Battle of Merrilor

Overview

During the Last Battle, while Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn struggled against the Dark One, two battles were fought. One, outside the Pit of Doom in the Valley of Thakan'dar, to prevent interference and the second on the southern border of Shienar and Arafel, at the Field of Merrilor. This battle pitched the armies of the Westlands and the Aiel, led by Matrim Cauthon against the combined forces of the Shadow with a large contingent of Sharans led by Demandred. The battle begins with the forces of the Light holding the field and waiting for the arrival of their enemy. Sharans travel to the top the the Polov Heights, forcing the soldiers there to retreat. The forces of the light are split into two main groups, one, those of the Aes Sedai on the western slope of the Polov Heights, to occupy the Ayyad, with the second group in Shienar holding Hawal Ford. A third force under the command of Tam al'Thor is sent north of the Ford, to prevent the Trollocs crossing the river, with the Borderland cavalry under the command of Lan mobile.

The forces of the Shadow have greater numbers and threaten to wear down the forces of the Light, especially with Demandred and Taim's casual use of balefire. Mat and Tuon fake an argument so that the Seanchan leave the battle site. Taim is killed by Egwene, who dies herself, taking all the Sharan chanellers with her and Demandred is killed by Lan. In the confusion that follows, the Horn of Valere is blown and the Seanchan return. The Sharan's return to Shara, leaving the Trollocs in two main groups one packed into a corridor between the Heights and impassible bogs to the South and the second attacking the armies at Howal Ford. The Seanchan destroy the Trollocs in the corridor and the other armies defeat the rest.