Hand of Fire: Book 1 of the Master of the Tane Read online

  The pain seemed to pass as Lyn’s face became visibly relieved and she released her grip on KesQen’s hand. “What Tane do you think they will become?” Kes asked with excitement. She was the youngest of the women, just passing her seventeenth year. This was her first birthing and the thrill, mixed with the horror, was reflected vividly on her pale face. Her own parents had been killed just two moons past while searching for berries at the foot of the mountains west of the village. A raiding party of rock trolls took them by surprise and KesQen was the only one able to escape and alert the village. When they found her parents, their bodies had been mangled so badly that it was feared the SaiEeDu, the Chufa death rite, could not be properly performed. The village still grieved at such a loss to their community but hit especially hard, and understandably so, was young Kes who was now left without a family. That was the main reason she was a part of the birthing now. GilSagn and her husband had taken the grief stricken girl in and adopted her as their own. GilSagn and JenGua were two of the four women in charge of bringing new life into the village so Kes was to learn the skills herself and follow in her adopted mother’s footsteps. It was also hoped that the miracle of a new life would help her forget the tragic death of her parents. “I hope one of them is QenChe,” she said excitedly.

  “Could that possibly be because it also is the Tane that you were born to receive?” Lyn asked with a smile.

  Kes grinned and shyly replied, “Maybe.”

  “Yes, but if it is a male child, and you should find him appealing come his adulthood, what then? You know you cannot choose one within your own Tane. You would be disappointed then of your wish,” Jen laughed.

  Kes’ happy face turned suddenly to one of disappointment. “I had not thought of that.” They all laughed but were cut short when Lyn suddenly pitched forward as she was taken by another pain. Jen lifted the blanket and gave a shout, “I can see the head. Let’s get her up.” With the help of the other two, they lifted Lyn into a squatting position. “Now, Lyn,” Jen encouraged, “when the next pain comes, push down.”

  Grabbing the hands of her supporters, Lyn only waited short moments before she gave a grunt and then pushed as hard as she was able.

  “Good, good,” Jen encouraged, “it’s coming now.” Gil wiped Lyn’s sweaty forehead as Kes stared open mouthed in amazement. This process continued for quite some time before Jen finally announced, “The head is out.” Jen cradled the baby’s head while turning it to help the shoulders through. Lyn was commanded to push and once the shoulders were free the rest of the body slid out easily. “It’s a boy!” Jen shouted. Lyn smiled but then collapsed from exhaustion as Kes and Gil eased her back down to the padded mat. Kes also sat with mouth still agape and eyes wide in wonder while Gil and Jen went to work cleaning off the baby and tying the cord.

  “Kes,” Gil called out, “put some more fuel on the fire. We don’t want this child to become chilled.” Kes stared blankly at her for a brief moment as if not hearing what was said. Then, snapping back with a start, she got up and went to the fire. The fire blazed up with the addition of more dead wood giving the hut an instant increase in light and warmth.

  “By the Mother’s blood,” Gil suddenly cried out. “What is that?!” All eyes turned to her as she pointed at the baby’s right ankle. Jen quickly grabbed the baby’s foot and examined it. Her kind face suddenly hardening into a stern look as she turned to Kes. “Go get the Kinpa.”

  “All five? What is it?”

  “Just go child. Now! And tell those outside nothing.”

  With a disappointed look, Kes turned towards the exit and ran out through the hanging cloth door.

  With obvious difficulty, Lyn pushed herself up onto her arms. “What is it? What is wrong with my son?!”

  “Just lay down and rest child,” Jen soothed, “all will be fine when the Kinpa get here.”

  “Give me my child, I want to hold him,” Lyn countered, struggling to keep herself from falling back to the blanket.

  “You are exhausted child, you must rest,” Gil responded.

  “No!” Lyn demanded. “Not until I know what ails my son.”

  Gil and Jen looked at each other as if in mute conversation and then with a sigh Jen held up the baby displaying the child’s ankle. There on the protruding bone of the ankle was a black mark. Its shape was that of a sea star with all five tentacles curved in a clockwise direction having a dot just above the tip of each leg.

  “What does it mean?” Lyn asked struggling to keep propped up.

  “I don’t know,” Jen said. “I have never seen the like.”

  “It’s an omen,” Gil rasped with a quivering voice. “It’s an evil omen. We should destroy the child.”

  “No!” Lyn screamed. “You will not harm him!”

  “It is for the best,” Gil countered angrily. “He is not even a real person. He has yet to receive his Tane.”

