In one turning of the Wheel, Kari Al'Thor wasted away when Rand was young. This is not that turning. Here, a 14-year-old Rand spends the night by his sick mother's bed and awakes in the morning to find her health returning, while he falls prey to a brief, but intense illness. In this turning, Rand has known the Power for 6 years by the time Trollocs appear. The Dragon rides again.