The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
8 Over the Border
Overview
Nynaeve, Elayne, Thom, and Juilin escape Tarabon by wagon, with Nynaeve unleashing a dust storm to deter bandits. Crossing into Amadicia, they are stopped by a Whitecloak convoy but pass as dye merchants after tense questioning. They reach Mardecin and, exhausted, choose to rest before continuing toward Tar Valon.
Summary
Riding a lurching wagon away from Tanchico, Nynaeve looks back on a vast dust storm she raised in anger to scatter pursuing brigands. Exhausted and dusty, the group maintains their merchant cover as they press toward the Andoran border by land rather than risk ships watched by the Black Ajah.
On the road they meet a large Children of the Light column escorting supply wagons. A severe Whitecloak officer interrogates them about Tanchico, Aes Sedai involvement, and the state of the rulers. Nynaeve presents their cargo as Taraboner dyes bound for Andor, while masking her Aes Sedai ties and deflecting suspicion—helped, despite friction, by Elayne’s poise and Nynaeve’s quick cover story.
Allowed to proceed, they pass abandoned farms and cross the stone-marked border into Amadicia, learning the Whitecloaks are sending food into Tarabon and policing the frontier. Tension flares between Nynaeve and Elayne over how submissive to appear, until Thom cuts off the argument.
They arrive at Mardecin by late morning. Though Nynaeve prefers to push on, fatigue forces a compromise: purchase supplies and take a day’s rest near the town rather than an inn, then continue their overland journey toward Tar Valon.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaLeads the group as a merchant; raises a massive dust storm to foil bandits; deflects Whitecloak suspicion.
- Elayne TrakandMaintains a noble bearing; challenges Whitecloaks with a pointed question; clashes with Nynaeve over tactics.
- Thom MerrilinDrives the wagon, keeps a low profile, and quells Nynaeve and Elayne’s argument; favors resting in town.
- Juilin SandarScouts alongside the wagon, supplies water, and supports resting after the long overland push.
- Whitecloak lieutenantLeads the checkpoint; interrogates the group about Tanchico, rulers, and Aes Sedai; ultimately lets them pass.