  You can (and should) reach that conclusion on narrative structure alone, without having to resort to the mechanics of the OP. You do NOT put a vision of doom in the penultimate act without the future being changed in the final unless you are planning a sequel. RJ was not planning a sequel to WOT that would have dealt with this particular plot thread, and therefore, as I've said time and time again, it is Chekov's Prophecy. Hey - I certainly did, but there are LOTS of people who don't agree. I was shocked at how many at JCon were convinced that this was an absolute future vision... when we discussed it as a group of TLers, we came to the conclusiion (I think, LOL) that the vision was more of a warning of what could happen if she did not re-evaluate her existing beliefs and prejudices.  Somewhat related thoughts.  Is the shaido the remnant of a remnant? In that case, does it mean that all other Aiel will perish?  