Chapter 10: Invitation of Fire

Two days after the Trial of Coals, a golden envelope sealed with a molten emblem arrived for Qingsai. The sigil belonged to Lord Vurnash Ekran, one of the wealthiest and most politically powerful Emberlords in all of Furnastra. The letter bore elegant script in both Eirsan and Old Furnastran.

> "To Qingsai Yuncao, Soulkindled reborn,

The flames of our hearth have whispered your name. I humbly invite you to dine at the Crimson Glass Palace tonight, as honored guest of my House.

May your soul burn eternal.

—Lord Vurnash Ekran of House Vurnash"

Qingsai adjusted his robe and tied his spirit-weaved sash, his thoughts wary.

> "He doesn't invite me for soup and stories," he muttered.

Yuwen leaned in from his seat, munching on charred firefruit.

> "Of course not. Powerful men rarely do."

That night, Qingsai arrived at the Crimson Glass Palace, a mansion built over lava vents with a ceiling of glowing red crystal. The main hall was bathed in soft firelight, and a feast of sizzling meats and emberroot stew awaited.

Lord Vurnash was a tall, broad-shouldered elf with glowing bronze eyes, silver horns, and a beard braided with flame-sapphires.

> "Welcome, Soulkindled," he said, in perfect Eirsan. "Tonight, I speak not as an Emberlord, but as a grandfather."

They ate in silence for a while, the fire flickering against obsidian walls.

Then Vurnash leaned forward.

> "I will speak plainly. Marry my granddaughter — Sandora Vurnash, an Emberborn of noble flame. In return, my House will pledge itself to your cause. Wealth. Armies. Artifacts from the Ash-King's tomb. All will be yours."

Qingsai set down his cup, the weight of the offer immense.

> "And if I decline?"

> "You will still have my respect," Vurnash said, "but not my influence. And in Furnastra, influence is flame — and those without it are left in the cold."