Many people are too ready to believe that the DotNM is a Seanchan herself. I admit, it is a strong probablility that she is, but take into consideration my little "theory" .....

The DotNM is Berelain sur Paendrag. No, I'm not crazy, here's why, and a reason why she would not be DotNM. Her name, Berelain sure Paendrag, and her sigil, a hawk on a field of blue. Indicates possible relation ( as the Mayeners claim ) to Artur Hawkwing, Luthair Paendrag.... The name alone should cause quite a rucous amongst the Seanchan, either they will bow at hearing her name, or the will want to kill her for blaspheming Luthairs good name. In The Dragon Reborn, Moirane quotes an obscure Prophecy of the Dragon "He will bind the nine moons to serve him" And we then see In The Shadow Rising, Berelain throw herself at Rand, when that failes, she goes after Perrin (close friend to The Dragon Reborn) which will obviously fail, and that leaves Mat.... And remember, The Mayeners had the Redstone Ter'angreal for quite some time, is it not possible that in one of those "answers" they were told ( and maybe in more than one of those answers ) that in order for the world to survive, they had to Bind themselves to Tear and the Dragon Reborn. Why else would such a small city-state with so much money stay right there? So, I also thing That Robert Jordan ( May he Live Forever! hehe ) would not introduce an Important new character so late in the book. Yes ye! s, he introduced Shaidar Haran, and Moridin, and I'm sure that more will come. But characters Important to The Prophecies of the Dragon... thats my opinion anyway. Also, the Seanchan speak of the Daughter of the Nine Moons in a "prophetic" manner, meaning that they do not even know who she is.. Who better than a Direct descendant of Artur Hawkwing? ( ie Berelain sur Paendrag ) because it seems ( it is implied ) that through hard work, kissing ass, and being the best Seanchan you can be, that your "family" could quite possibly be raised to the "blood" well, that may be a bit shaky.. but thats my understanding. So, the one thing ( as I am sure that there are many others that I'm choosing to ignore ) that is going against my theory is Min's viewing that Berelain will fall head over heels for a man in white, which most people assume is Galad. But, if Mat is captured, and starts spouting the Old Tongue, he could be taken as a "side show" attraction, servant, or other, and be made t! o wear white, like the servants in their sheer gowns (which I assume are the palest white.. hehe.. imagine Mat, nearly naked.. He'd be furious! ) Now, something I just remembered, well It popped into my head, and I cant find My copy of THe Great Hunt, so this is based on memory and no quotes from the book. DIdnt Turok say something, I'm not sure if it was to Fain or not, about The Seanchan leaving "Watchers" to watch and wait for the Return? I mean, thats what Fain claimed he was, and with his memories, he faked it ( to the best of my memory -- I need to find the book! ) So, If there were to be "Watchers" left, could it not be plausible that Mayene, would be the Watchers? Hmmmmmm...... something to think on for the both of us... Luthair Paendrag -- Seanchan -- Blood -- Empress -- Daughter of the Nine Moons -- Return -- Watchers -- Berelain sur Paendrag Anyway, thats my theory!