Rand returns to his camp after his parley with the Illianer holdouts. Damer Flinn meets Rand outside his tent and informs him that Torval has come from the Black Tower with a message from Mazrim Taim. Taim is concerned about a large number of Aes Sedai traveling through Murandy towards Caemlyn and possibly toward the Black Tower. Rand assures him the Black Tower is not in danger and they are to leave Aes Sedai be unless attacked. There are now four hundred and forty-eight Asha'man enrolled in the Black Tower. Fifty-one have died or been burned out, ten of whom went mad from the taint on saidin.