[{Table style='width:100%'

| [{Image src='Chapter Icons/btar_lft.gif' link='Wiki.jsp?page=TFoH,Ch56'}] 
| %%(display:block; text-align:center;) [{Image src='Chapter Icons/wheel_bw.gif' align='center' link='Wiki.jsp?page=Wheel Chapter Icon'}] ''[LoC|Lord of Chaos]: The First Message'' %% 
| [{Image src='Chapter Icons/btar_rgt.gif' link='Wiki.jsp?page=LoC,Ch1' align='right'}]
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! Header

"The lions sing and the hills take flight.\\
The moon by day, and the sun by night.\\
Blind woman, deaf man, jackdaw fool.\\
Let the Lord of Chaos rule.

%%right
—chant from a children's game\\
heard in Great Aravalon,\\
the Fourth Age"
%%\\

%%tabs
! __Demandred__ POV

[Demandred] arrives at [Shayol Ghul] where he sees a [forger] at work. The [Fades|Fade] are in dire need of blades because [Borderlands] raids have been curtailed. He is met by a giant [Myrddraal|Fade] that introduces itself as [Shaidar Haran].[1] [Shaidar Haran] escorts him to the [Pit of Doom|Shayol Ghul]. The [Great Lord|ShaiTan] asks him for news of the world. [Demandred] tells him that [Rahvin] died yesterday.[2] [Lanfear] and [Asmodean] vanished. [Graendal] also says [Moghedien] failed to meet her yesterday. The [Great Lord|ShaiTan] says betrayers will die the final death. [Asmodean] by his weakness. [Rahvin] by his pride. [Rahvin] served well, but even the [Great Lord|ShaiTan] cannot save him from [balefire|Weaves]. He asks if [Demandred] will use [balefire|Weaves] for him. [Demandred] is surprised that he already knows that [Rahvin] is dead and seems to know more about [Asmodean] than he does.[3] He is worried at the prospect of [balefire|Weaves], but agrees to serve. The [Great Lord|ShaiTan] tempts him with the title of [Nae'blis|Forsaken] and begins to give him instructions.
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More [Demandred POV]

! __Nynaeve__ POV

In [Salidar], [Nynaeve|Nynaeve alMeara] is studying [Siuan|Siuan Sanche] and [Leane|Leane Sharif] using [Moghedien] attached to an %%ot [a'dam|aDam]%% as a surrogate. The %%ot [a'dam|aDam]%% is missing the leash between necklace and bracelet. [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] made it silver from a special source.[4] [Birgitte|Birgitte Trahelion] stands guard outside. As an experiment, she has [Siuan|Siuan Sanche] and [Leane|Leane Sharif] wear the bracelet. They can feel [Moghedien]'s emotions, but cannot exert force on her. [Nynaeve|Nynaeve alMeara] takes this as evidence that there is something left in them to [Heal|Weaves]. [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] bursts in with news that the [Salidar Aes Sedai] are sending an embassy to [Caemlyn], [Sheriam|Sheriam Bayanar] refuses to let her go. [Siuan|Siuan Sanche] tells her that [Morgase|Morgase Trakand] is dead, so she must stay in safety. Neither believes that [Rand|Rand alThor] killed her. [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] says she can approach [Rand|Rand alThor] because he trusts her. They have heard that [Moiraine|Moiraine Damodred] and [Lanfear] are now dead. The [Salidar Aes Sedai] have selected a new [Hall|Sitters], but [Sheriam|Sheriam Bayanar] and her group still hold the power. [Tiana Noselle] of the [Gray Ajah] is now [Mistress of Novices|Aes Sedai] in [Salidar]. [Siuan|Siuan Sanche] and [Leane|Leane Sharif] tell the others that there are nine [Aes Sedai] going.[5] [Min|Min Farshaw] is going as well. [Elayne|Elayne Trakand], [Siuan|Siuan Sanche] and [Leane|Leane Sharif] leave. [Nynaeve|Nynaeve alMeara] thinks of the information they got from [Moghedien]. She and [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] get a lot of credit for their "discoveries." When questioned about the [Black Ajah], [Moghedien] maintains that she was afraid to approach any [Aes Sedai].[6] She knows nothing about the hot weather except that it is the [Dark One|ShaiTan]'s work. [Nynaeve|Nynaeve alMeara] settles down to continue questioning her.
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More [Nynaeve POV]

