The Wheel of Time Companion

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a’Balaman, Rhys. See Rhys a’Balaman

a’Conn, Paitr do Fearna. See Paitr do Fearna a’Conn

a’Cowel, Nisain. See Nisain a’Cowel

a’dam. A ter’angreal used to control a channeler. Traditionally it was composed of a bracelet and a necklace connected by a silvery chain and was used to control female channelers. A modified a’dam without the chain was shown to work as well, and a device to control male channelers was discovered that was made of two bracelets and a necklace. The channeler being controlled wore the necklace, and the person wearing the bracelet had to be someone who could at least be taught to channel. The a’dam would fit itself to anyone who tried it on. The first a’dam was created by Deain, an Aes Sedai, to help Luthair Paendrag control the channelers he had found in Seanchan; it was then used on her. The a’dam created a link between the two women, a circle of two, with the woman wearing the bracelet always leading the circle. She could control the other woman’s flow of saidar completely, in addition to feeling her emotions and physical reactions and being able to influence or change them, or combine her own abilities with those of the other woman to channel a single, combined set of flows herself. This was known to Deain, of course, and to others after her, but that knowledge was eventually lost. After many years, the a’dam was used merely to control the damane and make her channel to command.

There were differences between the link entered by Aes Sedai and the link created by an a’dam. One was that while a circle of one man and one woman was possible, a man who could channel would be in intense pain and usually killed by wearing the bracelet. No experimentation was done regarding a woman wearing the bracelet and a man the necklace, but it might well have done the same thing. Even touching the a’dam while it was worn by a woman who could channel was painful for a man who could channel, and also for the woman. In a normal link, a woman who only had the potential to learn to channel could not be brought into it, but the a’dam could control those women, too. In addition, whatever the woman wearing the bracelet experienced was also felt by the woman wearing the necklace as though it had happened to her, but at several times the intensity; this feedback did not occur from the woman leading a normal link.

One odd effect of the a’dam which might be called beneficial was that it was impossible to burn oneself out while wearing one. The a’dam acted as a governor or buffer so that the maximum amount of the Power which could be drawn was just short of that which would damage the wearer. This was probably incorporated into the original device to prevent any possibility that a captive might manage to deliberately burn herself out in an effort to stop herself being used. See also Seanchan, damane, sul’dam, Domination Band and sad bracelets

a’Lordeine, Donel do Morny. See Donel do Morny a’Lordeine

a’Macansa, Cian do Mehon. See Cian do Mehon a’Macansa

a’Naloy, Roedran Almaric do Arreloa. See Roedran

a’Roihan, Elaida do Avriny. See Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan

a’Roos, Segan do Avharin. See Segan do Avharin a’Roos

a’solma. A gown with slits at the sides to allow movement; leggings were worn underneath. Tuon wore such a garment while practicing hand combat forms.

a’yron. The Old Tongue word for “watchers.”

Aan’allein. The Aiel name for al’Lan Mandragoran. It was the Old Tongue term for “One Man” or “Man Alone” or “Man Who Is an Entire People.”

Abaldar Yulan. The fiery Seanchan Captain of the Air, commanding all the fliers and subordinate to Captain-General Galgan. A member of the low Blood, Yulan was short, with the nails of his little fingers painted green, and he wore a black wig, cut in the appropriate hairstyle for his station, to conceal his baldness. His skin was coal dark. He wept after Miraj was killed, partly for the death of a friend and partly because the Ever Victorious Army had been defeated. Yulan’s raken were one of the points of contention between Galgan and Suroth. He proposed raiding the White Tower and worked to make it happen. Under Compulsion from Mesaana, he attempted to keep Tuon from sending forces to help Mat win the Last Battle; he was exposed by a viewing of Min’s.

Abar. A Domani sword-swallower and fire-eater with Luca’s show. His brother was Balat.

Abareim, Ellid. See Ellid Abareim

Abayan. A nation that rose after the Trolloc Wars. It occupied most of the western part of what came to be known as Arad Doman.

Abdel Omerna. A Child of the Light who was a Lord Captain, Anointed of the Light and a member of the Council of Anointed. Tall, with dark eyes set in a bold, strong-chinned face and waves of white at his temples, he was thought to be spymaster of the Children of the Light, but he was actually a patsy put in place by Pedron Niall to draw attention from Sebban Balwer, the true spymaster. Omerna was tricked into assassinating Pedron Niall and was killed by Eamon Valda.

Abell Cauthon. A farmer in Emond’s Field. Born in 955 NE, he was known for his horse-trading abilities and proficiency with the quarterstaff and Two Rivers bow. He was the husband of Natti Cauthon and father of Matrim, Bodewhin and Eldrin. He and Tam al’Thor traveled to Tar Valon to try to find out what happened to their sons, but were told nothing. Abell managed to avoid being taken by the Whitecloaks, and helped rescue his wife and daughters, who were taken. He helped Perrin plan the defense of Emond’s Field, and fought bravely in the Last Battle.

Abelle Pendar. A lord in Andor and the High Seat of House Pendar, a strong House with many retainers. His sigil was three six-pointed golden stars, one above and two below, on a field of seven vertical red-and-white stripes. Pendar had a hard angular face and graying hair. He supported Morgase when she gained the throne. Under Rahvin’s influence, Morgase exiled him from Caemlyn. He was one of four nobles who met Rand, along with Dyelin, Ellorien and Luan, when Rand told them he wanted Elayne on the Andoran throne. After Elayne took Caemlyn, he stood for Trakand.

Abila. A somewhat large town in Amadicia located forty leagues south of Bethal. A wooden bridge over a stream led into the town, which had paved streets and stone marketplaces. There were several tall watchtowers and many four-story buildings with slate roofs, but it was not a walled town. Balwer told Perrin that he believed the Prophet had been there recently, and that Masema had torn down a number of inns and disreputable houses in the town. Perrin and his men, along with Aes Sedai, visited the Prophet and told him that they would accompany him to the Dragon Reborn, who had summoned him. Faile learned from her agents that the Prophet had met with the Seanchan, but before she could warn Perrin, she and her group were all captured by Sevanna and the Shaido Aiel, except Berelain, who escaped.

Ablar, Logain. See Logain Ablar

Abor’maseleine. An Ogier-built city in Aridhol, one of the Ten Nations after the Breaking.

Abors. An Asha’man who did not need to be Turned to follow Taim and work for the Shadow. He held a shield on Androl; Androl used his knowledge of Evin’s madness to make Evin attack and kill Abors.

Abunai. A village where it was never cold on the Sea of L’Heye in Seanchan. It was the birthplace of Bethamin.

Academy of Cairhien. A center of learning and invention established in Lord Barthanes’ palace in the city of Cairhien. Its headmistress was Idrien Tarsin. Rand established the school in case he did end up breaking the world, in the hope of saving something.

Academy of the Rose. A center of learning and invention in Caemlyn. Established by Rand, it was taken over by Elayne, who dedicated it in memory of her mother. She insisted on financing it; she wanted it to be Andor’s, not Rand’s.

Accan, Jurad. See Jurad Accan

Accepted, the. The level after novice that a student had to achieve before becoming Aes Sedai. Normally, a novice was recommended for testing by the Mistress of Novices. This recommendation had to be approved by the Amyrlin Seat, by a Sitter, or by three sisters. An approval by three sisters or one Sitter could be rejected by the Amyrlin, and she could only be overruled by the lesser consensus of the Hall. Even if the Mistress of Novices did not make such a recommendation, the testing could be ordered by the Amyrlin acting in conjunction with at least two Sitters, or by three Sitters, or by six sisters. A recommendation in this manner could be rejected by the Amyrlin or in various other ways. Thus, a recommendation by six sisters could be rejected by three Sitters, and a recommendation by three Sitters could be rejected if three others felt it unsafe or unwise. If the Amyrlin herself ordered the testing, she could be overruled by six Sitters.

The point to be emphasized here is that the Amyrlin could stop a woman from being tested, and there was rarely any possibility of her being overruled, but it was much harder for her to force the testing. There were dangers in the testing, but none in waiting, so it was easier to stop even the Amyrlin from forcing a test than it was to stop her from refusing approval for a test.

The test required a novice to pass through a ter’angreal composed of three arches of silvery metal; it was located in the bowels of the White Tower. Three chances were offered to walk through the arches. The offer might be refused twice, but if it was refused the third time, the woman was put out of the Tower. Many women refused the arches a time or two. Once the test began, it had to be completed by passing through each arch, to face one’s fears of what was, what is and what will be. A woman who refused to complete her three journeys was put out of the Tower even if it was the first time she had a chance at the test.

Once she completed the test, she received her Great Serpent ring, which she wore on the third finger of her left hand. The Accepted wore a white dress just like that worn by novices except that there were seven narrow bands of color at the hem of the skirt, representing the seven Ajahs. A more formal dress would also have bands of color on the cuffs. An Accepted’s room was larger than a novice’s room, with more comforts. Less confined by rules than novices, Accepted were allowed to choose their own areas of study, within limits; they also taught novice classes. The average Accepted studied for ten years before passing the test to be raised to Aes Sedai.

Acedone, Rubinde. See Rubinde Acedone

acem. An herb used to relieve headache.

Ackley Farren. An Andoran man mentioned by a farmer who gave Rand and Mat a short ride on their way to Caemlyn. The farmer thought that the story of Darkfriends in Market Sheran was the funniest story he had heard since Ackley Farren got drunk enough to spend the night on an inn roof.

Adamad. One of Renald Fanwar’s farmhands.

Adan al’Caar. A Two Rivers boy whom Mat Cauthon tried to trick into believing that ghost dogs had been seen in Emond’s Field.

Adan, Heran. The governor of Baerlon, Andor. When the Whitecloaks came to Baerlon, he decreed that only ten at a time could enter the city.

Adan. A Jenn Aiel around the time of the Breaking. When Adan was five years old, he left Paaran Disen with his father Jonai and the rest of his family. Years later, he and Jonai met a group of Ogier who told them that there was trouble in the north. Jonai had a heart attack, and as he died, he told Adan to take the people south. Adan married Siedre, and they had five children: Rhea, Malind, Sorelle, Elwin and Jaren. All either died or were carried off by bandits; he was left with Malind’s wife Saralin and her children Maigran and Lewin. After Lewin and his friends used violence to save Maigran and another girl, Colline, Adan disowned Lewin.

Adanza. A great city of the Age of Legends. It thrived with a vitality in its beauty matched only by the vitality of its people.

Adar. The fifth month of the year.

Adarra, Bili. See Bili Adarra

Adarra, Jaim. The captain of the Snow Goose, which took Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Loial and Faile from Remen to Illian. He was short and slight.

Adden. The leader of the band of Darkfriends who kidnapped Egwene, Nynaeve and Elayne on behalf of three Myrddraal; he was killed by being pinned to the wall by an Aiel spear.

Adela. A lanky young woman with a pimply face who worked as a stablehand for Toke Fearnim in Jurador.

Adeleas Namelle. An Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah and the rebel contingent, with a strength level of 23(11). Born in 735 NE, she went to the White Tower with her sister Vandene in 752 NE. After spending five years as a novice and five years as Accepted, she was raised to the shawl in 762 NE. She progressed in near lockstep with her sister; they were raised within a month of each other in both instances. She was 5'4½" tall, slender and graceful, with dark eyes and a straight back—a mirror image of her sister. She wore her nearly white hair gathered at the back of her neck.

Adeleas retired in 970 NE to Tifan’s Well in Arafel with Vandene to write a history of the world since the Breaking, but events surrounding the Dragon Reborn caused them to become active again. While traveling to Caemlyn, she and her Black Ajah prisoner Ispan Shefar were murdered outside Cullen’s Crossing by Careane Fransi, using the poison crimsonthorn.

