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Beastmaster

"Rescue"
by Nancy

"You know, you don't have to keep such a close eye on me. You can go and hunt or something," Tao commented with a grin. Ruh looked at him and huffed disbelievingly.

"I mean it. One night alone isn't going to kill me. Dar'll be back in the morning and I won't tell him if you don't."

This time Ruh gave the distinct impression of rolling his eyes, though of course the tiger was too dignified for such a behavior.

Tao's grin broadened as his fingers continued to weave. His eyes roamed their surroundings; a nice spot, of course, Dar always seemed to find the best spots to stop and rest. He'd been gone three days but Tao didn't feel the same insecurity that had plagued him before. Dar had told him that it wasn't dangerous, that he simply needed some time to himself. Since Dar had spent most of his life alone but for his animal companions, Tao knew the other man would find their constant integration a bit much after awhile.

The day after Dar had left, Tao began weaving a sleeping mat that could be rolled up in their sleeping blankets. It was lightweight and would make it much more difficult to sleep on a rock without knowing it until the next morning when a huge bruise made its presence known. The reed wound over and under, over and under, Tao's fingers moving nimbly towards the end of the mat. It was soothing and mindless, almost trance-inducing, and made the day go by very quickly. He stopped now and again to eat and stretch his legs, finishing the mat in late afternoon, just as clouds began to overtake the sky. Looking over at Ruh sprawled on the ground a short distance away, he said, "I think it's going to rain."

Ruh yawned then licked his chops, unconcerned.

Shaking his head in amusement, Tao said, "That's what I thought you'd say. Have a nice shower, I'm going to find some shelter to try and stay dry."

He gathered everything up, rolling the blanket and mat together and tying them to the shoulder strap. He had just pulled his herb bag over his shoulder when Ruh let out a furious roar and rushed into the undergrowth. Though shocked, Tao knew that the only thing that would prompt the tiger to abandon him was if Dar was in trouble. Running after Ruh, Tao knew he'd never keep up with the tiger but he'd spent enough time with Dar to become adept at tracking. Good enough to follow a tiger unconcerned with anything but speed at least.

He ran through the trees, dodging low branches and jumping over exposed roots. He tripped every so often but regained his footing each time without actually falling. With the clouds covering the sun as it set, the forest was darker than it should have been at this time of day, making it difficult to find Ruh's trail after more than an hour.

Stopping briefly to regain his breath, Tao leaned weakly against a large tree and tried to slow his heart, which pounded from both exertion and fear for Dar. Closing his eyes, he sent a brief prayer skyward to any god that might be listening and then began the chase anew. Night fell much too quickly but he did manage to reach the end of the forest in time. Gasping, his legs trembling and burning from running for so long, Tao collapsed to the ground. He would take just a few minutes to rest and then start again.

Before he had more than a quarter hour's rest, there was another roar from Ruh sending him bolting to his feet and running in that direction. It had been faint but distinct which meant the great cat couldn't be too far away. Fortunately, the ground was empty and even so he didn't have to concentrate on his footing. Stretching his legs to their fullest, Tao settled into a pace that would keep him going for at least an hour or longer. Here was where his smaller, leaner mass was an advantage; Tao was built for endurance and could run like a wolf when necessary. He'd pay for it the next day of course, but for now, Tao didn't even think of the personal cost, he just ran.

Darkness was coming in earnest now and the moon had as yet to make her appearance, which slowed his pace. Which turned out to be a good thing because otherwise, he would have tumbled head first into the tiger pit that had trapped Ruh. Tao barely screeched to a halt by windmilling backwards, falling flat on his behind. The connection to the hard ground jolted all the way up his spine but Tao ignored it, rolling instead to the edge of the pit. It was hard to make Ruh out in the shadows but he was there, growling and rumbling his wrath. "Ruh! It's Tao. I'm going to try and find something to get you out of there. Hang on!"

But looking around, Tao found nothing. The forest was too far behind to be of any use and there were no groves or tree-stands nearby that he could see. All was flat grasslands. Laying his head down, he groaned and said, "I'm sorry Ruh but there's nothing to use for purchase. I'm afraid you're stuck for now."

Ruh answered with a roar and Tao imagined he could hear the great cat swearing. "I can't go chasing after Dar in the dark because I can't see his trail, not without your help. I think we're both stuck here until morning."

There was a menacing hiss and Tao continued, "Complaining isn't going to change the situation, Ruh. You'll just have to be patient."

A mumbling growl sounded but Tao's words must have made sense to the tiger as the pacing stopped. Tao sighed in relief. It would be difficult enough to get Ruh out in the morning, if he could at all, without the cat being angry on top of everything. Sitting, Tao pulled off his bags then lay back down. He was going to need all the sleep he could get for the next day. He didn't want to think of trying to track Dar with the pain he was sure to be in, but there was no help for it.

Dar woke to blinding pain in his head and nausea. The instant he tried to move, his stomach heaved its contents and he continued to wretch long after it was empty. Holding his middle, Dar curled in on himself and breathed in short breaths. Tao had said it would help the last time he'd gotten sick and it worked again even though he was injured, not sick.

Thinking of Tao helped as well. He was sure that Tao was on his way to see what had happened to him. Dar had managed to contact Ruh just before the blow to his head had sent him reeling into oblivion. He could feel the sun's heat but didn't open his eyes, knowing it would hurt. `It's a good thing you have such a hard head with all the knocks it receives,' he could hear Tao teasing.

As Dar tried to remember what had happened, the sound of weapons and men jogged his memory somewhat. He'd been on his way back to Tao and Ruh and come across a band of Nords. For a second it had been a toss- up as to who had been more surprised, Dar or Hjalmar. They'd met and fought many times and always Dar had come out the winner. This time, though, the sheer number of Nords overwhelmed him. No matter how many he took out with his staff, two more appeared and inevitably, someone's sword hilt knocked into the back of Dar's head.

He remembered waking twice and each time he was knocked out, which explained the blinding headache. Dar desperately wished Tao was there; he would know how to make the pain stop. And if for some reason he couldn't, Tao's presence alone would be enough to soothe him. He banished the thought as quickly as it surfaced.

"Awake at last, I see."

Voden. Of course. Where Hjalmar was, Voden wasn't far behind. Cracking an eyelid, Dar groaned at the doubled sight of the young king. One of him was bad enough.

"Hjalmar was a bit over-enthusiastic in his attempt to keep you docile, I'm afraid. I have scolded him for it, you can believe me," Voden continued in that falsely genteel voice. The cruel eyes belied the soft tone. "Where's your little friend? I don't believe I've ever seen the two of you separated. Did we have a lover's quarrel?"

"Tao and I are not lovers," Dar groaned as he tried to sit up. That's when he discovered the heavy chains around his wrists and ankles. His vision was clearing a little, thankfully, so now instead of two Vodens, there was only one fuzzy Voden.

"Really? More fool you then. Still, I shouldn't think it long before he comes bursting in trying to rescue you," Voden said pleasantly. He sat on a nearby chair, carefully keeping his pristine white tunic out of the dirt. Leaning back in the chair, he continued, "We have much to discuss BeastMaster, is there something I can do to make you more comfortable?"

Dar tried to glare at the mockery but couldn't manage more than rolling his eyes, not while his head continued to pound.

"Ruh, I'm doing the best I can!" Tao exclaimed. He'd spent the last hour trying to get Ruh out of the pit and nothing was working. It was too deeply dug. Just before dawn, he'd dragged himself back to the forest and found a dead sapling big enough that Ruh could use it to climb out and dragged it back to the pit. He'd thought it would be long enough but no such luck; there was still too much space for Ruh to jump the remaining distance.

Now that Tao thought about it, he wondered if perhaps Ruh had been injured in the fall and that was why he couldn't jump the last part. "I'm going to have to leave you here and come back for you when I get to Dar."

Ruh growled what he thought of that idea and Tao scowled. "Well if you've got a better idea I'd love to hear it!" This time there was only a rumble in response. Sighing, Tao continued, "If I don't find him by the end of the day, I'll return for you, all right?" Another grumble, which Tao took as agreement. "All right then."

Standing, Tao gathered his bags and pulled out some fruit to eat on the way. A short distance from the pit, he found grass trampled underfoot by a large number of men. His mouth dried as he saw the bottom half of Dar's staff lying carelessly in the grass. He bent to retrieve it, running his fingers over its carved surface. Dar would never leave it behind willingly so Tao had to assume that not only was Dar in trouble, he was in serious trouble.

