That cliffhanger wasn’t another attack, but the Tinkers, who were decimated by Trollocs and are now humbled enough to seek shelter in Emond’s Field. Perrin spends the rest of the day fending off questions about how to do everything, becoming quite disturbed at the cult of personality that’s building around him. Aram’s mother was killed in the attack, so he picks up a sword, which of course becomes a whole thing, but Perrin sides with Aram.
The Whitecloaks arrive, and Bornhald tells them that Taren’s Ferry has been destroyed. Upon seeing Perrin he wants to arrest him, and to stop a battle Perrin gets them to agree to work together until the Trollocs are dealt with. And in the meantime, he’s now much gladder for the people following him around.
The tension ramps up even more, and Perrin’s own story is now going to a quite interesting place, reminiscent of Sheridan from Babylon 5. And if anyone could be annoying after getting slaughtered, I knew the Tinkers would manage to pull it off. Aram’s Heel–Face Turn happening because he leaves them is quite fitting.
