The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
1 Fanning the Sparks
Overview
Min, Siuan, and Leane are arrested for a barn fire and judged by Gareth Bryne. Leane’s attempted seduction fails to sway their sentence, so they swear a binding oath to serve Bryne, then plan to flee. Logain returns with horses and they escape, while Bryne musters veterans to pursue. In Caemlyn, the Tairen noblewoman Alteima briefs Morgase on Rand; Gaebril reveals sinister control over Morgase and extracts intelligence about Rand and his allies.
Summary
Amid drought in Andor, Min watches over a village inn while she, Siuan (as Mara), and Leane (as Amaena) await judgment for a barn fire started when Logain knocked a farmer down. Locked in a shed, Leane decides to use Domani arts to seek leniency, revealing a need to reinvent herself after loss. They are hauled before Lord Gareth Bryne.
In the crowded common room, Admer Nem testifies. Leane’s poised plea fails to change the facts. Bryne compensates Nem and sentences the women to work for him until his payout is repaid, offering lighter terms if they swear. Siuan immediately swears an extreme oath binding her soul; Leane and Min follow. Afterward, Siuan admits she chose it to avoid close guard, intending to slip away in days, repay later, and accept consequences.
On the road to Bryne’s manor, their carter Joni is mysteriously felled. Logain appears with their horses and money, having used a sling to free them. He demands Siuan fulfill her promise of revenge but agrees to stay a little longer. Min briefly sees Logain’s recurring halo of glory. The group mounts and rides south, expecting only minimal pursuit.
At his manor, Bryne organizes seasoned veterans, including a bandaged Joni, to track the oathbreakers. Despite Caralin’s cautions, Bryne determines to bring them back and learn why Mara broke such an oath, while broader news reaches him: Tear has fallen to Aiel, Callandor was drawn, and Elaida is Amyrlin with Siuan reportedly stilled and executed.
In Caemlyn, the Tairen Lady Alteima seeks patronage. Granted audience, she feeds Morgase sober intelligence about Rand’s rule in Tear and the Aiel presence. Gaebril enters, dismisses decorum, compels Morgase to sleep, then extracts from Alteima the truth of her flight and detailed knowledge of Rand and his companions, revealing his coercive influence over the Queen.
Who Appears
- Min (Serenla)Prisoner awaiting trial; wary observer; swears service to Bryne, plans escape, and rides south with Logain.
- Siuan (Mara Tomanes)Takes charge; swears a soul-binding oath to Bryne to avoid guards; plans to flee then repay later.
- Leane (Amaena)Adopts Domani arts to plead; seeks reinvention; swears the oath, escapes, and relishes her newfound leverage.
- Gareth BryneJudges the case, exacts restitution, binds them to service; later musters veterans to pursue the oathbreakers.
- LogainReturns unexpectedly, frees the women with a sling, provides horses and coin, and demands Siuan deliver revenge.
- CaralinBryne’s efficient estate manager; oversees Nem’s claims and arrangements; warns Bryne about the chase.
- Admer NemFarmer accuser; barn burned and cows lost; receives compensation under Bryne’s judgment.
- Joni ShagrinVeteran escort struck down by Logain’s sling; later bandaged and ready to ride with Bryne.
- High Lady AlteimaTairen noble refugee; seeks favor in Caemlyn; divulges intelligence on Rand; confesses flight to Gaebril.
- Queen MorgaseHears Alteima’s report; shows devotion to Gaebril; is compelled to sleep, troubled by dreams.
- GaebrilDominates Morgase with chilling authority; interrogates Alteima for detailed intelligence on Rand.
- TallanvorGuardsman-Lieutenant who escorts Alteima to her audience with Queen Morgase.
- Barim HalleOld soldier brings news of Tear and Elaida; volunteers to rejoin Bryne’s pursuit.