A Memory of Light - The Plot

[Luckers]

I know, I know, many of you have seen this before. But the old board is dying, and someone DID ask to see it. I'm not just being annoying. I'm not.

 

Heh.

 

Revel in the fruits of my most boring of days! MUAHAHA

 

So, some time ago on a particularily boring day, i had a flash of nerdyness and wrote out a summary of how i thought the plot of A Memory of Light would go. Since then i've changed my position on certain things (mostly because of you Robert! You knowledgeable bastard! )

 

Anyway once again i find myself bored, so im going to go to the bad nerdy place again, and re-write my list. Preceding this i want to say that im working on the understanding that this is the last book. It is my belief, therefore, that the pace must increase, the threat of the shadow must increase, and that events must be happening concurrently, solving problems for me--this is the foundation for how i linked together seperate events in the sequence of progression.

 

Prologue.

 

As always the prologue will be big and cover a lot of the setting up of the rest of the book. I thought therefore it deserved its own section. Here is what i see occuring, though perhaps not nessasarily in this order.

 

Mat - Will be heading for the Tower of Ghenjei. Will possibly even be there preparing to enter. His part in the prologue will involve him sending his army north to return the Aes Sedai to Tar Valon, or perhaps Caemlyn. Only a small group will travel with him to the Tower, possibly only Thom and Noal.

 

Lan - His part will cover the beginning of Tarmon Gai'don. You will see him arriving in Shienar and meeting up with the force that have gathered to join him, having heard. It will be touching, and it will end with scouts bringing word of a Trolloc army the size of which has never been seen, possibly a million, possibly two. We will leave with Lan preparing the defence. He will have perhaps 50,000 men, perhaps more or less.

 

Aviendha - Will also hear of a Trolloc army moving south out of the Shadow's lance. Rhuarc will be gathering his forces to move to meet it. I also believe some sort of confrontation between Aviendha and Graendal will occur--mostly because Aviendha's sort of lacked any limelight, now has an angreal, and someone needs to stir Graendal out of Arad Domon. I'm actually quite looking forward to it.

 

Tuon - Will have just listened to the sul'dam lay down Rand's request for a meeting, and they will reluctantly also reveal Semirhage hiding out as Anath. Tuon will show no fear. She will calmly start planning her meeting with Rand, and how to get her way. This scene will either end with word being brought of Trollocs in Amadecia, or that will happen perhaps around chapter 3. I'm not sure, though i am fairly certain this will occur. Mostly because of the repeated Seanchan comment of 'i wish to see these shadowspawn of yours' and because the Seanchan need to have the threat of the shadow brought home--until now they only acknowledge in an esoteric sense. But also because there needs to be some evidence of why sealing the waygates was important. And again, as i said, last book--multiple purposes to everything.

 

Egwene - Her scene in the prologue will involve her serving Elaida at dinner. It's my belief that Elaida will have invited others, wanting to show off her success. My guess is Meidani, Pevara, Tarna, Javindhra, Beonin and maybe Silviana. With Duhara out of the Tower i dont see Elaida wanting to impress anyone else. Egwene will essentially make Elaida look like a complete fool, and worse. It will be the deciding moment of her victory. Elaida will snap, commanding Egwene be put in the cells until she is stilled, but we will see on all the women presents faces that it is Elaida they now look down on. Silviana, and perhaps Pevara and Javindhra as well, will escort her down, and as they go, Egwene will talk and they wont silence her. They will put her in the cells though.

 

Perrin - This scene will either be Perrin's or Galad's... my guess Galads. It will involve the Whitecloaks meeting up with Perrins force. Something that will no doubt prove interesting with Byar and Dain, not to mention Galad and Berelain. At the end though they will agree to move together, and Perrin will decide it is time to meet up with Rand.

 

Pevara - I believe that following Elaida's spiel, Pevara will call together the Hunters, or go to meet them, in the basement. Specifically i think she will have realised from Elaida's actions that she was being used by Alviarin, who she will come to believe is Black Ajah. Also it puts the Hunters out of harms way. Which they need to be.

 

Others - There will probably be short scene from Alviarin. Possibly one from Aran'gar having saught out Graendal. Maybe one from Semirhage or Cadsuane. Possibly one from Interulde dealing with Turan, though in truth i think that will be dealt with in passing. There may also be a Seanchan POV of the landing on the roof of the tower, and waiting for enough damane to begin the assault... either here or at the very beginning of chapter one.

 

PART ONE - Pre Tarmon Gai'don.

 

In this section i will move as chronologically as i can, though its possible the events will be interwoven POV's.

 

Rand - Will approach the Borderlanders--my guess without Cadsuane, who will be questioning Semirhage. I believe something big will occur with the Borderlanders, they have been around but unaddressed for too many books. Too many side references to the thirteen Aes Sedai with them have been made. Then we have Min's viewing about the darkness around Bashere, plus the fact that we know Perrin gets the Broken Crown, so both Bashere and Tenobia need to die. Then there is the viewing that women who can channel must still hurt Rand on more time. And the viewing that Perrin must be there to save Rand one more time. Too my mind the Thirteen are most likely black. They will shield Rand, and in the ensueing battle Tenobia and Bashere will be killed, likely Elza as well.

 

I'm not sure how he will escape, unfortunately. I suspect Perrin will play a part, but we dont know for sure that viewing is linked to the one about women channelers--though again my theory of multi-purpose events may be in play, but if Perrin were involved it would leave him with the broken crow, reunited with Rand, and will pull the Borderlanders into the force of the light. Either way Rand being hurt will not last long. One, maybe two seperated chapters. It will solved by before one third of the way through the book.

