Hand of Fire (The Master of the Tane)

by Rath, Thomas

  “How will we know where he is?”

  “Oh, he won’t be hard to spot. Because they’re keeping him such a secret, he’ll be one of the last to leave the fort putting him almost at the very end. His cage will have to be carried on a wagon and I’m sure it will be covered.” Jack bit into his apple and then continued, the concern obvious in his voice. “No, the problem isn’t going to be finding him, the problem is going to be getting the key and getting him out.”

  Thane watched a ladybug crawl up a blade of grass while he pondered on what Jack had just revealed. He knew he could get into the camp without being seen or heard but where was he to find...“The key?”

  “What?” Jack asked spewing out some of his apple.

  “Who will have the key to his cage?”

  “Oh. The guard I suppose. He’ll probably be the one driving the wagon.”

  Thane thought about it for a moment and then smiled. “Great. So when the caravan catches up to us, I’ll just slip into camp and get Dor out.”

  Jack choked on the last of his apple spitting out a lump that had caught in the back of his throat. “You’ll get him out? Now, just a minute there. I’m the one who knows what to look for and how to find him, not you.”

  “I do now that you’ve told me,” Thane said not understanding why Jack was so upset.

  “Maybe, but I know these people better than you do.”

  “Exactly,” Thane said cutting in. “And that’s exactly why I should be the one to go in and get him.”

  “But...”

  “Also,” Thane continued, not letting Jack speak, “Dor knows me. If you were to try and get him out, he would probably run away the second he touched the ground and then we’d lose him for sure.”

  “But...”

  “And, I might add, if I am caught they will just think it’s another Chufa found running around in the woods. If you’re caught, you won’t be able to explain why you are trying to release a prisoner.”

  “But...”

  “And if I am caught, then I can trust you to come and get us out, right?”

  “But...”

  “Plus, you make too much noise when you travel, whereas I can sneak in without a sound.”

  Jack’s face suddenly turned red. “Now wait just a minute,” he growled.

  But before he could say another word, Thane got to his feet and ran silently into the woods behind them. Jack watched him disappear wondering if the boy had gone crazy, when his voice suddenly carried faintly out from the trees. “See if you can hear me approach.”

  Jack turned back around and chuckled. Who does this kid think he is dealing with? He concentrated his ears behind him trying to judge the distance Thane had to travel and how long it would take him to quietly reach the clearing. He chuckled again, knowing he had time before he caught the over confident boy.

  “So, did you hear anything?”

  Thane’s voice spoke right into his ear. Jack threw his cheese into the air and almost lost his water. “By all that’s dead and buried,” he breathed giving Thane a looked of mixed surprise and building anger. “You almost killed me of fright, boy. What did you think you were doing?”

  “Well,” Thane smiled, “I’ve been sitting here for a few seconds now. I thought for sure you would hear all of the noise this mail and these boots make.”

  Jack made as if to reply but nothing would come out.

  “So, do you believe me now? Are we settled?”

  Jack tried to think of something that would defend his position and soothe a bit of his dented pride, but he couldn’t seem to come up with anything to refute Thane’s logic. The boy was right and he was going to have to admit it.

  When he didn’t answer Thane just smiled. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  Erl suddenly appeared out of the woods and lazily sauntered over to Jack’s side accepting a scratch behind the ear as he slid down and began to clean himself.

  “Maybe,” Jack finally said, stealing Thane’s smile. “First we have to see how well you can take care of yourself should the need arise.”

  Thane’s heart sank as Jack pulled out his sword while instructing him to do the same. He wanted to learn how to better use the large daggers but he also knew that he had hurt Jack’s pride some and that now he was going to pay for it. Jack laughed loudly at the pale look on his face.

  The rest of the afternoon was spent at Thane’s expense, as the lessons were beat painfully into him. As with the first time though, he caught on fast and as the afternoon reached for evening, Jack became hard pressed to deliver a blow. Thane even came close to delivering a few bruises of his own.

  The lessons were finally brought to a halt when a sudden burst of rainfall forced them to take cover under the trees. After a short rest, Jack suggested they move on, anxious to reach the spot where he was sure the convoy would stay the night.

  With the coming of dusk, the rain continued to fall not letting up in even the smallest amount. At first, the cover offered by the trees had been enough to keep them relatively dry, but now as the tree tops became drenched large drops found their way through the myriads of limbs and dripped with great splashes onto the three below. The smell of rain was pleasant, filling Thane with a strong desire to shed all of his human clothing and run freely through the forest. By the look on Jack’s face though, such a thought was far from his mind.

  Just as the last bit of light was beginning to wane, Jack finally called a halt satisfied that they were close to where the caravan would stop. Thane helped prepare a quick meal of radishes, dried meat and some wild mushrooms he had found earlier on the forest trail. Not much was said as they sat and ate, doing the best they could to remain dry. Jack was in foul spirits due, Thane figured, to the weather but Thane found he became more excited with each passing moment.