A screeching echoed overhead and Tao looked up to find Sharak circling high above. The eagle circled him three times then headed north. Even though Tao couldn't communicate with him as Dar did, it was pretty obvious that Sharak was telling him in which direction Dar had been taken. Not that he couldn't see that for himself with the amount of tracks left but it was good to have reassurances.

The grasslands continued through the rest of the morning and into early afternoon but shortly after he stopped for lunch, Tao began to see signs of people. Wagon tracks mingled with the foot trail and then he saw the start of armed Nord patrols. Being a single traveler, they arrogantly ignored him until he reached the outskirts of the armed camp.

The sentries stopped him at the main entrance to the camp. One of them, a large and aggressive man with long dark braids demanded, "Who are you? What do you want here?"

"I-I'm a healer, I need work, thought that maybe, perhaps, the-the great King Voden's men needed my services," Tao stammered, making himself seem as weak and unobtrusive and frightened as possible. Not that the last was much of a stretch, he thought wryly. If someone recognized him, he'd find Dar a lot quicker than either of them wanted probably.

"I heard Hjalmar say something about needing a cleric or healer," one of them said.

"What's that?" the first asked.

"This? Oh, this is something I found in my travels. It's fascinating, really, the symbols carved on it look to be ancient in origin and."

"Enough. Report to Hjalmar in the main tent," he interrupted.

"And how will I know this Hjalmar?" Tao asked humbly.

There were some chuckles. "You can't miss him. Just go to the center of the camp, he'll be the one ordering everyone around."

"Thank you," Tao said, moving past them into the camp. His eyes flittered this way and that, taking in the position of the different tents and how many guards, if any, were posted at each of them. He carefully avoided the center of the camp, not wanting to run into Hjalmar, or Voden himself, if the king was present.

In his rounds, Tao found one tent guarded by several soldiers and figured that to be where Dar was being kept. When an angry Voden emerged, Tao knew he'd guessed right. He waited several minutes then Hjalmar left the tent as well. Sighing in relief, he watched as Hjalmar said something to the two guards then stalked off after Voden.

Tao waited another few minutes then took a deep breath and walked towards the tent. As he approached, the guards looked at him suspiciously, blocking the flap. "What're you doing here?"

Feigning surprise, he answered, "Hjalmar sent me. I'm the new healer. Supposed to keep the BeastMaster healthy enough to be, um, questioned further."

The guard stared at him and Tao kept his face neutral then let a trace of irritation creep in. "Look, if you want him to die then that's your business. I'm just going to go tell Hjalmar so that I don't get blamed for it."

He actually got a few paces away when the guard called after him to stop. Turning around, he returned to the tent and this time they let him pass. Brushing aside the tent flap, Tao entered and stopped short in shock. Dar was there all right, chained and battered and lying unconscious on the floor.

"Oh Dar," he whispered. Rushing to his friend, Tao's hands fluttered helplessly over the beaten body for a moment then carefully raised Dar, pulling a nearby blanket under his head. His fingers traced Dar's face and he nearly cried at the sight of his best friend's pain. Unable to help himself, Tao leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Dar's forehead. "Oh Dar, what have they done?"

He hesitated only a moment longer then set to work. Tao didn't know how long Voden and Hjalmar would be gone and he needed to get as much healing in as he could.

Dar woke to warmth and comfort, something he thought he'd never feel again, and burrowed closer. The scent surrounding him was familiar and soothing. Opening his eyes didn't help much with the tent darkened as it was. As they adjusted, however, Dar found that he didn't need them to define the comfortable cushion mostly beneath him. It was Tao. He breathed in Tao's scent, subtle and spicy like Tao himself, taking strength from his friend's presence.

Though his body still ached, his head no longer pounded and the nausea was completely gone. Tao's arms were around Dar's shoulders and their legs were entwined as though Tao didn't want to let him go, even in sleep. He could see the faint outline of Tao's chest under his cheek and suddenly realized the rest of Tao was nude as well. He hissed in surprise as he shifted off his friend, waking Tao in the process.

"Dar?" Tao's voice was sleepy.

"It's me," Dar confirmed, sitting up. His chains clanked as he moved, reminding him that he had little room to maneuver. "Tao, what are you doing here?"

"Helping you, what does it look like?" Tao returned in confusion.

"Without your clothes?" Dar asked pointedly. He was trying to ignore the way he had half hardened at the feel of Tao's soft, warm skin. Thank the Gods it was dark and he couldn't actually see much of Tao, just his shadow.

"Oh, that. You had a fever from your wounds, and were cold. There was only the one blanket here so I did what I could," Tao answered.

Of course Tao would have an explanation. What had Dar expected? That Tao had been overcome by feelings for him and had tenderly cradled him as he slept? He snorted derisively to himself. "I'm sorry, Tao, I'm just."

"Confused, I understand," Tao supplied helpfully.

"How did you find me?" Dar asked, trying to get a grasp on the situation.

"I followed Ruh until he fell into a tiger pit. Then I found the soldier's tracks and they led straight here," Tao explained, pulling his clothes back on. "I got into the camp by saying I was a healer looking for work. I looked around and figured that the most heavily guarded tent would be yours. I was right of course."

Dar shared the grin, seeing the flash of Tao's teeth in the dark. "Of course."

"What does Voden want with you now?"

"I don't know," Dar admitted.

"You don't know? I saw him and Hjalmar leave here earlier. I can see they weren't breaking bread with you," Tao said.

Dar thought of the beating that he'd received at Hjalmar's hands and his hands clenched into fists. "No. They definitely were not breaking bread."

Tao rested a hand on Dar's forearm. "Dar, I'm so sorry for what they did to you. I wish there was more I could do."

Smiling faintly, Dar replied, "You've done plenty, Tao, believe me. Being able to think without pain is a blessing."

Hesitantly, Tao reached out and touched the side of Dar's face. "Are you.are you all right now?"

Dar sighed, closing his eyes and resting his head against Tao's hand. It felt so good to rely on Tao, he knew his friend would never let him down. After a silent moment, Dar murmured, "Better, yes."

When soft lips brushed against his own, Dar's eyes flew open in shock. "Tao! What are you.I mean.what was that for?"

Embarrassment coloring his voice, Tao pulled quickly away, tripping backwards and landing on his backside. "I'm sorry Dar, I shouldn't have done that. Just forget it."

Getting over his initial shock, Dar moved forward only to be brought up short by the chains. Growling in frustration, he said, "Tao, right now I would like nothing better than to show you how much I *don't* want to forget what you just did. But I need to get free and we need to get out of here."

"Really? Right. Okay then. I didn't see anything here for tools to cut through the chains," Tao said, voice pleased at Dar's comments.

"What are they attached to?" Dar asked.

"Buried in the ground.oh.I'm an idiot. We can dig them up and worry about getting them off later!" Tao exclaimed.

Dar could practically hear his friend grinding his teeth for overlooking that and smiled. "You're not an idiot, just slow sometimes."

Chuckling, Tao countered, "This from the man who gets captured in broad daylight."

Eyebrow raised, Dar observed, "Good point."

It took almost an hour to scrape away enough of the dirt to pull the chains out of their hold. It took the both of them pulling carefully to get them loose. Once free, Dar wrapped the chains around his arms so they wouldn't make noise.

"I'll go first, see if the guards are even awake," Tao said.

Dar opened his mouth to protest that it was too dangerous but closed it again. Tao had done just fine on his own so far and was probably thinking more clearly right now than Dar was. Besides, if they could escape without a fight, that would suit Dar just fine. Even though he felt better, his body still hurt fiercely all over.

"Here, I found this," Tao said, handing over the butt of Dar's staff.

"But not the top?" Dar asked hopefully.

"No, I'm sorry."

Squeezing Tao's shoulder, Dar said, "Stop apologizing, Tao."

They stared at each other in the faint darkness, Dar's hand resting on Tao's shoulder for a long moment. Reluctantly, Dar dropped his hand and said, "We should leave now, dawn is coming."

Nodding, Tao pulled his bags over his shoulder and stepped out of the tent. There was only one guard standing there and he was awake, unfortunately.

"Finally finished?" the man asked sarcastically.

"I'm sorry but they half killed him," Tao said quietly. His mind flashed to the prayer he'd uttered in the worst of Dar's fever. He'd held tight to Dar's shaking body, wrapping himself around Dar like a second skin, worried that this time, Dar wouldn't pull through. Thank the Gods that Dar was a fast healer! He moved a few paces forward then returned saying, "Oh yeah, and if you hear any noises, it's probably just because he's still fevered and moving around in his sleep. Nothing to be concerned about."

Dar took the hint, slipping out of the tent and knocking the man out with his staff. Tao caught the man then helped put him in the tent. When they got back outside, Tao noticed life was beginning to stir in the camp and whispered urgently, "We've got to get out of here now!"

