The Ranger could tell the kid wanted down. He looked down as he felt a grip on his arm, to find the kid furiously mouthing a demand. Yet there was no sound.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I've crushed his throat... he'll never talk again... Its all my fault.</span><br/><br/>He pounded harder with his feet, driving on and on. The last village he'd passed on his way up the mountain was not so far. He was sure they could reach it before full dark. Peering up into the sky, he shook sweat out of his eyes, unable to wipe his face as his hands were free, and pressed onward.<br/><br/>"I'm so sorry, kid... I'm... I'm sorry. This is all my fault. Look at you. I promise, I'll set it right before this ring of fire fades away. I'll make it right before I have to go."