F'lar remarks to F'nor that the watch-wher appeared to be hiding something. Mnementh and Canth attempt to get information from it. F'lar insists that there must be someone of the Blood there to contrive Ruatha to decline so much. F'lar helps Gemma down the steps, and speaks with her. She mourned the poor state of Ruatha, and rejects the possiblity, advanced by F'lar, that someone of the line might've survived. Nervous preparations for the birth begin. Lessa is sent to find a birthing-woman.