Adelin. A Maiden of the Jindo sept of the Taardad Aiel. Little more than a hand shorter than Rand, she had yellow hair and a handsome but hard face with a scar on her sun-dark cheek. She went to the Stone of Tear and was one of those who taught Mat how to play Maiden’s Kiss. Rand acquired the bracelet that he gave to Aviendha from her, and she was a member of Rand’s honor guard at Alcair Dal. One of those guarding Rand’s tent near the Jangai Pass when it was attacked, she ran off to join the fighting, leaving Rand vulnerable to a Draghkar. Afterward, she carried a doll to remind her that she was not a child.

Adelorna Bastine. A Saldaean Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah and the loyalist contingent, with a strength level of 16(4). Born in 796 NE, she went to the White Tower in 813 NE. After spending seven years as a novice and eleven years as Accepted, she was raised to the shawl in 831 NE. Adelorna made slimness appear stately despite her lack of height; she was no taller than Egwene but had a regal, commanding air and gave Egwene lessons. She was the Captain-General of the Green Ajah in the Tower. Adelorna was cited by Elaida, on Alviarin’s order, for possession of an angreal removed from the storeroom without permission and was birched, when the normal punishment would have been a slap on the wrist. She and Josaine, who was caught in the same raid and received the same punishment, had presumably been turned in by Kiyoshi of the Gray Ajah, Farellien of the Yellow Ajah and Doraise of the Brown Ajah, the latter three being rewarded for their action. The Greens were fit to be tied, and relations became tense with the Gray, Yellow and Brown Ajahs. Adelorna plotted with other Ajah heads to manage the rebellion, sending moles to Salidar. The Seanchan collared her, but Egwene freed her. One of her three Warders was killed in the Seanchan attack on the White Tower; a second, Talric, was wounded; a third was unharmed.

Adim. Almen Bunt’s thirteen-year-old nephew. He had golden hair.

Adine Canford. An Andoran Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah and the rebel contingent, with a strength level of 34(22). Born in 905 NE, she went to the White Tower in 920 NE. After spending twelve years as a novice and eleven years as Accepted, she was raised to the shawl in 943 NE. She was a friend of Moiraine and Siuan after they were raised, and also a friend of Leane. In the White Tower she was the recipient of messages for Moiraine from Nieda Sidoro. Adine was sympathetic to Moiraine, and a friend, though she knew nothing of her and Siuan’s schemes. In Moiraine’s view, she was “not at all arrogant despite being Andoran.”

Adine Lewin. A Two Rivers woman who was Flann’s wife. She was at Jac al’Seen’s farm when Perrin went there to persuade the farmers to go to the towns for safety. Adine was willing to believe ill of Perrin, and implied that he was not to be trusted.

Adley, Jonan. See Jonan Adley

Admar. A soldier of the Band of the Red Hand under Captain Mandevwin. He participated in the attack on the Seanchan.

Admer Nem. A stout farmer with lank hair in Kore Springs, Andor. He was married to Maigan. His barn burned when Logain, Siuan, Leane and Min were discovered there; Logain fought with him, knocking the lantern into the hay. The three women were caught and Nem prosecuted them; Logain escaped.

Admira, Master. A Tairen merchant whom Rand eavesdropped on in Far Madding at an inn called The Golden Wheel.

Adora. Perrin’s granddaughter in a scenario created in the battle between Rand and the Dark One.

Adora Aybara. The young sister of Perrin Aybara. When she was sixteen years old, she, along with the rest of her family except Perrin, was murdered by Padan Fain, although the killing was thought to have been done by Trollocs.

Adria. A slim contortionist in Valan Luca’s show. She worked with Mulaen and three others; they shared a virulently yellow wagon until Adria took up with up with Rumann, the sword-juggler. Her lips made Olver want to kiss them.

Adrielle. An Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah and the loyalist contingent. She was tall and beautiful. She was part of the expedition to take the Black Tower; she was captured and bonded by Mezar Kurin. She vanished when Mezar was Turned.

Adrin. A Saldaean soldier. While guarding Lord Tellaen’s manor, he was struck by a bubble of evil. He burned up from the inside with enough heat to set the manor alight.

Adrinne Bunt. Almen Bunt’s dead wife.

Adsalan. A Warder to one of the ferrets sent to the White Tower. He was coopted by the Black Ajah hunters.

Aedelle Baryn. Andoran Lord Lir Baryn’s sister. Her cook fed Arymilla, Naean and Elenia, among others, as they were preparing to take Caemlyn.

Aedmun Matherin. The High Seat of House Matherin in Andor and a supporter of Elayne.

Aedomon. An Ancient king of Safer who defeated a Manetheren army at Midean’s Ford. Legend had that he let the Manetheren go instead of killing them all; Mat’s memories revealed that he did let them go, and as soon as they were strung out, killed them. He was later killed by a young boy with a spear.

Aedwin Cole. A crewman for Bayle Domon on the Spray; he hailed from northern Altara or northern Murandy. At Falme, he started to cut the mooring cable with an axe during the uproar there while Domon was waiting for Egwene, Elayne, Nynaeve and Min. Domon grabbed him by the throat and stopped him.

Aeldene Stonebridge. An Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah and the rebel contingent, with a strength level of 27(15). Born in an Andoran mining town in the Mountains of Mist, she was a wilder who went to the Tower at age twenty-four and lied about her age. The lie was not discovered until she had been a novice for five years. She spent ten years as a novice and nine years as Accepted and was raised to the shawl at age forty-three. She was the head of the Blue Ajah’s eyes-and-ears network. When Aeldene joined with the rebels and took back the Blue network from Siuan, she was infuriated that Siuan had been using them, and even more infuriated that Siuan had revealed her position, especially to women not of the Blue. The reception she gave Siuan was more than rough; she could be heard shouting for a great distance. She was barely able to restrain herself from going for Siuan’s throat.

Aeldra. A woman of Tanchico, never seen, who was called to by a man who had dreamed himself into Tel’aran’rhiod.

Aeldra Najaf. A Domani Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah. Lean, with coppery skin and short white hair, she was a kindly woman in many ways. Aeldra succeeded Gitara Moroso as Keeper of the Chronicles for Tamra Ospenya. She was the sixth person to welcome Moiraine and Siuan to the Blue Ajah and claimed a pie from each; because the two were such bad cooks, she had to be Healed after eating their pies.

Aeldrine. The mother of Beonin Marinye. She was a merchant in Tanchico.

Aelfinn. A race of beings which possessed souls and were largely human in appearance but with snake-like characteristics. They were reputed to answer three questions truly. Whatever the question, their answers were always correct, if frequently given in forms that were not clear. Questions concerning the Shadow could be extremely dangerous. Their actual location, a parallel world, was unknown, but they could be visited by passing through a ter’angreal, once a possession of Mayene but in recent years held in the Stone of Tear. They could also be reached by entering the Tower of Ghenjei. The Aelfinn spoke a harsh dialect of the Old Tongue, mentioned treaties and agreements, and asked if those entering carried iron, instruments of music, or devices that could make fire. They have existed as long as the Wheel. See also Eelfinn

Aelgar. One of the Ten Nations formed after the Breaking of the World. Its capital was Ancohima; other cities included Condaris, Mainelle (later Tanchico) and Shar Honelle. The King was Remedan the Goldentongued. It had mines which were lost.

Aelgari. The people of Aelgar.

Aellinsar, Tel Janin. Sammael’s name in the Age of Legends.

Aelmara. Romanda Cassin’s longtime serving woman. She helped Romanda escape from some unpleasantness in Far Madding shortly after Romanda’s retirement; Romanda trusted her very much.

Aeman Senhold. A nobleman who was the leader of the Amadician contingent at the Battle of the Shining Walls.

Aemin. A farrier in Perrin’s camp in Ghealdan. He had graying hair, broad shoulders and thick arms, and seemed nearly as wide as he was tall, though since he was a Cairhienin, that was not very tall.

Aemlyn Carand. The plump High Seat of House Carand, a major House in Andor. Her sigil was three golden arrows, points upward, the center arrow slightly raised, on a field of red. Her husband was Lord Culhan; the two were nearly as powerful as Pelivar. She supported Morgase in her drive for the throne. Under Rahvin’s influence, Morgase exiled her from Caemlyn. Aemlyn, Pelivar and Culhan were among the nobles who confronted the rebel Aes Sedai on the ice near the Murandy-Andor border. After Elayne took Caemlyn, Aemlyn stood for Trakand.

Aemon al Caar al Thorin. The last King of Manetheren. His wife was Eldrene, known as Ellisande, the Rose of the Sun. King Aemon and his men, after a forced march from victory at the Battle of Bekkar, known as the Field of Blood, held off overwhelming numbers of Trollocs and Shadowspawn for over ten days while awaiting promised reinforcements that never came. The King’s battle cry, “Carai an Ellisande!, For the honor of the Rose of the Sun!,” was said to echo over the land until Queen Eldrene could hear it from the city. Eventually Aemon and his armies were killed. It was said that Queen Eldrene’s heart broke the moment Aemon died. An Aes Sedai, she reached out to the True Source to hunt down the victors and sent balefire to consume the Dreadlords, Myrddraal and Darkfriends where they stood. That effort required more Power than anyone could wield unaided, and she and the city of Manetheren died in flames.

Aeric Botteger. A man of the Two Rivers who appeared in Nynaeve’s test for the shawl.

Aeron. A respected Wise One of the Black Water sept of the Nakai Aiel who could not channel. She had graying hair and sky-blue eyes. Her face was very tanned, just short of being leathery. Her apprentice was Estair. She was fairly easygoing for a Wise One; Egwene thought of her as a pleasant, smiling woman with never a cross word. She, along with Colinda and Edarra, was sent to the Royal Library in Cairhien because Nesune Bihara, a Brown who was part of the White Tower embassy to Rand, was seeking information there on the seals. Aeron convinced three Maidens to sneak into Lady Arilyn’s palace to spy on the White Tower embassy, who were staying there; the Maidens were caught and beaten, and Aeron was chastised by the other Wise Ones. After Rand had been kidnapped and freed, Aeron felt the Aes Sedai captured at Dumai’s Wells were too dangerous to keep alive. She was quite hard on Beldeine, among others.

Aerwin, Teven. The author of The Dance of the Hawk and the Hummingbird, a book that purported to set forth the proper conduct of men toward women and women toward men.

Aes Sedai. Old Tongue for “servant of all.” It was a society of those who wielded the One Power, composed solely of women since the Breaking, when all men with the ability to channel went mad from the taint placed on saidin by the Dark One. The Aes Sedai divided themselves into seven groups, called Ajahs. Each Ajah had its own specialty: the Blue Ajah focused on causes; the Brown Ajah on scholarship; the Green Ajah on battle; the Gray Ajah on mediation; the Red Ajah on dealing with male channelers; the White Ajah on logic; and the Yellow Ajah on Healing. There was a secret eighth Ajah, whose existence was debated widely: the Black Ajah, who served the Shadow. The Aes Sedai were led by the Amyrlin Seat; the term was used both for the woman who led and for her throne. She was formally styled “The Watcher of the Seals, the Flame of Tar Valon, the Amyrlin Seat.” The Amyrlin Seat was chosen by the Hall of the Tower. The Hall of the Tower acted as the legislature; it consisted of three representatives, called Sitters, from each Ajah.

To become an Aes Sedai, a young woman first served as a novice and was taught to safely use the One Power, carefully monitored. When she had attained enough skill, she was given the test to become Accepted, which required passing through a ter’angreal. If she passed that test, she received a Great Serpent ring and rose to the level of Accepted. An Accepted was allowed more independent study and also assisted in teaching novices. When she was judged ready, she was given the test to become Aes Sedai, which required passing through another ter’angreal. In that test, she had to perform one hundred set weaves, maintaining calm throughout, while various challenges were given her by Aes Sedai manipulating the ter’angreal. When she passed that test, she spent the night in meditation and the next morning chose her Ajah and swore the Three Oaths on the Oath Rod.

