Not really a theory so much as a seed for further discussion...I just wonder whether the introduction of the Portal Stones in Book 2 was a one-off or whether we will see them used again. The famous line about there being a Dark One for each world posesss some interesting questions. For instance, if there are worlds of infinite possibilities, then, logically, there is one where there is still a Dark One (obviously) but no Forsaken or Shadowspawn. Or taint (even though it has been cleansed, Cadsuane is not convinced it has been fully so) as there will be a world where the Bore was never created and thus no backlash by the DO. So surely, this would be the perfect world for Rand to fight his own personal Last Battle with the DO - one where the enemy has no army, no advantage. Of course, Rand would need to know how to use the Stones better than he does now, but maybe another captured Forsaken, or one of the finns (we CAN'T have seen the last of them either) could teach him. Or maybe that is the thing Cadsuane will teach him and the Asha'men. Also, does anyone find it increasingly difficult to see how RJ is going to tie up the ridiculous number of loose ends in just one more book? Good one! There's Loial to come back in, Faile's plight to sort out, the Seanchan to deal with, numerous plots among the Forsaken to sort out, Mat's marriage to arrange, the overthrow of Elaida to come, the resolution of the Moiraine dilemma (she'll be back), the Shaido to sort out, Isam/Slayer/Luc to be killed, Fain to be killed...need I go on? The Borderland army, the Sea Folk to play some purpose (finally) etc. I hope there are another couple of books to come!!