Mat wants to deliver the letter from Elayne right away but Thom says they should find a meal and a bed first. Mat thinks he is out of the “game Moiraine is playing”. Mat tell Thom to go on to the Queen's Blessing and he will go on to the palace. Mat tries to explain his errand to the gate officer but he interrupts Mat and won't let him finish his explanation. The guard says he will take no word to the Queen from Tar Valon. When Mat continues to try to explain, the guard says to sieze Mat for a darkfriend. Mat rides away, and barely escapes the guards.