The social hierarchy of Aes Sedai was set by several factors, the first and most important of which was strength in the Power. If another woman was stronger than you, you were expected to let her speak first, to listen to her, to defer to some extent, depending on how far above you she stood. Even when two women were of the same apparent strength, one would surely be the stronger by some margin, but this could only be determined by the sort of contests that were strongly discouraged among novices and Accepted. After that factor came time spent as a novice and time as Accepted, with the one who spent less being the higher. A shorter time as Accepted outweighed a shorter time as novice by a factor of about two to one (i.e., if you were two years longer a novice but two years less Accepted, you came out ahead by a year, so to speak), but a shorter total time was better and would outweigh other considerations. This generally decided matters, but if there was a need to go further, the final step was age, taken reluctantly because of Aes Sedai customs against speaking about this. In this final step, the older woman was considered to stand higher.

The degree of deference depended in large part on how far there was between the two women. If the gap was very small, it amounted to little more than politeness. If the gap was larger, the lower of the two was expected to stand when the other entered, etc. If the gap was very wide, the lower of the two was expected to do as she was told by the higher; it wasn’t put in terms of obedience, but if a woman sufficiently higher than you asked you to make tea, then you made tea for her. And you didn’t fix a cup for yourself unless she invited you to one.

This social hierarchy had no weight with regard to appointments and official duties—usually, at least—and if a woman who was lower was appointed to a position of authority, even those who stood above her socially were expected to obey if they were in the line of command. It was true, however, that the social hierarchy invaded the official side to some extent. For example, even in official proceedings what was said by one of higher standing usually was given more weight than what was said by one of lower. See also Amyrlin, Hall of the Tower, novice, Accepted, Ajah and Three Oaths

Aes Sedai trial procedure. A court consisting of five Aes Sedai: three acting as judges, one acting as prosecutor sitting in the Seat of Rebuke, and one acting as defender sitting in the Seat of Pardon, all facing the accused.

Aesdaishar Palace. The royal palace of Kandor, located in Chachin.

Aesnan, Lorstrum. See Lorstrum Aesnan

Aethan Dor. Old Tongue for “Red Shields.” It was the name given an Aiel warrior society which acted as police in addition to regular battle duties.

Aethelaine, Lady. The local lady of Jurador, a salt town in Altara. She swore the Oaths of Return to the Seanchan.

Afara. An Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah and the rebel contingent, with a strength level of 34(22). She was sent from Salidar to Tarabon with Guisin and Edesina to assess the situation there and was captured by the Seanchan. She remained in Tarabon as a damane.

Afrim Hansard. A loyal Guardsman of the Royal Guards in Caemlyn. He escorted Samwil Hark to meet with Elayne.

Agardo Saranche. The innkeeper of The Dragon in Tear. He was lean, balding, fair-complected and dark-eyed.

Age. The Wheel of Time is composed of seven Ages, each with its own distinct patterns; the cycle begins again once all seven Ages have been lived.

Age Lace. See Pattern of an Age

Age of Legends. The golden Age of peace and progress when Aes Sedai performed wonders now only dreamed of. The greatest feats of the Age of Legends required men and women working together with the One Power—a man and a woman working together were ten times as strong as they were apart. It was ended by the War of the Shadow and the Breaking of the World, over three thousand years before Rand al’Thor’s birth.

Agelmar Jagad. The Lord of Fal Dara in Shienar, considered to be one of the five great captains of the time. His sign was three running red foxes. He was about six feet tall, muscular, with graying hair. He commanded the Shienaran forces against the Aiel at the Battle of the Shining Walls, and on the first day of that battle, he led the combined forces. Agelmar commanded the armies at Tarwin’s Gap in the Last Battle. After it was discovered that he was the victim of Graendal’s Compulsion, he was removed from command. His sister was Amalisa.

Aghan. A lancer with Bashere’s army who accompanied Rand to meet the purported Daughter of the Nine Moons at Lady Deirdru’s manor house outside King’s Crossing. He searched the mansion after Semirhage was captured, and discovered a box of male and female a’dam.

Aginor. A Forsaken whose original name was Ishar Morrad Chuain. In the Age of Legends he was a noted biologist; after he went over to the Shadow, he created numerous Shadowspawn, including Trollocs, Draghkar, gholam, cafar and jumara. He claimed to have faced Lews Therin in the Hall of the Servants and to have matched the Lord of the Morning stroke for stroke. He had a strength level of ++2. He was trapped near the surface of the Bore; when he awoke in the Third Age, his face was parchment skin drawn too tight over a skull; it was a face of such age as to look beyond death already, with sunken eyes and withered ears. His scabrous scalp bore wispy tufts of brittle hair, his fingers were gnarled and his teeth were yellow. He and Balthamel attacked Rand and his party at the Eye of the World; Aginor drew on the pure saidin in the Eye, and grew younger and stronger, but not strong enough. Rand defeated and killed him. He was resurrected and given a new body that was male and not old, but not as young as he could wish, nor as good-looking. He was given the name Osan’gar, after the left-hand dagger in a form of dueling that had a brief popularity during the long run-up to the War of Power; the blades were poisoned and both duelists usually died. He slipped in among the Asha’man under the name Corlan Dashiva to be an assistant to Mazrim Taim, who thought he was only a high-ranking Darkfriend, which did not suit Osan’gar well. He wore both the Sword and the Dragon. His original purpose there was to keep a close eye on the gathering of men who could channel. See also Osan’gar and Corlan Dashiva

Agirin. A Maiden of the Spear of the Shelan sept of the Daryne Aiel who died at Dumai’s Wells; Rand added her name to the list of women who died for him.

Agni Neres. The misogynistic, smuggling captain of the Riverserpent who gave passage to Nynaeve, Elayne and others to Salidar. He referred to them as “wenches.” He was from Ebou Dar, and had a wife and a flock of children there. He was tall and bony, with a dour, narrow face and ears that stuck out from his head.

Agora, Haviar. See Haviar Agora

Ahan, Kenley. A young Two Rivers man who joined Perrin’s band. He was killed in an ambush by Trollocs.

Ahan, Marisa. See Marisa Ahan

Ahan, Mistress. A woman of the Two Rivers; she was the mother of Kenley.

Ahelle, Meane sol. The Fourth Age composer of “Glory of the Dragon.”

Ahf’frait. A Trolloc tribe. Its symbol was a whirlwind.

Ahmid, Toma dur. The developer of the Toman Calendar.

Ahzkan, Tumad. See Tumad Ahzkan

Aiden Shimura. A Sea Folk Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah and the loyalist contingent. She worked in the Thirteenth Depository of the White Tower Library. Like all Sea Folk Aes Sedai, she was weak in the One Power. She lied about her age when she came to the White Tower. She was a shy, withdrawn woman with a very dark complexion, round figure, black hair and dark eyes. Aiden, Zemaille and Nyein shared rooms in the upper levels of the Library and spent most of their time either there or in the Thirteenth Depository. Alviarin passed Aiden and Zemaille in the Library when she returned from Tremalking.

Aiel. Old Tongue for “dedicated.” They were the people of the Aiel Waste, descendants of pacifists who served the Aes Sedai during the Age of Legends. Fierce and hardy, they veiled their faces before they killed. Deadly warriors with weapons or bare hands, they would not touch a sword even on the point of death, or ride a horse unless pressed. Aiel called battle “the dance,” and “the dance of the spears.” They were divided into twelve clans: the Chareen, the Codarra, the Daryne, the Goshien, the Miagoma, the Nakai, the Reyn, the Shaarad, the Shaido, the Shiande, the Taardad and the Tomanelle. Each clan was divided into septs. They sometimes spoke of a thirteenth clan, the Clan That Is Not, the Jenn, who were the builders of Rhuidean. All believed that the Aiel once failed the Aes Sedai and were banished to the Aiel Waste for that sin, and that they would be destroyed if they ever failed the Aes Sedai again. See also Aiel warrior societies, Aiel Waste, bleakness, Da’shain, gai’shain, Jenn Aiel, Rhuidean and Tuatha’an

Aiel kinship. Aiel relationships of blood were expressed in complex ways which outsiders considered unwieldy, but which Aiel considered precise. A few examples must suffice to demonstrate, as an entire volume would be needed for a full explanation. Beyond this the complications grow and are thickened by such factors as the ability of close friends to adopt each other as first-brother or first-sister. When it is also considered that Aiel women who were very close friends sometimes married the same man, thus becoming sister-wives and married to each other as well as to him, the convolutions become even more apparent.

One was considered to be more closely related to one’s mother than to one’s father. First-brother and first-sister had the same mother, whether or not they had the same father. If two women were sister-wives, however, their children were considered first-brothers and first-sisters to each other.

Sister-mothers and sister-fathers were first-sisters and first-brothers of one’s mother; thus, aunt and uncle through one’s mother, and more closely related to one than aunts or uncles through one’s father. The term was not used for one’s mother’s adopted first-sister who was also her sister-wife; she also was simply one’s mother.

Brother-father and brother-mother were the first-brothers and first-sisters of one’s father.

Second-brother and second-sister referred to the children of one’s mother’s first-sister or first-brother; thus, a cousin through one’s mother. This term was also used for a child of one’s father by a sequential marriage, as opposed to a child of a sister-wife.

A father-sister or father-brother was the child of one’s father’s first-brother; thus, a cousin through one’s father. Father-sisters and father-brothers (aunts and uncles through one’s father) were not considered as closely related as second-sisters or second-brothers, just as one was more closely related to one’s mother than to one’s father.

Greatfather or greatmother referred to the father or mother of one’s own mother, while the parents of one’s father were second greatfather or second greatmother.

An additional complication was that sister-wives were considered married to each other as well as to their husband; also, the ability of women to adopt one another as first-sisters added wrinkles.

Second-mother and second-father were mother-in-law and father-in-law equivalents.

A boy or man was expected to obey his mother before his father; a girl or woman was expected to obey her father before her mother. There were circumstances, however, when one’s second-mother took precedence over one’s mother, and when a second-father took precedence over one’s father.

It was possible to adopt someone as a first-brother or first-sister by saying the proper words in front of the individuals’ Wise Ones. This was most common among women, and nearly unheard of among men. There were occasionally cross-gender adoptions, but these were almost as rare as men adopting one another. Such an adoption brought in all of the familial relationships, duties, responsibilities, etc. For example, the sister-mother of one’s first-sister was of course one’s sister-mother.

As one was closer blood kin to one’s mother than to one’s father, the degree of relationship by rank was:

1) mother, first-brother, first-sister

2) father; greatmother and greatfather (maternal grandparents)

3) sister-mother, sister-father (maternal aunts and uncles)

4) second-brother, second-sister (maternal cousins)

5) second greatfather, second greatmother (paternal grandparents)

6) brother-father, brother-mother (paternal aunts and uncles)

7) father-sister, father-brother (paternal cousins)

Aiel law. Since most of Aiel life and activity was regulated by ji’e’toh, the Aiel did not have a great many laws. Most of these had to do with water, murder, theft or harming certain persons. While Aiel law was centered around and based on ji’e’toh, the two were not the same. It was possible to incur toh without breaking the law, though it was seldom possible to break the law without incurring toh. Generally, the more serious the offense under the law, the more serious the toh.

The few universal laws were a prohibition on murder, a prohibition on destroying or fouling water, a prohibition on theft (remembering that the fifth is not theft) and a prohibition on harming a Wise One, a pregnant woman, a child or a blacksmith.

These all-encompassing laws had been agreed to over the years by chiefs and Wise Ones. For a violation of one of these, a clan was expected either to hand over the accused for trial or to try the person and carry out punishment themselves. While there were cases of clans managing to avoid doing either, it was usually considered a matter of honor to do exactly that. It was also often considered a point of honor to give a harsher punishment than would have been handed out if the accused had been found guilty by those of the other clan.

Most Aiel trials consisted of the sept chief acting as judge with twelve men and twelve women, all chosen by lot, as a jury. An appeal could be made to the clan chief, who sat as judge with a jury of twelve Wise Ones. In either case, the jury decided guilt or innocence, and the judge decided the penalty.

In some cases a court of twelve Wise Ones could also sit, without a chief. Such a case was the instance of deciding whether to declare someone da’tsang, a despised one.

