I was wondering, though I personally doubt it: Could the man who helped Rand actually be Lanfear, disguised as a man? If she is out, and is still watching Rand and wanting to help him, she would realize that she needs to use different tactics--something even more subtle and secretive than Selene. Lanfear channeling saidar would also explain why Rand couldn't sense her. She wouldn't even have to waste power inverting the weaves. The only argument that I can think of against is: was Lanfear afraidof Balefire? Also, the Helper spoke of many plans which would have to be relaid. Whoever it was, it doesn't really sound like the Shadow would have to worry about a whole lot with Rand gone. Lanfear's the only forsaken besides Asmodean who wanted Rand alive that I know of. The others wanted him dead or didn't care so long as he didn't kill them. Lanfear is a plotter, and she would certainly have her screwed up if Rand died. Not only that, She was in 'finnland. In 'finnland, like DreamWorld, time flows differently. I believe this for two reasons, The first is that someone (Moraine, I think), postulated that the Snakes can tell the future because time flowed diferently there. The second is the story of Old Billi, who went under the Hill and made three wishes, butdidn't come out for ten years (tFoH). Maybe Lanfear spent ten years among the 'finn like Old Billi, relaying her plans which were ruined by Moiraine. When she felt ready, she would leave. Slayer has an apparently deep connection with the 'finn they let him come and go as he pleases, appearently. Lanfear outranks Slayer, and even though the 'finn aren't Darkfriends, perhaps Slayer could get her a place to stay, the ability to leave, and so on. If this is so, then if Moraine is alive the other 'finn's would have had to grabbed her. Depending on who's with who (that is, if there's any foundation to this), somebody could have a lot of knowledge and the other a lot of power. Well, enough rambling. If anyone waded throughthis, thanks.