Perrin’s group sets out to scout the Whitecloak encampment near Watch Hill. Along the way, Tam has them stop at Jac al’Seen’s farm, where several families are sheltering together from Trollocs.
The next morning, Perrin’s group prepares to leave for Watch Hill. Verin decides to accompany them, but Alanna stays behind. Loial, bless his heart, wants to come along too, but he doesn’t seem to realize that nothing about him fits in a stealth mission to scout a Whitecloak encampment, so Perrin tells him to stay behind “to keep an eye on Alanna.” It feels exactly like giving a toddler an unplugged Xbox controller to make them think they’re playing a video game, and it’s kind of sad how easily he falls for it.
At midday, Tam has them stop at Jac al’Seen’s place. Tam calls it a farm, but with several other families sheltering there from the Trollocs, it feels more like a commune. As Perrin walks onto the premises, he notices a girl he used to like, Laila Dearn. To Perrin’s horror, she has gained a substantial girth and is clutching a baby. A baby! Gah! Perrin “[thanks] the Light for his escape.” Oh yes, Perrin, you really dodged a bullet there, didn’t you? It could have been you saddled with a newborn and a chubby wife. Luckily you’ve got a fine woman like Faile here, and I’m sure she must be immune to “baby fever” as well as gestational weight gain.
Everyone gathers inside, and topic of discussion turns to why the Whitecloaks are naming Perrin, Rand, and Mat as Darkfriends. Perrin honestly doesn’t know why Rand and Mat would be included, but he admits to killing Whitecloaks in self-defense. With that cleared up, the group enjoys a meal together until a new guest makes an appearance. Lord Luc, legendary Hunter of the Horn, has arrived. Shall we tell him that the Horn has already been found? …nah!