ISHAMAEL

Foremost of the thirteen who formed the high council of the Shadow's forces was Ishamael, or 'Betrayer of Hope' in the Old Tongue… believed to be the most powerful of the Chosen, he was equalled by none but Lews Therin Telamon himself.

- excerpt from 'The Forsaken'

Although many criticisms would later be made about the way in which the crisis of the impending War of the Shadow was dealt with by those in charge at the time, no one could say that the governments of the world idly sat back and did nothing. Certainly, once the full extent of the danger faced was beginning to become apparent to the forces of the Light, it was with commendable speed that ideas about what should be done were raised. Admittedly, many of these ideas had no chance of working, and some were perhaps even worse than surrendering to the enemy; but as they say, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Many conferences would be called to discuss these ideas and select a course of action. This one, held in the Hall of the Servants in Paaren Disen itself, was one of the first, one of the largest and perhaps one of the most memorable, and arguably set the tone for those that would follow it. Representatives from all over the world were in attendance, as well as all of the top ranking Aes Sedai. Observe, if you will, the First Among Servants and Lord of the Morning himself Lews Therin Telamon, accompanied by his wife Ilyena, sitting on the High Seat and commanding a great deal of attention in the room. Or perhaps watch Barid Bel Medar, brooding quietly while Lews Therin speaks, attracting almost – but not quite – as much attention himself.

Observe Elan Morin Tedronai, although very few people were, a fact he had made a note of. He didn't mind, for the moment. He had no doubt that very few people would leave this building without thinking about the things he planned to say and do today. He was a patient man, as philosophers generally were, and it wouldn't do to rush such a momentous occasion. He had been planning this for a long, long time.

He looked again at the sha'rah board that had been provided for him on his request, to play against anyone who happened to pass or just to keep his mind focused, and he wondered again exactly why they had invited him to come here in the first place. Oh, he could see their line of reasoning, of course; there was no denying that he was perhaps the most renowned philosopher living, and that his presence would undoubtedly add to the prestige of the entire conference. But he still didn't know exactly what it was that they expected him to say. Probably not what he was going to say, he reflected; they were fools to the last man, and would not understand. It didn't matter, he supposed, but he disliked ignorance and curiosity. They were weaknesses.

He had never had any real desire to be remembered, though there was a good chance that would be unavoidable after today. It was often said that he was the most well-known philosopher in the world, and while that was true, he didn't often consider it that way himself; he was known, he supposed, in the right circles. He had made his mark on his chosen field and some others as well, and there was little doubt that his books were influential, if not widely read and often criticised as too complex. It didn't bother him; he hadn't written for money or fame, just for the knowledge that his thoughts were out there, available to be seen and read and understood. If some imbeciles were too ignorant to comprehend his ideas, then what was that to him?

But he had no choice. He had been chosen to play a role in the upcoming conflict, as so many had. One of the reasons he stood out, he knew, was his strength in the One Power, almost unequalled by anyone living. He had often wondered about that. Why him? Why was he so strong? He had never even tried, for most of his life, too interested in solving the mysteries of the world to develop his power – but it had developed by itself. It was only recently, seeing the conflict that he would soon be unwillingly thrust into, that he had taken the time to really learn how to use his power to defend himself.

But now he felt certain that he knew. He had indeed been chosen, the latest in a line of human surrogates for the spirits of the battle between good and evil, as had Lews Therin. Today was the first day he had seen Lews Therin since he had arrived at his conclusions from the available evidence, and he had to admit that it was strange. This man was destined to be his nemesis, although he bore him no hostility now. Perhaps that would change. And the man himself had greeted him warmly, like old friends who had been parted for too long. He supposed they were that, although Elan Morin had never considered the man to be his friend, but it was strange nonetheless.

His life had been something of a surreal dream since the day he had come to his conclusions, but he saw no other explanation for the evidence. There could be no doubt. The end of the world was coming, and fate had cast him on the side of evil. Some might have tried to resist such a fate, but Elan Morin did not see the point. Fate was fate. If this was to be his life, he would embrace it, rather than fight a losing battle. The only predictable thing about the future was uncertainty, and in such a chaotic climate, the only things that mattered were victory and survival. Morality was nothing but a shackle for the weak.

He had to admit that he hoped people would actually listen to what he had to say, to see things from his point of view, and hopefully join him. If even one person in this room turned to the Shadow after this conference as he would, then it would be better than he could have dreamed. Not that he expected any of them to listen. Some had come to prepare for the imminent conflict having already chosen their side, and that Elan Morin could at least respect. But so many of them had come foolishly searching for a way to avoid the inevitable, weaklings clutching at the last shreds of society. Those he would not tolerate. Soon he would show them the error of his ways. He suppressed a laugh as he thought of the irony. Only he knew what it was that they faced, and that revelation could easily crush them. But it would be needlessly cruel to keep it from them.

"Our next speaker is one of the world's most highly regarded philosophers." Lews Therin's voice. Elan Morin had almost forgotten about the conference going on around him. Apparently Nemene Damendar Boann had just given her speech on the subject of how potential casualties of the war would be dealt with. "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Elan Morin Tedronai."

Some light applause as Elan Morin rose and took the stage. Lews Therin smiled at him as he passed, and he returned it. It would be the last time, after all, so it only seemed fair. The smile was still on his face as he waited for the noise to die down and prepared to speak.

Ishamael certainly was among the first to pledge himself to the Shadow, possibly the first. His public announcement of this, coming from a world-respected figure… in the middle of a conference called to discuss dealing with the crisis, sparked even greater riots… he called for the complete destruction of the old order – indeed, the complete destruction of everything.

- excerpt from 'The Forsaken'