This theory is not dependent on POD, but valid even given what has happened. In the Eye of the World (yes, I have been rereading them for the 20th or so time) Rand has a dream, quite early on. In it he is in Tar Valon, but obviously trying to avoid going to the White Tower. Once he decides to go and every "sad-faced" person around turns happy, he feels a sense of relief. He gets in there and ends up facing a Myrddraal. Rand still believes that Alviarin is his ally in the White Tower. He could end up going there to forge an alliance with her only to find that she is Black Ajah. This is when Egwene and the Salidar army could come to rescue him. P.S. When he decides that he will go to the White Tower after all, he hears glorious music. Is this the Song?