Elayne POV#

Elayne exits the pavilion to find themselves amidst a dozen or more great trees, hundreds of feet tall. They grew to full height within five minutes of bursting from the ground, which accounts for the light dimming inside the pavilion. Perrin remarks that he has seen trees like this inside of a stedding, which causes all the Aes Sedai present to check that they can still touch the source. Perrin says that Rand walked into the grove and simply disappeared.

Elayne tells everyone to get maps. They gather the maps and the great captains, Gareth Bryne, Agelmar Jagad, Davram Bashere and Rodel Ituralde, start strategizing. They agree to send pikemen to Lan to help hold the Gap. Prince Antol convinces them that Kandor has fallen and resources should not be used to try to save it. Rhuarc reminds them that Rand will attack Shayol Ghul and will need help. Elayne promises that they will help Rand. They talk about retaking Caemlyn and the Waygate there and how difficult it will be. Elayne suggests using the Black Tower, but Perrin recommends against it as something is going on there[1]. Gareth Bryne suggests hiding forces in the Braem Wood and trick the Trollocs in Caemlyn to chase them into that forest. They finally decide that their main attack will be at Caemlyn while just holding the Gap and stopping the Trollocs from going further than Kandor. Agelmar Jagad will command the forces at the Gap, Gareth Bryne, with the help of Aes Sedai, will command the forces at Kandor, Davram Bashere will command the forces at Caemlyn and Rodel Ituralde, with the help of the Aiel, will command the forces at Shayol Ghul. Elayne asks Perrin to be in charge of logistics of the Merrilor camp, setting up a Traveling ground and organizing the channelers. They all then spend the rest of the day and evening going through the details.

More Elayne POV

Lan POV#