The reason Tam know about Trollocs is because HE SAID THAT HE HASENT FOUGHT THEM BEFORE YET TALKED TO THOES WHO HAVE!!!!! Not that hard. He was in the Aiel war, People from the Border Lands where to , he sat down and had a chat. Now for the flame and the Viod, I know this has jack to do with the book yet I read that Native americans when the meditate concentraite on a spiral, like they are in a hurricane and are at the center, and it is quiet. And I have also heard that Robert Jordan Borrowed heavaly from Norse and Native american culture. And Tam has had experience with Aes Sedi because he had a imprtant role in the Illian Army, second incharge of the companions. Now is it to hard to belive that Aes Sedi would not try to manipulate a porerfulll person as such as him when they had a chance when he was fighting the Aiel? Now as to him rizing into Second Captain of the companions and being a blade master, and finding Rand on Dragon Mount, I say at the time he was ta'veren. Re! member when Loial was explaining Ta'veren to Rand? He said that people have some freedom, like a farmer could become Mayor, yet not king. But If he was Ta'veren he might be forced into a role that would seem impossibe when you look at it, Now, he wasent a farmer to king, yet he was Sheep herder to Second in command of the companions, close enough for me. And for him almost having the wolf grace of a warder, I have seen guys that are like that , like they are walking on air, no way in hell I would f*** with one of them. And to him keeping his head in the 2 rivers when it was being overrun, he was a warrior, he has seen the savage aiel, he is one tuff dude. And for him having the sword, I think that the theory has already been provided, it was a reward for helping the king get free of the whitecloaks. As for him paying too much for the sword, he was tired of fighting. it was a burden on his soal. THAT WAS WHY HE WAS COMING HOME.