Crossroads of Twilight (edit title)

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Cast of Characters

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• Rodel Ituralde (aka The Wolf): General of the army of Arad Doman. He is one of the greatest commanders alive, along with Mat Cauthon, Davram Bashere, Gareth Bryne, and the Aiel clan chiefs. He keeps a neatly-trimmed mustache, and a ruby in his left ear. He is short in stature. He is called the Wolf by his peers—when the Wolf calls, they follow his lead.
• Dart: Rodel Ituralde's white gelding
• Jaalam Nishur: General Ituralde's tall young armsman. He has a dry sense of humor.
• Temaile Kinderode: Aes Sedai of the Black Ajah, formerly of the Gray. A fragile woman from Cairhien with very big, blue eyes and a face like a fox. She always spread pain evenly in her mediating. She left the Tower with Liandrin with the first group of sisters to publicly admit themselves Black Ajah. Yukiri does not like her much.
• Alsalam: King of Arad Doman. He has been a good ruler for over twenty years, though the Council has recently smuggled him out of Bandar Eban—after leaving the city, he seems to have taken on the notion that he is the Rebirth of Artur Hawkwing.
• Dragon Reborn: According to the Karaethon Cycle, the Prophecies of the Dragon, the man who is the Rebirth of Lews Therin Telamon, the man known as the Dragon during the War of the Shadow. Over the years, many men have claimed to be the Dragon Reborn, even men who could not channel. The true Dragon has been Reborn in a young man named Rand al'Thor, a shepherd from Emond's Field.
• Artur Hawkwing: His armies put down those of Guaire Amalasan, a false Dragon, and he even sent troops across the Aryth Ocean under his son, Luthair Paendrag Mondwhin, in hopes of conquering new lands there. All contact with these armies ended with Hawkwing's death, which set off the War of the Hundred Years. The descendants of the armies under Luthair have now returned to reclaim the lands of Hawkwing's empire in the Old World—they now call themselves the Seanchan. Artur Hawkwing's real name was Artur Paendrag Tanreall; his sign was a golden hawk in flight.
• Machir: Lord of Arad Doman. King Alsalam sent him orders that conflicted with those General Ituralde sent out, causing great problems with Ituralde's plan of action.
• Teacal: Lord of Arad Doman. King Alsalam sent him orders that conflicted with those General Ituralde sent out, causing great problems with Ituralde's plan of action.
• Rahman: Lord of Arad Doman. King Alsalam sent him orders that conflicted with those General Ituralde sent out, causing great problems with Ituralde's plan of action.
• Tuva: Lady of Arad Doman. She was killed by a Gray Man whom she was trying to keep from killing Alsalam.
• Donjel: One of Ituralde's scouts. He is stocky, and has a permanently hoarse voice. Someone tried to hang him when he was young. He has short, iron-gray hair and a dark leather patch over his left eye. He is the best scout Ituralde has ever known.
• Tamsin Ituralde: Rodel's wife.
• Osana: Lady of Arad Doman. She owns a hunting lodge, though her true hunt is for men with power. Her lodge is desolate and run-down, now.
• Shimron: Lord of Arad Doman. He is gaunt and white-haired. Shimron was one of Alsalam's most trusted advisors until he became Dragonsworn. He is now high in the councils of the the Dragonsworn. He came to greet Ituralde at Lady Osana's hunting lodge.
• Rajabi: Lord of Arad Doman. He is bull-necked. He is now Dragonsworn, and as powerful among them as Shimron.
• Wakeda: Lord of Arad Doman. He is not tall, is missing his right eye, and has a large scar on his face. He is now Dragonsworn, and as powerful among them as Shimron.
• Ankaer: Lord of Arad Doman. He is now Dragonsworn, and as powerful among them as Shimron.
• Eamon Valda: Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light after the death of Pedron Niall. He killed Niall's assassin shortly after the act, but it is not known whether this was set up, or whether Valda just happened to be in the right place at the right time. One of his first acts was to dismiss Niall's secretary, Sebban Balwer, for “someone who didn't twitch”—this was a mistake, as Balwer was Niall's true Master of Spies—he knows more about spying than anyone else in the world. Valda offered assistance to Morgase, as Niall had promised, but before doing so he required a “service” of her—to share his bed. Morgase escaped during the Seanchan attack, and Valda believes her to be dead.
• Ailron: King of Amadicia until the Seanchan invaded. He was not as strong as most kings due to the control of the Children of the Light—in fact, he had almost no real power at all. During the invasion, he took his army to engage the invaders near Jeramel; they were slaughtered, and Ailron himself was captured in what Valda now calls “Ailron's Disaster.”
• Rhadam Asunawa: Gray-haired, bony-fingered High Inquisitor for the Hand of the Light. He wants every woman affiliated in any way with the White Tower hanged as of yesterday, every book that mentions Aes Sedai or the White Tower burned, and the very words banned. He would have Morgase hanged for her months in the Tower if Niall had let him. He witnessed Eamon Valda's killing of Omerna subsequent to Niall's murder. He commands what Valda describes as an odd respect among the Children, even among those who despise the Questioners.
• Lothair Mantelar: Founder of the Children of the Light and author of The Way of the Light, the Bible of the Whitecloaks. The book is so revered among the Children that those who cannot read are taught so that they can study Mantelar's words.
• Morgase Trakand (aka Maighdin Dorlain): Former Queen of Andor and High Seat of House Trakand. Mother of Elayne and Gawyn. She married Taringail Damodred, a prince of Cairhien, to further solidify her claim to the Throne of Andor and keep peace between the two nations; when Tigraine disappeared, Morgase made the best claim to succeed her, and married her widower to gain the support that would be gained by such action. Taringail was Elayne's and Gawyn's father; he died when they were young. Morgase has since gone through several lovers, including Thomdril Merrilin, a former court-bard; Gareth Bryne, her First Prince of the Sword and Captain of the Guards; and most recently Lord Gaebril, a man who led the faction that stilled the riots in Caemlyn that sprang up on Morgase's trip to Tar Valon to inquire about Elayne's whereabouts. Thom was exiled from the city of Caemlyn when he started telling her what he really thought of some of her plans, her relationship with Bryne ebbed away until finally Gaebril told her to exile him too, and Gaebril eventually chased Morgase herself out of the city when she found he was usurping her power. The Daughter-Heir of Andor is traditionally trained by Aes Sedai in the White Tower, and Morgase underwent novice training to keep the tradition alive. She was given the gift of a Great Serpent ring despite not being Accepted, and still wears it on her left hand. She was previously advised by Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan of the Red Ajah, who is now the Amyrlin Seat in Tar Valon. When Morgase discovered that Gaebril (who, unbeknownst to her, was actually Rahvin) meant to usurp her throne, she left, and when she learned that the Dragon Reborn had taken over Caemlyn and none of her former supporters would give her aid, she fled to Amadicia to get help from the only place she thought she could: Pedron Niall and the Children of the Light. She is not aware that Rand only wanted to give her country back to her, not to mention believes that she is dead. If she had made her presence known, she would no doubt have had her country back in one piece, but as royalty she believed she must work on her own and trust no one. She went into hiding after the Seanchan attack (Valda believes her to be dead) under her mother's name, Maighdin Dorlain to avoid instant recognition, and later became a maidservant to Faile; she told Faile that she was a lady's handmaid before coming into her service. When Faile's group was captured, she became a prisoner of the Shaido, and is now detained in their encampment. Her sign is three golden keys.
• Galadedrid Damodred (aka Galad): Son of Morgase's late husband Taringail Damodred and his first wife Tigraine. He is half-brother to Elayne and Gawyn. Stunningly handsome, even Nynaeve has trouble blushing when she speaks to him, and Aes Sedai will often forsake their work to watch him practice (shirtless) in the sword yard. Galad has much skill with the sword, and has achieved Blademaster status in practice if not in name. He disappeared from Tar Valon during the violence that accompanied Siuan's deposition and joined Eamon Valda's band of the Children of the Light. Because of his sword skill, Galad was promoted to an official position very quickly, and now controls his own small band of men. He says he became a Whitecloak because it "felt right." He is extremely virtuous, and will do whatever he thinks is right regardless of who it hurts, even himself. In fact, he started a war in Samara to help Elayne and Nynaeve escape. His sign is a winged silver sword, point down. Galad has feelings for Egwene al'Vere, and although she is flattered by his attentions, she doesn't return his love. He is quite popular among his soldiers.
• Rand al'Thor: Young man from Emond's Field in the Two Rivers, now proclaimed to be the Dragon Reborn. He is very tall, with curly red-blond hair. He was raised by Tam al'Thor and his wife Kari (until her death around the time Rand was five) in Emond's Field. His real parents, however, were Janduin, the chief of the Taardad Aiel who brought the four clans across the Dragonwall to punish Laman's Sin, and a Maiden of the Spear named Shaiel, who was actually Tigraine Damodred, the runaway Daughter-Heir of Andor. Tigraine gave birth to Rand on the slopes of Dragonmount, in accordance with prophecy; "born of a Maiden, of the ancient blood but raised by the Old." Rand has a heron branded into each of his palms, which he received from the sword Tam gave him while fighting Ishamael. He also has two dragons on his forearms, which he received in Rhuidean to designate him as the Car'a'carn, the Chief of Chiefs of the Aiel. He is not only the Dragon Reborn, but also He Who Comes With the Dawn, the man prophecied to reunite the Aiel, and the Coramoor, the one prophecied to bring the Sea Folk out of the Sea. He can channel strongly, more so than any person who ever lived (except the previous user of his soul, Lews Therin Telamon, who was obviously of equal strength), and is also ta'veren, the most strongly so since Lews Therin as well. Lews Therin's voice has somehow found a new place inside of Rand's head; he talks to him in a mad voice when Rand least expects it, sometimes offering sound advice or knowledge, sometimes babbling, sometimes even trying to wrest control of saidin from him. Unlike Lews Therin, Rand is accompanied by two other ta'veren during this turing of the Wheel, two men born within days (hours, even) of him named Matrim Cauthon and Perrin Aybara, who both grew up in Emond's Field as well. Rand is destined to fall in love with three women (and has): Min Farshaw, Elayne Trakand, and Aviendha. Rand has had success in fighting many of the Forsaken; all to confront him have died or been trapped. He killed Aginor at the Eye of the World after the Green Man killed Balthamel; he allowed Moiraine to kill Be'lal in the Stone of Tear, and killed Ishamael in the Stone shortly afterward; in the wagons near the Spine of the World, Lanfear confronted him and was pushed into the land of the Eelfinn by Moiraine; he killed Rahvin in Tel'aran'rhiod when he came to the Royal Palace in Caemlyn; Asmodean, his teacher, was killed shortly after Rahvin met his fate; and Osan'gar, the reincarnation of Aginor, died at Shador Logoth when Rand was cleansing saidin. His prophecies fulfilled grow: he has already been born on the slopes of Dragonmount of a Maiden, of the ancient blood but raised by the old, taken the Stone of Tear and drawn Callandor, and began conquering "under the forgotten symbol," that of the Aes Sedai of the Age of Legends. He is working on having the "spotless tower" (i.e. the White Tower) break and bend knee to him (the Tower has broken, and several Aes Sedai have sworn fealty to him and only him). He recently used the Choedan Kal, the two great sa'angreal created during the War of the Shadow, to cleanse the Dark One's taint from saidin. He has created a school of sorts, more of a research university where some of the best inventors of the day have congregated at the Great Library of Cairhien to develop new technology. Rand has also created the Asha'man, men who came for his "amnesty" for male channelers. With saidin cleansed, the Asha'man are now safe from the Dark One's taint. However, Rand has not been seen since he cleansed saidin, which was certainly the single greatest event in the history of the world since the War of Power. Rand is the salvation of the entire world, and as the prophecy states, he will save the world—and Break it again.
• Gabrelle: Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah, now bonded to Logain Ablar via the Warder-like Wife Bond of the Asha'man. She likes his attentions, and is much more of a wife to Logain than Toveine, the other woman bonded to him. She has sooty green eyes.
