Who is Elyas Machera?

Perrin and Egwene encounter Elyas when they are separated from the others and traveling alone. Elyas has followed them for two days without their knowing. He offers them food, which they gladly accept. During the meal, Elyas is joined by four wolves and reveals that he can communicate with them. The wolves, through Elyas, inform Perrin that he can also communicate with them as well, the only human known to possess the ability except for Elyas.