Sanderson impressed me immensely with a couple of recent statements about tGS.

At one signing, he was asked how much leeway he had in writing the book, and was asked specifically about whether the scene where Cadsuane spanks Semirhage was prescribed to him or whether he used some creative license there.

His answer captured my feelings perfectly. He stated that this scene made him cringe. Now, I couldn't agree more with this statement.

Cadsuane's treatment of Semirhage destroyed a major persona in the series, and reduced a menacing figure to a figure of ridicule.

Clearly, Sanderson didn't enjoy this degradation of one of the prime antagonists any more than I did.

When Semirhage threatened to kill everyone Cadsuane loved, I was cheering madly, because at that moment I truly hated Cadsuane for demeaning the series in such a ludicrous way.

That's like someone spanking Hanibal Lecter's bottom. It destroys all the suspense and anticipation built up over 5 books.

In any case, on Tor.com Sanderson answered some random questions, and one of them was the following:

"Will there be any reciprocity for Cadsuane's treatment of Semirhage?"

Sanderson's answer was: "If I have any say in the matter, definitely!"

I was cheering wildly at this point - well, figuratively speaking, at least.

When Semirhage escaped, I was hoping she would first pay a visit to Cadsuane, and peel her skin off with the One Power while she was still alive. Unfortunately, she was killed by Rand before she could exact her revenge.

But hopefully Cadsuane will pay in some other way, judging by Sanderson's sentiments. I would love NOTHING so much as seeing Cadsuane beg for mercy.

I now live in hope.