Contents
Chapter 18
Overview
Rand, refusing delay or ceremony, orders Mangin hanged and escapes to his Cairhien school, where practical inventions and wild experiments flourish. He consults Herid Fel, who argues the Last Battle cannot be truly “last” and warns against breaking the seals.
Egwene, steered by Sorilea, asks Rand to sway the Wise Ones so she can resume dreamwalking; Rand demands Elayne’s location, and they part at odds. Maidens quietly tighten his guard.
Summary
In Cairhien, Rand curtly ends quibbling by ordering Mangin hanged the next day, then escapes the Sun Palace with only Jalani and Dedric to visit his new school. Enjoying rare near-solitude, he rides through crowded streets where most do not recognize him.
At the school, Idrien Tarsin presents a bustling showcase: improved papermaking, a stronger printing press, new agricultural tools, civic works models, Kin Tovere’s giant lens and telescope plan, and hazardous curiosities like Mervin’s steaming contraption. Rand funds Tovere’s telescope and resolves to back practical designs.
Rand then seeks Herid Fel, asking about the Warder bond and, more urgently, Tarmon Gai’don. Fel argues the Wheel demands the Dark One’s prison be whole again by the time the Third Age returns and scoffs at breaking the seals, calling it madness. Rand departs unsettled, haunted by Lews Therin’s urge to “break the seals.”
Meanwhile, Egwene wanders the palace amid unusually furtive Maidens. Sorilea intercepts her with teasing matchmaking and escorts her to Rand’s rooms. After Niella, Aviendha’s gai’shain sister, departs, Egwene confronts Rand: she wants him to persuade the Wise Ones to let her resume dreamwalking so she can carry Elayne’s messages.
Rand counters, asking where Elayne is and offering oaths to keep distant if needed. Egwene refuses to reveal Salidar, resisting his ta’veren pull; Rand bristles at the hint she feared him and they part strained, each guarding critical secrets. Wearied, Rand steels himself to face nobles, Wise Ones, and clan chiefs.
Outside, Sulin realizes their quiet watch is failing as Rand slips away too easily. She mobilizes Maidens through the corridors, determined that nothing happen to the Car’a’carn—the only son of a Maiden returned to them.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorOrders Mangin hanged, tours his Cairhien school, funds a telescope, and debates Herid Fel about Tarmon Gai’don and the seals.
- Egwene al’VereSeeks Rand’s help to regain Wise Ones’ permission to dreamwalk; refuses to reveal Elayne’s location; leaves after a sharp exchange.
- Herid FelAbsent-minded scholar who argues the prison must be whole again and decries breaking the seals as madness.
- Idrien TarsinPragmatic head of the school; organizes a display of inventions; tolerates impractical ideas with reluctance.
- SorileaDominant Wise One who intercepts Egwene, pointedly teases about men, and guides her to Rand’s rooms.
- SulinMaiden leader covertly guarding Rand; frustrated as he slips free, organizes searches in the palace corridors.
- RhuarcAdvises Rand early; present when Rand sets Mangin’s execution.
- Berelain sur PaendragGoverning Cairhien; warns against following Rand to the school; embarrassed by his sharp directives.
- Kin TovereLensmaker proposing a large telescope; receives Rand’s funding and praise.
- MervinInventor of a dangerous steam device; scalded but convinced it heralds a new Age.
- JalaniMaiden escorting Rand; exchanges suggestive glances with Dedric, easing vigilance.
- DedricYoung Red Shield escort; distracted by school displays and Jalani’s interest.
- NiellaAviendha’s gai’shain sister, preparing Rand’s rooms; avoids discussing Aviendha’s private meeting.