Prologue: Sparks Falling

- Hey! How dare you push me out like that! Another five minutes and I could've....

- Uno: Another flaming five minutes and Masema would've seized you! He had a High Lord flogged - FLOGGED! for half the flaming heat in his voice that you had! He calls it 'Bloody contempt for the words of the Lord Dragon!' And when a man questioned if the Lord Dragon has heard about what Masema does, he flaming had him beheaded!

- What! He beheads men for questioning him???? Why do you put up with it?

- Ragan: Did you miss by chance the people around him? They've been following him from the start, and when he so much as SUGGESTS something they jump to do it! There are ten hands, a HUNDRED, to do immediately something if he so much as blinks! And both you and us could've ended on a stake - he plays no favorites!

- Uno: You don't know how bloody lucky you are. After the way you talked to him, the only worse think would've to mention the bloody name of the Lord Dragon! It's blasphemy for him!

- Nynaeve: I don't understand, where is the authority in this country? Where's the king, or queen? Are there no soldiers to enforce the laws? He as well as stole the jewelry of that woman!

- Uno, gratingly: That was Aliandre Maritha Kigarin, the bloody Queen of bloody Ghealdan!

- Whaaaaat! She was groveling before him! No wonder he dares so much when the fool queen listens to him!

- Uno: Fool? She's the exact opposite, she's flaming wise to wear jewels he could pin his flaming attention on, instead of more important matters. Let me tell you what happened here since we came half an year ago: Johanin wore the bloody crown at the time Masema started first to attract crowds. He thought him harmless and concerned himself with more important matters. Then the bloody crowds started growing, and the nobles took notice and told him to act. And suddenly, he dies of a hunting accident....

- Ragan: Yes, hunting accident! You bloody southlanders and your bloody Game of Houses! So, Elizelle succeeded him. She had the army disperse the crowds, until one day there was a pitched battle and it was the army dispersed this time.

- Uno: Bloody poor excuse for soldiers! Bested by farmers with pitchforks!!!!!

- Ragan: They say Elizelle took poison shortly after that, and was succeeded by Teresia, who lasted a full ten days, until she had the chance to send two thousand bloody soldiers against a crowd ten thousand strong, after which she was ...abdicated, and married off to a rich merchant. I hear he was woken in the middle of the night by Aliandre's retainers and dragged to the Palace to get married - he was as surprised as Teresia. And so we ended up with Aliandre on the throne, in a country where half the people have stopped working for one reason or another, and a tenth of them followed Masema. She called him on the next morning to tell him he won't be troubled again by the authorities.

- Uno: And since then, it's him calling on her, not the other way around. But do you see now? Aliandre took the bloody throne when Ghealdan was on the brink of chaos, and she managed to keep it together, however with strange methods. I say him who meets a running herd of flaming bulls and decides to step aside, instead of defiantly stay his ground is bloody wise! - Nynaeve gapes at them.

- Ragan: Don't stop, and don't turn, but there's a Whitecloak following us. - Nynaeve flinches: What! Only one???? - Yes, only one - that is unusual, here they usually move in tens or more.....

- Nynaeve: I have to take a look at him - take the next right. - Uno starts protesting, but she overrides him. They turn and Nynaeve glimpses Galad's face. She stops and confronts him - there's tension when Uno and Ragan draw their swords, but she calms them down:

- Nynaeve: Galad, what are you doing here? I thought you'd be halfway to Altara already, or something....

- Galad: Ha! Of all the women in the world, only you could ask the very same question I was gonna ask you! This place is even more dangerous than Amadicia.... Ok - I had orders for Salidar, in Altara, but they were changed in the last minute. - Nynaeve gapes [picture of the letter about the Blues Gathering, with the name SALIDAR growing] - Nynaeve? Are you all right?

- Ah, yes. I was just ...really surprised to see you here.

- It's not a patch on my surprise when I found out you had somehow slipped out of Sienda, or now that I see you accompanied by two Shienarans in the landwhere the Prophet rules. I've heard that he's a Shienaran - please tell me you weren't brainless enough to get mixed up with HIM!

- I assure you, Galadedrid Damodred, that we are more than capable of taking care of ourselves!

