Rand sees that there are char marks on the ground, seemingly in a straight line. There is no sign of animal life anywhere. No birds, foxes, minnows or any other creature. They come to a stream and he makes the others wait to see if anything happens to him before he lets them drink. After riding for half the morning, Loial gets out of the saddle next to a group of trees and sings, touching one of the trees. He then holds in his hand a staff made from the tree, which now has new growth.