The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
19 Memories
Overview
Morgase shakes free of Gaebril’s domination, discovers his treachery and infidelities, and realizes he has isolated her from loyal Houses. With Lini, Tallanvor, Basel Gill, Lamgwin, and Breane, she escapes Caemlyn aiming to rally Gareth Bryne.
Meanwhile in Tar Valon, Padan Fain steals the Shadar Logoth dagger, murders an Accepted, spars with Alviarin, and slips away, escalating threats to both Tower and Rand.
Summary
Morgase, dulled and distracted, is jolted by Tallanvor’s report of rebellion in the Two Rivers and Gaebril’s dismissive response. Publicly belittled by Gaebril among hostile nobles, she is compelled to leave, then realizes with horror how he has been controlling her and allowing her enemies into the Palace.
Seeking clarity, Morgase visits Lini, who bluntly reveals Gaebril’s many mistresses, including Alteima, and reminds Morgase of the allies she exiled under his influence, even having Ellorien flogged. Morgase rejects Aes Sedai aid, tests Tallanvor’s loyalty, and secretly plans escape, learning the Guards in Caemlyn answer to Gaebril.
With Lini’s help, Morgase disguises herself and slips into the city, meeting Tallanvor at The Queen’s Blessing. Basel Gill, Lamgwin, and Breane pledge support. Accepting Tallanvor’s counsel, Morgase decides to seek Gareth Bryne to draw the Houses back. At dusk, they ride west toward Kore Springs.
That night in the White Tower, Padan Fain unlocks the guarded storeroom, recovers the Shadar Logoth dagger, and lethally nicks an Accepted, Verine. Caught and questioned by Alviarin—who hides her Black Ajah allegiance—Fain blusters, then escapes the Tower before dawn, whole again and intent on his larger designs.
Who Appears
- Morgase TrakandQueen of Andor; breaks Gaebril’s sway, learns of betrayals, and flees Caemlyn to seek Gareth Bryne.
- Martyn TallanvorYoung Guardsman lieutenant; defies Gaebril’s new oath, aids Morgase’s escape, urges seeking Bryne.
- LiniMorgase’s old nurse; reveals Gaebril’s infidelities and exiles, helps plan and accompany the escape.
- Basel GillInnkeeper of The Queen’s Blessing; arms himself and pledges support to Morgase.
- Lamgwin DornStreet-tough loyal to Morgase; joins the flight from Caemlyn with Breane.
- Breane TaborwinCairhienin noblewoman refugee; insists on following Lamgwin and joins Morgase’s party.
- GaebrilMorgase’s manipulative consort; publicly belittles her, keeps rivals close, and controls the Guards.
- Padan FainDarkfriend remade by evil; steals the Shadar Logoth dagger from the Tower and murders an Accepted.
- Alviarin FreidhenAes Sedai covertly Black Ajah; confronts Fain in the storeroom but lets him slip away.
- VerineAccepted monitoring the warded lock; fatally corrupted by the dagger’s taint.
- AlteimaTairen noblewoman; revealed as one of Gaebril’s lovers within the Palace.