The Shadow Rising

Lore & Background

The novel splits the cast into four plotlines: Rand in the Aiel Waste, Perrin's return to the Two Rivers, Elayne and Nynaeve hunting the Black Ajah in Tarabon, and Min Farshaw in Tar Valon.

Having just claimed the crystal sword Callandor to prove himself the Dragon Reborn, Rand al'Thor is approached by Lanfear, who tells him of the Forsaken's plans. Trollocs and Fades sent by Sammael storm the Stone of Tear while Semirhage's followers oppose them; Rand uses Callandor to raise a lightning storm that kills the attackers. He decides to travel to the Aiel Waste to be acknowledged as the Aiel's prophesied leader. Before leaving, Rand, Mat Cauthon and Moiraine consult the snakelike Aelfinn, and Mat learns he must go to Rhuidean or die and that he is destined to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Egwene and Aviendha are summoned to the Waste as well. Perrin Aybara returns to the Two Rivers with Faile, Loial and three Aiel, Elayne, Nynaeve and Thom Merrilin go to Tarabon to hunt the Black Ajah, and Min Farshaw reports to the Amyrlin Siuan Sanche in Tar Valon.