"The land is one with the Dragon Reborn" - this is probs a reference to his mad powers in the last book to grow trees and make food un-rot. Well, not really his power, just the pattern bending around him to cancel out the Dark One's work.
"Pray that the heart of stone remembers tears, and the soul of fire, love" - this is about Rand becoming all hard-core and dark and angry at the world before his guru-on-the-mountain moment.
Galina - Red Ajah, who Elaida put in charge of kidnapping Rand, if they had to resort to the kidnap plan. She is also a blackie.
Teslyn and Joline - Aes Sedai from the Tower who Elaida sent to Ebou Dar to help give the Tower influence with the Queen. Also beause Elaida doesn't like either of them, and wanted them out of her hair.
Tarna Fier - Tower Sedai who was sent by Elaida to Salidar to have discussions with the Sedai there
Ronda Macura - lady who discovered forkroot and tried to capture Elayne and Nynaeve on Elaida's orders.
The White Tower is just over 80 spans high. This is about 150m. Here's a diagram lol
People had theories that Elaida's palace would eventually be "The Black Tower" once Sedai and Asha'man come to work together in the future.
Elaida's foretelling that the Royal House of Andor was key to the Last Battle was made many years ago before Morgase's family was on the throne. Back then, it was Rand's mum as Daughter Heir. So both the Royal Family then (who would have Rand) and the one today (with Elayne) are key.
Her reports from Ebou Dar seem to not know who the "other two" Aes Sedai are with Elayne and Nynaeve. These are Adeleas and Vandene - Moiraine buddies who were basically in retirement before they decided to go to Salidar.
Elaida wonders if forkroot works on men. I have no idea, no one ever tries it.
Toveine is to lead 50 sisters and two hundred Tower Guard to the Black Tower. When they get there, they will be taken by Logain and his Asha'man followers, and bonded to them.
Alviarin and Elaida discuss how many men have been gentled in recent years. The number is higher than the official records show, because of the period of time where some Red went out gentling men without bringing them back to Tar Valon, against the law. Thom's nephew was one caught up in that.
Elaida has peeps among the Salidar Sedai. It takes a loooong time before any of them (or maybe there is only one - Beonin) decides to report to her. Even though they know how to make gateways.
Don't worry Elaida, Alviarin knows more than you about the Forsaken being free, lol
"The White Tower will be whole again" - yep, under Egwene.
"except for remnants cast out and scorned" - the Black Ajah that Egwene exposes thanks to Verin's research
"Rand al'Thor will face the Amyrlin seat and know her anger" - Egwene will be angry that Rand won't listen to her (and other Sedai advice) and that he wants to break the seals.
"The Black Tower will be rent in blood and fire" - yes, but because of Taim, not because the Sedai rip it down
"and sisters will walk it's grounds" - lol, yes, because they are bonded to Asha'man
This part shows the battle from the end of the previous book again, but from Sevanna's point of view.
She wants to kidnap Rand, marry him, and become "Queen of the Aiel" - or something like that.
She had a Wise One, Desaine, killed (by her other loyal Wise Ones) and framed the Aes Sedai to make her Shaido fight against them.
Before the battle, one of Gawyn's scouts warned the Aes Sedai of trouble ahead, before dying on his horse.
In the battle, Perrin got his maidens to tie red cloth around their arms so the wetlanders could tell them from the Shaido. The Aiel themselves reckon you should be able to tell the difference anyway.
Sevanna notes how different clans, septs, etc wear slightly different versions of their clothing. This is how the AIel think anyone should be able to tell them apart.
Previously - Alviarin was meeting with Elaida. Elaida decided to send sisters and soldiers to deal with the Black Tower. She also had a foretelling that seemed to say that she would successfully deal with both the asha'man and with Rand.
Previously - in New Spring: Tamra Ospenya was the Amyrlin who Moiraine and Siuan were with when Gitara Moroso had her foretelling that the Dragon was reborn. She started the secret search for baby dragon, but was tortured (and killed) by the Black Ajah to find out what she knew. They discovered which Sedai she had sent out searching, and killed them also (Moiraine and Siuan escaped, presumably because the Blackies only asked which Aes Sedai were searching, and they were only accepted at the time).
Off-screen, during New Spring: the leader of the Black Ajah at the time (who ordered Tamra's torture and murder) was Jarna Malari. She also ordered the baby Dragon be killed if he was found. Ishamael was most displeased at this order, and trapped her in some kind of ter'angreal as punishment.
The only Sedai that didn't take any notice of Alvi at the start was Danelle. Because she is too dreamy. Or maybe some other reason!
Women who now know how to Travel: All Salidar Sedai, Alviarin.
Things Mesaana mentions:
"You children almost match 'the ajah' at times" - in the Age of Legends ajah meant a temporary group of people banded together for a specific purpose. Not sure if that really explains anything, but I guess she's just saying "you're almost as good as Sedai were back in my day... sometimes"
"Will she [Elaida] succeed in having the King of Illian and the Queen of Saldaea kidnapped?" - lol they do kidnap the King of Illian (which inadvertently saves him from Sammael). The Queen of Saldaea is never kidnapped, because the borderland rulers leave home soon to some looking for Rand.
An offer for Darlin to become King of Tear - Darlin leads the rebel nobles hiding out in Haddon Mirk. He eventually becomes King of Tear, but not because of the Sedai - Rand offers it to him to quell the rebellion.
Previously - After her escape plan was foiled, Morgase agreed to sign a treaty allowing Whitecloaks into Andor, in return for their help getting her throne back.
Omerna - Pedron's fake spymaster. He is a totally lame spy, believing almost everything he hears, and is easy to manipulate. Behind the scenes, some fellow Whitecloaks have been doing just that...!
Pedron got strange messages from one of his men in Tanchico (Varadin). The Seanchan have returned there, but no one really knows that yet. Pedron sent another man (Faisar) in to confirm what Varadin was saying.
The game Stones is some kind of metaphor for people's personality and skills in real life. People who are good at military tactics and political strategy are good at Stones. Morgase is slightly worse than Pedron, probably because he has a bit of both skill.
Pedron notes that Morgase looks young. Because she can channel (just a tiny bit) she will age slower than normal - like all channelers naturally do. Because she is so weak, it is not very much, but just noticable that she looks a bit younger than she should.
"Orders concerning her [Elayne] had already been sent to Jaichim Carridin [BORS!]" - they are both in Ebou Dar. Not sure exactly what those orders are yet.
Pedron's note confirms the Seanchan's presence. He knows how dangerous they will be, especially given they are in the very next nation, and that they are doing a good job of stopping anyone discovering their presence.
Valda and Asunawa seem to have been working together to make Omerna assassinate Pedron - probably just by letting him hear rumours he didn't like about Pedron's plans regarding the Aes Sedai in Salidar.
Now Valda will be the next White King.
Valda will get rid of Sebban Balwer - Pedron's secretary and true spymaster. He will end up going with Morgase and co.
Previously - Gawyn left after the battle at Dumai's Wells. He didn't want to hang around Rand.
Galina (Blackie who was in charge of the kidnap) also got away.
The Sedai that Gawyn saw was Galina. She is captured by the Shaido, and will stay prisoner forever. Even though she tries to use Faile to help her escape when she gets captured as well later.
Previously - there was a mad battle, and Rand was freed. Lots of peeps died fighting. And lots were exploded by the asha'man lol.
Faile is unhappy with Perrin because of Berelain something-something.
All the Aiel warriors (other than the Maidens) with Perrin are siswai'aman. Aiel who wear red headbands to mark that their allegience is to Rand.
The Salidar Sedai who came to help rescue have sworn to follow and obey Rand - after he got sick of their shit not listening to his requests/demands.
The Tower Sedai (who were the kidnappers) are now prisoners. Three of them were stilled by Rand during his escape.
Many speculated where the wolves came from. Why hasn't anyone connected Perrin to wolves? He has wolf eyes and a wolf banner. Obvi, surely.
The maidens and siswai'aman smell jealous of each other, as both believe they should be Rand's #1 protectors.
"There had been no anger scent even when Aram suggested murder" - Aram quickly went from Tinker to total hard-ass.
Perrin notes that none of the Wise Ones have an ageless face. Because they haven't used the Oath Rod.
"A friend had once told him to keep the axe until he began to like using it" - I think this was Elyas.
See noteds from previous chapter again.
Previously - Perrin is hanging out with everyone after the mad battle to free Rand. There's lots of dead bodies, and lots of tension between the different groups of people there.
During the battle, the Sedai with Perrin were supposed to stay back, but they went into the thick of it, putting themselves in danger.
Sorilea says the Tower Sedai are "da'tsang" - this means 'despised ones'. This is like the most dishonourable, disgraceful thing you can be to the Aiel. This is what Isendre was after she was caught stealing from the Maidens a few books ago, and also trying to contstantly sneak into Rand's room/bed. They made her wear heavy black prickly outfits and beat her with nettles and all sorts of mad stuff.
"I saw men with Green coats on horses to the North, but they avoided us" - these are probably Gawyn's people. They were described as wearing green coats in the prologue. But I thought it might also be Warders of the Aes Sedai who got away - Warders often wear green coats when not in their colour-shifting ones. But the Younglings green coats were specficially mentioned before, so it'll be them.
Rand says he doesn't think any of the Salidar Sedai (who swore to him) are darkfriends. I think he is correct - there are no Blackies among them.
Rand had told Taim to "keep an eye out for anyone who learns too fast" in case it is a Forsaken trying to sneak among the asha'man…
…Well, there are no forsaken in the Black Tower any more, Rand. You just took him with you. Oops. And just randomly chose him! Must be ta'veren work.
