What has this world come to? It was always known that the Children of the Light disliked, even hated the Aes Sedai. Although some hoped the groups would form some sort of alliance, most knew very well that was not possible, not in this age, possibly not in any other. This was a world of division.
The Children of the Light have become bolder in their confrontations with the Aes Sedai, once actually attacking the city of Tar Valon and even capturing suspected Aes Sedai in Amadicia, who were then subject to torture and questioning. Innocents are being killed. Darkfriends are infiltrating the highest of ranks throughout the world, taking on certain roles to perform their dark deeds and influence others to come to what they believe is the winning side.
Well, who knows who will win? War is inevitable. People are only waiting for an official declaration of war. However, that is not the only issue crossing the land. Nations themselves are on the brink of war, tensions rising and good relations thinning to a single thread.
A new group has arisen, one calling itself the Obliters. This group was formed years ago with the intentions of helping to resolve disputes, whether between two people or between two nations. They are very young compared to the Children, but they have proven influential, gaining a sort of status and reputation throughout the land. They are caught up in these quarrels, and their skills will soon be tested.
Aes Sedai
Aes Sedai are wielders of the One Power. They are mostly distrusted despite their inability to tell lies, and they are feared and even hated by many. Though known to meddle in national affairs, there are few rulers who are without an Aes Sedai advisor, even if in secret.
Children of the Light
The Children of the Light are a strict military organization dedicated to the defeat of the Dark One and the rooting out of all Darkfriends. They believe that Aes Sedai and all their supporters are Darkfriends. Due to their often considered cruel treatment of prisoners, people have come to despise them, giving them the name ‘Whitecloaks.’
Obliters
The Obliters are a neutral group, bent on preventing was when possible and protecting those who need help. They do not support either the Aes Sedai or the Children and prefer not to take sides in quarrels between nations. Though a relatively young group, they have gained recognition among many.
The Tower is no longer completely safe. Dark plots are arising from within the White Tower itself, and a small group of dedicated Aes Sedai are hunting for the Black Ajah. The Black Ajah itself is aware of the hunt against them and are plotting something big, something to shake the Tower and bring the forces of Light to their knees.
The Aes Sedai are growing concerned about events in Cairhien. It is clear to many that Cairhien must be united and strong – as long as it is under the influence of the Tower. It is believed that the White Tower’s chosen champion in Cairhien, Enlan Atarion, must be brought to heel.
Word by rumor has reached Tar Valon of the capture of Aes Sedai, and the Aes Sedai at the Tower plan to discover whether or not these rumors are true. It seems doubtless, as a few Aes Sedai in the region of Amadicia have turned up missing for longer than would have been expected, had nothing happened to them. A few people have been chosen to go to Amadicia and see what they can dig up as to the truths of these rumors.
These rumors, as well as other, more reliable information provided, have also caused more suspicion involving the Obliters. A party has been sent from Tar Valon to Silver Mount in the Caralain, where they hope to meet with the Second Obliter. None but the Aes Sedai of that party know of the circumstances under which the party was sent.
None to Speak Of
The First Obliter has set out to Amadicia, where he hopes to encourage the return of the Mediator, whose alignment is under suspicion. A small group went with him, while many remained in the Caralain to accompany the Second Obliter in greeting a party from Tar Valon, a party which is hoped to reach Silver Mount soon. None but a few of the Obliters really know what is going on, only that they are to trust their leader. (The status of the First is currently unknown, and a search party may soon be gathered.)
Civil war in Cairhien ended with the coronation of the young and charismatic Ta’veren Enlan Atarion. King Enlan is loved and adored by the commoners and has fought to bring about change in Cairhien while battling famine, disease and disorder. Enlan envisions a strong, united Cairhien, working under strong principles of social justice. However, many nobles feel that Enlan is shifting the power too far away from them and are becoming hostile over high taxes and ever decreasing privileges. House Virenor was hardly vanquished when the Civil War ended, and its allies still control much of the south and east of the nation. With tensions building between Enlan and the aristocracy, the possibility of war is becoming more likely. Prince Dralden of Arafel has travelled to Cairhien to demonstrate support for the new king, and the White Tower stands firmly–for now–behind Enlan. The king himself is determined not to become a puppet, and is growing ever more difficult for the White Tower to manipulate.
There has been murder in Cairhien, three houses brought down because of a single, sloppy incident. These murders are causing tremendous turmoil between rival houses, fear rising as to who might be next. Who was really responsible? Houses had been found guilty, but was the murderer still out there? There may be more problems to come.
It appears as though there was an attempt at murder of the head of House Romera. Lady Ci’anna, Lady Helena’s aunt, was killed along with a guard, the latter of which seems to have wounded the attacker while the former may have just gotten in the attacker’s way as he retreated. Everyone is becoming more alert now, and high-ranking houses are alarmed.
Cairhien is on the brink of catastrophe.