Unfortunately not. She opened their discussion by saying she was considering executing them. The real problem was that Elayne's rule was not secure, and appearing to be lax in her treatment of rebels might incite other nobles from regions actually part of Andor to be less than expedient in their loyalty. Some of them might actually consider outright revolt as well, following Perrin's example. I imagine a particular concern would be Lord Jarid Sarand, who remained unaccounted for. The fact that she actually sent tax collectors to the Two Rivers is hilarious though.



It cost her nothing. Those lands she gave were part of the Cairhienin lands she gained.



Yes, you are quite correct in your understanding. I never meant to imply that ELayne desired war, and that particular mention was a reply to fionwe's "she wanted to send the Band as a bandit-hunting gesture of good will!" position. Elayne objective in sending her forces, and the Band, to Cairhien was to establish her authority over Cairhien by force if needed. I don't mean as an invasion, she had a valid claim to the throne, but more as a martial law type of situation while she put down dissent among the locals and ensured the loyalty of the local troops. The soldiers would also be a show of force discouraging hostility from the Cairhienin. The Band's Cairhienin would be useful in this respect because as nationals themselves, people would be somewhat less likely to riot against their authority. However, they're still in service to a foreign power, and mercenaries to boot.