The State of the World for 997 New Era

This edition of the State of the World covers the time span of March 1999 to July 1999. In game time that's the year of 997 NE. A special thanks to Alderic for help in creating events and writing entries.

Raiding between the Shaarad Clan and the Miagoma cooled to an uneasy truce during 997, likely the result of the Shaarad's resounding victory in a skirmish. The Chareen Clan's efforts redoubled in their feud against the hapless Miagoma, even going so far as to lay a claim to the much-desired High Cliffs Hold.

Sun Ridge Hold, the Shaarad's primary hold, continued prosperous throughout the rest of 997 and into 998, attracting an unusual number of visitors. Among those was the rare occurrence of an uninvited wetlander, Ginevra. The yellow-eyed stranger's only redemption in the ThreeFold Land was her assistance in saving an Aiel child from an enraged beast. Indulgence of her stay did not last long, however. After a request to meet with the Hold's head Wise One was honored, the stranger was escorted back from whence she came.

As the year drew to a close, a trader brought an ancient tome to the attention of the Wise Ones, which seemed to be written in Ogier script. Sun Ridge extended an invitation to the Treebrothers in the nearest stedding, Maotai. The Ogier soon arrived, and revealed that the rare volume held information uncovering the location of a long-forgotten stedding with an ample water supply. Not long after, a young Ogier named Kus'kinn disappeared with the book.

The continued presence of the Children of the Light in the region throughout the year 997 helped minimize incursions from Arad Doman and Tarabon, but the region is too large for the Children to have been able to prevent every attack.

Between the Children and the Sea Folk, attacks of piracy along the coast were also reduced, although skirmishes between one pirate ship and another were common sights along the coast.

In the middle of the year the coast was devasted by another disaster altogether - a fierce hurricane. The violent winds and high waters caused significant damage in many coastal towns and even some distance into the mainland, but particularly devasted the largest settlement in the area, Falme. But the hardy people of this land are accustomed to hardship, and took comfort from the knowledge that many of the pirate ships were lost in the storms.

After an exceptionally difficult Winter in 996, Altarans were relieved by good weather throughout 997. Farmers experienced unusually bountiful harvests and their olive and citrus orchards were festooned with produce. Queen Adreanna enjoyed widespread popularity among the Ebou Dari, and the Esteemed Brotherhood of Victuallers, grown prosperous these past few seasons, commissioned a large statue of Adreanna to be erected near the Bridge of Sarelle. The Queen was to be depicted as baring one breast, indicating that she has a tolerable reputation for honesty.

Adreana also earned the gratitude of poorer Altarans when she imposed a temporary increase on taxes and import duties on luxury items to raise funds to subsidize the rebuilding of homes lost in the floods of 996. This measure was not viewed as kindly by the nobles, many of whom felt that it was an attempt to weaken their power. Rumours were put about that only a portion of the monies raised were used for the stated purpose, with the rest going to hire armsmen Adreana was planning to use to extend her power more widely in the country.

The fine weather of 997 was a relief after the storms and cold of the Winter of 996, but the relief did not last long. Although the crops fared well, the herds did not. A mysterious illness felled thousands of cattle and hogs, reducing food available for export and resulting in another lean winter for the poorest people of the country.

The animal illness also created tensions between Amadicia and Ghealdan. Ghealdin border villages refused to let any Amadician animals across the border for trade, and during the height of the sickness even refused passage to Amadician people, fearing the illness might begin to spread beyond animals. The Amadicians, frustrated and seeking a scapegoat, blamed unchecked channelers in Ghealdan for creating the illness in the first place.

The epidemic of breakbone fever which claimed the lives of several nobles, including the entire family of House Miraval and the wife and young daughter of Eilwyn of House Li'thrain earlier in the year 997, was discovered not to be a sickness at all, but the work of a poisoner. Lord Kane of House Barydar cunningly discovered that Raemius, governess to Barydar heir-apparant Tigare, was actually Jaelinn of House Li'Thrain in a skillful disguise. Jaelinn had acted as the right hand of Moergan of House Errene, who usurped the throne in the 12th Andoran War of Succession in 987-988. Jaelinn sought revenge against those who foiled Moergan's bid for power, particularly Houses Barydar and Versyr. Her insidious plan culiminated in three separate Darkfriend attacks - one upon the Royal Palace, a second upon the Royal Library, and the last upon Lord Nevin's party as it returned from Tar Valon. The attacks were successfully defended, and the wicked Jaelinn taken into custody to await trial for her many crimes.