- he passes a hand through his hair: Nynaeve, I was worried sick over you and Elayne. Please, let me help you! I can't escort you to Caemlyn - my duty's here, but there's trade along the river - surely sooner or later a boat will stop here, and you could get passage on it....

- Nynaeve gapes: You...want to help us find a boat? We would be ... grateful.

- All right then. Tell me where you're housed and I'll accompany you there.

- No! I don't need any more company!

- Light woman, are you still suspecting me? Is that why you ran away in Sienda, because you thought I'd betray you? How many times should I tell you I'll never let harm come on my sister? Or you, or Egwene! - Nynaeve hesitates, then:

- Ok, we're with Valan Luca's show.

- What! One of the menageries????? Why on Earth.... oh, never mind. I'll find you there when I find a ship. And you - to the Shienarans - make sure nothing happens to her, or you'll have to deal with me - Galadedrid Damodred. - he strides off and Nynaeve lets out a long sigh. Then to the Shienarans:

- Let's go.

Later, in front of the menagerie, she's arguing with them:

- No, I don't want you keeping watch here! How many times should I tell you I'm safe enough here???? Promise me you won't stay here! Promise!!!! - they promise sullenly. Suddenly Elayne and Birgitte appear with a cry: "There you are!" They drag her away, talking:

- Elayne: What in the Light possessed you to sneak off like that, Nynaeve? We've been worried sick!

- Birgitte: When we heard you've wandered off with a Shienaran soldier towards the town, we thought you've been kidnapped somehow!

- Nynaeve: No, it's not like that! I've great news - I've found us a boat! Masema said he'll arrange passage on the first one that stops here! Besides, I've remembered the name of the place where the Blues are Gathering!

- Elayne: Masema???? He's the flaming Prophet! Don't tell me you've been fool enough to go meet him!

- Nynaeve: But I knew him from before!

- Birgitte: The more I hear about this man the more I'm sure he's stark raving mad. It's never smart to get mixed up with this sort..... - Nynaeve gasps when they reach the shooting range:

- Where are we going????

- Birgitte: Unless you want me to shoot in the dark, we're doing our number right now! Where did you think we were going???

- Nynaeve, faintly: Well..... to the wagons.... I..... - they bind her to the wooden plank amid the cheers of the crowd. Birgitte strides surely far, far away. The first arrow comes amid gasps and cheers........ Nynaeve starts gasping, then shrieking, when each successive arrow comes.

• 
  Scene 10. Cairhien.
  

[camera divides, showing Rand's advance and the siege of Cairhien. Refugees are flocking to Rand's Aiel, although suspiciously at first].

Sunset. Rand is on a hill near the city, watching a big camp bellow - tairen cavalry, mixed with cairhienin cavalry, footmen and pikemen.

- Rand: That lot will get slaughtered against the Aiel....

- Lord Weiramon: I agree, my Lord Dragon, only our tairen cavalry has any chance! I'm sure we'll be able to disperse the savages with a single charge! Let me ride out in the front and....

- No! Have you seen them fight, Weiramon? No, and you don't know anything about their skill or tactics. Cavalry is of no use against Aiel, unless they're caught unawares. All you'll achieve with a frontal charge is a nice slaughter for both horses and their riders.

- My Lord Dragon, I'm sure you exaggerate the savages' battle prowess! Nothing can withstand a nice charge! Let me demonstrate, I beg you!

- I said no! The battle plan has been drawn and you WILL follow it! Do I make myself clear???

- Yes my Lord - he bows slightly, but Rand sees a stubborn glance in his eyes. He strides away angrily, towards an wooden tower. Workers swarm around it, fixing last details. Rand asks if he could go up already, and they nod. He climbs - at the top there's a man with two helpers, fussing about two strange devices (telescopes). "Careful with the lenses, you louts! You brake one and I'll break your arm!"

- Mr. Tovere, have you finished?

- My Lord Dragon! Yes, my Lord, they're ready! Please, take a look, please! here, in this end, then you point it towards where you want .... - Rand takes a look and suddenly Cairhien jumps close up. He observes that black waste outside the city walls, and the nearby hills - there seems to be no one there, but suddenly a huge spear shoots from the walls and falls on a hill, exploding in splinters. Aiel jump out, then hide again.

- Wow! I wonder what was that?

