The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
PROLOGUE: The First Sparks Fall
Overview
Elaida faces a resistant council and redirects the White Tower toward capturing Rand al’Thor, declaring him the Dragon Reborn and demanding concrete action. She privately leverages Padan Fain for intelligence. Meanwhile in Caemlyn, Rahvin controls a Tower spy with Compulsion. Lanfear gathers Rahvin, Sammael, and Graendal to coordinate a plan to manipulate Rand while avoiding open confrontation.
Summary
In the Amyrlin’s study, Elaida presides over Aes Sedai Sitters debating scattered crises—Borderland skirmishes, Mazrim Taim’s escape, chaos in Arad Doman and Tarabon, and Andoran-Cairhienin entanglements—yet they sidestep the subject Elaida deems paramount: Rand al’Thor. Resenting their presumption and Alviarin’s cool dominance, Elaida asserts authority with public reprimands and penances, then forces them to confront a painting of Rand and name him the Dragon Reborn. She orders every Ajah to prioritize finding and controlling him above all else.
After dismissing the council, Elaida pointedly retains secrecy from Alviarin about a visitor, revealing her intent to curb the Keeper’s influence. Padan Fain is admitted; internally delighting in Tower divisions and desiring the Shadar Logoth dagger stored in the Tower, he feeds Elaida hostile, manipulative counsel about Rand, suggesting control through those Rand trusts.
In Caemlyn, Rahvin wields Compulsion on a Tower-planted Aes Sedai spy and directs a Darkfriend, Lord Elegar, to remove her discreetly. Lanfear suddenly arrives via a gateway, warning Rahvin against exposing himself and announcing that other Chosen will come. Sammael and Graendal join, their mutual suspicions barely contained as they discuss recent losses among the Chosen and Asmodean’s defection to Rand.
Lanfear argues that bullying failed under Ishamael and proposes a subtler, coordinated approach by only four Chosen—herself, Rahvin, Sammael, and Graendal—to draw Rand where they can manipulate him, possibly turn him, and exploit rival Chosen in the process. The others, wary yet tempted by ambition, listen as Rahvin weighs how to bend the plan to his own designs.
Who Appears
- Elaida do Avriny a’RoihanNew Amyrlin Seat; asserts control over Sitters, prioritizes capturing Rand al’Thor, secretly consults Padan Fain, and challenges Alviarin’s influence.
- Alviarin FreidhenKeeper of the Chronicles; coolly manages the council, subtly contests Elaida’s authority, and leaves curious about Elaida’s private dealings.
- Padan FainMalign wanderer; manipulates Elaida about Rand, covets the Shadar Logoth dagger, revels in Tower divisions, hides his altered nature.
- Rahvin (Lord Gaebril)Forsaken ruling in Caemlyn; uses Compulsion on a Tower spy, coordinates with other Chosen, plans to manipulate Rand for advantage.
- LanfearForsaken; convenes Rahvin, Sammael, and Graendal, proposing a subtle joint plan to draw and control Rand rather than openly attack.
- SammaelForsaken warlord; skeptical yet interested in Lanfear’s plan, distrustful of others, prefers assured victories and strategic caution.
- GraendalForsaken; indulgent and cunning, weighs Lanfear’s proposal while trading barbs, maintains enthralled highborn servants with Compulsion.
- Joline MazaGreen Sitter; nominally leads search for the deposed Amyrlin, receives Elaida’s public penance order.
- Teslyn BaradonRed sister; warns Gawyn isn’t fully controlled, reacts fearfully to Rand’s threat.
- ShemerinYellow sister; anxious and overwhelmed, breaks down when confronted with Rand’s reality.
- Javindhra DorailleRed Sitter; manages efforts to recall rebels, pressed by Elaida for a full report and results.
- DanelleBrown sister; reports unrest in Shienar and Whitecloak negotiations, focused on world rumors.
- Andaya ForaeGray sister; raises risks around missing Elayne and Galad and Andor’s relations with the Tower.
- EvanelleinGray sister; shares rumor of Panarch Amathera’s disappearance possibly involving an Aes Sedai.
- Lord ElegarMinor noble and Darkfriend; obeys Rahvin, discreetly removes the Compelled Tower spy.
- Unnamed Aes Sedai spyWhite Tower agent in Caemlyn; under Rahvin’s Compulsion, unknowingly reports what he wants.