 

Tarna - Is with Elaida in her rooms on the upper floors of the Tower. Elaida has been ranting and drinking, and is near insensible. Tarna is honest with herself about Elaida's chances, and remarks to herself her respect for Egwene, and how sad it was the girl was to be stilled. Then she becomes aware of noises. She goes to Elaida's balcony and witnesses to'raken arriving. She connects it with Egwene's dreams. She tries to rouse Elaida but she wont stop ranting against treasons. She tries to subdue Elaida and force her with her physically, but Elaida reacts by drawing the power and concluding Tarna is treasonous. Tarna is forced to flee without her even as she hears the sounds of running footsteps of the Seanchan.

 

Mat - Entering the Tower of Ghenjei. Since i have no idea what thats like i wont even attempt to describe it. This may be the point in which he loses his eye, as well. I dont think he will find Moiraine in the scene, but if he does it will be at the very end. She likely wont even talk.

 

Lan - Evacuating Fal Moran, and acknowledging that he cannot hold this force. Instead he decides to slow it as best he can until reinforcements can come.

 

Mesaana - It will start in a meeting of the Forsaken, and end with her awakening to find the Seanchan in the Ajah Quarters. I think it is possible that she will be leashed, either whilst she was unaware in Tel'aran'rhiod, or just after. Maybe she will escape, i cant really say. But there does need to be a scene in which we see the Seanchan are leashing Aes Sedai in the Ajah Quarters, and i like it being from Mesaana... sort of an exclamation point about the Forsaken thinking they stood outside of danger, and Mesaana forced to fight for her life in a battle that did not even involve the Shadow. Alternatively this scene could be played by Alviarin or Beonin.

 

Amusingly i see the majority of the sisters that manage to escape will be Reds, having been warned by Tarna. Its not that i dont see Tarna attempting to warn the other Ajahs, i just dont see her having the time to get to them all. Plus having Read fall in line with Egwene would be an iconic moment of the new unity of the Tower.

 

Egwene - Will be in the cells with Silviana, speaking to her of Elaida. I believe that Silviana will be listening, after what she saw earlier, and admitting the danger of allowing Elaida to continue at Amyrlin. This is when Tarna and the Reds, or perhaps someone else, arrive bringing word of the Seanchan. They will say the Seanchan are still in the Ajah Quarters fighting and leashing sisters. Egwene will turn to Silviana and demand her decision. Egwene is released and takes immediate charge. She sends sisters to gather the novices and the Accepted, as well as to gather any sister they can find. This will be when they meet up with Pevara and her lot, both of them being in the basement levels. Leane will be freed then too. Egwene will come to the conclusion in light of the reported strength of the Seanchan that it is only with the Rebels they will have a chance of fighting back, so she decides to travel to the Rebels. The others agree. My one uncertainty is wether any of them will think to gather angreal or sa'angreal. My guess is that its unlikely, but who knows.

 

Perrin - possibly freeing Rand, definately consolidating the Borderlanders into his army. Word comes to Rand that Tuon will meet.

 

The Band of the Red Hand - Reach Caemlyn. My guess is this will be an Egeanin POV. They will speak with Elayne, and there will be some sort of flare up to do with Bethamin and Seta amongst the captive sul'dam and damane.

 

Lan - Despite his best efforts the Trollocs continue to drive straight at Tar Valon. He stays ahead of them.

 

Aviendha - The battle is joined in the south of Saldaea. A scene of wise ones and asha'men channeling. The other possibility is this scene will involve the betrayal of the darkfriend wise ones, during which many will be killed or injured. Aviendha will join Sorilea and Amys in fighting the Wise One Darkfriends, feeling terrible anger at the betrayal. So on, so forth.

 

Romanda - Is sleeping. Or maybe reminiscing on the bonding of Asha'men--possibly she bonded one herself, though i doubt it--and the reaction of the sisters to knowledge of Delana and Halima. She hears cries of alarm and fear, and gets out of bed with Magla and Salita coming too. She comes out to find Lelaine facing off with Egwene who has with her somewhere between fifty and a hundred sisters--most red, and in night-wear, as well as hundreds of novices and accepted. Lelaine is challanging Egwene about the Reds, she is angry but seems very dangerous. Egwene warns them all of the atack on the Tower but Lelaine still reacts with disbelief.

 

Suine and Bryne come along, bryne warns that they must act quickly, because if the Seanchan are allowed to consolidate their hold in the Tower they will be very difficult to force out. Egwene starts issuing commands, she sends Tarna and some others to gather Chubain and his men, commands the forming of circles with novices. It may be that an Aes Sedai attempts to weave a gateway into the Tower and cannot because it comes too close to making a weapon for one man to kill another--its possible Pevara still has the oath rod, and suggests the removing of the oaths, though i am unsure.

 

Mat - Meets up with Moiraine. Encounters a problem with the Fins, possibly again the point where he may give up his eye in order to escape.

 

Elaida - Within the Tower Elaida is in shock. She is leashed. She keeps flashing back to Tarna warning her. With increasing horror she begins to see what she's done to the Tower. She hears a report from one of the Seanchan to their leader. Some of the sisters managed to escape, along with the novices. She learns that someone pulled the Tower Guards and warders that were staying in the Tower baracks out. The Rebel army has moved into the city and is taking up positions around the Tower. There have been battles, in which the Seanchan have been defeated and driven back into the Tower. The leader concludes that they are facing a very intelligent enemy, and Elaida realises it is Bryne. The Seanchan Leader then says that it does not matter, they do not have to take the city, just hold the tower until the land force arrives. Elaida protests, and we leave her as she is being punished.

