There seems to be a large amount of discussion on the point of whether or not Taim = Demandred. Most people seem to think he is, and there is some evidence to support this, but I do not believe it. I don't think Taim is exactly a DF either. Why? Because Rand would know it.

The one thing everyone seems to forget is that Rand is bonded to Alanna. He is therefore a Warder (at least as far as abilities are concerned). What is one of the special abilities that warders have? To sense darkfriends.

One of the things people bring out about "Taimandred" is the supposed "reaction" of LTT in Rand's head every time Taim is around. First, LTT wants to kill all male channellers. Why not include the Aes Sedai in this? They can channel too. Answer: LTT still has some reasoning ability left. He can distinguish between one group or person and another. Hence he only wants to kill male channellers. What one particular channeller would LTT want dead more than any other? The one teaching all the others. In the mind of LTT, this would be the root of the problem.

As for Taim learning quickly how to Travel- maybe he has the Talent? After all, look at how quickly Nyn picked up Healing. OR Flinn for that matter.

But back to the Warder thing. Notice how the White Tower AS never seem to have any warders? Elaida is building that new palace on their practice ground- which would imply that there is no use for it. Why would Elaida do this (She is not BA)? 1) She doesn't like men (esp. Warders)- she is Red and follows their precepts. 2) She has an ego and wanted a palace. 3) Some BA (Alviarin?) put the idea in her head to dispose of the Warders and build the palace where they practiced- a suggestion she would be amenable to because of pts 1 & 2. The Warder thing would also tie in to the "plot" to get rid of Gawyn and his other potential Warders.

I know some of the sisters at least still have Warders, but for some reason we never see them. Off hunting maybe? There is also evidence in the prologue to tPoD, but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. But anyway, watch the Greens- they would have Warders if anyone would. BTW- what would a Warder bonded to a BA feel through the bond?

As for Taim's remarks about the Aiel- isn't he old enough to have fought in the Aiel war? Maybe they just didn't fit his idea of an Aiel. And as for his "saneness"- he probably is insane. Rand seems to only be slightly insane, and how quickly one succumbs to the taint may depend on willpower. Taim probably just has a strong will. Also, Part of the madness seems to be a hairtrigger temper (at least in Rand). Perhaps that is why Taim acts strangely at times- he IS feeling the taint. Also, if he has heard voices- maybe they are like Rand's and include memories from the AoL. This would be another explanation of his knowledge of the Aiel. And simply because Taim is extremely strong in the Power does not mean he is a Forsaken. Again, look at Nyn.

Now for Logain. So far, there really is not much to say. Most of it has been said by others. Probably Taim goes insane (completely) and tries to kill Rand, and Logain (with Callandor) kills Taim. Rand in gratitude makes him the headof the Ash'aman.

Anyway, I know this is all a little jumbled but all of it could easily be true. Comments?