Dashiva smells "irritated" that Rand is taking him. He probably had plans to do stuff within the Black Tower itself. Oh well, Taim can do it himself.
Taim tries to convince Rand to take "Torval or Rochaid or…" - these are some of Taim henchmen. I don't think Taim ever knows who Dashiva is.
Min views that "Taim has blood in his past and his future. A dangerous man". Obvi. Boring.
M'Hael - the name Taim keeps later on as his "Forsaken" name.
Previously - Rand and co are returning to Cairhien.
The Tower Sedai will be looked after (as prisoners) by the Wise Ones.
Colavaere - high ranking Cairhienin Lady who had her main rivals killed.
Caraline Damodred and Toram Riatin - lead the rebel Cairhienin group of rebel nobles, who were gathering somewhere in the countryside.
Darlin - leads the rebel Tear group of rebel nobles, who were gathering in Haddon Mirk.
The random Wise One calls Perrin "sei'car" - Golden Eyes.
Previously - Rand and co are returning to Cairhien.
Colavaere has been crowned Queen while Rand was away.
She assumed he wasn't coming back, because the Tower Sedai told her that (presumably they wanted her as Queen, for whatever Aes Sedai reasons they had).
Rand randomly chose the asha'man Dashiva to join his party. Random forsaken.
There are a bunch of young nobles in Cairhien trying to imitate the Aiel's way of life. Much to the disgust of the AIel themselves.
Lady Selande is one of them. Colavaere once sent her to try to seduce Rand so she would have a spy near him.
Dashiva says "All it needs is one man with a … a bow, or a knife". He probably hesitated because he was going to say "shocklance" or some other Age of Legends weapon. Bows and knives, how primitive lol
The wannabe-Aiel study Perrin the most, probably because they have started to follow Faile.
This chapter is called "A Broken Crown". The Broken Crown is the symbol of the Saldaean monarch, as Bashere noted to Perrin a while ago. But this chapter has nothing to do with that. lol.
Previously - Colavaere claimed the throne while Rand was away. She had her main rivals murdered, and the Tower Sedai had told her Rand would not return.
Now Rand is back, and is not happy. He is about to confront her in the throne room, in front of many nobles gathered for part of the celebrations of the new Queen.
All the Aes Sedai have been sent to be looked after by the Wise Ones.
When Rand first arrived in Cairhien, he made a law that murder would be punished by hanging. He also had all the nobles there swear to follow him.
Min had a viewing that Colavaere would die by hanging.
No noteds here.
Previously - Rand got angry at Colavaere for becoming Queen. She fainted. All the other nobles are rushing to get out.
Annoura - Berleain's Aes Sedai advisor, who we didn't know about until last chapter. She was with Colavaere, but not really working for her - just being all Aes Sedai keeping an eye on her.
While Rand was kidnapped, Berelain (and whoever else knew but stayed behind) had to come up with other reasons/stories why everyone had left.
Rand has asked Perrin a couple of times if he would command the giant army that is (but isn't really) going to attack Illian. Perrin said no.
"I keep my oaths, Lady Faile". Dobraine was one of the many nobles that swore to Rand when he first claimed Cairhien. He is not plotting and scheming like Cairhienin normally do just because he is an honest person. I'm sure he would normally be all sneaky like they always are, but he swore to follow Rand, so he will.
"Where in the light did Rand mean him to go, if not to the army gathering on the Plains of Maredo?" - he is going to go get the Prophet.
Previously - Berelain's Aes Sedai advisor, Annoura, has appeared.
Rand heard that there are other Aes Sedai in Cairhien. We don't know who they are.
Rand also heard that the rebel nobles (Caraline Damodred and Toram Riatin and friends) approached the city, after spending much time hiding away in the country somewhere.
Rand sent Mat and the Band to fetch Elayne from Salidar and bring her to Caemlyn to become Queen.
When Taim recruits men, any that cannot channel are sent to Bashere to become soldiers.
Rand mentions he has started seeing flashes of colour that remind him of Mat and Perrin. This will eventually become images of them whenever he thinks of them. A useful skill to help them work together. I always thought this power should have been used in more cool ways, but it never really is.
Fedwin has a restriction on his ability to channel, which "Taim called a 'bar' " - sounds similar to Nynaeve's block of only being able to channel when angry.
The Wise One's "had only used [their ability to talk to people in dreams] for him once" - that was in book 4, they used it to call all the Clan Chiefs to Rand's big meeting at Alcair Dal in the Waste.
"Mat was not moving very fast if rumour placed him in Altara or Murandy" - lol, the Band is not moving fast as they are following the rebel Sedai camp. And Mat isn't even with them - he went the opposite direction!
Here is the first mention of Dyelin imprisoning a couple of Ladies who tried to claim the throne of Andor while Rand was gone (Naean and Elenia). They will be freed later on by Arymilla, who wants their support for her own claim - she is the one who attacks Caemlyn to try to stop Elayne becoming queen in the later books.
Rand wonders where his little-fat-man angreal went. This is hardly mentioned again until he goes back to Dumai's Wells and finds it in book 13.
So now we have heard of random groups of Sedai in Caemlyn AND Cairhien. The ones in Caemyn are no one special - just Sedai trying to wait until the division in the Tower is done with, and don't want to choose a side. It is implied another time that they are Cadsuane's followers (or they become her followers)
Rand claims he will soon give the order to attack Illian. Giant army to be on the move soon.
Nothing else. I just accidentally left a blank space for a noted.
Previously - Moghedien was freed by Shim. This chapter is kind a bit of jump back it time, it happens just before Moggy gets away.
Previously - Egwene managed to get the rebel Sedai moving, even though they all wanted to chicken out and just keep sitting in Salidar.
She did it by making each different group of Sedai think that the others wanted to stay. And so they disagreed, just to disagree with the others.
She also secretly let Logain go, because he vowed he would join Rand.
This is the first time we hear of Egwene's headaches. They are just normal headaches that come from tiredness, stress, etc.
Egwene thinks that Delana is a Sedai she can count on. Lies, she is a blackie and just pretending to be everyone's friend.
"Why keep it from the Hall, Sheriam? Surely you don't think any of them would betray your plan to Elaida?" - no, the Hall won't, but one of Sheriam's buddies (Beonin) is a mole for Elaida. There since the very start of Salidar.
The conversation between Egwene and Chesa when she goes to Moghedien's tent is the same as it was in the epilogue of last book. No mistakes found. Drat. lol
"The forsaken showed no sign of agelessness… maybe it was some effect of being connected to the Dark One" - nah, just that they haven't used the Oath Rod.
Previously - Egwene found out about the "ferrets" that Sheriam and friends sent to the Tower way back at the start of the Salidar rebellion.
And Moghedien was freed.
Siuan and Leane continue to pretend they hate each other, so no one will realise when they plot things together.
Siuan also pretends to hate having to 'teach' Egwene about being Amyrlin. Again, so they can plot together and no one will realise.
Faolain and Thoedrin - two Accepted that Egwene raised to full Sedai along with Elayne and Nynaeve.
Coiren - leader of the Tower delegation in Cairhien (who then kidnapped Rand). Where Egwene is up to, Rand has been taken, but no one knows yet.
Merana - leader of the Salidar delegation to Rand.
In book 5, Rand got letters from both Alviarin and Elaida. Elaida was going to send Sedai to escort him to Tar Valon (yup) and Alviarin said she secretly supported him (nope).
Nicola and Ariena - two women who came to Salidar with Nyn and Elayne on the boat when they first arrived. Nicola is now a novice.
The light of a gateway appearing "is not really light as it cast no shadows". That's dumb. That means it is made of something that human eyes can detect when it's coming directly from the gateway, but it never reflects off any surface.
Egwene talks about how she learned quickly by "forcing". That's just when you push yourself really hard and channel more power than you should too soon. You get stronger quicker, but can be dangerous. She did this because she (and the other girls) spent so much time outside of the Tower, away from Aes Sedai supervision.
It is also an explanation as to why the girls are so strong in the Power already, even though it should take 5-10 years for them to slowly reach their max power.
"Some people thought hearing an owl in moonlight meant bad news was coming. She was not superstitious." - The Seanchan (especially Tuon) are totally into that kind of thing.
Previously - Nicola and Ariena tried to blackmail Egwene. They know the girls pretended to be full Sedai before coming to Salidar. Nicola wanted to learn faster. Such a dumb reason to blackmail the Amyrlin.
Meri, Selame and Chesa - Egwene's 3 maids. Gifts from each of the 3 factions of Sedai (Sheriam, Lelaine and Romanda)
Egwene sometimes gets sucked into Gawyn's dreams when she is in that place where you can visit everyone's dreams.
When Egwene started learning dreams, Amys promised that she would stop teaching Egwene if she ever disobeyed the rule of "don't go to telrod by yourself". Egwene admitted she did that before leaving the Aiel, so Amys will keep her word and never teach her more.
Egwene says she could "snatch someone out, into a dream of her own making, a part of telrod where she was in complete control". That sounds like a "dreamshard" - this was what Ishy did with the boys in the early books when he appeared to them.
Gawyn walked across a floor of broken glass - probably just that the road in front of him at the moment is dangerous and unpleasant. He is with the Younglings, and a couple of Sedai who escaped from the Dumai's Wells battle. And Elaida wanted to get rid of him. And still does.
Gawyn choosing a path. Down one fork was his violent death, the other a long life and death in bed. One path he would marry her, and the other not - The marrying and the violent death go together, and that is the path he ends up on. In book 13, when Eggy and him are arguing over his role and his interfering in her plans, he decides to come back and saves her from assassins. If he had not chosen that path, Egwene would have died and he would not have married her. But he would also have not got the assassins power-rings, and so not made the decisions he did during the last battle, and so lived through the Last Battle and died of old age.
