Moiraine interrogates Fain and learns that he has been stalking Rand, Mat, and Perrin for years. Meanwhile, Agelmar gives a TED Talk on how to lose a nation to pettiness. He’s skeptical about sending three farmboys to the Eye of the World, and honestly it’s hard to argue with the man.
To pass the time while Moiraine interrogates talks to Padan Fain, Agelmar tells the story of how the nation of Malkier fell to the blight. Was it because the Dark One was too strong? A cunning Dreadlord general? Some brilliant Shadow plot? Nope — what it all came down to was bickering, jealousy, distrust and infighting. The people of the Light didn’t lose Malkier to the Shadow — the dumb shits handed it over.
When Moiraine reappears, she is so disgusted by having been in contact with Fain that she immediately washes her hands. She says Fain has been a Darkfriend for over forty years, spending the last three helping the Dark One zero in on Rand, Mat, and Perrin. After Baerlon, the Dark One compelled him to hunt the boys. He even followed them into the Ways, and according to Moiraine, Machin Shin took one look at him ran away. Personally, I think it was the man’s BO.
Lord Agelmar still thinks he can help:
AGELMAR: Just give me a day with the beggar, Moiraine Sedai. I will discover what he is hiding.
MOIRAINE: I do not have a day, Lord Agelmar.
AGELMAR: Then at least take some real men with you instead of these three jokers.
RAND: Uh, we’re standing right here.
Moiraine assures Agelmar that these three are ta’veren with the blood of Manetheren, and nobody else can fight the battle at the Eye of the World.
Retiring for the night, their mission remains unchanged. So does the fact that nobody knows what the hell it even is.