Chapter 4: Across Ash and Sea

The skies above the Furnastran Gulf glowed orange as Ruisu, the crimson serpent-dragon, soared across volcanic winds. Below, smoking peaks dotted the coastline like slumbering giants.

Qingsai clutched the hilt of his blade and squinted ahead. The terrain was unlike anything he'd ever seen — blackened cliffs, rivers of ember, and cities built into obsidian spires.

> "This place smells like burnt lightning," Yuwen muttered.

Qingsai chuckled. "I thought that was you."

Their banter faded as the dragon descended toward the towering caldera-city of Pyrespire—capital of Furnastra, heart of the Eternal Flame. Thick sulfur clouds coiled around its volcanic walls. Guards in flame-etched armor raised their weapons as the massive shadow of Ruisu passed over the battlements.

They landed roughly in a circle of glowing magma runes. Dozens of soldiers surrounded them.

> "Kohr'anai zethira valun! Jharath du'ar shenzu!" one barked, blade drawn.

Qingsai looked at Yuwen, confused.

> "Uh…" Yuwen cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Zharen'ka vesh talor! Kaesir ai Qingsai, vel'unar Soulkindled. Nish'vaari tazanai!"

The guards blinked. Murmurs spread.

> "Vel'unar? Soulkindled?" another repeated skeptically.

One guard stepped forward and gestured to the black-and-gold sigil on his shoulder.

> "Bring them to the Emberlords. Now."