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Rand took a deep breath, then rubbed the stuo"

"Are you certain you don’t want to bring more people?" Min asked

"Yes," Rand said "Cadsuane, be ready to open a gateway and get us out if needed"

"We’re going into Far Madding, boy," Cadsuane said "Surely you haven’t forgotten that we are prevented fro the Source while there"

Rand s a full paralis-net in your hair, which includes a Well I’h to create a single gateway"

Cadsuane’s face grew expressionless "I’ve never heard of a paralis-net"

"Cadsuane Sedai," Rand said softly "Your net has a few orna-era creation But I was there when the first ones were designed, and I wore the original male version"

The room fell still

"Well, boy," Cadsuane finally said "You--"

"Are you ever going to give up that affectation, Cadsuane Sedai?" Rand asked "Calling h it does feel odd I was four hundred years old on the day I died during the Age of Legends I suspect that would make you my junior by several decades at the least I show you respect Perhaps it would be appropriate for you to return it If you wish, you may call me Rand Sedai I am, so far as I know, the only male Aes Sedai still alive as properly raised but who never turned to the Shadow"

Cadsuane paled visibly

Rand’s smile turned kindly "You wished to coon Reborn, Cadsuane I am what I need to be Be comforted--you face the Forsaken, but have one as ancient as they at your side" He turned away froe really were an indication of great wisdom As easy to wish that the Dark One would siether they walked through Narishateway Beyond, a suarding a group of horses Min cli how reserved Cadsuane looked As well she should When Rand spoke like that, it troubled Min more than she wanted to admit

They rode out of the s, an impressive city set on an island in thehundreds of banners--spread out around the lake

"It’s always been a city of importance, you know," Rand said from beside Min, his eyes distant "The Guardians are newer, but the city was here long ago Aren Deshar, Aren Mador, Far Madding Always a thorn in our side, Aren Deshar was The enclave of the Incastar--those afraid of progress, afraid of wonder Turns out they had a right to be afraid Hoish I had listened to Gilgame…"

"Rand?" Min said softly

It drew him out of his reverie "Yes?"

"Is it really as you said? Are you four centuries old?"