Chapter 10

Rand moves through the Caemlyn Palace with Sulin’s Maidens, Bael, and Bashere, reflecting on burdens of rule and strange swings of chance around him. Bashere reports beatings and a hanging in Rand’s name; Rand orders the killers found and stopped, and vows dissent is not a crime. Rumors urge rebellion over Morgase’s death; Rand commands agitators imprisoned. He learns key nobles—Ellorien, Pelivar, and nearby Dyelin—are in reach and sends fresh invitations via Arymilla to signal influence without Saldaean pressure.

Bael relays that two Aes Sedai have arrived quietly. Rand decides to investigate, avoiding Aviendha in the garden, and rides through the crowded Inner and New Cities. At Culain’s Hound, instead of two strangers, he finds Two Rivers girls—including Bode Cauthon and Larine Ayellin—en route to Tar Valon with Verin and Alanna, who enter with Warders Ihvon and Tomas. Tension flares between Aiel and Warders before Rand insists on a private meeting.

In the private room, Rand presses for the rebels’ location; Verin and Alanna deflect. Alanna checks his health, then abruptly bonds him as her Warder without consent. Rand seizes saidin, shields both Aes Sedai, and, enraged, imposes terms: they must remain in Caemlyn but keep away from him and the Inner City, or he will leave them shielded and confined.

Back in the common room, the girls learn Bashere’s claim that Rand is the Dragon Reborn. When Larine and Bode reject it, Rand lifts them with Air to prove the truth, terrifying the room. He apologizes but departs shaken, newly aware of the violation of the bond and of his growing isolation beneath the unrelenting weight of duty.