The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 56

Glowing Embers

Val a'Shain

Characters: Rand, Mat, Aviendha, Bashere, Asmodean, Morgase, Tallanvor, Lini, Basel Gill.

Setting: Royal Palace in Caemlyn, somewhere in Altara

Point of view: Rand, Asmodean, Morgase

Rand's point of view:

Rand is looking down at one of the gardens of the Royal Palace. He sees Mat and Aviendha talking to each other. They are leaving the hunt of the remaining Trollocs to others. With the city gates closed it's unlikely many will escape. Darvam Bashere comes to see Rand. The Saldean general has been sent on a mission by his queen to make sure the false dragon Taim doesn't bother Saldea anymore. He left his army north of the border of Andor and went to see Morgase but was ignored by Gaebril. Now he hears Morgase may be dead. Rand tells them that both Morgase and Gaebril are dead.

He also explains Bashere can't have Taim. Rand wasn't planning on revealing this so soon but he plans of giving any man who can channel amnesty. Why should a man be hunted down because he can do what Rand can? With the last battle coming they will need every one of them.

Bashere notes he has conquered Tear, got the support of the Aiel, rules in Cairhien and now in Caemlyn too. Will Rand go on to conquer the world? Rand tells him he will if he must. Humanity cannot be allowed to keep fighting it's own petty battles with the Last Battle on the horizon. He'd welcome any ruler who would ally with him but so far he's only encountered hostility. Bashere can't speak for the borderlands or even Saldea but he tells Rand to Borderlands will come to his banner. He offers his service and that of nine thousand Saldean horse.

Asmodean's point of view:

Asmodean leaves Mat and Aviendha in the garden. They aren't listening to his music anyway. He has more or less figured out what happened to him. Many people told him they saw him dead. He feels his protection from the Great Lord is gone. He's mortal now, and the taint affects him. He steps through a door, looking for a pantry to look for some decent wine and has just enough time to recognize his killer before death takes him.

Morgase's point of view:

The tension between Morgase and Tallanvor is growing. Seeing him next to the round Basel Gill reminds her of how fit and tall he is. Tallanvor no longer looks up to her like a queen. Their party went to see Gareth Bryne in Kore Springs but he was gone to chase some barnburners. Morgase has no choice but to look for allies elsewhere.

Line has noticed the tension between Morgase and Tallanvor. She remarks that there is no point in letting the honey age too long before eating it. Morgase tells her to put those silly ideas out of her head. The group comes to the edge of the Altaran forest they were riding through. Again Tallanvor asks if she wants to go on with this. She does. She will have her throne back.

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