The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
6 Gateways
Overview
Darkhounds assault Rhuidean. Rand destroys them with balefire, prompting Moiraine’s urgent warning about its world-rending risks and her unexpected pledge to obey him. Mat survives a near-lethal taint when Moiraine Heals him after removing his foxhead medallion. Lanfear reveals Rahvin’s control of Caemlyn and Morgase. As clans mobilize, Rand orders a march toward the Jangai to pursue Couladin.
Summary
Rand wakes sensing evil and lures the threat to an upper chamber. Three pony-sized Darkhounds attack; his blade is useless as they re-form from shadow. He annihilates them with a bar of balefire that scars columns and wall. Moiraine arrives, identifying Darkhounds and warning that their saliva and blood are lethal.
Fearing other targets, Rand races to Mat’s quarters and destroys another pack outside the door. Inside, Mat—shielded by a foxhead medallion—suffers a spreading burn-like itch where he imagined Darkhound slobber. Moiraine discovers the medallion blocks her weaves until removed, then Heals Mat, confirming the danger narrowly averted.
Outside, Rand rebukes curious Maidens; Moiraine pleads candidly for trust, even offering obedience. Rand accepts her help. She explains balefire: it erases actions moments back in time, saving Mat but threatening the Pattern if used strongly. Rand refuses to forswear it but agrees to caution.
Using a gateway and Skimming, Rand checks on Asmodean; Darkhound tracks at the threshold suggest reconnaissance. He hides two access keys to the Choedan Kal, wrestling with the seduction of overwhelming power. Lanfear intrudes, pressing her grand design and, stung by his rejection, reveals Rahvin rules in Caemlyn, using Morgase, and prepares to move on Cairhien.
After Lanfear departs, the Aiel clan chiefs report the Shaido marching for the Jangai Pass and other clans mobilizing. Rand orders an immediate movement toward the Jangai to shadow or follow Couladin into Cairhien, choosing action before the Shaido can devastate it further.
Who Appears
- Rand al’ThorDestroys Darkhounds with balefire, asserts authority over Moiraine, inspects Asmodean, hides Choedan Kal keys, hears Rahvin news, orders march to the Jangai.
- Moiraine DamodredWarns of Darkhounds and balefire’s dangers, pleads for trust, vows obedience, Heals Mat after removing his foxhead medallion.
- Matrim (Mat) CauthonNearly poisoned by Darkhound spittle through a door; foxhead medallion blocks weaves until removed; Healed; seen with Melindhra.
- Lanfear (Mierin)Confronts Rand, presses her alliance and ambition, reveals Rahvin’s control of Caemlyn and plans toward Cairhien, departs via gateway.
- Lan MandragoranArrives ready to fight; defends Moiraine; witnesses Rand’s authority struggle and Moiraine’s warnings.
- Asmodean (Jasin Natael)Sleeps nearby; Darkhounds scouted his doorway; remains under Rand’s weaves; subject of Lanfear’s manipulation claims.
- MelindhraMaiden with Mat during the attack; playful, possessive, promises to keep him resting.
- AdelinMaiden who jokes about Mat and challenges Rand’s commands outside battle.
- EnailaMaiden who summons Rand; suspects Isendre; announces arriving clan chiefs.
- RhuarcClan chief who reports Shaido movement toward the Jangai and broader clan mobilization.
- HanBlunt chief urging action; accepts Rand’s order to move toward the Jangai.
- ErimWarns that they cannot catch Couladin if he crosses first; factors into Rand’s decision to march.