Contents
Chapter 21
Overview
Rand convenes the Tairen nobility in the Heart of the Stone and redirects their war fervor toward restoring order and feeding famine-stricken Cairhien. He scatters key plotters by assigning them to the campaign, appoints Alteima over grain relief, then embeds Callandor in the Stone as a trapped pledge before departing for Rhuidean.
Moiraine and Egwene challenge his choices but learn his destination and the prophecy guiding him, deepening tensions while setting the next stage in the Waste.
Summary
In the Heart of the Stone, Moiraine and Egwene navigate a tense gathering of Tairen nobles as Rand arrives with veiled Aiel. Rand first binds Sunamon’s life to securing a Mayene treaty, signaling new terms for rule. He then announces the armies will not attack Illian but march to Cairhien to restore order and feed the starving, placing Meilan in command with Gueyam, Aracome, Hearne, Maraconn, and Simaan, and compelling Torean to finance the effort.
Rand assigns the High Lady Alteima to oversee grain distribution in Cairhien, undercutting her intrigues by relocating her ailing husband to Estanda’s care, which humiliates Alteima and inflames her rivalry. The nobles’ jubilation falters as Rand’s aims become reform over conquest. Moiraine notes he has deftly removed major schemers but fears the bloodshed and the distraction from confronting the Forsaken.
To seal his intent, Rand rams Callandor into the Stone’s floor amid thunderous power, shaking the fortress. He declares he is leaving and dares any to claim his place by drawing the sword, warning of the price of failure. The Aiel remain poised; the Tairens are shaken. Egwene worries about Rand’s sanity; Moiraine resolves to find his purpose.
Following him, Moiraine and Egwene press for answers. Rand justifies sparing Alteima from execution while condemning Sunamon if he fails, and quotes prophecy about thrusting the sword into the heart to hold their hearts. Moiraine warns that Callandor is now vulnerable to any channeling male, but Rand reveals a trap set to spring on anyone who channels it free.
Finally, Rand shares his destination: Rhuidean. Moiraine challenges the wisdom of seeking Aiel rites, suspecting cryptic answers from the ter’angreal, but Rand insists on trust. He leaves the Stone and Tear’s politics balanced on his trapped sword and the campaign to Cairhien.
Who Appears
- Rand al’ThorDragon Reborn; redirects Tear’s armies to aid Cairhien, traps Callandor in the Stone, and announces departure for Rhuidean.
- Moiraine DamodredAes Sedai observer; analyzes Rand’s maneuvers, warns about Callandor’s vulnerability, and learns he heads to Rhuidean.
- Egwene al’VereSupports relief over conquest, worries for Rand, declares plan to go to the Waste and study with the Wise Ones.
- High Lady AlteimaClever intriguer appointed to oversee Cairhien’s grain relief; publicly undercut by Rand’s arrangement with Estanda.
- High Lord MeilanNamed commander of the Cairhien expedition; protests quagmire, then yields under Rand’s display of power.
- High Lord SunamonForced to guarantee a Mayene treaty with his life; faces hanging if he fails.
- High Lady EstandaRival of Alteima; receives custody of Alteima’s husband, gaining leverage and satisfaction.
- High Lord ToreanCompelled to finance the campaign; visibly shaken; his son Estean supports Rand vocally.
- EsteanTorean’s son; loudly cheers conquest before Rand announces his departure.
- Mat CauthonObserves dourly from the crowd; exchanges a grin with Rand but disapproves of the spectacle.
- RhuarcAiel clan chief likely among Rand’s veiled escort; leads disciplined Aiel presence.