The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
27 The Practice of Diffidence
Overview
Siuan and Leane confront Salidar’s leading sisters, securing control of spy networks and revealing Logain’s claim that Reds made him a false Dragon, forcing the council to oppose Elaida.
Leane proposes raising a Hall and Amyrlin in exile; they plan to send Kiruna and Bera to the Waste for Rand. Gareth Bryne arrives, and the council moves to recruit him as commander while compelling Siuan to explain his pursuit.
Summary
Siuan challenges Sheriam, Anaiya, Carlinya, Morvrin, Beonin, and Myrelle for inaction, insisting Elaida will mishandle Rand and weaken the Tower. Despite reminders that she and Leane are stilled, Siuan offers her Blue Ajah and Amyrlin-era spy networks and proposes diverting reports to Salidar while feeding disinformation to Elaida. Leane adds her Tar Valon contacts.
To topple Elaida, Siuan reveals Logain’s late-night confession: Red sisters coached him to proclaim as a false Dragon. The revelation ends talk of reconciling with Elaida and shifts the council toward deposing her. Leane then suggests forming a Hall in Salidar and raising an Amyrlin in exile to claim Tower legitimacy, a plan the council reluctantly accepts.
Seeking Rand before Elaida does, Siuan argues he is with the Aiel, citing the “People of the Dragon” and the Stone’s fall. The council agrees to send two Greens—Kiruna Nachiman and Bera Harkin—with their Warders to the Waste to locate him and contact Moiraine if found.
Warders report veteran riders nearby; most halt, but one advances—identified as Gareth Bryne. Siuan, panicked by his pursuit from Kore Springs, urges sending him away or killing him, exposing her fear. The council recognizes Bryne’s value as a great captain, decides to bring him in and try to recruit him, and then demands that Siuan explain exactly why he is here. Siuan begins to confess their encounter on his lands.
Who Appears
- Siuan SancheStilled former Amyrlin; berates Salidar council, secures control of spies, reveals Reds set up Logain, proposes strategy, panics at Bryne’s approach.
- Sheriam BayanarDe facto leader of Salidar council; accepts opposing Elaida, backs mission to the Waste, orders Bryne brought to be recruited.
- Leane SharifStilled former Keeper; supports spy plan, reveals Tar Valon agents, proposes raising a Hall and Amyrlin in exile.
- MorvrinPragmatic Brown; challenges Siuan, weighs Logain claim, supports deposing Elaida and careful handling of Bryne.
- CarlinyaCool White; insists on Tower unity, then agrees Elaida must be deposed; skeptical of Waste plan but consents.
- BeoninDiplomatic Gray; focuses on negotiation with Tower loyalists, endorses Kiruna and Bera for the Waste mission.
- Myrelle BerengariGreen councilor; tries to mollify Siuan, wants to go to the Waste, supports recruiting Bryne.
- ArinvarSheriam’s Warder; reports approaching riders and advises on capturing them.
- Nuhel DromandMyrelle’s Warder; identifies Gareth Bryne and argues his value as a great captain.
- AnaiyaKindly Blue; moderates discussion, supports sending Greens to the Waste and backing an Amyrlin in exile.
- Gareth BryneGreat captain; arrives pursuing Siuan and Leane, targeted for recruitment by the Salidar Aes Sedai.
- Kiruna NachimanGreen sister selected to go to the Aiel Waste with Warders to find Rand.
- Bera HarkinGreen sister selected to accompany Kiruna to the Waste to locate Rand.