The sun beat down on the parched earth as Duke Harlan and Cyrin rode towards the Burning Plains, the air thick with the acscent of charred grass and the distant tang of smoke. The landscape stretched out before them, a vast expanse of blackened rock and smoldering ash, pockmarked by the occasional twisted tree, its branches clawing towards the sky like skeletal fingers.
As they rode, the sound of distant thunder rumbled through the air, growing louder with every step. The ground began to tremble beneath their feet, and Cyrin leaned in, his voice low. "Your Grace, we're getting close. Kaelith's got a camp set up just ahead.
Duke Harlan, "Cyri, tell me more about Kaelith Blackblood's Roused Crimson Fire. I've heard rumors about his abilities."
Cyrin, "Ah, yeah. Kaelith's got a bit of a... reputation. His Roused Crimson Fire's said to be almost uncontrollable. He can summon a fierce, crimson-hued flame that burns hotter and faster than most."
Duke Harlan, "And is it true? Can he really... ?"
Cyrin, "Yeah, it's true. I've seen him summon it in battle. It's... intense. The man's a force of nature when he's roused."
As they rode, the sound of hooves echoed through the distance. Kaelith Blackblood emerged from the shimmering heat, his armor scorched and battered, his eyes burning with an inner fire.
Kaelith, "Ah, Cyri. Your Grace. I wasn't expecting you."
Duke Harlan, "Kaelith Blackblood. I've come to see the man who's holding back the Shadowfire Empire's advance. And to see this... Roused Crimson Fire of yours."
Kaelith's gaze flicked to Cyrin, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Cyri's been talking, I see."
Cyrin, "Hey, someone's gotta keep you in line, Kaelith."
Kaelith's lips curled into a smile, and suddenly, a burst of crimson flame erupted from his palm, dancing in the air. "This is it, Your Grace. My Roused Crimson Fire."
Duke Harlan, "Impressive. But can you control it?"
Kaelith's grin grew wider, his eyes glinting with challenge. "Control's overrated, Your Grace. When the fire's roused, you let it burn."
Duke Harlan swung down from his horse, his movements economical. "Kaelith Blackblood. I've come to see the man who's holding back the Shadowfire Empire's advance."
Kaelith's lips curled into a smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Just doing my job, Your Grace."
Duke Harlan, Cyrin, and Kaelith sat around a makeshift table, the flames of the campfire casting flickering shadows on their faces. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and charred wood.
"Kaelith, I have a proposal for you," Duke Harlan said, his voice steady. "I want you to join the Flame Knights, as their commander. Your skills and experience would be invaluable to us."
Kaelith raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Why? I'm a lone wolf, Your Grace. I don't play well with others."
Cyrin leaned forward, his eyes locked on Kaelith's. "That's exactly why we need you, Kaelith. You're a force to be reckoned with, and with the ember Knights, you could make a real difference. Plus, we've got a common enemy: the Shadowfire Empire."
Kaelith snorted. "You think a few hundred Knights can stand against Corvus and his army?"
Duke Harlan's voice was calm. "We don't need you to defeat them alone, Kaelith. We need you to lead us, to help us coordinate our efforts and take back what's ours."
Kaelith's gaze drifted to the flames, his expression unreadable. "What's in it for me?"
Cyrin's voice was low and persuasive. "You'll have resources, Kaelith. Men, armor, the backing of the Ember Knights. You'll be able to do what you do best: fight, and win."
Kaelith's eyes snapped back to Cyrin's, his gaze burning with intensity. "And what about my own motivations? My own goals?"
Duke Harlan leaned forward, his eyes locked on Kaelith's. "We'll support you, Kaelith. Whatever it takes to bring down the Shadowfire Empire and Corvus Nightwing."
Kaelith's expression was still, his eyes unreadable. He stood up, his movements fluid, and walked to the edge of the campfire, his back to the others.
Cyrin watched him go, his eyes narrowed. "He's considering it, Your Grace."
Duke Harlan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I think he is, Cyrin. I think he is."
Cyrin and Duke Harlan walked along the edge of the camp, the stars shining bright above. The night air was filled with the scent of smoke and ash, and the distant sound of horses' hooves echoed through the darkness.
" A while later ...
"Cyrin, what's on your mind?" Duke Harlan asked, his voice low and curious.
Cyrin turned to him, a glint in his eye. "Duke Harlen, I think I know how to convince Kaelith to become the commander of the Ember Knights," he said, using the alternative name that had been discussed earlier.
Duke Harlan's interest was piqued. "Go on."
Cyrin's expression was thoughtful. "Offer him lordship of this territory. If he agrees to lead the Ember Knights, you could ask King Kael to grant him the title of Lord of burning valley... or rather, Lord of this land, and we can work on a suitable name later."
Duke Harlan's eyebrows rose. "That's a bold move, Cyri. You think he'd be interested?"
Cyrin nodded. "I do. He's got a sense of purpose, Harlen. He wants to make a difference, and this would give him the power to do it. Plus, he's got a vision for this place, to turn it into a habitable land."
Duke Harlan's expression turned thoughtful. "And what's more, I think I can sweeten the deal. I'll bring in water and wind mages from Eldermere, see if we can get the land to cooperate. Make it fertile, make it livable."
Cyrin's eyes lit up. "Exactly! That's the kind of offer he won't be able to refuse. With the resources and support, he could make this place thrive."
Duke Harlan nodded slowly, a plan forming in his mind. "Alright, let's do it. I'll speak with King Kael, see if we can make it happen."