Unable to break down a wall that appears to be made of Seals - this could represent something to do with the Seals, or to do with Aes Sedai (where the symbol means Aes Sedai, and they are not actually Darkie Seals). Not really sure, it could be that she decides in the last few books that she CANNOT allow Rand to break the seals.
Mat grabs a firework, and she knows it will change the world and men will die - Mat and Aludra use her knowledge of gunpowder to invent cannons.
Her head on the block with the axe descending, but someone running to save her - probably Gawyn again. Him saving her from the assassins in book 13 seems to be like every second dream of hers.
Logain stepping over a "fake Rand dead body" on a black stone - Logain taking command of the Black Tower after Rand's moves on after his fake death.
A female golden hawk stretched out its wing and touched her, and she was tied to it somehow - Golden Hawk is the Seanchan emblem. This would be her bonding Leilwin Shipless as a warder after Gawyn dies to save her from the pain of losing her Warder (bet you didn't remember that part!!)
A man lay dying on a narrow bed, and it was important he not die, but outside a funeral was being prepared - presumably Rand at end. But why is it important that he not die? He would have done his job by then.
A dark young man held something extremely bright in his hands - probably someone holding Calandor. Either Narishma (the asha'man who fetches it for Rand), or Moridin (during the Last Battle). Or perhaps "dark" is a reference to Rand when he is "dark, depressed, losing his shit" and he almost uses the super-angreal (glowing object) to blow everything up before he has his guru-on-the-mountain moment.
Previously - Egwene spent the night in telrod and having lots of premonitions in dreams.
Egwene has 3 maids, each a "gift" from a different group among the Sedai (Romanda, Lelaine and Sheriam)
Last night, Sheriam revealed that they had sent "ferrets" back to the Tower to help trying to bring down Elaida from within. This was done back in the early days, and only her little original group knew of it.
Egwene sent Theodrin and Faolain (the two Accepted that she raised along with Elayne and Nynaeve) to find out if anyone saw who visited "Marigan" (and therefore freed her)
Theodrin and Faolain were also two of the Accepted that were given charge of the girls when the returned to the Tower after Falme in book 3. These two didn't like the girls, and didn't think they were punished enough for running away (no one knew the real reason they left or what they had been up to)
They now seem to kind-of follow Egwene, presumably because they like that she raised them to full Sedai (even though most of the Sedai still don't see them that way).
Delana - Blackie the has 'Halima' as a secretary. She is trying to join all the different sides within Salidar.
Myrelle - Lan's new Sedai (and one of Sheriam's group). Lan has recently arrived to be with her. Hardly anyone know of him yet.
Egwene thinks the surrounding land, with its "long ridges and irregular mounds, sometimes hundreds of feet high, that often looked as though monstrous fingers had squeezed them" - maybe that was indeed how they were made. During the Breaking, some mad man using the power to squeeze the land into odd hills.
The "task" that Egwene sets Theodrin and Faolain to do is to go spy on Lelaine and Romanda. They will each go and pretend to "join" their little groups of followers.
Siuan says "There was no one stronger than me before. No one since…" - she was probably going to say "since Moiraine". Those two were about the same strength. The only Sedai stronger than her would be Cadsuane and two Sedai who were in New Spring that aren't around any more.
"I never did figure out how the Wise Ones determine precendence, but it isn't strength in the Power" - it's just kind of natural with them, they just sort themselves out without any set rules. Wise Ones will follow whoever they believe should be followed, or whoever has the most honour, or just whoever is the biggest hard-ass and takes control lol.
Delana wants to declare that Elaida is Black Ajah. lol. Irony. I guess it's a good way to cover yourself - if you're accusing someone of being a Blackie you probs aren't one yourself.
They talk about how there are ways of discovering Black Ajah. Well, yeah, obviously, so why hasn't anyone done anything about it ever before??? Bloody Sedai.
Bryne talks about how they have to block the harbours to take over Tar Valon, but there are huge iron chains that can be raised to stop invaders getting in via boat. The plan they use later is turning those iron chains to cuendillar, which blocks the whole harbour.
Previously - Gareth wants to show Egwene something. Egwene wants Myrelle to come with them, because she thinks she knows something about her.
It seems Siuan somehow figured out that Lan is with Myrelle, and that's the thing she wants to see Myrelle about.
Nisao (some random Yellow Ajah) is the only other one who knows about Lan. She is with Myrelle, and I think she is checking him out from a health/healing point-of-view.
Myrelle probably thinks Egwene is angry after finding out about the "ferrets". She was one of the original group that sent them off.
The Band (led by Talmanes) are still following along near the Aes Sedai camp/army.
Nicola and Ariena tried to blackmain Egwene to make Nicola get more lessons and learn faster.
Theodrin and Faolain swore to follow Egwene.
Siuan pretends to hate her job of "teaching Egwene" about being Amyrlin, so they can secretly plot together with no one thinking they are allies.
"Talmanes follows us because he fears we might turn against his precious Lord Dragon" - lol, no they follow because Mat said so. They don't care about Lord Dragon, only Lord Mat.
Egwene has been having headaches.
I don't get why Bryne made Egwene ride all the way out to see corpses and to tell her about the Rand/Elaida rumour. Just tell her in the camp!
The "Coin Peppers" saying is just a saying that means "If you want to keep a secret, don't go trying to do something that will draw attention to yourself (like trying to buy Coin Peppers, which are only grown on the other side of the continent)"
Myrelle had previously been mean/annoying to Nynaeve. Nynaeve was often described as trying to avoid Myrelle. Presumably this was because Myrelle was trying to "ready Nynaeve" to have Lan in the future (as Myrelle mentioned in this chapter).
Lol. Myrelle slept with Lan. It's ok, I don't think Nynaeve ever finds out.
So I assume after Nicola's failed blackmail of Egwene, she then found out about Lan and so blackmailed Myrelle to give her lessons lol
Skimming - Egwene says that "anyone would could not channel, that fall would be… endless". Hmm, I didn't think it had anything to do with chanelling, I thought it was just that only the person who opened the gateway could make a platform.
And yes, skimming totally has something to do with telrod. But it's never quite clear exactly how they are related.
Egwene says that Nynaeve will get Lan's bond "as soon as you three can be together". Actually, they don't have to be together at all. Myrelle ends up passing the bond while Lan is off on his journey across the Borderlands. You know, the one he keeps secret so no one will follow him.
"They had worked out a way to leave messages in the Salidar of telrod whenever there was need for one". Hmmm, firstly, I don't know how they do this. You can make permanent changes to telrod. Secondly - why? Just make a gateway and talk to each other in person!!!
Romanda comes up with a totally reasonable plan to discover all the Black Ajah, which they reject. But then Egwene uses the EXACT SAME method to get them all in a later book. Oy vey.
Halima cures Egwene's headaches. With saidin healing - oops, I mean "massage". And she probably then makes Egwene get incurable headaches so that she can spend time around her, spying.
People say that Halima had never "done more than flirt". Yeah, she's not interested in getting with a guy, just showing off her hot body lol
The girls are in Ebou Dar, looking for the Bowl.
Mat should know Birgitte, as he met her when he blew the Horn. But his loss of his own memories during his time with the dagger means he hasn't remembered her. Yet.
In book 4, travelling to Tanchico, Elayne and Nynaeve travelled on a Sea Folk ship and found out Windfinders could channel.
"Mistress of the Ships" is the leader of the entire Sea Folk.
"Birgitte will tell Mat what he has to do" - lol, nah, she'll just end up drinking with him and being on his side.
"By the nine winds and Stormbringers beard" LOL. Bigitte needs to keep her mouth shut. Clearly she has lived a life before where she was (or spent lots of time with) Sea Folk.
Mat is in Ebou Dar with the girls. But they keep away from him, so he can't send his men to "look after them"
The girls sneak out of the palace using One Power disguises so no one sees them leave.
Nalesean, Mat's second-in-command in Ebou Dar.
Mat should know Birgitte, as he met her when he blew the Horn. But his loss of his own memories during his time with the dagger means he hasn't remembered her. Yet.
In book 1, on their way to Cairhien, lots of different darkfriends tried to kill Rand and Mat.
Jaichim Carridin (BORS) is also in Ebou Dar. Elayne saw him briefly at the end of last book.
The old man at the end (and who Mat saw at the racetrack) is… NOAL! Probs out following the Darkfriends. They will meet again later, of course.
The darkfriend lady Mat followed was actually in book 1 - you can go back and read the scene where she attacked them if you want. Book 1, Chapter 33.
Previously, in the life of Jaichim 'Bors' Carridin:
He attended a meeting of darkfriends, where Ishy showed everyone images of Rand, Mat and Perrin and said they were to be catured/killed.
Pedron has sent him on three missions - one to Almoth Plain to just try to take control of the places there by force. Daddy Bornhald was sent to join him, but Borhald decided the Seanchan were more important, so he went to fight them instead.
Second, Pedron sent him to Tanchico to offer assistance to the King and Panarch, thus gaining favour for the Whitecloaks with them. But everything went to hell when the Blackies vs Super-girls got fighting each other.
Third, he's been sent to stir up trouble and chaos in Altara, from which the Whitecloaks will save the day. This is where he is now - Ebou Dar (in Altara)
However… he also has his darkie orders. A myrddraal visited him and said he must find and kill Rand, and every month that passes one of his family members will die until he succeeds.
He was originally given this order because he was going to be in and around Tarabon/Almoth Plain where there were lots of Dragonsworn and many people assumed Rand was with them somewhere.
Very recently: he has been given two more orders (which we didn't see on screen)
1 - Pedron wants him to get Elayne and bring her back to Morgase. To help with his plans for Andor in some way, I assume.
