I took this to mean that Demandred saw saidin coming towards him and was ready to deflect it, but it struck him much harder because he couldn't see/sense the saidar. I'm sure the link was much stronger because it was a mixed circle, but I thought Demandred was referring to the saidar which surprised him.
He guessed that one or both of the women were Aes Sedai. He did not know that Damer was an Asha'man. His surprise could not be about the presence of saidar.
Because he only realized after he was struck that the women could channel, and that he was in fact facing a ring. It makes perfect sense.
Wheel of Time board admin
Fan of Lanfear
Fan of Lanfear
Male/Female circles
25/09/2009 09:33:38 PM
- 987 Views
Yes; somewhat.
25/09/2009 10:57:35 PM
- 663 Views
Re: Yes; somewhat.
26/09/2009 06:19:45 AM
- 591 Views
Why would saidar surprise him?
26/09/2009 03:40:23 PM
- 639 Views
Re: Why would saidar surprise him?
26/09/2009 06:34:04 PM
- 609 Views
He thought they were Aes Sedai who could not channel?
26/09/2009 07:02:42 PM
- 553 Views

He did not know they were Aes Sedai until after the mixed weave struck his warding.
26/09/2009 10:13:10 PM
- 536 Views
right...
26/09/2009 02:56:26 PM
- 611 Views
Re: right...
26/09/2009 07:49:21 PM
- 585 Views
Agreed, plus some numbers ...
28/09/2009 07:50:54 PM
- 555 Views
I don't agree with some of this
28/09/2009 09:37:13 PM
- 565 Views
Re: I don't agree with some of this
29/09/2009 02:39:46 PM
- 593 Views
Re: I don't agree with some of this
29/09/2009 06:07:56 PM
- 544 Views
Re: I don't agree with some of this
29/09/2009 07:00:28 PM
- 554 Views
Re: I don't agree with some of this
29/09/2009 08:25:19 PM
- 632 Views
I understand what you're saying ...
30/09/2009 04:04:17 PM
- 564 Views
Indeed
30/09/2009 04:32:37 PM
- 510 Views
Re: Indeed
30/09/2009 07:05:13 PM
- 581 Views
Some proof against your idea...
01/10/2009 03:37:48 AM
- 552 Views
Nice, thanks ...
01/10/2009 02:00:24 PM
- 521 Views
Re: Nice, thanks ...
01/10/2009 04:58:02 PM
- 580 Views