• Logain Ablar: False Dragon who created war in Ghealdan and surrounding nations before being captured and gentled by the Red Ajah. He got loose during the chaos surrounding the deposing of Siuan Sanche, and eventually was escorted out of Tar Valon by Siuan and her traveling companions. Before he was gentled he was of considerable strength, and attracted quite a following of loyal soldiers. Min still has viewings of him with a halo over his head, which she thinks indicates that he will become a figure of great power sometime in the future. Recently, Logain later came forward with information that indicated that the Red Ajah actually put him up to declaring himself the Dragon Reborn, most likely with the pretext that bringing down a false Dragon would bring more glory than gentling a simple man who could channel. Logain was recently Healed by Nynaeve, and was let free by Egwene to do as he pleased. He chose to go to the Black Tower, and now leads a part of the Asha'man that seem to be discontent with Taim's leadership. When Aes Sedai came to the Black Tower to attempted to capture the Asha'man (not realizing their numbers), Logain bonded two sisters to him as "wives" using the "wife bond" that the Asha'man developed, Toveine Gazal of the Red Ajah and Gabrelle of the Brown Ajah. He has curly black hair and broad shoulders.
• Toveine Gazal: Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. She spent fifteen years away from the Tower until Elaida summoned her back to active service. She was formerly a Sitter for the Red. Elaida named her to lead the team of fifty sisters that she sent to Caemlyn to attempt to capture any men who can channel that they found. Unfortunately, she and Elaida drastically underestimated the number of men there would be, and Toveine is now Logain's "wife," their equivalent to Warders (actually, Logain has two such wives now). Though she used to hate all men who could channel, and Logain in particular, she now fawns over him.
• Desandre: Willowy Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah, now captive with the Asha'man. She told the captive Aes Sedai that they should be cordial with the Asha'man.
• Lemai: Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah, now captive with the Asha'man. She told the captive Aes Sedai that they should be cordial with the Asha'man.
• Atal Mishraile: One of the Asha'man. He is one of Taim's cronies, and receives special lessons and instructions from him. He has wavy golden hair, bright blue eyes, wide shoulders, and a “winning” smile.
• Mazrim Taim (aka M'Hael): False Dragon who wreaked havoc in Saldaea before being captured by Aes Sedai. He later escaped his captors, possibly with Black Ajah assistance (although this is totally unconfirmed). Hearing of Rand's amnesty, Taim came to Caemlyn and became the head of Rand's school of male channelers. He is almost as strong in the One Power as Rand is. Taim claims to have held off the madness that normally accompanies the taint for almost 35 years—he has been using the One Power for a very long time, and knows many tricks that Rand had not thought of on his own or been taught by Asmodean, such as how to test men for the ability. He seems to resent being second to Rand, and also gave orders to kill Rand. He is almost as tall as Rand, has a hooked nose and dark eyes. He is a physically powerful and graceful man, although his skill with a sword is lacking. He gives special training to about 20 or 30 men—they are the only ones who wear the dragon besides Logain. M'Hael is the title used by Mazrim Taim as the head of the Black Tower. It means “Leader” in the Old Tongue.
• Yukiri: Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah. She is quite small, and is a Sitter for the Gray. She was the daughter of an innkeeper, and is always the last Gray to join the Gray consensus in the Hall. She is now an ally of Saerin and Pevara in hunting down Darkfriends in the Tower.
• Coiren Saeldain: Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah. She is plump and pompous, and led the embassy Elaida sent to Rand in Cairhien. She was captured and shielded during the battle at Dumai's Wells. She was designated to take over that group if something happened to both Galina and Katerine.
• Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan: Aes Sedai formerly of the Red Ajah, now raised to the Amyrlin Seat in Tar Valon. She was born the youngest daughter of a minor House in the north of Murandy. She occasionally has the Foretelling, and as a result of a Foretelling she had concerning the importance of the Royal Family of Andor in Tarmon Gaidon, she served as advisor to Queen Morgase of Andor for her entire reign. She later led the coup that deposed Siuan Sanche and placed her on the Amyrlin Seat in Siuan's place. She distrusts anyone not of the Red Ajah (as most Reds do), and does not think she will ever be able to trust any member of the Blue Ajah again. Her Keeper of the Chronicles is Alviarin Freidhen of the White Ajah—she was all but forced to choose Alviarin due to her role in the deposition of Siuan. If she chose a Keeper from her Ajah, she most likely would not have won the support of the White Ajah, and then she would have been stilled and banished from the Tower instead of Siuan. Her Foretelling about the importance of Andor's royal family during the Last Battle occurred around the time the Succession was going on, so she immediately attached herself to Morgase as soon as it became clear that she would be the one to take the Lion Throne. Another of her Foretellings was to predict that Rand al'Thor would shake the world on its very foundations—she constantly kicks herself for not doing something about him when he was right in front of her, little more than a farmboy at the time. Her most recent Foretelling was that “the White Tower would be whole again, except for remnants cast out and scorned, whole and stronger than ever. Rand al'Thor will face the Amyrlin Seat and know her anger. The Black Tower will be rent in blood and fire, and sisters will walk its grounds.” The Foretelling about Rand is obviously deadly accurate. However, the one about the Royal Family occurred at an inopportune time; at the time of Elaida's Foretelling, the Royal Family was not certain. It may have meant Morgase, Gawyn, Galad, and Elayne (they have all had a large role to play in the recent past), but it is also possible it could have meant the old Royal Family, that of Tigraine, Taringail, Galad, and later Elayne and Gawyn as well. After all, Morgase is just Morgase, but Tigraine is the mother of the Dragon Reborn. Her most recent Foretelling will of course be fulfilled, but not necessarily how she wants it to be; she does not realize that the Amyrlin Seat in the Foretelling might not be her, that the remnants cast out might be those loyal to her, and that the destruction of the Black Tower might have nothing to do with her. Elaida is quite strong in the One Power; only Siuan (before she was still and Healed), Moiraine, Egwene, Elayne, Nynaeve, and a few others could match her strength. Elaida has always sought positions of power; she chose to follow Morgase to have a better chance at guiding the forces in the Last Battle, and tried to capture Rand al'Thor in an effort to gain similar control. The only sisters that support her are those that are actually Black Ajah and those that would follow any Amyrlin legally raised, as Elaida was (although just barely; all laws used to raise her were stretched almost to their breaking point, and some believe they actually did shatter). Elaida is currently building a palace for herself atop the Warders' old practice yard. The building will be about as tall as the White Tower. She has no plans on being merciful on those who rebelled against her when she deposed Siuan—her terms are that the Blue Ajah no longer exists, and that any sister following Egwene must serve penance under her personal guidance before being readmitted to the Tower.
• Meidani: Tall, slender Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah. She has dark golden hair. Her Warder is Leonin. She was one of the Aes Sedai sent back to the Tower by the Aes Sedai in Salidar as a spy under the guise that she was obeying Elaida's summons.
• Leonin: Warder to Meidani. He has braided black hair that he laces with bells.
• Saerin Asnobar: Sitter for the Brown Ajah in Tar Valon for forty years. She is from Altara. She carries a curved knife, in the fashion of her native Altara. She has touches of white at her dark temples which emphasize a thin, age-faded white scar. Only a Warder could match her for scowling. She has held her chair in the Hall for forty years, and has worn the shawl for over 150. Everyone knows to be wary of her temper. She was born the daughter of an innkeeper, and was first trained by the Daughters of Silence (an organization similar to, but shorter-lived and smaller than, the Kin)—she was the only one of them to ever obtain the shawl. She is good at taking charge of things, and immediately took charge of the organization to fetter out Darkfriends in the Tower with Pevara, dismissing Seaine from her position.
• Pevara Tazanovni: Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. She is short for a Kandori, and quite plump, but tough. She goes against all Red Ajah custom to openly say that Warders would make a Red sister's job easier. She and her friend since novicehood, Seaine, began a hunt for Darkfriends in the Tower. Seaine approached her not only because they were friends, but because Seaine's family was killed by Darkfriends when she was young. She joined the Red Ajah because its task was one which involved being outside the Tower often, and she considered it more likely to be able to find and bring to justice the Darkfriends that killed her family and others like them. She now leads the organization of sisters in the White Tower to ferret out Black sisters, along with Saerin Sedai, who seized control away from Seaine as soon as she knew what they were about.
• Marris Thornhill: Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah. She is very mild and always absorbed in study.
• Doraise Mesianos: Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah. She is very mild and always absorbed in study.
• Elin Warrel: Newly-raised Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah.
• Great Aunt Sumi: Someone Yukiri makes up. She thinks someone needs to mediate between the Ajahs soon or the rebels would “dance in through the front door, bold as theives, and empty the house while the rest of them squabbled over who got Great Aunt Sumi's pewter.”
• Tamra Ospenya: Amyrlin Seat during the Aiel War, about twenty years ago. She was raised from the Blue Ajah, and succeeded by Sierin Vayu. She was put to the Question by Jarna Malari, then the head of the Black Ajah, with assistance from Chesmal Emry, who made it appear that she died in her sleep. Her Keeper of the Chronicles was Gitara Moroso; she was one of only three people present at Gitara's Foretelling of the Rebirth of the Dragon. This may be the information that Jarna was trying to extract from her; it may also be the reason Ishamael killed Jarna for killing Tamra.
• Silviana Brehon: Mistress of Novices in the White Tower. She is from the Red Ajah, and was appointed by Elaida after Sheriam left the Tower. She is stocky, and has a square face. Elaida herself goes to her occasionally for “voluntary” penanaces.
• Pritalle Nerbaijan: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah from Tarabon. She is friends with Atuan, which makes those who know about Atuan suspicious that Pritalle may also be Black.
• Atuan Larisett: Aes Sedai of the Black Ajah, publicly of the Yellow. She has green eyes, and dark hair to her waist in beaded braids. Her face is described as “perfect as it was without being beautiful.” She is from Saldaea, though she largely escaped the characteristic large nose of most Saldaeans. She is one of only three Black sisters that Talene knows of. She teaches history.
• Talene Minly: Golden-haired Sitter for the Green Ajah in Tar Valon. She used to be Seaine's friend. She has no Warders, which is extremely unusual for a Green. When Pevara shielded her because she suspected her of being Black Ajah, she tried to stab her. She actually is a member of the Black Ajah, and is now sworn to obey Pevara and Seaine unconditionally. One of the three other Black sisters she knew of was Atuan.
• Galina Casban: Head of the Red Ajah. She has actually been of the Black Ajah for all but five of her almost ninety years wearing the shawl; she is of high standing among the Black sisters. She is now the head of the Red Ajah, and led the expedition to bring Rand to Tar Valon after he was shielded. She was captured by the Shaido after the battle at Dumai's Wells, and is now a prisoner of Sevanna. Galina has long black hair without a touch of gray in it. She claims to have helped break two Amyrlin's as a Black sister—one (Siuan Sanche) was deposed and stilled, and the other (Tamra Ospenya) was made to appear that she had died in her sleep. She led the circle that stilled Siuan. Pevara firmly did not want to believe that Galina was Black, despite Talene's suspicions that she was. When Galina's loyalties were proven, presumably by an inconsistency between her notes and her actions, Pevara went into a rage for a full day and now vows to strangle Galina with her bare hands. Galina now serves Sevanna and often shares her tent. She is pretty, but nowhere near beautiful.
• Doesine Alwain: Sitter for the Yellow Ajah in Tar Valon. Boyishly slim, and tall for a Cairhienin. Her father was a cutler. She ran away three times as a novice, although she only got as far as the gates once. She has a bit of a foul tongue. She is attempting to get Atuan questioned in the same manner Talene was. She and Saerin walked in on Seaine and Pevara when they were using the Oath Rod to question sisters.
• Celestin: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah, one of those sent back to Tar Valon from Salidar as a spy. She was caught by Pevara and Seaine, and was made to swear to obey them. She is now attempting to find out who Atuan's closest friends in the Yellow Ajah are.
• Annharid: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah, one of those sent back to Tar Valon from Salidar as a spy. She was caught by Pevara and Seaine, and was made to swear to obey them. She is now attempting to find out who Atuan's closest friends in the Yellow Ajah are.