2 - Sammael has him searching for a collection of angreal that he knows is in Ebou Dar somewhere.
Previously, in non-Bors news: Mat followed a darkfriend woman to the place Carridin is staying.
An old man (Noal) told Mat who lived there.
He keeps wanting his brandy. He is a bit of a drinker. It will be the death of him (LUL)
Sammael mutters something about "betrayal" when he hears Mat is in Ebou Dar. Not sure exactly who he is talking about 'betraying', but Sammy expects that Mat is with the giant army that is supposed to be attacking Illian soon. He might have just inadvertently discovered that that is all a sham!
kjasic - old tongue word which is just a curse. Like "god damned".
"I will send you… someone… to deal with the Aes Sedai" - GHOLAM!
Sammael says that he cannot stop the myrddraal from killing his family, even though he is obviously unable to help in getting rid of Rand now (and for that matter, killing Rand is not even Darkie's orders any more). "Someone is making sure Ishamael's commands are still being carried out" - the myrddraal are still following orders originally from Ishy and Sammy cannot stop them.
Sammy seems to have "frozen" Shiaine while talking to Carridin. She was shocked that he had suddenly moved around the room when she "woke up" lol
Hmmm, Carridin really wants to get rid of Mat, even though Sammy said it was not a priority. Because he still remembers those orders he got from Ishy all those books ago, and he feels those orders are most important. Or maybe Ishy even did some compulsion on the darkfriends to make them WANT to go after the boys as a priority. He doesn't know Ishy is now dead, of course.
Previously - Mat followed a Darkfriend who went to visit Jaichim Carridin.
While following the darkfriend, he accidentally bought a ring lol
Teslyn and Joline - Aes Sedai from the Tower, sent by Elaida as the Tower's representatives to the Queen in Ebou Dar.
Merilille and Sareitha - as above, but from Salidar. They were here long before the girls came. Merilille has been mentioned before. Sareitha just seems to appear in this chapter lol.
Adeleas and Vandene - Moiraine's old Sedai friends who are with the girls here.
Mat talks about the "last time he felt the dice tumbling this hard" being when he was facing the White Lions. This would have been after Rand saved Cairhien from the Shaido. After that he sent Mat and his followers (who would become The Band) to fight off the soldiers Rahvin had sent into Cairhien to make his/Morgase's claim for the throne there. We didn't see this battle, but Mat returned from it with the news that apparently Morgase was dead. The news that sent Moiraine to the docks for her tackle.
Ahh, Mat meets his rape-y Queen lol
Previously - Mat met Queen Tylin. She likes him lol
Chelsaine Palace - the place Bors is staying at.
Teslyn and Joline - Aes Sedai from the Tower, sent by Elaida as the Tower's representatives to the Queen in Ebou Dar.
The mystery fog they talk about is really just a random bubble of evil - it's nothing to do with Shadar Logoth or Fain or anything.
Satelle Anan gives looks that remind Mat "not of his mother - of an Aes Sedai maybe". Yup, well, she used to be one.
The note was secretly slipped into Mat's pocket by Teslyn.
Teslyn and Joline were sent to Ebou Dar by Elaida to get them out of her way. Neither of them like her much any more.
Joline seems more anti-Elaida that Teslyn. But it was Teslyn that gave Mat the note warning the girls to be careful so they don't get taken back to the Tower.
This is Falion, one of the Blackies that Moghedien took command of.
Not to be confused with Faolain - the Accepted in Salidar that Egwene raised to Sedai, and who recently swore to Egwene. Lol. I don't think they are ever in the same chapter together.
Anyway, Moggy sent all her Blackies off to do different tasks. Here we see Falion and Ispan in Ebou Dar. They are looking a secret collection of angreal for Moghedien.
This is the same collection that Sammael has got Carridin and friends looking for. And the same place the girls are looking for, as the Bowl is there.
Liandrin was the original leader of that group of Blackies, and when Moggy took over, Liandrin tried to overpower her. She failed, of course, and Moggy left her tied up in an un-removable shield so she could never channel again, and left her as a servant in the house they were staying at.
Before that, the group had their plans foiled by the girls in Tear and in Tanchico.
They are questioning Wise Women because they know they can channel, and that some of them belong to the Kin - the White Tower secretly knows about the Kin, and they mentioned knowing that the woman they just questioned was someone who had been put out of the Tower.
Previously - an old man (Noal) was watching Carridin's palace, and he told Mat who was staying there.
Falion and Ispan just killed a Wise Woman and had their men dispose of the body.
Noal is now watching the place where Falion and Ispan are staying. He is clearly investigating darkfriends.
He is having trouble remembering things. He was actually taken by Graendal and had some compulsion put on him. Granny wants him to find the hidden angreal for her (yet ANOTHER person looking) but also to spy on the others she knows are looking. This is why he is following the Darkfriends around all the time.
We actually saw him very briefly previously. See noteds for Book 5, Prologue part 3 3.
Merana - leader of the Salidar Sedai that came to Rand. They were all made to swear to Rand and are now being looked after by the Wise Ones.
Dashiva - the Asha'man that Rand randomly chose to join him. May or may not a forsaken lol
Annoura - Berelain's Aes Sedai advisor.
The Shaido are hanging out in the mountains called Kinslayer's Dagger, north of Cairhien.
Harine - Sea Folk Wavemistress who is waiting to see Rand in Cairhien.
Previously - Herid Fel was ripped apart gholam. Idrien is the head of the 'school' that Fel did his work at.
Alanna is often weeping because of the loss of one of her Warders (killed by Whitecloaks while she was in Two Rivers). It seems that effect lasts for a long time.
"He shall wear a crown of swords" is part of the prophecies. That is both the name of this book, and name of the Crown of Illian.
While Rand is talking to Berelain he stops because "colours swirled in his head so strongly his tongue froze". Not sure what this is yet - it's not him seeing Mat or Perrin because he wasn't thinking about them at the time
All the Aes Sedai obey Cadsuane not just because she is a legend, but because she is very strong in the Power, and that's how Sedai are all used to sorting out their leadership.
"I have worn the shawl longer than any sister living" - yes, she is just under 300 years old. The oldest Sedai currently alive.
Dashiva laughs when Cadsuane asks whether Rand is hearing voices. I have no idea why, unless it's supposed to be an evil laugh lol.
Previously - Cadsuane arrived!
We saw Cadsuane in New Spring. Moiraine ran into her in the Borderlands somewhere a few months after the Aiel War.
In other news - there are Aes Sedai staying somewhere in Cairhien. Not the ones from the Tower or Salidar.
Rand had Merana serving tea for him and the Chiefs to try to show them that the Sedai obey him. But he made sure she was shielded away while not serving so she could not spy on their conversations.
Bera and Kiruna - Two Sedai who were originally sent from Salidar to Rand when he was in the Waste. But they ended up finding him in Caemlyn and taking command of the Salidar delegation there.
"Cadsuane had once been the standard by which every new entry into the novice book was judged. Until Elayne Trakand had come, none had come to the White Tower who could match that standard" - sounds like they're talking about how strong they are in the Power, not about how good they were. I guess it just shows how much store Aes Sedai put on being strong in the Power.
Cadsuane "disappeared for ten years because the Hall intended to raise her Amyrlin" - lol, but she won't get away quickly enough next time.
Merana thinks that Cadsuane "did not stand that far above her". I'm pretty sure Robert Jordan changed his mind about how strong Cadsuane is in the Power as he went along. In this chapter it's implied she is quite high, but only a bit ahead of Merana, and not as high has Elayne. But in the end she is way up high, closer to Nynaeve (see the One Power Strengths page).
And then there's Daigian - the weakest of all Sedai - only just strong enough to be allowed to be full Aes Sedai.
Cadsuane mentions "vileness right after the Aiel War" - she is talking about when Reds went around gentling men on the spot, against Tower law. As happened to Thom's nephew.
Lol - when Cadsuane hears of Alanna bonding rand, she implies she was thinking of bonding him herself.
At one point they mention that Berelain has "ridden north". But we haven't heard of her doing that yet.
Previously - Rand stripped Colavaere of all her titles and land and stuff. She should have been hung for murder of her rivals under Rand's laws. But Rand couldn't do it. Even though Min foresaw she would die by hanging.
Rand heard of the death of Herid Fel.
Before he died, he left Rand a note:
Belief and order give strength. Have to clear rubble before you can build. Will explain when I see you. Don't bring girl - too pretty.
Min has started reading philosophy books because she found one of his intersesting.
Why was Herid Fel killed? What could he have told Rand? Who knows! Maybe nothing specific, maybe he was just killed in case he worked something out.
Arilyn - noble whose palace the Tower Sedai stayed at in Cairhein.
Cadsuane is now staying there, not sure if that's a coincidence, or she is staying there for some reason.
Previously - Sevanna and her Wise Ones have fled after the battle.
She had a Wise One, Desaine, killed (by her other loyal Wise Ones) and framed the Aes Sedai to make her Shaido fight against them.
She was given a stone cube by a mysterious wetlander man, who said to use it when she had Rand.
Aiel dress the most despicable people (da'tang), those who have no honour, in black.
The woman is named "Maisia". This was a common name for pets in the Age of Legends. The equivalent of "Fluffy" or "Doggo" or something. Lol. She doesn't like being given that name.
Caddar claims he has something that can control Rand. Not sure what that is - he doesn't have the black collar I don't think.
Previously - Sammael offered Rand a truce, but Rand rejected. But Sammy told Graendal he had accepted the truce.
Caddar and his little lady friend came to visit the Shaido Wise Ones.
