Perrin’s group arrives at Illian, and Faile insists on coming with them.
The Snow Goose docks in Illian on a stifling, muggy morning. And yet, Moiraine’s demeanor is frigid enough that you would almost expect it to lower the temperature. What ever happened to “what will be will be” and “the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills?” Perhaps some readers objected when I suggested it was that time of the month, but if this seismic shift in attitude isn’t hormonal, go ahead and suggest a better explanation.
But perhaps, under all those layers of ice, Moiraine does still remember that the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills. Since Faile showed up in Min’s visions, Moiraine allows her to accompany them after swearing to be loyal and not ask any questions. Translation: obey and shut the fuck up.
Oh, and also:
MOIRAINE: Perrin, since you brought her to us, she’s your responsibility.
She sounds exactly like a parent whose child brought home a stray dog and said, “Hey Mom, can we keep her?” Perrin is indignant, arguing that he didn’t ask Faile to come along. But you know what, Wolf Boy? Methinks thou doth protest too much.
Perrin pulls his new girlfriend onto the saddle behind him. I’ll bet he fancies he’s wearing one of those jackets that says, “If you can read this, the bitch fell off.” The group sets out to explore Illian.