Maybe my old (well, dating back partly to TGS and partly to TOM, but I have like half a dozen contradictory ones) theory that Rand is using Callandor as a foil may be right, ie: he doesn't bring Callandor to use it, he brings Callandor so Shaidar Haran thinks he's gonna use it and seizes it. "Mwahh, ah, ah... just three of you and intending to touch me again, but allowing me to touch saidar too this time, you really thought this through!", then Rand does something, perhaps to Callandor instead of with Callandor, or something while Shaidar Haran uses Callandor (it it turns out the reason why it magnifies the taint is that unlike other san'angreal this one would work with the TP - kind of a long-shot, but its making is shabby. Could RJ have kept to himself there was also sabotage involved?).

I'm half serious with this (in the sense that's obviously missing a crucial element somewhere that could make it a viable theory - I get the feeling it would be really hard to figure it out anyway as I'm convinced RJ kept a key concept or key element from us at this point), but Min did had a viewing of a black (or dark) hand holding Callandor, so it's something the Light could anticipate happening.

I notice Rand also wears Justice at his side (assuming he still has the same sword as in TOM anyway).

I wonder if what's look like it could be a dagger at his side is a dagger, the dragon scepter or else if it could be the dagger-shaped ter'angreal that's supposed to hide someone from the Shadow. The possibilities for that one being used in another episode than at SG are not exhausted, but the possibilities have run out a little since Mat and Elayne are done with the gholam. I guess it could still be very useful to Mat during the LB if neither SH/the DO nor Shadowspawn can't see or sense him in any way (I doubt this works on human sworn to the DO like Forsaken).

I know the cover art don't prove anything but it at least made me think of this idea: Rand and Moraine/Nynaeve don't look one bit as if they've just seen battle. I guess there's really a possibility they are alone and there's no gigantic battle raging outside in the Valley as there was during LTT's Strike, that those three are there alone, or sneaked up there while Mat organize a diversion at the mouth of the valley, far from the mountain itself.

Another little detail to which you will know the answer for sure (though I suspect I know it if I remember correctly a mention by Rhavin or Sammael): can Rand even lead in that circle or must one of the two women lead?

Just saying, because we know Moiraine considers herself fairly weak/clumsy with at least two flows (Earth and Fire) and RJ described Nynaeve as very specialized and lacking in the other areas outside the healing weaves (though we know she can be fairly precise/delicate). Of course, at this point neither of them has any experience using saidin in a mixed gender circle either.

Not necessarily the ideal pair I'd chose to got let tinker with the DO's prison, even with LTT watching over their shoulder. Or can Rand lead the circle?

Another interesting tidbit: we might want to start considering new possibilities for how Alivia is supposed to help Rand die, since she's now ruled out as the second woman at the Pit.

Either Rand has already gone through death, or it's not at the Pit at all he will die. Always possible Alivia think of something that will inspire Rand, but she never striked me as much of a thinker and more like a doer...