 

Mat - Is free of the Finns, and with Moiraine and Thom (Noal, i suspect, will die. Heroically, as befits Jain Farstrider.) He heads west to Caemlyn, to rejoin the Band. Moiraine is suitably cool, and also interested in the changes that have occured since she was trapped.

 

Egwene - Reminises over the past two days. Originally the fighting had been very heated, though that had slowed. Now Bryne was employing an attrition tactic, luring the Seanchan to one place, then attacking another by gateway--again the Aes Sedai may have had to remove the oaths to achieve this, something which Egwene is of two minds about--wiping out that other place, then retreating. It seemed to be working in the short term, but Egwene is concerned that it was not enough. She fears that the act of destroying the Seanchan may also destroy the Aes Sedai--or perhaps someone else raises this, again referring to the mice analogy. Too many deaths and the Tower dies. During the course of this we are witness to a short battle between Aes Sedai and Seanchan. Egwene witnesses the way the Aes Sedai and the Asha'men are getting on so well, and feels wonder at that, and also caution. But it makes her think of aid. She sends for Elayne, and likely also to Rand, though his armies are busy and i doubt that any aid from him will come in time.

 

Elayne - Or possibly Mat, or Moiraine. Mat arrives in Caemlyn. He is meeting with Elayne, Teslyn and the others are there, as well as the Seanchan women. there is more exposition of some change in the damane. Dylin is probably there too, and a couple of others. People at first dont realise who Moiraine is, since she was likely severed. Elayne then informs her of the way to heal stilling, though none nearby can perform that weave so she must wait (i actually hope she waits long enough for Flinn or another Asha'men to do it). An Aes Sedai arrives from Egwene--probably Myrelle--informing of the Seanchan attack on the Tower.

 

Elayne immediately begins gathering her forces, though i doubt all of Andors armed forces are close enough for easy access. She gets the Kin on side, and possibly the Athan'Miere, though that may prove more difficult. I also really hope that we see a confrontation with Duhara here... i can't wait to see the womens reaction to the situation at the Tower. They possibly also go to the Sisters at the Silver Swan. Mat and the Band join her.

 

Pevara - The city is silent. People move stealthily to avoid drawing attention from either side. Pevara and her force move forward on a planned attack against the Seanchan position. The attack begins but out of the corner of her eye she catches sight of Alviarin, who was not capture as was originally thought... perhaps Mesaana is with her. They are talking to a sister, possibly Lelaine, and are acting furtive. The woman ducks away, and Pevara is forced to focus on the Seanchan. But she is wary of Alviarin, and decides to warn the others, and try and hunt down the woman later.

 

Seanchan - Or Elaida. With the arrival of reinforcements the assaults on the Tower have increased. One of the Seanchan remarks on how the enemy seem to be everywhere and no where. There are talks of the use of explosives wielded by common soldiers and not channelers. The Seanchan fret that the slope of the battle has changed direction. They worry that reinforcements will not arrive in time.

 

Egwene - watches Mat and Bryne planning. She thinks about how startled she is at the change in him, but admits had anyone suggested she herself would be anything like what she was now, she would have scoffed. Moiraine has been healed by then, hopefully by an Asha'men. She and many others are present. There is conciderably confidence now that the battle in the Tower can be won, though the battle is far from over. This is when Lan is brought in. He looks ragged, though his eyes are cold and fierce. He does not recognized Moiraine. He warns of the Trolloc army approaching the city. There is shock. Egwene remains cool, and looks to Mat and Bryne. They immediately start manning the defense, including the guarding of the Waygate.

 

Pevara - and the others have been watching the sister Alviarin met with (Lelaine, maybe) go from sister to sister, speaking quietly with them. Or perhaps one of the Black sisters bound to Pevara is approached. Either way they become aware of Black Sisters organising for something. She gathers those she can be certain of, and follows them. They are taking positions near the main gates, or the Waygate. The Trolloc attack begins. The Blacks link, gather their power, and thats when Pevara strikes. The Black Sisters attempt is shattered, though there are casualties the first onslaught is held. The Blacks flee. In the Ogier Garden the attempt at containment fails, though the Light does manage to contain the Trollocs within the Garden. My guess is that the Band will be playing this roll, with the first real use of the Dragons within the city walls. It seems likely that her bonded Asha'men darkfriends will play some part here.

 

Tuon - She is with Galgan. They are discussing dealing with the force that assaulted Amadecia. They ran wild for a time, but now the Seanchan seem to be regaining control. Perhaps she is reminiscing whilst on a raken, or perhaps Rand agreed to come to Ebou Dar, but this is where the meeting with Rand will take place. She is calm, controlled. He is slightly eradic, and she notices he seems pained. He lays out the situation in his passionate, simple worded way, and she notes the similarities in his speech with Mat's.

 

She agrees calmly that there is need for unity and he seems suspicious of her easy capitulation. She states that she is aware of the danger, citing Semirhage and the Trolloc assault, and that all the omens said Tarmon Gai'don was upon them. She asks him what his terms would be for the alliance, and he suggests only a ceasation of all hostilities until after Tarmon Gai'don, and that they work together against the shadow.

 

She says that she can live with that, though she thinks to herself about him kneeling to the Crystal Throne, but she decides that can wait, for now they must deal with the Shadowspawn. Rand, or perhaps Cadsuane, points out that ceasation of hostilities includes stopping leashing women who can channel including the Aes Sedai. Tuon doesn't like that, but Rand won't budge. Tuon decides that leashing marath'damane must again be set aside until more pressing matters are solved, though she refuses to unleash those damane she has already leashed, which Rand swallows--making Nynaeve angry. They reach an agreement, and in honour of that Tuon reveals the assault underway in the Tower. Rand demands they go immediately to put a stop to it.

