Hours passed as the sun descended, casting the dunes in shades of crimson that reminded Justin of blood. He was beginning to wonder how much farther they needed to travel when they crested a massive dune and stopped in their tracks.
Before them stretched a jagged scar in the earth, a canyon that cut through the desert like a wound. Beyond it rose the foothills of the Emerald Mountains in the distance.
And nestled within the canyon depths was Charr.
The Fyrspawn city was built directly into the black stone walls of the canyon. Obsidian buildings clung to the cliff faces, their architecture defying gravity. Far below, a river of molten lava churned and bubbled, casting an orange glow. Plumes of smoke and steam rose from vents in the rock, creating a perpetual haze that drifted between the structures. Narrow paths and tunnels had been carved into the cliff walls, with Fyrspawn moving along them like embers in a dying fire.
A single massive bridge spanned the widest part of the canyon about halfway down, a breathtaking arch of obsidian and some metallic substance that seemed to absorb rather than reflect the lava light.
"By the Six," Lila said, her eyes wide. "It's beautiful in the most terrifying way possible."
Eldrin nodded, adjusting his bow. "A fortress city. Defensible from all sides. The lava below would make undermining impossible, and those narrow paths would funnel any attackers into killing zones."
Atlas chirped; his sensors must have been working overtime to process the spectacle. Even Shadowflight ceased his circling to perch on Eldrin's shoulder, eyeing the city below.
"It's like looking at the inside of a volcano that someone decided to call home," Justin said, unable to take his eyes off the glowing veins of lava that networked through the black rock. "I'm sweating just looking at it."
Emberlyn's flames flickered with pride. "Charr has stood for eight thousand years and has a storied history. Its size and influence have waxed and waned over the years. These days, it is more of a minor city. However, the bridge makes it an important connection between the Dunes of Death and the Emerald Mountains. With the World Gate accessible again, who nows? Charr might rise in influence once more. It has long served as a sanctuary for the Followers of Ashralok's Flame—a place where the lava that kills others sustains us." She almost shuddered. "It's been far too long since I've bathed in the Kalderos."
"Kalderos?" Justin asked.
"A bath of flames that rises from the Heart of Ashralok's Fire. It can be found at the start of the canyon, where Mount Ashralok rises." She pointed with her staff. "There."
Justin marked the mountain she indicated, one that had more of a conical shape and was golden in the light of the fading evening.
"It's been twenty years for you, then, if I remember right?" Eldrin asked. "You can survive a long time without it."
"Yes," Emberlyn said. "Our lifespans are measured in centuries rather than decades. Our inner flame diminishes as we use our magic, or for us women, give birth. I must say that the recent Vault had weakened me. But it won't be long now."
Justin was glad they had decided to help them out. They had saved hundreds of lives with their decision.
Emberlyn nodded, her flickering flames seeming to signal a change in subject. "I imagine Pyra has already explained things to the Fire Lord. You will have a royal welcome." She pointed with her staff. "The descent is easier than it looks, and the temperature becomes more bearable once we're within the canyon walls. The lava provides heat, but the stone absorbs much of it."
"Lead the way," Eldrin said.
Emberlyn led them down a switchback path that hugged the canyon wall. As they descended, Justin noticed clever engineering. The path was designed to catch any cooling breezes and channel them inward. It seemed even the Fyrspawn appreciated that. Vents in the rock released steam in controlled bursts, creating a primitive but effective climate control system.
The city grew more impressive with every step. What had appeared chaotic from above revealed itself as well-planned up close. Water channels, fed from some underground source, ran alongside certain pathways. Vegetation unlike anything on Eyrth thrived in specific niches—plants with metallic leaves and ruby-colored stems that seemed to drink in the heat.
They crossed the great bridge, its surface smooth as glass, yet also with decent friction so there was no chance of losing their balance. Justin couldn't help glancing down at the churning lava hundreds of feet below.
It was on the other side of the canyon that the circular central plaza of Charr opened before them. Fyrspawn of all shapes and sizes filled the space, their flames flickering in yellows and reds. A great cheer spread through the crowd like wildfire when Emberlyn was recognized.
The atmosphere was already one of celebration. Fyrspawn were embracing one another, flames intermingling in what Justin assumed was their version of a hug. Children—small creatures with tiny flames—darted between adults, their excited chirps reminiscent of crackling fire. He even recognized the two who had been fishing by the underground stream, who were staring at the wonders around them with bright, fiery eyes.
