The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
50 To Teach, and Learn
Overview
Nynaeve and Elayne reach Salidar and face a stern inquiry. The Salidar Aes Sedai reclaim their funds, assign them to resume studies, and demand instruction in Tel’aran’rhiod. A broken cuendillar seal alarms the sisters. Nynaeve secretly bargains with Siuan to study stilling. Meanwhile, Bryne recruits allies, and Min reveals she and another will share Rand with Elayne.
Summary
Nynaeve and Elayne are brought before Sheriam and five other Salidar Aes Sedai, who examine their belongings, including an a’dam, three ter’angreal, and a cuendillar seal now found broken. The sisters dismiss claims of ‘evil’ emanating from the seal but are disturbed by its condition. Siuan and Leane, visibly younger and stilled, confirm the value of the ter’angreal for contacting Egwene and possibly Moiraine.
The Aes Sedai strip Nynaeve and Elayne of autonomy: they seize much of their coin and letters-of-rights, declare the pair will resume studies as Accepted, and assign them to teach the Tower’s use of the dream ter’angreal. Beonin forces attention to the shattered seal, prompting grim speculation on how many still hold. The women are dismissed.
In the bustling common room, allies regroup. Faolain arrives to drag Nicola and Areina for channeling tests. Thom, Juilin, and Uno propose escaping to Cairhien but ultimately decide to remain. Gareth Bryne arrives, recruits Uno for cavalry, and pointedly invites Thom to play stones, signaling deeper involvement. Siuan reasserts steel, scattering onlookers and taking Nynaeve aside.
In a small room, Siuan demands secret instruction with the dream ring. Nynaeve counters, threatening to expose Siuan and Leane’s concealed coordination unless allowed to study stilling and gentling on Siuan, Leane, and Logain. They forge a pact: Nynaeve will teach; Siuan grants study access and mutual secrecy.
Outside, Elayne corners Min, who warns the newcomers spell trouble and then confesses a viewing: Elayne will love Rand, and two others will share him—one is Min; the third is unknown but hot-tempered. After tension, Elayne and Min vow friendship despite sharing Rand. Elayne casually uses the Power to help with laundry while Min begins recounting her escape with Siuan and Leane.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaInterrogated in Salidar; assigned to teach Tel’aran’rhiod use; bargains with Siuan to study stilling and gentling.
- Elayne TrakandReduced to Accepted; longs to study ter’angreal; confronts Min and accepts sharing Rand; decides to stay and study.
- Siuan SancheStilled, outwardly meek before Aes Sedai but forceful in private; secures secret lessons with the dream ring.
- Sheriam BayanarLeads the inquiry; seizes funds; orders Nynaeve and Elayne back to studies and to teach Tel’aran’rhiod.
- Leane SharifStilled; cool tension with Siuan; seen flirting boldly; part of Siuan’s quiet maneuvering.
- Beonin MarinyeInsists the broken cuendillar seal be addressed, reigniting alarm among the Aes Sedai.
- MorvrinBrown sister skeptical yet intent on studying the ter’angreal and Tel’aran’rhiod.
- AnaiyaUrges focus on contacting Egwene via the ter’angreal; supports teaching plan.
- CarlinyaColdly rebukes the Accepted; prioritizes using letters-of-rights and funds for the rebels.
- Myrelle BerengariHandles confiscated goods; voices Green Ajah concern about the Last Battle.
- Gareth BryneCommands the rebel host; recruits Uno; pointedly engages Thom for strategic stones games.
- Thom MerrilinConsiders leaving but stays; accepts Bryne’s invitation to play stones, hinting at counsel.
- Uno NomestaPlans escape but stays; agrees to speak to Shienarans about joining Bryne.
- Min FarshawWelcomes friends; reveals viewing that she and another will share Rand with Elayne.
- BirgitteRelieved her identity is protected; remains as ally, minding the boys.
- Faolain OrandeAbrasive Accepted; takes Nicola and Areina to be tested for the spark.
- Nicola TreehillNewcomer; led off to be tested for channeling potential.
- Areina NermasivNewcomer; also taken for channeling tests in Salidar.
- MariganRefugee mother; kept near Birgitte; draws wary attention.
- Be'lal’s Seal (cuendillar disc)Found broken; its state alarms the Aes Sedai about remaining seals and the Last Battle.