A Memory of Light

came forward to begin working on the document’s additions. The woman Cadsuane watched all events with a stern expression.
    She smelled extremely proud.
    “Add a provision,” Rand said. “The Aiel can call upon other nations to aid them in their enforcement if they decide that their own numbers will not be enough. Give formal methods by which nations can petition the Aiel for redress or for permission to attack a foe.
    The clerks nodded, working harder.
    “You act as if this were settled,” Egwene said, eyes on Rand.
    “Oh, it is far from that,” Moiraine said. “Rand, I have some words for you.”
    “Are they words I will like? he asked.
    “I suspect not. Tell me, why do you need to command the armies yourself? You will be traveling to Shayol Ghul where you will no doubt be unable to contact anyone.”
    “Somebody needs to be in command, Moiraine.”
    “On this point, I believe all would agree.”
    Rand folded his arms behind his back, smelling troubled. I have taken responsibility for this people, Moiraine. I want to see that they’re cared for, that the brutalities of this battle are minimized.”
    “I fear that is a poor reason to lead a battle,” Moiraine said softly. “You do not fight to preserve your troops; you fight to win. This leader need not be you, Rand. It should not be you.”
    “I won’t have this battle turn into a tangle, Moiraine,” he said. “If you could see the mistakes we made last time, the confusion that can result when everyone thinks they are in control. Battle is turmoil, but we still need an ultimate commander to make decisions, to hold everything together.”
    “What of the White Tower?” Romanda asked, stepping—half shoving— her way up beside Egwene. “We have the resources for efficient travel between battlefronts, we are coolheaded in times that would crush others, and we are trusted by all nations.”
    That last bit prompted a raised eyebrow from Darlin.
    “The White Tower does seem the optimal choice, Lord Dragon,” Tenobia added.
    “No,” Rand said. “The Amyrlin is many things, but a leader of war . . . I do not think it a wise choice.”
    Egwene, oddly, said nothing. Perrin studied her. He’d have thought that she’d jump at the chance to lead the war herself.
    “It should be one of us,” Darlin said. “Chosen from those who would go to battle here.”
    “I suppose,” Rand said. “So long as you all know who is in command, I will cede this point. You must meet my other demands, however.”
    “You still insist that you must break the seals?” Egwene said.
    “Do not worry, Egwene,” Moiraine said, smiling. “He is not going to break the seals.”
    Rand’s face darkened.
    Egwene smiled.
    “You are going to break them,” Moiraine said to Egwene.
    “What? Of course I’m not!”
    “You are the Watcher of the Seals, Mother,” Moiraine said. “Did you not hear what I said earlier? ‘It shall come to pass that what men made shall be shattered , and the Shadow shall lie across the Pattern of the Age, and the Dark One shall once more lay his hand upon the world of man . . .’ It must happen.”
    Egwene seemed troubled.
    “You have seen this, have you not?” Moiraine whispered. “What have you dreamed, Mother?”
    A Knack
    Egwene didn’t respond at first.
    What did you see?” Moiraine pressed, stepping closer to her.
    His feet crunching,” Egwene said, staring Moiraine in the eyes. “As he strode forward, Rand’s feet stepped on the shards of the Dark One’s prison. I saw him, in another dream, hacking away at it to open it. But I never actually saw him opening it, Moiraine.”
    “The shards were there, Mother,” Moiraine said. “The seals had been broken ”
    “Dreams are subject to interpretation.”
    You know the truth of this one. It does need to be done, and the seals are yours. You will break them, when the time is right. Rand, Lord Dragon Reborn, it is time to give them to her.”
    “I don’t like this, Moiraine,” he said.
    “Then not much has changed, has it?” she asked lightly. “I believe you have often resisted doing what you are supposed to. Particularly when I am the one to point it out to you.”
    He paused for a moment, then laughed, reaching into the pocket of his coat. He slipped out three discs of cuendillar ; each split by a sinuous line down the center. He set them on the table.
    “How will she know the time?” he asked.
    “She will,” Moiraine said.
    Egwene smelled skeptical, and Perrin