Rand Al'Thor is proclaimed the Dragon Reborn, as he now wields the powerful Callandor sword. He uses it to summon a lightning storm that annihilates the Fades and Trollocs. Rand, Moraine Damodred, Mat Cauthon, Egwene Al'Vere, and Aiel Aviendha are all destined to go to Aiel Waste to fulfill their each individual purpose. They are swiftly teleported to Aiel Waste by Rand, where they are each transported into individual ter'angreals.
Rand witnesses his ancestor's past and discovers that they used to be pacifists under the rule of Aes Sedai. He exits the ter'angreal with dragon tattoos on his arms, which signify that he's the prophesied leader of the Aiels. Mat is met by Eelfinn, who tricks him into asking for gifts with unknown consequences. He asks for a powerful spear known as ashandarei, a medallion, the power to speak the old language and the memories of his ancestors.
The price of these gifts is revealed when he's found hanging from the Tree of Life, which leaves visible scars on his neck. Moiraine on the other hand gains limited insight of the future.
Aviendha is tasked with teaching Rand the traditions of the Aiel. Together, they travel to Al'cair Dal to claim leadership. As soon as they arrive, they are met by Couladin who claims to also be the prophesied leader of the Aiel. To prove he is the one, Rand summons a heavy rainstorm using the Callandor sword. After a power struggle between Rand and the Forsaken Asmodean, most Aiel acknowledge Rand as their prophesied leader.
Perrin Aybara and Faile Bashere are destined to go to the Two Rivers. When they arrive home, they are horrified to discover that their entire family has been killed by Trollocs. Perrin rallies newfound allies and the local people to fight against the Trollocs. He strategically marries Faile so that he can acquire more soldiers from Queen Morgase. He also surrenders himself to the Children of the Light on the condition that they join him in the fight against Trollocs.
Elayne Trakand, Thom Merrilin, and Nynaeve Al'Meara are destined to go to Tarabon. They are taken to Tanchico where they unearth a plot by Black Ajah to control Rand using the a'dam.
Min Farsha goes to Tar Valon to see Amyrlin Siuan in the White Tower, who is deposed as Amyrlin by Elaida. He sets Siuan free and escapes together with Leane and Logain Ablar.
