Tam and Rand al’Thor haul casks of booze to Emond’s field, catching up on the news of the town when they arrive. Rand and his friend Mat both saw a dreadful horseman.
Hello my baby,
Hello my Honey,
Hello my ragtime gal!
Tam al’Thor and his son Rand travel from their farm in the Westwood to the town of Emond’s field. They are on edge — with winter hanging on late this season, a wolf attack is a very real possibility. In a moment that feels inspired by Michigan J. Frog, Rand spots a different sort of threat: a man on horseback, watching him and radiating hatred. Of course Tam doesn’t see it, and of course Tam doesn’t believe him that the man was really there, so he gaslights his son into thinking that he’s imagining things. Gosh, thanks a lot, Pops.
As father and son finally roll into town, we taste a slice of life in the sleepy country village of Emond’s field. Ah yes, you can almost smell that bucolic idealism. Dogs running around, children playing, nosy neighbors, “goodwives” keeping up the insides of houses, “goodmen” maintaining the exteriors, and joyful preparations for the Bel Tine festival. I’m not sure which one makes me want to vomit more — Gandalf rolling into the Shire at the beginning of Lord of the Rings, the rustic Nelwyn midget village from Willow, or this.
Luckily, if you read at a steady clip, it doesn’t last too long. Rumors are flying around about fireworks, a gleeman, and strangers who have come to town. Mat tries to rope Rand into some of his trademark mischief, but instead is himself roped into helping Rand unload the barrels as the men from the Village Council confer in the Winespring Inn’s common room.