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Thom Merrilin
Thom Merrilin arrived in the small village of Emond’s Field as a simple gleeman who was hired to entertain the villagers. When the village was attacked by Trollocs, Thom fled the village with Moiraine Damodred and the boys she was protecting. Most gleeman are rather full of themselves, but Thom had an extra helping of ego. The reason for Thom’s attitude is easy to understand if one knows about his past. Few have this information, though, as Thom has gone to great lengths to keep his past a secret. In Thom’s youth he was actually the court bard of Queen Morgase of Andor. He was her lover, as well. Thom was a master of the Game of Houses, and certainly helped Morgase and her rule. Thom’s nephew Owen, though, fell in trouble with the Aes Sedai. The Red Ajah discovered that Owen could channel the One Power and sought to gentle him. It is unclear what Thom thought he could do to help, but he left Caemlyn without a word even to Morgase. Owen was eventually gentled, and Thom returned to Caemlyn. Morgase, though, had always been known for a sharp temper. She was upset with Thom for leaving without a word, and he fled Caemlyn just a step ahead of the headsman’s axe. Thom has since fallen in with Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn. Thom saved Rand’s life in Whitebridge, where he delayed a Myrddraal from pursuing Rand and his friend Mat Cauthon. Rand and Mat believed Thom died in that encounter, but they were wrong. Thom is currently a friend and advisor to the most important man in the world. His advice regarding the twists and turns of Daes Dae’mar has been helpful to the young Dragon Reborn.
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