— Thom Merrilin
- For the inn of the same name, see Woman of Tanchico.
|
| <<< The Woman of Tanchico >>> |
| Setting: Tar Valon |
Summary[]
- Point of view: Matrim Cauthon
Thom is performing atop a table as Mat walks in to the inn. Thom looks sad which surprises Mat. Mat sits down and orders a drink for himself and one for Thom. Thom finishes his story and stumbles toward Mat's table. He sits with Mat and complains that the patrons want his stories in Common rather than Plain Chant or High Chant. Mat has never seen Thom drunk like this and he always used to put his harp away right after playing. At least he is still complaining about his audience. Two maids come over, Mada and Saal, and the women try to get Thom to rest and sleep. Thom has already emptied his tankard. Thom talks about the beautiful women he's had in his life, Morgase and Dena. He is clearly depressed over the death of Dena and blames himself. Mat is hungry and orders several chickens. Thom wants more drink, but the women refuse and insist he eat some chicken instead.
Mat and Thom talk a bit about Rand and Thom mentions his regret that Moiraine is an Aes Sedai. Mat asks what Thom is doing in Tar Valon, as he had heard that Thom was doing well for himself in Cairhien. Mention of Cairhien makes Thom think of Dena again and he regrets the trouble that can result from killing a man.[1] Mat tries to get Thom to come out of his stupor while devouring his three chickens. Eventually he convinces Thom to go to Caemlyn with him. Having renewed purpose, Thom gets up to gather his belongings and is no longer stumbling. Mat wonders if he has time to order another chicken but Thom returns quickly. Saal tells Mat she is very happy to see Thom's uplifted spirits and even gives him a silver mark in gratitude.
As they leave the inn Mat notices that the corpse of the man he killed is gone, but the guards are not present to investigate. Mat mutters about footpads and Thom tells him there are no footpads in Tar Valon, as the Aes Sedai make it very unpleasant to be a thief. Mat wonders who was following him earlier. Mat decides they will catch the first ship heading downriver, even if it is sinking.