  They decided that midnight would be the best time for him to leave figuring that the camp of soldiers would be too tired from the days packing and forced march to stay up any later. Thane could hardly wait out the minutes, excited for Dor’s freedom and their reunion. The memories of their last meeting swept into his mind with agonizing clarity turning his mood gray but he tried his best to brush them away. It had been more than a moon’s passing since the two had seen each other. Surely the past would be left forgotten after such a reunion as they would have. Worrying about their last moments together was not going to help him get his friend free. I hope you still are a friend.

  After their small meal, Jack became more talkative, telling Thane little details about the camp that he thought would be helpful but that were really not necessary. He listened attentively trying to ease his friend’s growing concern nodding every once in a while and grunting to feign interest but Jack’s voice just became a buzzing sound in his ears. He knew what he had to do and he was confident that he had the skills to be successful.

  Time dragged by slowly until, finally, Jack conceded that it was time for him to go. They decided it best that they saddled the horses just in case something went wrong and they were forced to retreat quickly.

  When all was ready, Jack gave him a parting bit of advice. “Now, be careful, Thane. If it’s too difficult to get him out tonight, we can always wait until tomorrow night.”

  Thane smiled back at his friend, touched by his concern. In such a short time he had come to look at Jack as the father figure he had wanted so desperately all his life. But more than that, he was also a trusted friend who he truly believed cared about him and had an honest interest in his well being. He could sense Jack’s apprehension as he prepared to leave, but he knew that nothing could be done to relieve his anxiety. One of his own was trapped in a cage that would surely be his death if left there much longer. He quickly removed the cloak and tunic Jack had forced him to wear and then pulled off the burdensome chain mail.

  “What are you doing?” Jack asked, pulling his own cloak tighter against the blowing rain.

  Thane smiled. “I’ll do much better with my own clothes on. Anyway, if I am caught, I don’t
want anything to point me out as your companion from Hell’s End.”

  Jack nodded grudgingly knowing the Chufa boy was right as Thane removed his boots and breeches. Soon, he was down to his original loincloth and dagger. They agreed that he wouldn’t hurt any of the guards unless his life was threatened but Jack still tried to convince him to take a sword for more protection. Thane finally convinced him that he was more skilled in the dagger and that the large steal would only get in his way. Jack consented but still fussed over him with last minute pieces of advice repeatedly reminding him to be careful and not to take any chances. Thane took it all in stride even enjoying the annoyance of it a small bit. It was nice to be cared about. His mother had been that way. How he missed her.

  “I guess it’s time,” Jack finally sighed. “Now remember…”

  “I know,” Thane interrupted. “Don’t worry Jack. We’ll be back before you know it.”

  “Yeah, well, just make sure it’s just the two of you and not the whole bloody station. I don’t want to have to try and find my way through these woods in the dark.”

  Thane’s eyes flashed a glowing green suddenly reminding Jack of his night vision. The older man shrugged and grumbled something unintelligible and then was unexpectedly set upon with a big hug from Thane. He returned the affection quickly and then pushed the boy away gently.

  “You best get going so we can get this over with and be on our way to Haykon. I’m getting tired of standing in this rain,” he growled, “especially when there are trolls to kill.”

  Thane just nodded and without another word darted into the woods disappearing almost instantly. For long minutes after he left, Jack stared at the spot where Thane had been before he finally just sighed and turned away. Erl rubbed up against him and whined as if reflecting the worry Jack was feeling. Looking down at his longtime companion Jack put a hand on the wolg’s large head. “Well go on,” he said with a sigh, “Go watch out for him. No use in both of us sitting here with our guts twisted up in worry. Go on.”

  Erl barked softly and then turned quickly and disappeared into the woods while Jack just plopped down in the cold rain and mumbled to himself trying, unsuccessfully, to keep his mind on other things.

  Thane ran at full speed darting through the dark forest easily dodging limbs and brush that would have caught most others. Even though the clouds covered most of the light reflected by the moon and stars he still had enough to see by and pick his way easily.

  Sending out his senses, he tried to pick up any clue as to where the caravan of men might be camped. The feeling of the woods suddenly became real and a sense of something that didn’t belong scratched at his conscience. He tried to determine where the senses were coming from and his mind quickly became aware of something behind him. Alright, I can feel Jack, now where are the others.

  He continued on, racing deeper into the forest, knowing that the caravan could not be far away. Suddenly, he was hit by a wall of disdain and fear that enveloped him like a shroud. Maintaining his speed he followed the feeling, certain that it came from his quarry. Gradually he began to feel the presence of a large number of men. Surprisingly, the forest was in an uproar all around them seething with hatred and disdain. A dull, throbbing ache penetrated his mind quickly finding its way to his heart. And then, suddenly, he felt wetness on his cheek that at first he figured must be the rain but soon discovered were tears. They poured out of his eyes and down his face blurring his vision and slowing his charge but he couldn’t understand why he was crying.

  As he got closer, the trees seemed to shiver with fear and horror that intensified with every step. The pain increased in volume and intensity filling him to overflowing with hatred and sorrow. What was causing all of this? He soon found his answer when he passed around a large thicket and was brought in plain view of the large camp filling the forest road. Thane pulled his senses back afraid that the pain and anguish now bombarding him would make him unable to perform the task at hand. He moved in closer for a better look.

