Leading them to the edge of the city and to the nearest blue flames, Brim stops just short. He holds his hand out and his hand, with its glowing segments, begins to grow dull until he belts out a sharp yelp and yanks his hand back.

Rubbing his hand, he says, “it seems to suck the heat right out of us. Last night, there was a loud earthquake, then the arena exploded. After a few moments the flames began to rain down on us.”

As the king explains the events, Vardinn creeps closer to the fire. Fascinated by it, he sticks hand in it but to his surprise, it feels like nothing. Pulling his hand back he looks back at the king who is still explaining and shrugs and steps in.

“Luckily, we were working on some festival events and so we had these tents. Most of the city was evacuated and those that weren’t, are safe in their homes for now. We have no idea what caused it but our priority is the evacuation of the trapped citizens. We still haven’t found a way through but we are working on it.”

“I’m pretty sure it only affects your guys.” Vardinn calls out while standing in the fire. “It’s actually incredibly fascinating but not the priority.”

“Are you mad, boy! You…wow, you really are unharmed. While fascinating, it is ultimately unhelpful. You may be able to pass but the trapped citizens can’t so it is pointless.”

“Vardinn! Get out of the fire. This does mean the temporary supplies can be brought to them.” Saga points out.

“And I could investigate the cause and maybe fix it?” Vardinn says as he steps out of the fire.

Saga sends him a questioning look as if to say, “what are you doing?”

“Out of the question! I would gladly accept help with the supplies but the old castle is a sacred place. I cannot and will not send an outsider there. Not alone.”

Saga sighs and says, “i’ll go.”

“But the fire hurts your kind?” Vardinn says with a puzzled look on his face.

“You don’t have to pretend Vardinn. I know you heard them. The halfling. The princess of flesh and fire. My mother wasn’t one of us. She was a species much like elfs. So while I embrace my Fire, I am also flesh.” 

The beautiful red flames that engulfed her face melt away and reveal a flesh and bone form underneath. Skin like bronze, hair like waves, and eyes of emerald. Two eyes and two arms, Vardinn remarks that they are similar but clearly different indeed.

“Wow, I did not see that coming.”

The king drops to one knee and places his hand on her shoulder. “Are you sure? You hold no obligation to them.”

“Thank you father but I can’t stand by and let them starve or worse.”

Standing back up and addressing one of his advisors, “bring me the written map of the trapped.”

After getting the map he pulls Vardinn and Saga close and explains that there are four that need medical supplies and eight that need conduit crystals to power their food synths.

“Once you finish those, head straight to the pit and see what you can. Do not venture deep within. In and out. I do not need you getting lost or hurt.”

They gather the supplies into two carry-on bags. Saga says goodbye to her father then Vardinn and her head in the fire. 

“I’m sorry if this is too much buuuut this is a much better plan! No sneaking or possible law breaking. They practically pushed us inside. Tragedy aside, this could not have worked out better.” Vardinn says as he playfully nudges Saga.

“Vardinn. I will gladly agree if the trapped citizens are okay. Eyes up until then, yeah?” 

The first eleven all flow swimmingly. The last is an elderly man who lives alone. After no response they break down the door and begin searching the house. They find him up stairs and fine.

“Sir? Why didn’t you answer when we called for you? Are you alright?” Saga says as she approaches him but he flinches away with a look of disgust.

“Just place the conduit crystal on the table and go, halfling.” 

Swallowing her anger, she places it down and walks away while pulling Vardinn along.

“What a prick. You risked yourself just to help him and he has the gall to be nasty.” 

“Now you see why I left. They see my mothers genetics as weak and unfit for the royal house. My father loves me as he did my mother but he is the rare exception. Most are pricks.” Saga says as she leads him down the path. “There it is. The Pit.”

Standing at the edge of a crater where the arena used to be, at its’ center, stands a massive forty foot tall man. Similar in look to the fire fae, but with blue flames. Floating in orbit around him are four identical diamond shaped torches with rolling blues flames pouring off them like waterfalls and flowing out of the crater like fog.

“I’m no scholar but I think that’s our source.” Saga says with a sarcastic smirk.

“Lets’ go talk to him.” Vardinn says as he makes his way down the edge with Saga close behind.