a heavily matriarchal society. In' the village of Emmon's Field, Bran al"Vere is mayor, and the all-male Village Counsel acts, as a governing body. In general, however, it is the Women's Circle that makes decisions concerning the village, and Nynaeve al'Meara in particular, as Wisdom. Aiel, a desert dwelling warrior society, have similar style of rule: they have clan chiefs, but it is Wise Ones who are the ultimate authority. What sets theAiei apart is their use of female soldiers known as Maidens