Rand is surveying his forces camped a few miles from the city of Cairhien while talking with the Tairen High Lord Weiramon. Weiramon is very arrogant and assumes that if he attacks the Shaido with his cavalry he will win without any other help. Aviendha is nearby with the Wise Ones and so are the Aiel Clan Chiefs. Aviendha has been acting friendly but not intimate to Rand lately since their return from Seanchan. Rand makes his way to a log tower that has been built for observing. Egwene has agreed to use the one power in the coming battle with the Shaido, but Moiraine can't because the three oaths of an Aes Sedai prevent it.