The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
21 The Gift of a Blade
Overview
Rand’s host establishes camp at the Jangai Pass while Maidens and other societies vie to guard him. He wards the encampment with saidin and keeps Asmodean closely bound to his service. Aviendha gifts Rand Laman’s sword; he keeps only the Power-forged blade, heightening their fraught bond. Aiel customs and recent marriages underscore cultural divides and personal tensions.
Summary
Rand’s armies raise camp in the mouth of the Jangai Pass, with Aiel tents blending into the terrain and societies—especially the Maidens—positioning themselves to guard the Car’a’carn. Moiraine and Lan settle Kadere’s wagons near ruined Taien. Egwene and Aviendha arrive, showing pity and control before the massacre’s remnants.
Rand finds Asmodean (as Jasin Natael) playing harp beside the Dragon banner. They trade barbs about the banner and Moiraine’s deviousness. Rand asks about ancient ruins, but Asmodean’s knowledge of geography is outdated. Rand warns he will destroy Asmodean if betrayed, keeping him teaching under parole.
Before dusk, Rand uses his angreal to set a vast ward that will alarm at Shadowspawn without revealing his location to the Forsaken. Afterward he resists the lure of saidin. Aviendha displays a slain bloodsnake, drawing Rand’s anger over her risk and refusal to use the Power casually.
In Rand’s tent, Aviendha offers an extravagant sword—the jeweled blade of King Laman—to cancel her perceived debt. Recognizing a heron-marked, Power-forged weapon, Rand accepts only the blade, returning the gem-crusted hilt and scabbard. He proves the edge by slicing a cushion, which irritates Aviendha despite her material gain.
Over a supper of bloodsnake stew, Rand and Aviendha discuss Aiel customs: Melaine’s recent marriage to Bael, the meanings of bridal wreath flowers, and the post-vow struggle proving a bride’s worth. Aviendha explains the jest about “teaching a man to sing,” when a man becomes gai’shain to pursue a Maiden. Rand probes about her necklace; she calls it a friend’s gift. He wards his dreams and drifts into sleep with a confused dream of Min, Elayne, and Aviendha.
Who Appears
- Rand al’ThorLeads the Aiel host at Jangai Pass, sets Shadowspawn wards, threatens Asmodean’s parole, and accepts only Laman’s blade from Aviendha.
- AviendhaDirects gai’shain, kills a bloodsnake, gifts Laman’s sword to cancel debt; clashes with Rand and explains Aiel customs.
- Asmodean (Jasin Natael)Serves as Rand’s reluctant teacher and bannerman; warns about Moiraine; remains bound by parole under threat.
- Egwene al’VereArrives with Aviendha, shows pity for Taien’s dead, discusses Rand’s guilt with Aviendha.
- Moiraine DamodredOversees Kadere’s wagons; mentioned as devious by Asmodean and keen to manage Rand’s affairs.
- Lan MandragoranAccompanies Moiraine, previously identified Aviendha’s necklace work; supports logistical setup.
- Mat CauthonStudies Taien’s gates with his ashandarei; subject of Aiel jokes about ‘teaching a man to sing.’
- MelaineNewly married Wise One to Bael; her wedding customs and symbolism are discussed.
- BaelClan chief; fought through kin to carry off Melaine during the wedding rite; still bears bruises.
- AdelinMaiden guarding Rand’s tent; observes Aviendha’s actions approvingly.
- SulinMaiden who shoos Melindhra away on an errand while Mat surveys Taien.
- Isendre and Kadere’s driversReact to Taien’s stench and avoid watching the dead; assist with wagon placement.
- BairWise One who permitted Aviendha to transport Laman’s sword wrapped without touching it.
- RhuarcChief who previously informed Rand about Taien; part of Rand’s martial councils.