In 2004, an expanded version of the short story was published as New Spring: The Novel. You can read Chapter 1 for free on Tor's Website. The paperback version of this novel also contains an excerpt of the KNIFE OF DREAMS prologue.

It tells the story of a young Moiraine, and how she began her search for the baby boy destined to become the Dragon Reborn. It also follows a twenty-something Lan, and his battle with the Blight. The two of them are caught up together in different struggles and discover a dark plan being set into motion by the Black Ajah.

Why a prequel?
A lot of fans have asked Robert Jordan this question. To hear what he has to say, check out this online Bookwrap, that includes streaming video of Robert Jordan talking about this book.

Why would I want to read two versions of this story?
Well, you don't really have to. The Novel includes everything in the original story, plus more. But if you still want to have the original short story, it's still available. Check out our online store for the link.

In addition, this will be the first of three books, a prequel trilogy, that will focus on the search for the young Dragon. According to Robert Jordan, the second book (due out after Book Eleven) will tell how Tam al'Thor found a child on the slopes of Dragonmount, and the third will tell how Moiraine and Lan arrived in the Two Rivers "just in time." These stories will end just as the events in The Eye of the World begin.