"We've waited twenty years for this reunion," Emberlyn explained, her own flames burning brighter with emotion. "Many had given up hope of ever seeing their kin again."
Justin watched as an elderly Fyrspawn with dim, steady fire embraced a younger one with wild, energetic flames.
Justin observed the Fyrspawn interactions, seeming to see deeper layers beyond the surface. He noticed how they greeted each other, not with handshakes, but by bringing their forearms together so their flames could mingle. Their posture shifted when addressing those of higher status, such as an elder. The younger one would dim their flames and tilt their heads backward, exposing their throats in a gesture of trust. When speaking, they emphasized important points by intensifying their flames, which were a language all their own. Justin had already picked up on many of these cues in his dealings with Emberlyn, thanks to his Chameleon Charm boon, but this social gathering was a rich tapestry to absorb new mannerisms.
Without conscious effort, Justin cataloged these new behaviors. As he activated Vorthak's Flame, he found himself adjusting his posture and mannerisms to match. He dimmed his own fiery aura when elders passed. As a result, they looked at him with less suspicion. The boon was working its subtle magic, helping him blend into this alien society as if he'd been born to it.
Justin noticed a Fyrspawn approaching—one far larger than the rest, at least eight feet tall. Unlike Emberlyn's slender form, this one was built like a warrior, with broad shoulders and arms corded with what appeared to be magma veins beneath his obsidian skin. His wide face and fiery eyes resembled the male demon warriors who had attacked Kythralis, complete with curved horns that glowed orange at their tips. A massive, flaming sword was strapped to his back.
Justin forced himself to relax. Nothing in the Fyrspawn's bearing was threatening, even if his presence was somewhat intimidating.
Emberlyn leaned over. "That is Lord Ashrok. I will translate for you both. Speak as you normally would."
Justin nodded in understanding.
The massive Fyrspawn stopped before them, his flames burning a deep crimson. His voice rumbled in a deep bass. "So, these are the outlanders who returned our lost kin. Pyra told me all about it. I am Ashrok, Fire Lord of Charr."
Justin's body ignited in fiery light as he extended his forearm rather than his hand. "Justin Talemaker. Gentleman. Adventurer. At your service."
Lila and Eldrin also introduced themselves, while Atlas stood a few paces behind, with Shadowflight perched on his carapace.
Ashrok scrutinized him for a moment, then brought his forearm against Justin's, their flames intermingling. Justin felt the heat, but it did not burn. "You know our ways, human. A rarity."
Justin allowed his flames to dance in a "friendly" manner. "I may not speak your language, but this much I can do."
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"Well said. So, it is true that you wield the Flames of Vorthak. Another curiosity. I wasn't sure whether to believe Pyra, but given your deeds, it is no wonder the God of Fire has found you worthy to wield them."
"We're glad we could help," Justin replied, inclining his head backward as he had observed others do.
Lord Ashrok nodded, his fiery eyes scanning each of them as Emberlyn continued translating. "The return of the lost gate key alone would have been a deed worthy of an epic. But to return our entire colony, clear a Vault, and defeat a Pyrosphinx? The city's gifts must match the magnitude of such deeds."
The Fire Lord reached into a pouch at his side and withdrew three rings that seemed to be fashioned from the same black metal as the bridge, each inset with a fiery ruby.
"These rings contain the essence of Ashralok's holy fires," Ashrok said, presenting them to Justin while his flames rose higher. "Forged in her eternal flames that burn in Mount Ashralok. While you wear this ring, you will enjoy 50% resistance to fire. And once per day, for ten seconds, Fire Elemental damage will heal rather than consume."
Justin's monocle logged the rings and their enchantments:
The Ring of Ashralok's Flame
Type: Accessory
Tier: Gold
The Essence of Ashralok: While wearing this ring, increase resistance to Fire Elemental Damage by 50%. Gain a passive increase in Heat Resistance.
Eater of Flames: Once per day for 10 seconds, absorb all fire damage as Life Force.
Justin blinked. Following the custom his Chameleon Charm had helped him identify, he brightened his flames before speaking. "You honor us beyond measure, Lord Ashrok."
"It is the least we can do," he said. "Will your party remain in Charr for long?"
"I'm not sure," Justin said, as he passed out the rings to Lila and Eldrin. "We had some items we were hoping to sell, but I imagine we'll spend the night here in a local inn. If you have those sorts of things here."
