A Memory of Light: Chapter 1
Chapter Icon: Template:Twisted Tree
Outline
Rand and Perrin talk. Elayne learns that Caemlyn has been overrun
Summary
Rand's Point of View:
Setting: The Field of Merrilor
Characters: Rand, Perrin, Beralna, Sebban Balwer
Rand and Perrin talk about the trolloc attack on the Two Rivers. Rand tells Perrin that before he only asked about what happened, but that it is important to remember the people as well. they walk past a smithy, that is mostly making power wrought spearheads, as these can be made much quicker than swords. Rand tells him about Lews Therin's memories, and how they are a little like a dream that seems realistic. Rand wonders if the solution to sealing the Dark One might be not to seal him, but to do something more permanent. They go to the clerk's tent, where Balwer tells him that Roedran has agreed to come, but isn't happy about needing the help of the Kin to be there. He offers Rand the chance to see the letters exchanged between Egwene and each of the rulers. He tells them that Elayne has been wakened by her advisers and is up to something. Rand thinks it must be important, given that she is pregnant and briefly wonders why she didn't tell him, before accepting that the way he had been, that wouldn't have been a good idea.
Egwene's Point of View:
Setting: The Field of Merrilor
Characters: Egwene, Gawyn, Elayne, Guybon, Talmanes, Nynaeve, Birgitte, Egeanin, Domon
Egwene is writing a letter to Rand, to clarify her thoughts. A messenger from Elayne's tent arrives and Egwene opens a gateway there, so that no one will know she visited. Elayne is concerned that Jesamyn has not reported on Caemlyn and has sent Serinia to check up on events. She shows Elayne the letter, who responds that it is forceful. Egwene says Rand doesn't seem to respond to anything else. Elayne tells her that perhaps it is best to let Rand do as he wishes. Egwene tells her that they have a long war ahead and freeing the Dark One would strengthen the Shadow too much. She says Rand has been right on some things, but he has been wrong as well and they can't allow him to make this decision on his own. She tells Elayne that as Watcher of the Seals it is her duty to choose the moment to break them.
They are interpupted by a messenger from Guybon who tells them that Caemlyn is under attack from Trollocs. They go to the Traveling ground to see many gateways open and a flood of refugees come through them. Egwene sees Guybon, barely able to stand talking with Elayne. She tells him he has done well and will be rewarded, but he says the Band deserves the reward and asks her if there is anything they can do for Talmanes, but he is beyond the ability of Egwene or Elayne. She hears Nynaeve, and Travels to fetch her, and she Heals him. Egwene leaves her to it and accompanies Elayne, who goes to Caemlyn with Birgitte. She returns to Nyneave and the link, so that Nynaeve can use her strength, before going to see Romanda, who has taken charge of organising the Healing
Rand's Point of View:
Setting: The Field of Merrilor
Characters: Rand, Perrin, Reed Soalen, Kert Wagoner
Rand tells Perrin that his Lews Therin memories are his madness, but without them, he might have made the same mistakes. They ralk about whether Egwene can be persuaded and Perrin says he will support Rand, but won't fight. Rand says it won't come to that. They walk through the Two Rivers camp, which seems brighter than the other camps. A messenger arrives, to tell them that Caemlyn has fallen. He tells Perrin that he needs Elayne there and she can't be allowed to go. They reason that they had come through the gateway that Rand thought he had made safe. At first, Rand is inclined to leave Caemlyn, apart form saving the refugees, but Perrin makes him realise that they can't allow the trollocs out. Rand thinks how it is probably Demandred's work, and how if Lews Therin had not been so arrogant, he might not have turned to the Shadow. He sends Perrin to Faile and promises he will investigate, to see how bad things are in Andor.