 

Both sides immediately call up the forces near them. For Tuon it includes soldiers and damane, around a thousand soldiers and at least the six damane. For Rand it includes Maidens, some of Perrins force, who came with Perrin, as well as Asha'men and their bonded Aes Sedai under Logain. They travel to the Tower, and the leader of the Seanchan assault comes before Tuon, and tells her of how the assault had been going badly, until the shadowspawn arrive. They rush onto the balcony and see the Aes Sedai engaged in furious battles all around the walls. One or two of the gates may have been compromised. Tuon immediately takes command and orders the Seanchan out against the Shadowspawn.

 

Note: I believe this will all be from Tuon's POV because it involved the fulfilling of Egwene's dream reguarding the Seanchan women with the sword.

 

Egwene - The fighting has been going on without stop for a day, or more. There have been no lulls, and her side was beginning to take to many losses. She fears if it continues there is no hope. She has been seperated from her army during a battle. She hurries through the streets with perhaps one of two other sisters. Trollocs appear, and charge them. Egwene feels no fear though she thinks there is no hope. Her only concern is that the Tower survive. She hopes they will travel away before all is lost. This is when Gawyn and the Younglings arrive along with Coverla thus fulfilling him saving her, though i imagine there is more to it then that... i believe he will have had a scene earlier on when he decides to abandon Elaida's command... but meh.

 

There is a lull, and the two share a tender moment, though brief. They fight there way back to joining the others of her group, she discovers two, perhaps more, of the gates have fallen. She decides there is no hope, or perhaps is urged to that decision by Bryne or one of the others. She decides that the Aes Sedai must abandon the city in order that they live to fight another day.

 

Trollocs break through, and fight is joined again. She is about to issue her commands when suddenly the ground begins exploding under the Trollocs, and lightning begins to fall. At the same time word is brought from a lookout in the tower, that all accross the wall channeling based attacks were striking the trollocs. Someone else brings word of the Seanchan joining the battle. And perhaps that Rand and other Asha'men are with a group of them. Outside the city the Seanchan land force arrives.

 

Egwene immediatle rallies her forces, and commands that an all out assault be launched. She herself leads a force to find Rand and the others. She finds them near a gate, with Seanchan, unleashing destruction on the Trollocs. She joins them in attack, and the Trollocs break. Egwene and Tuon meet, though they dont really talk. Its more of one of those 'each person takes in the others strength in a glance' type things. They continue to attack the Trollocs accross the river. The force breaks in truth, and word comes that all accross the city the Shadowspawn were in route, and fleeing.

 

Demandred - Outside the city with perhaps one or two other Forsaken, watching the Trollocs flee. He is furious at Al'thor for intervening. He sets about seeing to the stopping the Trollocs from fleeing all the way back to the Borderlands. Its possible this will be the second such Demandred POV, with one earlier dealing with the who's who of the Shadowspawn army, as well as establishing where the dark channelers had come from, since i dont see them all being just Black Sisters.

 

Others - During the first part of the book there will be some time given to Interulde and the Seanchan. I have no idea how that will play out, though i don't see Interulde losing. Additionally Rhuarc and the battle with the other Trolloc Army will be given more light then ive suggested, though that could fit in anywhere. Also Verin is, i believe, heading for the Tower to recover the Horn--who knows what part she will play in the events there. Something will no doubt occur with Egwene, too.

 

PART TWO - Tarmon Gai'don.

 

Following this battle there will be a moment of quietness. The first battle has been won, and now the war is to begin. We will see a meeting of all the major figures for the light, and some final hashing out of problems.

 

Egwene - We will see her placing the stole on her shoulders, for the first time as Amyrlin within the Tower. Several hours have passed, perhaps a full day. The Trollocs were still in route, and they had scouts out watching to make sure. Several darkfriends had been captured, but most of the Black Ajah had escaped, and Egwene is wary because there is still the chance others still remained hidden. Tuon had commanded the Seanchan forces to camp outside the city. Egwene is furious that the women did not release captive Aes Sedai, and is furious at Rand for having agreed to that.

 

She is not alone in the room, the Hall is there. Egwene thinks that she is suprised at how easily the two halls blended together, the too-young sitters being replaced by their more suitable counter-parts in the other hall thanks to the Ajah Heads plan, though i doubt Egwene knows of that. The sitters are advising her in reguards to a meeting that is about to happen. She notice that some of them still look uneasy, and that all the Aes Sedai were still reeling after the last week. They don't really seem to know what stance to take on either Rand or the Seanchan. They are still furious, and uneasy at the Seanchan assault, but are aware that without them Tar Valon would have fallen. They are also frightened of the power the shadow was able to bring to bear on the Tower, and the need for unity within the light. One of them makes it clear that Egwene must gain the freedom of the leashed sisters, which Egwene agrees to. She remains calm.

 

Egwene rises and goes to the meeting. I doubt she goes alone, maybe she takes Suine and Bryne, or two sitters--Romanda and Pevara perhaps. Or Tarna. The meeting is in the Hall of the Tower, where Egwene takes the Amyrlin seat. She is irritated that the blue has been removed.

 

The others begin arriving. Rand, with Cadsuane and Logain, Tuon with Galgan and maybe the leader of the Seanchan assault force. Mat with Talmanes and maybe Teslyn, or Setelle Anan (i hope the later, coz that'd be kind of pointing out how foolish Aes Sedai attitude towards severed sisters are). Perrin with Faile and whatshisname. The spymaster? (Alliandre, Morgase and the rest would not have come to the meeting with the Seanchan, so wouldn't be present). Elayne with Gawyn and Birgitte (Egwene is pleased to see Gawyn. She has bonded him, though he has been with Elayne since the route of the Trollocs). Harine, Shalon and her swordmaster are there on behalf of the Mistress of Ships. Lan with Moiraine and Nynaeve (glaring daggers).

