Back in the safety of the temple's hall, the old warrior regarded Drake and his companions with a solemn expression. "You've uncovered a great power, but with it comes great responsibility. The Flame's influence is far-reaching, and we must not underestimate its cunning."
Drake felt the weight of those words. "What is the secret of the Forgotten? You mentioned something earlier that you've kept hidden."
The warrior hesitated, glancing at the others. "The Forgotten were not just guardians of the Eternal Flame; we were once its sworn protectors. We failed to contain it, and in our failure, we became scattered. Our order was fractured by betrayal and fear."
"What do you mean by betrayal?" Mira asked, her brow furrowed.
"Long ago, one of our own sought to harness the Flame's power for themselves, believing it could grant them unmatched strength. In their greed, they unleashed its wrath upon the world. It was then that the Eternal Flame was imprisoned, but its corruption still lingers."
Drake's mind raced. "So the Flame can twist even the noblest of intentions?"
"Yes," the warrior said, his eyes darkening. "And now, it seeks a new vessel. The Scorched you encountered are but a fraction of what it can create."
Drake exchanged glances with his friends, understanding the gravity of their situation. "What can we do to prevent history from repeating itself?"
The warrior stepped closer, a sense of urgency in his voice. "We must gather the remaining Forgotten. There are still those who fight against the Flame's return. They hold knowledge and power that can aid us in this battle."
"And how do we find them?" Tyr asked, determination flashing in his eyes.
"There are whispers of a gathering in the Whispering Woods, a place where the boundaries between realms are thin. It is there that we may find allies," the warrior replied.
Drake took a deep breath, the ember's warmth in his pocket a constant reminder of their purpose. "Then we set out for the Whispering Woods. We need to unite our forces before the Flame rises again."
As they prepared to leave the temple, Drake felt a renewed sense of hope. They were not alone in this fight; there were others who understood the Flame's threat. Together, they would face the challenges ahead and forge a new path.
With the ember guiding him and the knowledge of the Forgotten's past, Drake stepped into the unknown, ready to confront the shadows that loomed on the horizon.