As 997 wore on, more noble intrigues made themselves felt. Duchess Rennar of House Hune disappeared from her own engagement party. The primary suspect was her own uncle, Lord Jeffrin Hune, who had treated her poorly in the past. He allayed no suspicions when he immediately took over the House and ran it in a very wicked and cruel manner. The annual celebration of the Festival of Roses was this year marred by the discovery of a battered body believed to be Rennar, although many people, including Queen Aislynn, suspected it was not she. The situation came to a head when the Queen directed a group of her Guards to storm the Hune manor, Tiras Lorn. Aided by the Children of the Light, Lord Jeffrin and his followers were soon taken into custody, although at least one escaped. A disheveled servant claimed to be Duchess Rennar, but was not believed until a few days later when the Queen found her hiding in the Arboreteum and restored her to her rightful position.

Caemlyn was rocked by other disasters as 997 drew to a close. A fire burned down a warehouse in the New City, and injured several bystanders. It was feared that the underground element perpetrated this event. The very same night, strange storms rocked Caemlyn, destroying many buildings in the New City. There were, unfortunately, several deaths caused by these whirlwinds and huge balls of hail.

Another fire, also suspected to be no accident, burned the manor house of House Roesone to the ground. Lord Demonder, Kael and a young boy called Emos showed great heroism in returning to the building to rescue others. They were trapped as the structure collapsed, but were able to escape. Rumours abounded that the fire was an attempt to dispose of either Lord Demonder or his fiance Duchess Rennar. A few days later, Lord Demonder was shot through the leg with an arrow in what he claims to have been a simple robbery.

On a more delightful note, the arts flourished in Caemlyn. Queen Aislynn attracted a number of very talented young artists, among them Shalayne Tyrell, a very talented portraitist, and Corod Heyh, a very entertaining Court Magician. Similarly, House Hune hired on Bards of notable worth, including Aelissandra Lucrezia al'Dia and Xavier. Music once again echoed through the halls of the nobility and the strains of poetry filled the air while a new form of Art, called a 'Theater' is about to make its debut, much to the mixed feelings of the populace.

But 997 also ended on a happy note when Theowyn, First Prince of the Sword to Aislynn, returned to Caemlyn after an absence of many years. Most of those years were spent with his sister in training at the Tower, but it was rumoured that he spent much of the year in Cairhien wooing a highborn noblewoman, perhaps even Queen Healy herself! But perhaps the most joyful news of all was the announcement that Queen Aislynn is with child and due to deliver some time in 998.

In the year 997, Arad Doman continued to find its attempts to gain a foothold in Almoth Plain thwarted by the presence of the Children of the Light. The King's Aes Sedai advisor, Kinjua Masciev of the Blue, seemed vexed that the Children were more successful in quelling the violence than she had been.

Piracy continued to trouble the coast, although there are those who say it is no more than the Domani deserve for their own sponsered 'piracy' against the rival nation of Tarabon.

The Spring was somewhat dry, and as full Summer began, a fire raged throughout the city of Katar, killing dozens of people and destroying a good deal of property before it was brought under control.

The country of Arafel enjoyed another year of prosperity and population growth with the continued somnolescence of the Blight throughout 997. With fewer men patrolling the Blight border, and fewer dying, there have been more men to harvest crops, pursue crafts and other businesses, and to sire larger families. However the people doubt these good times can last for long, and expressed concerns that King Bromm has grown distracted and the country will be unready for the next incursion from the Blight when it comes.

Rumours that King Bromm was planning to set aside his Queen, Solanna, were at the heart of the concerns. The King has long been rumoured to have a fancy for Lady Critasse of House Janchenni. She seemed pleased to receive his attentions, but early in the year left on an extended visit to Tar Valon. Some whispered this was an attempt on her part to force Bromm to choose between her and the Queen. Some members of the court sought favour by declaring their support for the King, others pled the popular Queen's case, and many seemed only to wish for a speedy resolution to the King's romantic dilemma so the court can return its attentions to more important matters.

The key political issue that occupied the court's attention continued to be the border conflict with Kandor. The ceasefire held throughout 997, but negotiations made little headway, in large part because of lack of attention from the Arafellin contingent.

The Queen's search for a consort continued unabated throughout 997. First Prince Theowyn of Andor spent much of 997 in attendance at Healy's court, and was rumoured to be one of her suitors. If he was, he fared no better than the Queen's countrymen, and left Cairhien to return home at the end of the year. Queen Healy rejected suitor after suitor from amongst the finest flower of her own nobility as well, for reasons known only to herself.

