The stench of sulfur filled the air as Kael, Aria, and Eldrin stood on the edge of the Infernal Gorge. Below them, rivers of molten lava flowed through a labyrinth of jagged rocks. Heat waves shimmered, distorting the landscape like a fevered dream.
Kael wiped sweat from his brow. "Remind me again why we couldn't go around this place?"
Eldrin's expression was grim. "The second Blade of Elvarion lies at the heart of this gorge. If we waste time finding another route, Drakmor's forces will reach it first."
Aria shaded her eyes, scanning the fiery expanse. "I don't see a clear path across. And flying isn't exactly an option."
Eldrin lifted his staff, conjuring a shimmering blue bridge that stretched over the churning lava. "This will hold. But we must move quickly."
Kael eyed the bridge warily. "This better not be one of your experimental spells."
"It's perfectly stable," Eldrin assured him. "Unless you're afraid of heights."
"Just lead the way," Kael grumbled.
They stepped onto the bridge, the heat rising in waves beneath them. Kael's boots felt like they were melting, but he kept moving, muscles tense.
Halfway across, the lava beneath them bubbled violently.
Aria drew an arrow. "Something's coming."
A towering fire elemental erupted from the molten depths, its body composed of swirling flames and jagged obsidian. Its eyes glowed with malice as it let out a deafening roar.
"Stay on the bridge!" Eldrin commanded.
The elemental slammed its fist into the bridge, sending cracks spidering through the magical construct.
"Stable, huh?" Kael shouted.
"That was before the giant fire monster!" Eldrin snapped.
Kael gritted his teeth and charged. "Keep it distracted!"
Aria loosed arrow after arrow, each one exploding in bursts of cooling magic against the elemental's searing skin. Eldrin chanted, casting shimmering shields to protect the group from the elemental's fiery blasts.
Kael leaped onto a rocky outcrop and swung his sword at the elemental's arm. The blade met resistance but managed to sever a chunk of molten rock.
The elemental roared in pain and retaliated with a wave of fire. Kael barely managed to dive behind cover.
"This isn't working!" Aria shouted. "We need to hit its core!"
Eldrin's eyes glowed. "Kael, use this!"
He conjured a glowing blue sphere and hurled it toward Kael.
Kael caught it, feeling raw energy surge through him. His sword blazed with magical fire.
"Got it." Kael's voice was steely.
He sprinted toward the elemental, dodging blasts of flame. With a roar of defiance, he plunged his sword into the creature's core. The elemental convulsed, flames flickering wildly.
A blinding explosion rocked the gorge.
When the light faded, the elemental was gone. The bridge shimmered back into solidity, and Kael stood panting, his sword still glowing.
Aria let out a breath. "That was insane."
Eldrin smiled faintly. "But effective."
Kael sheathed his sword. "Let's not do that again."
They crossed the bridge and reached a platform of black stone. At its center stood a pedestal, and upon it rested the second Blade of Elvarion. Its hilt was engraved with fiery runes, and the blade shimmered like molten gold.
Kael stepped forward and grasped the blade. A surge of power flooded through him, and the runes glowed brighter.
"The Flameblade," Eldrin said reverently. "One of the most powerful weapons in existence."
Kael felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. "Then let's make sure it's used to end Drakmor's reign."