Chapter 18 - News for the Dragon

Summary

Rand al'Thor sits with his companions in Lord Algarin's manor house, suppressing visions of Mat and Perrin while experiencing a new, clear mental link to the blue-eyed stranger from Shadar Logoth. Nynaeve successfully heals his worsening side wound and reacts with fury to news of Arad Doman's chaos, while Min fiercely opposes Rand's fatalistic talk about the Prophecies. Cadsuane enforces strict civility rules upon the Asha'man and questions the political viability of Rand's Seanchan truce. Logain Ablar arrives with reports on Elayne's siege and Taim's growing faction within the Black Tower, prompting a tense exchange over loyalty before Verin confirms that signs of Tarmon Gai'don are already manifesting across the land.

Characters

• Rand al'Thor / Rand (Lord Dragon, Dragon Reborn) — Sits with his companions in Algarin's manor, suppresses visions of Mat and Perrin, and experiences a new mental link to the blue-eyed stranger from Shadar Logoth. He hides his worsening side wound, endures Cadsuane's probing rules, and defends his Seanchan truce as a strategic necessity for winning the Last Battle.
• Loial — Questions Rand about missing details for his book regarding Ilian's fall and the coronation. He expresses concern for Mat and Perrin's safety while diligently recording notes in a leather-bound journal.
• Nynaeve — Monitors Rand's health, successfully heals his worsening side wound despite previous failures, and reacts with white-hot rage to news of Arad Doman's chaos. She scowls at Logain's presence and tries to hide her laughter at Cadsuane's threat.
• Alivia (former damane) — Stands guard by the doorway with an intense gaze, displaying a brief smile for Nynaeve's benefit. She observes Logain's arrival with focused attention alongside the other Maidens.
• Harilin (Maiden of the Iron Mountain Taardad) — Squats near Alivia playing cat's cradle while armed with spears and a buckler, laughing uncontrollably at Cadsuane's threat to spank Rand and Logain.
• Enaila (Maiden of the Jarra Chareen) — Plays cat's cradle with Harilin while armed for combat, joining in the Maidens' laughter at Cadsuane's stern warning.
• Min Farshaw / Min — Reads Herid Fel's book and feels Rand's pleasure through their bond. She fiercely opposes his fatalistic talk about the Prophecies, vowing to keep him alive alongside Elayne and Aviendha.
• Cadsuane — Knits embroidery while observing Logain with suspicion and enforcing strict civility rules upon Rand and the Asha'man. She questions Rand's Seanchan truce, warning of its political unpopularity and demanding justification for his troop movements.
• Verin Mathwin / Verin (Brown sister) — Knits a shapeless lump while listening to the discussion, then suddenly interrupts to confirm that signs of Tarmon Gai'don are already manifesting among servants and soldiers. She remains unfazed by Cadsuane's dry thanks.
• Lews Therin — Communicates with Rand about the new mental link to the Shadar Logoth stranger, attributing it to their touching balefire streams. He weeps for his murdered wife Ilyena and cackles at the prospect of Taim's growing power.
• Ethin (serving man) — Enters with a halting bow to announce Logain's return, then exits with a disgruntled glance after being dismissed by Rand.
• Logain Ablar / Logain (Lord Dragon, false Dragon) — Returns from Arad Doman with news of Elayne's siege and Taim's expanding faction inside the Black Tower. He bristles at Cadsuane's scrutiny and slams his wine cup when Rand questions his concerns about Taim's loyalty.
• Dobraine — Mentioned as sending a soldier with a message to find leadership in Arad Doman if King Alsalam is dead.
• Rhuarc — Reported to be putting an end to the strongarm gangs terrorizing Bandar Eban, though it has already turned into a battle.
• Alsalam (King of Arad Doman) — Rumored by the Council of Merchants to still reign, but they cannot produce him or locate him amid the city's mob rule.
• Mazrim Taim / Taim — Described as burning to know Rand's location and having built a hidden faction loyal only to himself within the Black Tower. He has given over a dozen men the Dragon pin and recruited dozens more for special classes.
• Bashere — Mentioned by Logain as someone whose return is awaited, though his current status remains unknown.
• Johanin (King of Ghealdan) — Referenced alongside the Crown High Council for stripping Logain of his lands and title after he became a false Dragon.
• Mat Cauthon / Mat — Appears in a brief vision to Rand riding through a forest with a small dark woman, arguing over his hat. Rand feels a sudden ta'veren link to him.
• Perrin Aybara / Perrin — Seen in a vision sitting grimly over winecups with two companions in identical red coats trimmed with blue and yellow. Rand feels a sudden ta'veren link to him.
• The Stranger / stranger (blue-eyed man with a square chin) — Appears clearly for the first time in Rand's mind without causing dizziness. Rand deduces that their touching balefire streams in Shadar Logoth created a mental link between them, making the man aware of Rand's presence.