Hatchling (Tameron and the Dragon) (42 page)

I have to find
shelter. I feel like an idiot. Look at all those trees around me.
He got back up on his feet. Mujuk had already found a place where old snow had gotten pushed aside and she'd begun to graze.

Tameron spotted light in the distance. He left Mujuk's rope looped around a tree-branch and walked quietly towards the camp-fire. He might still be in Fiallyn Mor. The land looked more gentle and rolling than around Lochil, but if he had gone south, he might be near Warding. For all he knew, that could be Lorin out there!

As he drew near he saw the fire. One old man sat next to it.
Well, at least it's not Stine. If this was a trap, I'd be her prisoner already.

Even if he was still inside the Wall, one soldier couldn't stop him from escaping to the hills.
If I end up joining the dragons, I'll do my best to avoid an early, glorious death. Can you win a war by outliving the right people?

He kept watching the old man at the fire. Mages rarely bothered with battle-axes like the one
placed near the fire. Nor did they usually carry a crossbow like the one sitting on top of a pack. Tam leaned forward. Was it just wishful thinking, or did the arrows in the quiver near the bow have white feathers at their ends?
Probably just my imagination,
he thought.

Then he smelled something roasting over the fire, and saliva filled his mouth.
I have to eat!
He went back for Mujuk, and deliberately made noise as he approached the fire.

The old man leaped to his feet and seized the axe. Tameron didn't blame the fellow as he suddenly realized what a sight he must be, all spattered with blood from the giant rat, and probably smelling worse than the inside of his boots.

He walked forward with empty hands anyway, confident by now that he was safe. Any of his father's soldiers would have identified him and called him by name, no matter what a mess he was. "I'm lost," he said. "Do you know where I am?"

The man shook his head and spoke. In a different language.

He wanted to shout with joy as he recognized a couple of words.
Jarrett was right! People on the Outside
do
sound like frogs!
He smiled, and made the sign of peace that Mauric had taught him.

The other man lowered his axe,
and made the sign back.

Tameron said, "I wish I knew what you meant." Then he pointed to himself. "Tam." He hoped it was a common name here, or he might have to change it. Oh, if he only knew how to express the joy he felt! He'd really made it!

The old warrior, nearly Randor's age by his looks, shrugged his shoulders, pointed to his own chest, and said, "Hauk. Hauk Daroth." Then he sat down and gestured towards a spot on the ground near the fire.

Tam bowed to him, pulled Mujuk forward,
and sat. Even if this man was a thief, he was safer here than at home. "Thank you, Hauk," he said, and hoped the older man would someday understand him. He forced himself to breathe deeply as hope and excitement surged through him. He almost couldn't believe it was true.

He was free.

THE WALL

(traditional song of the ordinary people of Fiallyn Mor)

The Wall is high, I cannot cross o'er;

Nor have I any wings to fly,

I'll build a bridge

Wide enough for two--

My love and I, to the other side.

I have no fire within my hands,

Only embers in my heart.

They'll burn a blaze for passion's bands,

And keep us warm, to never part.

(Chorus)

No wind will blow, at my command.

Only words of kindness true,

To weave a web of song's caress,

A magic spell--of love for you.

(Chorus)

The water leaps, but not for me.

The waves are still upon the lake.

But hearts will dance, and bodies, too,

As we plight troth, our pledge to make.

(Chorus)

No earth will quake, when I demand.

Not even mud will part its way...

Yet you and I, will reach its heart,

Love hand in hand, on our last day.

Someday we'll soar...beyond the clouds.

No Wall will keep us from the sky.

No mage will have, more power than

Our loving dreams, so far and high.

(Chorus)