The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
51 News Comes to Cairhien
Overview
In Cairhien, Rand battles nobles’ maneuvering, orders Tairen troops home, and receives conflicting letters from Elaida and Alviarin, revealing White Tower division and a looming Aes Sedai escort. Mat brings word that Morgase is likely dead and Rahvin rules Andor, driving Rand to plan a swift strike on Caemlyn with Moiraine, Egwene, and Aviendha.
Later, Mat survives an assassination attempt by Melindhra, who dies revealing Darkfriend ties, hinting that the Forsaken are watching his moves.
Summary
At dusk in Cairhien, Rand evades Selande’s advances by invoking his ability to channel, then returns to a tense audience with Cairhienin and Tairen lords. He enforces orders sending Tairen soldiers back to Tear, rejects Cairhienin demands to retain troops for banditry and Andoran encroachment, and pointedly unsettles Colavaere by inviting her to supper to end her attempts to place a controlled bedpartner in his path.
Moiraine, Egwene, and Aviendha arrive with two letters from Tar Valon: Elaida declares the White Tower will protect Rand and promises an Aes Sedai “escort,” while Alviarin privately flatters and urges secrecy, suggesting internal division. Rand concludes the Tower spies on him and resolves to keep any escort far away.
Mat is summoned and reports dire news: Morgase is missing and presumed dead, while Gaebril (Rahvin) claims Andor’s throne. Shocked and furious, Rand vows to kill Rahvin in a rapid raid on Caemlyn, postponing action until tomorrow to cool his rage. He drives Asmodean out with a stark threat. Egwene and Aviendha insist on accompanying the strike despite Rand’s objections; Moiraine warns of other Forsaken possibly aiding Rahvin, and all agree to proceed carefully.
That night, Egwene steels herself for the coming fight, while Moiraine counsels prudence and emphasizes Rand’s need for uncompromising voices. Meanwhile, Mat wrestles with Rand’s demand that he lead the Band among Tairen nobles, then returns to his rooms where Melindhra suddenly attacks.
In a brutal exchange, Mat instinctively throws a sleeve-knife, mortally wounding Melindhra. Before dying, she calls his luck the “Great Lord’s,” marks herself a Darkfriend, and her broken dagger’s Illian bees suggest Forsaken attention—likely Sammael. Shaken, Mat realizes the Forsaken have noticed him, and the dice of fate tumble in his head as he weighs what to do next.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorBalances Cairhien’s nobles, receives letters from Elaida and Alviarin, learns Morgase is dead, and plans a swift strike on Rahvin.
- Mat CauthonBrings news of Morgase’s death; later kills Melindhra after her assassination attempt, realizing Forsaken attention and Darkfriend plots.
- Moiraine DamodredDelivers Tower letters, counsels caution, supports the strike’s caution and emphasizes Rand’s need for truth-tellers.
- Egwene al'VereStands up to Rand, insists on joining the Rahvin raid, later steadies herself for the dangerous confrontation.
- AviendhaDefends Rand, refuses to be sidelined, insists on fighting in Caemlyn; vigilant about women approaching him.
- Asmodean (Jasin Natael)Plays harp during meetings; is dismissed under threat as Rand’s fury peaks over Morgase’s death.
- Colavaere SaighanCairhienin noble scheming to control Rand via a consort; rattled when invited to a private supper.
- Selande DarengilAttempts to seduce Rand; later terrified when he invokes saidin to rebuff her.
- Dobraine TaborwinSupports Rand’s orders on troop movements despite Cairhienin resistance.
- MaringilArgues to keep troops in Cairhien against bandits and Andoran claims; overruled by Rand.
- Meilan MendianaTairen High Lord forced to comply with returning troops; promises to show obedience.
- Aviendha’s Maiden SomaraAnnounces Mat’s arrival to Rand during the tense council.
- Elaida do Avriny a’RoihanSends a commanding letter offering Tower ‘protection’ and an escort for Rand.
- Alviarin FreidhenWrites a secret, flattering letter hinting at Tower rifts and urging Rand’s discretion.
- MelindhraMat’s lover reveals herself as a Darkfriend, attacks him, and dies from his thrown knife.