In the Summer of the year, two of Healy's most ardent rivals, Lady Iolavere of House Troeghain and Lord Morvaenes of House Danaedred swore public oaths of fealty and allegiance to the Queen in full ceremonial splendor. The cause of this surprising support is rumoured to be sizable grants of coin doled out to both Houses, which had near beggared themselves with attempts to marry the Queen to members of their Houses. Many began to murmur that this Queen is a masterful hand at the Game.

The harvest season was marred by sporadic uprisings against the nobility in the far east of Caemlyn.

As the year drew to a close, rumours of Lady Ibaethien Ibaswen Ildevwyn's disasterous marriage to Alderic Andivell, High Councillor of Tar Valon, reached Cairhien. Both were poisoned during the wedding ceremony, and Ibaethien died. Her body was borne home to Castle Petricam in a solemn procession, which was joined by representatives of several houses, as well as representatives of the Crown. She was interred in a hidden sepulcher in a secret ceremony, closed to all but her family, which greatly angered the Queen's representatives.

In 997 the Children in Tar Valon came to possess a couple of items that would cause sparks between them and the Aes Sedai. First was the man Delanthear, the alleged male Channeler who the Children took into protection. Angered by this, a delegation of Aes Sedai were sent to the Children of Light camp to demand his return. This action led to the Aes Sedai's discovery of the second item, something which nullified their ability to channel in the area of the Children's camp. The Aes Sedai were taken captive, along with their Gaidin and the rest of their party.

Some weeks later, a large gathering of Tower forces and the Children convened on the Tar Valon plain. Surprisingly, no blows were exchanged. Lord Captain Commander Alrik met with the Amyrlin Seat, Deianeira, and the captives were exchanged for a copy of the original Way of the Light by Lothair Mantelar, which had been locked deep in the Tower vaults for untold years. After the exchange, both groups departed in peace, and within days the Children of the Light left Tar Valon to join their compatriots in Caemlyn.

The Children of the Light maintained a low profile in Caemlyn, at least compared to their exursions in Tar Valon. The first major event to occur while in Andor was the retirement of Lord Captain Commmander Alrik. With his leaving, a new Lord Captain Commander, Emrich Lochmar, was raised in his place. Alrik is now sadly presumed dead. Soon after Alrik left, High Inquisitor Malev also resigned, leaving that position unfilled for some time. Under Emrich's guidance, the Children started to come under a better light while in Caemlyn. Then Lieutenent Inarin Donnerick established links with the throne, while the other Children kept to their own business, rarely venturing into the city.

A few notable incidents did occur in Caemlyn. The Children helped oust the upsurper Jeffrin from House Hune, and Emrich also visited the Aes Sedai Queen. Though the visit was very brief, it was amiable and pleasant. Lieutenent Inarin was promoted to Lord Captain for his work in the Hune incident.

The Children continued their presence on the Almoth Plain, helping to protect the citizens from incursions from Arad Doman and Tarabon and seeking out those who did not walk in the Light.

No update given.

There were notable tensions at the court of King Orsini in the year 997, with the courtiers much busied with gossip and plots. The reason for this turmoil was the discovery - though long anticipated - that the beautiful young Saldaean wife of one of Ghealdan's oldest and most respected lords was with child, even though her husband had been away for several months on an embassy to Tear. There were few who doubted the father, however, for it was clear that Orsini himself had been quite taken with Lady Maiza when she was introduced at court by her new husband. It was not long before Lord Basyle had been given his embassy and Lady Maiza had been given the honor of waiting on the Queen, and after that the King was often seen in Lady Maiza's company. As with the rest of the King's long string of dalliances, the Queen seemed either ignorant or uncaring of the matter.

When news reached Tear, Lord Basyle swiftly excused himself from his embassy and returned to Ghealdan with all haste. On word of this, Lady Maiza retired to a hunting lodge of the King's while Orsini met his irate lord. What passed between them in private council is not certain, but some watchful courtiers noted that the Queen had been involved. When all was said and done, Lord Basyle returned to Tear with his pregnant wife in tow, bearing the shame of public knowledge with the help of sizeable tracts of lands and the remission of royal taxes granted to him by the King.

The event of the year 997 in Illian was the royal match of King Kurrad's eldest daughter, Ariande, to the Tairen High Lord Bertadian. The marriage was the culmination of years of negotiations and travels between envoys, and it is hoped it will dispel at least some of the tensions between the two great coastal nations. The King, however, seemed cool to the marriage, and refused to let his new son-in-law dine at his table. The Queen Consort, Menaliope, was at wit's end, and installed the new couple on a small estate near the Plains of Maredo in an attempt to mitigate the insult.

