Chapter 49: What Was Meant to Be

Rand wakes after five days unconscious, with Min by his side beneath a leatherleaf tree. She tells him they are five days east of Falme, that Egwene has been freed — by Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min herself — and that the rest of the group has already departed for Tar Valon: Egwene, Nynaeve, Mat (for the dagger), Hurin, and Verin.

Moiraine arrives and reveals that Rand's duel with Ba'alzamon played out across the sky above Falme, in full view of every soul in the city. Street artists are already selling sketches of the scene under the Dragon's banner with Rand's face clearly recognisable, and the tale is spreading across Toman Head. Rand discovers a second heron brand has appeared on his left palm, matching the one on his right.

Moiraine reveals she found two more broken seals on the Dark One's prison in High Lord Turak's mansion in Falme — three of the seven are now destroyed. She explains what Padan Fain has become: a dangerous blend of his Darkfriend soul and Mordeth's ancient evil from Shadar Logoth, more dangerous than either alone. She warns that word of Falme will further destabilise Arad Doman, Tarabon, and Cairhien, and that the Black Ajah has revealed itself for the first time in two thousand years.

At the campfire, the Shienaran soldiers — led by Uno — kneel and offer their oaths to Rand as the Dragon Reborn. Even Masema, who had always despised him, now stares at Rand with fervent adoration, declaring himself Lord Dragon's man to the death. Loial and Perrin reaffirm they are staying.

Moiraine forces the choice: Tarmon Gai'don is coming whether Rand accepts his role or not — hiding serves no one. Rand makes his decision.