Chapter 5, Winternight Summary

Rand and Tam arrive at their farm to find that everything is as it should be. They set about their chores, but Rand keeps his bow within reach at all times and Tam moves about the farm carrying his spear. Once inside, Tam locks the doors, an unprecedented event. He then appears wearing a sword. Rand didn't even know he owned a sword. The sword bears a bronze heron on the scabbard and another on the hilt. When Tam draws the sword, Rand can see another heron etched on the blade.

As they are preparing to eat, they hear a heavy thump on the front door. The door bursts open, breaking the iron lock. The figure in the doorway is a monster, a creature that is half-human, half-animal and armed with a sword. Tam kills the creature and another behind it...