The Council of Nine apparently put little faith in the peaceful potential of the marriage and continued to increase military preparations. A contingent of nine Aes Sedai visited the city for much of the year, and doggedly pursued each member of the Council. One of the Nine, Lord Ericos of House Achilleos, was seen to tear off his sash of office in the very Square of Tammuz itself as he stalked away from the Gray Aes Sedai who had been hounding him for some days. King Kurrad did not seem troubled by this, and promptly announced the resignation of Lord Ericos. Kurrad was equally quick to welcome his replacement, Lady Esslyn of House Carlomeos, remarkable both for the speed of the replacement as for her gender, and more than one wag joked about whether her selection was prompted by political or romantic motives.

King Kurrad's new Aes Sedai advisor, Hiruna Sedai, accompanied the peace delegation, and stayed after they left the city.

The year 997 was an eventful one for the Guild of Illuminators. Guildmaster Cross fell ill, then disappeared, and is believed to have been assassinated by culprits unknown. Jarro en'Sejanor, suspected by many to have been the head of the mysterious Enforcers for many years, took up the mantle of leadership over the Guild.

This was a worrisome turn of events for Kundry, the leader of the Illuminators' embassy in Tar Valon, as her feud with Varro en'Sejanor was no secret within the Guild. Her fears were proved more than imagination as a short time after becoming Guildmaster, Jarro recalled her to Tanchico and named his nephew Varro, who had fled to the sanctuary of the Tower where he was working in the kitchens, Kundry's successor as head of the Tar Valon embassy.

Varro did not hold the position for long, however. Returning to Tanchico to confer with his uncle, he fell suddenly ill during a dinner with a few close friends. The "food poisoning" he suffered did not strike any other of the dinner guests. With Varro too ill to return to his duties in Tar Valon, the Guild called on the services of Egeus la'Vache, a man already a legend within the Guild for his skill at the bargaining table. Egeus arrived at the embassy near the end of the year, where he immediately began making changes within the embassy. A number of Illuminators leave the embassy, some ordered to Cairhien, others recalled home to Tanchio.

The ceasefire between Kandor and its neighbour Arafel held in 997, but the two nations made little progress in resolving their border dispute. The Kandori government staunchly believed this to be due to a lack of sufficient attention from the Arafellin King, and pressured the Saldaean and Aes Sedai negotiators to press for concessions on Kandor's behalf to take this into account.

One thing the nation did share in common with its neighbour was a year of peace and prosperity with the continued quiet of the Blight. More crops than ever before were planted and harvested, more fine Kandori jewellery made for export, and more babies born than since the population boom that started the Era of Enigma in 970.

With tensions increasing between the Lady Aselain and her sister, the First of Mayene Leilah, the trade embassy to Tar Valon which was the supposed reason for the Aselain's presence in that city seemed to become a forgotten matter. Rumours that the Lady Aselain was attempting to gather a mercenary force began to grow, increasing when Aselain took several journies to Cairhien, Murandy, and even Arad Doman to hold talks with men who might help her. It came as no surprise to many when the funds appointed to Lady Aselain by the First and her council were suddenly cut off, with the explanation that this was a temporary measure while certain accounting errors were reviewed and corrected.

As the year 997 opened, the nobility of Murandy was finding itself increasingly divided between Queen Sydelle and Lord Renford of House Fiores, who had been working to increase his personal power for some years now. The Queen's attempts to counter him bore little fruit, and only fuelled the rumours that have named her a tyrant and a poor administrator for the past several years.

Renford made no open move against her, but her distress only worked to his favour. Another three Houses allied themselves to his, and the growing respect for him among the common classes was only increased by his sponsership of several extravagant festivals throughout the year.

Late in the year 997 NE, the Ogier received an invitation to travel to the Shaarad Clan's Sun Ridge Hold in the Waste. The Aiel had purchased an Ogier book from a peddler and wished help in translating the tome. Eldest Marith accompanied a small group into the Waste.

Upon examining the book, the Ogier discovered it to be written by Oligar, son of Mentien, son of Aloran, an Ogier who reportedly went missing and died during the great Exile - younger son of one of the Elders at the time. The book is a journal of this young Ogier, relating his time and life during the Breaking itself, holding various entries about things that have happened from his point of view. One entry of particular interest was the notation that he had dicovered a stedding in the area now known as the Waste soon after the breaking, and that this stedding was well-supplied with water.