It was possible to be acquitted in the trial despite being guilty if one had managed to meet the toh incurred.

An Aiel considered it shaming to the extent of putting himself, or herself, outside humanity to fail to appear for a trial or to meet a sentence.

There was a death penalty and none other for: killing a Wise One, killing a pregnant woman, killing or sexually molesting a child and killing a blacksmith. Unlike any other homicide, there were no excuses for these, not even self-defense.

Murder was defined by circumstances; for example, there were times when stabbing a man in the back was not murder (in battle, say, or on a raid) and times when it was. The penalty for murder was usually death, but there were ways to meet the toh involved, although the killer would have to bring the closest survivors of the murdered person (“close” defined first as a surviving spouse or spouses, then the mother, then the father, etc.) to declare to the court that the accused had met toh. While the accused still set his own toh, this was the only time when, in effect, someone else could say whether one had met it sufficiently, though it was not stated in that way.

There was a death penalty for destroying a source of water. Fouling a source of water was a lesser crime, but not by much. Fouling water ranked with breaking oath or violating an agreed truce.

The Aiel death penalty was starkly simple. One was trussed like an animal for slaughter, the throat was slit and the corpse left for the vultures.

There were also strong penalties for harming a Wise One, a pregnant woman, a child or a blacksmith.

Some laws held only inside one clan, as well. They would certainly be enforced on anyone within clan lands, however.

The Aiel had no prisons nor any tradition of confinement for offenses. With the exception of the penalties for murder, destroying a water source, breaking oath, violating truce or fouling water, penalties were usually corporal punishment of some sort, being flogged or beaten publicly. There could be more than one beating, in more than one site. Someone who fouled a water source, for example, could well have expected to be beaten in every hold of the clan that owned the water source; and, if the fouler belonged to another clan, in every hold of the fouler’s own clan as well.

Destroying water was considered so heinous that clans in blood feud had carried out sentence on someone who committed the crime on water owned by the other clan.

Since one was supposed to have set the worth of one’s own honor, it was believed that one should meet the toh incurred by breaking a law entirely on one’s own. As stated, meeting it to a degree that satisfied the jury resulted in acquittal. Attempting to meet it but failing, say, because there wasn’t enough time before the trial, could have been considered mitigation, in proportion. Failing even to attempt to meet toh would certainly have resulted in a harsher sentence.

The Aiel had a very rigid tradition of prisoner treatment. There were gai’shain, there were hostages exchanged for various reasons, there were captured truce-violators, oathbreakers and water-foulers, and there were wetlanders taken in the Waste. (There was no provision for holding someone for trial or for execution of even a death sentence; you were expected to show up at the proper time and place, and failing to do so placed you on a par with vermin.) These were the only classifications they knew. Hostages were well treated unless there was a violation, and what was done then was determined under ji’e’toh by the violation. Any Aiel taken captive expected to be made gai’shain (except for truce-violators and oathbreakers, who were refused the white, and instead were put into black robes and expected a period of humiliation before being handed back to their own people under as humiliating circumstances as could be arranged). Wetlanders taken in the Waste fell into two classes: Treekillers (Cairhienin) who were taken to the tradeholds along the Cliffs of Dawn or the Great Rift and traded like animals; and other wetlanders who lacked the protection of being Tuatha’an or peddlers or gleemen. These unprotected wetlanders were usually killed out of hand, but sometimes given a chance to find their way back out, often naked and with a single waterskin.

Truce-violators and oathbreakers were allowed no garments but the black robes. They were worked, but generally at useless labor. If they were given useful labor, it was always under humiliating circumstances, such as nakedness. Beatings with a strap or switch were common, and they were directed almost like animals, a word of command, a gesture, a slap with a strap to get them started.

Examples of useless labor: Digging a deep hole, often with an implement as small as a spoon, then filling it in only to dig another and fill it, and so on. Being made to carry a heavy sack of rocks or sand around on one’s back. Being made to run with a container of water; if you spilled any, the rest of the contents would be all the liquid you got that day, and you were forced to run to the point of collapsing. Running between two piles of dirt, scooping up a flat basket full at one place and emptying it at the other; when you had moved all of the dirt from one place to the other, you took it back. Pushing a rock ahead of you across the ground on your knees. Pulling a weighted sled across the ground for hours.

Examples of humiliation: The beating, of course, and the enforced public nudity. Carrying water to or serving gai’shain, as though you were gai’shain to gai’shain. Being made to kneel, to offer things with your wrists turned up, to lower your eyes when speaking to others or behave in other ways the Aiel considered submissive. Various forms of bondage—being caged, confined or bound—were considered very shaming.

Da’tsang (Old Tongue for “despised one,” or “one who is despised”) was the name given to criminals among the Aiel—criminals as opposed to simply being somehow on the wrong side of ji’e’toh, though a persistent violation of ji’e’toh or a refusal to meet an obvious toh might well have resulted in this designation. Generally it was for those who had committed rape, or broken truce or oath, or fouled water, or stolen (as the Aiel saw it, the fifth taken on a raid certainly did not count), or killed or sexually abused a child, a pregnant woman, a Wise One or a blacksmith. (Among the Aiel, ordinary murder was a thing for vengeance by family, sept, clan or society, depending on who did the killing and under what circumstances. The murderer was not da’tsang.)

In this, the Wise Ones acted as magistrates; only Wise Ones could name someone da’tsang. These criminals owed toh far beyond the ordinary. It was something not referred to once it was proclaimed; saying the word in the proclamation even, the speaker grimaced as if tasting something filthy. The black robe was the mark of da’tsang.

Da’tsang were severely limited in speech, since they were considered not quite human. They were not held to total silence, but were allowed to speak only in limited fashion. A few simple requests were allowed, and answers to questions, though few were asked. They were allowed to speak enough to understand the tasks they were given, not much more than that. If more than one da’tsang was present in a camp—a fairly rare circumstance, historically—they were kept apart and not allowed to communicate, so they could not lend one another support or plot escape.

The possessions of someone declared da’tsang were normally destroyed, including any jewelry, in the case of a woman. At least, those possessions they had with them. No one would want to use or own something taken from a da’tsang.

The Aiel had no tradition of how to deal with wetlander prisoners taken outside the Waste. The Shaido solved this by considering them as gai’shain, though with the difference that since they did not follow ji’e’toh, there was no need to release them after a year and a day. The other Aiel struggled with this problem.

Aiel methods of putting someone to the question centered around the Aiel view of life and the concepts of ji’e’toh. Shame was more biting than pain. They did use pain, but it was the shaming circumstances of it that were considered the real torture, not the actual amount of pain. Thus, they did not use pincers or hot irons or the like, as Whitecloak Questioners did. Enforced nudity was always a part, along with the useless labor, and beatings for failure to cooperate in your own humiliation. You could have been hung up by your ankles or wrists, switched or strapped; the Aiel could have used nettles or other stinging or burning plants, whole or ground to powder or made into oils and unguents applied to various parts of the body.

The key point was that you were shamed until you could bear the shame no more, and in truth, with Aiel, this worked faster than the Questioners’ methods. Aiel often held out to death against wetlander methods of extracting information. The converse was not true, however. While wetlanders often began thinking that the Aiel methods were tame compared to “real” torture, the combination of pain, very much unrelenting if milder than hot irons, with shame (few wetlanders took enforced public nudity even as well as Aiel) and unceasing labor from waking to sleeping—all of that together usually broke a wetlander faster than it did an Aiel, though often not as fast as the hot irons would have worked.

The Aiel reaction to pain was also quite different from that of the wetlanders. While obviously there were times and places when pain had to be borne stoically, even to a degree that wetlanders would have considered impossible, the Aiel also held that flesh could only take so much. An Aielman under torture would see shame in the public nature of his mistreatment, in the fact of being mistreated against his will, but not in being made to cry out or weep. This was part of the reason why wetlanders who tried considered it impossible to break an Aielman with torture. Where the wetlander strained to fight the pain without relenting and was broken in part by the fact that he could not resist any further, the Aielman took it as a matter of course that he would eventually cry out or scream, and the fact that he did so did nothing to weaken his overall resolve. The fact that wetlanders didn’t know about the importance of shame—wetlanders didn’t go in for torture in ways that were truly, deeply shaming to Aiel; i.e., publicly, or before those the Aielman would not wish to see—aided in the Aiel’s reputation as peculiar folk who could be made to howl, often sooner than a wetlander, but still refused to break.

Aiel War (976–978 NE). When King Laman of Cairhien cut down Avendoraldera, four clans of the Aiel crossed the Spine of the World. They looted and burned the capital city of Cairhien as well as many other cities and towns, and the conflict extended into Andor and Tear. By the conventional view, the Aiel were finally defeated at the Battle of the Shining Walls, before Tar Valon; in fact, Laman was killed in that battle, and having done what they came to do, the Aiel recrossed the Spine. See also Avendoraldera, Cairhien and Spine of the World

Aiel warrior societies. Aiel warriors were all members of one of twelve societies. These were Black Eyes (Seia Doon), Brothers of the Eagle (Far Aldazar Din), Dawn Runners (Rahien Sorei), Knife Hands (Sovin Nai), Maidens of the Spear (Far Dareis Mai), Mountain Dancers (Hama N’dore), Night Spears (Cor Darei), Red Shields (Aethan Dor), Stone Dogs (Shae’en M’taal), Thunder Walkers (Sha’mad Conde), True Bloods (Tain Shari) and Water Seekers (Duadhe Mahdi’in). Each had its own customs, and sometimes specific duties. For example, Red Shields acted as police, and Stone Dogs were often used as rear guards during retreats, while Maidens were often scouts. Aiel clans frequently raided and battled one another, but members of the same society would not fight each other if their clans did so. Thus there were always lines of contact between the clans, even during open warfare. See also Aiel

Aiel Waste. The harsh, rugged and all-but-waterless land between the Spine of the World and Shara. It was called the Three-fold Land by the Aiel. Traditionally, few outsiders entered; the Aiel considered themselves at war with all other peoples and did not welcome strangers. Only peddlers, gleemen and the Tuatha’an were allowed safe entry, although Aiel avoided all contact with the Tuatha’an, whom they called “the Lost Ones.” See also Three-fold Land, the

Aiko. A serving woman in the Aesdaishar Palace in Chachin when Moiraine was searching for the Dragon Reborn. She assisted Moiraine on her arrival.

Aile Dashar. A Sea Folk island group in the Aryth Ocean, northwest of Arad Doman.

Aile Jafar. A Sea Folk island group in the Aryth Ocean, due west of Tarabon. Sailmistress Coine told Nynaeve that this was one of her destinations.

Aile Somera. A Sea Folk island group in the Aryth Ocean, due west of Toman Head. Sailmistress Coine told Nynaeve that this was one of her destinations. It was captured by the Seanchan.

Ailene Tolvina. The stern innkeeper of The Evening Star in Chachin. Moiraine hired two of her bodyguards for escort to a bank.

Ailhuin Guenna, Mother. A Wise Woman in Tear. Nynaeve, Egwene and Elayne stayed with her when they were seeking the Black Ajah; she introduced them to Juilin. When Thom was sick, Mat took him to her.

Ailil Riatin. A Cairhienin noblewoman. She was 5'6" tall, and slim and dignified, with big dark eyes, not young but quite pretty. She was Toram’s younger sister, and it was whispered that she would do anything for Toram, although Verin told Cadsuane that Ailil disliked her brother intensely. Denharad was her Lance-Captain; Rand summoned them to fight in the campaign against the Seanchan, but she failed to convince Rand that her Lance-Captain should take to the field in her place. Ailil and Shalon became pillow friends, a fact that they wanted to hide. After the attack on Rand by the Asha’man, Rand found her with Shalon, tied them up and stuffed them under the bed. Verin learned of Ailil and Shalon’s relationship and told Cadsuane; Cadsuane promised them silence in return for information. Ailil came to support Elayne openly for the Sun Throne.

