Daniel Ramirez’s Reviews > The Fires of Heaven > Status Update

Mat is leader of the Band of the Red Hand. He tells that Morgase is dead. Rand plans to head for Caemlyn to defeat Rahvin. Moiraine takes him to the docks where Lanfear attacks. Rand cannot kill a woman, so Moiraine sacrifices herself, a future she had somehow foreseen. She tackles Lanfear into the doorframe. The maidens convince Rand that he dishonors them by not letting them die, so he finally accepts their help.

Elayne and Nynaeve reach Salidar. They are allowed to continue studying to be Aes Sedai but receive no warm welcome. Nynaeve convinces Siuan to help her study a cure for stilling, and Nynaeve will help Siuan learn to use the dream terangreal. Min reveals to Elayne that they are fated to share Rand with another woman. Gareth Bryne convinces the Shienarans to help train cavalry and wants to speak to Thom about the Game

A riot breaks out in Samara due to the Whitecloaks, the prophet, and the people all trying to secure a ship. Valan Luca professes his love to Nynaeve, the Shienarans and Galad slaughter a mob in order to reach the docks, and finally the party reach the ship.

Mat earns the loyalty of his Cairhienen and Tairen troops after slaying Couladin and displaying prowess as a general. Rand holds off Sammael but nearly destroys himself from overusing saidin. The battle is won, but many shaido escape across the river gaelin. Melian plans a parade, but Rand suspects it’s a plot to make himself King. The Cairhein also plot, but some may want Rand as King.

Egwene, and Aviendha begin the battle against Shaido by channeling from a tower, conjuring lightning and strong winds. Rand melts hilltops. Matt plans to leave before the fighting starts, but spots an Aiel ambush on the Tairen and Cairhienen. He warns them and executes a plan. The Tairen nobles inside Cairhienen spears in a “hedgehog” formation draw enemies in, then 2 parties from North and South pinch.

Nynaeve encounters the Shienaran Uno as he watches the circus, and he takes her into Samara to meet with the prophet, who turns out to be Masema. He takes jewelry from the Queen of Ghealdan as a donation. They then encounter Galad, who mentions Salidar which helps Nynaeve remember where the Blues are located. Both men help her look for a ship downriver. She then performs the archery show with Birgitte.