Anfar awoke in a boundless desert shrouded in utter darkness, like a living, oppressive shroud. His eyes could not make out the faintest glimmer of light, yet his sharp senses detected the presence of numerous mysterious creatures lurking in the shadows. He couldn't feel Bayos or Nostra at all, and the thought made his heart clench with despair.
– Damn wizard! – he cried in anger, punching the cold, dead sand beneath him, which felt hard and rough, as if woven from iron shards. The pain in his hand helped him focus and gather his thoughts.
Staying here was unthinkable. He had to find a way out of this cursed desert. Wherever he walked, thick darkness surrounded him, consuming light and time. The feeling of being lost and alone weighed heavily on him. Usually, Bayos was by his side to offer support, but now there was only an endless void around him, and each step felt like a journey into the unknown.
At one point, his legs gave way, and he sank to his knees, exhausted and desperate. The ground beneath him seemed eager to devour him, greedily sapping the last of his strength. His breathing grew ragged, his thoughts tangled, shrouded in darkness.
– What if I stay here forever? – a dark thought crossed his mind, but he quickly pushed it away. Giving up was not an option. He had to find his brother and Nostra.
Suddenly, a faint light flickered ahead – the weak but welcoming glow of a campfire, the only source of light for miles around. The flame not only illuminated but beckoned, promising salvation and hope in the endless darkness. Anfar felt a surge of strength and, rising to his feet, hurried toward the light.
As he approached, he saw a young woman sitting by the fire. She turned, noticing him, and a gentle smile played on her lips.
– My lady, may I warm myself by your fire? – Anfar asked, bowing his head. His voice was hoarse from exhaustion.
He was always polite and humble, recalling his teacher's words:
– In this harsh and dangerous world, even the smallest mistake can cost you your life, so never forget basic courtesy.
– "My lady?" Don't bother with that; just call me Layla, – she replied in a soft voice tinged with weariness.
– But you should ask not me, but him, – she nodded toward the fire, her eyes gleaming mysteriously.
A bright cluster of flames burst from the fire, swirling up and taking the form of a spirit. It gazed at Anfar, and its voice sounded like a blend of whispering wind and crackling wood:
– I am the Flame of Life. And who are you, traveler?
Anfar, slightly surprised, bowed and replied:
– I am a man, my name is Anfar. May I warm myself by this fire?
The Flame of Life seemed to smile, flaring up brightly:
– Of course, you may. But what brings you to the Dark Desert, Anfar?
– I encountered a cunning sorcerer who sent me here. I'm searching for a way out. Can you help me? With your light, I can find my way and escape this place, – he said with hope, watching the Flame as it danced around him.
The Flame paused for a moment, then spoke:
– I can help, but first, you must help me. I promised Layla to assist her in searching for her elder brother here in the Dark Desert.
– That's not a problem. I'll help you, and then you can help me, – Anfar replied, feeling ready to take on this task. He couldn't leave Layla alone in the desert.
Anfar looked at Layla. Her eyes, gazing into the distance, seemed empty, as though an inner light was fading with each passing day. He understood that she had lost something priceless, and this loss had drained her will.
– There's something beyond good and evil in people. Whether they're kind or cruel, enemies or friends, everyone has it, – the Flame of Life spoke softly. – It's the Flame of Will and Life.
Anfar sensed that Layla was hiding something important and knew that they needed to help her rekindle her inner fire if they were to find her brother and leave the desert together.
– Very well, let's continue the search, – she said.
Layla stood and stepped into the darkness, with the Flame of Life following her. Anfar hurried after – it was his only path.
Walking alongside Layla, he could feel her despair, like a palpable fog enveloping them. He decided to speak:
– Do you have any leads on your brother? I'm skilled at tracking and could try to find signs.
Layla glanced at him briefly, her eyes hollow, like those of someone who had lost hope. After a pause, she said quietly:
– My elder brother was kidnapped by assassins. I paid a large sum to find out their whereabouts and followed them, but I lost their trail here in the Dark Desert.
Anfar felt her pain as if it were his own. Her voice trembled, and he realized that her inner fire was nearly extinguished, a weak spark barely surviving under the relentless pressure of the desert. He nodded:
– I understand. Then let's keep moving. Perhaps I can find some tracks.
Days passed, each morning feeling more unbearable than the last. But they pressed on, step by step, driven only by the faint light of the Flame of Life and their determination to keep going.
The desert tested their endurance, and their strength was waning. Thanks to Anfar's tracking skills, they found animals, which helped them survive in the impenetrable darkness. Each human trace they discovered renewed Layla's hope, even if only slightly.
Gradually, they found more and more signs of human presence, drawing closer to their goal until they finally reached the edge of the Dark Desert. Anfar saw the light ahead with joy but remembered his promise to help the Flame of Life. He paused, gazing at the glow in the distance.
Noticing his hesitation, Layla turned and spoke quietly:
– You don't need to come with me any further. I understand you promised to help the Flame of Life, but I'll ask it to release you. Your friends, teacher, and loved ones are waiting for you. Don't waste your time helping me.
Anfar was silent, torn between conflicting emotions – duty, a desire to help Layla, and longing for Bayos and Nostra, who might need his help. His heart was split between obligation and personal ties. He didn't want to break his promise, yet he understood that his loved ones could be in danger.
– But… – he began, but Layla interrupted him:
– Go, – her voice was gentle yet firm.
– I can do this. I must do this alone.
The Flame of Life flickered, as if it too hesitated to let Anfar go.
– If Layla has decided, I respect her choice, – it finally said, its glow dimming slightly.
In that moment, as Anfar wavered, a wild beast suddenly leapt from the shadows behind Layla, swallowing her in an instant.
– A Dream Beast! – Anfar recognized it, and his heart sank with terror.
Dream Beasts were not mere creatures of the dark desert. They were born from nightmares and unfulfilled desires, feeding on the emotions and ambitions of their victims, growing stronger with each hope or fear.
Anfar froze for a moment, but then a surge of pure, unbridled rage filled him. Something ignited within him, awakening a hidden power. His eyes flared with determination, his heart filled with unwavering resolve. He couldn't let Layla perish, not now, when they were so close to their goal.
– Quickly, release my benefactor! – cried the Flame of Life, charging at the Dream Beast.
The fire illuminated the area, and Anfar saw that the beast wasn't alone – it was part of a whole pack. The Flame of Life blazed even brighter, forcing the creatures to retreat, like shadows scattering under the intense glow. The Dream Beasts growled and fled in fear.
The Flame of Life turned to Anfar and exclaimed:
– Help me save Layla! I promise to support you for the rest of your life!
– Agreed, – Anfar replied without hesitation. He was ready to help Layla even without the Flame's request.
As soon as the Flame of Life merged with him, Anfar felt as though a fiery stream surged through his heart, shattering ancient seals that restrained his true strength. It felt like a rebirth – his body was engulfed by a purifying heat, transforming him into something more than just a man.
In an instant, his essence filled with incredible energy, making him faster and stronger than ever before. Fire surged through his veins, bringing a sense of freedom and power.
Pushing off from the ground with immense strength, he soared into the air. Anfar charged toward the Dream Beasts, pursuing them fiercely. Not knowing which one had swallowed Layla, he surrounded each creature with flames, creating rings of fire.
The beasts desperately tried to flee, but Anfar relentlessly pursued them one by one, driven by fury and resolve. His movements were swift, predatory; he sensed their every breath, every weakness.
The fire in his veins was more than mere strength – it was his will, his thirst for justice. He was no longer alone – the Flame of Life burned in his heart, and he knew he had to save Layla at any cost.