The Wheel of Time, #5
The Fires of Heaven
by Robert Jordan
Contents
56 Glowing Embers
Overview
Rand rejects any Andoran crown, meets Davram Bashere, and declares an amnesty for men who can channel, claiming Mazrim Taim for his cause. Bashere offers Saldaean support and likely alliance. Asmodean is murdered by an unseen killer. Morgase presses toward Amadicia with Tallanvor and companions to seek allies.
Summary
In Caemlyn’s throne room, Rand watches Aviendha and Mat in the palace gardens while Maidens Enaila and Somara report the hunt for remaining Trollocs and Myrddraal. When Davram Bashere arrives, Rand confirms Rahvin (Gaebril) and Morgase are dead but refuses any claim to Andor, naming Elayne the rightful queen.
Bashere explains he hunts the escaped false Dragon, Mazrim Taim. Rand reveals a new amnesty for men who can channel, asserting he will protect and train them for Tarmon Gai’don and that Taim is his to claim. He declares willingness to impose peace if necessary. Bashere, anticipating Borderlander support, offers his service and nine thousand Saldaean horse.
Elsewhere in the palace, Asmodean reflects on his diminished state and the loss of immortality. Seeking wine, he opens a door, recognizes someone with shock, and is killed instantly, his murderer unseen and unnamed.
On the road in Altara, Morgase travels incognito with Tallanvor, Lini, Basel Gill, Lamgwin, and Breane. Amid Lini’s pointed remarks about Tallanvor’s attention, Morgase wrestles with propriety and command. She insists on pressing to Cormaed to take a ferry across to Amadicia, determined to find allies to reclaim her throne.
The chapter closes with a prophetic verse foretelling that the Dragon’s imposed peace will be the peace of the sword, underscoring the hard path ahead.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorDeclares amnesty for male channelers, refuses Andor’s crown to Elayne, and accepts Bashere’s support in Caemlyn.
- Davram BashereSaldaean general seeking Mazrim Taim; offers his service and 9,000 horse, hinting at Tenobia’s support.
- Morgase TrakandDeposed Queen of Andor traveling incognito toward Amadicia to secure allies to reclaim her throne.
- AsmodeanRand’s coerced teacher, unsettled after recent events; abruptly recognizes someone and is assassinated.
- TallanvorLoyal young soldier devoted to Morgase; guides the party toward the Amadicia ferry.
- AviendhaFormer Maiden adjusting to the Wetlands; converses with Mat in the gardens under Maiden escort.
- Mat CauthonSits with Aviendha, chafing at fate while remaining in Rand’s orbit in Caemlyn.
- EnailaMaiden of the Spear guarding Rand; reports on the Trolloc and Myrddraal hunt in Caemlyn.
- SomaraMaiden guarding Rand; brings soup and updates on securing the city against Shadowspawn.
- LiniMorgase’s blunt nurse, offering proverbs and nudging commentary about Tallanvor and decisions.
- Basel GillLoyal innkeeper traveling with Morgase; helps guide the route toward Cormaed and the ferry.
- Lamgwin DornSturdy protector in Morgase’s party, vigilant as they move through Altaran woods.
- Breane TaborwinCairhienin noblewoman with Morgase’s group, focused on Lamgwin during the journey.