Rand opens a gateway to a room in Cairhien and goes through following his escort of Aiel. Rand heads in to the palace to meet with Berelain and Rhuarc, the two he has left in charge while he has been gone. Berelain is in charge of the city with Rhuarc as her advisor. Rand wishes to see Egwene but isn't sure if the Wise Ones will allow it while she is still recovering from being attacked by Lanfear. They come to a courtyard where a number of Cairhienin women are practicing sword fighting. This greatly offends the Aiel for multiple reasons but Rand doesn't see it as an issue.