Lanfear’s Dangerous Proposal: Alliances and Betrayals in The Wheel of Time Season 3

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Summary

  • Lanfear proposes alliance to Sammael and Gabriel to combat Moghedien.
  • Elayne and Nynaeve interrogate Black Ajah sisters for valuable information.
  • Rand confronts Lanfear in a dream, Liandrin arrives in Tanchico.

The third season of “The Wheel of Time” has commenced, offering captivating storytelling that immerses viewers into the enchanting universe of Aes Sedai, the Dragon Reborn, and other intriguing figures. As minutes tick by, events grow increasingly ominous, with high stakes and a palpable sense of impending doom, as if a storm is brewing on the horizon, poised to shatter everything in its path.

In the second installment of the Amazon Prime series, Rand’al and his companions arrived at the Aiel Waste, only to be found by one of the tribes residing there – coincidentally, this tribe was where Aviendha hailed from. Meanwhile, Egwene encountered an elderly woman in her dream, who warned her that she didn’t belong in this location. The third episode shifts focus to each character contemplating ways to complete their objectives and locate the Dragon Reborn.

Lanfear proposes alliance, while Elayne and Nynaeve interrogate Black Ajah

Episode 3, entitled “Seeds of Shadow“, opens in a dimly lit corridor, where Lanfear encounters Lord Gabriel and Sammael. Lord Gabriel looked at Lanfear and Sammael with barely hidden disdain, subtly reminding them that they had not heeded past lessons. Previously, they had underestimated their adversaries, allowing the Dragon Reborn to elude them, and now it seemed history was about to repeat itself. However, Lanfear remained unruffled, steering the conversation towards Moghedien. She revealed that this other member of the Forsaken was already moving in the background, planning to strike at Sammael first, recognizing him as the most vulnerable among them.

Instead of ascending the ladder and doing away with them step by step, Lanfear suggested a partnership, encouraging them to unite before Moghedien took control. However, Gabriel noted that figures like Graendal and Semirhage might demand involvement as well. They had been overlooked in Lanfear’s previous decision, and disregarding them further could only widen the cracks within their group.

Simultaneously, Elayne and Nynaeve alternated questioning the two detained Black Ajah sisters, grilling them individually to weaken their resolve. Nynaeve unequivocally stated that only the one who provided the most valuable information would be spared, her tone resolute and chilly with intent. The first to falter disclosed the organizational structure of the Black Ajah, which was divided into “hearts,” compact teams of three who were aware of each other’s identities, with each having contact with a different sister in another heart.

Under more questioning, she acknowledged that Liandrin had traveled to Tear with intentions to assist one of the Forsaken and claim authority over Callandor. However, Elayne swiftly rejected the plan, pointing out that only the Dragon Reborn could use it. Simultaneously, Joiya, another captive, asserted that Liandrin was seeking Mazrim Taim, a former False Dragon. Upon being asked for evidence, Joiya, who once belonged to the Grey Ajah, merely declared her ability to discern circumstances—she believed they would kill her.

Elayne and Nynaeve sat in an uneasy quietness, mulling over the Black Ajah’s words. It seemed both women had concealed something – neither mentioned the stolen items Nyomi had pilfered, such as the ancient bracelet, a potent artifact older than anything they had encountered. Elayne surmised it was from Tanchico, which led her to suspect Liandrin had gone there. As they strategized their next steps, a sudden icy shiver ran through them before a Gray Man sprang from the darkness. The scuffle was brief, but the attempt on their lives served as confirmation of their theories. With no moments to spare, they decided to journey to Tanchico themselves.

Rand’al is haunted by Lanfear again, while Liandrin makes her way to Tachinco

Meanwhile, Moiraine, Rand al’Thor, and their companions ventured through the arid, sun-baked Aiel Waste, accompanied by their Aiel guides. Along the way, they stumbled upon the remains of travelers who had met with misfortune. The scene was somber – limp bodies leaned against the parched ground, their wounds deep and methodically inflicted. Lan scrutinized the injuries closely, his keen eyes discerning the ruse. These were not slashes from swords, as they initially seemed, but thrusts from spears, crafted to resemble sword cuts. As understanding dawned upon them, a sense of foreboding settled in. This was the handiwork of the Shaido Clan, a chilling message left for anyone who dared to tread this path.

Shortly afterwards, Rand al’Thor found himself ensnared in a dream once more, the atmosphere heavy with a sensation he was familiar with. Lanfear confronted him, her beauty as haunting as ever, yet her eyes conveyed an unexpressed urgency. She hinted at a means to liberate herself, a method to break free from the sinister vows that shackled her. If the Dark One were defeated, she might find her freedom. However, before Rand could demand further details, the dream started crumbling apart. A mysterious smile graced her lips as she vanished, leaving behind more puzzles than solutions.

Liandrin stealthily entered Tanchico during the darkness, weaving her way through the city’s maze-like alleys until she found herself at a grand wedding celebration. The groom, a prosperous nobleman who appeared barely thirty years old, instantly caught Liandrin’s attention. However, it wasn’t his youth or wealth that piqued her interest—it was the bloodline he belonged to, a connection that sent chills down her spine. Centuries ago, this same lineage had been her husband. The realization filled her with fury; after all, her former spouse had deceived her. Now, it was his descendant’s turn to face the consequences. With just a hint of the One Power, she swiftly ended his life in an instant. Fortunately for the terrified bride, she remained unscathed.

How did the episode end?

In another place, Perrin discovers that the White Cloaks have kidnapped Na’ati. In exchange for Na’ati, they demand Perrin. Standing before the people of Two Rivers, his voice strong, Perrin declares he is prepared to surrender if it ensures Na’ati’s freedom from the White Cloaks. However, the villagers – tired but resilient – refuse. They have suffered too much already, and handing him over would not alleviate their pain. Instead, they want him to flee, to depart before it’s too late. But Perrin remains steadfast. His eyes gleaming with resolve, he encourages them to resist, to stand united rather than cower. If they join forces, they can make the White Cloaks regret their presence in their territory.

At the close of the episode, Mat honed his combat skills using a large wooden staff, drawing laughter from Elayne’s siblings. They playfully taunted him before proposing a sparring match. Showcasing his hidden talents, Mat emerged victorious in the duel. With a confident air, he informed Nynaeve that he intended to accompany her and Elayne to Tachinco.

The first three episodes of The Wheel of Time Season 3 are streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

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2025-03-13 16:16