Prologue Summary

After the battle of Falme that closed the previous book, Moiraine Sedai sends Verin Sedai, Nynaeve, Egwene, Elayne, and the thieftaker Hurrin to escort Matrim Cauthon to Tar Valon, where they all hope it is not too late to separate him from the dagger of Shadar Logoth and save his life. Moiraine takes the rest, including Rand, Perrin, her warder Lan, Loial the Ogier, Min, and the remaining Shienarans, to hide out in a pass in the mountains east of Arad Doman. Though they fly the banner of the Dragon, Lews Therin Telamon, over their camp, Moiraine keeps them from joining the battle on the Almoth Plain, in Arad Doman, where many fighters, incited by the witnessing of Rand's battle with Ba'alzamon in the sky over Falme, have declared support for him as the Dragon Reborn and await his reappearance.

Pedron Niall, the...