Fate robs Thom Merrilin of domestic bliss. Padan Fain plots revenge against Rand by giving the goddamn Horn to the Seanchan.
No one of consequence in the Wheel of Time universe likes when the Wheel weaves. The Wheel is a harsh and unfeeling mistress who bends, tangles, and snips at the threads of lives. Tonight, Thom Merrilin returns to his room to find that Dena is its latest victim. She lies on the bed with her throat slit. Two men burst out of the wardrobes. Thom kills one where he stands, and interrogates the other. They’re sniffing around for information about Lord Rand al’Thor — for Barthanes, they say, not that it really matters. If I were Thom, would I be upset at Rand? Or would I be upset at myself for staying in a city like Cairhien where I know damn well they’ve institutionalized mental illness and affectionately call it a game? A mix of both, maybe.
Padan Fain is in Falme playing at his own insane game. He wants Rand dead, and he wants revenge on the world for how shitty his life has been. Wow, cry me a river, pal.
How is Fain going to exact his retribution? Apparently it starts by giving the Horn of Valere to the Seanchan. He tries to convince High Lord Turak that Fain and his ancestors have remained faithful to Artur Hawkwing, waiting through the generations for the Seanchan to return. He also tells Turak of Rand al’Thor, calling him a Darkfriend and saying that Trollocs attack wherever he goes. So… that’s your plan, Fain? You’re giving the Horn away and just hoping the Seanchan will kill Rand when he tries to take it? Dude, is that all? Maybe you should toss an anvil in Rand’s direction and try to blow him up with dynamite while you’re at it?