Chapter 17

Rand opens a gateway from Caemlyn to the Sun Palace in Cairhien, arriving with Maidens and Red Shields. He notes the distant, unwelcome bond to Alanna and suppresses Lews Therin’s intrusive murmurs. Corman of the Brothers of the Eagle and Havien Nurelle of the Mayeners escort him to meet Berelain and Rhuarc.

With Berelain and Rhuarc, Rand asks after Egwene; through Amys, she is recovering with rest. Passing a courtyard, he sees Cairhienin noblewomen training with practice swords and hears of youths adopting a distorted ji’e’toh and claiming false gai’shain. Rhuarc is offended, Berelain argues it reduces bloodshed, and Rand supports Berelain’s governance, telling Rhuarc to let the Cairhienin be.

In their shared study, Rand dismisses most guards and receives reports: rumors of Caraline Damodred and Toram Riatin gathering rebels, possibly with Andoran soldiers; he holds back to avoid distraction from larger threats. On the Shaido, Rhuarc says they are building holds near Kinslayer’s Dagger and likely won’t return to the Waste. News from Shara reports rare internal fighting after word of the Dragon Reborn spread, troubling Rand about the ripples of his presence.

Turning to plans, Rand and Rhuarc align on striking Sammael, with Aiel forces moving south to form a hammer from Tear. Berelain presses local needs, reporting resettlement efforts, nascent trade, and even a Sea Folk ship upriver. She critiques the Cairhien school’s spending while driving practical administration.

Jalani announces Mangin, who confesses killing a Cairhienin man for wearing a tattoo mimicking a clan chief’s Dragon. Bound by Rand’s edict against killing oathbreakers except in battle or self-defense, Rand declares it murder. Mangin calmly accepts hanging. Angry that Berelain and Rhuarc waited six days to bring this, Rand orders the law enforced without delay, grimly recognizing the hard wheel of a ruler’s life.