Fancloth - the camoflague material that Warder's cloaks are made of.
First mention of the True Power. The power of Darky himself. The power that was detected by researchers in the Age of Legends that caused them to drill the bore in the first place.
Sammael says that Mesanna had a hand in planning Rand's kidnap - obvi, as she is in the White Tower.
He also says "Maybe Demandred and Semirhage as well, despite how it ended". I'm not sure what that refers to. We know Demo, Semi and Messy are working together. And maybe that's all Sammael knows as well. So he was probably just saying that if all 3 had been involved, Rand should not have got away.
The Watcher is Moridin.
Previously, in Ebou Dar:
Jaichim Carridin and some followers are working for Sammael, trying to find the same stash of angreal as the girls.
Carridin saw Mat, and decided his followers should try to capture/kill Matas a priority, even though Sammy said not to bother.
The girls have decided they will use Mat's ta'veren-ness and luck to help them find the Bowl. But they will make sure he knows they are in charge and that he will not take over. So they are sending Birgitte to talk to him, so they don't have to lose their dignity by having to yell at him when he inevitably gets annoying. Or something like that - their logic is dumb
The beggars at the start are obvi darkies sent by Carridin.
Birgitte calls Mat "Hornsounder". Apparently that is the name they give to the person who last blew the Horn. Once Olver blows it, they start calling Mat "Hornblower", and Mat becomes "Hornsounder". Thrilling bit of info lol.
Birgitte is off to get Mat for the girls.
The girls went to meet the Sea Folk earlier to get their help when they use the Bowl of the Winds.
Mat found out that Carridin is working with Darkfriends and left a note for the girls.
Lan arrived in Salidar and Egwene found out and sent him to Ebou Dar to help Nynaeve.
The girls have been sneaking out the palace every day using One Power disguises. Mat has Thom, Juilin and some of his men watching for them every day, but they never spot them due to disguises.
Thom and Juilin know who Birgitte is, because they were the ones who found her when she first appeared in the real world. And they just worked it out.
In book 3, Mat rescued the girls from a cell in the Stone of Tear where the Black Ajah had imprisoned them. They were not grateful.
Avi will not wear the bracelet (which Rand gave her) any more, until Elayne has something similar from him as well.
Nynaeve is paranoid that Mat's letter implies he knows some embarrassing thing about her, and thinks Thom or Juilin revealed it to him. I cannot remember what she is referring to, but I feel like I should know.
"Each of them had had a rather unfortunate experience with too much wine" - Elayne, the time some serving boy kept filling her cup, and in her drunken-ness remembered that Thom used to be Morgase's lover. Nynaeve did it while working with Theodrin in Salidar as an idea to remove her block.
Nynaeve recalls Mat saying in book 3 that he was there "to pull their chestnuts off the fire or some such". He actually said "I came to bloody rescue you. Burn me if I expected to be greeted as if I had come to steal a pie"
I'm not sure if Mat never mentioned the Forsaken because he didn’t think it was a big deal, or if he didn't even know that Be'lal was involved.
Previously - Birgitte went to tell Mat to come and see the girls. She ended up getting his side, and now the girls are going to apologise.
They really only agreed to do it because Avi heard the story and told Elayne she had much shame lol
The serving woman at the Wandering Woman (Caira) who has a crush on Mat was totes jealous when Birgitte went to his room.
Previously - Mat got a sneaky note from Teslyn/Joline warning him about Elaida wanting to get her hands on the girls.
Mat's head dice warn him about (a) having the girls accept his help, which leads to him facing the gholam and (b) moving into the Palace, where he will face Queen Tylin lol
There's a paragraph in here I've never noticed before where Elayne is kind of excited by the prospect of hearing some new swear words from having Mat around. Later in the books, she is totally into swearing and I always thought it came from nowhere, but here we go, hearing that she has always been disappointed at not knowing more foul language lol
"Was that all Birgitte told you?" Mat asked. They don't know he blew the Horn, for example. But he probably told Birgitte all sort of other things while they were drunk. Maybe about his visits to the snakes/foxes.
Setalle Anan mentions "slowing" to do with Aes Sedai. Naturally, people who can channel age slowed, and so live WAAAY longer than normal. "Slowing" is when they start doing this, some years after they start channelling. This slowing is covered up by using the Oath Rod, which both gives them the Ageless appearance, and causes them to live shorter lives.
"There was no reason the woman had to believe them - something tickled at that, but she could not say what" - Elayne is probably making a connection between the mention of slowing and them not having held the oath rod.
"The Circle" is "The Knitting Circle" - the name the Kin give to their group of leaders.
Setalle Anan grabbed the girls coming out of Mat's room. She thinks they are pretending to be Aes Sedai, and is taking them to "some people who can help them" - i.e. The Kin.
Setalle used to be Aes Sedai, but burned herself out years ago studying a ter'angreal.
Adeleas and Vandene came to Ebou Dar with the girls, and have mentioned they will be looking for runaways from the Tower while there.
The girls have been to see the Sea Folk regarding help with the Bowl of the Winds. We have not yet heard what bargain they made with them for their help.
All the guilds of workers in Ebou Dar have grandiose sounding names, like "Ancient and Worshipful Guild of Stablemen"
The conversation where Reanne and Setalle keep apologising to each other - it's probably partially because Ebou Dari people are often like that, and also because they have much respect for each other. Reanne maybe knows Setalle used to be Sedai.
The weird exchange between Setalle and Garenia when she first comes in:
Garenia is not her real name. She is Zarya Alkaese. She was Accepted, but ran away. She was in the Tower the same time as Setalle was there, that's why Setalle recognises her, and knows her real name. Garenia pretends that person was her grandmother's sister - because that's about right age, given Setalle knew her 70-or-so years ago.
Garenia is hiding her real name because she is a runaway, and knows the Tower always wants to find runaways.
Then Garenia exclaims about Satelle being still alive despite being burned out so long ago.
The talk about "taking turns":
Because channelers live so long, to avoid people noticing this, they all take up new lives or new jobs on a regular basis (max 10 years in one place/role), so as never to be known by the same people for too long. They take turns being Wise Women, working in difrferent jobs and in different cities, and at "the farm".
This also ties into Elayne's comment about Wise Women in Ebou Dar often looking like foreginers. Because most Wise Woman are part of the Kin, so could come from anywhere, or be taking a turn in Ebou Dar from somewhere else.
Berowin has a weird talent of being able to shield anyone no matter how strong they are compared to her. Similar to Androl's ability to make mad gateways, even though his strenght in the power should not be enough to make one at all.
The novice quarters are 12 stories tall apparently. Another indication of the size of the White Tower. I think the novice quarters are in one of the wings in the bottom part of the building, not in the main tower itself. And that's at least 12 stories high.
Reanne says they know nothing about a store of ter'angreal. Lies.
Previously - Elayne and Nynaeve were dragged to the Kin by Setalle. Reanne Corly and the other leaders questioned them, but didn't believe they were Sedai.
The Kin are mostly made of people who were sent away from the Tower for various reasons. Failing tests, not being strong enough, etc.
They remain hidden and keep themselves secret by having each of them constantly changing jobs and locations so no one notices their longevity.
Garenia recognises Setalle Anan from her days in the Tower.
Previously - Two Blackies, who were originally working for Moggy, are in Ebou Dar looking for the collection of angreal. They have been questioning Wise Women. The White Tower secretly knows about the Kin, so those two would have known that Wise Women here were part of it, and hoped they knew something. And obvi have to kill them after questioning.
"This is what must be done" she says at the end. I'm not sure what "must be done" - their plans will get interrupted soon enough.
The two Blackies that are in Ebou Dar working for Moggy discovered that Elayne and Nynaeve are there, and have decided they should try to capture them for Moggy. Even though they are not sure what happened to Moggy.
Nynaeve uses healing that is able to target specific ailments. Most Sedai just use general healing that takes care of all things at once. Nynaeve has her own way because she taught herself even before she knew she was channelling.
Elayne works out the secret of the Oath Rod. It shortens the lives of Sedai and gives them the ageless look.
The Oath Rod seems to have been originally used in the Age of Legends to make criminals vow to never offend again, but also shortened their lives, possibly as part of the punishment. This info was implied by a conversation between Sammy and Granny earlier.
Previously - Moghedien was freed from her a'dam in Salidar by Shim (Aran'gar). She was told to go straight to Shayol Ghul and report to the Dark One.
One of the things she tried to teach the girls while prisoner was how to detect men's channelling. But without a man to practice on, she was able to teach them some fake thing that just gave them headaches lol.
Using the True Power eventually causes small black flecks in your eyes
First time we have had Moridin described. I always forget his body is a young man (about Rand's age) who is very tall (about Rand's height). I always imagine him being a medium-aged adult. But I guess the story needs Rand to have a nice familiar, similar body at the end. lol.
vacuole - don't worry, they are never mentioned again lol
"She had never heard of anyone being released one a mindtrap was set" - I'm not sure if she is realeased later, but Moridin eventually gives her the vial to look after herself, which is close enough I guess.
"Only twenty-nine others have ever been granted…" - Moghedien is talking about people who have been given the ability to use the True Power by Darkie. In the Age of Legends, during Darkie's first freedom, there were more that just the Forsaken that were leaders of the Shadow. The Forsaken were just 13 of the main ones who happened to be meeting with Darky when Lews attacked and sealed him. So there can have been more than just the 13 we are familiar with given the True Power back in the day.
Apparently Moghedien had "done some good by accident". Lol. Not sure exactly what he's referring to.
She sees that Moridin has another mindtrap. Lanfear has already been killed, revived, and vial-ed.
Previously - Pedron was assassinated by his useless fake spymaster Omerna. Possibly under the influence of Eamon Valda and Radam Asunawa (head of the questioners)
Valda is now the White King.
