Storms of Destiny
Chapter 12: The FlameBorn Rises
The world was changing.
From the quietest fishing villages to the bustling harbors of the largest cities, one name burned on every tongue: Pol ST Daniel. Rumors spread faster than trade winds, tales of a young warrior wreathed in fire, who had struck down Darion Valros, a captain of the infamous Order of Eclipsia. His legend grew with every retelling, gaining weight, reverence, and fear.
They gave him a name.
"FlameBorn."
A title not inherited, not bestowed—earned.
---
A Rising Threat
In the darkened war chamber of the Order of Eclipsia, shadows danced against obsidian walls as a storm brewed behind closed doors. The air crackled with silent fury.
A high-ranking strategist slammed a parchment down on the table, its edges singed from rushed travel. On it, the unmistakable face of Pol ST Daniel—eyes sharp, smile reckless—sat above a freshly scrawled bounty:
> 400,000 Sols
Dead or Alive.
Gasps filled the chamber.
"Let the dogs chase him," one of the commanders sneered. "Let him drown in the greed of the world."
Others murmured agreements, voices rising like a tide of hatred. Only Zephyr El Veyrion, cloaked in deep black with eyes that shimmered like blood beneath moonlight, remained quiet. His gloved hand slid across the war map. One island was marked—drawn not with ink, but with memory.
Frostbane Isle.
A frozen wasteland. A place of death.
A place that held a Writh.
Zephyr's voice broke the silence, low and final.
"Let the storm greet him," he said.
"It's time we see how long his flame can last."
---
The Preparation
Aboard the Aurion, the Embarkers gathered in the war room. The scent of ink and parchment filled the air as Nira, navigator and heartbeat of the crew, spread a freshly drawn map across the oak table. A storm was sketched across it—winds spiraling into white jagged lines, centered around one name.
"Frostbane Isle," Nira said, tapping it. "Year-round winter. Constant blizzards. If a Writh really is hidden there, it won't be easy to reach."
"Blizzards, eh?" Sorin stretched his arms behind his head with a grin. "Guess it's time we find some fur coats. I've always wanted to look like a snow barbarian."
"Maybe the cold will finally shut you up," Sonia muttered, rolling her eyes.
Preparations began immediately. Arlen and Sonia secured provisions and extra winter gear, while Mirae oversaw the weapon systems and reinforced the Aurion's hull for icy impact. Crew members bundled themselves in fur-lined cloaks, wool gloves, and thick leather boots.
But Pol and Kaiden stood apart from it all.
Pol still wore his classic look—blue button-up, black cloak flowing in the wind, and his old straw hat resting lazily on his head. Kaiden remained in his usual attire, Pol's sword strapped to his side like it had always belonged there.
Sorin squinted. "You two really not gonna dress for the weather?"
Pol simply smirked, adjusting his hat. "We've been through colder things."
Kaiden's voice was calm and cool. "Let the snow come. It won't change anything."
The others gave up. Whatever weird fire-infused nonsense they had going on… it worked. Probably.
---
Setting Sail
When the Aurion set sail, the sky had turned steel grey. Snowflakes fell like whispers, brushing across the sails as the crew pulled up their hoods and braced themselves.
Frostbane Isle emerged in the distance, pale and towering, half-covered in clouds and dread. Its sharp mountains pierced the sky, wrapped in howling winds and myth.
The crew gathered at the deck, eyes fixed ahead.
Pol stood at the bow, coat whipping behind him, Kaiden at his side like a shadow of flame and steel. Neither of them looked cold. Neither of them looked back.
Nira took a deep breath, checking her compass one last time.
"Next stop," she said, voice steady,
"Frostbane."
And so, the Aurion cut through the storm.
Toward ice, danger, and the truth that awaited beneath the frost.
What they didn't know—what no one could have known—was that the cold wasn't the deadliest thing waiting for them.
The trap had already been set.
End of Chapter 12
Next In Chapter 13:Crystal Bonds