Wiley Darwish is a wise-cracking, tough woman, who has lots of secrets and a bran on her right hand.  First we learn about Wiley and her friend Orlan, who has died. She is chased by her past both metaphorically and literally as a Whitecloak chases her through this introductory strand. Can Wiley move past her friend's death and live in the present? What is the promise that she made to him, and where did she get that riddiculous hat? Stay tunned to see how her story unfolds on the Within the Wheel Board.

We meet the frail Arafellan, Jaem, who take it hard when he feels second to his twin brother after being left behind on a trolloc mission. When his brother Raen returns, the ensuing argument shows Jaem his first touch of the power, when anger fills him. The accident is incredible, and leaves Jaem afraid and guilt ridden. Now he makes the journey to Tar Valon hoping to find his control for his powers but will his fear hold him back?