Lan searches the palace for Bukama. Anya, Esne, and Bulen, he discovers to his dismay, are actually loyal to Edeyn Arrel, who plans on giving his daori to her daughter Iselle, thereby forcing them to marry. Lan feels that he is trapped, and must find Bukama to convince him to flee. While walking through the halls, he sees Merean talking to Iselle. Iselle leaves and is followed by the Aes Sedai. Lan continues, but as he reaches a flight of stairs, his feet are suddenly pulled from under him and he slides down, very lucky to be unhurt. He guesses that his "accident" was due to an Aes Sedai and the One Power. A servant runs up to him and tells him that Bukama has been stabbed. By the time Lan arrives, he is dead. Lan goes to find Moiraine.