The sun was beginning its descent as Arak and his companions reached the outskirts of the Ember Tribe's territory. The air grew warmer, carrying with it the scent of ash and charred wood. The landscape around them shifted dramatically—no longer the dense, tangled forest they had been trudging through for days. Here, the ground was volcanic, a mixture of jagged black rocks and dark soil, with sporadic bursts of smoke rising from the earth. The sky above was tinged with red, the last rays of sunlight filtering through a faint haze of ash.
"This is it," Niko murmured, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the horizon. "We've reached the Ember Tribe's lands."
Arak felt a strange mix of awe and apprehension as he took in the sight. The Ember Tribe was known throughout the region for their power and mastery of fire magic. Their land reflected their strength—wild, untamed, and dangerous.
Mari walked beside him, her face drawn with exhaustion but still resolute. "Do you think they'll help us?" she asked, her voice low.
Arak glanced at her, then at the others. Joran, as usual, remained silent, his sharp gaze flicking over every detail of their surroundings. He was the one Arak trusted most in these situations—his ability to sense danger had saved them countless times before.
"They'll help," Arak replied, though he wasn't sure if he was trying to convince her or himself. "We just have to give them a reason to."
As they ventured deeper into Ember Tribe territory, they were soon intercepted by a group of scouts. The warriors emerged from the shadows like living flames, their armor dark and streaked with soot, their eyes glowing with the faint light of fire magic. Their movements were swift and precise, surrounding Arak's group before anyone had a chance to react.
One of the scouts, a tall woman with fiery red hair and a spear tipped with glowing embers, stepped forward. Her gaze was fierce, and the flames in her eyes seemed to flicker in time with her heartbeat. "Who are you, and what business do you have in Ember Tribe lands?"
Arak raised his hands slowly, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible. "We come from the village to the east," he began, choosing his words carefully. "We seek the aid of the Ember Tribe. There is a threat approaching that could destroy us all, and we need your help."
The woman's eyes narrowed. "The Ember Tribe does not concern itself with the affairs of outsiders."
"We are not asking for charity," Niko interjected, his voice steady but firm. "We've come because we have no choice. The threat we face is real, and it's spreading. If it reaches here, even your tribe may not be able to stop it alone."
There was a tense silence as the scout considered his words. Then, without another word, she motioned for them to follow. "You will speak to Chief Varek," she said. "But do not think your words will easily sway him."
The group was led deeper into the tribe's territory, the scouts flanking them closely. As they walked, Arak couldn't help but notice the signs of the Ember Tribe's presence everywhere. The trees here were scorched black, their bark still hot to the touch. Stone pillars carved with ancient symbols stood at the edges of the path, each one radiating a faint warmth.
Finally, they reached the village—a sprawling settlement built into the side of a volcanic ridge. The houses were made of dark stone, some with roofs of blackened wood, others open to the sky, their interiors glowing with the light of controlled flames. In the center of the village stood a large, circular arena, its edges lined with torches that burned continuously, even in the daylight.
As they entered the village, the stares of the tribe's inhabitants followed them. Men and women with hardened faces, their skin bronzed from years of exposure to the heat, watched them warily. Children peeked out from behind their parents, their eyes wide with curiosity but tinged with suspicion.
They were led to the largest building, a stone structure at the heart of the village. Inside, the temperature rose even higher, the air thick with the smell of burning wood and molten rock. Seated on a throne carved from volcanic stone was Chief Varek, the leader of the Ember Tribe. He was an imposing figure—tall and broad-shouldered, with skin that seemed to shimmer with heat. His eyes glowed like molten embers, and his long, dark hair was streaked with grey ash.
The scouts bowed before him, and the woman who had spoken earlier addressed him directly. "Chief Varek, these outsiders seek an audience. They claim to be in need of our aid."
Varek's gaze shifted to Arak's group, his expression unreadable. "Outsiders," he said, his voice a deep rumble that resonated through the room. "It is rare for those beyond our borders to seek the Ember Tribe. What is it you want?"
Arak stepped forward, meeting the chief's gaze. "We come from a village to the east," he said. "There is a growing darkness, a force that we cannot fight alone. We've come to ask for your help in stopping it."
Varek leaned back in his throne, his eyes narrowing as he studied Arak. "The Ember Tribe does not give its aid freely," he said. "We have our own concerns, our own enemies to face. What makes you think we should concern ourselves with your village's problems?"
Arak took a deep breath. He had expected this. The Ember Tribe was powerful, but they were also fiercely independent. Convincing them to help would not be easy.
"The darkness we face will not stop with our village," Arak said, his voice steady. "It will spread, consuming everything in its path. Your tribe may be strong, but even you will not be able to stand against it alone."
Varek was silent for a long moment, his glowing eyes fixed on Arak. Then, slowly, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "You speak boldly for an outsider," he said. "But words are not enough to earn the Ember Tribe's trust."
He stood, towering over them, and motioned to the arena outside. "If you wish to prove your worth, you must face the Trial of Flames. Only then will we consider your request."
Arak's heart sank at the mention of the trial. He had heard stories of it—an ancient test designed to push even the strongest warriors to their limits. But he had no choice. If they failed to gain the tribe's help, their village would be doomed.
"We accept," Arak said, his voice firm.
Varek's smile widened. "Very well," he said. "Prepare yourselves. The trial begins at dawn."