Location: Edge of the Ashlands – Scorched Borderlands
POV: Caelis Thorne
The wind was fire.
Every breath burned. Every step dragged ash into the lungs.
But Caelis didn't slow.
Behind him, a ragged army followed—survivors from fallen cities, rogue flame-priests, exiled warriors, and former enemies who had seen what true annihilation looked like when Vaelira fell.
They had no banners. No thrones to defend.
Only one cause: stop Vauryx.
And save Ashren.
---
The Last Stand Gathers
Seris rode beside Caelis, her hair braided in flame-thread, her armor scorched but strong.
"They think we're mad," she murmured, glancing back at the army.
"We are," Caelis said. "But madness is all we have left."
The Ashlands opened before them—miles of black sand, scattered bones, and a sky that dripped molten tears. The land itself resisted them. Firestorms boiled on the horizon, and each step deeper made the weaker men collapse.
Still, they pushed on.
They had to.
---
The Message from Below
At camp that night, Seris lit a small fire using the flame-script scroll. As it burned, the fire whispered.
A voice.
Ashren's.
"Don't come for me. The First Flame is too strong. Run."
Caelis spat. "Like hell."
Another voice followed—Vauryx's.
"Come, little lights. Come die where your gods did."
The fire exploded.
Seris stared into it, eyes shining. "He wants us afraid."
Caelis drew his sword, the edge glowing red-hot. "Then let's disappoint him."
---
The Oath of Fire
At dawn, the army gathered before the ashen ridge that led to the Womb.
Caelis stood atop a charred boulder, raising his blade.
"I am not Ashren Vale. I do not carry divine blood. But I carry his will."
He looked over the tired, fire-scarred faces. "He gave everything so we could breathe free. If he falls, we don't just lose him—we lose the last of hope."
He turned toward the hellscape ahead.
"If you fear death, run. But if you want to burn with purpose—march with me."
They did.
With no songs.
No war horns.
Only flame.
---
Final Scene – The Path Opens
The ground ahead cracked open.
Not collapsed—opened.
A path of obsidian steps stretched deep into the Ashlands' heart, as if welcoming them.
Seris whispered, "He knows we're coming."
Caelis stepped onto the first stone.
"Then let's introduce ourselves."