Morgase's followers are: Lini - old maid. Tallanvor - guardman who totes wants her. Basel Gill - innkeeper from Caemlyn. Lamgwin - worked as guard at Basel Gill's inn. Breane - Lamgwin's girlfriend.
The Seanchan are in Tanchico/Tarabon and have basically taken over there. This is the nation next to Amadicia where the Whitecloaks are. Pedron knew they were nearby, but never got to tell anyone else before he died.
This is also where the girls previously helped Amathera, the Panarch.
Morgase can channel - but only a teeny tiny tiny bit.
Sebban Balwer - Pedron's former secretary and true spymaster.
At the start, Morgase notes that Valda and Asunawa had ridden north with thousands of Whitecloaks. Therefore they avoided the invasion of their HQ.
Suroth mentions "Pura" as one of the damane. She was a Sedai captured in Falme, we saw (or maybe just heard of) her while the girls were there.
"Balwer probably expected some fine reward for rescuing the Queen of Andor" - lol, nah, he's just a good guy.
You are now halfway through Wheel!! A couple of chapters before the end of this chapter was the exact halfway point.
Previously - After Perrin told Rand he would not take command of his Tear vs Illian army, Rand said he had another job for him.
Queen Alliandre of Ghealdan wrote to Rand, and said she supported him, but needed his help with the Prophet.
Rand told Berelain she was to go home, but she convinced him to allow her to keep helping him in some way.
Loial and Karldin (an Asha'man) are off to take care of the Waygates. We won't see them again for a while.
Wow, there's a lot of people with Perrin: Faile and Aram. Selande's fake-Aiel society. Real Aiel: Gaul, Bain, Chiad, Sulin and a dozen other Maidens. Edarra leading six wise ones, plus two of the Aes Sedai under their watch: Seonid and Masuri. Dannil leading the Two Rivers army. Asha'man Neald and Grady. Berelain, and her Winged Guards led by Nurelle and Gallenne. Winged Guards. You'll be getting plenty of reminders as they come up again.
The Asha'man have made up their own form of bonding. There are a few different 'bonds' that different people work out during the books. They are not all exactly the same as the ones Sedai normally use.
Queen Alliandre will not just be ok with Perrin and his army on her lands, she will join them.
Previously - Mat agreed (or was told) to move from his Setalle Anan's inn into the Palace, since he will now be helping the girls find the Bowl.
Setalle dragged the girls to the Kin thinking they were Tower runaways.
They will make Mat "help" by watching the Kin's house, hoping they will somehow, by luck, lead him to the angreal storeroom.
Both the girls and Mat have people keeping an eye on Jaichim Carridin's palace. Old Man (Noal) is also keeping an eye on Carridin and other darkfriends.
Carridin is doing a bit of everything. Working for Pedron, wanting to get Elayne to reunite her with Morgase. Working for Sammy to find the angreal. Working under his orders from waaay back in book 2 to get Mat.
Cairia - Serving girl at the inn who has the hots for Mat.
Nerim and Lopin - Mat and Nalesean's servants. Always trying to out-do each other.
Before leaving, Setalle tells Mat not to say anything to anyone, and Mat is confused what she is talking about. I think she means "don't mention the two girls that were visiting you the other day, because the Aes Sedai in the palace might find out about them". She still doesn't know the girls are actual Sedai.
Thom obvi knows what's going on with Mat and Tylin. He is clever enough.
Mat spends some time thinking about how Tylin could sneak into his room from outside. In book 14, Mat will use these same ideas to sneak in to catch up with Tuon.
Previously - Mat has moved into the Palace.
Queen Tylin's son, Beslan, wants to spend the upcoming festivals with Mat.
He's had lots of "dice rolling in his head" times in Ebou Dar. Pretty much every main decision he is making is leading him to danger, or something fateful. To future confrontation with gholam, and with Tylin, and with Tuon. And with a wall falling on him lol.
Old Cully - one of the leaders of Carridin's darkfriend minions in Ebou Dar.
lol - Mat is attacked by darkfriends disguised as beggars, and is helped by actual beggars who are offended at the others pretending to be beggars when they are not part of the official guild.
Reanne - current leader of the Kin.
Mat has been sitting outside their house keeping watch for the last few days, under orders from the girls. He doesn't know what he's looking for, he's just being ta'veren.
He randomly decided to follow a woman he saw come out of the house.
"Reanne was not sure why the urge had grown so strong… for days it had come on almost with the morning and faded with the sun" - hehe, having a ta'veren sitting outside the house all day has made her want to do things that would help Mat find the angreal store-room.
Presumably she decided to send one of her women to go check on the angreal store-room after Elayne and Nynaeve mentioned they were looking for it (even though she didn't believe who they were).
Previously - Elyane and Nynaeve tried to tell the Kin they were Sedai, but were not believed.
Mat followed a woman from the Kin's house. Just randomly decided to, to use his luck.
One of Jaichim Carridin's orders in Ebou Dar is from Pedron - to get Elayne and bring her back to Morgase.
The Sedai all start following Elayne, not just because she got cranky, but because she is more powerful than them, and Sedai always organise themselves by power level. So they just instinctively started doing it once they stopped trying to bully her.
Moggy is in Moridin's vial.
Falion and Ispan - Sedai that Moggy previously sent to Ebou Dar to find angreal for her.
I think Moggy's instructions are to go and work with Falion and Ispan, after she used to be their boss.
Previously - Moghedien is in Ebou Dar. She spotted Nynaeve, and balefired her boat.
Previously - the girls went to see the Sea Folk and made a bargain to get help using the Bowl (when they find it).
Nesta - big boss of the Sea Folk. The girls met her to make their bargain.
Boom! Lan arrives just in time, after being sent to Ebou Dar by Egwene.
And Nynaeve's block is gone.
Myrelle slept with Lan as part of her method for keeping him from losing his shit after Moiraine's death and his change of Sedai. Nynaeve did not let Lan admit to that happening.
Nynaeve has defeated Moghedien "not once, but twice". Once in Tanchico when she was trying to get the Black Male A'dam. Second time in telrod when she got the a'dam on Moggy in Salidar.
Yes, Nynaeve and Lan will be married by the Sea Folk.
Previously - Elayne got in trouble for speaking with the Kin and telling them she was Sedai. The White Tower's knowledge of the Kin was supposed to be super-secret. But she didn't even know. And they didn't believe who she was anyway.
Anyways, then she got all cranky and took over, and now the Sedai are all going to see the Kin. Elayne is sure they know where the storeroom of angreal is.
They also have Mat using his ta'veren-ness to help find the angreal. He randomly followed a woman that came out of the Kin's house.
Egwene's plan as Amyrlin is to have all channelers associated with the Tower in some way. Allowing older novices, for example. She will also later organise cross-training between novices, apprentice Wise Ones and junior windfinders, so they can all learn from each other. The Kin will become the place where Sedai can retire to. They will be freed of the Oaths (so they can live their full lifespan) and retire from being Sedai and join the Kin.
The last bit is the first confirmation we have in the books of how long channelers without the Oath Rod can live for. Cadsuane is the oldest Sedai, she is about 300. Reanne is about 400, and only middle-aged. Natuarally, stronger channelers live longer. The strongest of all (e.g. Rand) would naturally live about 800 years.
Previously - Elaida sent Sedai to bring Rand back to the Tower. She also hoped she could get rid of Gawyn and the Younglings somehow by sending them along.
Corele - the leader of that delegation, who was to try to get Rand to accompany them back.
Galina - Red Ajah Elaida put her in charge (secretly) if they had to resort to kidnap. She got away from the big battle, but was captured by Shaido later (Gawyn saw her but was unable to save).
Katerine - also a Red that was part of the group. Both her and Galina are blackies.
On the way to Cairhien, Galina and others tried to make a deal with the Shaido. That went to poo because Sevanna just wanted to kidnap Rand herself.
Toveine - Elaida sent her, along with 50 sisters and a bunch of Tower Guard to the Black Tower to deal with the "few" men there.
Elaida had a foretelling that Rand would kneel before the Amyrlin Seat and feel her anger, and that the Black Tower would be defeated. Yeah, nah, wrong interpretation Elaida. (See prologue part 1 - Elaida's Foretelling)
In Elaida's dream, she sees Sheriam, Romanda and Lelaine as the three main players among the rebels who are to be punished the most. I'm not sure if she knows that they are the 'leaders' of the different factions among the Salidar mob (from spies, for example) or if she just assumes they would be due to their personalities and strengths.
Elaida mentions "second low" as a time of day. I wanted to find out what all their times of day are that they refer to in the Tower. But I can't find that info anywhere. Boo.
Last we heard there were 33 Sedai from the Tower with Rand when the battle happened. Elaida says there were 39 sent in total. Totes overkill lol. But they still didn't succeed.
Elaida sends the remaining Sedai to the village of Dorlan. They will hang out there for quite a while. We don't really hear from them again until Egwene's army shows up, and we see them stuck (along with Gawyn) outside of Tar Valon, blocked from getting in by the presence of the army.
Alviarin's orders at the end are aimed at getting the different Ajah's against each other. They already are a little bit, due to different feelings about Elaida and the split, but now it will get a bit nasty.
She is doing this for general chaos and to destabilise the Tower. Disunity will help Darkie's cause, if people are not uniting together. Also under Mesaana's orders I assume.
Elaida's plan she comes up with at the end is really not that cunning or exciting. You'll see it shortly.
Previously - Alviarin has blackmailed Elaida, vowing to help her avoid exposure and punishment for her failures (with Rand and Black Tower) if she obeys.
