Season 3, Episode 7, titled Goldeneyes, directed by Ciaran Donnelly and written by Dave Hill, depicts the Battle of Emond’s Field—a confrontation between the Forces of Light and the Forces of Shadow in the Two Rivers, the homeland of Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn. The Shadow’s forces, acting on Ishamael’s orders prior to his death in Falme, are determined to destroy the Two Rivers in hopes of breaking Rand’s spirit and leaving him vulnerable to their influence. After all, the complete destruction of one’s home would be enough to drive anyone mad—especially Rand, who nearly lost control in the previous episode after the deaths of his Aiel friends.
The central theme of this episode is dedication. The villagers of the Two Rivers, led by Perrin Aybara, show remarkable courage and resolve as they defend their home against an overwhelming army of Trollocs and Darkfriends, despite having no formal military training. They remain steadfast in their loyalty to the Light and are fortunate to be led by a Ta’veren like Perrin, a champion of the Light. In contrast, factions like the Children of the Light lack such noble dedication—their blind zealotry to eradicate all channelers leads them to commit atrocities, causing widespread distrust and resentment, even as they claim to fight the Shadow.
The Darkfriends, too, demonstrate a form of dedication—devotion to nihilism and the pursuit of power. Yet even they fear death. Like Padan Fain, many are unwilling to sacrifice themselves for the Shadow’s cause, revealing their cowardice beneath their fanaticism.
The Battle of Emond’s Field
In the Two Rivers, the villagers prepare for the incoming invasion led by Padan Fain (Johann Myers), commanding an army of Trollocs and Darkfriends. Perrin (Marcus Rutherford), though reluctant, assumes the role of lord, believing the Two Rivers should remain a simple and peaceful settlement, not evolve into a nation or kingdom. However, Faile (Isabella Bucceri) believes Perrin’s leadership, symbolized by the wolf banner, is vital for morale.
Combat training is overseen by Maksim (Taylor Napier), while Alanna (Priyanka Bose) trains female channelers—including Bode Cauthon (Litiana Biutanaseva), Eldrin Cauthon (Lilibet Biutanaseva), and another villager. Refugees from the surrounding region, including the Tuatha’an, seek shelter in the Two Rivers.
The battle begins with the villagers holding their ground, but they are soon overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of enemy forces. Just as hope dwindles, Dain Bornhald (Jay Duffy) has a change of heart and leads the Children of the Light to reinforce the Two Rivers. However, chaos erupts when Perrin and Dain discover that Fain and his Darkfriends have infiltrated the Whitecloaks, sparking disorder and allowing the enemy to breach the village walls.
Despite this, the villagers fight valiantly. Perrin ultimately defeats Fain and forces him into retreat. Fain, however, taunts Perrin with news that reinforcements are on their way to finish what he started.
Mourning Loial’s Passing
Fortunately, Loial (Hammed Animashaun), Bain (Ragga Ragnars), and Chiad (Maja Simonsen) rush to the nearby Waygate to block those reinforcements. Bain and Chiad guard the outside, while Loial ventures into the Ways to destroy the connection. In a heroic act, he collapses the bridge linking the gate to the Ways, killing himself along with numerous Trollocs and Darkfriends. The explosion of the Waygate brings relief to Perrin and shock to Fain.
Perrin seizes the moment and manipulates Fain’s cowardice, offering him a deal: leave alive with his army, or die. Fain accepts, revealing that despite having the numbers to win, he values his own life more than the Shadow’s goals.
Perrin Goldeneyes: The Lord of the Two Rivers
In the aftermath, Perrin and his companions grieve for Loial—a wise and loyal friend. As the villagers begin rebuilding, they are shocked to learn that the Whitecloaks came to their aid only because Perrin agreed to surrender to Dain for killing his father. He is arrested peacefully and forced to leave again. Nevertheless, Perrin remains deeply beloved, recognized by all as the true Lord of the Two Rivers. His home will always welcome him back.
Fortunately, Eamon Valda (Abdul Salis)—a ruthless torturer—was burned alive by Mat’s sisters during the battle as vengeance for their mother’s execution. With Valda gone, the Whitecloaks are deprived of one of their most villainous leaders.
There is now a faint hope that Perrin might influence Dain, helping him see the error of the Whitecloaks’ extremist views. Perhaps Dain may even rally his faction to join the Dragon Reborn’s cause in the Last Battle—a unification of the Forces of Light to face the coming war against the Shadow.
Rating: 9/10