! __Elayne__ POV

[Elayne|Elayne Trakand] leaves to look for [Min|Min Farshaw]. She sees [Birgitte|Birgitte Trahelion] playing with [Jaril] and [Seve]. The largest inn is now called the [Little Tower|Salidar]. She sees [Gareth Bryne] who has agreed to lead an army against [Elaida|Elaida do Avriny aRoihan]. As [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] walks down the street [Anaiya] and [Janya Frende] confront her. They both compliment her and [Nynaeve|Nynaeve alMeara] on all their "discoveries." [Carenna] picked up on the eavesdropping trick exceptionally fast. They also passed on invisibility and inverting weaves. They have not revealed what they learned about [Illusion|Weaves], [Compulsion|Weaves] and hiding one's ability to [channel|True Source]. [Compulsion|Weaves] is illegal and too repulsive. The others might give away [Moghedien]. Her one true discovery is making %%ot [ter'angreal|Angreal]%%. She leaves them to find [Min|Min Farshaw]. Only [Nynaeve|Nynaeve alMeara] knows that [Birgitte|Birgitte Trahelion] is her [Warder|Warder]. She recalls [Nynaeve|Nynaeve alMeara] telling her that [Moiraine|Moiraine Damodred] already knew how to weave a cloak of invisibility.[7] She finds [Min|Min Farshaw] at her favorite grove of trees. [Min|Min Farshaw] tells [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] that [Siuan|Siuan Sanche] gave her eyes-and-ears names in [Caemlyn] so she can send back messages. In [Salidar], only [Elayne|Elayne Trakand], [Nynaeve|Nynaeve alMeara], [Siuan|Siuan Sanche] and [Leane|Leane Sharif] know about [Min|Min Farshaw]'s talent. [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] asks [Min|Min Farshaw] to take a letter to [Rand|Rand alThor] and she agrees. [Min|Min Farshaw] wonders about [Birgitte|Birgitte Trahelion]'s background.[8] [Min|Min Farshaw] was born at the mines in the [Mountains of Mist]. They talk about [Rand|Rand alThor] a while longer.
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More [Elayne POV]

! __Faile__ POV

[Faile|Zarine Bashere] is holding court in her and [Perrin|Perrin Aybara]'s manor house. There are many new people in the [Two Rivers], refugees from [Tarabon], [Almoth Plain] and [Arad Doman]. She sends [Sharmad Zeffar] and [Rhea Avin] to see [Daise Congar] because they are fighting over [Wil al'Seen]. Next is [Cenn Buie] who complains about losing business to Master [Hornval] who makes tile roofs. She thinks this is nonsense as [Haral Luhhan] and Master [Aydaer|Pel Aydaer] have hired new people for their blacksmith and carpentry businesses. [Espara Soman] wants permission to deal in herbs. Next are [Jon Ayellin] and [Thad Torfinn] who dispute the boundaries of their fields. [Liale Mosrara] wants permission to open a carpet weaving business. 

Finally the four village Wisdoms, [Daise Congar], [Milla al'Azar], [Edelle Gaelin] and [Elwinn Taron] enter. They complain about several things such as [Dav Ayellin], [Ewin Finngar] and [Elam Dowtry] running away. Finally they get to their real point. They can no longer read the weather and the heat is unnatural. She tells them to be tough. 

[Therille Marza] is making several dresses for [Faile|Zarine Bashere]. She reflects how the [Two Rivers] has changed. No one pays attention to the three [Aiel] any more.[9] People also got used to the two [Aes Sedai] who left a few weeks ago.[10] Parents now send their children to [Loial] who reads to them. When court is over she goes to see [Perrin|Perrin Aybara]. He is watching [Aram] and [Tam|Tam alThor] practice swords. She expected to find him visiting with [Gwil|Gwil (Two Rivers)] and [Hal], servants who used to be his friends. [Faile|Zarine Bashere] recalls chasing off [Calle Coplin] with a stick when she tried to come on to [Perrin|Perrin Aybara]. [Perrin|Perrin Aybara] tells her he must leave. He feels [Rand|Rand alThor]'s pull. He has already told [Tam al'Thor|Tam alThor] and [Abell Cauthon]. She tells him she is going with him.
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More [Faile POV]