Elaida knows Alviarin has bad intentions, and has a some kind of plan to get her out of the way.
Alvi's first order was to punish some Sedai for taking angreal for themselves, and implying that some others had dobbed them in and were to be rewarded for it
Seaine didn't vote for Elaida as Amyrlin because "she wasn't informed the Hall was sitting until after". This was on purpose by those organising the changeover, to make sure they only had enough people (and the right people) to get the vote passed.
Yeah, so this is Elaida's plan, get someone to secretly search for evidence of "treason" which will surely eventually expose Alviarin's behaviour.
But Seaine has misinterpreted the mission, and thinks she is to hunt out Blackies. This time, not because someone DIDN'T communicate properly, but because Seaine ASSUMED that Elaida was being sneaky and not communicating properly. Lol.
Elaida's over-stating of how dire the consequences will be ("death, and distaster for the whole Tower") is really the key to Seaine's misunderstanding. And possibly also the fact that it to be kept so super-secret.
"Only sisters could have effected it [Siuan's escape]" - nope, lol, it was Min and Laras (the cook)!
In the hallway, Seaine passes Talene. Coincidentally, she will be the first Blackie they identify on their search.
"She had never believed those irrational tales about Reds and false Dragons" (stories which came from Logain) "but why would none of them deny it?" - I seem to recall someone mentioning previously that they "aren’t even going to give these stories credit by making a denial - they would just ignore them" or something like that.
Pevara once served a pennance for saying she thought Red's should be allowed warders. She later suggests the idea of bonding asha'man because that's a good way for Reds to deal with them.
So, Seaine and Pevara, they will grab the Oath Rod and start interogating sisters secretly to find Blackies. Pevara also goes to the Black Tower (due to her suggestion above) and becomes Androl's mind-reading buddy in the final book!
Pevara knows things about "events after the Aiel War". This is New Spring era when Amyrlin's were killed by Black Ajah to try help them find Dragon. Also when men were being gentled against the law (such as Thom's nephew). The second thing is probably what Pevara knows about, given she is Red and not Black.
Previously - Rand sent Perrin away to find the Prophet. It is a secret mission, and people think Perrin has been banished after a big fight with Rand.
Berelain went with Perrin. Dobraine is now in charge of Cairhien on Rand's behalf.
Rand found the access keys to the super-angreal in Rhuidean (book 4)
Colavaere hanged herself.
Rand got a letter from Alviarin claiming she supported him (book 5)
Rand and Min got it on after hearing of both Colavaere and Herid Fel's deaths.
The Sea Folk are still waiting to see Rand (both in Cairhien and Caemlyn).
Rand thinks Min's viewing of him merging with another man, and one of them dying, is Lews. No, it's Moridin. They are not connected yet, so Rand does not know this.
Previously - Rand is off to the Sea Folk. He's feeling good about dealing wit stuff today.
Merana - Grey Ajah who was the original leader of the Salidar group that came to Rand.
Nesta - big boss of the Sea Folk. The girls met her to make their bargain about helping with the Bowl earlier.
Verin is questioning the Tower Sedai prisoners. We will see her doing this later. More noteds on this then.
Don't know what Min and Alanna were talking about.
Rand's ta'veren-ness made Harine reveal a few things she wasn't supposed to:
* They acknowledge Rand is the Coramoor, so he knows they will be very keen to make a bargin with him.
* She speaks for the Mistress of Ships (Sea Folk big boss)
* She will be in trouble if she doesn't make a good deal.
These things should all have helped Rand in the bargaining, really. But he left lol
I really don’t know why Dashiva is always so out-of-it. Maybe just bored of this primitive world lol
Min sees that Harine will be Mistress of Ships one day. The Seanchan decapitate the current one in Ebou Dar later.
One of Rand's demands is that the Sea Folk will report on what is happening in Tarabon and Arad Doman. OMG, just use gateways and send you own peeps to get better, faster info.
The "rebels" Rand says at the end are the nobles that are rebelling against him. See blue notes next chapter.
Rand is going to "settle the rebels" after he got all claustrophobic and left Merana to make a deal with the Sea Folk.
There are two groups of rebel nobles that Rand has to deal with. One group from Cairhien, led by Caraline Damodred (Moiraine's cousin) and Toram Riatin (family member of the previous King). The other from Tear, led by High Lord Darlin.
We don't know this yet, but Darlin is actually up visiting the Cairhien rebels at the moment. That is where Rand is headed.
The White Lions - military force gathered by Rahvin while he was boss in Andor. They are led by Daved Hanlon. He is the darkfriend who will later become leader of Elayne's bodyguards and pretend to be father of her babies.
Min mentions Moiraine viewings twice here: "Rand will fail without a woman who is dead and gone" and "Moiraine was the only viewing that ever failed". These may refer to the same viewing - Rand will not succeed without Moiraine, but she is gone. Or perhaps she had some other viewing about Moiraine that she assumes "failed" because it will never come true (well, it still will, because Moiraine will come back).
Then she also has a viewing of Darlin having a crown. He will be King of Tear in the future.
Cadsuane is wearing her ter'angreal hair ornaments. They come in handy for many things throughout the books. Each one does a different thing.
"She very much wanted to know what the future held for this man" Min thinks of Toram Riatin. Well, he will keep hanging out with Fain, and eventually get killed by Lan in book 9 as they try to ambush Rand.
Toram is hanging out with Fain, and uses the phrase "My precious" LOL totally inflenced by Fain who is totally Smeagle.
Previously - Rand is checking out the rebel nobles camp. Caraline Damodred recognised him, but the others don't know who he is.
Except Cadsuane are some of her peeps, who also happen to be visiting at the same time. There are also some non-Cadusane-group Sedai there, but I don't think they were mentioned last time.
Rand has accepted Toram's challenge of some sport. Toram will probs be disappointed, Rand is very well trained with the sword.
Fain is also there, once again being an "advisor" role (as his Mordeth part of him wants to be), this time to Lord Toram Riatin.
When Cadsuane first came to Rand she asked if he heard voices in his head, due to madness.
Cads and friends don’t know the full story of Rand's kidnapping.
The fog in this chapter is just a bubble of evil, it is not Fain's work. He doesn't really have that power yet. He just takes advantage of the situation to attack Rand.
We have a collection people who are really good at Healing now: Samitsu (Cads' friend), Sumeko (Kin), Nynaeve, and Flinn (Asha'man)
Flinn also mentions that the Healing Taim teaches is just "heal everything at once", but he wanted to know how to target specific things and treat them better. Same as Nynaeve compared to all other Sedai.
Samitsu points out that the old wound from Ba'alzamon (cloud fight) and the new Fain wound are different evils. Flinn then mentions they are "fighting each other". These two wounds give Rand the first clue to how he should cleanse saidin.
Cadsuane and Soriliea, they will become best buddies lol
"If he dies…" Dashiva begins saying - "…the Great Lord will be most displeased with me. And I don’t much like the idea of him being displeased with me!!"
This is chapter 400!!!
Previously - Mat and Birgitte have become buddies after he recognised her. They agreed to keep each others secrets.
Mat found the angreal storeroom by following a random Kinswoman, but when he came to report to the girls, they were already getting the same info from Reanne Corly and co.
The are over 2000 Kin and they live for a long time. The Sedai were in shock about both things.
The girls made a deal with the Sea Folk to help using the Bowl. Nynaeve went back to see the Sea Folk later, and her trip was interupted by Moggy balefiring her boat, and Lan saving her.
Beslan - Queen Tylin's son who wants to be Mat's best buddy.
Nalesean - Mat's second in command in Ebou Dar.
Elayne does not like the idea of Rand "giving" her the throne. She should earn it herself so that her subjects and fellow nobles will respect her.
The Sea Folk have "unusual marriage customs". Their rules/vows are that one of the couple is boss in public, and the other is boss in private. In this case, Nynaeve is boss in public, but Lan can order her around in private.
Previously - when the girls found the Bowl in telrod, they were unable to determine exactly where the house was, since the whole area and most houses looked the same with confusing winding streets and canals everywhere.
But they did remember that the house had 6 stories. Or was it 5. lol. They couldn't even agree on that. The title of this chapter is a reference to that.
ashandarei - what Mat's strange spear/staff thing is called that he got from the snakes/foxes. Bigitte told him what it was called.
The girls have never told anyone about Moghedien, and that she might possibly be after them, unless they really have to know. Lan recently told Mat about her though.
Lan and Nynaeve were married by the Sea Folk yesterday. So last night was their first night as a married couple. Raunchy times, I'm sure lol
The Sea Folk marriage custom is that one of the couple should be BOSS in public, and the other is the BOSS in private situations.
Tylin basically raped Mat. hmmm... lol?
Elayne was a bit interested in having Mat around so she could learn new swearing and curses.
Wise Ones in Ebou Dar are almost are part of the Kin. They were red belts and are highly respected by locals.
Who is doing what in Ebou Dar:
The girls and Mat - looking for the angreal storeroom.
Falion and Ispan - blackies looking for the angreal storeroom for Moghedien. Also looking for Nynaeve and Elayne because they know Moggy hates them.
Jaichim Carridin and followers - looking for angreal storeroom for Sammael. Looking to capture/kill Mat for Carridin's old orders from Ishy. Trying to get Elayne to rejoin her mother, for Pedron.
Sammael also said he would send "someone" to deal with the Aes Sedai that might disrupt Carridin's plans.
"Sheep swallop and bloody buttered onions!" My favourite Wheel swearing.
Beslan says that the "trade winds" at this time of year usually bring ships from Tarabon and Arad Doman. Oh yes, it will bring ships from there again! But not trading ships!
