Rand, Ingtar, Verin, and Loial arrive at Lord Barthanes’ manor for a party, while Mat and Hurin go undercover as servants. Loial immediately senses a nearby Waygate, Rand is cornered by nobles, and he is reunited with Thom Merrilin, who is concerned about Rand’s association with an Aes Sedai.
Rand’s entourage consists of Ingtar, Verin, and Loial. Hurin and Mat pose as servants, and ten Shienaran guards escort them. It isn’t exactly Ocean’s Eleven, but it gets them into the manor. Verin, Ingtar, and Rand mingle with the nobility while Hurin and Mat search for the Horn. Inside, Loial immediately senses a Waygate nearby. Does anyone consider the possibility that Fain has taken the Horn through the Ways to God-knows-where? I guess connect-the-dots wasn’t Rand’s childhood forte.
Rand speaks with Barthanes, who assumes Rand is lying every time he claims to not know the King. He then gets cornered by three noblewomen who are practically throwing themselves at him. He wriggles away to chat with Thom, whom Barthanes has hired to perform for the party. Thom is concerned that Verin Sedai is involved with Rand, but he tells himself he’s not interested in blowing up his life with Dena.
Hurin interrupts, telling Lord Rand that his manservant has injured his knee, and the two head off to see where the trail leads.