The Eye of the World: Chapter 14

Chapter 14: The Stag and Lion

Arn Oakenskye

Characters: Moiraine, Lan, Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene, Thom, Min, Master Fitch, Ara

Setting: The Stag and Lion Inn

Master Fitch leads everyone into the bustling Inn. Moiraine asks about the Children of the Light being in town and Fitch says not to worry, they're up to tricks claiming there are Aes Sedai in Baerlon. A servant named Ara arrives to lead Rand, Mat, Perrin and Thom away to hot baths while another leads Moiraine and Egwene away.

In the bath chamber, Ara makes a few comments about Ghealdan trouble and Trollocs in Saldaea. Mat nearly tells him about Trollocs in the Two Rivers except for Rand, Perrin and Thom putting in words just in time to stop him. Lan shows up in the baths, sends Ara away and lectures the boys again about what they say.

After the baths, Rand spots a girl in mans clothing and short hair with Moiraine. She looks at them sharply, nods to Moiraine and then hurries away.

They then settle down for some dinner in a private dinning room. They listen to Lan speak of the rumors people are saying around town. Of the false Dragon Logain being the victor in Ghealdan. He says there are no strangers that could be Myrddraal and certainly no Trollocs. Also that Whitecloaks are in town and trying to make things difficult for the Governor. Moiraine suggests that they remain in Baerlon a couple days and Lan agrees so long as they remember what he told them.

Returning to his room, Rand drifts to sleep. Rand finds himself in a shadowy stone hallway with doors spaced at regular intervals. He walks down the unchanging hallway for a long time before opening one of the doors into a grim, stone walled chamber. Rand finds a man in dark clothing with a mouth and eyes of flame. Rand hurls himself out of the room, across the hallway and into another room, identical to the first with the same man there waiting for him, Ba'alzamon.

Ba'alzamon asks Rand if he was told that the Eye of the World would serve him. He also says that the Amyrlin Seat will use him until there is nothing left of him.

Rand is frightened and tells Ba'alzamon that he is bound in Shayol Ghul. Ba'alzamon says that he has never been bound, that he was with Lews Therin Kinslayer when he killed everyone he cared for. And that he whispered in Artur Hawkwing's ear and Aes Sedai died. He whispered again and the High King sent his armies across the Aryth Ocean dooming his dream of one land and one king. Ba'alzamon says that if he could control these men, what chance does Rand have.

Rand insists that he is dreaming. Ba'alzamon curves his finger and breaks a rat's back then tries to break Rand's back to prove to him he is not dreaming.

Rand awakes and finds Lan and Thom asleep. Rand wonders if Moiraine can help with the dreams and if he can trust her. Slowly sleep comes back over him.

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