Rand and Co. reach Alcair Dal, and find that several other tribes are ahead of them. This includes the Shaido, who spread out to stop them, but Rhuarc was able to bring pretty much his entire tribe with him, so they stand aside. Couladin reveals that he has somehow put fake dragon tattoos on his arms, but Rand is able to bait him with the truth about the Aiel's peaceful past, thus revealing it to all the Aiel as the prophecy said he would destroy them to save them. Couladin has a Villainous Breakdown and tries to attack, but Rand has a two part Crowning Moment Of Awesome when he creates a thunderstorm, and then when Lanfear appears he reveals he knew about Asmodean the whole time, and when she reveals he’s in Rhuidean, Rand goes there by folding space.
A very satisfying end to the Couladin problem, brought about entirely from his own character flaws. Plus, Rand having to use his brain to win this sidesteps the Boring Invincible Hero issue quite nicely. Though I do hope we find out how he was able to fake the tattoos, which would otherwise be quite a cheat.
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