Journey to Ashspire
The morning air was thick with mist as Kai stood at the Emberheart gates, cloaked in black and crimson, his blade of flame hidden beneath a simple travel wrap. Linya stood beside him, her short blades strapped across her back, eyes sharp.
A dozen sect disciples watched from the steps, whispering, some in awe, others in fear.
"He's the one they're all gathering for…"
"I heard the sword he wields is made of pure soulfire…"
"Is he even human anymore?"
Kai didn't answer the stares. He didn't need to. His purpose burned brighter than doubt.
Elder Ragan stepped forward, offering a sealed scroll.
"A letter of passage," he said. "And a warning. Trust no one at Ashspire—not even those who speak peace."
Kai took the scroll with a nod. "I'll remember."
"And one more thing," Ragan said, stepping closer. "What you carry… that fire… it will change the world. But it will change you first. Be sure you're strong enough to remain yourself."
Kai said nothing, but he heard the message clearly.
He wasn't just walking into diplomacy.
He was walking into a den of dragons.
The journey to Ashspire was long and winding, through highland trails and spirit-soaked forests. The path grew colder as they moved north, the skies grayer, as if sensing the gathering storm ahead.
On the fourth night, they set camp beneath a shattered stone arch—remnants of a forgotten empire. Linya cooked in silence while Kai meditated.
He could feel it again.
That presence.
Something was watching.
Suddenly, the flame in his palm flickered violently.
He opened his eyes—and there she stood.
A woman in silver and blue robes, cloaked in frost, eyes pale as the moon. A sigil of the Ice Lotus Sect glowed at her chest.
"You're late," she said coolly.
Linya leapt to her feet, blades drawn.
Kai stood slowly. "You were expecting us?"
The woman nodded. "All Flamebearers leave a trail. You've drawn attention far beyond the Conclave. Some want to test you before you ever arrive."
"And you?" Kai asked.
She smiled faintly. "I want to see if the stories are true."
Without warning, she moved—ice sweeping from her hands in elegant arcs. Linya clashed with her mid-air, steel against frost. Kai stood still, watching, then stepped forward and drew his blade.
A whisper of fire. A single stroke.
Her ice shattered before it touched him.
She stopped, blinking. Her robes steamed, her breathing fast.
"So the rumors… weren't exaggerations."
Kai sheathed the flame. "Who are you?"
"My name is Meiya. I'll see you at Ashspire. Survive until then."
With that, she vanished into mist, leaving behind a frozen trail and a flurry of questions.
Kai stared into the night sky, embers rising from his palm.
If that was a greeting... what will the real battle look like?