The woman, who identified herself as a servant of the Pattern, explained the rules. The wishes had limitations. They couldn't directly contradict established laws of the Wheel of Time, and they couldn't be used to wish for unlimited power. But within those constraints, he was free to shape his destiny as he saw fit.
Kael thought long and hard. Wealth was meaningless in a world he didn't understand. Power was more useful, but how to acquire it? He needed something immediate, something that would give him an edge. And then, it hit him.
"I wish," he said, his voice trembling with anticipation, "I wish for the ability to Dominate anyone I choose."
The woman's expression flickered, a hint of disapproval crossing her features. "Are you certain, Kael? This is a… dangerous path."
"I'm sure," he said, his voice firm. "It's what I want."
A surge of power coursed through him, a feeling of absolute control. He could feel it, a connection to the minds of others, a subtle ability to influence their thoughts and actions. It was intoxicating.
His second wish was more practical. "I wish to have a perfect understanding of the Old Tongue, and the ability to read and understand all written languages in this world."
The woman nodded. "A wise choice. Knowledge is power, Kael."
He could suddenly understand her perfectly, hearing the nuances in her tone that he had missed before. Symbols he had seen carved into nearby rocks were suddenly clear as day. He could read them.
For his third wish, Kael hesitated. He knew he had to use it carefully. "I wish for the ability to mask my presence from anyone I choose."
The woman's eyebrow was raised. "An interesting choice, but be warned the Dark One and his forces do not play by the rules of the light."
He felt a shift, a subtle change in his perception. He could feel himself fading into the background, becoming less noticeable, less threatening. This was going to be useful. Very useful.
The woman smiled, a sad, knowing smile. "Your wishes are granted, Kael. Now, go. Your destiny awaits."