These excerpts from Robert Jordan's novel, The Shadow Rising, reveal multiple concurrent story arcs involving powerful individuals in a high fantasy setting. A central narrative revolves around Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, as he contends with the responsibilities of his identity, evidenced by his actions in Tear and his journey toward Rhuidean with the Aiel and his companions, including Mat and Moiraine, an Aes Sedai who seeks to guide and control him. Another major thread follows a group of female channelers—Min, Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve—as they navigate treacherous situations, from Min’s unsettling viewings of death at the White Tower to Egwene and Elayne’s dangerous mission in Tanchico hunting members of the Black Ajah while encountering the Seanchan and utilizing the World of Dreams (Tel’aran’rhiod). Simultaneously, Perrin Aybara returns to his home in the Two Rivers to protect his people from both Trollocs and the Whitecloaks, accepting his emerging leadership role alongside his new wife, Faile. These plotlines highlight themes of prophecy, duty, political conflict, and the use of powerful magic, known as the One Power.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.