Rand POV#

Rand's entourage gathers in the courtyard in front of the Sun Palace. They include Dashiva, Flinn, Narishma, Dobraine and a hundred of his men, Min, Alanna, Bera, Rafela, Faeldrin and Merana. Nandera leads two hundred Maidens; Camar of the Bent Peak Daryne leads two hundred Black Eyes. He asked for Verin and Kiruna as well, but Verin is questioning the prisoners about their plans for Rand.[1] Kiruna is "consulting" with Sorilea. Alanna has a brief conversation with Min, which embarrasses her. Rand puts Merana in charge, because she was head of the Salidar Aes Sedai group. This causes concern amongst the Aes Sedai.[2] His horse is Tai'daishar ("Lord of Glory") in the Old Tongue. Min is riding Seiera (a flower also called a blue-eye). They all head to the Sea Folk ship. A boat captain, Elver Shaene, takes Rand, Min, the Aes Sedai, the Asha'man and a bunch of the men and Maidens from the dock to the ship, White Spray. The Karaethon Prophecy says, "The north shall he tie to the east, and the west shall be bound to the south." Min views the five Aes Sedai:

• "They will keep their word. I just saw these five in your hand."

He makes a bridge from the boat to the ship from Air laced with Fire. A woman could make one longer, even if she is weaker. One cannot use the One Power to fly; even the Forsaken do not know why. He and Min go up followed by the Asha'man and Aes Sedai. They meet Harine din Togara Two Winds, Wavemistress of Clan Shodein. She introduces Shalon din Togara Morning Tide, Windfinder of Clan Shodein, Derah din Selaan Rising Wave, Sailmistress of White Spray, and Taval din Chanai Nine Gulls, Windfinder of White Spray. Flinn and Narishma stare around in amazement but Dashiva does not. Harine invites him to her cabin. A white haired man[3] starts to follow, but Harine waves him off. Merana says to takes two Aes Sedai to balance the Windfinders. He takes Min, Dashiva, Merana, and Rafela. He is not sure why he picks Rafela, but she is the only other non-Green.[4] The other Aes Sedai approve of his choice. The Jendai Prophecy says the Sea Folk will serve the Coramoor. It says the Coramoor will bring the Sea Folk to glory - all the seas of the world will be theirs. Rand's ta'veren effect causes Harine to agree to serve him. Min tells her she will be punished for this, but she will eventually be Mistress of the Ships. Rafela says she heard reports several years ago of a girl who could see things. Min acknowledges it is she. Merana is surprised and intrigued. Rand wants their ships for transport and for them to supply him with information from all their ports, especially the Aryth Ocean. Harine says all Aryth Ocean ships have vanished and Rand immediately suspects the Seanchan. Dashiva talks to himself again. Rand, feeling claustrophobic, departs leaving Merana and Rafela behind to complete the bargain. As they leave, Rand wonders why the Forsaken have not tried to destroy him in the Sun Palace.[5] Rand is feeling manic. As they head back to the Sun Palace he says he will now go settle with the rebels.

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