Or they could just tie the gateway weave off, like Sammael did in CoS, and Rand did in KoD... - Edit 1
Before modification by Shannow at 14/01/2010 07:15:35 PM
Frankly, the story of Ashaman tiring because they had to keep the gateway open is a mistake by Sanderson.
In CoS, Sammael opens gateways for the Shaido and Graendal notes that he had tied some of the gateway off with a loose knot to dissipate after a predetermined period of time.
And in KoD, Rand and Logain make Deathgates that open and close to random locations, tie off 6 weaves at once and start weaving more Deathgates.
So there is actually no need to actively hold open a gateway. You can just open it, tie it off and move on to creating your next gateway immediately.
And as RJ said, a tied off weave can exist for eternity if you tie a permanent knot in it. No need for elaborate cuendillar contraptions.
In CoS, Sammael opens gateways for the Shaido and Graendal notes that he had tied some of the gateway off with a loose knot to dissipate after a predetermined period of time.
And in KoD, Rand and Logain make Deathgates that open and close to random locations, tie off 6 weaves at once and start weaving more Deathgates.
So there is actually no need to actively hold open a gateway. You can just open it, tie it off and move on to creating your next gateway immediately.
And as RJ said, a tied off weave can exist for eternity if you tie a permanent knot in it. No need for elaborate cuendillar contraptions.