Not all of the Rangers could be brought in for Thorgil's funeral. Some wouldn't even know of his death until they had returned from their outposts and patrols. Tane glanced over the Rangers that were present and looking at him with somber or angry eyes. He didn't hide the former leaders body as he and Alearindu had come back into camp and at questioning glances or words, he told them what had happened. They formed small groups talking stories, staying silent, or vowing vengence, Tane didn't really know himself. He went to his old tent to one side of Thorgil's old cabin. Tane wouldn't move into the cabin for a few days, it just didn't seem right. He didn't want to move in there, but it was the traditional living quarters of the commander. Someone approached from outside and Tane wearily let the Ranger in. They talked late into the night and eventually false dawn leaked over the hills.
~*~
A group of Rangers were riding their mounts eastward with a steady pace. In the middle there was a stretcher being pulled.
The procession arrived at the burial grounds...several cairns littered the ground in the small space. Slowly the group dismounted and started their ceremony. The cairn was raised slowly with a few words spoken by several Rangers moved into the moment. Tane didn't speak, this was the time for them, and he was no longer a part of them. He was above them whether he wanted to be or not because now he had to make decisions that could change their paths....
~*~
Tane walked into the cabin that was now his...soon he would have to move his stuff into the room and move out Thorgil's things. There wasn't much either way. He walked over to the fire place and looked at the staff leaning against the wall beside it. It was such a simple staff, but it had been Thorgil's. It hardly ever left it's place beside the hearth and as Tane gripped it he felt that this should at least stay.
|