• Siuan Sanche: Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah. Born in Tear to a fisherman, she was sent to the White Tower on the first boat to leave after she discovered she had the ability to channel inborn, according to Tairen law. As a novice, she was good friends with Moiraine Damodred, and was present at Gitara Moroso's Foretelling of the Rebirth of the Dragon. After being raised to the shawl, she joined the Blue Ajah to dedicate her life to finding and guiding the Dragon Reborn, and eventually came to lead the Blues' network of eyes-and-ears (i.e. spies) before being raised to the Amyrlin Seat. She was only thirty years old when raised to the Amyrlin Seat, making her the youngest Amyrlin to that point. She was also one of the strongest Amyrlins in recent history, and one of the most feared among the rulers of nations. Her blue-eyed stare was feared by all. When her twenty-year connection to the Dragon Reborn was discovered, she and her Keeper of the Chronicles, Leane Sharif, were deposed and stilled by a group of sisters loyal to Elaida a'Roihan. Siuan hoped to regain some of her previous standing in the new Tower that separated from Elaida—her knowledge of the Blue Ajah spy network is hard to match, and she knows much that she thought would be of use. In one of her viewings, Min saw that Siuan would have to remain close by to Gareth Bryne—if she did not, both of them would die. Siuan did not initially know what she meant, but now realizes that she is growing to love the gray-haired man who leads the Salidar army. She had a Warder named Alric, but he died when she was deposed. After coming to Salidar, Nynaeve discovered how to restore Siuan's ability to channel, at least partially. This resurrected a part of her bond with Alric, but did not bring back her former strength, or her binding by the Oath Rod. She can now lie as well as any child. She now serves as an “advisor” to the new Amyrlin in Salidar, Egwene al'Vere, but though she puts on a façade of hating the work, she is actually one of Egwene's foremost agents. The fact that she is Aes Sedai, not to mention one who was stilled and Healed again, makes other sisters tend to be oblivious to this fact. She was pushed very hard by Elaida as a novice.
• Keeper of the Chronicles: Essentially the secretary to the Amyrlin Seat. The Keeper is traditionally chosen from the same Ajah the Amyrlin was raised from, and wears a stole of the color of her Ajah instead of the striped stole of the Amyrlin. The post was held by Leane Sharif of the Blue Ajah until a coup deposed Siuan Sanche and stilled both Siuan and Leane. Her successor was Alviarin Freidhen of the White Ajah, despite the fact that Siuan's successor was from the Red. The Keeper for the Aes Sedai who fled the Tower when Elaida was raised Amyrlin now have a Keeper of the Chronicles of their own, Sheriam Bayanar of the Blue Ajah. In theory, the Keeper of the Chronicles serves the Amyrlin and speaks for the Amyrlin; she is all but separate from her Ajah, although less so than the Amyrlin Seat herself. However, both of the current Keepers have tried to expand their powers over the Amyrlin they serve, although for vastly different reasons—Alviarin is essentially trying to weaken Elaida and have herself or another Black sister raised in her place after Elaida is deposed; Sheriam tries to overstep Egwene because she has a hard time thinking of Egwene being anything more than the frightened novice that came to her study not so long ago.
• Alviarin Freidhen: Aes Sedai of the White Ajah, but secretly the head of the Black Ajah. She was chosen to head the Black Ajah after the previous leader was killed by Ishamael after she managed to kill off the Amyrlin Seat without Ishamael's approval. Typical of most Whites, she has a very cool, collected personality. She serves as Keeper of the Chronicles under Elaida, despite being of a different Ajah than Elaida was raised from. Elaida was all but forced to choose Alviarin in order to gain the support of the White Ajah when bringing charges against Siuan; unknown to Elaida, this also brought her the support of the Black Ajah. Without Alviarin as Keeper, the White Ajah would most likely have been divided over whether to depose Siuan, and only the Red would be behind Elaida, which would most likely have led to the stilling of Elaida and possibly even the dismantling of the Red Ajah. It still may, since Elaida is rapidly losing her power to Alviarin—and if Alviarin's loyalties are ever revealed, nothing will save either of them. Alviarin has been shown how to Travel by Mesaana, though it is unclear whether she has actually used this ability yet. She appears to know that the Aes Sedai sent back from Salidar are spies; she refused to let Elaida speak with Meidani, who was one of them.
• Amyrlin Seat: The leader of the Aes Sedai, their equivalent of a King or Queen. She in theory holds supreme power amongst the sisters, and leads the Hall of the Tower at its meetings. Kings and queens of nations strong and weak will come if summoned by the Amyrlin, even if they spend their entire trip figuring out how they will put a knife in her back while there. The Seat is traditionally held by a woman strong both in the Power and in her character. The vote to choose an Amyrlin must be unanimous, as must the vote to depose one. Once chosen, the Amyrlin is said to be "of all Ajahs and none"—all previous affiliations with Ajah are ignored (at least in theory). The Ajahs have gotten fairly equal numbers of Amyrlins raised from their Ajah, with two exceptions: no Amyrlin has been raised from the Red Ajah since Bonwhin Meraighdin, who was deposed and stilled for nearly breaking the Tower in Artur Hawkwing's day, except for Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan, the current Amyrlin Seat in Tar Valon; the Blue Ajah has had more than the average number of Amyrlins from its Ajah—four of the last the last five Amyrlins (before Elaida) were raised from the Blue Ajah. These two exceptions to the mean number of Amyrlins from one's Ajah have only added to the friction between the Blue and Red Ajahs over the years. The Amyrlin has a secretary of sorts, the Keeper of the Chronicles, who is traditionally chosen from the same Ajah that the Amyrlin was raised from. The Amyrlin Seat was held by Siuan Sanche, raised from the Blue Ajah, until she was deposed for her involvement with events surrounding the Dragon Reborn. Her successor was the leader of the coup, Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan, raised from the Red Ajah. Siuan's deposition divided the Tower, and the faction opposing Elaida raised a new Amyrlin who could not be accused of choosing sides on the fateful day Siuan was deposed: Egwene al'Vere, who was outside the Tower and not even a full sister from the time Siuan was deposed to the time Egwene was Raised.
• Seaine Herimon: Sitter for the White Ajah in Tar Valon. She was the daughter of a Lugard furniture maker, and is a bit above average height. When the Hall was arguing over who to raise as Amyrlin years back, it was deadlocked over four candidates who had each worn the shawl about fifty years; the Hall wanted an Amyrlin that was younger than the eighty or more years than were common. Seaine suggested Siuan Sanche, then a young Blue sister that had worn the shawl for only ten years; she was eventually raised. Later, Seaine was charged by Elaida to find Darkfriends in the Tower; Elaida hopes to expose Alviarin on the suspicion that she is Black Ajah. She and her friend since novicehood, Pevara, have successfully captured and bound with the Oath Rod a member of the Black Ajah, and are hot on the trail to finding more.
• Bernaile Gelbarn: Aes Sedai sent back to the Tower by the Aes Sedai in Salidar. She keeps her hair done in many narrow, beaded braids.
• Queen Rhiannon: Queen who was “humbled,” presumably centuries ago, by the Aes Sedai. Her humbling is depicted in a tapestry in the Tower.
• Andaya Forae: Sitter for the Gray Ajah in Tar Valon. She has light brown hair, and grew up in Tarabon. She reminds Elaida of a sparrow about to hop to another branch. She is neither small nor slim. Serancha, the head of the Gray Ajah, practically annointed her to her seat in the Hall. Everyone expected Andaya to be appointed to the Hall, but they also expected another forty or fifty years to pass before it occured.
• Serancha Colvine: Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, and Head Clerk of the Gray Ajah (the head of the Grays). She was a very strong advocate of Andaya being raised Sitter. Seaine and Pevara put powdered itchoak in her shift when they were Accepted.
• Juilaine Madome: Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah, recently raised to a Sitter for the Brown in Tar Valon. She was hand-picked for her spot in the Hall, and not in the usual way the Browns pick. She is tall, attractive, and has short black hair.
• Suana Dragand: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah in Tar Valon, recently raised to a Sitter for the Yellow for the second time. She was hand-picked in a similar fashion to Juilaine, though she did serve in the Hall for forty years before resigning the first time. She is the First Weaver, the head of the Yellow Ajah. She is beefy, and has too much chin.
• Ferane Neheran: Aes Sedai of the White Ajah in Tar Valon. She stepped down from the Hall of the Tower about ten years ago, but was recently re-appointed to the Hall by the White Ajah; no sister has ever rejoined the hall that quickly. She is the head of the White Ajah, or at least high in its ranks, according to observations by Seaine.
• Adelorna Bastine: Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah. She is the Captain-General of the Green Ajah, the Ajah's leader. She was once birched by Elaida. She chose Rina for the Hall without a nominations process, which goes against Green custom.
• Rina Hafden: Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah, and very recently raised to a Sitter for the Green in Tar Valon. Normally Greens are nominated and then appointed to the Hall by the Captain-General, but she was appointed by Adelorna without a nomination. Rina is the Aes Sedai who is bonded to Elyas Machera.
• Shevan: Sitter for the Brown Ajah in Tar Valon. She is bonily thin and taller than most men. She has an angular face, long chin, spidery fingers, and curly hair. She was a very recent addition to the Hall, though unlike many of the other sisters raised in recent weeks, she was actually a logical choice to succeed—Saerin had mentioned that Shevan would likely have been her replacement when she decided to step down.
• Gawyn Trakand: Son of Queen Morgase of Andor and brother to Elayne. He will become First Prince of the Sword when Elayne becomes Queen. He and his half-brother Galad went to train with the Warders in the White Tower, as all sons of Andoran queens have for centuries, and both now possess considerable skill with the sword. During the chaos that erupted after Siuan Sanche's deposition, Gawyn formed a band of young men, everyone who had trained with the Warders except Galad, who are called the Younglings. The Younglings fought back against their teachers, who were trying to free Siuan and Leane from their imprisonment. Gawyn himself killed Hammar and Coulin, the men in charge of teaching the sword and for his personal training, respectively, both of which were Blademasters—few Warders are as good as they were, and Gawyn managed to kill both of them. With recent developments, Gawyn does not know which party to support—he believes that anyone who opposed Tower Law by trying to free Siuan and Leane was wrong, but at the same time he does not know all the facts surrounding the change in leadership. In fact, his sister Elayne and her friends Nynaeve al'Meara and Egwene al'Vere side with those who broke from the Tower, and Egwene, the woman he wants to marry, is their new leader. He believes the rumor that Rand killed his mother, and only refrains from killing him because Egwene made him promise not to. Gawyn has made many enemies inside and outside the Tower, just by leading the Younglings. He detests Rand because he thinks Rand killed his mother (when in fact no one did), and there is no telling how he'll react when he finds out that Elayne actually does love him (and is carrying his twins), as well as that Egwene heads the rebellion against the Tower. His sign is a white boar.
• Egwene al'Vere: Young woman from Emond's Field, now raised to the Amyrlin Seat among the Aes Sedai opposing Elaida. She has considerable strength with the One Power, and will most likely be one of the strongest Aes Sedai in over a thousand years. She is also the first Dreamer in the Tower in almost 500 years; she trained with the Wise Ones to learn more of this Talent. Egwene is good friends with Elayne Trakand, the Daughter-Heir of Andor, and is also a childhood friend of Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn. In fact, Rand and Egwene were all but Promised in their youth, but both of them feel an almost sibling-like love for each other now; they know that they cannot get married, and do not want to. Egwene is the love object of both of Elayne's brothers, Galad and Gawyn—she is flattered by Galad's attentions, but she does not return them; she does find Gawyn to her liking, and had a dream of bonding him as her Warder; she knows it will occur. Egwene was most likely chosen Amyrlin because she was in the Aiel Waste when the rebellion occurred, and because the Aes Sedai thought she could be guided by them without too much trouble; if this was their intent, they made a grave mistake, for Egwene promises to be one of the strongest Amyrlins in history. Egwene has enlisted Gareth Bryne as the commander of her army to invade Tar Valon and remove Elaida from power. She has also opened the novice books to all interested women for the first time in history—in the past, they were only open to girls of a certain age, for fear that older women would not be able to handle the discipline. This policy has increased the size of the rebel Tower to several times the size of the original, unified one. The number of novices has increased to levels not known for over a thousand years. Egwene has also discovered many lost Talents of the Age of Legends, such as Dreaming, Traveling, and the making of cuendillar. She was guided to Dreaming by the Wise Ones, with whom she studied in the Aiel Waste, and was guided to the making of cuendillar by Moghedien while she was captured, but Traveling was her discovery alone. She has recovered some other abilities through Moghedien as well. She plans to reunite the Tower and make it stronger than ever—and she plans to start by exiling Elaida, as she will not unite the Tower, only shatter it into fragments that will never be gathered up again.
