The Forsaken in question is Sammael, not to be confused with Samael (but you can confuse them if you want, they sound pretty close). And if Perrin wants to dance a jig with him for some reason, by all means stay at the inn. Moiraine and the rest are gonna hightail it out of there post haste. This is Zarine’s last chance to back out. Moiraine gets right in her face about it, too. Like “just try and follow us now”. Zarine gulps and swears, but remains steadfast in her pursuit of the Horn of Valere. So let’s continue adventuring! Moiraine tries to convince Neida to leave Illian, but Neida is staying put. FINE! Have fun dying.

The Darkhound was likely sent by Sammael, but the Gray Men were probably someone else. This whole Gray Man thing has been a mystery since Gray Man one! What the f is going on? Perrin is getting upset! He gets so irate that he forgets to think before he speaks, and loudly proclaims Rand to be the Dragon Reborn! Moiraine gets super quiet and pissed off about this outburst. Now Zarine really can never leave. And Neida, get the fuck out of Illian. Don’t be an idiot.

Not long after they set off on their horses are they hounded, SO TO SPEAK, by Darkhounds. They fight the Darkhounds. Moiraine balefires the Darkhounds, which is apparently like the Avada Kedavra of the Aes Sedai. She could be stilled if anyone knew she even knows about it! After destroying the Darkhounds, Lan and Moiraine both surmise the Sammael is after Rand now. Or even Mat since he blew that Horn (Zarine gibbers at this revealed knowledge). Off to Tear. Let’s get there before sundown. I hope everyone packed their MREs.

The chapter shifts focus to Mat and Thom, who are resting by a campfire. Mat decides to be stupid and split open one of the fireworks, which causes Thom to just about piss his pants. Pebbles and dust, though. That’s all there is in the tube. He throws it in the fire, which causes Thom to just about shit his pants. No explosion though. Mat must be lucky! Hint hint.

Four people show up to the campsite on their horses. A woman, most likely a merchant, with three male guards. For some reason they try to kill Mat and Thom, so Mat and Thom kill them all instead. Mat gets frustrated at all these attempted murders. That bland letter of Elayne’s must be something special.

They press on, and so do I.