Chapter 49: What Was Meant to Be

Rand wakes five days east of Falme with Min tending him. His side is wrapped and still unhealed. Verin's Healing failed to take. A second heron brand has appeared on his left palm, matching the one on his right.

Min tells him Egwene was freed by her, Nynaeve, and Elayne, and that the group has already left for Tar Valon with the Horn of Valere and Mat.

Moiraine tells him his duel with Ba'alzamon played out across the sky above Falme under the Dragon banner, in view of the whole town. Street-artist sketches of the fight are spreading across Toman Head. She shows him his heron-mark sword, the blade melted a foot from the hilt.

She also produces two more broken seals from Turak's mansion; three of seven are now destroyed. She warns that Padan Fain has become a blend of himself and Mordeth from Shadar Logoth, worse than either. The Black Ajah has revealed itself, Cairhien is in civil war, and news of Falme will inflame Arad Doman and Tarabon.

At the campfire Loial and Perrin stay with him. The Shienarans kneel; Uno pledges their swords, and Masema, who once hated him, swears himself the Lord Dragon's man. Moiraine demands he choose. Rand makes his decision.