I've just finished rereading ToM, and I must say this whole situation with Verin's letter is annoying me. Why would Verin insist that after opening the letter he must do as it says? Given the contents, he would obviously warn Elayne anyway, so why make him promise to do as it says, when he's plainly unwilling? For that matter, why doesn't she mention the invasion to Egwene?

I realise of course that from Sanderson's point of view, he (or Jordan) had decided the invasion would happen, but I don't like it when Verin does stupid things.