The Atha'an Miere in the service of the Light
Make their bargain with the Coromoor, foretold by prophecy.
Over land, the armies approach by horse, foot, and cart's wheel
to do as foretold, and crush the ta'veren.
The Tower Aes Sedai kneel before the Dragon's Power
but the Amyrlin's wrath is strong, as she makes her return.
For yes, to Tar Valon she will now return,
but in her soul the Dark One's influence is overwhelming Light.
It is well for all that follow her Mat can resist the Power.
To him will fall the task of once more fulfilling prophecy
To him will fall the burden of accepting his ta'veren.
Once more he will alter the turning of the Wheel.
The stars move on to Tarman Gaidon in the ever-spinning wheel,
And Aviendha, despite her sniffing, will find when they return
She will become pregnant, the bride of the ta'veren.
This does not please her, but it does please the Light,
For the Blood required spilled by the demands of the Prophecy
Will be conceived and carried by one who bears the Power.
The damane will feel the lash as their puppeteers use power,
The Seanchan darkfriend will be crushed under the Wheel.
Two more Forsaken will find they are no match for the Prophecy,
Balefire burns them from the Pattern, never to return.
Two more will have their webs and dens exposed to the truth of the Light,
And Slayer will feel through his gut the axe of a ta'veren.
By purest chance (or maybe the work of a ta'veren),
Gaidal Cain will be recognized by one holding the Power.
Bearer of the twin swords, chosen of the Light,
He and Birgitte once more united, still bound to the Wheel.
Though he is but a child in this time of return,
He will feel the Horn's pull and fulfill the prophecy.
We pray for the ta'varen, as they set shoulder to the Wheel.
The wielders of Power all know of the Return.
Now may the Light preserve us, in this time of prophecy.
(A word about the form of this poem: The sestina is a nonrhyming, nonmetric form of poetry.)