It turns out Rand and Aviendha are in the Seanchan Empire, and come across some soldiers at the portal. They block them all, and take time to free the damane, during which Rand learns that the Return has been called off for now and forbidden to be spoken of. One of them, Morsa, starts questioning the Empress, so she is arrested, and with the portal closing they have to leave before they can help further. And then there’s a Crowning Moment Of Funny as Asmodien kept people from learning they were gone by saying they were having sex, leading to the Maidens all shouting suggestions.
This is a very good way of getting the majority of the Seanchan back into the story, despite being on a different continent. It was rather confusing for a while trying to follow all these new people, but I think I got the hang of it by the end. Though with Egeanin already having doubts I don’t know how much more Morsa can affect things.
