Episode 7 of "The Wheel Of Time" unfolds with a dramatic scene of Tigraine Mantear, a woman of fierce determination, racing through the blinding snow. This marks the climactic Battle of the Shining Walls, the final chapter in the brutal Aiel War. Amidst the ominous shadow cast by a towering volcano, Tigraine, heavy with child, exhibits unparalleled prowess, cutting down a swarm of adversaries single-handedly. Yet, despite her unmatched valor, she sustains a stab wound to her side, her triumph marred only by the survival of one foe. As she gazes upward, a solitary blade descends upon her, menacingly poised, the scene abruptly shifts.
Elsewhere, Mat's decision to remain behind ripples through their ranks with profound implications. The Waygate remains indefinitely closed, yet Nyn assures the companions that once their mission concludes, they will return to rescue him. Moiraine, however, harbors deep concerns. If Mat, seduced by the sinister magic embedded in the blade, is indeed the Dragon Reborn, she vows to prevent him from confronting the Dark Lord at any cost. She insists that she knows the path he would ultimately choose.
Within The Ways, a labyrinthine network of bridges connecting myriad islands, an enigma in itself, they encounter a Guiding Stone, its surface defaced and cryptic. It seems they are being stalked, yet with the stone's inscribed messages obscured, Loial requires time to decipher its secrets and guide them aright. Their only option, for now, is to bide their time.
In the depths of the perpetual twilight that shrouds this realm, a solitary Trolloc emerges, confronting them with grim intent. Realizing the urgency of their situation, the group knows they must flee, and do so swiftly.
As they traverse a precarious, narrow bridge, a sinister black wind known as Machin Shin envelops them, whispering temptations and mocking their every decision along their perilous journey. But Nyn stands resolute, harnessing her powers to ward off the malevolent entity. Her efforts buy just enough time for Moiraine to conjure a portal, enabling their escape from the impending doom.
The barren, desolate landscape that greeted their arrival served as the backdrop to the formidable fortress city of Fal Dara. Unimpeded and unchallenged, the gang made their way into the palace and were ushered into the presence of Lord Angelmar Jagad, the authority figure in charge. Moiraine, with a grave tone, alerted him to the Dark One's formidable army amassing in the shadows. All she sought was vigilance at the Fal Dara Waygate, a modest request in the face of looming doom.
In a private exchange, Moiraine confided in Lady Amalisa, pleading for her assistance in locating Mat. She entrusted her with a message meant for the ears of the Red Ajah, setting the wheels of intrigue in motion. With this plan in place, Moiraine resolved to take the trio of remaining children to the Eye, driven by a relentless quest to uncover the true identity of the Dragon Reborn. They embarked on this journey at the break of dawn.
Left to their own reflections, the children's doubts about Moiraine's prophecy began to fester. Egwene clung desperately to hope, while Nyn's skepticism about their entire odyssey was palpable. When the conversation steered towards the possibility of Mat being the Dragon Reborn, the kids' discord reached a boiling point, leading to a heated debate.
As the tension subsided, Nyn ventured out into the night, her steps leading her to follow Lan. Peering through a window, she observed him seated at a table with a family, sharing a heartwarming meal. Aware of her watchful eyes, he beckoned her in, inviting her to partake in their meal. After a delightful repast, Lan escorted Nyn back to the fortress. That very night, as sparks of sexual tension ignited between them, Nyn and Lan gave in to their desires, finding comfort and connection in each other's arms.
After their implied intimate encounter, the duo sat on the bed's edge, engaging in a profound discussion about the fate of the world and the intricacies of destiny. They delved particularly into Lan's journey and the mysteries surrounding the family they had shared a meal with. Nyn deeply understood Lan's yearning to find a place where he truly belonged, a sentiment that explained his unwavering loyalty to Moiraine.
Having reconciled with Egwene, Rand's night was later tormented by terrifying visions, compelling him to seek out Min Farshaw—the woman Moiraine had earlier consulted about the children. Now, Min revealed her own visions of a baby born atop a mountain, echoing the opening scenes of the episode.
It transpired that the soldier had raised this infant as his own son after the baby's mother had passed away. The identity of this child remained unknown, yet it was revealed that they were the Dragon Reborn. When Rand inquired whether he would survive his journey to the Eye of the World, the oppressive silence spoke volumes.
Rand interpreted this silence as a harbinger that he was, indeed, the Dragon Reborn. Upon sharing this revelation with Moiraine, she led him to the Blight—a vast, twisted desert of twisted trees, their skeletal remains eerily illuminated by the encroaching darkness. She was taking him to the Eye, abandoning the others in their wake.
