Balefire During the War of Power, the One Power was used in ways previously unimagined. It was used as a fearsome weapon, and as a tool to make conventional weapons more dangerous. But no use
of the One Power was as frightening as the weave known as balefire. Both sides of the war discovered this dangerous weave, and used it liberally. It was invincible. The searing, liquid fire destroyed
anything it touched. But then both sides discovered the hidden cost associated with balefire. It actually burned threads of the Pattern out of existence before they were destroyed with balefire. The stronger the weave of balefire, the further back the thread was destroyed.
Once this was discovered, both sides discontinued the use of balefire. During the year balefire was used, entire cities were destroyed with this most dangerous
weapon. Had the use of balefire continued, it is quite possible the entire Pattern would have unraveled. The very existence of the Pattern would have been endangered by widespread use of balefire.
While its use is forbidden even to this day, there are some who still possess the knowledge to
weave balefire. It can only be hoped that these individuals never again choose to use balefire. For when one begins its use, others will follow. And the Pattern might again be endangered. |