It is fifteen years after Tarmon Gai'don. The Dark One is sealed permanently, to the joy of all who follow the Light. During the Last Battle, Lews Therin became the Dragon that died, not Rand al'Thor, entering a new era for the Dragon Reborn.

Ninety-five percent of all Shadowspawn, and ninety-five percent of Darkfriends, were driven insane by the loss of their master. Those that lived joined together in a new faction, called The New Order of Shai'tan. They are dedicated to freeing the Dark One, although this task is impossible. They delight in wrecking ruin and havoc in their wake.

The Blight began to recede shortly after, to the point that it surrounds only a small bit of Shayol Ghul. Lan and Nynaeve brought back Malkier, with the help of the few remaining Malkieri and funding from the White Tower, Caemlyn, and Tear. As a result, Lan now rules Malkier as its rightful king, with Nynaeve at his side.

Arad Doman and Tarabon destroyed themselves before Tarmon Gai'don even began, resulting from the corruption and evil spread from the Shadow. Ghealdan is now Manetheren, with Perrin as King and the Two Rivers as the capital city. Elayne officially became queen of Andor, while Moraine became queen of Carhien.

Egwene became the new leader of the White Tower; the White and Black Tower have slowly joined forces over the years. The Red Ajah's numbers were greatly reduced as a result of their harsh methods and intolerant behavior. They are now severely restricted in both their numbers and freedoms.

During Tarmon Gai'don, Tear, in an effort to protect Mayene from a serious Darkfriend uprising, ended up absorbing the small city-state, with Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron as its queen.

Rand remains king of Illian, but is usually found in Caemlyn with Elayne, and Travels daily to lead affairs in Illian.