Ailron Rovere Lukan. The King of Amadicia. He was not as handsome as rumor put him. Despite his grandiose title—Anointed by the Light, King and Defender of Amadicia, Guardian of the Southern Gate—the Children of the Light were the true rulers of Amadicia. He did have an army, and he fretted over the fact that the Whitecloaks had so much power. After the Seanchan invaded Amadicia, Ailron brought them to battle near the town of Jeramel, about a hundred miles east of Amador and a hundred miles west of Abila. The troops were killed or scattered and Ailron and his entire court were killed or captured and made da’covale. Since he had summoned the nobility of Amadicia to his court beforehand, the result was that, effectively, Amadicia had little or no nobility remaining. The battle was known as Ailron’s Disaster.

Ailron’s Disaster. Also known as the Battle of Jeramel, the battle in which the Seanchan defeated the Amadicians and the Children of the Light, leading to Ailron’s death.

Ailys Candwin. An Emond’s Field woman with a neat house.

Aine. The fourth month of the year.

Air. One of the Five Powers. See Five Powers, the

Aisha Raveneos. An Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah with a strength level of 14(2). Born in 698 NE, she went to the White Tower in 714 NE. After spending seven years as a novice and six years as Accepted, she was raised to the shawl in 727 NE. A plain-faced woman who wore lots of jewelry, she adhered to the strictest letter of the law. She was one of the sisters called in by Tamra Ospenya to carry out the secret search for the newborn Dragon Reborn. She and her Warder were killed in Murandy in the spring of 979 NE, reputedly by bandits, but in truth by the Black Ajah.

Aisling Noon. A Tuatha’an Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah and the loyalist contingent, with a strength level of 16(4). Born in 954 NE, she went to the White Tower in 970 NE. After five years as a novice and five years as Accepted, she was raised to the shawl in 980 NE. Aisling was born with the spark and (as was Tuatha’an custom), when it was discovered, the caravan headed to Tar Valon, where she was handed over to the White Tower. She was 5'6" tall and fierce-eyed; she was known to pepper her speech with Borderlander curses. She acted as advisor to King Easar of Shienar, but upon learning of the split in the White Tower, she vanished, leaving no message and no clue as to where she could be found. Eventually Aisling returned to the Tower and became a member of the expedition to the Black Tower, where she was captured and bonded by Arel Malevin. They were at Lord Algarin’s manor when the Trollocs attacked and afterward incinerated Trolloc corpses.

Ajah. Societies among the Aes Sedai, seven in number and designated by colors: Blue, Red, White, Green, Brown, Yellow and Gray. All Aes Sedai except the Amyrlin Seat belonged to one. Each followed a specific philosophy of the use of the One Power and the purposes of the Aes Sedai. The Red Ajah bent its energies to finding men who could channel, and to gentling them. The Brown forsook the mundane world and dedicated itself to seeking knowledge, while the White, largely eschewing both the world and the value of worldly knowledge, devoted itself to questions of philosophy and truth. The Green Ajah (called the Battle Ajah during the Trolloc Wars) held itself ready for Tarmon Gai’don, the Yellow concentrated on the study of Healing, and Blue sisters involved themselves with causes and justice. The Gray were mediators, seeking harmony and consensus. A Black Ajah, dedicated to serving the Dark One, was long officially and vehemently denied. Until five hundred years after the founding of the White Tower, “ajah” was lowercase and meant a temporary association for a specific purpose; after the Trolloc Wars it became capitalized and assumed the above meaning.

Ajala, Dermid. A Tairen blacksmith who gave Perrin a hammer as payment for work done in his smithy. He had graying hair, blue eyes and thick arms and shoulders.

Ajalon Bridge. A bridge in Far Madding connecting the city to the mainland via the Caemlyn Gate.

Ajimbura. A Kaensada Hills tribesman who served Furyk Karede as manservant and scout for nearly twenty years. He was about 5'6" to 5'7" tall, and wiry, with blue eyes and white-streaked dark red hair worn in a thick braid that hung to his waist, to make a good trophy if he ever returned home and fell in one of the feuds between families or tribes. Ajimbura looked like a wizened rat, and his grin could be feral. He played a reed flute and carried a long knife. A hunch of the shoulders passed for a bow among his people, the Yngiot tribe of the Kaensada Hills. After more than three hundred years under the Empire, the Kaensada hill tribes still sometimes removed a man’s hair, and his scalp, for a trophy. Karede had nearly killed him three times before he decided to employ him, and Ajimbura became extremely loyal to Karede, although Karede could never understand why. Ajimbura would eat anything except for lizards, which were forbidden to his tribe for some reason he would never make clear. He speared rats with a long knife in Karede’s quarters at the inn and ate them out of sight. Ajimbura drank from an unwashed silver-mounted cup with a ram’s-horn-patterned silver base; close inspection would reveal that it was made from the top of someone’s skull. Ajimbura rode a lean chestnut with four white feet, which he thought was lucky. Before riding with Karede to meet Thom Merrilin, who Karede thought was leading Mat’s group, he cut off his braid, which in his land would label him a coward; it was a measure of his devotion to Karede. He was eaten alive by rats on the battlefield during the Last Battle, overrun while trying to cull one out for his lunch from a huge swarm of the Dark One’s attacking rodents.

Akarrin Comeris. An Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah and the rebel contingent, with a strength level of 34(22). Born in 801 NE, she went to the White Tower in 816 NE. After eleven years as a novice and ten years as Accepted, she was raised to the shawl in 829 NE. She taught Moiraine and Siuan when they were novice and Accepted, and was known for having quick eyes. She was slender and nodded for emphasis with almost every other word. She could read residues, and was part of the expedition sent by the rebel Aes Sedai to investigate the site of the huge use of the One Power at Shadar Logoth.

Akashi, Lelaine. See Lelaine Akashi

Akein. The name of the Domani razor mare that Mat gave to Tuon; it is an Old Tongue word meaning “swallow.”

Akima, Chin. The owner of a traveling circus who was beheaded by Masema in Samara for disobeying him.

Akir Mandragoran. The last crowned King of Malkier, and father to Lan Mandragoran. He was betrayed by his sister-in-law Breyan and Cowin Fairheart, a Great Lord of Malkier, and his nation was overrun with Trollocs. He and his wife, el’Leanna, had Lan brought to them in his cradle and gave him a sword and a locket and consecrated him as the next King of Malkier. They then sent him with twenty soldiers to Fal Moran. Al’Akir and el’Leanna were killed at Herot’s Crossing, and Malkier was lost.

Akoure Vayet. An Amadician Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah and the loyalist contingent, with a strength level of 24(12). She was 5'4" tall and stout, with brown eyes and dark hair. Akoure was a member of the expedition to take the Black Tower, and was captured and bonded by an Asha’man. She sent a report about it to the Gray Ajah in the Tower.

Akuum, River. A river flowing northwest from the Mountains of Mist and joining the River Dhagon just east of Bandar Eban in Arad Doman.

Al Chalidholara Malkier. Old Tongue for “for my sweet land Malkier.” It was the oath Malkieri soldiers took during their first posting to the Border.

Al Ellisande! An Old Tongue expression: “For the Rose of the Sun!” Ellisande, the last queen of Manetheren, was known as the Rose of the Sun.

al’Akir Mandragoran. See Akir Mandragoran

al’Azar. A Two Rivers family name. See Kevrim and Milla al’Azar

al Ban, Thorin al Toren. A king of Manetheren, the father of Caar and grandfather of Aemon.

al’Caar. A Two Rivers family. See Adan, Jac, Jerilin, Nela, Paet, Tod and Wil al’Caar

Al’cair’rahienallen. The Ogier-built capital city of Almoren, one of the Ten Nations after the Breaking and the site of Cairhien. Its name was Old Tongue for “Hill of the Golden Dawn.” See also Cairhien

Al’Dai. A Two Rivers family. See Bili, Hu, Lem, Willim and Rad al’Dai

al’Donel, Mistress. An Emond’s Field woman who was concerned that the storks had not returned to Emond’s Field. She also appeared in Nynaeve’s test for the shawl.

Al’ghol. A Trolloc tribe whose symbol was the hooked axe.

al’Hune, Jer. A boy in the Two Rivers whom Mat saved from drowning.

al’Lan Mandragoran. See Lan Mandragoran

al’Landerin, Eleyan. An Aes Sedai of ancient times. A statue of her and her Warders was located on the southwestern side of Tar Valon.

al’Lora family. A hardworking family in the Two Rivers. See Had al’Lora

al’Meara, Nynaeve. See Nynaeve al’Meara

al’Moor, Master. A farmer in the Two Rivers; his scythe blade was broken by Perrin early in his blacksmith training.

al’San, Montem. A Two Rivers man in Perrin’s army.

al’Seen family. A Two Rivers family, some of whom fought in Perrin’s army at Malden.

al’Seen, Astelle. A Two Rivers woman. She was the oldest in her family, and poked Perrin with her cane when he visited Jac al’Seen’s farm.

al’Seen. A Two Rivers family. See Ban, Elisa, Jac, Saml, Susa, Wil and Wit al’Seen

al’Taron, Dael. A young Two Rivers man who joined Perrin’s band. He was killed in a Trolloc ambush.

al’Taron, Mistress. A Two Rivers woman who was Dael’s mother.

al’Thone family. A Two Rivers family. See Azi, Dav and Widow al’Thone

al’Thor, Kari. See Kari al’Thor

al’Thor, Rand. See Rand al’Thor

al’Thor, Tam. See Tam al’Thor

al’Thor’s Banner. A red banner bearing the ancient Aes Sedai symbol, so called by Mat’s Band. It was also called the Banner of Light by Taim.

al’Van, Alwyn. The cobbler in Emond’s Field.

al’Vere. An Emond’s Field family. See Alene, Berowyn, Brandelwyn, Elisa, Egwene, Loise and Marin al’Vere

Ala. An Ogier who was the daughter of Soferra and the mother of Damelle, the last of whom wrote about the Ways.

Alaabar Harnesh. A Murandian Lord Captain of the Children of the Light. He was short and bald, and lost an ear fighting Dragonsworn. After hearing Galad’s argument with Asunawa, Harnesh and other Lords Captain executed Asunawa and proclaimed Galad Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light. During the Last Battle, Golever chose him as one of the dozen best men to accompany Galad when Mat sent him to Hawal Ford.

Aladon, Turak. See Turak Aladon

Alaine Chuliandred. A Cairhienin noblewoman, wife of Doressin, who cornered Rand at Barthanes’ party. Her head did not come to Rand’s shoulder, but her array of curls reached his eyes. She was entitled to wear stripes on her dress reaching below her breasts. She later became afraid of Rand, but it didn’t lessen her desire for him. Her House was one of those smaller Houses that met with Colavaere. Because of this, fearing that Rand would move against them for it, she and the rest of her House vigorously courted Caraline Damodred and Toram Riatin, but in what they thought was the strictest secrecy.

Alainia. A plump Amadician silversmith who was taken gai’shain by the Shaido. At Malden she swore to Faile.

Alalved. A chief of the Tomanelle Aiel after the Last Battle, seen in Aviendha’s vision of the future in Rhuidean.

Alamindra Cutren. A member of the Domani Council of Merchants. She went into hiding, but Rhuarc found and held her. Rand ordered her returned to her palace when he left Arad Doman.

