Plot Overview
Amyrlin Arden Lanwith, the successor to Egwene al'Vere, has died mysteriously. Her body was found floating in the water outside of Tar Valon. Having only served as Amyrlin for 18 years, those of Tar Valon are shocked and horrified. There are no obvious clues to her death.

A new successor must be chosen as soon as possible, but the Sitters are divided over a number of deep philosophical issues plaguing the whole of the White Tower. What is the most important direction for the Tower at this time - rebuilding another Age of Legends, predicting the next round of the wheel, or investigating the mysterious murder? Do Darkfriends still exist, and are they still part of the Tower? Are Red Tower sisters still a part of the White Tower? How much does the Tower compromise to work with the Black and Red Towers?

After the Last Battle and the Dark One was banished outside of time once again, Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, made a deal with Elaida a'Roihan to move the entire Red Ajah to the continent of Seanchan to deal with the devastation left once the Seanchan realized sul'dam could channel. They have acted as a ruling council of Seanchan, training sul'dam and damane into Aes Sedai, and restoring order from chaos.

It is over 200 years after the Last Battle, and there are few living who remember it firsthand. The White Tower now holds a stable, but not terribly friendly alliance with the Black Tower. Asha'man can choose to become Bonded with sisters, alongside Warders. Many feel that the great accomplishments of the Age of Legends can be remembered and recreated, but who is in charge of whom?

It is an exciting time, and yet a time fraught with many questions, big and small. Can the center hold or are there too many philosophies and personal agenda?