- Rhuarc (climbing from behind): I've seen it too - a handy device to have during a siege. It shoots at almost a mile! - Bael and some other chiefs climb after him. - and a great idea, this place - from here we can observe the whole battle field with this wetlander's invention (Tovere beams with pleasure).

- Rand: Rhuarc, I'm afraid that fool Weiramon will disobey my orders and lead a charge despite my warning.

- Bael: This would be his last foolishness, then.

- Rand: I don't mind him committing suicide in this spectacular manner, but I don't want him to take several thousand cavalry with him. I guess I'll just .... send him off before the battle. What about the rest?

- Rhuarc: Everything is ready, Car'a'carn. Our forces are taking positions as we speak. The Shaido have noticed, of course, but they seem to be accepting the challenge.

- Rand: And the other clans? Still holding back? - they nod - Well then. At least they aren't joining the Shaido. For now.

- Rhuarc: If they fall on us tomorrow while we're battling Couladin, we'll have real problems.

- If they do, we'll deal with it. We've provided for the occasion. - Egwene and Aviendha climb to the platform, and he turns to them: - And you? Did you think on what I asked you?

- Egwene: We'll do it, Rand. - Aviendha nods.

- Rand: Thank you ,Egwene. You may think this is against Tower rules, but the simple truth is that the sooner we win tomorrow, the less people will die. If your using the Power as a weapon assures that, you'll be saving lives, not only taking them. It may even be that you'll save many more than you take away. What about Moiraine?

- Egwene: I know the reasoning, but I don't have to lie it, Rand al'Thor. Moiraine can't join us, you know why.

- Rand nods: The Three Oaths. Well, her Healing will be help enough.

Mat is in his tent, alone, staring at one point. he is thinking:

- Bloody ta'veren effect seems to be lessening... I can even say that I'm gonna leave aloud.... Well, it's high time for it - tomorrow will see the greatest battle since Hawkwing's time, and I don't intend to be in its middle. Yes, high time to leave - Rand would probably use the One Power tomorrow, and only a fool would stand nearby. I don't think this medallion of mine would protect me from him the way it protected me from Moiraine's channeling. But... I have to tell him, at least. yes, I'm gonna go right now, before I've changed my mind for some stupid reason!

Mat strides through the camp and passes near Kadere's wagons. "I wonder why is he still here... he looked the man who'll slip out at the first opportunity. Could it be that Rand was right about him after all? That there's more to him than a sly merchant? Well, soon I won't have to wonder about that. Too bad Isendre vanished, though - she was a nice diversion in all that heat. Although the way the Maidens were treating towards the end - no wonder she slipped away."

[Camera doubles - Rand notices Mat going towards his tent and suddenly has an idea. He turns to Lan nearby and asks him to after Mat and ask him some questions about the battle plan.]

[Camera centers on Mat] he enters the tent - there's only Natael there, who tells him the Lord Dragon isn't here, but may come any minute to discuss the battle plan with the chiefs. Mat says he'll wait and starts whistling, while studying the battle map on the ground. Lan enters the tent, they exchange some pleasantries, and Lan asks him what he thinks about the battle situation:

- Well, a good pickle, that. (his eyes go out of focus while he thinks aloud) Couladin with 160 000 in the front, and behind the other five clans have as many between them, and their intentions continue being murky. You have no choice, then, but to divide your forces to provide for an unexpected surprise from your back. - he shows at the map.

- But what about Couladin? He is a danger, even if the other clans don't enter the equation.

- Yes, of course. And what's more important, there's the city. You've not come here to destroy it, but to save it. And if you squeeze Couladin from everywhere, you risk pushing him right over the walls - then it's gonna be a city battle and that's a complete mess, even without counting the civilian casualties. The battle at Tora Shan turned like this, and the butcher's bill ended up in the thousands of hundreds, both soldiers and civilians, and no clear winner. If you wanna evade this, you must leave him a way out - I would say here at the bridges over the Gaelyn north of the city. Squeeze them everywhere else, and they'll go over the bridges, instead of over the walls - everyone would prefer a clear way out, given the choice. It's a lot like the Cuaindaigh Fords, or the battle at Jenje - the same terrain, a city in the middle... yes. And then after they've started crossing, if the other clans haven't engaged you yet, detach a part of the restraining force, and start harassing them north of the river, together with all your cavalry. You'll end up routing them, and you'll never have to worry about Couladin anymore.

