2 Rhuidean

In the oppressive heat of Rhuidean, Rand surveys the unfinished city and a plaza piled with ter’angreal that Moiraine is shipping to Tar Valon. A dangerous redstone doorframe resists handling until Lan intervenes. The Aiel now inhabit the city and farm its streets; Avendesora stands burned but living, a reminder of change and loss.

Rand convenes six Aiel clan chiefs—Rhuarc, Bael, Jheran, Bruan, Han, and Erim. They report clans wavering under the “bleakness,” some casting down spears or drifting to the Shaido. They expect the Reyn, Miagoma, Shiande, Daryne, and Codarra to come eventually, but Couladin’s Shaido deny Rand, claim him false, and grow as deserters join their societies. Rand asks about infiltrating the Shaido via societies; the chiefs reject it as dishonorable. News from beyond the Waste is scant: Tairens distribute food in Cairhien at Rand’s order, but the chiefs despise the treekillers.

Moiraine and Egwene arrive. After a sharp, unseen swat of the Power, Rand arms himself with saidin but holds his temper. Moiraine produces a cuendillar seal, scraping off a flake—proof it is failing. She plans to send it to Tar Valon and warns that if other seals are as fragile, the Dark One’s prison could be shattered.

Pressing strategy, Moiraine urges readiness against the Forsaken and criticizes Rand’s aimlessness. Rand counters with his plan: to end wars by leading the Aiel—eleven clans if possible—across the Dragonwall to impose peace before nations can unite against him. Moiraine warns this could be disastrous and leaves, cool and displeased.

Egwene castigates Rand, but her slip reveals Moiraine dealt the earlier blow. Concerned for his state, she asks him to rest, then adds that Elayne loves him. After she exits, Rand, anger stoked, turns on the watching gleeman, Jasin Natael.