Poor Nalesean. Good old wheel - even though heaps of people die everywhere, the good guys are always safe. Nalesean is possibly the 2nd-most-main character (good guy) to die in 7 books (Moiraine is 1st obviously, but I can't think of anyone else)
"He wants you dead as much as he wants her" the gholam says. Gholam was sent by Sammael to help out Carridin. Therefore "her" is probably Elayne.
"I keep building up toh toward you, but I am not going to let you beat me" - I've always thought that meant "not going to let you get the better of me", but I just realised she actually meant "spank me" as a form of meeting her toh.
Sumeko - the Kinswoman who does healing - has some different ways of doing healing. Like Nynaeve, Samitsu (with Cadsuane) and Flinn (asha'man) do.
The Kin also have a rule that they are not supposed to try to learn and figure out new things with the Power. I guess because they feel that they should always be below Sedai, and don't want to disrespect the fact that Sedai sent most of them out of the Tower. Or something. But it's dumb.
Anyway, Sumeko was most apologetic that she did teach herself more, and more advanced, healing.
They take as many things from the room as they can when they leave. They will later discover that Avi has the ability to "read" what a ter'angreal is designed to do, so they work out what some of the more useful things are.
Previously - the Bowl is found, despite everyone being attacked by Black Ajah and gholam.
The girls made a bargain with the Sea Folk (with the Mistress of Ships herself) to help use the Bowl. We have not yet heard what the terms of that bargain are.
Merillile, Sareitha and Careane - Salidar Sedai that were in Ebou Dar before the girls. They were sent as ambassadors to Tylin, as Sedai often send such to rulers.
Sumeko (Kinswoman) impressed Nynaeve with her Healing skills. Nyne told her she is even better at it than most Yellows.
Falion and Ispan - the two Black Ajah that attacked the peeps in the angreal house. Falion got away, Ispan was captured.
Mat randomly bought a fox-ring.
Lopin - Naleasean's serving man. He will be most sad at his master's death.
Mat told the girls about the way Tylin had been treating her. Elayne said she would talk to her. Mat didn't want her to.
Last chapter, Beslan noted that the trade winds bring ships from Tarabon and Arad Doman. They are coming…
Mat and Birgitte told each other their secrets over a lot of alcohol. Now they're best buddies.
"We are bloody well getting out of here now" Mat announced. Nobody argued. (end of last chapter, Mat orders them out of the house)
Mat notes that the Sea Folk are a real mixture of ranks, and it's strange to see them all together. They were chosen for their strength in the power, rather than social rank.
Mat was right about the gholam being kept alive in a stasis-box since the Breaking. That was where Sammael found it.
"You go where Nynaeve and Elayne want, and in return I won't tie the lot of you across horses like packsaddles and haul you there!" - "It is agreed, under the Light" - classic.
So I think the situation was that the girls and Sedai had decided where they were going, but wanted Mat to convince the Sea Folk they had to leave the city at all - otherwise it would have looked like the girls were deciding EVERYTHING and ordering them around.
"Something tugged at his thoughts. Something about the weather, and Elayne, which made no sense". Previously, Elayne warned Mat that Nynaeve knew there was a storm coming that was not weather-related. That "storm" arrived this chapter in the form of the Seanchan.
Little Chit doing what little chit does best - running away and causing Mat trouble.
Previously - Galina (Black Ajah) escaped from the battle where Rand was freed from the chest, but was captured soon after by the Shaido (Gawyn saw her being taken in the prologue, but was unable to help).
Sevanna had one of her Wise Ones (Desaine) killed by fellow Wise Ones, to frame the Aes Sedai for the death and get the Shaido to fight against them to get Rand.
Caddar and Maisia (Sammael and Graendal) visited the Wise Ones. He claimed he could give them something to control Rand if they ever captured him. And also said he might get them some Travelling Boxes.
The Shaido are currently hanging out in Kinslayers Dagger (north of Cairhien).
Rand's Aiel are split into doing three different things at the moment: (1) Staying in Cairhien to protect the city. (2) Moving north to scope out, and possibly deal with, the Shaido. (3) Part of the giant army gathered in Tear, waiting to attack Illian.
Rand recently gave the order that the giant army was to start its march towards Illian.
da'tsang - "despised one" - Aiel name for people who have lost all honour. Usually made to dress in black and be constantly punished.
Galina has helped break two Amyrlins. One was in New Spring, who send Sedai out seeking baby dragon. The other was Siuan.
Therava did not like the others naming Galina "da'tsang" as that meant that Therava could not have Galina as her own little pet any more.
LOL - Galina is being given constant useless labour to "shame" her. Pretty she's not shamed, just unhappy and in pain.
Sammael gives them an Oath Rod. It is not THE rod from the Tower - there would have been a bunch of them made back in Age of Legends.
Sammy also mentions "binding chairs" to use on non-channelers. We never see one of these (or hear of them again).
I've always wondered what "Caddar" said his motivation was for helping the Wise Ones. There is one sentence in this chapter that notes he wanted payments of gold.
Summary of what happened: The travelling boxes were fake (obvi) and Sammael opened the gateways himself. He sent some of the Shaido into the path of Rand's giant army, hoping to slow them down a bit on their march to Illian - that's where the Maeric's sept went in that middle part of the chapter. But he scattered the rest of them randomly across the southern nations - for two reasons: (1) Chaos, and (2) to cover up the fact that it was HIM sending the Shaido to slow Rand's army. If he'd dumped them all there, it would have been obvi it was him. But… I don't really know why he needed to cover it up. Just dump them all there and who cares if they knew he did it.
Not sure why Graendal thinks she should "throw herself at Demandred's mercy". Maybe she just thinks Demo is Darkie's most favoured Forsaken at the moment and she should be working with him instead of this madman Sammael.
"Al'Thor isn't going after anyone" - because he's in bed recovering from Fain's dagger slash.
Shaidar Haran - Hand of the Dark - basically the Dark One himself projecting into the world as much as he is able to in the form of a giant myrddraal. He still is not free enough to have this myrddraal body be away from Shayol Ghul for too long.
Previously - Rand was slashed by Fain while in a Bubble of Evil fog at the rebel nobles' camp.
He was saved by the healing skills of Samitsu (Sedai with Cadsuane) and Flinn (asha'man).
He recently ordered his giant army to start marching on Illian. But that army is a decoy for the real plan to attack Sammael.
Men who Taim recruits, but who cannot channel, are sent ot Bashere for training. He is turning them into a separate army for Rand, known as "The Legion of the Dragon"
The "real attack" on Illian (spoilers) will involve Bashere's horsemen and Rand's Legion.
Sammy dumped some Shaido in the way of that army. Sammy also knows Rand is not with the army himself, due to Fain's attack.
Lord Brend - Sammael's name in Illian, as a member of the Council of Nine (Illian parliament, I guess is the best description).
Rand went to bargain with the Sea Folk, but got claustrophobic and left, leaving Merana Sedai to bargain for him.
Both Moiraine and Cadsuane have warned Rand against using balefire.
Previously - Rand took Elder Haman and co to Shadar Logoth to seal the waygate. But Liah, a maiden, was lost while they were there.
Rand protected the waygate there with a weave that would kill any Shadowspawn that went through it, but kill them slowly (so there wouldn't be bodies piling up right at the Waygate to warn others coming through).
Previously, in book 4 - While Rand was in the Stone of Tear, being BOSS of Tear, he ordered that Tear sell it's grain to their old enemy, Illian. They had excess, and Illian needed it, but the High Lords were too dumb, and caught up in their traditional hatred of Illian to realise it was a good idea.
Rand says that he "once saw it [Fain's dagger] kill a man in moments" - drat, I cannot remember when Rand has seen the dagger used. It must have been in an early book. Possibly Mat used it at some point.
Dashiva mutters a curse about Fain - the Shadow is aware of Fain and wants him gone just as Rand does.
Cadsuane says in saving Rand they did "some things that have not been done since the Breaking". I think she just means they used ways of Healing that no one has done, or had to do, or known how to do.
Min views that "Cadsuane is going to teach you and Asha'man something. You will not like it, but you have to learn it". She is going to teach them manners, and that they should not just be 'weapons'. That you need more than that to overcome evil.
Why did Sammy go to Shadar Logoth? "I won't destroy what belongs to me (Illian) in killing you, and I won't have you destroy it either"
The man who saved Rand is Moridin. Morry was using True Power, so Rand did not sense his channelling.
Their balefire streams crossing is what causes them to merge together. Here's the best explanation we have:
Balefire cannot destroy itself. When they hit each other, the two streams instead combine into a single blob of balefire. But does this 'single' instance of balefire come from Rand, or from Morry? Well, it sort of comes from them both at once. They are both weaving this bit of balefire at the same time. Something about this connection causes a permanent link between them, which grows stronger and stronger over time.
The two palaces in Illian are exactly the same, but different sizes. When the Council of Nine wanted to build their own headquarters, the King at the time said they could build whatever they wanted, so long as it was not bigger than his own palace. So they made an exact copy that was just a fraction smaller lolz.
King Mattin disappeared two days ago. We assume Sammy killed him to make way for himself to be King. But we find out in a later book that he was actually taken away by Sedai from the Tower, for his own protection. He reappears in the White Tower while Egwene is there as a prisoner.
Once again, the stories are all mixed up:
Rand took Illian. With an army of channelers, which some assume were Sedai.
All mixed with stories of the Seanchan's arrival in Ebou Dar, and the flying beasts and stuff.
But they have Nynaeve's words in there - perhaps also uttered by others with the ability to listen to the wind - "The storm is coming"… the Seanchan have arrived. We know it refers to the Seanchan because they are looking southward. In later books "the storm" is mentioned as a reference to the Last Battle, but people look northward for that.
