TDR: Into the Stone

Mat POV#

That night Mat walks across the rooftops of Tear. He has his quarterstaff, the fireworks and a box with a coal. His plan is to set off the fireworks to create a diversion then sneak in. As he nears the Stone of Tear, he sees someone scaling the nearly sheer wall.[1] Without warning he is attacked and captured by Aiel. One is a woman. A moment later Juilin Sandar arrives. They each respect the others' skill at fighting and skulking. The leader introduces himself as Rhuarc of the Nine Valleys Taardad. He was a Red Shield; they often serve as thief-catchers. Another is Gaul. The Aiel go their way and Mat sees over a hundred more. Juilin says he is there because he feels he did something wrong and is not sure what to do about it. When he hears Mat is out to rescue the girls he joins Mat. Mat sets the fireworks in an arrow slit to create that diversion and winds up blowing a hole big enough for them to enter. Juilin joins him and they begin fighting their way to the dungeons. They hear gongs sounding the alarm.

More Mat POV

Rand POV#

Rand is exhausted from his climb. Still, he ignores the roar and the alarm as he makes his way toward Callandor to finish it.

More Rand POV

Egwene POV#

Egwene wakes in a cell with Elayne and Nynaeve. They are still shielded with Amico outside guarding them. They tell her they are being used as bait, but they do not know for what. Egwene tells them it is Rand. She dreamed of him holding Callandor. She also dreamed of Mat and Perrin coming. Egwene realizes she still has the twisted ring and intends to use it. Nynaeve and Elayne argue, but finally it is their only hope of defeating Liandrin. Nynaeve sings her to sleep.

Egwene finds herself in Tel'aran'rhiod and immediately goes to the Heart of the Stone. This time, Joiya is there alone. Egwene weaves Spirit and shields her. Joiya is surprised and shocked that she has a ter'angreal.[2] Egwene beats her a bit, then leaves her shielded as she goes to find the cells.

More Egwene POV

Perrin POV#

Perrin and Hopper search the Stone of Tear for Faile. They kill some men guarding a tall door with an iron lock.[3] Perrin breaks the lock with his hammer. Inside they find Faile, but she disappears. They continue the search.

Mat POV#

Mat fights a man who identifies himself as High Lord Darlin while Juilin guards his back. He is an excellent fighter, but Mat finally knocks him out. He sees Rand trot across the corridor and doubts his eyes. Mat shoulders his quarterstaff and knocks out another High Lord who was preparing to skewer him from behind. They continue to hunt for the way to the dungeons.

More Mat POV

Notes (Possible Spoilers)#

[#1] Rand
[#2] Lanfear knows of Egwene's twisted ring, so she evidently is not sharing her information with others.
[#3] What are men doing in the wolf dream? Apparently Be'lal either brought them there in the flesh or dragged them out of their own dreams.

Artwork#

Rooftop Gazing - by Chi Cheung


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