! __Gawyn__ POV

[Gawyn|Gawyn Trakand] and his [Younglings] are escorting six [Aes Sedai] on a mission to [Cairhien|Cairhien (Country)] to invite [Rand|Rand alThor] to the [White Tower]. [Jisao Hamora], [Benji Dalfor], [Hal Moir] and [Arwin] are among the [Younglings]. [Coiren|Coiren Saeldain], the leader of the [Aes Sedai], told [Gawyn|Gawyn Trakand] of their mission only when they were on their way. [Elaida|Elaida do Avriny aRoihan] told him nothing. There are numerous [Aiel] nearby in hiding. Three [Wise Ones|Aiel] approach and go to the tent where the [Aes Sedai] are waiting. Two of the [Aes Sedai] are [Red Ajah]. [Eamon Valda] and most of the [Whitecloaks|Children of the Light] left a month ago. Only a few were left behind. [Gawyn|Gawyn Trakand] wishes he knew what [Pedron Niall] was up to. He let [Siuan|Siuan Sanche] escape, yet stayed at the [White Tower] because of his love for [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] and [Egwene|Egwene alVere]. He thinks [Elaida|Elaida do Avriny aRoihan] intends to support the [Dragon Reborn|Rand alThor]. A peddler rides up from the west and introduces himself as [Mil Tesen]. The peddler tells [Gawyn|Gawyn Trakand] that rumor out of [Cairhien|Cairhien (Country)] has his mother, [Morgase|Morgase Trakand], dead at the hand of the [Dragon Reborn|Rand alThor]. Maybe [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] as well. [Gawyn|Gawyn Trakand] thinks of the oath that he swore to [Gareth Bryne] when [Elayne|Elayne Trakand] was still in the cradle. If they are truly dead he intends to kill [Rand|Rand alThor].
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More [Gawyn POV]

! __Katerine Alruddin__ POV

[Katerine|Katerine Alruddin], [Coiren|Coiren Saeldain], [Erian|Erian Boroleos], [Nesune|Nesune Bihara], [Galina|Galina Casban] and one other [Aes Sedai][11] conclude their meeting with [Sevanna], [Therava] and [Desaine]. [Sevanna] makes it clear that their agreement is not complete until she sees [Rand|Rand alThor] and he sees her after he is defeated. The [Aes Sedai] despise the [Wise Ones|Aiel]. [Katerine|Katerine Alruddin] walks to the edge of the trees and watches [Gawyn|Gawyn Trakand]. [Elaida|Elaida do Avriny aRoihan] hinted that she wants to be rid of him. [Katerine|Katerine Alruddin] plans to have the [Shaido] take care of the [Younglings]. [Galina|Galina Casban] joins her. She has been head of the [Red Ajah] for eighteen years and is the only person that [Elaida|Elaida do Avriny aRoihan] might defer to. [Katerine|Katerine Alruddin] has been [Aes Sedai] only seventeen years. They have orders to keep [Rand|Rand alThor] alive. What they are doing is also the will of a higher authority than [Elaida|Elaida do Avriny aRoihan]. They are both [Black Ajah], [Katerine|Katerine Alruddin] for twelve years, [Galina|Galina Casban] much longer.[12] [Katerine|Katerine Alruddin] only learned of [Galina|Galina Casban]'s true allegiance when they left the [White Tower]. There are more [Aes Sedai] following a day behind.
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More [Katerine Alruddin POV]

! __Sevanna__ POV

[Sevanna], [Therava] and [Desaine] leave the [Aes Sedai] camp. Though controversial, [Sevanna] is now accepted as a [Wise One|Aiel].[13] The [Wise Ones|Aiel] also despise the [Aes Sedai]. [Desaine] is vocal about her disagreement with [Sevanna] and [Sevanna] contemplates what to do about it.[14] They plan to kidnap [Rand|Rand alThor] from the [Aes Sedai] after he is taken. A strange wetlander[15] found [Sevanna] in [Kinslayer's Dagger|Kinslayers Dagger] and gave her a [call box]. He told her to use it when she has [Rand|Rand alThor] captive.
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More [Sevanna POV]

