The unexpected shove sent the horse into a tumble of horse and man. I launched into the shallow water and sloshed my way to the tight formed group of men near the pool's center. None of the marauding raiders were as interested in attacking the men in the pool as they were with escaping the blazing inferno that was erupting all around us.
The cargo was beyond salvaging and with angered shouts the raiders fought free of the blazing oasis, leaving us alone. Through the smoke we watched as they regrouped and threw their mounts into hot pursuit after the departed caravan.
My plan had worked. Now all we had to do was survive the fire.
Coughing on smoke, I kept low in the water and watched for opportunities to escape, but the entire oasis was well ablaze. We were alive, but still, this smoke wasn't good for anyone.
I gestured to the others when I saw a route open up and reluctantly they left the shelter of the water to follow after me. Being completely soaked helped combat against the heat of the flames, but it was still hot!
Finally a way opened up to where we were breathing fresher air and then suddenly we were free of the oasis. Gasping in relief, we pressed on until we were entirely free of the smoke and breathing the cleaner air of the desert.
Beating at the burning embers in my hair I watched the almost comical antics of the others, still fully clothed, beating at themselves and rolling around in the sand. I'd used my shirt to filter out smoke in order to breathe while still in the water, but I'd lost it at some point in the escape through the flames. I hugged my arms to my bare chest. The burning oasis was warm at my back, but the desert night air was cold.
A cloak fell about my shoulders and I glanced to the side to see that it was Thanuel who had done it. He was laughing as if it was all a big joke instead of being the dire circumstance it had been. We had just nearly all been burned alive.
Thanuel's arm came around my shoulder and he shook me good-naturedly, "Ahhh what a good head you have on your shoulders Benaiah! If it wasn't for that stunt, even now we would all be dead or being roasted alive over a bandit's fire. Well done!"
"I just about got you killed and yet you're thanking me for saving you?"
"I was but singed. It's nothing! Now what are your orders?"
"Orders?" I responded back blankly.