The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
11 The Nine Horse Hitch
Overview
Siuan, traveling with Min, Leane, and Logain, reaches Lugard and contacts Duranda Tharne, a Blue Ajah eyes-and-ears. Tharne’s coded hint, “Sallie Daera,” leads Siuan to deduce Salidar as the Blues’ rally point.
After spotting Whitecloaks, Siuan orders an immediate departure south, while Leane’s allure disrupts the inn and needles Logain’s pride.
Summary
Siuan arrives in Lugard with Min, Leane, and Logain, letting Logain believe he leads while she pursues her own plan for him. After stabling their mounts at The Nine Horse Hitch, Siuan sends Leane to distract Logain and Min to cover her absence, then slips out to seek an eyes-and-ears contact.
Navigating Lugard’s bawdy streets, Siuan finds Duranda Tharne’s raucous inn. Forced to play along publicly as a would-be singer to avoid suspicion, she endures humiliation before confronting Tharne in private. Siuan reports that Siuan Sanche has been stilled and Elaida now reigns; Tharne confirms signs of an Ajah split and offers only the coded phrase “Sallie Daera,” asking that Aeldene be told of her loyalty.
Siuan pieces the code into “Salidar,” birthplace of the Blue Amyrlin Deane Aryman and an unlikely refuge, concluding it is the Blues’ gathering place. As she leaves, two Children of the Light ride past; wary of their notice, she resolves to move quickly.
Back at The Nine Horse Hitch, Min observes Leane effortlessly holding a court of admiring guards and wagoners while Logain fumes. Siuan arrives, whispers that they must go south immediately—avoiding mention of Whitecloaks to Logain—and orders Min to extract Leane and Logain quietly. With tensions high and a long ride ahead, they prepare to depart Lugard at once.
Who Appears
- Siuan SancheStilled former Amyrlin; secures coded lead “Sallie Daera,” deduces Salidar, and hastens the group south after spotting Whitecloaks.
- Leane (Amaena)Newly flirtatious; expertly charms a crowd, averts a near brawl, and distracts Logain as Siuan slips away.
- Min (Serenla)Observes Leane’s effect on men, covers for Siuan, and moves to gather the group when told to depart.
- Logain (Dalyn)Insists on leading the journey; grows disgruntled as Leane monopolizes attention; unwitting piece in Siuan’s larger plan.
- Duranda TharneBlue Ajah eyes-and-ears in Lugard; tests Siuan, confirms Tower turmoil, and provides the code pointing to Salidar.
- Children of the LightTwo riders whose presence prompts Siuan to leave Lugard immediately to avoid scrutiny.