Who is Thom Merrilin

Thom is a gleeman, once a Master Bard in the Royal Court of Caemlyn. He left when he learned his nephew was in trouble with Aes Sedai, earning the ire of the Queen. When he returned, he had to flee again before he could be imprisoned or executed. He is in Emond's Field in time for Winternight and the Trolloc attack. When he learns that Moiraine's group is leaving he joins them, seeking safety in numbers.