  “What if that is his Tane. Maybe it’s a new Tane and he was born with it. That would make him a real person.”

  “Don’t be foolish Lyn, there are only the five Tane and you know it. How could he possibly receive his real TanIs now with the proper area covered by that?” Gil pointed at the mark, her face twisted into a look of horror and disgust. “I say we destroy him now. You will have other children Lyn.”

  With great effort, Lyn pushed herself to a sitting position and grabbed Gil’s arm, pulling her close. “You will not touch my child!”

  Jen rushed forward and pulled the two apart and then eased Lyn back down onto the mat. “Come now, that is enough from the both of you. Nothing will be decided until the Kinpa arrive and they determine what should be done. You two act as if you’ve barely passed your fifth year. Now, Gil, you keep your mouth shut and Lyn, you lie down and rest before we do have a death on our hands...your own!”

  With visible effort, Gil and Lyn did as they were told and all became silent while they anxiously waited the arrival of the Chufa Elders. Even the child had quieted down into a peaceful slumber.

  It was not long before the hanging door of the hut was pushed aside and six men, followed closely by Kes, crowded into the small hut. Immediately, both Jen and Gil came to their feet and bowed their heads to the men. Lyn, unable to rise, simply bowed her head and said, “Welcome to this house Kinpa of the five Tane. May peace surround you in all things.”

  “And to you and to this house,” they returned.

  “What goes on here?” the sixth man asked clearly annoyed. “Why was I not informed of the birth of my child and why were the Kinpa summoned?”

  “Patience, Del,” Jen soothed. “All will be explained. First, I thank FelTehPa, Kinpa of the TehChao Tane; LorVenPa, Kinpa of the ArVen Tane; BinChePa, Kinpa of the QenChe Tane; DanGuaPa, Kinpa of the MarGua Tane; and TanVerPa, Kinpa of the VerSagn Tane for coming so quickly.” She paused and bowed to each in turn before continuing on. “I also apologize, Del, for not informing you of this most important event in your life but something quite unusual has occurred that required the immediate attention of the Kinpa and their infinite wisdom.”

  “What is this occurrence JenGua,” TanVerPa asked. “And how may we assist?” TanVerPa was the tallest of the six men standing at six feet six inches. All five of the Kinpa were elderly and boasted long, flowing, white hair and a myriad of wrinkles that covered their exposed rain-soaked skin. They wore no clothes other than the simple loincloths worn by all Chufa men and all were thin except for FelTehPa of the TehChao Tane who had become a bit more portly in his later years. The only thing that set them apart from the other Chufa, besides their evident age, was a large, white feather, which hung from the right side of their heads.

  Jen took away the blanket in which she had wrapped the child and held forth his ankle so the mark was visible. “What in all the hells is that?” Del exclaimed visibly shaken. The five Kinpa gathered closer around the child to examine the mark, seeming more intrigued than anything else.

  “It is an evil omen,” Gil spat out.

  “
Hush child,” Jen fired glaring at the woman, “or I will send you from this house and never request your services again.” Gil shut her mouth with a loud snap and moved back into the corner of the hut where she resumed her brooding in silence.

  “I thought it might be a new Tane or something,” Lyn offered hopefully. “And that he was just blessed with it at birth instead of having to wait the normal eight days.”

  The five Kinpa didn’t respond but took the child away from the others and moved into a corner where they remained in quiet conversation. The others waited anxiously, watching until finally TanVerPa turned and spoke. “We cannot be sure what the mark is or its significance. Something of this magnitude requires much pondering and long meditation. It has been decided that we wait the eight days as normal and then bring the child to the fires of the Shahmeear for naming. It is hoped that at that time our great god, TehraMae, will give us light as to the significance of this mark and the child’s birth. That is all we have to say at this time and bid all peace this night.” Without another word, he gave the child back to Jen and all five left the hut. The others in the room stared in disbelief as the Kinpa exited. All had expected something more from those divinely chosen to lead them. Now they would be forced to wait. None would dare question the decision of one Kinpa let alone all five.

  Finally, Gil broke the moment by grabbing Kes’ arm and then headed for the door herself. As she was about to exit she stopped and turned back. “I tell you, this child should be destroyed. He is marked with evil and no good will come of his birth. I hope you will come to your senses Lyn and kill it before the eighth day comes.” With that, she turned and swept through the door with Kes in tow behind her.

