Rand is the classic reluctant hero. His transformation from farm boy to world leader is astoundingly brought out by Jordan. It's what makes the books, the books IMO. That sense of having no other choice, and to die for it in the end. Which most people will cheer, instead of weep. He doesn't want to die. But knows the end is inevitable (as far as we know) He has gone too far. Min acknowleges that he feels no fear; and when he lost his hand, it was time to go on.  Sorelia's question about being strong or hard is very prevalent. That metaphore is spoken more after that.  It is this fear, this dread, which Rand must deal with; it is as Lan taught him, "duty is heavier than a mountain, death lighter than a feather". This part of the story, is the story, along with Perrin and Matt. Jordan had a wonderful way to present Rands story. It got lost IMO. But that is another discussion.

I also hate Rand as he is now. I like to think of Rand as the innocent young boy he was, as they all were. And which is the comparison which we judge Rand, and the others, fair or not.

Moriane knew about Lanfear after going into Ruidean. That's why she changed tactics with Rand. She saw 3 options. 1) Lanfear married Rand and the next time she saw him, he was Lews Terin; option 2) was that Lanfear killed Rand; option 3) was her taking Lanfear into the twisted doorway. The wagons were just convenient, the peddlers wagons were the only ones around to haul the stuff. Moriane probably figured out that the drivers at the time were darkfriends and that's why she watched them so closely. Especially, the one with the twisted door. I don't think she saw Asmo when she went through Ruidean, but figured it afterward, once she learned of Lanfears presence. The letter she left Rand kinda confirms that. Kelly was Lanfear, Isendre was another darkfriend agent, who probably didn't know who Kelly was. Kadere probably didn't know who Kelly was either, until he got his skin taken off.

Where the wagons went is a good question. Wherever they're at, I think Elayne finds them, and somehow uses them. Avi and Egwene were the only ones who knew what they were. But it sounds like Jordan that Elayne will find out about the wagons from Egwene or Avi, and hunt them down. Plus, Elayne is supposed to be given the throne to Carhein, so she will be in the right place at some point.