 

It works out quite well, actually, with each seat in the Hall filled. The meeting will start with Tuon relating reports the raken have brought of the Trolloc horde. They remain in flight though there seems to be someone exerting control again. Other groups who had scouts out support this. Once this has been established, the question is raised of how to respond.

 

This is when Egwene will step in. She will state that unity is required, that the events of the past few days proved that. She will say that the shadow worked to devide us, and now we need to stand united. She then addresses Tuon directly, saying there is much distrust for the Seanchan, but that they had proven they needed each other. She will then say that that will not happen unless all leashed Aes Sedai are released, irrespective of the results.

 

And i believe that Tuon will give it to her, in light of what occured. Perhaps Mat will throw his weight behind Egwene--especially if Bode was leashed, which seems possible. Rand may remain silent, but i imagine the others would speak up in support of it. I rather suspect that a healed Satelle Anan will play a big part in this too. She will include her own provisions though, that only Aes Sedai who wished to be released will be so, and that she gets to keep one in particular (specificall, Mesaana, if she was leashed).

 

Egwene will agree to this, and the meeting will continue. Rand's forces in Illian will move to aid the Seanchan against the Trollocs in Amadacia, and begin ferrying the Seanchan north.

 

For the actually play out of the battles im uncertain how it will proceed. I believe the tactic will be slash runs because the Trollocs outnumber the forces of the Light. I believe that Interulde and Turan will eventually join Rhuarc, whilst the Aes Sedai, the Seanchan near Tar Valon, Elayne, Lan and eventually the borderlanders and whitecloaks will persue the army north of Tar Valon. The force in Illian and the other Seanchan will be split between the two, as well as dealing with the Murandians who i believe will be under Demandred's influence.

 

The reason i think this is that it is my belief that the Seanchan and the Whitecloaks will eventually come to respect the Aes Sedai--at least in a strange way. And the only real way to foster that is have them forced to fight side-by-side. Even if they don't putting them together makes for interesting drama.

 

In any case, as i said im not sure the progression, but with the work of Mat, Galgan, Interulde and Bryne, not to mention the lesser brilliant generals, they will employ tactics that will win. Oh, Demandred will pull surprises, especially the Murandians, and there will be loses and back and forth. Eventually the shadowspawn will be forced back towards the borderlands. First slowly, and then with increasing success. It will be around then that Rand begins planning the assault on Shayol Ghoul. Specifically, i suspect another one of those ripples occurs, and maybe the final seals are broken. Maybe Rand decides to break them. I'm not sure. But before we get to that there are things that will occur throughout this section, things of more importance, really, then the battles--because they are character moments.

 

Logain - I believe it will be noted that Asha'men were fighting on behalf of the Shadow. Logain again tries to warn Rand, and is shut down, so he goes looking for proof, not really expecting a confrontation. Instead he will surprise Taim accidently, and Taim will react with a fight. The fight will be short and messy, several of Logain's Asha'men will die, and i suspect probably either Toveine of Gabrielle. Taim will escape.

 

Gawyn - There will be a confrontation between Gawyn and Rand, and i believe it will end with Gawyn releasing his hatred finally. But honestly, im not sure. It has occured to me that the place Pevara may stash her Asha'men is near Gawyn, and that Gawyn may be able to channel, or that the darkfriend influences him against Rand, or any of a hundred other things. We simply dont know enough.

 

Actually, now i think about it, i think it likely that Gawyn learns of Rand's presense in the city before saving Egwene, his choice may be to save Egwene over persuing Rand. That makes sense to me.

 

Nynaeve - There will be a scene between Moiraine, Lan, Nynaeve and Myrelle. It's been coming for too long.

 

Moiraine - The obvious meeting with Rand. Probably one with Suine as well. Both should prove interesting.

 

Mesaana - if she was captured, with Tuon wielding the bracelet.

 

The Forsaken - Some sort of meeting will happen with them, possibly concurrent with the assault on Shayol Ghoul. Shaidar Haren will arrive with Taim, and possibly Alviarin in tow. There will be conciderable anger about the way events are turning.

 

PART THREE - The Strike on Shayol Ghoul.

 

So, we come to the final part. not all the forces of the light will be involved in the Strike. The forces in Amadacia will have been destroyed by now. In Arad Domon Rhuarc, Interulde, Aviendha, the Wise Ones, some Seanchan, as well as several others will engage the enemy once more, the battle will be fercocious, all out. In souther Shienar Egwene, Elayne, and several others including Tylee Khirgan, Galad, Berelain and the Borderlanders, and so forth. The ta'veren telepathy will play a part in this.

 

The people in the strike will be, to my mind, Rand, Cadsuane, Moiraine, Lan, Nynaeve, Logain, Alivia, Perrin and Mat. They will lead a small strike force of Maidens, Malkieri and likely some others, including Wolves. Its possible Perrin will be elsewhere, he is not needed, as such, but i see him being the one to take down Shaidar Haren. Mat will have the Horn, as brought to him by Verin. Logain's Asha'men will be there, as well as their Aes Sedai, and likely some of those sworn to serve Rand, as well.

 

The assault will be ferocious, the battle messy. People will die in all three places. During the course of this, Rand will find himself facing Moridin. They will fight, in the course of that fight Rand will sever Moridin's connection to the Dark One. The result will be that with both so near each other, and both drawing on saidin, that a bodyswap will occur. At the same time whatever Moridin wove with saidin will cause a cave in or a land slide, or something seperating the two. As i said i believe Perrin will be the one to face Shaidar Haren.