  Lyn was beside herself. “Do you think she is right, JenGua?” she asked turning a pleading look to the older woman.

  “I go by what the Kinpa tell me dear, not the ravings of an old woman. You just rest up and try not to think about it. In eight days we will all know the bidding of TehraMae and then we can put this whole upsetting matter behind us. Now, here is your child. The both of you rest and I will return in a little while with news of QalSagn and something for you to eat.”

  Lyn nodded and then laid back with her child snuggled up close. Jen turned and made her way to the door nodding briefly in parting to Del before exiting out into the storm. A moment later Del followed without saying a word.

  * * *

  News spread quickly of the child and his strange mark that no one, not even the Kinpa, could explain. Many stories circulated about the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth and what it all meant. One story insisted Lyn had been unfaithful to her husband and that the child was marked with her shame. Another claimed the child was not Chufa but instead some creature from across the mountains who had been switched with Lyn’s real child. Still another said Lyn and Del were practicing witchcraft and the baby was a demon. Although many believed the stories and were frightened by them, their curiosity overcame their fears and they lined up at Lyn’s door to catch a glimpse of the strange infant. Lyn greeted all kindly and showed the baby and his mark to any that came to see but Del stayed away from the hut. All day he stayed away and when he did come home he kept to himself.

  The day after their son’s birth Del had questioned his wife thoroughly as to whether or not any of the stories were true. He blamed Lyn for the freak of a child she had produced and suggested they follow Gil’s suggestion and destroy the baby. But Lyn refused, telling him that if he even came near their son with any intention to harm him that he would have to kill her first. After that discussion, Lyn made sure her child never left her side. She rocked him gently, in those rare moments they had alone, and sang to him, often telling him he was destined for greatness.

  Finally, the eight-day waiting period had come to an end. Now it would be told what sort of child had come among them and what his strange mark meant. In the Chufa culture the Shahmeear, or naming day ceremony, was of great importance. It was on this day that it was believed the child received its soul. It was also at that time that it was given its TanIs, or mark, that declared the Tane it would follow.

  Lyn watched anxiously from the door of her hut as the sun dropped slowly behind the Shadow Mountains. Many Chufa had already passed by on their way to the center of the village where the council fire would soon be lit. In a short while all the mystery that had shadowed the birth of her first child would be revealed and then all would know the importance of her baby as she did. It would also be at the Shahmeear that she would finally be able to look into her son’s eyes. It was at the moment when a child received its TanIs, and thus its soul, that its eyes would open for the first time as if receiving its first breath of life. It wasn’t the color she was anxious to see. All Chufa had black eyes. She wanted that connection between mother and child that came with the first meeting of their eyes. “Come along Del,” she yelled inside. “It is time.”

  Del reluctantly emerged from the safety of their home out into the dim light of dusk. “Finally,” he growled. “This whole incident will be decided and we can go on with our lives once again. Do not be disappointed if things go not as you would hope.” Without another word, he turned away from his wife and child and headed for the council fire. Lyn paused for a brief moment to reassure herself, and then followed right behind.

  The whole Chufa village was gathered around the council fire area awaiting the arrival of the Kinpa. Following Chufa custom, Del and Lyn took their place at the back of the crowd where they would wait until the Kinpa called them forward. Normally Lyn and Del would have been waiting alone but with the incredible occurrence of two births on the same night they were greeted by TaqSagn and QalSagn and their new baby boy.

  A hush suddenly fell over the crowd as the five Kinpa finally approached. BinChePa, leader of the QenChe, or fire Tane, made his way to a pile of dead wood that had been placed in a pit now surrounded by the Chufa people. Placing his hand on top of the wood, he repeated the Chufa word for drawing fire, “Shonosh”, and then removed it and returned to the others as fire suddenly erupted onto the wood. All those of the QenChe Tane could light fire in the same manner as long as the wood they used was dead wood. Dead wood was that found on the forest floor naturally discarded by the trees above. No Chufa would dare cut a living limb from any tree. To do so would be like cutting off ones own arm or leg.

  With the council fire ablaze, the time had now come for the Shahmeear. All eyes focused anxiously on the Kinpa who stood as stone statues next to the huge fire. LorVenPa suddenly stepped to the front. “Let TaqSagn and QalSagn come forward.” The crowd spread apart, quickly creating an aisle, allowing them entrance with their infant to the center of the ring. The Kinpa faced them and in unison asked, “Who brings this child forth?”

  “We,” Taq and Qal responded. “The partners of his life.”

