As the Wheel of Time turns, the winds of destiny sweep across the lands. Rand al'Thor struggles strenuously to unite the nations in preparation for the Last Battle against the forces of the Dark One, while other dark powers attempt to seize control of his actions. From the White Tower of Tar Valon—led by the Amyrlin Seat, Elaida—it has been decreed that Rand must be brought to heel immediately. Drought and summer heat continue to delay the onset of winter; thus, Nynaeve al'Meara and Elayne Trakand, the Daughter-Heir to Andor, embark on a desperate quest for the legendary ter'angreal that might grant them the power to restore normal climatic conditions.