The Ogier were ready to begin the search for this stedding immediately, but instead of the decision was made to send Aiel scouts out first. Around this time the book went missing, along with a young Ogier stonemason named Kus'kinn. The Aiel were unable to track his movements due to a dust storm that removed all traces.

Saldaea continued strong and prosperous throughout the year 997 NE. The greater number of men free to work at crafts and on farms generated increased revenues for the Crown, and Queen Beah began the great project of paving with stone the most important thoroughfares in the nation, bringing closer together many of the scattered strongholds and towns. She also charged her nephew and heir, Chavan, with overseeing the establishment of a new city near the border with Arad Doman to replace the old town of Kiachev which was destroyed in an earthshake in the last century. This new city, designed to be a gateway of trade and neighbourly relations with Arad Doman, is dedicated to the memory of Beah's late father, King Bazzan.

After the death of the previous Ambassador to Shienar at the turn of the year, in early 997 NE Queen Beah sent her nephew Adram and other representatives of House Zadnere to Fal Moran, where they immediately established themselves within the Shienaran court.

Saldaea did not forget the threat of the Blight despite its years of quiet. It continued its efforts to build peace between Kandor and Arafel, and maintained a strong presence of men along its own section of the Blightborder. Building efforts were felt here, as well, with a number of repairs to strongholds and garrisons, as well as the commissioning of new forts and watchtowers.

No update given.

Following the death of the elderly Ambassador from Saldaea just after Firstday, the Shienaran court welcomed Saldaea's new representatives early in the year 997. Queen Beah's own nephew, Lord Adram, and other members of his family in House Zadnere were soon established in Fal Moran.

The capitol city was rocked by a grisly murder mid-way through the year. The body of a young woman was discovered across the street from the Footman's Lance inn where she worked. A diminuative woman, she had no hope of fighting off her attacker, who stabbed her no less than 39 times. The city guard found few clues to aid in the investigation.

A few months later, Lady Ytsken Baudler was kidnapped and held by a group of shady characters later believed to have been Darkfriends. It is is believed that she was freed by Rhyagel, Rhaedrick and Kessa Sedai, the White Tower's advisor to Shienar, but those involved were reticient with the Magistrate's office, which eventually closed the case in frustration. Both of Ytsken's captors were found dead. One of them was Leala, wife to Rhaedrick, and it is rumoured that he killed her himself in despair.

As the year drew to a close, Kessa Sedai was married to Lord Sebastian of House Hiroshige in a celebratory flurry of rich wines, fine foods, regal entertainment and exquisite clothing.

No update given.

The year 997 got off to an alarming start when a young artist named Delanthear was discovered to be a male channeler. After some months of eluding the White Tower, he finally submitted himself to the will of the Tower.

High profile events in Tar Valon included the marriage of Maggae Felix to financial highflyer Andrin Devarin, and the wedding of Lady Maladra Almaya ibn Sulamaad, daughter of Lady Benasir Shevat ibn Ramayaad to a captain in the Chrysanthemum Guard, Ya'angren al'Cast. Later in the year Lady Malandra gave birth to twins in the gaming barge. High Councillor Alderic Andivell was reconciled with his estranged wife, Ceirin Belmond of Andor. Soon after that, Maggae, the Social Secretary to the High Councillor, was dismissed from her position, and her duties were assumed by Ceirin t'Andivell. Her marriage appeared to be in equally troubled waters, and rumours that she had taken up with Prince Solon of Tarabon were eventually proved true.

Some months later, Mistress t'Andivell was found savagely murdered, with all evidence apparently incriminating Maggae Felix. She was put under house arrest and forbidden to leave Tar Valon during the inquiry. In a decision that raised many eyebrows, barely two months after the murder of his first wife, Alderic remarried, this time to the Lady Ibaethien Ibaswen of the Cairhienin House Ildevwyn. Both were poisoned during the ceremony as they drank from the Marital Chalice in conclusion of the nuptial rites. Lady Ibaethien succumbed to the poison, and made a confession only audible to Alderic, that she was the true murderess of the late Ceirin, and then died of internal bleeding. Alderic, too, succumbed to the poison and lay insensate for weeks, unable to communicate Ibaethien's confession.

The Amyrlin Seat, Deianiera, appointed Alderic's sister Patreine ni Andivell, long one of his most trusted deputies, as Acting High Councillor. Maggae Felix Devarin was tried for the murder of Ceirin t'Andivell, and found guilty. The means of murder was found to be Maggae's wild cat Mehitabel, the motive revenge for Ceirin usurping Maggae's position in the city.

