Chapter 62: Full-hand
The first thing Irwin heard was rustling at the door and soft talking.
"-been quiet for a while."
Daubutim? Irwin thought as he wondered why he was feeling so hot.
Especially his back.
Not painfully so, just slightly hotter than was comfortable. He felt incredibly relaxed and, except for the discomfort on his back, more comfortable than he had in weeks. No lingering muscle aches or even any real cold, nothing. To his surprise, the memories of the intense pain weren't as intense as he'd feared. No more than memories, and though he couldn't hold back a shudder if he focused on them, that was the worst of it.
I guess everything worked out, he thought as he opened his eyes.
Right above him sat a dirty, grimy black metal sheet with a hole in it. He could touch it if he wanted to.
Why does that seem so familiar? he thought.
It took him two whole seconds to realize he was looking at the inside of a forge. With the realization came a jolt of fear, and he rolled over and away from the coals, thudding on his back on the cool ground below. He looked to the side, staring at the rumaged-looking forge. The coals had been shuffled about, and a person-sized indent was in the middle.
I can actually lie in a forge now? Irwin thought, barely believing it.
"Finally awake?" Ambraz whispered, swirling down to land on his chest. "Daubutim is outside, and I think that girl's with him."
Irwin stared up at him stupidly, then the words registered.