Mat enters a "ter'angreal" similar to the one he entered in Tear, seeking answers to the questions he asked of the Snakelike 'Aelfinn' of his previous visit; but encounters the Foxlike 'Eelfinn', who bargain for gifts instead of answering questions (he later speculates that the two factions are namesake for the children's game of 'Snakes and Foxes', which cannot be won), and acquires fluency in the Old Tongue and the memories of his own ancestors.