 

Elsewhere i see Aviendha dealing with Graendal, Egwene or perhaps Mat dealing with Aran'gar. I'm guessing Logain will get Taim, or perhaps Pevara. I'd be amused if some of the Forsaken just die in battle at the hands of randoms, I see Demandred for this one. I think Cadsuane, Nynaeve and Moiraine will deal with Moghedian and Cyndane. Though it may be Elayne that handles Cyndane if she is indeed hiding out as Sylvase.

 

It wont be too neat, however. RJ doesn't write like that. And it wont be all losses for the Shadow. I think Cadsuane will die, for sure. And likely Amys. Possibly Rhuarc as well. Lan, again i think is a certainty (more on this in a moment). Birgitte seems a goner. And likely many others beside.

 

Anyway, Rand will get into the Pit of Doom. Likely with the Choedan Kal (There will be some reason he didn't use it on Moridin... maybe Moridin caught him by surprise and it was swept out of his hands before he could. Whatever). He will do whatever it is he will do... there is too little information to predict that, though it doubt it will be simply re-sealing the bore.

 

EPILOGUE

 

Several months have passed. We are with Moridin. He is in rags, begging on the street, trying to avoid notice. Possibly he was burnt out. He is like the Fisher King. Blinded, without a hand, wounds in his eyes. He still feels hope that if he can avoid being found, he can be healed, and perhaps recover some of what he lost. He may have given up on the Shadow's cause, but he still feels the world is ripe for him. He reflects on the state of the world.

 

The world believes Rand dead. The forces he had gathered under him fractured. The Aiel returned to the Waste whilst Elayne made claims to Cairhein she was busy trying to consolidate. Darlin holds tear though there is opposition, and Mattin Stepeneos is back in power in Illian. The Aes Sedai do what they can, but they suffered losses themselves, and find themselves being forced to deal with Logain, the Wise Ones and the Windfinders. They no longer stand above the world.

 

In the north armies still hunt Shadowspawn, but there are still many thousands he can draw upon. Hundreds of thousands who escaped the failures in Arad Domon and Shienar. There are still darkfriends out there, though the Black Ajah and Asha'men darkfriends were nearly wiped out.

 

The Seanchan are in turmoil. The revelation about the sul'dam is out. Bethamin and Seta are natoriously seeking to become Aes Sedai, along with likely several others amongst the captured sul'dam. Others still are now insisting they be leashed. Uprest sweeps the lands they've conquered and they are having issues retaining control. There are whispers that marath'damane are not evil. Those that fought beside the Aes Sedai speak highly of them.

 

Moridin feels hope. Then he sees a woman stalking towards him. Alivia. He turns to run and finds himself facing Rand. They bundle him into a building. They reveal they have been tracking him. Moridin is defiant, swearing the return of the Shadow. Alivia kills him.

 

Rand - Will walk away from Moridin before Alivia kills him. He will be laughing and crying, and feeling free. She will ask him what he intends next, which i suspect, for a time, will be anonymity.

 

Alviarin - I believe Alviarin will survive the Last Battle as well, though she will be in hiding. She will feel bleak, but plot recovery.

 

Nynaeve - Nynaeve will have been a recluse since the end of the Last Battle due to Lan's loss. She will be much calmer in herself, much more clear-headed. She will be sitting in a small house, reflecting to herself. Soon she will go back out into the world. There was much to be done, and Egwene needed her, but for the moment she would have peace. In the long run i see her becoming the next Cadsuane... never belonging but a figure of power. This will be the last scene in the book.

 

 

Well... thats pretty much it. To the very few who bothered to read it, thank you. To the rest... i understand.

 

[RobertAlexWillis]

Poor Bela.  Now we have to saddle her up and ride her through this one again ... -sigh-  :P

[Lune]

One point though, they frequently keep Egwene drugged up with forkroot, how is she going to travel to the rebel camp when she can barely channel?

[chelseafan]

Nice!.Very well put together..must have taken ages to type though ;)

[Ealdur Tinuviel]

Perrin with Faile and whatshisname. The spymaster?

 

Sebban Balwer.

 

Also, nice post. Though I can't help but wonder if Tuon refuses to release the leashed Aes Sedai, citing the deal with Rand. This, of course, would result in Egwene getting mad at Rand, fulfilling the prophecy of Rand knowing the Amyrlin's anger.

[Guest cwestervelt]

I suspect that keeping Egwene drugged up on Forkroot is a rather big mistake.  Keeping her constantly dosed will result in her developing a tolerance to it requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect.

[reyler]

One point though, they frequently keep Egwene drugged up with forkroot, how is she going to travel to the rebel camp when she can barely channel?

 

Her dosing leaves her able to channel just a tiny bit - which is enough for her to show someone else the weave for Travelling, though she doesn't have the strength to make it work at the time, as when Sorilea passed it on to Cadsuane.

[Luckers]

One point though, they frequently keep Egwene drugged up with forkroot, how is she going to travel to the rebel camp when she can barely channel?

 

This will not really be an issue since by that stage Egwene will be imprisoned in the cells, and shortly thereafter come in contact with Pevara who knows the weave anyway. It's even possible that in the fuss Egwene will not have been given her tea.

 

Oh, i just saw cwestervelts comment, and yeah, that too has a certain poetic sense to it.

 

Also, nice post. Though I can't help but wonder if Tuon refuses to release the leashed Aes Sedai, citing the deal with Rand. This, of course, would result in Egwene getting mad at Rand, fulfilling the prophecy of Rand knowing the Amyrlin's anger.

 

That's my thought too.

