The Dragon has passed

"The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose.... The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of time."

But it was an end.

I'm sure I'm only one of thousands who are posting that this week, as we all mourn the death of Robert Jordan. In an industry where world-building is a mark of your craft, Jordan created a world more real and vibrant than any other I've ever seen. His stories were complicated to the point of infuriating - but he was a major creative force that inspired me to start writing fantasy. I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago, and he was probably the only author to ever have to give a pronunciation lesson at a book signing. Hopefully someday we'll know what your endgame was for Rand, Perrin, and Mat. Until then, thanks.