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Aiel Wise Ones
The Aiel are not governed solely by the clan chiefs. The chiefs are aided by the Wise Ones, though some chiefs would complain that this aid often amounts to bullying. The Wise Ones, like the clan chiefs, are required to go to the unfinished city of Rhuidean. Unlike the chiefs, though, the Wise Ones enter Rhuidean twice. The first time they go before beginning to learn to be a Wise One. This first journey requires the candidates to enter a three-ringed ter’angreal which shows the young woman countless possibilities of her future. While the woman does not remember everything revealed to her by the rings, some general patterns or important events remain with her for life. On the second journey to Rhuidean these women must face the glass columns which reveal the true history of the Aiel. While not all Wise Ones can channel the One Power, all women who can channel eventually become Wise Ones. While in the wetlands some women who are born with the spark must teach themselves to channel or die trying, the Aiel Wise Ones find each and every woman who can channel. Their methods of teaching are different, but Aiel channelers are better at some things than even Aes Sedai. For generations, the Wise Ones refused to channel in battle, though it would appear that the coming of Rand al’Thor, the Car’a’carn, may have changed that. It came as quite a surprise to the White Tower when it was discovered that some of the Aiel Wise Ones are dreamwalkers. These women, not all of whom can channel, have the ability to enter Tel’aran’rhiod. This ability is a great aid to communication among the Aiel clans. The Wise Ones are a tough group - they often make Aes Sedai seem malleable and weak. But the Wise Ones are firm in their duty to the Aiel people. They are making every effort to make sure that as many of the Aiel as possible survive the coming of the Car’a’carn.
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