Chapter 1, An Empty Road Summary

Rand Al'Thor and his father, Tam, are traveling on the road from their farm to Emond's Field, the nearest village. It is still winter, though spring should have arrived a month earlier. The harsh winter has driven wolves and bears out of the mountains and into the farmlands where they attack livestock and people alike. Travel is dangerous, so Rand is armed with a bow and Tam carries a spear. Their horse Bela is pulling a cartload of apple brandy and cider for the upcoming Bel Tine Festival, a springtime celebration that is taking place despite the wintry weather.

Rand senses someone watching, and then notices a cloaked figure on horseback on the road not far behind them. He feels queasy staring at the figure but cannot look away even as he continues walking, sensing immense hatred...