Dar nodded and they set off at a slow jog, heading straight for the closest camp border that held no guards or tents which was to the east. Dar stumbled a few times, Tao instantly reaching for him, but pulled himself up before falling. Tao knew Dar wouldn't be able to keep running for long but they had to get as far from the camp as possible before the alarm was raised. The sun was coming up much too quickly for Tao's comfort and he knew they wouldn't get far enough away.

"Dar, Dar stop!" Tao gasped, skidding to a halt.

Leaning against the nearest tree, chest heaving, Dar exclaimed, "What?"

"We aren't going to make it far enough away. We have to find a place to hide. Do you know of any?"

Tao waited as Dar's eyes closed while his friend thought. Finally, Dar said, "There are caves nearby but they're at a river. If the rains come back."

"Then we're trapped," Tao finished. "Do we have a choice?"

Dar shook his head. "None that I can think of."

"Lead on," Tao suggested.

They walked as quickly as they could but both were drawing on strength that wasn't really there. They waded through the icy cold and waist high river. By the time Tao spotted the mostly hidden cave entrance, Dar was leaning heavily against him, an arm draped over his shoulder. They stumbled through the opening and Tao had just enough strength to carefully lower Dar to the ground that looked the least cluttered of rocks.

Knowing that Dar was still at risk for another fever, especially considering the river they'd just gone through, Tao forced himself to pull out his blankets and new mat. He undressed from the dripping wet trousers and tunic then gingerly pulled Dar onto the mat. Lying beside Dar, he gathered his friend close once more to keep him warm, and pulled the blankets over them both.

It felt as though every muscle in his body hurt but Dar was far too comfortable to even consider moving. This time he recognized Tao beneath him almost instantly and sighed deeply. Between Tao's heat and the blanket, he was wrapped in a cocoon of soothing warmth. There was no sun coming from the mouth of the cave when he opened his eyes but he didn't know if that was because they had slept an entire day or it was cloudy outside.

Abruptly remembering Tao's kiss, he stared in surprise at his friend sleeping slack jawed beneath him. He looked peaceful in the faint light and Dar didn't want to disturb him but had to know just what Tao had meant by the kiss. Sliding up closer to Tao's face, he nibbled at the juncture of Tao's throat and jaw then sucked lightly at the skin there. Tao murmured something in his sleep and moved closer; close enough to feel his friend half-hard against his thigh.

Dar smiled as Tao's eyes opened. "Good afternoon, I think."

Yawning, Tao returned the smile and murmured, "I'm going to sleep for the next week."

"That sounds like a good idea but I have a question for you first," Dar said, staring into his friend's shadowed eyes.

A wary expression crossed Tao's face and he asked, "What?"

Instead of speaking, Dar hesitantly leaned forward and pressed his lips to Tao's. They were just as soft and warm as he remembered and he groaned as Tao's mouth opened to his. Suddenly Tao that was heat and fire, surrounding Dar with his arms and legs, pulling Dar more tightly to him. When Dar finally pulled back they were both gasping for air and Dar had all he could do not to explode with the sensations. After so long of convincing himself that Tao had felt only the love of friendship, all of this was almost overwhelming.

"I don't think that was a question," Tao pointed out in a weak voice, massaging Dar's lower back. Gods but it felt good to feel Dar on him, almost too good. His hands roamed further down, squeezing Dar's backside as he'd been itching to do for so long. It wasn't as good as the bare skin as Dar's chest, but they'd fix that soon enough.

"Sure it was," Dar replied. He pressed his lips to Tao's collarbone and then to his breastbone. "Those were two more."

"I see." Tao chuckled then lifted his head to lick along Dar's chest, stopping to tease a hardened nipple. "How was that for an answer?"

Shuddering against Tao, Dar gasped, "Just what I was hoping for."

Tao looked up into Dar's eyes and moved one of his hands to the back of Dar's head. His fingers ran through damp, silky hair then he rested his hand on Dar's forehead and groaned. "You've got another fever."

"No I don't. You're the one who's hot," Dar murmured, kissing Tao's palm.

"I mean it Dar, we have to stop. You need to rest," Tao said firmly.

Dar recognized the stubborn tone and groaned: in frustration this time. Rolling off his very comfortable mattress, Dar landed on the mat then looked at Tao in surprise. "Where did this come from?"

"I made it," Tao said proudly, kneeling to go through his herb bag.

"Well it's definitely the second most comfortable thing in this cave," Dar commented.

Tao blushed and decided to ignore the compliment. "Here, drink this water slowly while I go check the conditions outside. And keep that blanket on you, too."

"I think you could warm me better. You know, sharing body heat?" Dar suggested innocently.

Rolling his eyes, Tao tucked the blanket firmly around Dar and pointed his finger. "You better not move while I'm gone."

Dar saluted with a wink and started drinking the water, slowly, as instructed. Tao snorted then went to the front of the cave, peeking outside. The sky was darkened with clouds, not time, and he guessed it to be late afternoon. It was hard to tell how long it would be until it began raining but it was going to be a big storm. Dar really shouldn't be moved but they might not have a choice.

Another trip through the river was out of the question, though. Dar was barely recovered from his first dunking and he remembered the clammy feel to Dar's skin. Looking to either side of the cave, he wondered what lay along the tree-hidden route. Ducking back inside, he found Dar sound asleep, the water-gourd in a lax hand. Smiling sweetly, he knelt beside Dar, brushing damp bangs from his friend's forehead.

He would wait and see if the storm passed before deciding whether or not Dar should move. Maybe by then, Dar's extraordinary healing powers would have kicked in and all the worrying would be moot.

"It was that little pet of his, I know it!" Voden hissed, pounding a fist into a pillow. "Where one is, the other isn't far away." Hjalmar nodded reluctantly, unable to argue. Since Arina's defection, Voden had grown even more unstable and sometimes he didn't know which way things would go with Voden. It didn't help that somehow the BeastMaster always managed to best him. "The guards believed Tao to be sent from me to keep the BeastMaster alive for your further disposal."

"What of the search?" Voden demanded.

Steeling himself, Hjalmar reported, "There is no sign, your Majesty."

"No sign, no sign, of course no sign! Why would there be any sign of their passing?" Voden shouted. He crossed the room swiftly and struck Hjalmar across the face. "What do you have for men, Hjalmar? Are they all incompetent or are they merely following your example?"

Remaining silent, Hjalmar kept his shoulders straight and waited. The dance had begun.

"Do you have any real men?" Voden demanded, eyeing Hjalmar as a cat would a tasty meal. He grasped the back of Hjalmar's neck painfully tight and stared up into his eyes, a mocking smile playing about his lips. "No, I think the question I need to ask is, are you a real man Hjalmar?"

To speak now would be unthinkable and Hjalmar kept his mouth firmly shut. He knew now which way this evening was going to go. So did his body from its reaction to Voden's closeness. He railed against this in his mind, knowing that he couldn't trust this man, that madness was fast approaching. Yet even with that knowledge, Hjalmar could not deny his King anything, least of all this. Even in madness, Voden drew him like a moth to a flame.

Hjalmar's eyes closed in anticipation as Voden's mouth came ever closer, praying this would not be his downfall.

"Dar, Dar wake up."

Dar snuggled deeper into the blanket, ignoring Tao as much as he could. He felt much better but was so tired that to even think about moving was impossible.

"It's been raining for almost an hour now and the river is rising. We need to leave."

Those words he couldn't ignore. Sighing, Dar opened his eyes and was shocked to discover Tao had taken off his shirt. "Planning to do more than just leave?"

Grinning in the darkness, Tao threw his shirt at Dar and ordered, "I want you to wear that and the blanket. That fever is not gone yet and you need protection against the weather. So far it's only a light rain but it's steady."

Sitting up with a groan, Dar eyed the shirt doubtfully and asked, "You think it'll fit."

Tao snorted. "Just put it on. I scouted around and I found another cave system much higher up and further back from the river. It's only about a league and it's going in the right direction to get back to Ruh."

"Ruh is fine. Wet and angry, but fine," Dar reported, pulling on the shirt and finding it surprisingly thick and warm. He wondered how Tao wore it in hot weather without complaining or taking it off. It also fit perfectly, just a hair bigger than snug so he could breathe easily but there wasn't much chance rain would get in at the neckline. It felt very odd with his loincloth and he felt ridiculous when he pulled the blanket on over that as well. "Tao, do I really need all this?"

"Yes. If I even see a hint that you're taking either off, I'll knock you out and carry you the rest of the way, understand?" Tao said forcefully.

Taken aback but the commanding tone, Dar nodded. "Understood."

