Dr. Mallard's Diary: Entry 17

The Hand of Glory-

There is a tale told of a thief who is trapped in darkness in a hostile room. He is given a single candle that he must hold, lest the strange elements on the floor swallow up the flame.  He is given but one match. One chance only for a light. These are his days. He hold it up while he feels along the wall, letting the hot wax drip on his hand as he traces the scratch marks left by the others. He travels many miles, feeling it burn. He does not eat. He does not drink. He does not close his eyes. There is no difference when the candle burns out whether his eyes are closed are open. He cannot dream. That would defeat the point. 

He has but the candle, which appears at his feet. Each time  little shorter than when it last went out. It used to be as long as his arm, reaching high above him till it looked like a little star. He had dropped it then, plunged screaming into the nothingness. His throat is hoarse, his voice lost into the dark, and the candle is no bigger than the last knuckle of his finger. It lasts for no more than two minutes in the dark. He does not bother to walk. He sits and feels it burn into his hand, leaving nothing but ashy wick. 

It is dark for years. He does not know he is there. Or if he is even alive. 

That is until he feels the match again, stabbing into his ear.  But there is no more candle. His hand however, is so soaked with wax, he can have but one thought.

He sets himself alight. And for a moment. he smiles until he looks around and finds he can truly see in this black place, and then for a second, he finds his voice again for one final scream.

The light is snuffed out, and that is when the door opens. The man is gone or was never there.  But there is a peculiar candle left in the shape of a hand. 

That is the Hand of Glory, friend to thieves and ne'er do wells.  While lit, it will guide you through the dark, revealing paths hidden even from gods, with a fire only you can see. 

But when its last light burns out in your hand, you will feel its cold fingers lacing around yours. They will not find you then.  You have been stolen.