Chapter 6: Ember and Echo

Qingsai was taken into a side chamber of the Infernal Archive, a place said to house ancient flame scrolls and rites born from the first ember.

There, one Emberlord waited — a tall man with a scar along his jaw and a chain of black iron around his neck.

He turned as the guards closed the stone door behind Qingsai.

> "I do speak your language," he said calmly, in perfect Eirsan.

Qingsai's eyes widened.

> "You do?"

> "Only one of us needed to, in case the Soulkindled ever came."

He stepped forward, eyes intense. "So… tell me, boy. Why are you really here? Why now?"

Qingsai stood still. His voice, low but firm, echoed in the molten-lit chamber.

> "Because I was called by the flame. Not by your court. Not by your kingdom. By something older. The fire in my soul wants to remember… who I was before the world broke."

The Emberlord's expression didn't change. But a flicker of respect danced in his gaze.

> "Then we begin tomorrow. If you survive the Trial of Coals, you'll earn our fire. Fail…" He walked past Qingsai and out the door.

> "…and you'll die a footnote."

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🔥 Furnastran Language Notes (with Translations):

Furnastran Phrase Translation

Kohr'anai zethira valun! "Surrender now, outsiders!"

Jharath du'ar shenzu! "Lay down your weapons!"

Zharen'ka vesh talor. "We come in peace."

Kaesir ai Qingsai, vel'unar Soulkindled. "This is Qingsai, the Soulkindled."

Nish'vaari tazanai. "We ask only for sanctuary."

Vel'unar? "Soulkindled?"

Tuvalis shaar? "Do you speak?"

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