Tao softened his words by wrapping his arms around Dar's waist and pressing his face to Dar's chest. "I don't want to take the chance, Dar, can you understand that? I don't want to lose you to some stupid fever."

Dar sighed but nodded, pressing his lips to Tao's soft hair. "Then I'll leave them both on. Let's go."

Discovering he had less strength than he'd thought, Dar ended up relying on Tao again. Halfway up the slope going behind the cave, his knees buckled, pitching him forward onto his hands and knees. Tao was there immediately, helping him up and putting an arm around his waist. Dar half grinned and said, "It looks like you're in charge Tao. Good thing I trust you."

Though he knew Dar trusted him, hearing the actual words sent a jolt of feeling through him that was hard to describe. He knew he looked like an idiot, grinning from ear to ear, but he didn't care. He just held tighter to Dar and started walking again. When they were mostly to the new cave, he heard Dar chuckle and asked, "What's so funny?"

"I can't believe that I finally figured out how to get you to be quiet," Dar said, laughing harder.

"Oh shut up," Tao muttered, blushing again. This only served to make Dar laugh more and they stumbled the last few steps into the cave. He sat Dar down then realized they'd forgotten the bags and mat. "I'll be back with our things."

Dar looked up at him, eyes twinkling merrily.

"Don't start," Tao warned, knowing Dar was about to make a comment from the look in his eyes. Dar snorted but remained silent as Tao left the cave.

The rain was coming down harder now, making the slope treacherous. He lost his footing twice, saved from going down only by grabbing onto trees. The rain was cold on his bare skin, the mud even more so as he finally reached the relative shelter of the cave. Grabbing the mat and pulling his bag over his shoulder, Tao began the last trip back up the hill. This was much more difficult than the last time, his feet kept slipping in the mud and he had to use his fingers to pull himself along the final leg.

Gasping, realizing just how low his own reserves of strength were, Tao stumbled into the cave and found that Dar had set up a campfire towards the back. Looking up in surprise, he saw an opening covered with branches to keep out the weather but release the smoke. He pulled off the bags and set them down then sat beside Dar on the blanket. "Someone must have lived here."

"It looks like. I found the fire pit already dug and wood in the back corner," Dar confirmed. He poked at the fire with a long stick to stir it then set the stick aside, cocking his head at Tao.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"No, I know that look, Dar. You were going to say something," Tao said.

Dar smiled. "When did you get to know me so well? I've been sitting here, thinking about everything you did for me in the last two days. You came after me into a camp full of Nords, healed me, rescued me, then rescued me again from the river and another fever."

Tao tried to shrug it off, embarrassed. "You'd have done the same for me."

Dar turned to face him, taking both of his hands, and said seriously, "I would have tried, yes. I don't know that I would have succeeded. I just don't know as much as you do Tao. I want to say I am grateful to you for what you did."

More heat than the fire provided flooded Tao's face and he was unable to look at Dar.

"Tao."

Tao shivered at the softness in Dar's voice, heat flooding his body. Just hearing his name on Dar's lips hardened him.

"Tao, look at me."

Helpless not to, Tao looked up at the command. Dar's eyes were golden, his hair glinting in the firelight; the angles of his face showed in sharp relief to the shadows created and Tao knew true Beauty for the first time in his life.

"This isn't the fever or exhaustion talking. I'm a little weak but fully capable of thought. I want, no, I need you in my life. I need you in every part of my life," Dar whispered.

Unconsciously, Tao relaxed upon hearing those words. He hadn't realized that had even been a fear of his. `Trust Dar to know what I need to hear,' he thought. The thought finished with, `Just trust Dar.'

"I, uh, I haven't done this very often," Tao admitted.

Dar smiled faintly. "Neither have I."

Both knew they weren't talking about the physical act about to happen.

Dar pulled Tao closer and their lips met then parted, hesitant and exploring, discovering taste and texture. They stayed like that until Tao grew overbalanced and fell forward altogether, onto Dar. Dar felt a shoot of pain in his ribs but ignored it, holding Tao tight to him, loving the feel of Tao on him. He felt Tao hardness against his own and moaned, pushing up against the cloth covering Tao. Impatiently, his hands made short work of the laces on Tao's pants and Tao squirmed out of them just as impatiently, their mouths never leaving.

The heat of skin against skin sent Tao's mind reeling and he gasped into Dar's mouth. Dar was everywhere, holding and touching him, kissing and devouring him, wordlessly urging him on as their hips ground together. His mind chanted Dar's name over and over, his eyes were closed as the edge grew nearer. Clinging to Dar, he exploded when Dar's fingers trailed down his backside then slid around and underneath to lightly grasp Tao's balls. He tried to scream, to gasp, to do anything, but couldn't, his breath stopping with the intensity of sensation and emotion.

Seeing the ecstasy on Tao's face and feeling his release sent Dar into his own explosion and he shouted Tao's name into the night, thrusting against Tao. When he could think again, an eternity later, Dar shifted his unconscious partner into a more comfortable position for them both and closed his eyes, feeling peaceful for the first time in a long time.



=====



"You aren't afraid of the storm."

Tao looked at Dar in surprise. "Should I be?"

"Most men are," Dar commented.

Shaking his head with a smile, Tao looked up at the gray cloud covering. Lightning flashed jagged across the sky, the heavy clap of thunder not long behind. He had never been afraid of storms, probably didn't have enough sense, and in this case, it meant Voden and Hjalmer were as stuck as they were. "Have you ever just watched a storm, Dar? The patterns of rain falling like a fine net being shifted by the wind. The individual rain drops thrown every which way, like bits of glass, by the gods. The power and strength of a storm is to be respected, not feared. I've often wondered what would happen if we could capture the lightning, tame it somehow."

Watching Tao as he spoke, Dar was overtaken by tenderness. The wistful expression on Tao's face spoke of deep thoughts that Dar hadn't heard Tao speak in a long time. He knew Tao missed discussing things like this with his own people and felt himself inadequate when it came to philosophy. He pushed off against the cave wall, walking to Tao. Placing a hand on Tao's shoulder, Dar said, "If anyone can tame the lightning Tao, it will be you."

Tao smiled up at Dar, leaning back into Dar's heat. No matter how damp and cold it got, Dar was always warm. He rested his head on Dar's shoulder and again looked out at the storm. "It's an interesting concept actually. How would one go about capturing lightning? I mean, first you'd have to see if there was something that attracts it. Then you'd have to find something, maybe the same thing, to hold it. And what would you do with it once you captured it? It's not like there is much use for something that powerful.oh.I suppose it could be used as a weapon but that's not something I care to think about."

"What about light?" Dar suggested, leaning his chin on Tao's shoulder.

"Light?"

"Instead of torches or candles," he clarified, pressing his lips against Tao's throat.

"I see," Tao murmured. Dar's tongue sliding up his throat to play with his ear was beginning to make thinking difficult. Dar was obviously doing his best to distract Tao as Tao tried to continue with his current line of thought. Tao seriously doubted that he'd be thinking much longer. "So you mean to harness the actual, um, light of the lightning? Like a permanent, oh gods, torch that always, I mean never burns out?"

"M-hmm," Dar murmured, changing his sucking to a sharp bite. He enjoyed Tao's gasp of surprise and decided to end the game. Turning Tao in his arms, he pressed against his new lover, backing him against the wall. He was still sore from the Voden's beating but Tao's herbs had him almost back to normal. Back to normal and desperate for Tao's touch. Plundering Tao's mouth, he wondered how they'd gone so long without this. Then Tao grasped his hardened erection and thought fled altogether.

"Gods you're bold," Dar murmured, his head falling back as Tao continued to stroke him.

Tao sucked at Dar's nipple as his hand played with Dar, looking up briefly in amusement. "You'd rather I were shy?"

Dar groaned when Tao finished off his statement with a bite hard enough to leave a mark. How did Tao render him so helpless, so quickly? "Not, not at all. Just surprised."

"Lay down," Tao ordered softly. "You shouldn't be on your feet for long periods of time yet."

"I wasn't crippled you know," Dar complained.

"No. You were beaten to within an inch of your life and are still recovering," Tao said dryly, his eyes rolling. "Just lie down Dar."

"Bold and bossy, not a pretty combination for an Eiron," Dar observed with a grin as he complied. He stretched out on the blanket that covered the mat Tao had made during his absence. It was more comfortable than the hard ground but not so soft as a bed, the perfect comfort level for someone used to living in the wild. Tucking his arm under his head, Dar looked up at Tao with a smile. "You joining me?"

But Tao continued to look down at him silently, a strange little smile on his face. Finally Dar asked, "What's wrong?"

