The War of Power

     When the War of Power, or the War of the Shadow, began the Dark One’s followers tried to release him from his prison.  This was further evidence that Shai’tan would need help from this world to break free from his imprisonment. 

     The War of the Shadow was often called the War of Power, because the One Power was used as a devastating weapon during this time.  The most fearsome discovery was that of balefire.  This weave of the One Power was originally used liberally, but both sides discontinued its use not long into the war.

     Lews Therin Telamon , the Dragon, was chosen to lead the forces opposing the Dark One.  Only the Da’shain Aiel did not fight, being bound by the Way of the Leaf .  However, their continued devotion to Lews Therin and the Aes Sedai, and their protection of the Da’shain Aiel, led the Aiel to be known as the People of the Dragon.

     The Dragon found himself fighting a losing battle.  With each victory of the Shadow, its offensive accelerated.  Several of his most trusted generals, including the men to be known as Demandred and Sammael, betrayed him and turned to the Dark One.  It became clear that a decisive offensive to end the war was the only chance for the forces opposing the Shadow.

     Two plans surfaced, one of them Lews Therin’s strategy.  He advocated a direct attack on the Bore, to seal it with seven cuendillar discs used as focal points.  The strike itself would be carried out at Shayol Ghul.  This plan was opposed by many, because it was believed that such an attack could possibly destroy the Pattern.

     The other plan centered on two huge sa’angreal, one for a man and one for a woman.  The sa’angreal were constructed as statues, one of a man and one a woman, each holding aloft a crystal sphere.  It was thought that using them would enable the two Aes Sedai using them to shield the

Artwork by Rob Christianson

Bore until it could be dealt with more effectively.  So great was their power that specialized ter’angreal would be necessary to use them, lest the Aes Sedai be burned out within minutes.

     Latra Posae Decume opposed Lews Therin’s plan, and reached an agreement with every female Aes Sedai on the side of the Light to not support Lews Therin’s plan.  This agreement was later known as the Fateful Concord.  Since Lews Therin’s plan called for a circle of seven women and six men, the construction of the two sa’angreal surged forward.

     Just as the two sa’angreal were completed, Sammael overran the area where the specialized ter’angreal were being held.  Despite the fact that the two sa’angreal could no longer be used, still did Latra Posae oppose Lews Therin’s plan.  At this time, Demandred and Be’lal unknowingly put pressure on the two areas where the large sa’angreal were being held. 

     Lews Therin decided to move forward without any women.  He assembled the Hundred Companions, some of the most powerful men of the day who supported him, and moved to strike at Shayol Ghul.  When they arrived, the Dragon found the Forsaken were at Shayol Ghul as well.  In a battle in which forty-five of the Hundred Companions were killed, the Bore was sealed to the Dark One’s prison, trapping both the Dark One and the Forsaken.

     With leadership for the Shadow gone, the War of Power was over.  Lews Therin and the Hundred Companions were victorious.  The world’s problems, though, were just beginning.

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