• Raja: Domani Youngling. He is barely taller than Gawyn's shoulder. He surely would have been a Warder by now, had times been different.
• Tomil: One of the Younglings. He also has a brother in the Younglings.
• Elayne Trakand: Daughter-Heir of Andor, now Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah. She is the daughter of Morgase and her late husband, Taringail, and sister to Gawyn. She is also half-sister to Galad, although she would rather not be reminded of this fact; she thinks Galad virtuous to the point of fault, and does not really like him. She has considerable potential in the One Power, and is one of the strongest Aes Sedai in a thousand years or more, possibly since the Age of Legends, with the exceptions of Egwene, Nynaeve, Aviendha, and some trainees. She has red-gold curly hair. During her stay in the Stone of Tear, Elayne realized she loved Rand al'Thor, and told him how she felt; he felt similarly. She had no idea at the time what Min meant about "having to share him," but now knows about Min's viewing of Rand with the three women's heads, indicating that Rand will fall in love with Min, Elayne, and Aviendha, and they with him. Later, when she and Nynaeve had trouble with Moghedien, Elayne ended up bonding Birgitte as her Warder (despite being only Accepted at the time) in order to save Birgitte's life. Elayne later went to Ebou Dar and found the Bowl of the Winds, a ter'angreal that they used to fix the weather. She has since returned to Andor upon hearing news of her mother's disappearance; she plans to take the Lion Throne, as soon as she has garnered enough support to keep it. In the meantime, Elayne has managed to reproduce several ter'angreal, something which no one else has been able to do since the Breaking of the World, as well as discover a way to share a Warder bond between three women; she bonded Rand along with Aviendha, her new sister by Aiel tradition, and Min. Shortly after bonding Rand, she became pregnant with Rand's twins. To protect the children, she is allowing the rumor that Doilan Mellar fathered them to persist.
• Mistress Millin: Woman who owns a cattle barn in Dorlan that the Younglings use for their horses while passing through the town.
• Garon Burlow: Mayor of Dorlan, a town the Younglings pass through, and owner of its largest house.
• Katerine Alruddin: Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. Though she keeps it secret, she is actually of the Black Ajah, and has been for twelve years. She was captured by Rand during the battle at Dumai's Wells, but escaped her captors, most likely with assistance from Darkfriends. She has black hair. She and Tarna took rooms in Garon Burlow's house while the Younglings were there.
• Tarna Feir: Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. Elaida sent her to Salidar to communicate with the Aes Sedai there and report about their camp and their numbers. She has long, pale, yellow hair, a strong jaw, and blue eyes that could freeze the Sun. She was a wilder, and had her block beaten out of her by Galina Casban. She is as jumpy as a novice. Note: Tarna says at one point that Galina “knew <her> Ajah long before <she> did, and took a personal interest in <her>.” This is just speculation, but I think it was the Black (not Red) Ajah that Galina knew she would choose. It certainly fits with the idea of most Aes Sedai in the Tower being Black, and with Galina's personal interest in Tarna. Again, it's just speculation....
• Narenwin Barda: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah to whom Ronde Macura sends her reports. She is short, slender, and shy—it's easy to forget that she's there. She was sent to find Gawyn and the Younglings to give them "orders."
• Lusonia Cole: Aes Sedai, one of those displaced from the rooms they took in Dorlan when Tarna and Katerine.
• Covarla Baldene: One of the Aes Sedai who attempted to capture Rand. She was later kept as an apprentice to the Wise Ones, and then commanded the eleven sisters that escaped to Dorlan where the Younglings were. She was displaced from her room with Lusonia Cole when Tarna and Katerine arrived in Tar Valon.
• Davram t'Ghaline Bashere: Lord of Bashere, Tyr, and Sidonia; Guardian of the Blightborder; Defender of the Heartland; Marshal-General to Queen Tenobia of Saldaea. He is also her uncle, and Faile's father. He has black eyes, a beak-like nose, and a mustache. He is also slender, and shorter than most men; his wife towers over him. He left Saldaea with his army on an order from Tenobia to bring her the head of Mazrim Taim after he escaped; he ended up in Caemlyn when Rand defeated Rahvin. He now commands Rand's troops in Caemlyn (those that cannot channel and are not under the command of Mat or one of the Aiel chiefs). He is feared by any potential opponents in battle, and with reason—he is one of the best generals alive.
• Quick: Bashere's bay.
• Kin Tovere: Cairhienin who made Bashere's looking glass.
• Dawlin Armaghn: Andoran noble. He supports Naean and House Arawn. His sign is an oak and an axe.
• Daerilla Raened: Andoran noble. She and her minor House support Naean and House Arawn. Her sign is five silver stars.
• Naean Arawn: Slim, palely beautiful Andoran noble with big, blue eyes and waves of black hair. She sneers a lot. She opposed Morgase during the Succession. Dyelin exiled her from Caemlyn, as Morgase did long ago, for attempting to take the Lion Throne. She still plans to take it from Elayne, though once she was rescued from Murandy by Arymilla's men, her claim vanished. Her House now supports Arymilla for the Lion Throne and the Rose Crown of Andor.
• Jailin Maran: Andoran noble. She and her House support Elenia and House Sarand. Her sign is a cross-hatched red wall.
• Carlys Ankerin: Andoran noble. She and her House support Elenia and House Sarand. Her sign is paired white leopards.
• Eram Talkend: Andoran noble. She and her House support Elenia and House Sarand. Her sign is a golden winged hand.
• Elenia Sarand: Shrewish, honey-haired Andoran noble with an eye for Rand. Her husband Jarid opposed Morgase during the Succession. Dyelin exiled her from Caemlyn, as Morgase did long ago, for attempting to take the Lion Throne. She still plans to take it from Elayne, though once she was rescued from Aringill by Arymilla's men, her claim vanished. Her House now supports Arymilla for the Lion Throne and the Rose Crown of Andor. However, she thinks Arymilla "lacks the wit" to be queen, and Elayne too immature—she is also not above causing "accidents" for her rivals.
• Arymilla Marne: Brown-eyed Andoran noble with a habit of fainting. She opposed Morgase during the Succession. The only real reason Rand kept her around in Caemlyn was to push others into supporting Dyelin; no one wanted Andor in the hands of Arymilla. Once Elayne returned to Andor, she exiled Arymilla as her mother had. However, Arymilla learned of where Naean and Elenia were being detained in Murandy and rescued them. This debt of sorts bound House Arawn and House Sarand to support Arymilla's claim to the Lion Throne. She now has the support of five major houses of Andor. She is plump, verging on stout, has a vacuous smile, and brown eyes that are almost always wide with interest. Her sign is four silver moons on a twilight blue field.
• Nasin Caeren: Andoran noble, High Seat of House Caeren. He gave Arymilla lodging during her attempts to take the Lion Throne. He has thin white hair, and is stark raving mad. He believes himself betrothed to Elenia, despite the fact that she is married.
• Bael: Clan chief of the Goshien Aiel. He is the tallest man Rand has ever met, over a hand taller than Rand, who is not short. He has deep, resonant voice. He has two wives named Dorindha and Melaine. Melaine and Bael were recently wed, after Dorindha agreed to accept Melaine as a sister-wife. He has three sons (by Dorindha), and is expecting twin daughters (by Melaine). He has gray eyes.
• Melaine: Wise One of the of the Jhirad sept of the Goshien Aiel. She is a Dreamwalker, and was one of Egwene's teachers. She can channel. She swore she would never love a man, but changed her mind later and married Bael, her clan chief, thus becoming sister-wife to Dorindha. She has sun-colored hair and green eyes. She is currently expecting twin daughters.
• Tumad Ahzkan: Young lieutenant in Bashere's army, and commander of his personal escort. He can think clearly and see beyond what is in front of him. He is tall, though still two hands shorter than Bael, and has a thick black beard. Bashere is grooming him for a higher rank.
• Tenobia si Bashere Kazadi: Shield of the North and Sword of the Blightborder, High Seat of House Kazadi, Lady of Shahayni, Asnelle, Kunwar, and Ganai, Queen of Saldaea. She is tall for a woman with an overbold nose like an eagle's beak, a wide mouth, and dark, deep, blue, slanted, almost purple eyes. She is quite pretty. She is the niece of her Marshal-General, Davram Bashere. She is currently in the Braem Wood with the rest of the rulers of the Borderlands.
• Ethenielle Kirukon Materasu: Holder of the Throne of the Clouds of Kandor—that is, the Queen of Kandor. She is plump, and has gray-streaked black hair. She is about half a hand taller than Merilille. She has blue eyes. She was advised by Nianh, and Aes Sedai, but she fled Kandor as soon as news came that the Amyrlin had been deposed.
• Paitar Nachiman: King of Arafel, brother of Kiruna. His face is creased, though he was once stunningly handsome, and tall. He wears his gray hair cut short. He has a deep voice and broad shoulders. His favorite granddaughter is married to Ethenielle's son.
• Easar Togita: King of Shienar. He has a square face, and white hair in a topknot. He is a head shorter than Paitar of Arafel. Sadness is a permanent presence in his eyes. His third son is married to Ethenielle's daughter. His wife died about eleven years ago. He is currently in the Braem Wood with the rest of the rulers of the Borderlands.
• Deira ni Ghaline t'Bashere: Faile's mother. She has raven-black hair winged with white, and is about a head taller than her husband Davram, the Marshal-General of Saldaea. She was stabbed by a man while he was ransacking her tent, but she is alive. She and Davram rarely yell, but they have a very upfront method of conversing with eachother that often makes others somewhat uncomfortable. She did not approve of her daughter's marriage at first, but was eventually convinced to accept it.
• Zavion: Servant to Deira t'Bashere of Saldaea. She is a sinewy, red-haired Lady of Gahaur.
• Samitsu Tamagowa: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah. She is one of the best Healers alive, at least that do it in the traditional way. She was the Aes Sedai left in charge of Cairhien when Cadsuane left prior to the cleansing of saidin, and is now with the entourage of sisters that obey Cadsuane and protect Rand. She tried to Heal Rand's side wound and failed, but when Damer Flinn was able to Heal him using a more sophisticated weave, she begged on her knees for him to teach her. She is slender, has hazel eyes, and dark hair that she keeps bells in. She grew up in Arafel.
• Cadsuane Melaidhrin: Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah with iron-gray hair. She retired to a rose garden in northern Ghealdan, but has since left it due to the difficulty of growing decent roses with the weather the way it used to be. She refused two appointments to the Hall of the Tower, when refusing even once is unheard of. She also refused to become head of the Green Ajah. It is said that she has had more Warders than most sisters have had shoes. She has more strength than anyone in a thousand years except perhaps for Egwene and Nynaeve. Although she is a Green, she has confronted and captured more men that can channel than any other woman; unknown to most, the men she captures tend to live longer after being gentled than the average. She is somewhat of a living legend among Aes Sedai. According to Min, Cadsuane will teach Rand and the Asha'man something—they will not like it, especially not from her, but they will have to learn it. She is the oldest Aes Sedai alive. Cadsuane wears many ornaments in her hair, all of which are ter'angreal she has collected over the years. One of them is a reservoir—it “stores” saidar for later use in places where one might not be able to tap the Source, such as inside an Ogier stedding or inside Far Madding, her hometown. Another vibrates in the presence of men who can channel; it is likely this ornament that has allowed her to capture so many men to be gentled. There are many others, including three that she does not know the purpose of. Siuan suspects Cadsuane may be a Darkfriend, but based on her actions and thoughts so far that seems unlikely.
• Dobraine Taborwin: Cairienin lord. He is the High Seat of House Taborwin, and commanded the troops Perrin led to Dumai's Wells. He is little taller than Min, and has dark eyes and gray hair. He keeps the front of his head shaved, and keeps the gray hair on the sides to his shoulders. He was the only Cairhienin noble to retain a sizable force after the Shaido invasion. He is the Steward of Cairhien for the Dragon Reborn; he rules the country in Rand's absence, and serves as his advisor in his presence.
• Sashalle Anderly: Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. She was stilled by Rand during the battle at Dumai's Wells. She has since been Healed by Damer Flinn, and is now an apprentice of the Wise Ones and oathsworn to Rand. She even wears Aiel jewelry.