Tao shook his head, heat in his eyes as he replied, "Nothing. I just like looking at you. You're beautiful you know. Golden and strong, supple, perfect, like an untamed animal frozen in amber for just a moment."

As always, the simplicity and power of Tao's words hit Dar like an explosion. He mutely held out a hand, which Tao took, and pulled the Eiron down to him. Despite the fact that Tao wanted him to take it easy, Dar took the lead and rolled them so that he was on top. Leaning into Tao, he gently kissed the pliant mouth beneath him, love saturating every part of his body, searching for an outlet. The urgency of before was gone as they slowly and lovingly took their fill of each other. Their physical release was almost an afterthought to their love as they rocked leisurely in time to one another.

Lying spent in Tao's arms, Dar whispered, "I love you."

Holding Dar firmly, Tao replied, "And I you. Sleep now."

"I still think we should have waited another day," Tao repeated quietly.

"We need to get out of Voden's range before he thinks the weather has cleared enough to make a real effort to find us," Dar said firmly.

"You still aren't back to full strength. If they find us now, while you're like this."

"Then we run," Dar agreed. Not that he would be able to run for long, he knew, but he also knew that now was the best time to move. Besides which, Ruh was getting plenty aggravated subsisting only on what Sharak dropped on him and Sharak was getting irritated hunting for both the tiger and himself. Ruh did have a tiger's appetite, after all. "Did you give any more thought at getting Ruh out of the pit?"

"With you here, it will be a lot easier," Tao said. "I was thinking of a harness to pull him out? Or we could chop down a small tree and drag it over so he can climb out."

"I'd rather not chop down a tree if we can avoid it," Dar replied.

"Well. Then we need to stop somewhere and trade for a lot of rope and borrow some oxen to get him out," Tao listed. "It's for sure that just the two of us won't be able to pull him out, not by ourselves."

"Ruh is not going to like being dragged out like that," Dar said with a shake of the head.

"He'll like staying in the pit even less," Tao pointed out.

"True," Dar agreed. "There is a village just north of there that might help. And maybe someone from there found the other half of my staff."

"That's likely," Tao said optimistically. "So, do you think we should head to the village first or visit poor Ruh?"

Dar restrained a grin at the question knowing how badly Ruh would react to it. "I suggest you not say that anywhere near him."

Winking, Tao asked, "Are you going to tell on me?"

Dar grabbed him by the waist and pulled him close. "What's it worth to you?"

Tao's arms slid around Dar's back and he murmured, "I guess I'll just have to be your body-slave for at least, oh, I don't know, forever?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," Dar murmured, capturing Tao's mouth in a long kiss. He broke away reluctantly and sighed. "We really need to get to Ruh."

Tao nodded and started walking, tossing over his shoulder, "I know. So stop causing trouble!"

"Me? I cause trouble?" Dar exclaimed. Without warning, he started chasing Tao but Tao somehow sensed his intent because he sprinted away just as Dar started running. Dar was laughing and running, they both were, when his feet went out from under him and he flew through the air.

Stunned and once more in pain, he lay there for a long moment, he heard Tao's worried voice as though from a distance. He was still trying to figure out what had happened when Tao shouted in pain and collapsed on top of him. Trying to move so that he could see, Dar fought against the encroaching darkness long enough to see a young woman staring down at him coldly, holding the other half of his staff.

Tao finally knew what it felt like to be clubbed by Dar's staff, first hand. His sympathy for all of Dar's opponents was suddenly ten times greater than before. Especially since the woman who had wielded it wasn't nearly as big as Dar and couldn't have put as much force behind the blow. He was still lucky that she had somehow struck without cutting him as well because Tao knew how sharp the top of the staff was; Dar used it to slice through many things. His hands were bound and his mouth gagged so he couldn't even protest their treatment as the woman shoved him through the village. He couldn't even ask what was going on and why they had been attacked.

Worst of all, he couldn't ask how Dar was and he was very worried as to what might have happened.

He was pushed into a large hut at the center of the village. The hut was dark and it took a second for his eyes to adjust but when they did, he found two elderly women and one elderly man staring at him solemnly. He also saw Dar tied to a stake in the back of the hut and raged against the sight. Clamping down on his anger, Dar hadn't been noticeably hurt at least, Tao waited for the elders to remove his gag.

"Remove the gag," one of the women ordered.

The young woman did so and Tao swallowed a few times, trying to get some moisture back in his mouth. He waited silently, sensing that this was going to determine their fate. Dar was far too tightly bound to be any trouble to these people even though his eyes were angry enough to show that he wanted to be far more than merely trouble. He met Dar's eyes and tried to send his love and reassurance silently to his lover. After a long moment, Dar relaxed and some of the anger left his eyes.

"Tell us why you trespassed on our lands," the man asked.

"We were coming here to trade for some rope and were hoping to borrow a pair of oxen," Tao replied truthfully. He nodded at the top half of Dar's staff in the woman's hand and continued, "We were also searching for that."

"Why do you need these things?" he asked.

"Because we need them to rescue a friend who is trapped in a nearby pit," Tao answered.

"There is only a tiger in that pit," the young woman exclaimed.

"Exactly," Tao agreed.

"No one is friends with a tiger!" she scoffed.

"Then you obviously haven't met the BeastMaster," Tao returned.

"And you are he?" the first women asked.

"Oh no, not me. The man you've got tied up behind you is the BeastMaster," Tao explained.

"You claim that your lover is the BeastMaster," the woman sneered.

Instead of growing angry at her tone, she must have been watching them travel to know that, Tao laughed. "I claim nothing. I merely tell the truth. Dar can speak for himself and his abilities. Of course, had you simply asked us instead of attacking as you did, we would have been happy to tell you all this."

"I am sure you understand our hesitancy to believe you with all the Nords in the area," the second elder women.

"I speak the truth," Tao said simply. "We mean you no harm."

"If he's the BeastMaster then why hasn't he called any animals to help free himself?" the young woman demanded.

Tao didn't have to look at Dar, to know the answer. "He didn't know what was happening to me and didn't want to risk having me hurt. I'm sorry that you feel it necessary to attack every stranger that crosses your land, even with the threat of the Nords. If you free us, we will be on our way and won't trouble you again."

The elders began talking to each other in an unfamiliar language and Tao waited. He looked over at Dar, looking him over as closely as he could to see if there were any fresh wounds. He didn't see anything, which wasn't surprising at this distance. Dar's ribs couldn't withstand another beating so soon and he worried that any rough treatment while they were unconscious might have damaged him further.

"Your devotion to each other is surprising for two such solitary men," the second elder women observed.

Startled back to their surroundings, Tao met her eyes and felt as though he looked into something far more ancient than she appeared. He didn't know what to say and so said nothing.

"It is that, not your words, which has convinced us to release you," she continued. "As for your requested items, I am afraid that we will not help you. Tigers are a menace to us and to free one is not in our nature."

"He will not harm you," Dar said, his mouth at last freed by the young woman. The ropes were cut and he fell to the ground, lack of circulation making it too difficult to stand. Barely holding himself up on his hands, he looked over to the elders who were now looking at him. "Ruh travels with us and will leave with us."

"You can not be sure of this," the man stated.

"Yes. I can," Dar stated, just as certainly. "I am now in even less of a condition to get him out of the pit and Tao can not do it alone. You brought me to this, you should help free my friend."

Again they conferred in the unknown language but Dar didn't care what they were saying. Tao had reached him and was carefully helping him to sit, his arms strong and sure as they surrounded him. Dar allowed himself to rest his head against Tao's shoulder as his lover, now very much the healer, ran his hands all over Dar's body, checking for further injury. He hadn't been injured more than the loss of circulation but it was enough to make him weak for a good time to come. He understood it, of course. If they had decided to kill him, he was in exactly the right condition for them to handle. If they had decided not to kill him, the weakness was temporary.

"I was worried," Tao murmured, holding him tight.

"So was I," Dar replied. "You're all right?"

Tao snorted. "Better than you apparently."

Dar grinned in return. "Apparently."

"We will help you free your tiger," the first elder woman informed them. "Laia will assist you and return your weapon to you."

"Elders! I found this! It is mine by right!" the young woman protested.

"It belongs to this man and you will return it," the man ordered.

Scowling, Laia nodded shortly and walked over to them, dropping the completed staff to the ground by them. She held out a hand and said, "Let's go."

Between Tao and Laia, they managed to get Dar to his feet and out of the elder's hut with a minimum of trouble. Dar leaned more on Tao than the woman, not wanting her help any more than she wanted to give it. Tao carried Dar's staff in his free hand and they reached a wagon in short order; complete with oxen. Frowning, he looked at Tao and murmured, "Ever get the feeling you've been ambushed?"

