Chapter 5: Flames of Judgement

The Emberlords' Hall was carved from volcanic stone, with rivers of lava flowing beneath glass floors. Massive pyre-totems lined the chamber, each with carvings of past Emberlords and their fire-borne deeds.

Qingsai and Yuwen stood before the semi-circular dais, where five robed figures sat atop flame-wreathed thrones. Their eyes glowed amber like furnace coals.

One of them rose.

> "Dren'vahal tul ek'nazaar. Tuvalis shaar?"

Qingsai opened his mouth—then closed it.

Yuwen took a step forward and bowed slightly.

> "Noble Emberlords. I am Yuwen, son of Jinzhu of Eirsola. This beside me is Qingsai Yuncao, the Soulkindled reborn."

The Emberlords muttered amongst themselves.

> "Vel'unar Soulkindled? From across the Ashdeep?"

Another Emberlord, a woman with braided white-gold hair and armor of burning scale, narrowed her eyes.

> "Words are wind. We have heard many false messiahs speak bold names. Why come to Furnastra? Why now?"

Yuwen answered carefully:

> "He seeks knowledge… mastery over flame. To complete his awakening. He wishes to learn from your people, from your fire. Not to rule. Not to conquer."

> "Even the humble can deceive. Does he speak our tongue?"

Yuwen shook his head. "No. Not yet. But he listens with his spirit. And his dragon understands your sky."

A moment of silence passed.

The eldest Emberlord finally stood and pointed at Qingsai.

> "Kael drasu'fel. Let the fire judge him."