[lou]

Tarna - Is with Elaida in her rooms on the upper floors of the Tower. Elaida has been ranting and drinking, and is near insensible. Tarna is honest with herself about Elaida's chances, and remarks to herself her respect for Egwene, and how sad it was the girl was to be stilled. Then she becomes aware of noises. She goes to Elaida's balcony and witnesses to'raken arriving. She connects it with Egwene's dreams. She tries to rouse Elaida but she wont stop ranting against treasons. She tries to subdue Elaida and force her with her physically, but Elaida reacts by drawing the power and concluding Tarna is treasonous. Tarna is forced to flee without her even as she hears the sounds of running footsteps of the Seanchan.

 

this was one of my favorite parts.drinking and ranting.....lol

[bcxanth]

Aviendha - The battle is joined in the south of Saldaea. A scene of wise ones and asha'men channeling. The other possibility is this scene will involve the betrayal of the darkfriend wise ones, during which many will be killed or injured. Aviendha will join Sorilea and Amys in fighting the Wise One Darkfriends, feeling terrible anger at the betrayal. So on, so forth.

Now although I agree that there likely are Wise Ones that are Darkfriends, is there any info pointing at it for sure or identifying specific suspects?  I seem to remember a PoV from that one DF guy that runs the Merchant train Asmo and Lanfear hook up with, and I think he mentions something about Wise Ones coming to look at him a little too often. But other then that, is there anything else, because I can't recall anything.

 

Pevara - The city is silent. People move stealthily to avoid drawing attention from either side. Pevara and her force move forward on a planned attack against the Seanchan position. The attack begins but out of the corner of her eye she catches sight of Alviarin, who was not capture as was originally thought... perhaps Mesaana is with her. They are talking to a sister, possibly Lelaine, and are acting furtive. The woman ducks away, and Pevara is forced to focus on the Seanchan. But she is wary of Alviarin, and decides to warn the others, and try and hunt down the woman later.

Why Lelaine specifically, our of curiosity? I can't say I ever had her pegged as a DF before, as it seems like Halima would have went to her instead of Delena when she arrived in Salidar.

 

Other then those two points though, I have to say it's a pretty good idea.  I'm not too sure on the whole body swapping thing, but I do concede that it's a possibility.

[lou]

Why Lelaine specifically, our of curiosity? I can't say I ever had her pegged as a DF before, as it seems like Halima would have went to her instead of Delena when she arrived in Salidar.

 

 

in a land far far away, there was a thread dedicated to "who is beating sheriam"...the general consensus was lelaine, and this would actually bring a bit of closure to that theory.

[Luckers]

Now although I agree that there likely are Wise Ones that are Darkfriends, is there any info pointing at it for sure or identifying specific suspects?  I seem to remember a PoV from that one DF guy that runs the Merchant train Asmo and Lanfear hook up with, and I think he mentions something about Wise Ones coming to look at him a little too often. But other then that, is there anything else, because I can't recall anything.

 

Nothing. The only even remote indication is the death of the Wise Ones and gai'shain when Katerine escaped, and even that is sketchy. Nevertheless, i have no doubts that there will be darkfriend Wise ones.

 

Also, though i didn't mention it, it seems possible Graendal will be involved with the above situation.

 

Why Lelaine specifically, our of curiosity? I can't say I ever had her pegged as a DF before, as it seems like Halima would have went to her instead of Delena when she arrived in Salidar.

 

Mostly its her encounter with siuan in KoD, and i also pin her as the most likely 'beater' of Sheriam... but no, there is no proof. Originally i was convinced that at least one of Romanda and Lelaine would be black, since it seems that Romanda is in the clear, im just stuck on Lelaine.

[Child of Lir]

Thanks Luckers - that was very entertaining and quite exciting to read. Let's just hope all goes well and we get to read it as RJ intends...

[The Lost One]

Wow.....Thanks!  I really needed a good fix to help hold me over until the next book.  This definatly helps!  Keep writing and I will keep reading!

[Charlz Guybon]

Hmm... I wish I had seen this thread before I posted in the structured AMoL thread.  >:(

[Darkness Incarnated]

Quite a read Luckers, I even found myself with a thumping heart at times.

However, I'm curious about this: how is Aviendha going to tackle Graendal? She's much stronger, and she also has an angreal. And how is Perrin going to battle Shaidar Haran? The freakin Superfade seems to be able to channel. I can only see Perrin winning if the wolves help him. They would bring SH down, even if it took a thousand of them to do it. And Elayne ruling two countries? I hope it never happens. Fat chance that RJ will do this, but I've always envisioned Rand holding a brief conversation with the Dark One in the Pit of Doom before he kicks his [divine] butt.

[bcxanth]

Why Lelaine specifically, our of curiosity? I can't say I ever had her pegged as a DF before, as it seems like Halima would have went to her instead of Delena when she arrived in Salidar.

 

 

in a land far far away, there was a thread dedicated to "who is beating sheriam"...the general consensus was lelaine, and this would actually bring a bit of closure to that theory.

Hrm, interesting. I guess I just always figured it was Halima who was beating Sheriam. I never bothered looking any further because she seemed like such an obvious suspect. After all, it was after that when she decided to attach herself to Egwene, and Sheriam was being punished for not keeping her attacker informed of what Egwene was doing.

 

Still, it's an interesting idea.

[Charlz Guybon]

You know, I'm just going to repost what I posted in the structured thread, and delete that post. Here's a prediction of the chapter titles for A Memory of Light. I think most are pretty self explanatory and show where I think the story is going.

