3 Pale Shadows

Rand catches Jasin Natael (Asmodean) channeling to move a goblet and angrily restrains him, reinforcing the rule never to channel around others. Acknowledging Asmodean’s forced servitude, Rand pushes for instruction and confirmation of loyalties. Asmodean, fearing the other Forsaken and the Dark One’s punishment, insists he has nowhere to turn and no hope beyond teaching Rand.

During their talk, Asmodean explains that men and women cannot link without a woman present, that women can link without men up to thirteen, and that thirteen linked women could overpower almost any man. He claims men are generally stronger in the Power, while the Five Powers are equal in kind. He offers little new intelligence on the Forsaken’s whereabouts, reiterating known fragments about Sammael, Graendal, Moghedien, and Rahvin.

After gai’shain deliver food and lamps, Rand probes Asmodean about the Last Battle and the taint. Asmodean’s bleak outlook clashes with Rand’s probing for hope, ending with a parable about a doomed man clinging to grass. Leaving, Rand secretly weaves a Spirit-and-Fire ward around Asmodean’s room that bars any man who can channel, ensuring the captive teacher remains contained.

Outside, Mat Cauthon, buzzing on oosquai, wins a knife-throwing game with blindfolded precision, his uncanny luck asserting itself alongside interwoven battle memories from other lives. He broods over the redstone doorway’s price, his foxhead medallion, and the ashandarei’s inscription. Melindhra, a Shaido Maiden, approaches; Mat gifts her a sapphire necklace, and she pointedly accepts his “offer,” signaling romantic interest.

Mat confronts Rand about leaving with Kadere’s wagons, possibly toward Tar Valon or home. Rand, weary, neither forbids nor encourages him, citing the Wheel’s weaving, but pointedly warns that Hadnan Kadere is dangerous and not to be trusted. After Rand departs under Maiden guard, Melindhra returns, deepening her pursuit of Mat, who is drawn into her advances while still contemplating departure.