Incited by nobles seeking to reclaim their places of power, armies march against the Dragon Reborn. As Rand tries to restore order, he discovers a lack of loyalty even among the warrior Aiel, and still mistrusts the rebel Aes Sedai even though they swore allegiance. But nothing can stop Rand and his Asha'man soldiers from storming the city of Illian to confront the Forsaken Sammael, and challenge him to a duel of the One Power with the winner taking the Crown of Swords...