Pursing his lips thoughtfully, Tao nodded and helped him into the driver's seat, setting the staff in the back with the many lengths of rope waiting there. The elders had already determined to let them go, that much was obvious. `Why the charade?' he wondered, again meeting Dar's eyes. He gathered the reins and was about to start the team when Dar stilled his hands. Irritated at himself for so quickly falling back into the habit of commanding the animals without a thought for them, he apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry, Dar."

Smiling gently, Dar replied, "It's all right. Give me the reins."

He turned them over without another thought and watched as that far- away look overcame Dar as he talked to the oxen. The team started moving and Laia began walking alongside the wagon. Unable to help himself, he asked, "So what did you do to deserve this?"

Green eyes glared up at him and she replied, "The elders believe I am too forceful in patrolling our borders. I suppose they think this will be a good lesson for me."

"You have to admit that a simple question about who we were and what we were doing would have sufficed," Tao pointed out.

"You would have lied," Laia replied firmly.

"We don't lie," Tao said.

"So you say. If he really was the BeastMaster, he wouldn't need the reins," she said triumphantly.

"I hold them so they do not tangle and hurt the oxen," Dar explained easily. "They walk because I asked them to walk, not because I commanded it."

"Right."

Tao grinned at Dar who grinned back with a shrug. The rest of the ride was quiet, Laia obviously wanting nothing to do with either of them. Tao leaned against Dar, enjoying just being with him and knowing that Dar was all right. "You are all right, right Dar?"

Dar, smiling at him, wrapped an arm around Tao's waist.

Tao sighed in relief, the silent answer more than enough.

They reached the tiger pit later than they would have if they'd been walking because the oxen were going at their own pace. A few times Laia had demanded that Dar make them go faster but he'd silently refused and at last she had given up. As Dar brought the team to a gentle stop, Tao hopped down and took out the rope, bringing it over to the edge of the pit and looking down. Other than being dirty and his tail slashing the air angrily, Ruh didn't look much different than normal.

"Uh Dar, I think you get to do the honors," Tao suggested with a grin. "He looks pretty angry."

Dar chuckled. "I was going to."

"You're really going into a tiger pit with a hungry tiger?" Laia demanded incredulously.

"He's our friend," Dar replied, tying the rope under the back of his thighs and turning to face Tao who held the rope around his waist and was holding the slack out to Laia. "We need your help, Laia. Please."

Shaking her head, she took the rope and replied, "It's your funeral pyre."

They lowered Dar slowly into the pit and he called out once he reached the bottom. Tossing the rope aside, he knelt and hugged Ruh, both happy with the contact after too long apart. "It's good to see you again, my friend."

Ruh purred, nudging him hard with a head-butt then licking his face.

"Let's get you out of here, all right?" Dar suggested. "I'm going to tie this rope around you like a harness and Tao is going to pull you out."

Ruh huffed in disbelief and Dar grinned. "No, he's not physically going to pull you out. A pair of oxen will do it for us. And no, you can't eat them once we free you. There is a village just north of here that is certain you will hunt them and their animals for food once freed so do us all a favor and prove them wrong, all right?" Ruh head-butted him again and Dar chuckled. "Thank you."

After several long moments, the ropes were secured and Dar called up, "He's ready, Tao!"

"All right!" Tao called back. He had turned the oxen around and attached the rope to their harness while Dar was tying up Ruh. Laia was watching them both in disbelief but he ignored her and said to the black animals, "Okay. You can start moving now. Slowly if you don't mind? Ah, please?"

When the oxen continued to munch on the grass without moving, Tao returned to the pit and said, "They're not moving Dar, a little help please?"

Dar focused on the thoughts of the oxen who were quite content with eating at the moment. Though it translated into images for the oxen, he thought to them, "Could you move forward please?"

After a few moments, the oxen agreed and began to move. Ruh let out a startled roar and Dar kept his hand on the tiger for as long as he could, soothing him. "It's all right Ruh. Tao's at the top and he'll free you once you're there. Relax, Ruh, it's going to be fine."

It was several minutes later but Ruh was finally on level ground, helping himself by climbing the last few feet. Tao moved to the tiger with a relieved grin. "Ruh! It's great to see you. Sorry I didn't get back more quickly but, as you can see, I found Dar!"

Ruh submitted to him untying the ropes with only a mild grumble and glanced over at Laia who was standing by the wagon, paralyzed in fear. He nudged Tao then looked back at the woman. Tao followed his glance and was unable to resist the mischief that overcame him. "Sure, Ruh, you can play with her before going out to hunt."

"Tao!"

Tao grinned at Dar's scold and called back, "I'll be right there, Dar."

Once free, Ruh ran towards the forest, in the opposite direction of the village, to eat. Tao watched him go then turned to Laia who was very pale. Feeling responsible, he apologized, "I'm sorry, Laia, I shouldn't have teased you like that. Tigers are obviously very frightening for you."

She straightened, looking at him as though seeing him for the first time. "He really is the BeastMaster, isn't he?"

Tao nodded happily. "Yes, he is. Would you help me get him out?"

Moving slowly, she complied and they tossed the rope back down the pit. Once Dar was secured, they pulled him out at a much faster pace than they had Ruh. Brushing the dirt from his chest, Dar sighed and said, "I'm glad that's finally over with."

"So am I. Now we can get as far from here as possible," Tao agreed emphatically.

"It wasn't all bad, was it Tao?" Dar teased, looking into his lover's eyes with a smile.

Tao shook his head, trying not to grin back and not succeeding. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"But you love me anyhow," Dar said softly.

"But I love you anyhow," Tao agreed.

Laia cleared her throat uncomfortably and after a moment, both men turned towards her. Tao put on a falsely pleasant face and asked brightly, "Yes, Laia? What can we do for you?"

"I just wanted to apologize. For everything," Laia answered. "The elders are right. I shouldn't be so hard and so filled with anger, so quick to judge everyone by Nord standards."

"It's hard not to be that way when the world is a hard place," Dar said quietly.

"You don't," Laia observed.

"I have a secret weapon to keep me strong," Dar said, glancing at Tao.

"You're lucky," Laia said with a smile.

"I know," Dar agreed.

"We both are," Tao said, stepping closer to Dar.

"Do you mind if I, may I travel with you for a ways? I think there is a lot I can learn from you," Laia asked hesitantly. "I think this is why the Elders sent me with you."

Tao looked to Dar and said, "It's up to you, Dar."

Part of him wanted to have Tao all to himself without anyone intruding. Another part of himself couldn't refuse someone who was struggling with her path. He knew what that was like and wouldn't wish it on anyone. There was also the fact that until he was back to full strength, it couldn't hurt to have another warrior with them. He nodded and said, "You can travel with us for as long as you need."

*****

"You aren't afraid of the storm."

Tao looked at Dar in surprise. "Should I be?"

"Most men are," Dar commented.

Shaking his head with a smile, Tao looked up at the gray cloud covering. Lightning flashed jagged across the sky, the heavy clap of thunder not long behind. He had never been afraid of storms, probably didn't have enough sense, and in this case, it meant Voden and Hjalmer were as stuck as they were. "Have you ever just watched a storm, Dar? The patterns of rain falling like a fine net being shifted by the wind. The individual rain drops thrown every which way, like bits of glass, by the gods. The power and strength of a storm is to be respected, not feared. I've often wondered what would happen if we could capture the lightning, tame it somehow."

Watching Tao as he spoke, Dar was overtaken by tenderness. The wistful expression on Tao's face spoke of deep thoughts that Dar hadn't heard Tao speak in a long time. He knew Tao missed discussing things like this with his own people and felt himself inadequate when it came to philosophy. He pushed off against the cave wall, walking to Tao. Placing a hand on Tao's shoulder, Dar said, "If anyone can tame the lightning Tao, it will be you."

Tao smiled up at Dar, leaning back into Dar's heat. No matter how damp and cold it got, Dar was always warm. He rested his head on Dar's shoulder and again looked out at the storm. "It's an interesting concept actually. How would one go about capturing lightning? I mean, first you'd have to see if there was something that attracts it. Then you'd have to find something, maybe the same thing, to hold it. And what would you do with it once you captured it? It's not like there is much use for something that powerful…oh…I suppose it could be used as a weapon but that's not something I care to think about."

"What about light?" Dar suggested, leaning his chin on Tao's shoulder.

"Light?"

"Instead of torches or candles," he clarified, pressing his lips against Tao's throat.

