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| <<< A Practiced Grin >>> |
| Setting: The Blight, Thakan'dar |
Summary[]
- Point of view: Olver
Olver is annoyed that Bela is too slow. Faile's people trudge onward with a heavy sense of dread when a curious caravan driver is snapped up by the vines of carnivorous tree. Everyone is horrified and Faile nervously reminds them to stay away from any plants. Sandip mutters hopelessly that it's the fifteenth dead in just a few days. Only yesterday morning, five were killed by three-eyed grolm. Olver bemoans the suffering, abandonment, and death of so many people he misses like his parents, Noal, Mat, and Talmanes. Again, he resolves to become strong to enact revenge against the Shaido who killed his father.
They had abandoned the wagons as they climbed the foothills towards the Blasted Lands. Faile had Mat's chest of tabac tied to her horse, but said it was just a convenient place to stow some of her things. She speaks with Vanin and Aravine of the growing dangers as they inch closer to the Blasted Lands and Shayol Ghul. Vanin thinks everywhere will be empty except just around Shayol Ghul when they come across recent wagons tracks. Despite the growing cold, Vanin sweats and suggests they stay holed up someplace nearby. Faile disagrees and pushes them onwards to Shayol Ghul.
- Point of view: Cadsuane Melaidhrin
Cadsuane reflects upon how deep and sophisticated the Shadow's infiltration of the White Tower must have been and resolves to make the most out of the Aiel. Although she thinks them untrained, she also finds them useful and gritty, with Aviendha being exceptional. She explains to Aviendha that no channeling was felt because the True Power was used by the woman who escaped with Sarene. Since Sarene seemed compulsed, Cadsuane suspected it was Graendal. Sorilea argues that Graendal is never mentioned to be so ugly, but agrees it could be a disguise. Aviendha still feels guilty for the deaths of Kiruna and Faeldrin. They agree to contact Sorilea, Aviendha, Cadsuane, and Amys if they even suspect Graendal's presence.
- Point of view: Zarine ni Bashere t'Aybara
Faile's party is close to Thakan'dar and they have not lost another since drawing close to the border of the Blasted Lands. However, two nights before, Faile is called away from her tent and when she returns the Horn's chest has been moved slightly. The chest was still locked and the Horn still inside.
Faile sets a trap to try to catch the traitor in her tent but hides the Horn nearby. A scream pierces the night coming from the area the Horn is hidden. Faile finds Harnan battling some furry beast while Vanin holds the Horn. Faile shouts that he is a thief and Vanin tosses the Horn and runs, grabbing Harnan on the way. The beast kills a member of Cha Faile and another one appears, drawn by its cries. Arrela battles the first while Mandevwin orders Verdin and Laandon to attack with spears. One beast kills Mandevwin's horse, knocking him to the ground. Aravine appears and Faile orders everyone to ride away as she can hear the cries of more of the beasts.
Faile does not have time to chase Vanin or Harnan if they are to outpace the beasts into the Blasted Lands.
Characters[]
- Olver
- Bela
- Zarine ni Bashere t'Aybara
- Sandip
- Harnan
- Setalle Anan
- Aravine Carnel
- Chel Vanin
- Cadsuane Melaidhrin
- Aviendha
- Sorilea
- Mandevwin
- Arrela Shiego
- Verdin
- Laandon
Referenced[]
- Wind
- Noal Charin
- Silvic
- Moiraine Damodred
- Matrim Cauthon
- Talmanes Delovinde
- Elayne Trakand
- Siuan Sanche
- Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan
- Rand al'Thor
- Sarene Nemdahl
- Graendal
- El'Nynaeve ti al'Meara Mandragoran
- Amys
Places[]
- The Blight
- Thakan'dar