Episode 7 of Season 3 of "The Wheel of Time" opens on the tranquil, yet soon-to-be-turbulent, landscapes of the Two Rivers. War looms large, unwanted yet inevitable, as the town's bells toll a foreboding melody. Perrin, sensing an impending urgency, dashes to the forefront, where an unexpected guest awaits – the Tuatha'an, having arrived at this pivotal juncture alongside Aram and Ila, who starkly highlight the overwhelming magnitude of the Trolloc army bearing down upon them.
Their timely presence, however, seems serendipitous, as they settle in amidst the tensions, bracing for the inevitable clash. Everyone, including Alanna who discovers another powerful Channeler akin to the girls, drills and readies themselves for the impending fray. A banner, emblazoned with the symbol of the white wolf, is raised, serving as a beacon of hope and unity amidst the chaos, as Faile gently reminds Perrin of its significance.
In the midst of this brewing storm, Perrin attempts to broker a fragile peace with the Whitecloaks, acknowledging the strength derived from unity. He pleads with Lord Luc to embark on the path of righteousness, acknowledging the futility of altering past mistakes, but promising to surrender himself once the battle dust settles, should they choose to stand and fight alongside them. The offer is enticing, yet Lord Luc hesitates, not yet swayed by Perrin's plea.
The horizon darkens with the approaching Trolloc horde, estimated by Perrin to number around five hundred, accompanied by treacherous Darkfriends. With bridges burned and the mountain pass as the sole conduit, the Tuatha'an decline involvement, their paths uncrossed by the impending conflict. Meanwhile, Loial, accompanied by Bain and Chiad, ventures to seal the Waygate, preventing reinforcements from reinforcing the Trolloc ranks.
The clash soon erupts, with Perrin valiantly attempting to fortify defenses and repel the advancing Trollocs, while Loial works tirelessly to close the Waygate. Alanna, leveraging the girls' connection, channels magic from atop a ridge, decimating a significant portion of the Trolloc forces. Yet, why she did not utilize this formidable power to close the Waygate remains a mystery.
Strategically, the Trollocs divide their forces, enveloping the town from the flank, exposing the startling lack of adequate defenses. The incoming tide is simply too formidable, forcing all combatants to converge in the town square. Tragically, Alanna falls, pierced by a spear, rendering her unable to continue her valiant efforts.
Amidst the dense woods, the Tuatha’an were on the run, yet even their swift retreat could not shield them from the brutal onslaught of the Trollocs. Aram, driven by the primal instinct to survive, found himself compelled to slay one of these monsters, an act that contradicted the tenets of the Way of the Leaf. As dusk settled, the Whitecloaks arrived to engage in battle, but amongst them lurked Padan Fain, a treacherous Darkfriend in disguise.
The Trollocs emerged in swarms, their numbers daunting and relentless. It was then that a poignant moment, reminiscent of a cinematic battle cry, echoed through the air as a woman's voice rang out, "Women circle!" Instantly, the females formed a line of solidarity, a living wall of defiance. However, this moment of unity was soon disrupted as Perrin stepped forward, assuming command and urging everyone to fortify their defenses, standing their ground against the invading horde.
Meanwhile, the Channelers rallied around Alanna, their powers flaring as they incinerated a Darkfriend who dared draw too near. Elsewhere in the city, amidst the turmoil, Perrin and Padan Fain's paths converged in a confrontation fraught with danger. With every ounce of strength and determination, Perrin emerged victorious, yet he was baffled and weary, demanding to know the rationale behind Fain's malevolent deeds. To Fain, loyalty to his master was an unquestioning duty, void of moral scrutiny or empathy. He further warned of impending reinforcements, a dire prophecy that seemed poised to seal their fate.
But hope flickered still in the form of Loial, who made the ultimate sacrifice by plunging into the abyss, sealing the Waygate and thwarting the arrival of more foes. With no reinforcements forthcoming, Fain's courage crumbled, transforming his defiance into a desperate plea for escape. Agreeing to a truce with Perrin, Fain vowed to retract his forces and flee.
The Two Rivers had been spared, and in keeping with his word, Perrin agreed to accompany the Whitecloaks. With a heavy heart but an unwavering sense of honor, he stepped forward willingly, bound by his promise to ensure peace, if only momentarily, had been restored.
