Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary

In the previous book, THE SHADOW RISING, Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, successfully staked his claim as Car'a'carn, leader of the Aiel. He wriggled out of a trap set by the Forsaken Asmodean and Lanfear. Asmodean, rendered helpless by a ward placed on his power by Lanfear, is now acting as Rand's advisor. Elayne and Nynaeve have stopped the Black Ajah from obtaining the male a'dam they wished to use to control Rand, but now the two women face a return to a White Tower that has divided in their absence. Elaida is the new Amyrlin Seat and is already taking steps to bring to heel the Aes Sedai who fled the tower after the deposing of Siuan Sanche. Siuan, Leane, and Min escaped the tower and set off into the world, searching for allies.

Prologue

Elaida meets with her inner circle of...