 

Prologue: Shadow on the Horizon

1) The Dead Walking

2) To Sit on the Lion Throne

3) Dice Rolling

4) Snakes & Foxes

5) Courage to Strengthen, Fire to Blind

6) Music to Daze, Iron to Bind

7) Fists of Heaven

8} Aes Sedai in Chains

9) Of All Ajahs and None

10) Mesaana’s Children

11) The White Boar

12) The Great Purge

13) The Tower United

14) The Last Ingathering of the Lances

15) As Long as Stone Abides

16) Bandar Eban

17) War Comes to the Stedding

18) The Wolf Meets the Dragon

19) The Shadow Strikes the Return

20) For the Empress, May She Live Forever

21) To Bind the Nine Moons

22) Coronation in Cairhien

23) The Amyrlin’s Anger

24) The Great Stump

25) The Borderlanders

26) The Black Ajah Triumphant

27) The Wolf King

28) Semirhage Unleashed

29) Teaching the Asha'man

30) Reunion

31) Laughter and Tears

32) The M’Hael

33) Forsaken

34) Rent in Blood and Fire

35) Logain’s Glory

36) The Nightmares of Mankind

37) The Trolloc Wars Come Again

38) Demandred Strikes South

39) The Fall of Fal Dara

40) Isam

41) Death is Lighter than a Feather

42) The Sack of Lugard

43) Band of the Red Hand

44) From the Shadow Coast

45) Tarabon Ravaged

46) The Ever Victorious Army

47) Dreadlords

48) To Dance the Spears

49) Caemlyn Besieged

50) As Water on Sand

51) To Anger the Ogier

52) The Shinning Walls

53) Slicer of the Shadow

54) To Dance with Jak o' the Shadows

55) The Horn of Valere

56) Illian Delivered

57) The Gholam Comes to Illian

58) Resurrection Revealed

59) The Wrath of Lanfear

60) To March Through the Blasted Lands

61) Shayol Ghul

62) Clearing Away the Rubble

63) The Pride of Demandred

64) To Help Me Die

65) The World Knows Despair

66) The Shadow at Noon

67) Three in a Boat

68) Twice Dawns the Day

69) The Bore

70) The Nihilism of Moridin

71) SHAI'TAIN

72) The Dragon’s Blood

73) The Pain of Salvation

74) Aftermath

75) A New Age Dawns

[TheRedSon]

This has been an incredibly entertaining read and it is well structured.  I could see many of these events coming to pass. 

 

That said...  Where is Fain?

 

Shouldn't the Horn, at some point, go to Illian?

[bcxanth]

This has been an incredibly entertaining read and it is well structured.  I could see many of these events coming to pass. 

 

That said...  Where is Fain?

 

Shouldn't the Horn, at some point, go to Illian?

There really is no reason for the Horn to go to Illian, other then tradition. With the Last Battle coming, I don't think that anyone is going to be caring much about tradition.

 

As for Fain, that's a good question.  I still think he'd be a good candidate to take down Shaidar Haran myself.

[Charlz Guybon]

This has been an incredibly entertaining read and it is well structured.  I could see many of these events coming to pass. 

 

That said...  Where is Fain?

 

Shouldn't the Horn, at some point, go to Illian?

There really is no reason for the Horn to go to Illian, other then tradition. With the Last Battle coming, I don't think that anyone is going to be caring much about tradition.

 

As for Fain, that's a good question.  I still think he'd be a good candidate to take down Shaidar Haran myself.

The Horn has it's own set off prophesies. We haven't seen much of them, but Illian, or perhaps Dorelle Caromon (the Ogier built city that preceded it) is likely mentioned within it.

[TheRedSon]

You may be right.  It just seems to me that there is such a strong relationship between the Horn and Illian, and when I see relationships like that I see the hand of foreshadowing.  

 

If Tarwin's Gap does have to be abandoned by Lan and the Malkieri the Dreadlords could easily open fronts as far south as Tear and Illian.  The only armies large enough to give them pause will be in Tar Valon, in Andor and in the east (Seanchan).  Cairhien and Tear (with the exception of the Stone) could be overrun easily.  BTW, I see some potential for reconciliation between Tear and its neighbors (Illian and Mayene) during the Trolloc invasion.

 

It seems that even after the good guys and the Seanchan join forces and even if they can win at Tar Valon and Caemlyn they won't be able to save the South in time without some massive, quick and decisive stroke against the Shadowspawn.  That could be accomplished by winning at TG.  I think it more likly that the death of Shadar Haran will cause confusion and a breakdown in discipline among every unit of Trollocs south of the Blight.

 

 

[Feral]

I found that a very interesting read. Well done. I don't think you mentioned anything about Slayer though? Unless I missed something...

[Charlz Guybon]

  I think it more likly that the death of Shadar Haran will cause confusion and a breakdown in discipline among every unit of Trollocs south of the Blight.

 

 

Why? The Trollocs have managed to invade Randland before without Shadar Haran.

[Guest cwestervelt]

Why Lelaine specifically, our of curiosity? I can't say I ever had her pegged as a DF before, as it seems like Halima would have went to her instead of Delena when she arrived in Salidar.

 

 

in a land far far away, there was a thread dedicated to "who is beating sheriam"...the general consensus was lelaine, and this would actually bring a bit of closure to that theory.

Hrm, interesting. I guess I just always figured it was Halima who was beating Sheriam. I never bothered looking any further because she seemed like such an obvious suspect. After all, it was after that when she decided to attach herself to Egwene, and Sheriam was being punished for not keeping her attacker informed of what Egwene was doing.

 

Still, it's an interesting idea.

 

While I agree that Lelaine is the likely candidate for who beat Sheriam, I don't think she will turn out to be Black.  I think it more likely that she sees the Blue Ajah as her domain and if other don't care for how she runs things, too bad for them.  Being an "internal" matter, Sheriam would feel oblegated to accept Lelaine's handling of the situation.