Perrin’s group rides through Illian. Last time they entered Illian, and this time they are riding through Illian. These are the two things you can do in Illian and not much more because there are no video games in Illian.

Loial gets weird again, afraid of getting discovered by other Ogier and forced to skedaddle back to his stedding. Illian is a hotbed for other Ogier, apparently. Perrin reassures the Goat Guy that Moiraine finds him too useful to let him go, being an expert of the Ways.

Moiraine and Lan agree that there’s something off about the city, but Perrin can’t sense what they’re feeling. They go to an inn called “Easing the Badger” (not “Edging the Badger”, which I almost accidentally wrote the first time). In the common room is a beautiful girl dancing on a table surrounded by workmen and sailors, singing very lewd songs. Songs so lewd that it makes Perrin blush in front of Zarine, who laughs at him. Just imagine what Perrin might be thinking! Low-cut dresses and girls without braids! For shame!

The innkeeper is a fat woman named Neida who knows Moiraine as “Mistress Mari”. Moiraine asks her if there is any news, and there’s something about Lord Brend’s appointment to the Council of Nine (who cares). Neida has weird dreams about Lord Brend, just like Bili over there *points to Bili*. Something about walking on bridges suspended in the air. It sounds pretty innocuous to me, but Moiraine freaks out. Perrin has never seen her so frightened before. She looks like this —> 😮

When Moiraine asks Neida if there are any ships heading for Tear soon, Neida gives a hearty “NO”. There are no ships moving between Illian and Tear since, per the Council, a war with Tear might be inevitable. Anyway, unpack in your rooms and come down for a disgusting meal of fish and yellow mush! During dinner, Perrin smells something disgusting — that same smell he smelled in Jarra and again in Remen. Suddenly, across the room, he notices a small group of men looking right at him. Then they brandish knives secretly, but not secretly enough it seems. “THEY HAVE KNIVES!” screams Perrin, starting a whole ruckus.

After a fight, the men are down. Gray Men, as it were. And they were after Perrin specifically for unknown reasons. Out of nowhere, Moiraine decides that she must now go on an adventure alone — even without Lan. Lan protests, but Moiraine protests harder and walks out the door. I, the reader, am perplexed! So is Perrin. And Lan, actually. Everyone’s confused. Let’s all forget this unpleasantness and continue watching the hot girl sing the raunchy songs, m’kay?