• Sorilea: Wise One of Shende Hold, of the Jarra sept of the Chareen Aiel. She has thin, white hair; tight, leathery skin; and green eyes. She can channel, but only weakly. She is about a head taller than Egwene. She is the strongest-willed of the Wise Ones—even other Wise Ones scurry to do her bidding, and no one gives her orders.
• Verin Mathwin: Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah who accompanied Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve back from Falme to Tar Valon. Her Warder is named Tomas. She is more interested in current events than the average Brown; most of them could not care less what happened now, only what happened years ago. She gave Egwene the twisted stone ring ter'angreal to assist her in Dreaming, and also once told Morgase that there was really no need to keep her in the Tower until she learned to control her ability when she was a novice, since she would never be able to do much with it anyway. When Verin went to the Two Rivers with Alanna, they helped to fight the Trollocs that attacked, and when they left they brought a half-dozen young women with them who could channel, including Mat's sister Bode. When she and Alanna reached Caemlyn, they found that the Tower had been broken, and decided to side with the Salidar embassy when it reached town. Verin is quite old—her hair is starting to turn gray, which to an Aes Sedai means she is quite old indeed. She is now with Cadsuane's group of sisters in Tear.
• Ailil Riatin: Slim, dignified woman with big dark eyes. Not young, but pretty. She is Toram Riatin's sister, and will do anything for him if he asked her to. She is also the daughter of King Galldrian. She is tall for a Cairhienin woman (and only for a Cairhienin woman...). She had pledged for Rand, but disappeared after the attack by Asha'man. The last Rand saw her, she was bound with the Power under a bed. Since Toram is assumed dead, she is being pressured to resume the High Seat of House Riatin.
• Toram Riatin: Cairhienin lord, son of King Galldrian. He is a Blademaster. He opposed Colavaere, and is in league with Caraline and Darlin against Rand. He was last seen running off into the fog of Mashadar that Fain released, and is presumed dead.
• Alanna Mosvani: Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah. She is dark and slender with black hair and dark eyes. She has two surviving Warders, Rand (whom she bonded against his will) and Ihvon; her other, Owein, died in the Two Rivers while scouting the Whitecloak camp. She later found that bonding Rand was a grievious error; not only is it impossible to Compel him in comparison to most Warders (she compared it to attempting to uproot an oak tree with her bare hands), but she constantly feels the pain he experiences from the wound in his side, perhaps even more severely than he feels it. She is now in Tear, but the other Aes Sedai there are avoiding her notice.
• Damer Flinn: Crease-faced old man with a limp, now one of the Asha'man. He is bald with a fringe of white hair around the edge of his head. He was in the Queen's Guards until he took a Murandian lance in the thigh, and ever since has desired to help people with injuries. He came for the amnesty to see if he could learn to Heal; as it turns out, he is very Talented, and has developed methods of Healing that have been forgotten since the Age of Legends. He managed to partially Heal Rand's wound in his side, to separate it from the rest of his body so the evil does not seep into it anymore. Since he was placed on Taim's Traitors' List, he has been in hiding—he did not assist in the attack on Rand, but Rand thinks it better to be safe than to have him killed. He has since been bonded as Warder to Corele, and has been attempting to teach Samitsu to do with saidar what he does with saidin.
• Irgain Fatamed: Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah. She was stilled by Rand during the battle at Dumai's Wells. One of her Warders died from the shock; the other died while killing Aiel, making no attempt to escape. She has since been Healed by Damer Flinn, and is now oathsworn to Rand. She has been given special privilege by the Wise Ones, and is free to come and go as she pleases.
• Ronaille Vevanios: Aes Sedai of unknown Ajah. She was stilled by Rand during the battle at Dumai's Wells. She has since been Healed by Damer Flinn. She has been granted special privilege by the Wise Ones, and is free to come and go as she pleases.
• Corgaide Marendevin: Pale, grave-faced, gray-haired woman who orders servants in the Sun Palace. Her official title is Holder of the Keys, and she is essentially in charge of all servants in the palace. She is about a hand shorter than Samitsu and Sashalle. She is fond of rumors.
• Alaine Chuliandred: Lady of Cairhien. Rand first met her at a party at Lord Barthanes's manor, which has subsequently been converted into Rand's institute of scientific research. A year ago, she would have been up in arms against Fionnda, not pleasantly chatting wearing scandalous dresses.
• Fionnda Annariz: Lady of Cairhien. She has taken to "scandalous" dress. A year ago, she would have been up in arms against Alaine, not pleasantly chatting with her at a party.
• Bertome Saighan: Short, ruggedly handsome lord of Cairhien with the front of his head shaved. He is Colavaere's cousin, and since her death has become High Seat of House Saighan.
• Weiramon Saniago: High Lord of Tear. Rand placed him in charge of his campaigns in Cairhien at first. He also controlled part of the massive army Rand sent against Illian. His sign is a silver Crescent-and-stars.
• Loial (aka Ledar): Son of Arent son of Halan, an Ogier from Stedding Shangtai. He left the stedding at around age 90 to see the world; by Ogier standards, he is not yet old enough to leave the stedding without permission from the Council of Elders. He is fond of books and history, and is an excellent Treesinger. He is writing a book about his travels with the three ta'veren he meets, Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara. Loial is constantly afraid that his mother will find him and try to marry him off and settle him down; however, he does like his mother's choice of wives for him, Erith. In fact, the primary reason he fears returning to Stedding Shangtai is because he is convinced that his mother will insist he and Erith get married on the spot if he does, and he will not be able to finish his book. He has been traveling around to all of the stedding and former Ogier groves with Karldin Manfor, one of the Dedicated, to either seal the Waygates there or warn others to monitor them for Trolloc activity. Like most of the Ogier, he is sad that most humans do not remember the Ogier, and is horrified that some even think he is a Trolloc on first seeing him. Takes on the pseudonym of Ledar during those the waygate travels. Ledar is an Ogier, son of Shandin, son of Koimal. He stops in Cairhien and talks with Methin and Beldair. He arrived with Underhill, his traveling companion. The name Ledar is actually a traveling name, as is Underhill; their true identities are the Ogier Loial and the Asha'man Karldin Manfor.
• Eldrid Methin: Worker in Mistress Beldair's kitchen. She talks to Ledar and Underhill when they arrive in Cairhien.
• Mistress Beldair: Chief cook in an inn in Cairhien where Samitsu stayed for a while. She is stout and tall for a Cairhienin, nearly as tall as Samitsu. She has gray hair. She also greeted Ledar and Underhill upon their arrival.
• Karldin Manfor (aka Master Underhill): Asha'man who accompanied Loial to all the stedding and former Ogier groves to seal the Waygates there or warn others to monitor them. Like Flinn and Narishma, he is on the Deserter's List, as is every Asha'man that works with Rand. Uses Master Underhill as a pseudonym as a traveling companion to Ledar. He has pale hair.
• Kasi: Worker in Beldair's kitchen.
• Andil: Worker in Beldair's kitchen.
• Shandin: Ledar's father, Koimal's son. He does not actually exist....
• Koimal: Ledar's grandfather, Shandin's father. He does not actually exist....
• Jahar Narishma: A man not much past twenty that had the spark of saidin inborn. He is now one of the Asha'man. He is loyal to Rand, not Taim. Since being placed on the Traitor's List, he has been in hiding—he did not assist in the attack on Rand, but Rand thinks it better to be safe than have him killed. He has since been bonded as a Warder by Merise. He wielded Callandor at the cleansing of saidin, though the circle was controlled by one of the women. Merise took away his dragon pin, claiming it was not appropriate for him to wear it in lieu of his new responsibilites as her Warder—Jahar was very angry with her for this, and she will eventually have to learn that he is much stronger than she is, and she needs to give him respect appropriate to that position.
• Eben Hopwil: One of the Asha'man. He was about sixteen years old, and skinny. He had a big nose and ears to match. He died at the hands of Aran'gar during the cleansing of saidin near Shadar Logoth.
• Merise Haindehl: Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah from Tarabon. She has dark hair and very blue eyes. She has three Warders, including Jahar Narishma, one of the Asha'man.
• Fedwin Morr: Former Asha'man. He served as a spy on the Seanchan until he went insane and Rand had to poison him.
• Roshan: Samitsu's Warder.
• Maringil: Cairhienin lord. He had white hair to his shoulders, was blade thin, and icy cool. He was killed by Colavaere because he was competition for the Sun Throne.
• Cera Doinal: Young girl who reports Dobraine's death to Loial, Karldin, Samitsu, Sashalle, and the kitchen staff in the inn in Cairhien where they are all staying.
• Rosara Medrano: Aes Sedai native to Tear. She wears carved ivory combs in her black hair. She is tall, and as tan as the Aiel. She arrived at the inn Samitsu is staying at in Cairhien to inform her that Logain had arrived in the city.
• Matrim Cauthon (aka Mat, Toy): Young man from Emond's Field. He is ta'veren. Along with his good friends, Rand al'Thor and Perrin Aybara, he left home to escape the Trolloc attacks after Winternight. On the way to Tar Valon, he picked up a dagger from Shadar Logoth tainted with the evil that destroyed Aridhol, which he carried with him for a long time. He was separated from the dagger by Aes Sedai Healing, but doing so caused large gaps in his memory sequence. These gaps were filled and more when he passed through the twisted door to the land of the Eelfinn, where he was granted his three requests: a foxhead medallion that protects him from women's channeling, a way out of the land of the Eelfinn, and the memories of past lifetimes that were the gaps in his memory. Mat's ta'veren qualities manifest themselves particularly well with random events, such as dice games—he almost never loses a toss of the dice, even if the dice are weighted. He has found that battles are the ultimate form of gambling, and along with his newfound memories he can win almost every battle he fights quite decisively. He has four sisters, including Eldrin and Bodewhin, who are 17 and 16, respectively. His father Abell is one of the best archers in the Two Rivers, possibly in the World. Mat has gotten in the habit of carrying concealed knives under his clothes in case he is attacked—his collection would surprise anyone. In the Waste, he met a woman named Melindhra, a Maiden of the Spear from the Shaido Clan. However, she was not the Daughter of the Nine Moons, who Mat is destined to marry according to the Aelfinn; besides, she tried to kill him on orders from her master among the Darkfriends. Mat had to kill her to save his own skin, but regretted it deeply. He also has a scar along his neck from where the Eelfinn tried to kill him—which was also in accordance with what the Aelfinn told him, that he is "to die and live again." He created an army called the Band of the Red Hand, after the army of King Aemon of old Manetheren, and served in a way as Rand's personal general—this worked well, since Mat seems to be a better general than even Davram Bashere, who has earned his reputation as one of the best commanders alive. Mat does not trust any Aes Sedai, and because of this refuses to take his foxhead medallion off even to take a bath. Mat went to Ebou Dar to try to keep an eye on Elayne and Nynaeve and prevent them from getting themselves killed. While there he was cornered by Queen Tylin, who gave him little choice but to become her lover. When the Sea Folk and the Seanchan did battle in the city, he made his escape, leaving Tylin tied up under the bed so it looked "official"—Tylin was found torn limb from limb, obviously by the gholam which was no doubt sent to kill Mat. In the process of leaving, Mat also took several sul'dam and damane (who were subsequently freed from their collars), and even kidnapped Tuon, the Daughter of the Nine Moons herself. Mat is traveling with Valan Luca's show now, to keep out of Seanchan sight. Toy is a pet name Tuon uses for Mat. He hates it.
• Noal Charin: Man who saved Mat from a gholam in Ebou Dar by coming upon it and surprising it. He is stooped and white-haired, his nose crooked from breaking it. Most of his teeth are missing. He is quite likely Jain Charin, also known as Jain Farstrider.
• Egeanin Tamarath (aka Egeanin Elidar, Egeanin Sarna, Leilwin): Seanchan ship captain, later a Captain of the Green. Her last name changes each time she gets promoted; her previous last names were Elidar and Sarna. She fled Ebou Dar as part of Mat's entourage; she has feelings for Bayle Domon, a ship captain whose ship she once boarded and looted. Leilwin is a pseudonym used by Egeanin to conceal her true identity while traveling with Mat. She claims the name is Taraboner. She and Mat are posing as lovers to evade suspicion.
