Chapters 28-31 News in a Cloth Sack; Another Plan; Cold, Fat Raindrops; What the Aelfinn Said Summary

In Chapter 28, Tylin decides to leave Ebou Dar for a few weeks. Mat rides out with her and the many companions and servants she takes along. After clearing the gates, he splits off from the group and reconnoiters the harbor, noting the high number of guards. Mat returns to the city and spends his time plotting escape. He intends to free all the damane and expects them to help fight their way out of the city.

In Chapter 29, Mat discovers that removing the collar from a damane requires more than simply removing it. The fastening system must be undone in an exacting way to avoid the freed damane from going into a seizure...