Alanna Mosvani. An Arafellin Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah and the rebel contingent, with a strength level of 17(5). Born in 951 NE, she went to the White Tower in 967 NE. After six years as a novice and six years as Accepted, she was raised to the shawl in 979 NE. She had three Warders: Owein, who was killed by the Whitecloaks in the Two Rivers; Ihvon; and Rand al’Thor, whom she bonded against his will. She was 5'4½" tall, and beautiful and slender, with long black hair and penetrating dark eyes. She was proud and fiery, with a mercurial temper and sense of humor; she could flash from one to the other. Alanna went with Siuan to Fal Dara. She assisted in Healing Mat of his connection to the Shadar Logoth dagger; she had some Healing ability, but not great. She went to the Two Rivers with Verin, hunting young women who could be taught to channel, and helped with the defense of the Two Rivers, then with Verin and those young women went to Caemlyn, where they met Rand. Alanna bonded Rand as a Warder, catching him by surprise and not asking his consent. Because this bonding against his will was akin to rape in the Aes Sedai view, she walked very small among those who knew. Most of those treated her fairly roughly, with little respect. In many ways, with many sisters, this negated her standing in the social hierarchy; even the lowest felt free to be rough on her, and because Alanna was Aes Sedai, with all the Aes Sedai beliefs, she found herself hard-pressed to fight back except occasionally. After bonding Rand, she began to work with the Salidar embassy under Merana, but was disapproving of the rebellion despite her strong dislike of Elaida. She followed after Rand when he went to Caemlyn and was forced to swear fealty to him after Dumai’s Wells. She fell unconscious when Rand was bonded by Min, Elayne and Aviendha. Rand sent her off to pick up Rafela, Merana and others in Cairhien and proceed to Haddon Mirk in Tear to try talking the rebels there into an agreement. Upon receiving a letter from Verin, Alanna fled north. She was captured, injured and held at Shayol Ghul; Nynaeve healed her enough that she could release the bond before she was killed by Moridin.

alantin. Old Tongue for “Brother”; short for tia avende alantin, which is “Brother to the Trees” or “Treebrother.”

Alar. The Eldest of the Elders of Stedding Tsofu. She was the mother of Iva and the grandmother of Erith. Alar could tell that Rand was ta’veren, which meant he was strong, since such Talents ran weakly in Ogier if at all.

Alarch. Son of Aviendha and Rand, seen in Aviendha’s view of the future in Rhuidean. He had dark hair and was able to channel from a very young age.

Alarys. A Wise One of the Shaido Aiel (but not Jumai) with the ability to channel. She was about 5'8" tall with black hair, which was rare among the Aiel. She often ran her fingers through it, apparently absentmindedly, but it was her way to remind people that she had black hair instead of common yellow or red. She was one of Sevanna’s inner circle of plotters. In Sevanna’s opinion, she usually tried to ignore what she did not want to see. She took part in or at least was present at the murder of Desaine. Alarys was one of those who accompanied Sevanna to the Aes Sedai camp the day she saw Rand beaten. Alarys was at the meeting with “Caddar” and “Maisia” and was with Sevanna at Dumai’s Wells. She helped question the Seanchan prisoner in Amadicia, while the Jumai were settled at a captured estate approximately ten days after their arrival. Alarys sided with Therava when Therava took some power from Sevanna.

Alcair Dal. In Old Tongue, Al’Cair Dal, the Golden Bowl. It was a round canyon in the Aiel Waste, three to four days from Cold Rocks Hold, that was the meeting place of Aiel clan chiefs.

Alcruna. A flyspeck village straddling a river in eastern Tarabon, near the northern border with the Almoth Plain. Pedron Niall sent some Children of the Light to Alcruna. It was pacified by Questioners, meaning that the people of the village were probably all killed by them.

Aldael Mountains. A mountain range in Seanchan.

Aldan, Captain. The officer in charge of recruitment for Bryne’s army.

Aldazar. Furyk Karede’s horse, a bay. The name was Old Tongue for “eagle.”

Aldecain Damodred. Laman’s brother and Moiraine’s uncle. He was cruel and vicious and held Moiraine’s father in contempt. He was killed at the end of the Aiel War, along with his brother Laman.

Aldeshar. A nation that rose after the Trolloc Wars and was taken by Artur Hawkwing.

Aldiaya. A noble House of Tear that included Nalesean.

Aldieb. Moiraine’s mare that she rode when she went to the Two Rivers. The name was Old Tongue for “West Wind,” the wind that brings the spring rains.

Aldin. An Amadician bookkeeper who was taken gai’shain by the Shaido. Aldin was tall and square-shouldered, which made him look more like a soldier than a bookkeeper. At Malden he swore to Faile and became enamored of Arrela, who had no interest in him. He gave up on her, and started pursuing Aravine.

Aldin Miheres. A mercenary commander working for Arymilla. He attacked Caemlyn and was killed by Birgitte with an arrow through the neck.

Aldorwin, Lacile. See Lacile Aldorwin

Aldragoran, Alida. The wife of Weilin Aldragoran; he thought that she would have loved to meet Nynaeve. See also Weilin Aldragoran

Aldred Gomaisen. A Cairhienin mercenary captain who took service with Elayne. He shaved and powdered the front of his head and wore stripes of color halfway down his chest though Elayne doubted he was entitled to do so. He turned traitor and took money from Arymilla to seize the Far Madding Gate and let her into the city. The attempt to gain control of the Far Madding Gate failed, and Elayne signed his death warrant, leading to his execution.

Aldrin Caldevwin. A captain in the Cairhienin army in charge of excavating the male Choedan Kal statue. Rand met him in Tremonsien, at The Nine Rings. He was a very minor noble with a single slash of red and one of yellow across his chest. The front of his head was shaved, though his black hair hung long in the back. His con had a single white star on a blue background. He was very suspicious of Rand and tried to trick him with a question about Gareth Bryne. He was loyal to Cairhien and adaptable. Once he learned that Rand was the Dragon Reborn, Caldevwin saw him as a necessary evil, both in his saving of Cairhien from the Shaido and for saving the world. He was surprised to learn that the Dragon Reborn was the same young man he had encountered in Tremonsien.

Aldwyn, Sybaine. See Sybaine Aldwyn

Aledrin Malenry. A Taraboner Aes Sedai of the White Ajah and the rebel contingent, with a strength level of 24(12). Born with the spark in 950 NE, she went to the White Tower in 964 NE. After nine years as a novice and six years as Accepted, she was raised to the shawl in 979 NE. Aledrin had no Warder. She was stout and despite her dark golden hair and chocolate-brown eyes, she didn’t look all that pretty until she smiled, but then she looked quite beautiful. She stood between 5'4" and 5'5" tall, and sometimes wore her shoulder-length hair caught in a lacy white net. As Accepted, she was considered rather excitable. She was considered to have a prototypical White logic, but also a degree of practicality and worldliness that was for the most part foreign to Whites. These qualities might have weighed against her choice as a Sitter at any other time, but under the conditions in Salidar, they were considered useful. Despite her youth, she was elected Sitter in 999 NE. As the youngest after Kwamesa, she had certain responsibilities in the Hall, such as enjoining those reporting to the Hall. She was part of a group of rebel Aes Sedai that went to the Black Tower to bond Asha’man Warders in keeping with Rand’s offer to let them bond forty-seven.

Aleis Barsalla. The stately First Counsel of Far Madding. She was 5'7" tall, with long black hair heavily winged with white, and an unlined face. Compassion and wisdom filled her large dark eyes, and it was command that she radiated, not simple authority. She had a mellifluous voice that was deep for a woman. Cadsuane had corrected a bad habit of Aleis’ around the time of the Aiel War. After Nynaeve channeled in Far Madding and Rand was imprisoned, Cadsuane persuaded Aleis to let him go. Aleis was deposed shortly after that.

Aleis Romlin. An Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah who served as Amyrlin from 890 to 922 NE. Aleis was chosen after Cadsuane Melaidhrin fled the Tower rather than be chosen. Aleis was a weak Amyrlin. It was not that she did not have a strong personality; she just did not know her way in the politics of the Tower, a fact that may well have played its part in her selection. The secret records say that the Sitters realized their close call after Cadsuane fled—they had nearly lumbered themselves with another Sereille—and so went to the other extreme, choosing a woman who had no interest in running the White Tower and no ability in administration or consensus making. Aleis herself wanted only to be out in the world; the secret records say that she was watched closely and several times stopped from leaving Tar Valon—in effect, from sneaking out—and that, coupled with her knowledge that she was entirely unsuited for the position, forced her to cooperate, if somewhat sullenly, with being a puppet of the Hall and mouthing the words given her by the Hall.

Alene al’Vere. Egwene’s second-eldest sister. She was born in 969 NE and allowed to braid her hair at sixteen, for she was considered very levelheaded. She was a bookworm, always reading about far-off lands. She never married, as some people suspected she might not. Alene accepted suitors, but she felt none were satisfactory for a husband. Some thought she’d run off to see the world. She wanted to be tested by Verin and Alanna, who refused because of her age, and put up enough of a fuss that Marin had to take a firm hand with her. It would possibly turn out that she could learn to channel, with a fair potential.

Alentaine, Teire. See Teire Alentaine

Aleria Elffin. An author of humorous tales.

Aleshin Talvaen. The leader of the Ghealdanin contingent at the Battle of the Shining Walls, and a Lord of the High Crown Council in Ghealdan. He was flogged by Masema for having expressed contempt for the word of the Lord Dragon.

Alesinde. The daughter of Ishara, and her successor to the throne of Andor. She reigned from FY 1020 to 1035.

Alesune Chulin. A woman who served as shatayan to King Easar of Shienar. She was the head housekeeper responsible for directing the servants in the operation of the estate, but she had further duties similar to a minister of state. Alesune was about 5'5" tall, and slim, pretty and fiery. She had determined eyes and thin white streaks in her long black hair. Alesune seemed born to her silks. Taking her at first glance could be a mistake; she was very sharp-witted, and anyone who thought her title as shatayan of the royal household meant her influence was restricted to ordering the maids and cooks and victualers was making a grave mistake.

Aleth nin Taerin alta Camora. The Breaking of the World, by an unknown author, cited in the epigraph at the beginning of The Eye of the World.

Aleth-Loriel. A place whose fall was a result of Mordeth’s evil in Aridhol. It was the subject of a song in a gleeman’s tale, “The Fall of Aleth-Loriel.”

Alfara, Mistress. The innkeeper at The Bellon Ford Inn in Amadicia, where Elayne and Nynaeve stayed as Lady Morelin and Nana. She made Nynaeve take care of Elayne’s needs instead of having her staff do it.

algai’d’siswai. Old Tongue for “the spear fighters” or “fighters of the spear.” The name was given to those Aiel who carried the spear and regularly took part in battle, as opposed to those who followed crafts.

Algarin Pendaloan. A Tairen Lesser Lord of the Land, whose channeling brother Emarin was captured by Cadsuane. Rand and his group stayed at Algarin’s manor house. He went to the Black Tower to be tested, and there took the name Emarin. Taim attempted to Turn him, but he resisted and went on to fight in the Last Battle.

algode. A plant fiber used by the Aiel.

Algoran. A noble House of Amadicia; Lady Marande was the sister of its High Seat.

Alguenya, River. A river situated east of Tar Valon flowing south to meet the River Gaelin just above Cairhien, then joining the River Erinin at Aringill.

Algwyn. The last man to sit on the Crystal Throne of Seanchan; he ruled over a thousand years before the Seanchan returned to the lands east of the Aryth Ocean. He was considered insane by some because he let his Soe’feia live and continue in her post after she slapped his face before the entire court.

Alhandrin Torelvin. A nobleman of a minor Cairhienin House and an officer in the Band of the Red Hand. He commanded the Third Banner of Horse.

Alhanra. A scout in the Children of the Light. Alhanra found Gawyn, badly injured, in the Last Battle, and led Galad to him.

Alharra, Furen. See Furen Alharra

Aliane Senican. An Aes Sedai of the White Ajah who served as Amyrlin from 332 to 355 NE. Aliane began as a strong Amyrlin, but her notions of running things according to logic—and her rages when others failed to see her logic—led by 339 NE to her becoming not so much a puppet of the Hall as ignored by them except when she had to be trotted out for ceremonies.

Alianelle Spring. A source of water and an oasis four days’ ride from Dumai’s Wells, between Cairhien and Tar Valon.

Alida Aldragoran. The wife of Weilin; he thought that she would have loved to meet Nynaeve.

Alievin, Doniella. See Doniella Alievin

Alight in the Snow. A book read by Graendal.

Aligning the Matrix. A Talent described by Moghedien as a way to make metals stronger.

Alijha. A young Jenn Aiel man who accompanied Lewin to rescue their sisters from bandits. They killed the bandits, and were disowned by their families.

