More Wheel of Time Commentary

The voice in Rand's head is not necessarily Lews Therin's - more likely Moridin's. Moridin is trying to throw Rand off by making him think that he's already crazy. There's a part - I believe it's in #8 where the 'voice' calls Rand crazy. I think this is a heads up for readers. It is unlikely that Lews Therin would say something so out of character. Plus there's a point in #9 when Rand sees the dark flecks in front of his eyes - when Alanna and Cadsuane visit him at Far Madding - he's likely seeing Moridin's saa flecks. And maybe one or both saw them in his eyes as well but said nothing - since they did not know what they were seeing.

This does not mean that none of Lews Therin is coming through - because he is constantly teaching Rand - or Rand is 'remembering' abilities - like the Death Gates, Flaming Arrows, and Net of Flames - Logain comments that Taim never taught those tricks - and it takes him and the other Asha'men in Tear a few minutes to learn the weaves to do the same. Rand knows they are Lews Therin's special secret tricks. When Rand was fighting Sammael in Shadar Logoth - he is helped by Moridin and their Balefire crossed paths slightly causing a nasty effect on Rand. Yet, the 'voice' was already present. I believe it is something like the Isam/Luc link - but only Moridin knows it. Besides, Ishamael always liked to pretend to be someone he's not.

I find it interesting that Sammael is the only Forsaken calling him Rand al'Thor. And yes - he's still alive and causing problems - hiding in Far Madding as we notice in 9 - when Cadsuane and the rest are just arriving - he's the guard with the nasty scar when they are signing in. And possibly controlling Luc/Isam.

Halima = Arangar = Balthamel
Dashiva = Osangar = Aginor
Cyndane = Lanfear
Moridin = Ishamael

Tuon does not trust nor like Anath - and for good reason - though we still have yet to find out what she intends to do about her since she does not know exactly what and who Anath is yet.

What is the big piece of information that Cadsuane has yet to teach the Asha'men and Rand - which they will not like? Not that thing about Callandor. She will tell them who Taim really is - at least what he is - since the ter'angreal she wears in her hair can sense and point out Forsaken. She might even know about Dashiva - who is still alive despite the nasty injury he gets at the end of 9. Maybe she sensed Sammael as well - unless it can only point them out while they are channeling.

Thanks to Egwene's dreams - we already know that Logain will be taking down Taim - maybe with some Forkroot in his drink to neutralize his channeling abilities.

Rand must die in order to live - and Mat must die in order to live, though technically speaking he may have done that up to three times already: Rhuidean when he was hung - Rhuidean when the darkhounds got to him - and Caemlyn when Rand was fighting Rhavin. Actually, in Rand's present condition by the end of the series thus far - he's kinda looking forward to getting it all over with. I guess it's just a test of wills between Rand and Moridin. But Shadar Haran is still a question - he gets more freedom and more powerful after Rand fixes one nasty problem at the end of 9. I believe most of the Last Battle will be taking place in tel'aron rhiod - Rand can get Mat there and Perrin can get there his own way. I believe there will be more than 100 companions this time around. Actually, since channeling near Shayol Ghul brings anyone death - they might all have to travel there by the world of dreams.

Then there's a curiosity - one part of one prophecy says 'Last Battle won but the world not done with battle'. The Blight is retreating and quiet - and Lan is beginning the official fight alone. I am wondering if the Shadar Logoth battle in 9 might be the official fight and nobody knows. That's why the Forsaken - or at least most of them - show up to stop him - well, eight of them anyway. That was rather nasty - eight Forsaken at once! I like Alivia - the former damane - she's too cool!

An d what will happen when Rand, Mat, and Perrin are together with that odd swirling color thing happening when each thinks of the other two. That obviously has something to do with Elayne's gateway blowing up since it doesn't start until after that event. It might hurry things along in the end - since they end up able to see the one they are thinking of - meaning Rand can just make a gateway to the others when he needs them. Lots of interesting things are going to be happening in the last book - not to mention a certain Aes Sedai's rescue before the battle - and Egwene getting help from Tuon in taking the Amyrlin Seat in the White Tower. Elaida as damane sounds really nice.