For those who are registered on Tor.com, an audio file on Chapter 2 of The Gathering Storm is up.

What it really needs is text.

I had a listen to Chapter Two and was quite impressed. Egwene appears to have developed an insight and an ability to connect actions and consequences far beyond anything that's been written about her so far. She's definitely not the annoying little prig as reflected in earlier volumes.

As for Elaida, I suspect that with her latest idea, she may well have shot herself in the foot big time and might wind up being the reason she's liable to get the ax in some future chapter.

Any chapter that involves an axe and Elaida's head will be my favorite chapter of WoT ever.

Egwene's been something of an influence since book 7 and aes sedai starting to swear fealty to hear and a political powerhouse since book 8 ever since she backed her Hall(most notably Romanda and Lelaine) into a corner and had them declare war, pretty much putting them in her pocket regarding every decision on how to handle Elaida.

meh...the only thing that really stuck in my mind was the number of times "burning backside" was mentioned. So far Sanderson has been mildly repetitive with certain turns of phrase and for me its slightly distracting. Its still good, don't get me wrong, though really I found this chapter to not be nearly as interesting as the prologue or the first chapter. I think though this has to do mainly with the fact that Rand is interesting again and guilty pleasure I love anything dealing with Moridin/Ishy and his mirroring of Rand/Lews, two sides of the same coin and all.

For those who have listened to Chapter 2, I’d like to see some feedback on the following two items which struck me as odd.

1. The new plan as described by Elaida was revealed by her to only two people at this time – Egwene and the old grey (spy). Is what she said really her intended course of action or are those two being set up? I find it rather unbelievable that a plan of such magnitude would be shared with the two persons Elaida would trust the least rather than with those who are of similar mind as herself.

2. After being dismissed by Elaida, Egwene is described as going from the Amyrlin’s quarters at the top of the Tower down to the kitchens and then to the MoN’s offices which would be near the bottom of the Tower. Unlike any movement previously described, there is no mention of the two Reds who constantly accompany her. A technical error on the part of the editor – or is something to be read into that?

At least Egwene finally realised she needs to convince the Tower AS to accept her, not just to snarl at each other or at Elaida. If Elaida were gone this instant she might be unable to hold the Tower AS together.

As to your first question, Sinak, I remember Elaida thinking about a fourth oath of obedience before this. As far as I remember, it was meant especially as a means to ensure the loyalty of the rebels once they come back on their knees, but I believe Elaida quite liked the idea in general. I don`t remember where that was, but seeing as it has been mentioned before, I think she is serious about it.
I don`t think Elaida is really thinking stretegically anymore. As Egwene described her she has become something of a tyrant - she doesn`t expect there may be opposition. She is overestimating her influence at the same time she gnashes her teeth at sisters refusing to stop meeting with the rebels. It`s paradox, but I think that`s the way it is.

I noticed the missing Reds, too. I`ve got no idea why that is so, but maybe they simply left after Egwene reached Elaida`s quarters since there was no telling how long she would stay there and the Reds didn`t see a point in waiting.

Also the thing with Elaida and Egwene is Elaida has no fear about what egwene may or may not be able to do. She seriously believes that Egwene has no influence worth mentioning, and thus has no reason not to brag to the supposedly impotent rebel amyrlin.

is it just me or does the reader for this chapter just SUCK? I mean come on... terrible...