- Very neat. you account for all the forces on the battlefield - the five clans haven't united yet, and it would gain a single clan nothing to attack either of the two bigger forces, because of their disposition. Well, but what if they decide to unite during the battle and hit us from behind?

- (laughs) Everything always changes on the battlefield. But if you ensure you've enough detaining force, you'll be able to withstand until Couladin has started crossing the river, and then instead of pursuing him, you turn everything against the clans, and hope for the best. It's a risk you'll have to take, if you're sure you wanna give battle tomorrow, before the clans' intentions have become clear. But since they haven't united yet, this points to them waiting to pick out the victor - it often happens like this with the people that haven't decided yet. - suddenly Mat stops talking and stares at the map, then at Lan. With a start, he notices Rand at the entrance, also staring at him.

- Mat: Blood and bloody ashes! Rand, when will you stop doing this to me? I'm leaving and that's that! I'm leaving tomorrow!

- Rand: I'll be sorry to see you go, Mat.

- What? Only that? Won't you try to stop me?

- (sadly) I never tried, not in Tear, or in the Waste. I won't try now. Go with the Light, and may you find many taverns and girls wanting to cuddle in your lap. - Mat opens his mouth to say something, then storms out.

- Rand, to Lan: I heard only the last couple, but....was it all like this?

- Lan: Yes, he practically copied the plan we elaborated, without having been to a single one of the councils, or heard any scout reports. Only studying this map here. If I didn't know better, I would think he's studied with one of the great generals, and fought at least 20 - 30 major battles already. - Rand shakes his head.

- Rand: Well, the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills. Let's get on with the final council - please call the others. [camera pans out, while chiefs and Lords enter the tent in the night].

• 
  Scene 11. Cairhien, dawn
  

[camera divides]Rand is preparing, he dons a mail shirt, the dragon belt buckle, the sword, takes the Dragon scepter. / Mat is also preparing quickly - Melindra sneaks out and he uses the time to sneak out too. He rides away. / Lan enters the tent, [camera centers on him], reports everything's ready. He looks at the sword:

- You've gone a long way from the shepherd I started teaching the dance of the sword. I think you're ready to earn that heron on the blade now. But you also have a weapon infinitely stronger than that - why are you choosing to carry a sword again? Especially when you now how the Aiel react to it?

- Rand: Because.... - Lan stares at him:

- You mean to confront Couladin yourself today, and without channeling.

- Rand: I want to meet him, yes! And it will be hardly fair if I incinerate him with the Power!

- You're right, it's not fair. But life is not fair either. I thought you more wise than that, Rand al'Thor.

Rand buckles the sword and the two go out. Surprised, they stop - there's a throng of Maidens around the tent, along with some Wise Ones, Egwene and Aviendha

- Rand: What is this? I thought you would be on your appointed stations! You're supposed to guard the wooden tower, where Egwene and Aviendha will channel, and from where the chiefs will observe the battle!

- Sulin, with an wooden expression: We come to escort the Car'a'carn to the tower, where he'll observe the battle along with the chiefs.

- That's ridiculous! I don't need your escort! I mean to lead the men, not watch from afar!

(She repeats the same). Melaine steps forward: You are the Car'a'carn, you can't risk your life with the common spear! - Rand turns to Egwene:

- You put them to this, didn't you! (Sulin repeats the line again)

- Egwene: Rand , it's only logical! You're a battle commander, and what's more, you can channel stronger that both of us combined! If we shorten the battle by an hour, how much longer could your channeling shorten it? - Rand looks around, despairing - the Maidens have a stubborn look in their eyes. He finally gives up: I... have decided I'll be more useful on the Tower. The Wise ones nod, and the Maidens open space for him. They all march to the tower, where the other chiefs nod to him.

- Rhuarc: May you find water and shade this day, Rand al'Thor. It has begun already. - He looks through one glass and notices Aiel advancing along the battlefield.

Egwene and Aviendha start channeling, calling stormclouds above the city. lightning starts stabbing down at the hills where the Shaido are positioned. Rand also embraces saidin, and channels a firestorm, incinerating an entire hilltop. A voice in his head mutters "Forgive me Ilyena!" - he's shaken, but then firms his resolve and continues channeling.