"I see," Tao murmured. Dar's tongue sliding up his throat to play with his ear was beginning to make thinking difficult. Dar was obviously doing his best to distract Tao as Tao tried to continue with his current line of thought. Tao seriously doubted that he'd be thinking much longer. "So you mean to harness the actual, um, light of the lightning? Like a permanent, oh gods, torch that always, I mean never burns out?"

"M-hmm," Dar murmured, changing his sucking to a sharp bite. He enjoyed Tao's gasp of surprise and decided to end the game. Turning Tao in his arms, he pressed against his new lover, backing him against the wall. He was still sore from the Voden's beating but Tao's herbs had him almost back to normal. Back to normal and desperate for Tao's touch. Plundering Tao's mouth, he wondered how they'd gone so long without this. Then Tao grasped his hardened erection and thought fled altogether.

"Gods you're bold," Dar murmured, his head falling back as Tao continued to stroke him.

Tao sucked at Dar's nipple as his hand played with Dar, looking up briefly in amusement. "You'd rather I were shy?"

Dar groaned when Tao finished off his statement with a bite hard enough to leave a mark. How did Tao render him so helpless, so quickly? "Not, not at all. Just surprised."

"Lay down," Tao ordered softly. "You shouldn't be on your feet for long periods of time yet."

"I wasn't crippled you know," Dar complained.

"No. You were beaten to within an inch of your life and are still recovering," Tao said dryly, his eyes rolling. "Just lie down Dar."

"Bold and bossy, not a pretty combination for an Eiron," Dar observed with a grin as he complied. He stretched out on the blanket that covered the mat Tao had made during his absence. It was more comfortable than the hard ground but not so soft as a bed, the perfect comfort level for someone used to living in the wild. Tucking his arm under his head, Dar looked up at Tao with a smile. "You joining me?"

But Tao continued to look down at him silently, a strange little smile on his face. Finally Dar asked, "What's wrong?"

Tao shook his head, heat in his eyes as he replied, "Nothing. I just like looking at you. You're beautiful you know. Golden and strong, supple, perfect, like an untamed animal frozen in amber for just a moment."

As always, the simplicity and power of Tao's words hit Dar like an explosion. He mutely held out a hand, which Tao took, and pulled the Eiron down to him. Despite the fact that Tao wanted him to take it easy, Dar took the lead and rolled them so that he was on top. Leaning into Tao, he gently kissed the pliant mouth beneath him, love saturating every part of his body, searching for an outlet. The urgency of before was gone as they slowly and lovingly took their fill of each other. Their physical release was almost an afterthought to their love as they rocked leisurely in time to one another.

Lying spent in Tao's arms, Dar whispered, "I love you."

Holding Dar firmly, Tao replied, "And I you. Sleep now."



"I still think we should have waited another day," Tao repeated quietly.

"We need to get out of Voden's range before he thinks the weather has cleared enough to make a real effort to find us," Dar said firmly.

"You still aren't back to full strength. If they find us now, while you're like this…"

"Then we run," Dar agreed. Not that he would be able to run for long, he knew, but he also knew that now was the best time to move. Besides which, Ruh was getting plenty aggravated subsisting only on what Sharak dropped on him and Sharak was getting irritated hunting for both the tiger and himself. Ruh did have a tiger's appetite, after all. "Did you give any more thought at getting Ruh out of the pit?"

"With you here, it will be a lot easier," Tao said. "I was thinking of a harness to pull him out? Or we could chop down a small tree and drag it over so he can climb out."

"I'd rather not chop down a tree if we can avoid it," Dar replied.

"Well. Then we need to stop somewhere and trade for a lot of rope and borrow some oxen to get him out," Tao listed. "It's for sure that just the two of us won't be able to pull him out, not by ourselves."

"Ruh is not going to like being dragged out like that," Dar said with a shake of the head.

"He'll like staying in the pit even less," Tao pointed out.

"True," Dar agreed. "There is a village just north of there that might help. And maybe someone from there found the other half of my staff."

"That's likely," Tao said optimistically. "So, do you think we should head to the village first or visit poor Ruh?"

Dar restrained a grin at the question knowing how badly Ruh would react to it. "I suggest you not say that anywhere near him."

Winking, Tao asked, "Are you going to tell on me?"

Dar grabbed him by the waist and pulled him close. "What's it worth to you?"

Tao's arms slid around Dar's back and he murmured, "I guess I'll just have to be your body-slave for at least, oh, I don't know, forever?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," Dar murmured, capturing Tao's mouth in a long kiss. He broke away reluctantly and sighed. "We really need to get to Ruh."

Tao nodded and started walking, tossing over his shoulder, "I know. So stop causing trouble!"

"Me? I cause trouble?" Dar exclaimed. Without warning, he started chasing Tao but Tao somehow sensed his intent because he sprinted away just as Dar started running. Dar was laughing and running, they both were, when his feet went out from under him and he flew through the air.

Stunned and once more in pain, he lay there for a long moment, he heard Tao's worried voice as though from a distance. He was still trying to figure out what had happened when Tao shouted in pain and collapsed on top of him. Trying to move so that he could see, Dar fought against the encroaching darkness long enough to see a young woman staring down at him coldly, holding the other half of his staff.

Tao finally knew what it felt like to be clubbed by Dar's staff, first hand. His sympathy for all of Dar's opponents was suddenly ten times greater than before. Especially since the woman who had wielded it wasn't nearly as big as Dar and couldn't have put as much force behind the blow. He was still lucky that she had somehow struck without cutting him as well because Tao knew how sharp the top of the staff was; Dar used it to slice through many things. His hands were bound and his mouth gagged so he couldn't even protest their treatment as the woman shoved him through the village. He couldn't even ask what was going on and why they had been attacked.

Worst of all, he couldn't ask how Dar was and he was very worried as to what might have happened.

He was pushed into a large hut at the center of the village. The hut was dark and it took a second for his eyes to adjust but when they did, he found two elderly women and one elderly man staring at him solemnly. He also saw Dar tied to a stake in the back of the hut and raged against the sight. Clamping down on his anger, Dar hadn't been noticeably hurt at least, Tao waited for the elders to remove his gag.

"Remove the gag," one of the women ordered.

The young woman did so and Tao swallowed a few times, trying to get some moisture back in his mouth. He waited silently, sensing that this was going to determine their fate. Dar was far too tightly bound to be any trouble to these people even though his eyes were angry enough to show that he wanted to be far more than merely trouble. He met Dar's eyes and tried to send his love and reassurance silently to his lover. After a long moment, Dar relaxed and some of the anger left his eyes.

"Tell us why you trespassed on our lands," the man asked.

"We were coming here to trade for some rope and were hoping to borrow a pair of oxen," Tao replied truthfully. He nodded at the top half of Dar's staff in the woman's hand and continued, "We were also searching for that."

"Why do you need these things?" he asked.

"Because we need them to rescue a friend who is trapped in a nearby pit," Tao answered.

"There is only a tiger in that pit," the young woman exclaimed.

"Exactly," Tao agreed.

"No one is friends with a tiger!" she scoffed.

"Then you obviously haven't met the BeastMaster," Tao returned.

"And you are he?" the first women asked.

"Oh no, not me. The man you've got tied up behind you is the BeastMaster," Tao explained.

"You claim that your lover is the BeastMaster," the woman sneered.

Instead of growing angry at her tone, she must have been watching them travel to know that, Tao laughed. "I claim nothing. I merely tell the truth. Dar can speak for himself and his abilities. Of course, had you simply asked us instead of attacking as you did, we would have been happy to tell you all this."

"I am sure you understand our hesitancy to believe you with all the Nords in the area," the second elder women.

"I speak the truth," Tao said simply. "We mean you no harm."

"If he's the BeastMaster then why hasn't he called any animals to help free himself?" the young woman demanded.

Tao didn't have to look at Dar, to know the answer. "He didn't know what was happening to me and didn't want to risk having me hurt. I'm sorry that you feel it necessary to attack every stranger that crosses your land, even with the threat of the Nords. If you free us, we will be on our way and won't trouble you again."

The elders began talking to each other in an unfamiliar language and Tao waited. He looked over at Dar, looking him over as closely as he could to see if there were any fresh wounds. He didn't see anything, which wasn't surprising at this distance. Dar's ribs couldn't withstand another beating so soon and he worried that any rough treatment while they were unconscious might have damaged him further.

"Your devotion to each other is surprising for two such solitary men," the second elder women observed.

Startled back to their surroundings, Tao met her eyes and felt as though he looked into something far more ancient than she appeared. He didn't know what to say and so said nothing.

"It is that, not your words, which has convinced us to release you," she continued. "As for your requested items, I am afraid that we will not help you. Tigers are a menace to us and to free one is not in our nature."

