Between the Seanchan landing at the end of aCoS and the title of the next book (not to mention the cover, with Rand leading what appears to be a large army), I think everyone agrees that the PoD will deal in large part with the (2nd) Return. The bloody hand prophesy still has to be realized, also, and I for one believe that Rand will have the a'dam bracelet placed on him in PoD, which means that Elayne has to be there to chop off his hand (axe) and cauterize the wound (hot poker). Looks like Rand, and the Illianers, Andorans, Aiel and Cairhienen (Tairen, maybe, but Illianers and Tairens together may be a big probelm) will be going to Ebou Dar, or the vicinity, in this book to try to throw back the Seanchan. Mat will also find out who the DotNM is, and may bring that prophesy, for lack of a better word, to fruition. His marriage, either in PoD or the subsequent book, will be instrumental in ending the Seanchan threat. I also believe that Rand will some how bring! the Seanchan into the ranks of his troops (there's a prophesy regarding his binding them to his will, or something like that, but I can't remember - help, anyone?). All in all, it's beginning to look like PoD will be a barn burner.