[Scenes of battle - Aiel against Aiel]. Mat is riding, trying to evade columns and cursing: "Where's my bloody luck when I need it most? I should've been halfway to Andor already, and instead I'm being pushed closer and closer to the flaming battle....". [More battle scenes, hills exploding, lightning throwing people around].

Mat rides to the top of a hill and groans - there's a big column of soldiers down - the tairen cavalry and the cairhienin foot. He takes out a looking glass and observes the valley ahead of them and curses again - there's an Aiel ambush waiting for them. "Bloody fools will walk right into that! Why haven't they dispatched scouts?". He hesitates for a moment, then mutters a curse and rides down, crying "Stop! Stop, in the name of the Lord Dragon!" - the column stops and he rides to the front to the Lords.

- Are you in command here? Where's Weiramon?

- Estean: He was sent away late last night, back to Tear, to deal with the brigands and pirates from Illian.... What are you doing here, Mat?

- I come with orders from Rand, I mean from the Lord Dragon himself - there's a Shaido ambush right ahead of you.

- Melanril: What? Finally, we can fall on the savages! I'll lead the charge myself!

- Mat: No! They're too many, and poised on the hills, you can't charge them.... Besides, their scouts are observing us right this minute! We'll use the pikes - continue as you are now, but open way for the pikes to come in the front. Then, as soon as you enter the valley, the pikes form a square - you know how to do that, right? - a man with officer signs, Daerid, nods - so, you form a square and everyone gets inside. Meanwhile, you separate the cavalry in two halves and circle the hill from the other side. After the Aiel engage and start pinning themselves on the pikes, you fall on them like a brickwall!

- Talmanes: Sounds like a good plan to me.... but I'll follow it, if you agree to take command of the other half of the cavalry. - Mat curses quietly, then - Fine. Quickly now - they would be wondering already what are we talking about so much.

They continue, with Mat leading part of the cavalry away. He mutters to himself: "Great job, Matrim Cauthon, you went right into the middle of the bloody battle you were trying to evade!". Clashes of weapons, yells, he tops a hill and sees the pikemen square, surrounded from all sides by Aiel. aside, Melanril is being slaughtered with a part of the tairen cavalry. Mat curses again and orders a charge.... [camera doubles] Him fighting / Rand and the women channeling. [camera centers on Mat] He kills another Aiel from his horse, then observes the others retreating.

- Talmanes: They're retreating! We did it!

- Estean: And so few men lost..... Mat, your strategy worked as a charm!

- Mat: It would've worked even better if that hero Melanril hadn't decided to do his glorious charge after all.... I suppose the result taught you something?

- Talmanes, eyes down: Yes, not to underestimate the Aiel. Mat, would you continue leading us? I'm starting to think we're waaay out of out league here, but you seem to even the odds, if not more?

- Mat, sighing: Oooohhh, all right. At any rate, as my luck has been going today, I'll keep sticking my nose into more trouble. As well have some pikes between me and the trouble. - They move on.

Rand observes Mat leading his small army with the looking glass:

- (to Egwene) You won't believe this - Mat has taken to leading the tairen and cairhienin force....

- Egwene, sniffs: Him? Why, has he won the position at dice, or something? Well, at least they'll keep him out of trouble.

- Rand: No, I think it's the other way around.... HE seems to be keeping them out of trouble. - Egwene snorts derisively again, then concentrates on channeling.

He's tired, and the sun is only halfway to the top. Egwene and Aviendha are taking turns now. He looks towards the city - there's been an unsuccessful sortie and the Shaido are almost getting into the city. "The fools! When will they learn that frontal charges don't work against Aiel??? Now I have no choice...." - he channels a bunch of lightning and the Shaido attack subsides - the defenders manage to go inside and close the doors. Suddenly, lightning strikes nearby, killing Maidens. More strikes, in rapid succession, the last of which hits the base of the tower. "hold on!" - he embraces Egwene and Aviendha, trying to protect them, while the tower leans slowly, then crashes down. Rand looses consciousness.

Rand wakes up with Aviendha on top of him "Don't you dare die on me! How would I live if you die?" - she shuts up immediately when she notices he's awake, and blushes in between the scrapes on her face.