After Emberlyn translated, Ashrok's flames surged with what seemed like amusement.
"I invite you instead to stay in my Stronghold. It will be far more comfortable. And to attend the return feast. No non-Fyrspawn has ever been welcomed to my table, but this day demands new traditions."
Justin hesitated, his flames dimming a bit. "We are honored, Lord Ashrok. Though I must ask—and forgive my ignorance—but will there be food that won't...combust us from the inside?"
Emberlyn's flames flickered in amusement as she translated, and Ashrok's flames crackled in what Justin now recognized as laughter.
"Fear not, Gentleman of Eyrth. The feast will include dishes suitable for your kind. Though be warned. Even our coolest foods would be considered...what is the word? Ah, 'spicy' among your kind."
"Oh, I love spicy food!" Lila said. "It'll be like Eribar."
"It's settled, then," Ashrok said through Emberlyn's translation. "If you want an easy place to sell your items, I would recommend my quartermaster, Pyraxis. He will give you a fair price. That way you don't have to go hunting through the markets."
"Sounds good," Justin said. Reading Ashrok's expression through his Insightful Gaze, he could tell the offer was genuine, but also a bit self-serving; he wanted first dibs on any rare items. "I have to say, you Fyrspawn are good people, as we say in my land."
"Well, it's not every day we host Eyrthers!" Ashrok's voice rumbled with amusement. "If the old tales are to be believed, back when the Gates were more often used, there was not always peace between our kinds. But you have proven your worth. Tonight, we will feast in a manner worthy of the Fyrspawn of Ashralok! Just wait until you try my cinder whiskey."
Justin smiled, brightening his flames in appreciation. "Well, I wouldn't be a Gentleman if I didn't want to sample your wares. We very much look forward to it, Lord Ashrok."
"Until later, Lord Talemaker. Well met, Eldrin Thornwood, and Lila Fairwind."
Lord Ashrok moved to engage with other people in the plaza, but already, quite a few were heading in the direction of the Stronghold, a massive fortification built into the canyon wall behind them, where the gates stood open and welcoming. Emberlyn also headed in that direction.
Justin approached the others. "Looks like we're staying, at least for another night."
He bound his own ring, finding that the cooling effect of the Heat Resistance was already taking effect. When he used his Ring of Hygiene to swap into his Founders' Regalia in a flash of yellow light, the effect remained strong. He would be able to wear his better gear with no issues.
"These rings are just what we need," Lila said. "Should we give him something in return?"
Justin nodded. "It's not a bad idea. Maybe tomorrow morning, but not anything too big. We've already done a lot for them, and I don't want them to feel like they're in debt to us."
"Well, staying a night would be best," Eldrin said. "Besides, we'll get to see things no Eyrther ever has."
The Ranger's eyes became distant as he scanned the canyon, Shadowflight fluttering onto his arm. Several of the Fyrspawn were watching the noble bird with awe, likely never having seen anything like it.
Justin could read the Ranger's expression like a book. He was eager to explore this world and uncover its secrets. To be honest, Justin wasn't sure he was of a similar mind. More than anything, he wanted a long rest. He wasn't sure if this Charr was the place for that, but with the Baron behind them (hopefully), it opened up their options a bit.
What would be their goal now? Did he have a responsibility to turn back and stop Valdrik and warn the Templars? Or should he focus on his own progress, finding more Vaults to gain his advanced class?
These were questions to ponder later.
Sometime during his rumination, Lila had gone to the edge of the canyon and was peering over the side. He walked over to join her, Atlas scuttling behind at a respectable distance.
"Quite a view," Justin said, standing beside her.
"It's like nothing I've ever seen," Lila said, her green eyes reflecting the orange glow from below. "It makes almost everything we've seen so far seem ordinary."
"I wouldn't go that far. We've seen some pretty weird stuff."
She laughed. "You're right." She turned to face him. "So, where do we go from here, Justin? Everything's changed. We're on a new world, Valdrik isn't chasing us anymore, I think. And for the first time since we met, we don't have someone or something trying to kill us."
Justin smiled. "Well, we can always go back to our job of being couriers."
"We're way past that point now. Each of us has a platinum shard to our names. We could call it quits here and be set for life."
The thought had occurred to Justin already. Return to Eyrth, find somewhere distant, somewhere peaceful. And somewhere without snow. Even the Baron couldn't find them if he didn't know where to look. And then things got boring: run a Vault or two. His Prismatic Core meant he'd have an easier time finding them.
