The towering gates of Ethryndor groaned open, revealing a city like nothing Darian had ever imagined. Carved into the mountainside, the city sprawled before them, with bridges arching over waterfalls and towers that seemed to touch the sky. Glowing runes lined the pathways, illuminating the streets with a soft, ethereal light. The people here moved with purpose, their faces etched with determination, yet there was an undeniable air of secrecy about the place.
Darian took a deep breath as they entered, feeling the weight of his journey settle on his shoulders. "This place… it's incredible."
Elira nodded, but her expression was serious. "Ethryndor has remained hidden for centuries, but it hasn't always been a peaceful sanctuary. The people here have been preparing for war—waiting for the right moment to strike against the Shadow Weaver. And now, with the First Flame, you might be the one to light that spark."
Darian glanced at the orb in his satchel, its soft heat radiating through the fabric. He still wasn't sure if he was ready for the burden it carried. Could he really be the one to rally the resistance? The one to defeat the Shadow Weaver?
You are, Sumner's voice echoed in his mind, steady and reassuring. We both are. This is what we've been training for, Darian. We're ready.
"Follow me," Elira said, interrupting his thoughts. "We need to meet with the Council of Ethryndor. They'll want to know why you've come—and what you plan to do next."
As they walked through the winding streets, Darian couldn't help but notice the eyes of the city's inhabitants following them. Some whispered to each other, casting furtive glances at Sumner, while others simply stared, their expressions unreadable.
"It's not often we see a dragon in these parts," Elira remarked, catching his gaze. "Especially one as… unique as Sumner."
Darian frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Dragons have long been hunted by the Shadow Weaver's forces," Elira explained, her voice tinged with sadness. "Most of them have gone into hiding, or worse, been corrupted by his dark magic. Seeing one that still fights for the light… it gives people hope."
Sumner growled softly, his golden eyes narrowing. We won't let him corrupt our kind. Not while I still draw breath.
Darian rested a hand on Sumner's side, feeling the warmth of his scales. "We won't," he echoed.
They soon reached the heart of the city, where a grand building stood—a fortress within a fortress. The Council Hall of Ethryndor was made of stone so ancient that it seemed to hum with power. Intricate carvings adorned its walls, depicting battles from centuries past, dragons and warriors locked in combat against shadowy foes.
Elira led them inside, where a circular chamber awaited. At its center was a large table, and around it sat the members of the Council. There were six of them, each dressed in robes of deep blue and silver, their faces marked by age and wisdom. The air was thick with an unspoken tension as Darian and Sumner stepped forward.
"Councilors," Elira began, bowing her head respectfully. "I present to you Darian and Sumner, bearers of the First Flame."
The council members exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Finally, the oldest among them, a man with a long white beard and piercing blue eyes, spoke. "The First Flame, you say?" His voice was deep and commanding. "We have not seen its power in many generations. How did one so young come to possess such a thing?"
Darian hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. But as he felt the heat of the orb at his side, he knew he had to be honest. "I didn't choose this, if that's what you're asking," he began. "But the First Flame was entrusted to me, and now it's my responsibility to use it to stop the Shadow Weaver."
Another councilor, a woman with dark hair and sharp eyes, leaned forward. "Do you even understand the power you carry, boy? The First Flame is not a tool to be wielded lightly. It can bring great destruction, or great hope. Which path will you choose?"
"I…" Darian started, but then paused. "I'm still learning. But I know one thing—I won't let the Shadow Weaver use it to destroy this world. I'll fight to stop him, even if I don't fully understand everything yet."
The council murmured among themselves, their voices too low for Darian to make out. Finally, the white-bearded councilor raised a hand, silencing them. "You have much to learn, young one. But perhaps that is why the First Flame chose you—because you are not yet consumed by arrogance, like so many before you."
He stood slowly, his eyes locking onto Darian's. "Ethryndor will support you in your quest. But know this: the road ahead will not be easy. The Shadow Weaver's forces grow stronger by the day, and even within these walls, there are those who doubt whether we can truly defeat him."
Darian nodded, relief washing over him. "Thank you. We'll do everything we can to—"
"But," the councilor interrupted, his tone turning grave, "before we commit our forces to your cause, we must test you."
Elira's eyes widened in alarm. "Test him? Councilor Varyn, is that truly necessary?"
Varyn's gaze remained fixed on Darian. "If he is to wield the First Flame, he must prove that he is worthy of its power. There is an ancient trial, deep within the mountains of Ethryndor. Many have attempted it, but few have returned."
Darian swallowed hard. "What kind of trial?"
"The Trial of Fire," Varyn replied, his voice echoing in the chamber. "It is a test of will, of strength, and of heart. If you pass, the First Flame will truly become yours, and Ethryndor will stand with you against the Shadow Weaver."
"And if I fail?" Darian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Varyn's expression hardened. "If you fail, the First Flame will consume you."
Silence fell over the chamber as the weight of Varyn's words sank in. Darian's heart pounded in his chest, but he stood tall, meeting the councilor's gaze.
"I'll take the trial," he said firmly. "Whatever it takes, I'll prove that I'm worthy."
Sumner growled approvingly beside him. We've come this far. There's no turning back now.
Varyn nodded slowly. "Very well. The Trial of Fire awaits you. May the Flame guide you."
As Darian left the Council Hall, his mind raced with uncertainty. The Trial of Fire. It sounded like the ultimate test of everything he had learned, and everything he still feared.
But no matter how daunting it seemed, one thing was certain: he couldn't afford to fail. Too much was at stake.
And somewhere, far beyond the walls of Ethryndor, the Shadow Weaver was waiting.