  The five Kinpa then asked, “What is wished?”

  “That his Tane be revealed and his name be known, that he may receive his soul.”

  “Then bring the child forth and your wish shall be granted by the power given by TehraMae.” Taq gave the baby to LorVenPa and the other four Kinpa gathered around the child in a circle. They each put their hands under LorVenPa’s as he cradled the child and all began to chant together. “We, the chosen of the five Tane, TehChao the earth, ArVen the wind, QenChe the fire, MarGua the water, VerSagn the blood, call upon the one who gives us all to divulge the Tane of this child that he may receive his soul and the mark of the TanIs be given, that he may receive a name to carry him and give him remembrance of the Tane revealed this day. We ask TehraMae to make it so.”

  As they ended the chant, all was still. Everyone watched with held breath and waited. Suddenly, DanGuaPa’s head jerked back and he began to speak, “Let his Tane be known and his TanIs given. He is DorMar of the MarGua Tane.” At that moment the other Kinpa released the child and DanGuaPa took him near to the fire. He removed a small brand from the flames that had two wavy lines running parallel to each other and was circl
ed by four dots. A container of black ink was produced and the Kinpa dipped the brand into the liquid. Then, holding the baby up side down, he branded his right ankle with the TanIs and symbol of the MarGua Tane. The child screamed and then opened his eyes for the first time. Another Chufa was added to their small nation. He was greeted by cheers from the crowd and then passed quickly to his mother for comfort. With pats on the back and many congratulations Taq and Qal walked with obvious delight back through the crowd to their original places in the rear.

  Now was the moment everyone had been anxiously awaiting. Once again, a still ran over the crowd and all eyes returned to the Kinpa.

  “Let DelVen and LynTeh come forward.” Again, the crowd split into an aisle allowing Del, Lyn, and their child passage to the center of the gathering. In unison the Kinpa repeated, “Who brings this child forth?”

  Nervously Del and Lyn responded, “We, the partners of his life.”

  “What is wished?” the Kinpa returned.

  “That his Tane be revealed and his name be known, that he may receive his soul.”

  “Then bring the child forth and your wish shall be granted by the power given of TehraMae.” Lyn looked hesitantly at her husband and then brought the baby forward and gave him to LorVenPa who took him back to the other waiting Kinpa. As before, they gathered in a circle cradling the child between them. The air was still as the chant began. “We, the chosen of the five Tane, TehChao the earth, ArVen the wind, QenChe the fire, MarGua the water, VerSagn the blood, call upon the one who gives us all to divulge the Tane of this child that he may receive his soul and the mark of the TanIs be given, that he may receive a name to carry him and give him remembrance of the Tane revealed this day. We ask TehraMae to make it so.”

  There was a long pause. Lyn looked at Del while wringing her sweaty hands in anticipation. Del looked straight ahead unmoving, watching the Kinpa in brooding silence. The crowd seemed frozen in time. All had become still, even the forest was without sound and it seemed as if an eternity had passed. Then, without warning, all five Kinpa violently jerked their heads back and spoke in unison. “Let his Tane be known, the TanIs is given. He is Thane of the five Tane.” The Kinpa brought their heads back and stared at the child in amazement. No one moved. Recovering from her initial shock, Lyn rushed forward. In the seconds it took her to reach the Kinpa, she watched anxiously as the five Chufa elders gasped in shock and began to stagger back from the child. All became as if in slow motion as Lyn watched in horror as her child was bobbled and then dropped. She screamed and found herself diving for her son as he plummeted towards the ground. In that moment time seemed to stop and Lyn found herself pondering over all that had occurred. What was the significance of having all five Tane and what had taken place for the Kinpa to stumble back as they did, letting her baby fall to the ground? Just then her elbows skid on the dirt and her chest hit hard knocking the wind from her lungs as Thane landed softly into her arms. Time seemed to regain its strength with a jolt and everything happened at once. Lyn rolled onto her back cradling her infant as the crowd rushed forward to check on the Kinpa and then her. The Kinpa had also fallen to the ground and all of them sat as if in shocked amazement. Lyn lay in the dirt for a short moment before sitting up in the midst of a mob. She looked around assuring everyone she was all right when she noticed the looks on their faces as many stepped back in terror. Lyn stared at them in wonder at their reaction when she noticed they were looking at Thane with clear horror reflected in their black eyes. She quickly looked down at her baby terrified he may be hurt, only to be greeted by the cause of such a strange reaction from the Kinpa and the villagers.