“I know that everyone but the elves arrived in the last few hundred years and the elves arrived a few thousand before that but why, I couldn’t say. I do know that your species was in the middle of a civil war at the time. Tetrans and Titantrins. One believed in ruling with strength and the other with skill. Which you descend from, I don’t know. I do know you are not elves. Those are vastly different creatures.”

Falling back into his chair, with a look of stunned fascination, Vardinn says “Wow. I think I need to have a long conversation with my father. Speaking of fathers, what are we supposed to tell the king?” 

“Right. Fire. city. Elder! Can you recall your children?” Saga shouts up to the Boiler.

With a deep sigh, “I can but it will only be temporary. The only solution is using the machine to move them to our home.”

“Allow me to bargain on your behalf. Be your voice. If you recall your children, I shall get my people to assist you in keeping them safe and Vardinn and I will personally retrieve the final piece and bring you all home.”

“That sounds agreeable but first I must bestow a gift and a warning to Vardinn, as agreed.”

He reaches out his hand and in it lays a half face mask. In the fashion of a grinning ghoulish beast. Made from the same fire and rock as himself. “This is a piece of me. It wont give you any of my fire based control but it will serve as fuel for your magics.”

Taking the mask, “and the warning?”

“So far, in your journey, you have been able to avoid a fight. Even the encounter with the Harvestman ended without bloodshed.”

“I have worked quite hard to that end.” Vardinn says with a smile and pep in his step.

“Not this time. There will be no talking. No kindness. The gross enemy you will face soon is named Gluttony. While his name is taken from a story he half heard once, he is not someone to mess with.”

“I’m sure that is an exaggeration. I doubt he will be impossible.” Vardinn says as he waves away the idea.

The Boiler leans all the way down until his face is level with Vardinns. “He devours everything in his path. If you do not fight, you will die. You must also take Saga and Zero One with you. Both will be important assistants in the fights to come.”

Clutching the mask tightly, “there really is no way?”

“No.” 

Punching his arm in a playful manner, “don’t worry Vardinn, I can protect you.”

“I may not like fighting or violence but I am trained in several mana based martial arts and am one of the most powerful mages amongst the high elves. Thank you but I can fight my own battles.”

Throwing her hands up, “didn’t know I was dealing with such a deadly man. My apologies. Hehe.”  giggling as she starts to walk away. “Begin recalling your children and I will speak to my father right now then we will set off to the final piece.”

“I’ve already begun!” as his words bellow out, the flames begin to rush back and retreat to the lower levels of the castle.

 Bowing deeply and respectfully, Vardinn says “With a heavy heart and respect, your words are truly considered. thank you Elder king. I shall return with the device complete. That I promise.” with a returned bow, Vardinn turns around, rejoins Saga and leaves the Pitt.

Slowly making their way back, they stop at each house and tell the residents that it’s safe to leave the city now. Eagerly awaiting his daughters’ arrival, the king stands at the cities’ entrance. He stands patiently until he spots her with the trapped citizens in tow. 

The king rushes up to her, sweeping her up in a massive hug and hearty laugh. “You did it! I knew you could!” He lets her down. “It wasn’t just me, father, and it has not been solved yet.”  she says in wasted protest.

He pulls her to the front of his tent and lifts her arm into the air. “Attention all! My Daughter and your princess saved us all and brought the city back to us!”

“Father! We must speak.” Saga says sternly.

“In my tent. You as well.” pointing to Vardinn.

Saga and Vardinn take turns explaining the situation and before long, the pair are outfitted with everything they could need and a binding royal decree is signed to protect the new blue fae species. As quick as they came, the pair set off to regroup at the castle but bid farewell.

“I wish you did not have to leave so soon my daughter but I understand. You have a destiny now. A grand mission to save us all. I couldn’t be more proud.” swooping her up in a final bear hug and placing her onto the cart. “Keep her safe, Vardinn.”

“I promise I will.” he says with a polite nod.

“Goodbye father. Be well and keep them safe. I will return soon.” Before he can respond, she whips her reins and off they go.

“Hey Saga, I noticed you haven’t turned back yet. I’m not saying you have to or even should, just curious why.”

“I spent years running from my mothers side and in the end, it was that side that saved my people. I’m done running. Besides, I can still use my fire like this. I’m just not on fire.”

“Either way, I’m glad to have you along for the ride.”

“Me too, Vardinn.”