A Crown of Swords/Chapter 18

Rand meets with Indirian, Mandelain, and Janwin. He wants to dispel rumors that the Aes Sedai in Cairhien control him. Instead the Aes Sedai serve him with Merana literally serving them tea. Earlier, the Wise Ones told the clan chiefs that the Aes Sedai sided with Rand. But, the clan chiefs are still wary and believe Aes Sedai would do anything to get what they want. The topic changes to handling the surviving Shaido that fled from Dumai's Wells to Kinslayer's Dagger. They agree that all Shaido should be killed or made Gai'shain within the next few months. Although it is against custom for Wise Ones to engage in fighting, their Wise Ones will deal with the traitorous Wise Ones of the Shaido. Mandelain asks if they'll get to see the Three-fold Land again. Rand slowly replies, "I hope so," but knows the Prophecy of Rhuidean says he'll destroy the Aiel. The clan chiefs depart on good terms with Rand.
For a brief moment, Rand looks at the scattered maps on the floor. He feels overwhelmed by his many priorities from Tar Valon to Illian to Ghealdan, from Shaido to Asha'man to Forsaken, and with both Alanna and Lews Therin in his head. 
Berelain storms in with Annoura to protest being sent back to Mayene. It was for her own safety due to a recent assassination attempt likely related to Colavaere sympathizers targeting her. Berelain says it was nothing, plus she is best suited to handle the Atha'an Miere who still await an audience with Rand and how crucial both sides are to each other. Rand wonders why she works so hard to keep the thankless position of interim leader of Cairhien, but realizes she must use every opportunity and connection to protect her small nation of Mayene. He clumsily guarantees something for Mayene. She clarifies that new allies gain his favor while her past service will be forgotten leaving Mayene at risk. Quietly, he asks if she'd still serve even if it meant leaving. 
Cadsuane Melaidhrin enters abruptly. Annoura gasps thinking Cadsuane was dead. Merana screams she mustn't harm Rand. Rand feels a woman channeling saidar. Tensions rise and both Asha'man and Maidens go to high alert. Cadsuane coolly reassures Annoura she's very much alive, scolds Merana to calm herself, and ignores Rand's questions while inspecting the Asha'man. Again, he asks her who she is and why she's here. She continues ignoring him until finally acknowledging that Moiraine didn't teach the Dragon Reborn better manners. Cadsuane compliments Berelain's beauty and curtsies deeply, yet politely dismisses Berelain so she can talk to Rand. Surprisingly, Berelain reminds him about meeting Harine din Togara Two Winds of the Atha'an Miere and politely leaves. 
Cadsuane insults Rand by criticizing the ornate decor, asking for tea, and calling him a "good boy." Fuming, he asks why she's here for the 3rd time. Cadsuane calmly explains she is a Green, but as the oldest living Aes Sedai she's helped put away many male channelers, often in tears. Feeling threatened, Rand smashes the tea set into a wall mirror with the One Power. Calm as ever, she says she knows Rand's future and present, and coolly asks whether he's begun hearing voices. He demands an explanation, feeling Lews Therin listening inside. Apparently, some male channelers hear voices as they fall into madness. The two Asha'man guards, Dashiva and Narishma, react oddly. Rand begins doubting his sanity and Lews Therin's existence. Finally, she says Rand is young and overwrought, so she'll leave to catch up with Merana and Annoura while he calms down a bit. Rand screams for everyone to get out. Once the room is empty, he hurls the Dragon Scepter into a chair and begins questioning his sanity over and over.
The door opens quietly and Riallin brings in Head of the School Idrien Tarsin. She bursts into tears and falls into Rand's chest. After she delivers her news, Rand wants to weep too.
==Characters==
* Rand
* Lews Therin in Rand's head
* Merana
* Indirian
* Mandelain
* Janwin
* Dashiva
* Narishma
* Sorilea
* Riallin
* Berelain
* Annoura
* Cadsuane Melaidhrin
* Idrien Tarsin
===Referenced===
* Alanna
* Timolan
* Sarinde
* Corehuin
* Jair
* Rhuarc
* Bael
* Colavaere
* Min
* Gallenne
* Nurelle
* Dobraine
* Faile
* Elayne
* Harine din Togara Two Winds
* Weiramon
* Moiraine
* Galina Casban
==Places==
* Sun Palace
* Cairhien (city)
===Referenced===
* Rhuidean
* Aiel Waste
* Kinslayer's Dagger
* Dumai's Wells
* Illian
* Plains of Maredo
* Far Madding
* Tar Valon
* Ghealdan
* Amadicia
* Mayene
* Tear
* Murandy
* Altara
* Aryth Ocean
==Items==
* Dragon Scepter