Pedron Niall POV#

Niall is in the Fortress of the Light in Amador holding audience with Jaret Byar. It is late winter. He has been Lord Captain Commander for ten years. He has a drawing of Rand and Byar confirms that he is a false Dragon. Geofram Bornhald and his legion were destroyed by Aes Sedai aided by Darkfriends calling themselves Seanchan. He cites two Aes Sedai they killed as proof.[2] The whole west of the Westlands is in chaos. Niall thinks this is proof that the Three Oaths, to speak no word that is not true, to make no weapon for one man to kill another, to use the One Power as a weapon only against Darkfriends or Shadowspawn, are a lie.[3] Niall gives him leave to report to Dain Bornhald who is with Eamon Valda near Tar Valon. Byar reiterates they were betrayed by a particular Darkfriend, Perrin from the Two Rivers. Byar leaves. Niall wonders about the other two false Dragons in Saldaea and Tear.[4] He also wonders about reports of Aiel as far west as Kandor and Ghealdan.[5] The Ogier have also called meetings between the stedding. Carridin enters. He gives a similar report, partly blaming Geofram Bornhald for the calamity. Niall orders him to make sure the false Dragon is not killed. He warns Carridin that anything happening to either Rand or Niall will result in his death within a month.[6] Carridin leaves. Niall contemplates his grand plan. His short-term plan was to recreate the nation of Almoth as a Whitecloak empire, then squeeze Tarabon between Almoth and Amadicia. His long-term plan is to spread his influence so that, when Tarmon Gai'don occurs, he will be the one to lead the forces of the Light against the Shadowspawn hordes from the Blight. Ordeith enters. Niall does not believe Ordeith is his real name as it means "wormwood" in the Old Tongue. He arrived a month before and somehow got himself admitted to Niall. He warns Niall that Perrin, Rand and Mat are Darkfriends and that the Two Rivers is a nest of Darkfriends. Niall says he must make plans for the Two Rivers.

Jaichim Carridin POV#

Carridin returns to his quarters looking for his servant, Sharbon. There is a Fade in his room. It smiles and laughs at him.[7] In a mirror, the Fade is an indistinct blur. The Fade reminds him of his real priorities, roughs him up a bit and orders Carridin to kill Rand. Each month of delay will cost Carridin a relative. The Fade disappears. When Sharbon enters, Carridin takes out his frustration on him. He debates which orders to obey.