Alin. A cavalry leader in Ituralde’s army at Maradon.

Alin Seroku. A Kandori officer who commanded Lord Varan’s guards at Canluum. Seroku had soldiered forty years along the Blight. Lan and Bukama met him while he was guarding the gate of Canluum; he warned them to keep the peace. He was bluff and graying with a white-scarred face.

Alind Dyfelle. A legendary Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah. Merana thought her impressive, and felt that when Kiruna and Bera first saw Cadsuane, it must have struck them the same way seeing Alind would strike her.

Alindaer. A large bridge village just southwest of Tar Valon on the bank of the Alindrelle Erinin, on the road to Caemlyn. Alindaer was practically a town, with brick houses of two or even three stories roofed in blue tiles, and its own inns and shops and markets. It was burned at least three times during the Trolloc Wars, once during the War of the Second Dragon and twice during Hawkwing’s siege of Tar Valon. Moiraine and Siuan gathered information there on women who had given birth near Dragonmount during the Aiel War.

Alindaer Gate. The most southerly bridge gate to the west out of Tar Valon; it led to the town of the same name.

Alindrelle Erinin. The southwestern split of the River Erinin that bifurcated at Tar Valon.

Alindrelle Gates. The southernmost gates of the White Tower.

Alis. A plump maid in the Tarasin Palace in Ebou Dar who Olver thought was sweet; she helped him move into his rooms.

Alise Tenjile. A Taraboner Kinswoman. Her strength level was 46(34), just below the minimum at which a woman would be allowed to test for Aes Sedai, and not strong enough for her to make a gateway of any size whatsoever. She was born in 819 NE, went to the White Tower in 835 NE. She was a novice for two and a half years. Parenia Demalle was Amyrlin at the time, and Sereille Bagand was Mistress of Novices. When met by Elayne and Nynaeve, she was a pleasant-appearing woman apparently in her middle years. There were light touches of gray in her dark brown hair. She was about 5'5" tall and of medium build, and carried herself with a straight back. Her face was unremarkable, mild usually, with a jaw that was perhaps a little long. Her smile could be warm and comforting or quite stern. People tended to do what she said without her raising her voice—even those who didn’t know her. Alise ran the farm outside Ebou Dar until forced by the Seanchan to flee. Alise was not the oldest at the farm, but running it was her job, and that put her in charge of women who were older than she. She did not suffer fools gladly, and though she was not so acerbic about it as Nynaeve, she simply did not put up with foolishness, or with bending the rules, much less breaking them. The rules were what had kept the Kin safe all those years. For instance, when a noblewoman balked at being herded inside after the arrival of Nynaeve and her group, Nynaeve shouted at her, but Alise simply grabbed her by the scruff of the neck, hustled her inside despite voluble protests and did something in there to make her squawk like a huge goose that had been stepped on. Reanne considered Alise very intelligent, and also formidable, and she was indeed both. Alise felt that a chance to go back to the Tower was all very well for women like Reanne, who had some chance to become Aes Sedai, but she wondered about why she and the rest should. Alise was not so accepting of the Aes Sedai as the Knitting Circle and most other Kinswomen, in large part because she considered the offer of return mere trumpery in her case. In many ways, she behaved toward them exactly as she behaved toward any other woman—which is to say, she was rather dominant if not exactly dominating—and she rarely if ever allowed any degree of challenge or bitterness to show in it. While she didn’t know how she could manage it, she quickly began coming around to the notion of somehow keeping the Kin going for women such as herself, who simply could not become Aes Sedai. When Elayne approached her with a plan to do just that, she readily agreed. Alise stayed with Elayne and the Kin when they went to Caemlyn, and presumably took part in the Last Battle.

Alivia. A damane from Seanchan who was captured by Rand’s army. Though she looked in her forties, she had been damane for four hundred years, and was very strong in the Power: her strength level was 1(+12), the top level for women. Alivia had been collared at thirteen or fourteen. She had hawk-like blue eyes with fine lines at the corners, and golden yellow hair with a few threads of white. She was a handsome woman rather than beautiful, with a husky, throaty voice that men found appealing. She was 5'5" tall, of medium build and filled with intensity; she practically bristled with it. Many people found her intimidating, but Sharina had her measure, and became her friend. She was sent to Elayne in Caemlyn, and her collar was removed. She became very loyal to Rand, whom she considered as having given her her freedom. She appointed herself Rand’s protector, told him about the Seanchan and how their military operated, and had a short way with those she considered Rand’s enemies. Once she had come around to embracing her freedom, Alivia said that she wanted to kill all the sul’dam. Slowly. She insisted on going with Nynaeve and Lan when they accompanied Rand. She had no particular interest in being Aes Sedai, and would be surprised to learn that she had no choice, under the agreement that would be made between the Aes Sedai and the Kin. She was just about completely ignorant of men, and sexual matters. Min had a viewing showing that Alivia would help Rand die, and Min disliked her because of it. Alivia gathered supplies for Rand’s final escape after the Last Battle, thus fulfilling Min’s viewing.

Alix. A Warder who lost his Aes Sedai in the Last Battle and joined Galad to fight on and avenge her.

Alkaese, Zarya. See Zarya Alkaese

Alkindar. A tiny walled town on the west bank of the River Eldar in Altara. Alkindar was made up of tile-roofed stone buildings with half a dozen stone docks. A ferry ran from here to Coramen on the other side of the Eldar; it was an important crossing. The Seanchan had a camp outside the town. Luca’s show took the ferry across the river from Alkindar to Coramen.

Alkohima, Tamore. A Domani seamstress in Tar Valon from whom Moiraine and Siuan ordered dresses.

All Summers. A prosperous neighborhood in the city of Tear which was stricken by a bubble of evil.

Alliandre Maritha Kigarin. The Queen of Ghealdan, Blessed of the Light, Defender of Garen’s Wall and a dozen more titles. Her sign was the Wolfhound, a running dog with a crested ridge of black hair down its back. On her banner, the dog was dark golden except for the ridge of hair, on a red field. She was born in 972 NE. About 5'4" tall, she had dark hair almost to her waist. She was quite lovely despite a nose perhaps too long for beauty. She had an aloof air and bore herself with stately reserve and grace. Alliandre was somewhat under the Crown High Council’s collective thumb, especially the highest-ranking noble. They removed her predecessors in one way or another, and put her on the throne. They stood aside for some time because she seemed to have handled the Prophet well, or at least kept his depredations to a minimum. She learned of the fall of Amador, the Seanchan’s taking of Ebou Dar, and that Rand conquered Illian, all by spreading rumors and by reports from merchants, who learned by pigeon. Consequently, she swore allegiance to Perrin. She was captured by the Shaido and later freed by Perrin. Alliandre rode with her forces in the Last Battle.

Allin. A dark-haired Andorman, with a half-beard shaved at the sides, who served under Uno in the Last Battle.

Allorallen. An Ogier-built city in Jaramide, one of the Ten Nations after the Breaking. Bandar Eban later occupied the same site.

Allwine, Rulan. See Rulan Allwine

Almadar. A noble House of Arad Doman including King Alsalam and Ramsid.

Alman, Dumera. An Aes Sedai who lived at the time of the formation of the White Tower.

Almandaragal. High Lady Suroth’s lopar.

Almen Bunt. An old Andoran farmer. He had a well-wrinkled, leathery face, half his teeth were missing, and his hands were gnarled, but his old man’s voice was strong, as was his body. Bunt met Rand and Mat outside The Goose and Crown and gave them a ride to Caemlyn. He traveled at night to avoid the merchants’ dust. He went to Caemlyn, which he thought was the grandest city there was, to see Logain, but stayed to support Morgase. When Morgase was under Rahvin’s influence, Bunt got into trouble for being a good Queen’s man, and left Caemlyn and went to his sister’s farm to help with her orchards after her husband died. He saw Rand when Rand came down from Dragonmount. Bunt went with other farmers to Merrilor and joined in the Last Battle.

Almindhra. The First Counselor of Tova, a nation that arose after the Trolloc Wars, located at the same site as Cairhien. Almindhra was one of three who sent armies into Shandalle against Artur Hawkwing in FY 943.

Almizar. A prosperous town in Amadicia, a hundred miles southwest of Amador. It was set in farm country with stone-walled pastures and thatch-roofed stone houses. Six tall watchtowers sat on its perimeter, but the town had no wall. The streets were paved with granite blocks, and lined with solid buildings of brick or stone, some gray, some black, many three or four stories high and most roofed in dark slate, the rest in thatch. Perrin and Tylee negotiated the acquisition of all the forkroot being cultivated here by the Seanchan. This was also where a Seanchan clerk died, filled with beetles; and where Perrin was almost assassinated by arrows.

Almoren. One of the Ten Nations. Its capital was Al’cair’rahienallen, later known as Cairhien; another city was Jennshain. Its king was Coerid Nosar at the signing of the Compact.

Almoren, Queen of. Her Right Hand, Jurith Dorine, wrote Commentaries on the Prophecies of the Dragon. Her rule included the year 742 AB in the Third Age.

Almoth. A nation that rose from the War of the Hundred Years. Its banner was blue for the sky above, black for the earth below, with the spreading Tree of Life to join them.

Almoth Plain. The former site of the nation of Almoth, lying between Tarabon and Arad Doman along the Aryth Ocean. Those two countries fought over it for over four hundred years.

Alms, Fellowship of. The beggars’ guild in Ebou Dar.

Almurat Mor. A Seanchan Seeker for Truth, about 5'10" tall, with yellow hair and blue eyes. He was in his middle years and good-looking, if too slender for Egeanin’s taste. As a Seeker, he had tattoos of a raven, a sign that he was property of the Imperial family, as were most Seekers for Truth and all of the Deathwatch Guards, and a tower, a sign that he was a Seeker, on each shoulder. His position was identified by a small, flat gold-bordered ivory plaque that he carried, engraved with a raven, the sign of the Imperial House, and behind it the Tower of Ravens, a symbol of Imperial justice. He was supposedly checking up on efforts to find and eliminate renegade sul’dam. He was suspicious of Egeanin. He thought that Tuon had been kidnapped in a White Tower operation led by Thom Merrilin. Mor believed in a complicated plot between Suroth and the White Tower involving Egeanin, among others. The disappearance of Egeanin, Bethamin and two other sul’dam, along with two damane who were Aes Sedai, confirmed this in his mind, but he felt that moving too openly might endanger Tuon. Mor also believed there had been some corruption of the levels of Seekers above him. He shared his beliefs with Karede, who bought into the notion provisionally.

Alnora. A Jenn Aiel woman who lived during the Breaking. Her husband was Jonai, and she was mother to Adan and Willim.

Aloisia Nemosni. The oldest member of the Kin. She was nearly six hundred years old and her strength level was at least 17(5) or 18(6). She was working as an oil merchant in Tear when Elayne and Nynaeve learned of the Kin. Elayne wondered if she would fall over dead if made to take the Three Oaths.

Alpert Mull. An Andoran farmer living between Four Kings and Market Sheran. He was a stolid man with a square face and square hands, both worn and grooved from hard work and worry. He wanted someone to talk to, and gave Rand and Mat a ride as well as scarves.

Alqam. A city or region in Seanchan that had pale-eyed inhabitants. While battling Rand’s army, Miraj thought about the named, honored regiments from different parts of Seanchan that were represented among his troops, including Alqam.

Alraed, Desandre. See Desandre Alraed

Alric. Siuan’s Warder. He was killed the day she was deposed.

Alrom. An ancient scholar who wrote of Mesaana’s schools in the War of Power.

Alruddin, Katerine. See Katerine Alruddin

Alsahhan, Sorelana. A scholar in the time of the Trolloc Wars who wrote about Darkhounds.

Alsalam Saeed Almadar. The King of Arad Doman, Lord of Almadar, High Seat of House Almadar. He was elected by the Council of Merchants, which could remove him with a three-quarter vote. His whereabouts became something of a mystery; he was kidnapped by Elaida, and the Shadow used his absence to its favor. Alsalam seemed to issue a stream of contradictory orders to Ituralde and others, but they in fact came from Graendal. He was found by Rand and rejoined Rodel Ituralde, but was killed in the Last Battle.

