“Assuming we can defeat this Aybara.”

“We can. Our forces are smaller than his, but many of his soldiers are farmers.”

“Farmers you just pointed out can be dangerous,” Galad said. “They should not be underestimated.”

“Yes, but I know we can defeat them. They can be dangerous, yes, but they will break before the might of the Children. This time, finally, Goldeneyes won’t be able to hide behind his little village fortifications or his ragtag allies. No more excuses.”

Was this part of being ta’veren? Could Perrin not escape that night, years ago? He set his plate aside, feeling sick.

“Are you well, Perrin Aybara?” Gaul said.

“Just thinking.” The Whitecloaks would not leave him alone, and the Pattern—burn it!—was going to keep looping them into his path until he dealt with them.

“How large is their army?” Perrin asked.

“There are twenty thousand soldiers among them,” Gaul replied. “There are several thousand others who have likely never held a spear.”

Servants and camp followers. Gaul kept the amusement from his voice, but Perrin could smell it on him. Among the Aiel, nearly every man—all but blacksmiths—would pick up a spear if they were attacked. The fact that many wetlanders were incapable of defending themselves either befuddled or infuriated the Aiel.

“Their force is large,” Gaul continued, “but ours is larger. And they have no algai’d’siswai nor Asha’man, nor channelers of any type, if Sebban Balwer’s word is not in error. He seems to know much of these Whitecloaks.”

“He’s right. Whitecloaks hate Aes Sedai and think anyone who can use the One Power is a Darkfriend.”

“We move against him, then?” Byar asked.

Galad stood. “We have no choice. The Light has delivered him into our hands. But we need more information. Perhaps I should go to this Aybara and let him know that we hold his allies, and then ask his army to meet with us on the field of battle. I’d rather draw him out to make use of my cavalry.”

“What do you want, Perrin Aybara?” Gaul asked.

What did he want? He wished he could answer that.

“Send more scouts,” Perrin said. “Find us a better place to camp. We’ll want to offer parley, but there’s no way under the Light I’m leaving Gill and the others in the hands of the Whitecloaks. We’ll give the Children a chance to return our people. If they don’t…well, then we’ll see.”

Chapter 8

The Seven-Striped Lass

Mat sat on a worn stool, his arms leaning against a dark wooden bar counter. The air smelled good—of ale, smoke, and of the washcloth that had recently wiped the counter. He liked that. There was something calming about a good, rowdy tavern that was also kept clean. Well, clean as was reasonable, anyway. Nobody liked a tavern that was too clean. That made a place feel new. Like a coat that had never been worn or a pipe that had never been smoked.