The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
24 A Message Sent
Overview
Egwene slips early into Tel’aran’rhiod and, after being found by Amys and Bair, meets Elayne near Callandor, briefly glimpsing Birgitte. The Wise Ones rebuke Elayne’s risk-taking, while Elayne recounts a brawl in Valan Luca’s show and shares vital Seanchan intelligence about an a’dam.
Egwene warns Elayne that any channeling will alert Elaida’s Tower agents and tries to pass a coded request to speak privately. She also reports Shaido movements and skirmishes around Cairhien, raising the stakes for Rand’s campaign.
Summary
As the Aiel host enters wetter lands, Egwene retires to her tent, intending to stay awake for a planned meeting in Tel’aran’rhiod. Dozing over a heroes’ tale, she slips into the World of Dreams early, her clothing flickering as her control wavers. Near Callandor in the Stone’s Heart, she spots Elayne speaking with a silver-bowed woman Egwene recognizes as Birgitte, before deciding to remain hidden.
Amys and Bair arrive, displeased she came alone. When they confront Elayne, Birgitte has vanished. Bair sharply rebukes Elayne for entering Tel’aran’rhiod without proper guidance; Elayne answers with regal composure. Asked about Nynaeve, Elayne explains a violent confrontation in Luca’s menagerie: Latelle beat Nynaeve, the Chavanas intervened and were hurt, and chaos ensued, though Nynaeve did not channel.
Egwene warns that any public channeling will reach Elaida swiftly, then tries to signal Elayne—speaking of their “old Tower rooms”—that she wants a private talk beyond Wise One ears. Discussing travel plans, Elayne is unsure about leaving the menagerie yet. She provides crucial Seanchan intelligence: a handler, Cerandin, once at the Court of the Nine Moons, possessed an a’dam; Elayne tested it on her with no effect, and they continue gathering knowledge in case the Seanchan return.
Egwene turns away to master her fear of the a’dam and Seanchan, and Elayne reassures her they will be prepared. Amys and Bair note Egwene is already bedded in the waking world and press to finish quickly.
Closing the meeting, Egwene reports the army’s situation: the Shaido are still days ahead, moving west after devastating Selean; scattered mounted bands have skirmished and fled near Cairhien, with no prisoners taken. As the Wise Ones conclude, Elayne and the Stone of Tear fade from Tel’aran’rhiod.
Who Appears
- Egwene al’VereAccidentally enters Tel’aran’rhiod early, glimpses Birgitte, warns Elayne against risky channeling, and relays Shaido movements and Cairhien skirmishes.
- Elayne TrakandMeets Egwene near Callandor; recounts Latelle’s attack on Nynaeve; shares Seanchan a’dam intelligence; receives Egwene’s coded request for private talk.
- AmysWise One mentor; scolds Egwene for entering alone and presses to conclude the meeting; concerned for Egwene’s safety.
- BairWise One; sternly rebukes Elayne’s recklessness in Tel’aran’rhiod and pushes to keep the meeting disciplined and brief.
- BirgitteLegendary archer seen in Tel’aran’rhiod speaking with Elayne before vanishing; a startling confirmation of the heroes’ presence.
- CowindeGai’shain who serves Egwene and later finds her deeply asleep, prompting Wise One intervention.