The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
41 The Craft of Kin Tovere
Overview
Rand surveys Weiramon’s divided Tairen and Cairhienin forces and coordinates with Aiel clan chiefs while tensions simmer. Egwene reluctantly agrees to use the One Power in support. From Kin Tovere’s new observation tower, Rand confirms Cairhien’s siege and witnesses mysterious long-range “spears” from the city wounding Shaido near Couladin, sharpening plans for battle.
Summary
On a hill overlooking Cairhien, Rand assesses three uneasy allied camps: Tairen cavalry under High Lord Weiramon, scattered Cairhienin horse, and disciplined Cairhienin infantry. The groups distrust one another, and Weiramon presses for a reckless cavalry charge, which Rand pointedly ignores.
Among the Aiel, Wise Ones confer—Sorilea notably commanding attention—while Aviendha keeps a cordial distance from Rand. Clan chiefs and society leaders gather; Mangin jokes about “hunting sheep,” needling the Tairens. Rand worries about Mat but focuses on the coming battle.
At a newly built observation tower designed for Kin Tovere’s large looking glasses, Rand meets Moiraine, Lan, and Egwene. Despite reluctance and training fatigue, Egwene agrees to help with the Power to shorten the fight. Rand climbs to the platform, leaving Weiramon below, and Tovere completes a second telescope for the commanders’ use.
Through the lenses, Rand surveys the burned Foregate, the river blockades, and Cairhien’s banners bearing Tear’s sigil and the Dragon, but not the Rising Sun. He spots Couladin and Shaido on a nearby hill. Suddenly, long, spear-like projectiles streak from the city walls, transfixing Shaido at improbable range; Couladin survives.
Rhuarc confirms the strange shots while the chiefs finalize their plan with improved terrain knowledge. Rand hardens his resolve to face Couladin personally, recognizing that the Shaido threat will persist beyond their leader’s death but determined to see the coming battle through.
Who Appears
- Rand al’ThorCommands divided Tairen and Cairhienin forces, coordinates Aiel chiefs, secures Egwene’s aid, and observes the siege and mysterious long-range “spears.”
- High Lord WeiramonLeads Tairen reinforcements; urges rash cavalry charges; dismisses Illian threats; exemplifies friction among allies.
- Egwene al’VereReluctantly agrees to use the One Power in support of Rand’s plan; shows strain from Wise One training.
- RhuarcAiel clan chief; uses the looking glass, confirms the strange projectiles, and helps shape battle plans.
- Moiraine DamodredObserves and disapproves silently; questions Rand wearing a sword; cannot directly engage the Shaido.
- Lan MandragoranAdvises on battle discipline and terrain; accompanies Moiraine at the tower.
- AviendhaMaintains a friendly distance from Rand; remains near the Wise Ones; her presence affects Rand’s thoughts.
- SorileaDominant Wise One voice, even over Amys and Bair, influencing discussions before the battle.
- MelaineWith Bael, subtly involved in Wise One influence over chiefs; seen adjusting Bael’s cadin’sor.
- BaelClan chief present at the tower; patient with Melaine; part of the chiefs’ council.
- HanAiel chief who takes a turn at the looking glass to assess the field.
- Dark HeirnJindo Taardad chief; part of the Aiel leadership council before battle.
- ManginAiel who jokes about ‘hunting sheep,’ highlighting tensions with Tairens; friendly with Rand.
- JuranaiLeader of the Red Shields present with the chiefs; prepares for the coming fight.
- RoidanLeader of the Thunder Walkers; participates in planning at the tower.
- Kin TovereLensmaker who builds the tower’s large looking glasses, enabling long-range reconnaissance.
- JolApprentice to Kin Tovere; helps mount the second looking glass at the tower.
- CailApprentice to Kin Tovere; assists in setting up the observation equipment.
- CouladinShaido leader spotted near Cairhien; survives mysterious long-range strikes from the city.