At first when I 'met' Cadsuane in the story she seemed like a replacement for Moiraine, and even though her attitude is far less subtle and mysterious than Moriane's was I still saw her as the 'replacement character.

So what do you think was RJ's purpose of putting her in the storyline? Why not just bring Moiraine back 1-3 books ago?

Was there any purpose? Or was RJ just bored of writing for Moiraine and decided he needed a second similar but slightly different person to push Rand?

Personally I never liked Cadsuane as much as Moiraine. She's never had the subtle mystery that surrounded Moiraine like a fog. She's far too confident (up until Rand threatens to kill her on the spot). In fact that's the only time I've seen a human side to her, up until then she knew she was always right, that she could beat any woman or man channeler, even Rand, and 'smack their bottom' etc etc.

Although I did like her smacking Semhirage's bottom.. that was kinda amusing. Still why keep Moiraine away for soooooo long? I think we all thought we were promised to get her back like a decade ago.

Also, the idea of her and Cadsuane working together is just.. boring. I think the most exciting reason to have Cadsuane around is for Moiraine to come back and fight with her BIGTIME. Even though I know that we see Cadsuane's POV and that she is a lightsider, it would be VERY interesting if she somehow was BA all along and Moiraine finally comes back and kills her on the spot.

So again, what was the purpose of Cadsuane? Anyone?