"He will not harm you," Dar said, his mouth at last freed by the young woman. The ropes were cut and he fell to the ground, lack of circulation making it too difficult to stand. Barely holding himself up on his hands, he looked over to the elders who were now looking at him. "Ruh travels with us and will leave with us."

"You can not be sure of this," the man stated.

"Yes. I can," Dar stated, just as certainly. "I am now in even less of a condition to get him out of the pit and Tao can not do it alone. You brought me to this, you should help free my friend."

Again they conferred in the unknown language but Dar didn't care what they were saying. Tao had reached him and was carefully helping him to sit, his arms strong and sure as they surrounded him. Dar allowed himself to rest his head against Tao's shoulder as his lover, now very much the healer, ran his hands all over Dar's body, checking for further injury. He hadn't been injured more than the loss of circulation but it was enough to make him weak for a good time to come. He understood it, of course. If they had decided to kill him, he was in exactly the right condition for them to handle. If they had decided not to kill him, the weakness was temporary.

"I was worried," Tao murmured, holding him tight.

"So was I," Dar replied. "You're all right?"

Tao snorted. "Better than you apparently."

Dar grinned in return. "Apparently."

"We will help you free your tiger," the first elder woman informed them. "Laia will assist you and return your weapon to you."

"Elders! I found this! It is mine by right!" the young woman protested.

"It belongs to this man and you will return it," the man ordered.

Scowling, Laia nodded shortly and walked over to them, dropping the completed staff to the ground by them. She held out a hand and said, "Let's go."

Between Tao and Laia, they managed to get Dar to his feet and out of the elder's hut with a minimum of trouble. Dar leaned more on Tao than the woman, not wanting her help any more than she wanted to give it. Tao carried Dar's staff in his free hand and they reached a wagon in short order; complete with oxen. Frowning, he looked at Tao and murmured, "Ever get the feeling you've been ambushed?"

Pursing his lips thoughtfully, Tao nodded and helped him into the driver's seat, setting the staff in the back with the many lengths of rope waiting there. The elders had already determined to let them go, that much was obvious. `Why the charade?' he wondered, again meeting Dar's eyes. He gathered the reins and was about to start the team when Dar stilled his hands. Irritated at himself for so quickly falling back into the habit of commanding the animals without a thought for them, he apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry, Dar."

Smiling gently, Dar replied, "It's all right. Give me the reins."

He turned them over without another thought and watched as that far- away look overcame Dar as he talked to the oxen. The team started moving and Laia began walking alongside the wagon. Unable to help himself, he asked, "So what did you do to deserve this?"

Green eyes glared up at him and she replied, "The elders believe I am too forceful in patrolling our borders. I suppose they think this will be a good lesson for me."

"You have to admit that a simple question about who we were and what we were doing would have sufficed," Tao pointed out.

"You would have lied," Laia replied firmly.

"We don't lie," Tao said.

"So you say. If he really was the BeastMaster, he wouldn't need the reins," she said triumphantly.

"I hold them so they do not tangle and hurt the oxen," Dar explained easily. "They walk because I asked them to walk, not because I commanded it."

"Right."

Tao grinned at Dar who grinned back with a shrug. The rest of the ride was quiet, Laia obviously wanting nothing to do with either of them. Tao leaned against Dar, enjoying just being with him and knowing that Dar was all right. "You are all right, right Dar?"

Dar, smiling at him, wrapped an arm around Tao's waist.

Tao sighed in relief, the silent answer more than enough.

They reached the tiger pit later than they would have if they'd been walking because the oxen were going at their own pace. A few times Laia had demanded that Dar make them go faster but he'd silently refused and at last she had given up. As Dar brought the team to a gentle stop, Tao hopped down and took out the rope, bringing it over to the edge of the pit and looking down. Other than being dirty and his tail slashing the air angrily, Ruh didn't look much different than normal.

"Uh Dar, I think you get to do the honors," Tao suggested with a grin. "He looks pretty angry."

Dar chuckled. "I was going to."

"You're really going into a tiger pit with a hungry tiger?" Laia demanded incredulously.

"He's our friend," Dar replied, tying the rope under the back of his thighs and turning to face Tao who held the rope around his waist and was holding the slack out to Laia. "We need your help, Laia. Please."

Shaking her head, she took the rope and replied, "It's your funeral pyre."

They lowered Dar slowly into the pit and he called out once he reached the bottom. Tossing the rope aside, he knelt and hugged Ruh, both happy with the contact after too long apart. "It's good to see you again, my friend."

Ruh purred, nudging him hard with a head-butt then licking his face.

"Let's get you out of here, all right?" Dar suggested. "I'm going to tie this rope around you like a harness and Tao is going to pull you out."

Ruh huffed in disbelief and Dar grinned. "No, he's not physically going to pull you out. A pair of oxen will do it for us. And no, you can't eat them once we free you. There is a village just north of here that is certain you will hunt them and their animals for food once freed so do us all a favor and prove them wrong, all right?" Ruh head-butted him again and Dar chuckled. "Thank you."

After several long moments, the ropes were secured and Dar called up, "He's ready, Tao!"

"All right!" Tao called back. He had turned the oxen around and attached the rope to their harness while Dar was tying up Ruh. Laia was watching them both in disbelief but he ignored her and said to the black animals, "Okay. You can start moving now. Slowly if you don't mind? Ah, please?"

When the oxen continued to munch on the grass without moving, Tao returned to the pit and said, "They're not moving Dar, a little help please?"

Dar focused on the thoughts of the oxen who were quite content with eating at the moment. Though it translated into images for the oxen, he thought to them, "Could you move forward please?"

After a few moments, the oxen agreed and began to move. Ruh let out a startled roar and Dar kept his hand on the tiger for as long as he could, soothing him. "It's all right Ruh. Tao's at the top and he'll free you once you're there. Relax, Ruh, it's going to be fine."

It was several minutes later but Ruh was finally on level ground, helping himself by climbing the last few feet. Tao moved to the tiger with a relieved grin. "Ruh! It's great to see you. Sorry I didn't get back more quickly but, as you can see, I found Dar!"

Ruh submitted to him untying the ropes with only a mild grumble and glanced over at Laia who was standing by the wagon, paralyzed in fear. He nudged Tao then looked back at the woman. Tao followed his glance and was unable to resist the mischief that overcame him. "Sure, Ruh, you can play with her before going out to hunt."

"Tao!"

Tao grinned at Dar's scold and called back, "I'll be right there, Dar."

Once free, Ruh ran towards the forest, in the opposite direction of the village, to eat. Tao watched him go then turned to Laia who was very pale. Feeling responsible, he apologized, "I'm sorry, Laia, I shouldn't have teased you like that. Tigers are obviously very frightening for you."

She straightened, looking at him as though seeing him for the first time. "He really is the BeastMaster, isn't he?"

Tao nodded happily. "Yes, he is. Would you help me get him out?"

Moving slowly, she complied and they tossed the rope back down the pit. Once Dar was secured, they pulled him out at a much faster pace than they had Ruh. Brushing the dirt from his chest, Dar sighed and said, "I'm glad that's finally over with."

"So am I. Now we can get as far from here as possible," Tao agreed emphatically.

"It wasn't all bad, was it Tao?" Dar teased, looking into his lover's eyes with a smile.

Tao shook his head, trying not to grin back and not succeeding. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"But you love me anyhow," Dar said softly.

"But I love you anyhow," Tao agreed.

Laia cleared her throat uncomfortably and after a moment, both men turned towards her. Tao put on a falsely pleasant face and asked brightly, "Yes, Laia? What can we do for you?"

"I just wanted to apologize. For everything," Laia answered. "The elders are right. I shouldn't be so hard and so filled with anger, so quick to judge everyone by Nord standards."

"It's hard not to be that way when the world is a hard place," Dar said quietly.

"You don't," Laia observed.

"I have a secret weapon to keep me strong," Dar said, glancing at Tao.

"You're lucky," Laia said with a smile.

"I know," Dar agreed.

"We both are," Tao said, stepping closer to Dar.

"Do you mind if I, may I travel with you for a ways? I think there is a lot I can learn from you," Laia asked hesitantly. "I think this is why the Elders sent me with you."

Tao looked to Dar and said, "It's up to you, Dar."

Part of him wanted to have Tao all to himself without anyone intruding. Another part of himself couldn't refuse someone who was struggling with her path. He knew what that was like and wouldn't wish it on anyone. There was also the fact that until he was back to full strength, it couldn't hurt to have another warrior with them. He nodded and said, "You can travel with us for as long as you need."

*** end ***

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