• Renna Emain: Sul'dam who was charged to train and control Egwene when she becomes a damane. She later gave her the nickname "Tuli." When Egwene escaped, she put an a'dam around Renna's neck, and left it there when she fled. Renna was later discovered by Bethamin, wretching from the effort of removing the a'dam in vain. To protect the Seanchan way of life—which would likely collapse if it was learned that sul'dam could learn to channel—Renna retains her rank as sul'dam, but is forbidden to be linked with a damane. She was kept under close watch by Suroth until she escaped with Mat's group.
• Suroth Sabelle Meldarath: High Lady of Asinbayar and Barsabba, leader of Those Who Come Before. She has her head shaven on the sides and long, black hair in the middle. This is the typical Seanchan style for those “of the Blood.” Suroth is determined to redeem herself after High Lord Turak's mishap at Falme—she does not want to have to explain a failure that was not hers to the Empress. She gathered all of the Seanchan ships that fled Falme so they would not go back home; she then retook portions of the mainland again, but was prevented from taking Illian by Rand and his Asha'man. Known to few, Suroth is a Darkfriend, and is high in their ranks.
• The Empress (of Seanchan): Supreme ruler of Seanchan. She is considered to be a direct descendant of the first emperor of Seanchan, Luthair Paendrag Mondwhin. She presides over the Court of the Nine Moons on the Seanchan continent. She is Tuon's mother. The Empress is always referred to as “the Empress, may she live forever,” even when she is only referred to in thought.
• Serisa: Damane that belongs to Egeanin. She is very well-trained and responsive. She will gorge herself on honey nuts, if you let her, but she's always cheerful and never seasick. Egeanin was forced to leave her in Cantorin.
• Bayle Domon: Stocky ship captain and smuggler from Illian. His ship was captured by Egeanin at Falme, and she was afraid Domon would recognize her the next time they met. She was right—he did. He is now one of Egeanin's so'jhin. When Egeanin captured his ship, he was trying to drop the male a'dam in the ocean. The two are now involved in a romance (she purchased him so they could stay together), which no one else seems to understand—anyone who talks to either of them seems to find them impossible to get along with.
• Blaeric Negina: One of Joline's Warders. He has blue eyes, a pointed chin, and straight black hair. He is tall, and from Saldaea. He now travels with Mat's entourage and Valan Luca's menagerie.
• Fen Mizar: One of Joline's Warders. He has dark, tilted eyes and a pointed chin. His hair is straight and black. He now travels with Mat's entourage and Valan Luca's show.
• Selucia: One of Tuon's servants; the one who shaves her head every morning. She has golden hair, piercing blue eyes, skin the color of buttery cream, and an “impressive” bosom. She is effectively a prisoner of Mat, along with her mistress.
• Tuon Athaem Kore Paendrag: Second daughter of the Empress, heir to the Crystal Throne of Seanchan, and leader of the Corenne, the Return. She has brown eyes and no hair (it has been shaved off). She is also called the Daughter of the Nine Moons, the woman Mat was told he will marry. Mat has since kidnapped her (in a matter of speaking), and she travels with him under strictest secrecy. She is very small—short and slender. She is, however, 20 years old, about the same age as Mat. She has very long eyelashes.
• Chel Vanin: Fat man who Mat uses as a scout. He is a good rider, and Mat thinks he could steal a hen pheasant's eggs with her sitting on them (although he would likely steal her, too)—he also thinks Vanin could steal a horse out from under a nobleman and he would not know it for two days. He has a large space between his front teeth. He went with Mat to Ebou Dar, and escaped the city with Mat to travel with Valan Luca's show.
• Tylin Quintara Mitsobar: By the Grace of the Light, Queen of Altara, Mistress of the Four Winds, Guardian of the Sea of Storms, High Seat of House Mitsobar. Her kingdom was small, and she only ruled a portion of it; the rest was governed by nobles who were not necessarily loyal to her. She was the second from her House to sit on the throne—this was the maximum traditionally, and the only House to hold it for four generations fell so fast from power that it could not recover. She was advised by Merilille Ceandevin of the Gray Ajah. She is a widow, and does not plan to marry again. However, she took an interest in Mat Cauthon, and contrary to Mat's usual tactic of chasing women, she chased and caught him. The two were lovers for some time. When the Seanchan invaded her nation, she cooperated with them out of necessity—they let her keep her position of authority, but she was a puppet of the Crystal Throne. When the Sea Folk fought the Seanchan, destroying much of Ebou Dar in the process, Tylin suggested Mat use the opportunity to escape the city, and tie her up under the bed to make it look like he had to restrain her to escape. While she was bound and gagged under the bed, the gholam came, presumably to kill Mat, and she fell easy prey to it. She was found by Suroth's people the next morning, torn limb-from-limb.
• Daughter of the Nine Moons: Woman whom Mat is destined to marry, according to the Aelfinn. She is actually Tuon, the heir to the Seanchan throne.
• Valan Luca: Owner of the menagerie that Elayne and Nynaeve encounterd in Amadicia. He is still in business, running what he calls “Valan Luca's Grand Traveling Show and Magnificent Display of Marvels and Woders.” He was near Ebou Dar when the Seanchan invaded, and Mat convinced him to let in several members of his group and hide them from the Seanchan. He is easily persuaded with money, and is very stingy—except where his wife is concerned.
• Petra Anhill: Strongman in Valan Luca's menagerie. He has arms like tree trunks. Husband of Clarine. He is shorter than Mat, but about twice as wide. He can straighten a horse shoe with his bare hands.
• Clarine Anhill: Wife of Petra. Plump and brown-cheeked, she trains dogs for Luca's menagerie. She and Petra intend to buy an inn one day with the money they earn.
• Col: Bent-nozed horse handler in Valan Luca's menagerie. He is from Tear, and has heavy shoulders.
• Rumann: Sword-juggler in Valan Luca's menagerie. He seems to have “settled in with a contortionist” named Adria.
• Adria: Contortionist in Valan Luca's menagerie. She and Rumann are now an item.
• Olver: Boy of nine who sat on the wrong horse and almost had his neck broken for the trouble. He was adopted after a fashion by Mat and his Band of the Red Hand. His parents were killed when the Shaido ravaged Cairhien. He is short, pale, and quite ugly. He likes to chase women. He is a good horse racer, and travels with Mat and Luca's show. He has a certain fascination with the game Snakes and Foxes, and does not seem to understand that there is no way to win without cheating. Note: many people think that Olver may be the Rebirth of Gaidal Cain—he is certainly ugly, as Gaidal was, and with Min's viewing of Birgitte's adventures with an ugly man both far older than her and far younger than her, it seems to fit. Also, there is speculation that Olver's obsession with Snakes and Foxes, which is based on dealings with the Aelfinn and Eelfinn, will allow him (or Mat, Thom, or someone else who would observe his solutions) to puzzle out how to beat the Eelfinn and get Moiraine back from them.
• Aludra: Illuminator from Tarabon with dark waist-length hair done in thin braids, large dark eyes, and a plump mouth. She was involved with the fireworks display for King Galldrian of Cairhien that went awry when Trollocs came. She was blamed for its failure, though she believed one of her colleagues, Tammuz, was to blame. She was cast out of the Illuminators' Guild, and when she refused to stop practicing the art of making fireworks, several men tried to kill her. She was saved by Mat and Thom in a barn, and as a sign of gratitude she gave Mat a roll of fireworks. She later came to Ebou Dar, and asked Mat to find her a bellfounder. He was knocked out during the battle and thus missed the bellfounder, but Aludra escaped and she now travles with Mat's entourage.
• Thomdril Merrilin (aka Thom): Gleeman who came to Emond's Field on Winternight just before the Trollocs came. He is quite the ladies' man. Thom is good at juggling, sleight-of-hand, and all kinds of other tricks. He also carries several concealed knives up his sleeves, in his boots, and in various other locations on his body; this practice seems to have spread from Thom to Mat, Min, and Faile. Thom was originally a bard in Queen Morgase's Royal Court, and for a time after her husband Taringail Damodred died, he was the Queen's lover. During his run from a Fade at Shadar Logoth, he was injured, and now walks with a limp because of it. Thom is getting old, such that he is starting to realize that he cannot do the backflips and other stunts he used to do. He accompanied Elayne and Nynaeve on their travels as per Moiraine's request, despite the fact that he has never felt comfortable around Aes Sedai since his nephew, Owyn, was gentled by the Red Ajah. Thom is an expert in the Game of Houses; in fact, his girlfried Dena was killed by Cairhienin soldiers because they thought he was trying to play Daes Daemar against the Royal House. He has recently taken to traveling with Mat and his entourage, ever since hooking up with him again in Ebou Dar.
• Dark One (aka Sightblinder, Lord of the Grave, Father of Lies, Grassburner, Leafblighter, Heartfang, Heartsbane, Soulsbane, Lord of the Twilight, Father of Storms, Shepherd of the Night, Soulblinder, Great Lord of the Dark): Name used in every land for Shai'tan, the source of all evil, complete antithesis of The Creator in every way. At the moment of Creation, Shai'tan was imprisoned by the Creator at Shayol Ghul. This prison kept him from touching the world until it was bored into by Aes Sedai during the Age of Legends. This hole, called the Bore, allowed the Dark One to once again touch the world, causing new outbreaks of war, treachery, violence, and crime. The attempt to free the Dark One completely resulted in the War of the Shadow (called the War of Power by some, especially those on the Shadow's side), during which a number of important leaders forsook the Light and gave their lives to the Dark One; these people are known today as the Forsaken, and were 13 of the most powerful Aes Sedai of the Age of Legends. The War of the Shadow did not end until Lews Therin Telamon, the Dragon, and his Hundred Companions Traveled to Shayol Ghul and re-sealed the Dark One back into his prison, trapping the Forsaken with him. At the moment of sealing, Shai'tan lashed out at those sealing the prison, driving them insane and tainting saidin itself, the male half of the True Source, dooming all male Aes Sedai to madness as well and starting the Time of Madness. These seals are weakening now, enough that the Forsaken have escaped and the Dark One is once again able to exert influence on the world. These seals were scattered througout the world by Aes Sedai during the Breaking of the World. In order of when they were discovered, they were found: 1) At the Eye of the World (broken when it was found); 2) in the hands of Bayle Domon, later pilfered by High Lord Turak of the Seanchan (broken at the battle of Falme), 3) On Seanchan, part of High Lord Turak's collection (broken at the battle at Falme); 4) In the Great Hold at the Stone of Tear (still intact); 5) In the Panarch's Palace in Tanchico (broken enroute to Salidar); 6) One in Rhuidean (still intact), and 7) Found by Mazrim Taim on a small farm in Saldaea (still intact). Despite being made of cuendillar, the three that remain unbroken can be cut with a knife and would break by a fall from a table.
• Latelle Luca: Woman with a stern face and dark eyes that performs with bears in Valan Luca's menagerie. She is Valan's wife. Mat suspects that Latelle's bears do their tricks for fear she might bite them.
• Juilin Sandar: Thief-taker from Tear, one of the best at his craft. He accompanied Nynaeve and Elayne on their travels because Lan asked him to. He accepted partly out of respect for Lan, and partly out of guilt; he betrayed Elayne, Egwene, and Nynaeve to the Black Ajah when Liandrin used Compulsion on him, and later realized how wrong it was. He carries a notched sword-breaker and a staff with which he is deadly. He has fallen in love with Amathera, the Panarch of Tarabon.
• Thera: One of Suroth's da'covale. She and Juilin have a budding relationship. She is actually the Panarch of Tarabon, Amathera, and has been spirited out of Ebou Dar by Juilin and Mat.
• Amathera Aelfdene Casmir Lounault: Former Panarch of Tarabon. She vanished, allegedly at Aes Sedai hands, according to White Tower spies. In reality, Amathera was being held prisoner by sisters of the Black Ajah under Liandrin, and was rescued by Elayne and Nynaeve. They had her keep a low profile for several days so as not to be hurt by the mob outside the Panarch's Palace (since it is not all that far from “The Panarch is dead!” to “Death to the Panarch!”), then she returned to her position. When the Seanchan invaded Tanchico, she refused to willingly give her country to the new conquerors; they captured her, and forced her to live as a servant. She served as a dancer for High Lady Suroth, the leader of the Seanchan pre-invasionary forces, until she was rescued by Juilin Sandar, who took her along when he fled Ebou Dar with Mat.
