Arafel was mentioned as having "strange customs" in "The Dragon Reborn" in regards to death and honor, and I think there are a few other nuggets indicating that this nations' history is more mysterious. I don't have any solid proof, though, and this is more based upon my impressions. I also find it interesting that Narishma in particular looks like an Aiel; he has sun-darkened skin even though its' a nation whose people are known for pale skin and large eyes, and he has quickly become a skilled swordsman, as if duplicating Rands' own quick rise to skill with that weapon.



I've never found any book support for this. Believe me, I've tried, and I'm sure I may have missed many things over the course of the series, but I'm not finding anything that connects Rand to Callandor as neatly as Arthur was connected to Excalibur. This sa'angreal doesn't even seem to have been used by Lews Therin at all. To complicate it even further, there are many ideas that the sword Rand now wears is Artur Hawkwings' Justice, and that seems more symbolic than Callandor was (aside from the obvious Drawing the Sword from the Stone parallel).