Alsbet Luhhan. The wife of Haral Luhhan, the blacksmith of Emond’s Field. She was born in 955 NE. Alsbet was a big woman—not as large as her husband, but still as big as most men and almost as strong as her husband, and her temper was worse than his. It was a toss-up whether Alsbet or Daise Congar was the strongest woman in the Two Rivers. She had a round face and a gray braid. She and Haral had no children, but when Haral took on Perrin as an apprentice, he lived with them. Alsbet and Haral were arrested by Whitecloaks. At first it was only Haral the Whitecloaks wanted, but Alsbet made such a fuss, assaulting several Whitecloaks with a blunt instrument, that she was arrested as well. Perrin gathered a group of friends and freed them. She helped organize the defense of Emond’s Field.

Alsera. A Wise One of the Salt Flat sept of the Nakai Aiel. She served as Bruan’s Wise One at Shiagi Hold. Although she was not a dreamwalker, the dreamwalkers spoke to her in the dream.

Alshinn, Ellaine Marise’idin. The translator of The Karaethon Cycle: The Prophecies of the Dragon.

Alstaing, Mistress. A Taraboner lacquerware merchant who played Piri in The White Ring in Maderin, the “hell” to which Mat and Thom brought Tuon and Selucia. Mat diced with the woman and the other gamblers with her, to his own benefit.

Altalin, Lady. A noblewoman of Amadicia who served as a lady-in-waiting to Morgase under the command of Pedron Niall. She had a plump face and made a bad pun about Galad. After Ailron’s Disaster, she became a da’covale, likely in some menial capacity such as a chambermaid or kitchen helper.

Altara. A nation in the south. Little unified it except the name. The people of Altara thought of themselves as inhabitants of a town or village, or as this lord’s or that lady’s people, first, and only second if at all as Altaran. Few nobles paid taxes to the crown or offered more than lip service, if that. Its capital, Ebou Dar, rose on the ground that was once a city called Barashta, in the nation of Eharon, before and during the Trolloc Wars, though the major part of that city lay on land where the Rahad later stood. Altara’s sigil was two golden leopards, one above the other: it was referred to as the Golden Leopards or simply the Leopards. Its banner was the Golden Leopards on a field checked four-by-four in red and blue; red was next to the staff on the topmost row.

The Trolloc Wars did not truly envelop Eharon until late, but not a stone remained in the present that could be linked to Barashta, the city having been destroyed by Trollocs. Altara was founded circa FY 1112 by Lord Maddin Todande, who claimed to be a descendant of the last Queen of Shiota and may actually have been so. Numerous earlier attempts to reestablish Shiota had failed, though one, early in the War of the Hundred Years, lasted for fifty years and three rulers. Maddin saw that the old nations were finished and made his claim to a new nation. His success was no doubt aided by the end of the war only five years after he was crowned. King Maddin and his first three successors were strong and respected rulers over a strong and increasingly wealthy land—at least, increasingly wealthy once the war finally ended. Approximately one hundred years after the war, however, Anarina Todande ascended to the throne, a capricious ruler at best and incompetent at worst. During her reign, Altara sank into the near anarchy which prevailed until the arrival of the Seanchan. In the space of twenty years, Anarina drained the national treasury and impoverished House Todande; she was deposed and murdered, and her House never recovered. No House after Todande held the throne of Altara for more than two generations until Beslan, the son of Tylin, became king, although he ruled only with the permission of the Seanchan.

The Seanchan occupation of the city was not easy at first, but it was relatively benevolent. The Seanchan, in effect, simply overlaid their system on top of the one that was already there. Seanchan soldiers were as subject to law as the people in the conquered territory. There was little interference with local custom; duels were not outlawed, but the Seanchan required that they be witnessed, and combatants were required to pay a fee. Street crime was cleared up, and corrupt magistrates were replaced; looting became minimal, though taxes had been imposed, and there were fines. Some holdings of corrupt officials and nobles involved with them were confiscated, and the owners themselves made property. Tylin, and then Beslan, reached an accommodation. The crown was retained and recognized by the Seanchan, with a pledge to uphold the Empress; in return, looting was stopped, and the present laws were left in effect, though Seanchan law held as well. Part of the taxes went to the crown, more than had been collected before, and the Seanchan recognized the crown as ruler over all of Altara, with nobles who refused acknowledgment and fealty (and by implication the Empress) held to be in rebellion and subject to confiscation and enslavement. This deal left the crown better off than before, with a chance to unify Altara.

Given the political situation in Altara, one could not say that there was any sort of national army. When an army was raised, it consisted of the levies of various nobles, who usually squabbled over the command and were known to take their soldiers away from the army because of such quarrels even in dire circumstances. Altara never had a standing force such as the Queen’s Guards in Andor or the Defenders of the Stone in Tear. Any ruler who attempted to form such a group would have been pulled down immediately by the nobles, jealous of their own power.

Altara had even more regional differences in custom than most other lands. For example, the marriage knife was an Ebou Dari custom, not found more than fifty to a hundred miles from the city; dueling customs, on the other hand, were much more widespread. The marriage knife was one that Ebou Dari women wore on a necklace, hanging hilt-down; it was part of the marriage proposal and marriage ceremony, and was given to the woman with the words “To kill me if my heart proves untrue.” It was sometimes used for just that. A woman in Ebou Dar who killed her husband was presumed to have had justification unless proven otherwise. This extended to other women who killed men, to a large extent. The knife was fairly small, but its four-inch blade could reach vital organs. The necklace alone was worn as a sign that a woman was betrothed. There was a system of colored stones on the hilt of the knife marking sons and daughters, living and dead: a white stone for each son and a red stone for each daughter. A red border around a son’s stone or a red setting indicated that he died from a duel; a white border or white setting did the same for a daughter. A black setting showed that the child died from another cause. Women saw a red or white setting as a source of pride, whether the stones were pearls and firedrops or colored glass. Many Ebou Dari women removed the stones of their children past sixteen who refused a duel, and never acknowledged them again. A widow used a white sheath on her marriage knife to signify that she had no intention of marrying again, a blue sheath meant a widow who was looking, or at least available, a green sheath indicated a married woman with a husband living, and a red sheath indicated a married woman who had forbidden her husband the house. Red and blue together meant divorced and willing to try again.

Ebou Dar was in many ways very matriarchal. In the vicinity of the city, it was women who asked men to marry; for a man to ask was considered incredibly pushy and overbold. Farther out in Altara, either men or women could ask, though in the north, close to Andor, the custom was for men to do the asking. In Altara, it was not at all uncommon for a woman to make arrangements as to who her husband would marry if she died. This custom was more common in the south than in the north, but it was done fairly far north by some.

Altarans as a whole were touchy about their honor. The region around Ebou Dar was where folk were the touchiest. While no more took part in dueling than anywhere else in Altara, both men and women around the city (especially commoners) had a custom of knife, and occasionally whip, duels, surrounded by elaborate custom, and while men rarely challenged women, women could and did challenge men. Elaborate rules and customs governed duels. Lower classes were prohibited from dueling with swords or on horseback. Duels among upper-class men were much more likely to involve swords, but they, too, often used daggers. Duels could be to the death, but most were to first blood. The victor in a mortal duel was required to pay a condolence call on the widow or widower if there was one. These visits could be sticky for a number of reasons, ranging from the bereaved’s desire for revenge to a desire to be consoled in the age-old fashion. It was accepted as gospel that noblewomen did not fight duels, but it was widely known that they did; one was simply not supposed to acknowledge the fact. Women had their own customs and rituals for duels, and shrouded them in deepest secrecy.

Around Ebou Dar, certain crafts, trades and property rights belonged to men and certain others to women. Others were open. For example, wine and ale (though ale and beer were not popular among the locals) could be made and sold by either sex. And while only men could own ships, either sex could act as a broker for the cargoes. Women could own land, keep inns, weave cloth, sell fish or fowl to the public and butcher anything smaller than cows. Men could own or build ships or boats, keep alehouses and taverns that had no rooms to let, fish, weave rugs and butcher cows.

In and around Ebou Dar, death, daggers and the sea were considered female. Ships, swords and trade were considered male.

Altara produced fine lacquerwork and was famed for its lace. It also produced carpets and tapestries, although these were not considered of the best. There were many olive orchards in Altara, providing oil for lamps and cooking. They harvested salt from salt wells. From the waters around Altara came pearls, mother-of-pearl and fish. Shipping and shipbuilding were big business in Ebou Dar, which was a major port, serving a considerable portion of what lay inland. They had a major portion of the trade coming out of Amadicia and Ghealdan, for example, and a good deal from Tarabon as well.

Altara Causeway. A wide, packed dirt road leading from Illian to roads reaching Altara and Murandy. It lay on the other side of the River Manetherendrelle and was reached by ferry.

Altaran Marches. The place where Dyelin’s father died in a skirmish.

Altaran Noon. An expression referring to the pressure applied by Altarans that made the nation too hot to hold an occupying force of Whitecloaks.

Alteima. A High Lady of Tear who was the wife of Tedosian. She was tall and slender with large brown eyes and long black hair hanging halfway to her waist. She was High Lord Carleon’s lover as well as High Lord Tedosian’s wife, and when Tedosian arranged Carleon’s death, she poisoned Tedosian. Tedosian was given into Estanda’s care, however, and recovered. Alteima was given the task of seeing to the transfer of relief supplies to Cairhien by Rand, but she fled instead, knowing that not only would Tedosian try for revenge, but Estanda also hated her and would take any chance to bring her down. She fled to Andor, and became enthralled by Rahvin. She was one of seven women he kept as pets in addition to Morgase. She was in the Royal Palace when Rand took over and she fled, as did Rahvin’s other pets. The death of Rahvin caused the effects of Compulsion to fade; she had the memory of things that happened, but no understanding of why. She was deathly afraid of returning to Tear and her estates, so she became a refugee and found work as a lady’s maid.

Althyn Conly. A Two Rivers novice with the rebel Aes Sedai. She tried to convert two cups to cuendillar at the same time as Bode Cauthon and wound up with an unusable lump.

Aludra Nendenhald. An Illuminator and onetime Mistress of the chapter house in Cairhien. She was born in 959 NE. A pretty woman, slender and about 5'5" tall, she had large dark eyes and a small full mouth that seemed on the point of a pout, or a kiss. She usually wore her dark hair in a multitude of slim braids that went halfway down her back, but later, in Amadicia, she wore it loose because of feelings there about Taraboners. Her Taraboner accent was thick, and, by nature, she kept to herself. She lost her position at the Cairhien chapter house after events which led to riots, the burning of the granaries, the death of the King and civil war. One of the events was the burning of the chapter house when Rand and Loial sought refuge there from Trollocs and accidentally set off a display intended for Galldrian. Aludra fled, pursued by Tammuz and other men from the guild, and in a barn in Aringill was rescued from them by Mat, who was accompanied by Thom. As a reward, she gave Mat some fireworks, which he eventually used to blow an arrowslit in the Stone of Tear wide enough for him to enter. She was an experimenter, and one thing she worked on which she thought would make her fortune was what she sometimes called “strikers” and sometimes “firesticks,” which were kept in holes drilled into a block of wood to keep them from rubbing against one another, which sometimes made them ignite. She joined Valan Luca’s traveling show, where she encountered Thom once again, though she refused to acknowledge him. She also met Elayne and Nynaeve, though she knew them only by their traveling personae, as well as Juilin and Birgitte. With the circus, she was in Ebou Dar when the Seanchan invested the city. The Seanchan were not interested in fireworks, though—something that irritated Aludra no end—since the Sky Lights produced by trained damane were much more spectacular. She met Mat again there, and traveled with him when he left Luca’s show. They developed the idea of “dragons” which fired shells that Aludra called dragons’ eggs. The dragons were transported on wagons called dragon carts. They were used to great effect in the Last Battle.