Maggae Felix's public execution was scheduled. Upon the scaffold she tried to kiss the headsman but received a cuff across the face for her troubles. A riot soon ensued, during which some supporters tried to free Maggae, and an assassination attempt was made against Patreine Andivell. Alderic rose from his coma and made his way to the scene in his bed-clothing to reveal that Maggae was innocent and that his first wife Ceirin had been killed by his second wife, Ibaethien. Lady Ibaethien had used a clawed glove to inflict the wound, as she had confessed on her wedding day. Alderic and Maggae made a public reconciliation, and Patreine cut off her hair in a traditional Cairhienin public gesture of shame. She then withdrew into her salon for a period of contemplation.

Other crime-related events came to the fore this year. House Devorae, a proud Tairen house, established a presence in Tar Valon, but shortly after their arrival, a thief entered their house and attacked Lord Kaanath before escaping. It was thought to be work of the shadowy Black Suns organization. The Black Suns were also suspected in the mysterious disappearance of Cleante, protector to Maggae. Maggae, Prince Solon, and Jessop of the Children of the Light discovered a planted clue, which led to another clue, and so on. In the end Cleante was discovered bound in Maggae's own house. Tehannah Me'lon, Sage of Alindaer, killed her husband Das after he threatened to injure her new lover, Lord Dain of Tear. Tehannah stood trial for murder, and pleaded no contest. She was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment, and removed from her position as Sage. A man named Maximillian, suspected of no less than 15 murders earlier in the year escaped from the Tar Valon jail before he could stand trial. It is believe his escaped was aided by Sasha.

The delegation of Ogier invited to Tar Valon to rebuild the damaged town of Alindaer departed, and travelled to the Aiel Waste after receiving an invitation from the Shaarad Aiel. There was great turmoil in the Illuminators Embassy in Tar Valon, as many of its members left. A number were ordered to Cairhien, and others back home to Tanchico. Varro, former leader of the Embassy, had previously traveled to Tanchico, where he is rumored to have fallen ill. Egeus took over leadership of the Embassy.

No update given.

The River Band had an eventful month near the end of 997. First Skye withdrew from the position of Seeker due to her failing health, and Rasad took up the position. His first decision as Mahdi was to seek the Desert Band, a band which had been travelling in the Borderlands and had not been heard from in many months. The River Band left Tar Valon and proceeded northwards as quickly as possible. Once in Fal Moran the River Band began to head east, and after many days of travel they began to despair of finding anything, and then in the distance outlined by the setting sun was the familiar shape of the box on wheels. A single wagon left there. The River Band then waited till daylight of the next day to investigate. Once the Tinkers came upon the Wagon, they found little clues. A dead woman with no mark upon her, who seemed to have died by fear. A deserted wagon, things left as if in a great hurry, and a series of wheel marks leading away to the west. They followed the wheelmarks, but were unable to resolve the mystery.

A detailed chronology of White Tower events is available.

Midway through the year 997, the Tower discovered that the camp of the Children of the Light near Tar Valon was sheltering Delanthear, a man believed to be a male Channeler. The ire of the Tower was further raised when the delegation which rode out to demand custody of Delanthear was taken captive by the Children. Although neither the Tower nor the Children have commented much on the matter, reliable rumour suggests that the Children were able to do this because they had some method of nullifying the Aes Sedai's ability to channel within the area of the Children's camp.

In the following weeks, Amyrlin Deianeira amassed a large gathering of Tower forces, which rode out onto the Tar Valon plain. There they were met by a significant number of Children. Many in the Tower were not only surprised, but outraged that no military action was taken against the Children. Rather the Amyrlin met with Lord Captain Commander Alrik, and the two agreed to peaceful terms. Deianeira exchanged the Tower library's original copy of Lothair Mantelar's Way of the Light for the captives, and within days the Children's force left Tar Valon. Delanthear later willingly submits himself to the Tower.

Kessa Sedai of the Green was at the center of a number of incidents throughout the rest of the year. First she was poisoned, but was saved when Jayd found an antidote. Some months later she lost her bondmate, Logris Gaidin. He was killed on the road from Tar Valon to Shienar by unknown assailants. His loss was felt throughout the Tower as he was the Master of Arms in charge of training the Warder students. Despite her loss, Kessa went ahead with her marriage to Lord Sebastian of the Shienaran House Hiroshige in a sumptuous ceremony. Kessa had been appointed advisor to Shienar early in the year.