! __Morgase__ POV

[Morgase|Morgase Trakand] is a "guest" in the [Seranda Palace] of King [Ailron] of [Amadicia] near [Amador]. She is with [Ailron] and [Tallanvor|Martyn Tallanvor]. [Ailron] leaves and she and [Tallanvor|Martyn Tallanvor] return to her apartments where [Basel Gill]  and [Lamgwin|Lamgwin Dorn] stand guard. She is effectively a beggar, but that is better than being in thrall to [Gaebril|Rahvin]. Inside, [Lini|Lini Eltring] and [Breane|Breane Taborwin] are working. [Morgase|Morgase Trakand] has been trying to talk [Ailron] into helping her raise an army to retake [Caemlyn], but progress is slow. [Pedron Niall] enters. [Morgase|Morgase Trakand] recalls her very weak ability to [channel|True Source]. When she was at the [White Tower], [Verin|Verin Mathwin] told her she was so weak that there was hardly need for her to stay. [Niall|Pedron Niall] tells her that [Ailron] cannot help her. The [Prophet|Masema Dagar] is causing chaos in [Ghealdan] and there is civil war in [Tarabon]. He then offers to send five thousand [Whitecloaks|Children of the Light] to [Caemlyn] to help her. He tells her that [Gaebril|Rahvin] is dead and [Rand|Rand alThor] now holds [Caemlyn] as well as [Cairhien|Cairhien (Country)]. Many think she is dead and there is talk of Lady [Dyelin|Dyelin Taravin] for the succession. There are rumors that the [White Tower] set up [Logain|Logain Ablar] as a [false Dragon|False Dragons]. Overwhelmed, [Morgase|Morgase Trakand] asks for a few days to think it over. After he leaves, she angrily sends the others away. She is very worried about [Elayne|Elayne Trakand], [Gawyn|Gawyn Trakand] and [Galad|Galad Damodred]. A young man enters and introduces himself as [Paitr Conel] from [Market Sheran].[16] He came to [Amador] with his uncle [Jen|Torwyn Barshaw], a merchant from [Four Kings]. They are loyal [Andorans|Andor] and want to help her escape. They are staying with a man who has pigeons, so she grills him about the latest news from [Andor].
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More [Morgase POV]

! __Pedron Niall__ POV

[Niall|Pedron Niall] returns to the [Fortress of the Light]. [Balwer|Sebban Balwer] and [Carridin|Jaichim Carridin] are waiting for him. [Niall|Pedron Niall] still thinks he can use [Rand|Rand alThor] to his own advantage. [Guaire Amalasan] had taken more than [Rand|Rand alThor] when [Artur Hawkwing] stopped him. He has sent emissaries to all the nations spreading word that [Rand|Rand alThor] is a danger. He thinks the [Salidar Aes Sedai] might be a ploy to support [Rand|Rand alThor], so he orders [Carridin|Jaichim Carridin] to stay away from [Salidar]. He sends [Carridin|Jaichim Carridin] to [Altara].[17]
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More [Pedron Niall POV]

! __Mesaana__ POV

[Mesaana] and [Semirhage] wait for [Demandred]. [Semirhage] wears black because [Lanfear] wears white. [Mesaana] is uncomfortable around [Semirhage], but cannot figure out why. It has been seventeen days since [Demandred] visited [Shayol Ghul]. [Mesaana] went there twice herself, but the [Great Lord|ShaiTan] and the strange, large [Myrddraal|Fade] would not speak. [Demandred] was born the day after [Lews Therin|Lews Therin Telamon] and was always just a step after him. He despised [Lews Therin|Lews Therin Telamon] and has now transferred that feeling to [Rand|Rand alThor]. [Demandred] arrives, then [Graendal]. [Graendal] says that [Sammael] is not coming. He spends his time with his army in [Illian|Illian (Country)] or searching for %%ot [angreal|Angreal]%%. There are too many guards around the stash in the [White Tower] and the stash in the [Stone of Tear] is trapped. [Graendal] is disdainful of the [White Tower], but [Semirhage] says a kitchen girl with a knife can be a lethal as falling in a [sha'je duel|Age of Legends] at [Qal|Age of Legends].[18] No one will admit to finding a [stasis box]. [Mesaana] says she will have [Rand|Rand alThor] in two or three months.[19] [Graendal] does not know where [Mesaana] has established herself.[20] [Mesaana] turned to the [Shadow|Creator] because she was denied a research job in the [Collam Daan]. Looking at [Semirhage] and [Mesaana], [Demandred] comments that their strongholds seem fortuitous.[21] [Demandred] tells them to tell [Sammael] nothing, then passes on the [Great Lord|ShaiTan]'s orders beginning with, "Let the Lord of Chaos rule." [Mesaana] thinks the plan is a gamble.
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More [Mesaana POV]

