Chapter 2: Gathering the Legends

The village's road wound its way out into uncharted territory, far beyond the horizon. Though Eira had never ventured far from home, the world seemed overwhelming and large all at once. Still, her fire capabilities teetered on the brink of awareness, ready to erupt out of control. Her resolve to leave her community increased with each step, but so did her doubt.

She was unable to return. Not after what had transpired.

Around her neck dangled the antiquated relic, a little bronze pendant engraved with strange markings. It felt warm and softly pulsating on her flesh, almost if it had its own heartbeat. "Find your way, Eira," her mother's final words rang in her ears. You are blessed with and cursed with a flame inside of you. There is more for you than this menial existence."

But with power she hardly comprehended, what could she do? Her lone clue came from a myth, an ancient tradition passed down among travelers, of a warrior condemned to roam the territories to the north. They stated that despite having engaged in combat with both gods and demons, he was destined to live forever and be condemned to roam the earth till the end of time. He would know about curses if anybody would.

The jungle closed in around Eira as she lumbered forth, the trees standing there like motionless sentinels. Even though she was tired, she persisted until the sun started to set and long shadows appeared through the trees.

That's when she heard it, a little distance away: the sound of steel hitting steel and groans of effort.

She stopped short of a tree, her heart racing. Peeping between the trees, she witnessed a man engaged in combat with an enormous beast. With a club the size of a tree trunk in its hands, the beast loomed above him, a massive mass of strength and teeth. Despite his gruff look, the guy moved with an amazing elegance, skillfully avoiding and weaving.

With astonishment, Eira witnessed the man deflect the beast's blow and jump into the air, his blade flickering in the last of the light. He brought down the sword in a single, smooth move that split the creature's skull in half. With a loud thud, the beast fell, seeping its blood into the ground.

Breathing heavily, the guy stood over the fallen monster prior to putting his blade away. He turned, allowing Eira to see him up close for the first time.

He had an angular, pointed face and aged skin. He was tall and broad-shouldered. His face was marked with deep lines, some from war and some from exhaustion, while his dark hair was pulled back. The most remarkable feature, though, was his eyes: they were icy, sharp, and aged, as though they had seen too much.

Heart pounding, Eira emerged from behind the tree.

Her voice quivered a little as she said, "Are you the cursed warrior?"

The man looked at her briefly, evaluating her in that moment. "Who is inquiring?" Although he had a harsh voice, there was a weariness about it, as if he had heard the question too often.

"I'm calling myself with a stride toward Eira, she spoke. "I need your assistance."

The man's gaze grew strained. "Aid? from me? Girl, you'd better turn back and pretend I never existed. I'm not a storybook hero. I'm only attempting to get by.

Eira gripped the amulet around her neck and begged, "Please." "I've been endowed with an uncontrollable power." Have you not been cursed as well? I have to comprehend what is occurring to me.

He remained silent for a few period, gazing at her as though analyzing her remarks. At last, he sighed deeply and took a seat on a nearby log, using the hem of his cloak to wipe the blood off his blade.

"You say I'm cursed?" He whispered. "To put it mildly, that is." He gave her another quick look, his face becoming little softer. "My name is Alaric. And if you believe that I can assist you, you are a fool.

Desperate, Eira took a seat across from him. "I'm at a loss for what else to do. I'm unable to return home. The fire poses a threat. I injure others, even when it's not my intention.

Alaric gave a grim laugh. "Hey, fire? Sounds like you. Are you the blood of Prometheus? He gave a headshake. "I knew trouble would follow the old Titan."

"You knew Prometheus, right?"

Yes, I have had several encounters with gods and legends throughout my life. I feel condemned to be lost, to struggle, and to see the world changing around me while I stay the same. Lost in thought, he peered off into the distance. However, your curse is something else entirely. The gods' fire is

not readily managed.

Then please assist me, Eira begged. "Teach me to manage it."

After giving her a lengthy look, Alaric sighed once again. Alright. I'll support you. But don't count on a joyful conclusion. It is my curse to fight until I fall, and the destiny of those who follow me is typically the same.

Determined, Eira nodded. "I'm not searching for a simple route. Just responses.

Alaric said, "Good," getting to his feet and draping his sword over his back. "Because there is no easy road ahead."

Together, Eira and Alaric journeyed through woods, mountains, and barren plains as the days went by. Alaric coached her along the way, showing her how to control her firepower. Even though his techniques were severe and relentless, Eira could feel her own development

more powerful and in charge.

They were camping by a river one night when a third person joined them—a robber by the name of Lysandra, who tried to rob them in the middle of the night. When Lysandra was caught stealing, she admitted that she wasn't just any old burglar; rather, someone who was aware of Eira's abilities had been sending her tracking information for some time.

With a cheeky smile, Lysandra replied, "Fire-girl, you're a lot more important than you think." "And you are unaware of how many enemies you have. Fortunately for you, though, I support you. For the time being.

Eira knew there was more to Lysandra than what first appeared, but Alaric remained dubious. They had no leads, so she let the thief accompany them.

Their travels had them come across Tyr, the fallen Norse deity, at the edge of the World Tree, Yggdrasil. After being stripped of his divine abilities and banished from Asgard, Tyr has been trying to find a method to get back into the gods' good graces.

Tyr saw promise in their group and offered their assistance in regaining his power in exchange for his knowledge of the gods and the old prophecies. Even though Eira knew their increasing group of misfits was getting more perilous by the day, she couldn't resist the tug of destiny and paused.

Despite having different reasons for joining, they reluctantly formed an alliance because of the menace that was threatening the entire planet. Standing beneath Yggdrasil's towering branches, Eira came to the realization that their quest was only getting started and that the stories they had heard as kids might now be rewritten by them.

They had no idea that powers far bigger than themselves were observing and waiting for the right opportunity to act.