Prologue; Chapter 1-5 Summary

A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan is the continuing tale of Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, and his fight against the Dark One. Rand has to fight both those that serve the evil forces and the madness that is growing within his own skull. He is torn between sending those he loves away so that he does not hurt them and keeping them close to help save himself.

In the prologue the Amyrlin, Elaida, receives a cryptic message meaning that Galina has Rand under her control. Meanwhile, Queen Morgase is playing a game with Niall. Morgase is being kept by Niall and his men as a "guest", but in reality she is their prisoner. Morgase leaves when Omerna comes in. It is widely thought that Omerna is a spy, but only Niall knows that the true spy is...