Fiery Hand

The Fiery Hand is the sacred military order of the Lord of Light, a thousand-strong force of elite temple guards who defend the red temple of Volantis and serve as the armed wing of the faith of R'hllor. Their number is fixed: never more, never less, with a new flame kindled for every one that gutters out. They are drawn from slaves purchased by the red temple as children and raised to be warriors, priests, or temple prostitutes. Their ornate armor and orange cloaks mark them as the Lord of Light's sacred soldiers, defenders of the temple, and they are commanded by the High Priest Benerro.

Composition and Armament

The Fiery Hand numbers exactly one thousand men, a count that remains constant across generations. When one member dies, a new recruit is trained and inducted to take his place, ensuring the order never diminishes. The soldiers wear ornate armor and orange cloaks, and their primary weapons are spears with points shaped like writhing flames. They are trained from childhood, having been purchased as slaves by the red temple and raised within its hierarchy. Some of the most promising become priests, others temple prostitutes, but the Fiery Hand are the temple's dedicated warriors.

Role and Deployment

The Fiery Hand serves as the temple guard of the red temple in Volantis, protecting the High Priest and the sacred precincts. They are also deployed as personal guards for high-ranking priests on missions. When the red priest Moqorro travels aboard the cog Selaesori Qhoran to bring the faith of R'hllor to Daenerys Targaryen, he is accompanied by five members of the Fiery Hand, whom Tyrion Lannister nicknames "the fingers." These guards lead the nightly prayers and stand watch over the priest. During the storm that destroys the cog's mast, two of the five Fiery Hand are lost overboard, demonstrating that even the elite temple soldiers are vulnerable to the sea's fury.

Significance

The Fiery Hand represents the militant arm of the red faith, a standing army of fanatically loyal warriors who enforce the will of the Lord of Light and protect its priesthood. Their fixed number and lifelong training make them a formidable and disciplined force, distinct from the ragtag armies of the Faith Militant in Westeros. Their presence aboard Moqorro's ship underscores the seriousness of the mission to convert Daenerys Targaryen, and their willingness to die in the storm reflects the absolute devotion demanded by R'hllor.