Counter-CoupAes Sedai of Tar Valon, allow me to introduce Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan. Your Amyrlin. The woman who’s been issuing ridiculous decrees and handing out penances right, left and centre. Who’s been neglecting Tar Valon and leaving the city to run itself. Who’s even given orders to build her own palace on the Tower grounds - where your Warders used to train. Who broke the Tower, and appears to have put this half of it in permanent opposition to the Dragon Reborn. And did you know, by the way, that the rebel sisters have declared war on Elaida? Yes, just her. Personally. No one else. In fact, why don’t you look out the window there? I do believe that’s their army right outside Tar Valon. So what are you going to do about it? The answer seems obvious. The Tower is broken? Mend it. There’s a hostile army surrounding Tar Valon? Make peace with it. Unfair decrees are being made? Repeal them. What’s stopping all this from happening? Elaida... Aes Sedai are not idiots - well, most of them aren’t, anyway. They can see who’s to blame for the disasters the Tower is currently facing. The sudden appearance of the rebel army and the news of the declaration of war on Elaida - not the White Tower or the Red Ajah, but Elaida personally - may be what finally makes up their minds. Faced with the prospect of war, the deaths of Aes Sedai, and the possible destruction of the Tower, I would not be surprised if the Tower faction decide to cut their losses, depose Elaida themselves, and throw open the gates of Tar Valon to welcome their sisters home. Nor would I be surprised if the prime movers of these events turn out to be the Red Ajah. Everyone knows what Ajah Elaida was raised from, and whatever she does reflects on them. The triumph of finally having a Red Amyrlin after all this time is likely to fade before long. Being the Ajah sisters of the Amyrlin who broke the Tower is hardly a position to be proud of. But being the Ajah who removed her from power carries more credit. The logic’s easy, even if you’re not a White. The war is against Elaida. Remove Elaida, and the Tower is no longer at war. Of course, that leaves the Tower minus an Amyrlin - well, there’s an Amyrlin outside Tar Valon. What’s more, she’s the childhood friend of the Dragon Reborn. And the Tower really does need to reach some sort of alliance with the Dragonsworn. A perfect solution all round. So say goodbye to Elaida. Open the gates. And send a letter Sealed to the Flame, and addressed to Egwene al’Vere, the Watcher of the Seals, the Flame of Tar Valon, the Amyrlin Seat... Welcome to the Tower, Mother. |