This fact has been even recognized by the character.
He received some guidance from Logain Ablar prior toThe Wheel of Timeseason 2’s ending.
His efforts pit him against Asmodean, one of the 13 Forsaken.
Interestingly, Rand passed on his chance to kill Asmodean, and instead found a use for him.
That leads me to wonder if a different character - namely Sammael - will be taking his place.
InThe Shadow Rising, it was Lanfear’s idea that Rand take Asmodean on as his teacher.
Custom image by Yeider Chacon
She wants Rand to live, so she obviously wasn’t trying to kill him.
As a male channeler, Sammael could fulfill that purpose - in place of Asmodean.
The other six are Demandred, Mesaana, Aginor, Balthamel, Be’lal, and Asmodean.
The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization Aes Sedai, as she leads a perilous quest with five young individuals. Moiraine suspects one among them could be the prophesized reincarnation of a mighty figure destined to either save or doom humanity.
Going in this direction would explain why Sammael’s ambush happened at all.
It would be surprising forThe Wheel of Timeto send Sammael to the Aiel Waste just for him to die.
Sammael surviving the battle and becoming Rand’s teacher would make perfect sense of Asmodean’s absence thus far.
