veren''? How does he realise all three are rather than just one?
;What are the Ways and what shadow fell upon them?
;What were Illian and Tear previously called?
Doralle Caromon became Illian. Tear was called Tear even when it was part of Essenia.
===Common Themes===
;Isolation of the Two Rivers
Loial has never heard of the Two Rivers, which is surprising given that everyone seems to know of Two Rivers Tabac.
===Characters===
;First Mention
Loial
;First Appearance
Loial



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