• Wind: Olver's horse. He deserves the name; he is quite quick, and wins most of the races he runs.
• Lopi: One of Mat's Redarms. He has a round belly, and little hair.
• Nerim: One of Mat's Redarms. He is short even for a Cairhienin, skinny, pale, and has gray in his hair.
• Setalle Anan: Stately former innkeeper of The Wandering Woman, the inn at which Mat and Olver stayed at in Ebou Dar. She has hazel eyes, marking her a non-native to Ebou Dar. She worked closely with the Kin, and knew of their existance despite not being a part of them. She has a regal presence, and has a touch of gray in her hair.
• Jameine: Hot-eyed seamstress in Luca's show. Olver likes her, along with several other serving girls.
• Harnan: Lantern-jawed Tairen Redarm, a file-leader in the Band of the Red Hand. He has a heavy jaw, a long-suffering expression, and a crude hawk tatoo on his left cheek.
• Metwyn: One of Mat's Redarms. He is the best among the Redarms with a sword. He looks like a boy, despite being about ten years older than Mat. He grew up in Cairhien, and has a weakness for tavern brawls.
• Culain: Person Mat was in a past life. With his last breath, he laughed in Artur Hawkwing's face.
• Artur Paendrag Tanreall: Real name of Artur Hawkwing. He was difficult to get along with even before the War of the Hundred Years started, according to Mat's memories.
• Beslan Mitsobar: Queen Tylin's son. He is mild-mannered, has a soft voice sharp eyes, and black hair to his shoulders.
• Joline Maza: es Sedai of the Green Ajah. She was a Sitter for the Green, appointed after one of the Green's sitters left for Salidar. Elaida asked her to resign her position after only weeks and sent her to Ebou Dar to meet with Queen Tylin of Altara. She has two Warders named Blaeric and Fen.
• Edesina Azzedin: Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah. She was sent to Tarabon to attempt to restore order there, and was later captured by the Seanchan. She was a prisoner in the Royal Palace of Altara, held by the collar of a damane, but was released by Mat and now travels with him and with Luca's show. She is slim and handsome, with black hair to her waist.
• Teslyn Baradon: Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah from Illian. She has a sharp face, narrow shoulders, gaunt cheeks, and a narrow nose. She was a Sitter for the Red for fifteen years until Elaida was raised and asked her to step down from the Hall. Elaida sent her to Ebou Dar to meet with Queen Tylin of Altara. When the Seanchan invaded, she was captured and made damane. She was subsequently released by Mat, and travels with him and Luca's show.
• Bethamin Zeami: Sul'dam who was left behind after the battle at Falme, later captured by Egeanin. When Egeanin found her, she tried to get away, so Egeanin snapped the a'dam she was carrying around her neck, hoping to use it as one more barrier to the woman fleeing (since Bethamin supposedly cannot channel, the a'dam should have no other effect than throwing a metal ring around her head). Much to Egeanin's surprise, the a'dam held Bethamin just as well as it held the damane it was intended for. Bethamin already knew this, from observing Renna, who Egwene left collared after Falme. From this, and from Nynaeve's and Elayne's information about the possibility of learning to channel (not just having it inborn), Egeanin reasoned that all sul'dam, including Bethamin, could channel if they were taught—which went against everything she had been taught her entire life. Bethamin is now forbidden to be linked to damane, both as protection for her—if anyone besides Suroth knew that the a'dam would control her, they would probably make her wear it all the time—and as protection for the Seanchan way of life, which would likely collapse if it was learned that sul'dam could channel just as well as damane. She has since been spirited away from Ebou Dar with Mat, Egeaninn, and the rest of the group that fled Ebou Dar.
• Seta Zarbey: Name of the sul'dam that Nynaeve collared before rescuing Egwene at Falme. Bethamin discovered her, wretching from the effort of removing the a'dam in vain. To protect the Seanchan way of life—which would likely collapse if it was learned that sul'dam could learn to channel—Seta retains her rank as sul'dam, but is forbidden to be linked with a damane. She was kept under close watch by Suroth. She has since been taken along with Mat and the others that left Ebou Dar.
• Renna Emain: Sul'dam who was charged to train and control Egwene when she becomes a damane. She later gave her the nickname “Tuli.” When Egwene escaped, she put an a'dam around Renna's neck, and left it there when she fled. Renna was later discovered by Bethamin, wretching from the effort of removing the a'dam in vain. To protect the Seanchan way of life—which would likely collapse if it was learned that sul'dam could learn to channel—Renna retains her rank as sul'dam, but is forbidden to be linked with a damane. She is kept under close watch by Suroth. She has since been spirited away by Mat, Egeanin, and the rest of the group that escaped Ebou Dar in the chaos.
• Perrin t'Bashere Aybara (aka Young Bull, Goldeneyes): Young man from Emond's Field. He is ta'veren. When he and Egwene got separated from the rest of the group while fleeing the Trollocs on Winternight, Perrin met a man named Elyas Machera. Elyas, a former Warder who found he could talk to wolves, helped Perrin discover the same ability in himself. Perrin's eyes are now yellow (and picked up the nickname Goldeneyes by the people in the Two Rivers), just like the wolves' eyes, and he can enter what he calls the Wolf Dream (known to most as Tel'aran'rhiod, the World of Dreams) with them. Young Bull is Perrin's wolf name the wolves use. It is actually an image, one of the simpler ones in fact, much more complex than simply “Young Bull.” Perrin is a childhood friend of fellow ta'veren Rand al'Thor and Mat Cauthon. On the way to Tear, Perrin encountered a young woman by the name of Zarine Bashere, a Hunter for the Horn who took the name of Faile (which means “Falcon” in the Old Tongue) as a more appropriate name for a Hunter for the Horn. The two are now married. Perrin is a very large man—he was always a big person, which caused him to be very cautious since he found as a child that he could easily hurt other children if his temper got out of hand. His size helps considerably when helping Master Luhhan on his forge, but sometimes gives others the impression that he is slow and stupid. He returned to the Two Rivers for a time to repel the series of Trolloc attacks; he and his wife are recognized as Lord and Lady there, the first noblility of the Two Rivers since the Trolloc Wars. When he returned, he began to draw the eye of Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron, the First of Mayene—Perrin wants nothing more than to be as far from her as possible, but Berelain will not take no for an answer, much to Faile's dismay and intense jealousy. Perrin was instrumental in freeing Rand from his entrapment at Dumai's Wells; the two had a fight afterwards (they had planned it as a way for Perrin to leave, although they most likely did not plan on it being as violent as it was), and Perrin went to Ghealdan to see if he could tame Masema. On the way, his wife was captured by Shaido, and now he must track her down.
• Furyk Karede: Seanchan Banner-General of the Deathwatch Guards, and commander of about 2300 Seanchan troops. He is 42 years old, born to weavers, and the property of Jalid Magonine, a craftsman in Ancarid. Furyk started training for the Deathwatch Guards when he was fifteen. He was cited twice for heroism, and mentioned in dispatches three times. After seven years, after her birth, he was named to Tuon's personal bodyguard, though that was not her name at the time (and using that name now would be an insult to her). He was one of only three survivors of an attempt on Tuon's life, and was subsequently chosen for officer training. Later, he was injured again saving Tuon from assassins; she gave him a doll, her most prized possession at the time. Several years later, Karede was named to the Empress's personal bodyguard, and sent with High Lord Turok and the Hailene. He kept Tuon's doll for over ten years until it was destroyed in the Great Fire of Sohima. He has since requested to be on Tuon's bodyguard again no fewer than three times.
• Ajimbura: Karede's manservant. He is very protective of his master's honor. He is thin and wiry, and has a habit of killing rats with his knife.
• Musenge: Grizzled captain of the Deathwatch Guards. He commands Tuon's personal bodyguard.
• Abaldar Yulan: Captain of the Air and pilot of a Seanchan raken.
• Almurat Mor: Seeker for the Truth among the Seanchan. He believes there is a plot against Tuon, and is in the process of questioning just about everyone.
• Luthair Paendrag Mondwhin: Son of Artur Hawkwing. He led the forces across the Aryth Ocean. When they landed there, he led them to conquer the continent they found for themselves, and declared himself Emperor. His descendants are the Seanchan “of the Blood,” and the rest of the Seanchan are descended from his troops and the native inhabitants.
• Kalia Karede: Late wife of Furyk.
• Anath Dorje: Selucia's former Soe'feia, or Truthseeker. She now serves Tuon. She is very tall and slender with dark skin and black eyes. She seems to get a charge out of inflicting pain.
• Jalid Magonine: Craftsman from Ancarid (in the lands of the Seanchan), and owner of Furyk Karede and his parents at the time of Furyk's birth.
• Turak: High Lord of Seanchan and commander of the Forerunners before his death in Falme. He was killed there when Rand bested him in a swordfight. He was a Blademaster, and was quite stunned when Rand was able to match him. He kept a collection of rare cuendillar objects, including (thanks in part to looting Bayle Domon's ship) two seals on the Dark One's prison. Both of these seals broke when the Seanchan were pushed back into the sea at Falme.
• Emela: The name of the doll Tuon gave to Karede when he saved her life when she was very young. It was her most prized possession at the time.
• Aldazar: Karede's bay horse.
• Hartha: First Gardener, the commander of a section of Seanchan Ogier.
• Melitene: Tuon's der'sul'dam. She is skilled in more than just training sul'dam. Less black than gray in her hair.
• Mylen: Former Aes Sedai, now collared as a damane by the Seanchan. Her conditioning has resulted in an absolute hatred of Aes Sedai, and adoration for Suroth.
• Elyas Machera (aka Long Tooth): Lanky old man with graying hair to his waist. He was a Warder at one time, bonded to an Aes Sedai named Rina, and left the Tower when he discoverd that he could talk to wolves. He did not find any problem with the ability by itself, but felt the need to get away from the Red Ajah, who thought they should gentle him (even though there was nothing to be gentled) because of his ability. Elyas helped Perrin learn that he could talk to wolves as well; Perrin does not necessarily like the ability, but has gotten over the dislike of it as well. The wolves call him Long Tooth. Compared to him, Aiel are noisy when they are not trying to be heard. Long Tooth is the name the wolves give to Elyas Machera; the name is used because of the long knife Elyas uses to hunt with, which the wolves see as a long metal tooth.
• Faile ni Bashere t'Aybara (aka Zarine ni Bashere t'Aybara): A young woman from Saldaea with long dark hair and dark eyes. She is the daughter of Davram and Deira Bashere, their oldest surviving offspring. Her two older brothers were killed, and when Davram sent her younger brother off to fight while keeping her at home, she ran away and swore the oath of a Hunter of the Horn in Illian. When she became a Hunter, she renounced her old name, Zarine, at first considering adopting the name “Mandarb”—she chose Faile when she found that Mandarb was the name of Lan's horse. She fell in love with Perrin Aybara while on her search for the Horn, who told her that the Horn had been found. She was shocked, but even more so to find out that Rand was the Dragon Reborn and that both he and Perrin are ta'veren. Faile stayed near Perrin, and finally accompanied him to the Two Rivers where she helped fend off the Trolloc attacks; the two were married shortly afterwards. They were then proclaimed Lord and Lady of the Two Rivers. Perrin hated the idea, but Faile insisted they have a modest estate, and even servants, which she trained herself. Her name means “falcon” in the Old Tongue; she is the falcon in Min's viewings of Perrin. She is very protective of her blacksmith, and does whatever she can to make sure he not so much as looks at another woman, even though he has no intention of doing so. She is a very jealous wife, especially toward people like Berelain who eye her husband all the time. She even cornered Min when they first came to Caemlyn and Perrin greeted her warmly, to make sure Min had no intentions toward him. She left with Perrin for Ghealdan to find Masema, and while he was away her party was ambushed by the Shaido Aiel and she was taken gai'shain by them. She and the servants captured with her are planning an escape. She is now a personal servant of Sevanna, and she seems to be one of Sevanna's favorites.
• Leafhunter: One of the wolves. She is a female, and carries an air of quiet certainty. She is the leader of her pack.
• Tall Bear: One of the wolves. He is a member of Leafhunter's pack.
• White Tail: One of the wolves. He is a member of Leafhunter's pack.
• Feather: One of the wolves. He is a member of Leafhunter's pack, and her mate. He is clever, and is in his prime.
