Perrin’s group makes its way to an inn called Easing the Badger. Perrin survives an assassination attempt from six Gray Men. Moiraine departs on a private mission.
An uneasy feeling descends on the group as they ride through Illian. Moiraine leads them to an inn called Easing the Badger. The proprietress is well acquainted with Moiraine: or at least, with one of her aliases.
The group sits down for dinner in the common room. They listen to a woman sing bawdy songs that make Perrin’s cheeks turn red. Then, not for the first time in their journey, Perrin senses a feeling of “wrongness.” He’s puzzled at first, but suddenly realizes that six Gray Men are crossing the room, knives out and intent on killing him. The fight lasts heartbeats, leaving the would-be assassins dead.
Gosh, after a close call like that, we should all stick together and watch each other’s backs, right?
MOIRAINE: I’m headed out. I’ll see y’all later. Unless I don’t, in which case have fun with Myrelle, Lan!
With that, Moiraine is out the door and away on some private mission. Will she tell anyone about it? Fuck no! “Your puny mind would not even understand it” is probably what she would say if you dared to ask. So what is it, Moiraine? I hope you’re going to see your psychotherapist, because for the last two books, you’ve been showing all the classic signs of being a narcissist.