It is early spring as Lan and Bukama arrive in Canluum, a city in Kandor. There are rumors running through the town of a man who can channel. The duo's hadori draw attention to passerby. Lan can only think about the Blight, where he is headed. They have traveled through Cairhien, Andor, and Tear since the end of the Aiel War. The ruler of Canluum is Lord Varan Marcasiev; his banner is the Red Stag. They ride into Canluum and head to Marcasiev's palace on the highest hill in the city. They see a few other Malkieri present, but Bukama becomes indignant when he sees they are all wearing Kandori clothes. Therefore Lan leads him to an inn where they can stay.