• Thunder Mist: One of the wolves. He is a member of Leafhunter's pack.
• Alliandre Maritha Kigarin: Blessed of the Light, Queen of Ghealdan, Defender of Garen's Wall. She is the fourth person to sit on the throne of Ghealdan in the past seven months. She wore jewelry to her meetings with Masema for the sole purpose of giving it to him such that he would not ask for anything more; she also sent a letter to Rand offering him her friendship and asking for his help. She was subsequently captured by the Shaido Aiel, and is now working with Faile in an attempt to escape.
• Bain: Maiden of the Spear of the Black Rock sept of the Shaarad Aiel. She has flame-colored hair. She is first-sister to Chiad, of the Goshien Aiel; the two had to sneak through the camp of the other to find the Wise Ones to become first sisters, since their clans were in blood feud at the time. She later became one of the Maidens who accompanied Faile, a similar honor guard to what Rand has, although smaller and for different reasons. She and Chiad were both captured by the Shaido along with the rest of Faile's company, and made gai'shain. She has refused Faile's offer of escape once her plan is ready; she vows to serve her year and a day, as prescribed by ji'e'toh, and then walk away.
• Chiad: Maiden of the Spear of the Stones River sept of the Goshien Aiel. She is short for an Aiel woman, and has blonde hair. Gaul wants her to marry him, but she will not give up the spear. She is willing to be his lover, but marriage is out of the question (or so she says). She is first-sister to Bain, and the two served as a sort of honor guard for Faile. She and Bain were captured along with Faile by the Shaido and made gai'shain. She has refused Faile's offer of escape once her plan is ready; she vows to serve her year and a day, as prescribed by ji'e'toh, and then walk away.
• Arrela Shiego: Tall woman, taken captive by the Shaido along with Faile. She is from Tear.
• Lacile Aldorwin: Tiny woman, taken captive by the Shaido along with Faile.
• Jur Grady: Stocky, dark-eyed man, about seven years older than Perrin. Now one of the Asha'man. He accompanied Rand after the episode at Dumai's Wells, and later left with Perrin to seek out Masema. He looks like a farmer.
• Fager Neald: Foppish Murandian man with curly mustaches that he keeps waxed to points. He is now one of the Asha'man. He accompanies Perrin. He is fond of stroking his mustaches.
• Jondyn Barran: Grizzled old man from the Two Rivers. He is a better bowshot than anyone in the Two Rivers except Tam al'Thor and possibly Abell Cauthon, and he is the best hunter bar none. He is also a good woodsman. He always says what he thinks, regardless of who hears. He is now traveling with Perrin.
• Gaul: Aiel of the Imran sept of the Shaarad Aiel. He is Shae'en M'taal, a Stone Dog. Perrin rescued him from his entrapment in Remen, and Gaul now walks at Perrin's side during battle and elsewhere. Gaul wants to marry Chiad, but though she agrees to become his lover, she will not give up the spear for him.
• Aram: Former Tuatha'an who gave up the Way of the Leaf to learn the sword when the Trollocs killed his mother. He learned from Tam al'Thor, Rand's father and a Blademaster, and picked it up extremely fast. He now serves as Perrin's personal bodyguard.
• Stepper: One of Perrin's horses.
• Sebban Balwer: Formerly Pedron Niall's “dry little stick of a secretary.” He was in reality the Master of Spies for the Children of the Light; his identity was known only to Niall. His skills have proven useful to his new traveling group, Perrin and company. He has a pinched face.
• Selande Darengil: One of Faile's servants, one of the Cairhienin women who tries to imitate the Aiel Maidens of the Spear, only using swords instead. She is the leader of the Cha Faile (Falcon's Talon) sept of the Aiel imitators.
• Haviar: One of Perrin's spies. He is actually Faile's spy (she contends that spying is a wife's job), but Perrin is getting his reports in her absence. He is from Tear.
• Masema Dagar (aka The Prophet): He was once one of Uno's underlings, and the one who respected Rand the least, but after he found out that Rand was the Dragon Reborn, he went his own way, preaching of Rand's glory as the “Lord Dragon Reborn.” Rand has since dispatched Perrin to bring Masema back into line. He is stark raving mad, and very dangerous. He even claims that Masema Dagar is dead, and that he has been resurrected as the Prophet of the Dragon Reborn. He is described as a dark, frowning man of average size with a faded arrow-scar on his cheek. He cares nothing for appearances, least of all his own. He has deep-set, almost black eyes.
• Nerion: One of Perrin's spies. He is actually Faile's spy (she contends that spying is a wife's job), but Perrin is getting his reports in her absence. He is from Cairhien.
• Masuri Sokawa: Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah. She grew up in Arafel, and was part of Salidar's embassy to Rand. She is now sworn to Rand, and travels with Perrin and company. She is taller than Seonid by a hand. One of her largest interests as a Brown is the history of Darkhounds; she has been in contact with more Darkhound packs than just about anyone else alive.
• Rovair Kirklin: Masuri's Warder.
• Annoura Larisen: Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah with a broad face, wide mouth, and a beak of a nose. She keeps her long dark hair in braids. She grew up in Tarabon. She serves as advisor to Berelain sur Paendrag, the First of Mayene.
• Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron: The First of Mayene Blessed of the Light, Defender of the Waves, High Seat of House Paeron; the Mayener equivalent of a king or queen. Rand put her in charge of Cairhien along with Rhuarc until she left with Perrin and Faile to find Masema. She is fond of wearing the latest fashion in dresses, and those are usually quite revealing. She has her eyes on many men, but Perrin foremost—she is Min's hawk in her viewings of Perrin. She has black hair. She is a very capable ruler, willing to do almost anything to preserve the welfare and independence of her people. She is tall, pretty, young, and has black hair.
• Seonid Traighan: Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah. She grew up in Cairhien. She was part of Salidar's embassy to Rand. She now travels with Perrin and company. She has two Warders.
• Edarra: Wise One of the Nader sept of the Shiande Aiel. She has blue eyes, and is not much older than Perrin. She can channel, and is of moderately high strength. She goes with Perrin to seek out Masema.
• Kenly Maerin: Young man from the Two Rivers with a scraggly beard.
• Jori Congar: Man from the Two Rivers. He is very skinny, but still eats twice what anyone else does. He will also drink so he cannot stand if given the chance. He is a good shot with a bow and arrows. He is also a skilled pickpocket.
• Bandry Crawe (aka Ban): Man from the Two Rivers.
• Dannil Lewin: Young man from Emond's Field, now leader of Perrin's soldiers from the Two Rivers. A bean-pole of a man with a thick mustache.
• Lamgwin Dorn: Breane's boyfriend, a hard, bulky man from Caemlyn. He lived as a street thug, but was loyal to his queen. He joined Morgase when she left the country, and has since become Perrin's bodyservant.
• Basel Gill: Pink-cheeked balding man with graying hair who followed Morgase when she left Caemlyn. He was the innkeeper of the Queen's Blessing, an inn in Caemlyn which at one time housed Rand and Mat while they were waiting for Moiraine and the rest of the group to catch up to them. A man loyal to his queen. He now serves as Perrin's shambayan (housekeeper).
• Lini Eltring: Childhood nurse to Maighdin, Morgase, and Elayne Trakand. She has many wise sayings, which Elayne and Morgase are fond of quoting to themselves and others (probably because they have been ingrained into their minds so much). She went with Morgase when she fled Andor to Amadicia, and now serves as Faile's chief maid. She is bony, and has white hair.
• Breane Taborwin: Woman from Cairhien who is Lamgwin's love interest. She is now one of Faile's personal maids along with “Maighdin.” and Lini. She hates Berelain.
• Medore Damara: One of Faile's new servants, a Tairen woman who tries to imitate the Aiel Maidens of the Spear, only using swords instead of spears. She is tall and has bright blue eyes and a dark face. Her father is High Lord Astoril. She is a member of the Cha Faile (Falcon's Talon) sept of the Aiel imitators. She and her cohorts now serve as scouts and spies for Perrin.
• Carelle: Pretty Wise One with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes that always have a challenge in them.
• Gendar: One of Berelain's thief-catchers.
• Santes: One of Berelain's thief-catchers.
• Bertain Gallenne: Commander of Berelain's Winged Guards, and her personal bodyguard of sorts. He is missing one eye, and wears a leather patch over it. He has shoulder-length gray hair.
• Nevarin: Wise One with green eyes. She is tall, thin, and has long, yellow hair. She went with Perrin to seek out Masema.
• Marline: Wise One with purple twilight eyes and dark hair (which is rare among the Aiel). She came with Perrin.
• Sorelana Alsahhan: Historian during the Trolloc Wars; she spoke of “the hundred packs of the Shadow's hounds that hunt the night.”
• Ivonell Bharatiya: Possibly apocryphal historian from before the Trolloc Wars who wrote of “hounds born of the Shadow, in numbers like unto the nightmares of mankind.”
• Nengar: Man from Shienar. He is one of those now with Masema.
• Bartu: Man from Shienar. He is one of those now with Masema.
• Gerard Arganda: Short, compact First Captain of Queen Alliandre's guards. He is a tough man; he worked his way up from the bottom to be where he is. He dislikes Perrin, who he blames for taking his Queen where she could be kidnapped.
• Elienda: Tall Maiden of the Spear with wide shoulders. She was among those Perrin used as a scout.
• Natly Torfinn (aka Nat): Blind, wrinkled old man with white hair that Perrin knew as a child. He could disassemble any blacksmith's puzzle by touch. Perrin tried to do the same, but failed—he always needed to see how the pieces fit together to be able to get them apart.
• Tuandha: Maidens of the Spear. She is taller than Sulin, and younger (though neither is saying a lot). She is pretty except for her lack of a right eye and the thick scar from her chin to her cheek.
• Sulin: Maiden of the Spear with white hair. She led Rand's honor guard until she accidentally spoke to gai'shain as if they were still Maidens of the Spear. To attempt to equal their shame, she became a servant in the palace, dressed in the same clothing they wore and attempted to behave in their manner. She ended her tenure as a servant when she learned that Rand had been captured, and led the rescue party of Maidens to Dumai's Wells. She then went with Perrin to find Masema, and led the team of Maidens to search for Faile when she was captured.
• Getly Ayliah (aka Get): Young man from the Two Rivers who now travels with Perrin. He, Jondyn, and Hu followed those who fled Malden, a town the Shaido sacked, to find information from them about the Shaido army. He is a good tracker.
• Hu Marwin: Man from Emond's Field. He is an excellent woodsman, and now travels with Perrin under Dannil's leadership.
• Sevanna: Wise One of the Jumai sept of the Shaido Aiel. She is the widow of the last two chiefs of the Shaido, Suladric and Couladin, and has served as chief of the Shaido since Couladin's death. She will continue to do so until another chief can be chosen, but no one sees that event occuring in the near future. She has green eyes. She knows that the easiest way to power for herself is to attach herself to men who already hold power; she even envisioned marrying Rand (against his will) to gain power through him. She is currently leading her clan (and any Aiel deserters that joined her) through Ghealdan, where they were sent from Kinslayer's Dagger by Sammael. She constantly wants more gai'shain—her goal is to indenture the entire world. She has recently taken a fancy to wearing silk, and wears nothing else. She is tall, has pale green eyes, and hair like spun gold. She would be beautiful except for the strong hint of avarice around her plump mouth. Little about her seemed Aiel beyond her eyes, skin, and hair. She also wears rings on every finger, and non-Aiel-made jewelry everwhere else.
• Someryn: Wise One of the Shaido Aiel. She is as tall as most men, even Aiel men, and is fond of revealing dresses and jewelry. She has yellow hair and an over-large bosom. She rarely hits or raises her voice; when she does, people wisely steer clear. She is stronger in the One Power than any woman in the White Tower.
• Masalin: Gray-haired Wise One of the Shaido Aiel. She cannot channel.
• Alarys: Wise One of the Shaido Aiel. She has black hair, which is quite rare among the Aiel.
• Jesain: Wise One of the Shaido Aiel. She would be considered short even if she was not Aiel. She has lots of fiery red hair, and a fiery temper to match.

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First Sentence

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Table of Contents

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Series

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This is book 10 in the The Wheel of Time series.

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1. Robert Jordan (Author)

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