Cairhienin are enjoying the Feast of Lights with abandon, very different from their usual prim ways. Rand has been gone for six days and the Aes Sedai left three days ago. Faile is still jealous and Perrin still can't figure out how to resolve things between them. Dobraine arrives to inform Perrin that Lord Maringil was found poisoned while Lord Meilan was stabbed, apparently by a footpad. Also, Colavaere has been meeting with some of the Cairhien houses to push for her right to the Sun Throne. Berelain enters, angering Perrin because she has been stalking him. She arrives with Rand's sword which Rand would not likely have left behind. Sulin realizes that the Aes Sedai have taken Rand. Sulin tells a maiden to fetch her cadin'sor and bring Rhuarc and Nandera immediately.