How large is Caemlyn? It'd be surprised if 1 dreamspike can cover the black tower and the whole city of Caemlyn too. More likely it can reach one corner of the city closest to the black tower.....So not much use is restricting travelling.

I guess the questions are if the Seanchan attack TV at the same time, then which do the light forces go for first? Surely saving as many chanellers is a higher priority....

It's also been speculated that whilst Rand has emptied most of his cities of troops Demandred will simultaneously attack each vulnerable city with Shadowspawn. Leaving the light with all their forces in the field, whilst their homes are pillaged.

Rand will want the combined forces of the light to stay together and to go north, for a massive attack/diversion while he sneaks round the back for the real battle with the DO. After all, if he agrees to let them go rescuse Caemlyn then why not Tear and Cairhein and Illian too.......

Yours was a nice post by the way