! __Osan'gar__ POV

[Osan'gar|OsanGar] is amazed that he is alive and in a new body. His companion, [Aran'gar|AranGar], is furious about her new body despite her beauty.[22] In the [Old Tongue], %%ot osan'gar%% and %%ot aran'gar%% are left- and right-hand daggers used in dueling.[18] [Osan'gar|OsanGar] thinks [Aran'gar|AranGar]'s body is suitable for a %%ot [daien|Age of Legends]%% dancer. A giant [Myrddraal|Fade] appears and names itself [Shaidar Haran].[1] [Trollocs] have a sense of humor, but [Fades|Fade] do not. [Osan'gar|OsanGar] helped make the [Trollocs], but he is still uneasy around [Fades|Fade]. He is worried about [Aran'gar|AranGar]'s recklessness, which makes [Lanfear] seem cautious. Sure enough, she tries to attack [Shaidar Haran] and it effortlessly chokes her. [Osan'gar|OsanGar] finds himself blocked from the [True Source]. [Shaidar Haran] tells them they should be grateful. They could be like [Rahvin] whose soul is beyond saving. They will now be allowed to serve the [Great Lord|ShaiTan] again. None but [Shaidar Haran] and the [Great Lord|ShaiTan] know they are alive. It smiles. [23]
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More [Osan'gar POV]
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%%collapsebox-closed
! Notes (Possible Spoilers)

[#1] See the [FAQ, Section 1.4.05|http://www.steelypips.org/wotfaq/node/54] for a discussion on the nature of [Shaidar Haran].
\\[#2] This places the timing as the day after events of [TFoH,Ch54] through [TFoH,Ch56].
\\[#3] Thus indicating that [Demandred] was not [Asmodean]'s assassin. In an interview, Jordan also stated that the [Dark One|ShaiTan] did ''not'' order [Asmodean]'s death. He knows about it from other means.
\\[#4] [Birgitte|Birgitte Trahelion]'s [silver arrow].
\\[#5] They are [Merana Ambrey], [Kairen Stang], [Rafela Cindal], [Seonid Traighan], [Faeldrin Harella], [Demira Eriff], [Berenicia Morsad], [Masuri Sokawa] and [Valinde Nathenos]. ([LoC,Ch41])
\\[#6] Clearly a lie.
\\[#7] [Moiraine|Moiraine Damodred] set an invisibility ward on the group in the [Blight]. ([TEotW,Ch48])
\\[#8] [Min|Min Farshaw]'s lack of recognition and [viewings] of [Birgitte|Birgitte Trahelion] seems strange. She recognizes her immediately in [WH,Ch12].
\\[#9] [Bain], [Chiad] and [Gaul].
\\[#10] They are [Alanna|Alanna Mosvani] and [Verin|Verin Mathwin]. They also took a number of [Two Rivers] girls who can learn to [channel|True Source]. ([LoC,Ch10])
\\[#11] She is [Sarene Nemdahl]. ([LoC,Ch25])
\\[#12] [Galina|Galina Casban] is actually second in command after [Alviarin|Alviarin Freidhen]. ([ACoS,Ch40])
\\[#13] We learn more about acceptance of [Wise Ones|Aiel] in [TGS,Ch26].
\\[#14] She will take decisive action in [LoC,Ch53].
\\[#15] That would be [Sammael], but why did he chose [Sevanna] and how did he find her?
\\[#16] [Paitr Conel] is also a [Darkfriend|Darkfriends], so it is not clear exactly what his intentions are.
\\[#17] [Carridin|Jaichim Carridin] is to cause turmoil in [Altara] and [Murandy], then blame it on the [Dragonsworn]. ([ACoS,Ch15])
\\[#18] The %%ot osan'gar%% and %%ot aran'gar%% are used in the [sha'je duel|Age of Legends]. ([Guide])
\\[#19] Referring to the kidnapping plot.
\\[#20] This may well be a lie. In [LoC,Ch6] she knows [Mesaana] is in the [White Tower] but she does not know [Semirhage]'s or [Demandred]'s whereabouts.
\\[#21] [Mesaana] is in the [White Tower]. [Semirhage] is with [Tuon|Tuon Athaem Kore Paendrag] and the [Seanchan|Seanchan (People)]. ([WH,Ch14])
\\[#22] The former identities of [Osan'gar|OsanGar] and [Aran'gar|AranGar] as [Aginor] and [Balthamel] are virtually conclusive. [Osan'gar|OsanGar] will join the [Asha'man] as [Corlan Dashiva|OsanGar] and [Aran'gar|AranGar] will join the [Salidar Aes Sedai] as [Halima Saranov|AranGar].
\\[#23] The [Fade] that visits [Jaichim Carridin] in [TDR,Prologue] also laughs at him. Robert Jordan has confirmed that this was no ordinary [Myrddraal|Fade], but an early "version" of [Shaidar Haran].
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