He had to admit that having the freedom to slice a bit of life was quite appealing.
"Having choices is a novel experience," Justin said, leaning on his cane. "We could stay and explore this world, find some Vaults, level up. Both of us are close to an advanced class. Or we could try to get back to Eyrth and..." He hesitated. "Start over, I suppose. With a money advantage."
Lila nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's strange to think about a future that extends beyond tomorrow, isn't it? We've been running for so long."
Justin hesitated, weighing his next words. When the silence stretched too long, it was already laced with meaning.
"What I said back in King Alaric's tomb," Justin began. "About you making life worth living—I meant that. Not just as a line."
She gave him a sidelong glance. "I know you did."
A silence fell between them. Justin was acutely aware of her presence beside him, of how they'd fallen into step over their journey. He wasn't sure exactly what he felt for Lila anymore—admiration certainly, trust absolutely—but beyond that? The constant danger had never given him the space to consider it in the way the subject deserved. Anytime it rose to his mind, some new danger came along.
Was there anything between him and her still, or had that ship sailed long ago?
"Do you ever think about that night at the Pine and Hearth?" he asked. "That conversation we had in the dark?"
Lila's gaze remained fixed on the canyon. "Sometimes. Is this the part where you say those were simpler times?"
Justin smiled. "I'm being serious, Lila."
"I know. And I'm bad at that."
Justin nodded. "If you could go back to before meeting me, offering your services outside that Mercenary Guild in Mistwatch...would you?"
"By the Nether, no," she said. "I wouldn't have grown this much, wouldn't have struck it rich. And I wouldn't have met you. I'll go ahead and admit that part, I guess." She looked at him. "Why do you ask?"
"I ask because there's something I haven't told you yet."
"What's that?"
"It's not because I've been hiding it; it's just been so crazy that I haven't had the chance yet."
So, Justin told her about what had happened when he first donned the Sapphire Star. How he had been in the hospital in a coma, but had tried to get out. How he had met Elara at the automatic doors; how she had given him the opportunity to return to Earth by walking through them.
And how the opportunity seemed genuine.
When he finished, she watched him with surprise. "You could have gone back, and you turned that down?"
He nodded. "I did. I didn't want to leave everyone behind. In that moment, I had to decide which world was more real to me. And if this world was even real. Then all that stuff with the Founders...it makes it seem like this place is real. Just...different from the world I come from."
She processed all this for at least half a minute.
Justin continued. "I'm at peace with the decision. This world, as dangerous as it is, is far more real than anything I've experienced back home. Because back home...I never really lived, I guess."
"Then that's that," Lila said. "You said you had a mother back there, right?"
Justin nodded. "I do. Did. I'm not even sure what word to use there. In the dream, she was at my bedside. I'm hoping all that's not real. Because if it is...that means..."
She touched his hand. "You can't get caught up in all that, Justin. But something's stuck out about what you told me. You said the Sapphire Star offered you a chance to go back. That means there are ways back aside from this portal thing that brought you here in the first place. Right?"
Justin had never considered that. "Can't fault the logic of that. It could be tied to Ascendant Artifacts somehow."
"Maybe," Lila said. "If that's true, you could learn how to harness that power. That way, you could visit whenever you want."
Justin laughed. The idea seemed completely ridiculous.
But what if she was right? The Founders had figured out a way to do it. So why not him?
Justin had already tapped into it with the Sapphire Star. It stood to reason that there could be other ways, too.
"Too much to think about," he said. He smiled. "I'd love to take you there, though."
She smiled. "I'd like that too. Your world sounds intriguing."
"It would probably scare you a bit at first. But it's not all bad."
"Scare me, how?"
Justin thought about it. "Well, this world has magic. Ours has technology. People are the same in both worlds, but the tools they have are different. So, in a way, the scale of the suffering in my world is worse. But it's not all bad. I'd like to see your reaction to our music."
"It would be worth it just for that." She looked back at the plaza, mostly empty by now. Eldrin was waiting by the gate. "Well, we spent long enough out here. Let's head inside. But let's also remember to have moments like these, too. I've missed this."
"Me, too," Justin said. "Though to be honest, I'm a bit concerned about this Cinder Whiskey..."
Lila laughed. "Only one way to find out. I'll do a shot with you. Camaraderie and all that."
They headed for the gate of the Stronghold.