The second chapter of "The Wheel Of Time" unfolds with an introspective gaze upon the Children of Light, a faction led by the mystifying Eamon Valda. With a chillingly calm demeanor, he dispatches an Aes Sedai to her fiery doom, his satisfaction palpable as he watches her consumed by flames. His sinister collection of rings belonging to these powerful women hints at an impending confrontation with Moiraine, whose fate seems increasingly entwined with his dark designs.
Meanwhile, Moiraine, Lan, and the children find themselves in a desperate rush to reach the nearby settlement of Taren Ferry. Their urgency is driven by the necessity to traverse the water—a natural barrier against the relentless Trollocs. As they depart the shoreline, the dock is soon swarmed by a multitude of these fearsome creatures, their arrival heralded by the flickering glow of torches on the horizon.
Emerging from the shadows, the Fade—the same malevolent entity that loomed outside Two Rivers in the previous episode—lets out a piercing, sinister screech that echoes through the night. These intellectually superior beings serve the Dark Lord, and for now, Moiraine and her companions narrowly escape a confrontation that could have proved fatal.
Determined to avoid another perilous encounter, Lan and Moiraine take drastic action. They sever the ropes binding the ferry, sending it into a magical whirlpool that disassembles the vessel and ensures the Trollocs cannot follow. The ferryman, enraged and believing himself cursed by fate, shouts accusations of cruelty at the Aes Sedai.
This drastic measure leaves a profound impact on the children, who begin to question Moiraine's decisions and wonder what fate awaits them if they step out of line. In a heartfelt conversation with Egwene, Moiraine seeks to clarify her actions. Her words are simple yet profound, setting the stage for her to inquire about Egwene's connection to the One Power—a natural gift that flows within women of this world. It manifests as a "spark," hinting that Egwene will one day channel her magic, whether she chooses to embrace it or not.
That fateful evening, the children found themselves ensnared in terrifying dreams, haunted by the specters of bats and a sinister figure with glowing red eyes. Upon discovering their plight, Moiraine's concern was palpable; she insistently urged the children to accompany her forthwith. Their destination: the esteemed White Tower in the East. However, Rand's mood was anything but cooperative; he balked at the notion of serving as her messenger boy, defiantly remaining rooted to his spot while questioning Moiraine's authority.
Egwene stepped in, calling out Rand's pettiness and reminding him of Moiraine's selfless use of her powers to keep them alive, even if it meant depleting her own strength. As they ventured onward, their path crossing with an unwelcome encounter—the Children of the Light, better known as the "Whitecloaks," who harbored a deep-seated animosity towards the Aes Sedai. Eamon, their leader, challenged Moiraine's narrative, casting doubts on her story and recalling how eight sisters had originally been dispatched. Suspecting her to be one of them, his suspicions only faded when Moiraine revealed her Trolloc wound.
It was a well-known fact among the Aes Sedai that while they possessed the ability to heal others, they could not mend themselves—a grievous and inconvenient flaw. Fortunately for Moiraine, this particular scar served as a handy proof of her identity to the Whitecloaks, allowing them safe passage without resorting to violence. She further relayed that they hailed from Taren Ferry. Although their tale permitted them to proceed unimpeded, Eamon's sly, sidelong glances filled the air with an uneasy tension, disconcerting enough to keep them all on edge.
Moiraine, no simpleton, later conferred with Lan about their encounter. She noted the seven rings adorning Eamon's fingers, signaling that he was closing in on the final sister—herself. How long could she fend off his pursuit before her true identity was revealed?
As Trollocs and Fades ran rampant, ambushing the gang that fateful evening, Whitebridge became a forbidden destination. Instead, the group ventured toward the forsaken and deeply cursed Shadar Logoth, a name that translates to "Shadow's Waiting." With Moiraine unconscious and seated atop Lan's steed, he made the decisive call to delve into the depths of the place.
The towering walls loomed over them, casting an eerie silence that seemed to permeate the air. This desolate region was under the watchful eye of Mashadar, a shapeless evil whose presence could be felt in every corner. There were no birds chirping, no insects buzzing, and no trace of greenery; only cold, unyielding stone provided refuge from the oppressive atmosphere. The Shadowspawn themselves feared to enter this cursed land.
Lan and Moiraine issued stern warnings to the children, cautioning them not to touch anything within the confines of Shadar Logoth. Naturally, curiosity got the better of Mat, who ventured out under the cover of night to snoop around and uncover the secrets that lay hidden within.
Amidst the debris, he stumbles upon a stunning yet perilous dagger. As he draws the blade from its sheath, ahorse collapses instantaneously, dissolving into a pile of ashes. The night comes alive with flickering shadows, as Moiraine, her wounds still新鲜 and painful, rouses momentarily to warn Lan that their fate has taken a grim turn. These shadows leap off the walls and floor, mimicking the frenetic fury of the Vashta Nerada—a nod to fellow Doctor Who enthusiasts who recognize those insatiable shadows of evil. Fortunately, the group manages to scramble to safety, but the ensuing turmoil scatters them in all directions.
Lan and Moiraine flee into the depths of the forest, while Rand and Mat squeeze through a narrow crevice in the wall. Perrin and Egwene, having plummeted from the battlements, plunge into the water below. As the episode draws to a close, Nyn reappears, a knife poised at Lan's throat, insisting on being led to the others without delay.
