Moiraine encounters Siuan, who brings news that strongly suggests the Black Ajah is behind the death of the Amyrlin Seat, as well as the demise of several other sisters. Moiraine resolves to travel alone to the capital city of Chachin, and sends Siuan ahead of her.
Still reeling from her meeting with Cadsuane, Moiraine does a double take as she catches a glimpse of Siuan outside of the inn. She hurries after her pillow-friend until they reach the privacy of a side street. Siuan brings news that all of the Aes Sedai whom Tamra tasked to find the Dragon have died under circumstances that can be described as unusual at best, or suspicious at worst. Before long, the two friends have decided that the rumored Black Ajah must be involved, that Tamra’s death was similarly suspect, and that they could trust nobody!
With the next stop on her Dragon Quest being the capital city of Chachin, Moiraine sends Siuan off ahead of her and returns to the inn. After laying low and letting everyone think what they want for the evening, Moiraine sneaks out of the inn during the wee hours of the morning. You’d think sneaking away from Aes Sedai would be more difficult, given their reputation, but Moiraine has already managed to do it twice in this book!