My theory is that the previous patch failed because it didn't use both halves of the OP. It succeeded, but we can see now that it was more like a lid and less like a proper seal where the Pattern appears continuous and the DO can barely be sensed. We also know that saidar would also have been tainted if the women had taken part. Therefore one of my theories is that Rand will use saidin/saidar to make a perfect patch and his ta'veren effect will make it continuous with the Pattern. He will then defend himself with a TP barrier drawn through Callandor (I believe the flaw allows the TP to be magnified too). Normally the taint would occur again, or some other catastrophic effect, but in this case, it will be deflected long enough for the prison to seal. The three become one in that moment. The DO will not be able to cut Rand off from the TP because he doesn't realize that Rand can draw it through Moridin. Moridin knows, but not the DO. The DO thinks that its merely Moridin drawing and he would never suspect something amiss there. Anyone its only one of my theories, so I don't really mind if it doesn't happen like that at all.


One possibility is that Fain gets into a struggle with SH and this distracts the DO. I think that SH truly is the DO's hand... a direct appendage of his essence. The DO will attempt to engage Rand and suddenly Fain will go for his hand ('al'Thor is mine!' etc) causing the DO to burn his hand in a way. This will be the distraction Rand needs.


It will be nice if the Eye makes an appearance in the last book. It might be a good idea, but I wonder where they would make it and how they would prevent other channelers from drawing on it (Taim would certainly love to get his hands on it). I think we're both in agreement that Fain has to antagonize the TP in some way. I don't think Fain will merely fight Cyndane and die, and kill her too for instance... I think he's got a prominent role to play.


I personally think that the taint was merely a backblast that was meant to instantly destroy the Companions. It probably would have, if it didn't somehow bond to saidin and taint it. The DO was probably as surprised as anyone, and probably would have been overjoyed if he hadn't been so enraged about being sealed away again. However, I've never said that Rand must use the TP against Shai'tan...he must merely shield himself with it when the DO goes for him. That effect will be predictable assuming he can access enough of the TP to directly challenge an assault by the DO. He may need only moments while the seal sets. I have two other theories surrounding the Moridin bond...

1. Rand will be harmed by the bond. SH will discover that the bond allows him to shield Rand from the True Source much like he can cut the Forsaken off. He will take Callandor. However, he will not be aware that the two women are in a link with Rand and they will destroy him together.

2. Rand will benefit from the bond. He can somehow use the bond to perform some act that will normally get him destroyed, but Moridin will end up taking the brunt of it. This could even involve the new 'taint' circling right through Rand and going into Moridin, killing him or making him insane, but leaving saidin and saidar untouched.


It's also possible that Rand's body ends up being the battlefield between Fain and the TP. They will sense the opposite evil in his wounds and will strike at him simultaneously. On touching him the battle will be fought there, destroying both of them and Rand. Alivia will help transfer Rand into Moridin somehow. This all seems rather farfetched but I'm expecting a healthy dose of metaphysics for the LB.


The key, I think, it to use Moridin to draw it and make him take the punishment for it,


I really can't decide if her Talent has a real use or if its merely to put her on an equal footing with her peers. Egwene, Nynaeve and Elayne have Talents, its time she had one too. The dagger is interesting though.


Moridin is the most likely, perhaps Cyndane. I'm not convinced he will face any of the others himself.



I agree with this. It will be totally anti-thematic for Demandred to get a face-off with Rand, and people who actually think that Demandred will kill Rand are in for a horrible shock. Lews Therin has no time for Demandred and we can all see that Rand is possibly now a match for all the Forsaken at the same time now. He's in a different league. My theory is that Mat will kill him, but I wouldn't put it past RJ to have him taken out by a stray arrow or something.


I'm not sure how Graendal will turn out in the next book. We know she isn't dead - SH said she'd remember his treatment of her. She may merely be traumatized by SH's attentions much like Mesaana was, but she seemed to recover to some degree. I don't think she was mindtrapped, but I do think she was tortured and raped.


My pet theory is Demandred. He made Rand into a mockery where everyone bowed down to him under pain of death.


Moghedien may try her luck with Nynaeve again - she holds grudges.


I think the fact that Rand is such a powerul ta'veren and also some sort of personified form of Creation is infinitely more important than the weave he will use.


I'm sure we'll see so many OP deeds will be well sated before the end

Regarding other issues..

I wonder if the FS can even appear before Rand without going blind and trying to kill themselves. They are darkfriends, unless the DO protects them with their vows and oaths etc.

I'm also wondering how Moridin will approach Rand. He can't just kill him. We know that he felt the pain of Rand losing his hand. We also don't know if Rand suffers the same if Moridin dies, and I suspect he does. It will be interesting to see how they kill one another without killing themselves. Rand would sacrifice himself, but I doubt Moridin would. Perhaps Fain's purpose is to dissolve the bond. He may cut Rand with the dagger and it tracks along the bond and kills Moridin and frees Rand.

I'd also like to hear your thoughts on Rand and his bond to Alanna and the role it may play.