  The sound of laughter caught his ear just as the smell of smoke wafted across the wind and filled his nostrils to almost choking. Now he knew why the forest was in such an upheaval. The men had thoughtlessly cut down a live tree to fuel their fire. A quick rage filled him that was just as quickly replaced by deep sorrow. He sent out his senses again, knowing he had time, and searched out what was left of the tree that had been cut. It was easy to find, but in a spot very close to where the men drank and laughed. He quickly retreated, not daring to touch the stump or the trees around it, knowing all too well that to do so would overcome him with their sorrow and rage, leaving him almost unable to function.

  Watching the men carefully, he dropped to his stomach and crawled along the slick forest floor. He could feel the trees watching him intently as he quickly pulled up next to lowly stump. Pulling his dagger, he cut a small line into the palm of his hand immediately drawing blood. Cupping his hand, he waited as the blood pooled before reaching up to the top of the stump, and rubbing the blood all over the cut wood. He repeated the prayer of growth he used every year during the planting moon and then slightly lifted his head to see if it had had the desired effect. To his utter joy, he watched as the blood was suddenly sucked into the raw wood and a small, new shoot broke to the surface right through the stump’s core.

  He didn’t wait to admire his work, knowing with full confidence that the tree would grow again and that the excruciating pain it had been experiencing was now relieved. It was time to find Dor and alleviate his pain.

  Returning his attention to the convoy, he sprinted along its edge like a breath of wind and raced, without revealing himself, past the guards that lazily stood about watching the impenetrable darkness around them. His hand ached where he had cut it but he brushed it off without thought keeping it clenched to ebb the flow of blood. Although he had the QenChe Tane and could cauterize the wounds of others, for some reason the Tane would not allow self-healing.

  The caravan seemed to stretch for miles making him believe that he must have originally come out towards the front. Spotting another sleeping sentry, he ducked farther back into the woods reemerging just past the dozing man’s shoulder without the slightest whisper of sound. He watched each wagon carefully as he passed by trying to assess its cargo without slowing. He was thankful for the rainy weather that hid him so well in a thicker blanket of night, though it made his vision less clear and was the cause of the wagons being so tightly covered with fabric tarps to keep out the moisture. It made finding the cage a little more challenging.

  With another passing guard, he finally reached the end of the long trail of men and equipment without the slightest hint of where his friend was located. A sudden chill raced through his body as dark thoughts formulated in his mind. Maybe he died already and they left him. Or worse, maybe they killed him or just decided to leave him in the cell to starve.

  He tried to force the dark images away retracing his steps slightly to search again for any clue of a covered cage. He sent out his senses in hopes of picking something up that might give him a clue but he only felt the consciousness of the forest. It was no use; he would have to check them all and pray that he found Dor quickly and without being discovered.

  He stepped toward the last wagon, but then froze when a twig snapped directly behind him. He dared not move, hoping that whatever it was had not caught sight of him. Sending out his senses, he hoped to gain some understanding from the forest but he couldn’t separate the hatred and fear that dominated the area into specific emotions addressed to specific things. His mind raced through the possibilities of what might be there and none were very pleasant. If he remained where he was he risked the chance of being caught, but he also knew that any movement would definitely give away his position.

  Beads of sweat, mixed with the falling rain, cascaded down his back in small rivulets as he warred with the two possibilities; neither one giving him much comfort or advantage. His muscles began to cramp and his decision was suddenly
reached. With incredible speed, he turned around and crouched while pulling his dagger poised and ready to confront his adversary. Meeting the two shiny dots that peered through a nearby thicket, his body immediately relaxed as Erl’s familiar features suddenly materialized out of the darkness. The large wolg padded softly and quietly up to the Chufa boy who felt like slapping the oversized wolf for scaring him so. Erl just licked his hand in greeting while Thane took in deep breaths to calm his racing heart. He had to admit that he was grateful for the wolg’s presence as another set of eyes to guard against anymore surprise encounters.

  Turning back, he moved toward the first wagon when a thought shot through his mind and brought a smile to his face that was immediately replaced by a frown. If I enter Erl’s mind I can probably sniff Dor out immediately, but doing so would mean using the cursed part of my Tane. His mind was suddenly cast into a battle of thoughts and fears that tore at him every time he was forced to use one of the Tane that he’d grown to loathe and abhor. To look through all the wagons would create a greater risk of being discovered. But what about using that part of what has made me an outcast? He stood rooted in place as if becoming one of the trees that crowded them when Erl’s slight growl tore him from his personal war.

  He looked up just as one of the tarps moved away revealing a man who quickly eased himself down onto the mud caked road and started walking towards them. Thane swiftly slipped back behind a nearby tree pulling Erl with him as he waited in the darkness to determine the man’s intentions. Maybe he had made too much noise? But Thane soon got his answer as another dribble of water was added to the constant sound of rainfall. Giving the man enough time to return to his bed, Thane’s mind became clear as to what his choice needed to be. The risk was too great of opening a tarp only to find a group of men with their swords drawn and him captured.