"A Rebirth in Flames"

The wind carried whispers of the past as Eldric approached the outskirts of the capital city. The once-thriving metropolis now lay shrouded in darkness, its towering walls marred by time and neglect. Flickering torches lined the gate, their light feeble and uncertain, much like the city's remaining spirit.

This was the seat of his former power, the heart of an empire that had spanned continents. Yet now, it was a mockery of its former glory. The gods' betrayal had bled the land dry, and their influence festered like a wound.

Eldric stopped atop a hill overlooking the city. The memories were vivid—processions of soldiers marching beneath those gates, the cheers of his people, the fiery banners of his reign. He could almost hear their voices, the echoes of a world lost to time.

But as he focused on the present, he saw the city's decay: crumbled buildings, empty streets, and a populace cowed into submission. The temple of the gods loomed in the distance, its spires piercing the sky like jagged blades. It had been built on the ruins of his palace, a deliberate insult by the divine.

Eldric's eyes narrowed, molten fire swirling within them. His resolve hardened further.

"They think they've won," he muttered, his voice low but seething with anger. "Let's see how long their victory lasts."

---

As he descended toward the city, Eldric pulled the tattered hood of his cloak over his head. Though his rebirth had granted him power, he was still alone. Reckless action without preparation could lead to disaster.

The city gates were guarded by two sentinels, their armor dulled with rust. They stood like statues, barely moving as Eldric approached.

"Halt," one of them barked, holding up a hand. "State your business."

Eldric kept his head bowed, masking the molten glow of his eyes. His voice, however, was firm.

"I seek entry into the city."

The guard eyed him suspiciously. "You're not from around here. Travelers don't come often these days."

Eldric tilted his head slightly. "Then you should welcome any coin I might bring. Or do you prefer your city to rot in silence?"

The second guard chuckled darkly. "He's got a point. Let him through—he's just one man."

The first guard hesitated but stepped aside, muttering under his breath. Eldric walked past them, the gates creaking open to admit him.

---

The city streets were a shadow of their former selves. The once-bustling markets were eerily quiet, their stalls half-empty or abandoned. People moved quickly, their heads down, avoiding eye contact. Eldric could feel the weight of their despair pressing against him like a suffocating fog.

This was not the city he had built.

His journey through the streets brought him to a small tavern nestled in a shadowy corner. Its sign was barely legible, but the sound of muffled voices inside suggested it was still operational. He pushed open the door, stepping into the dimly lit room.

The smell of stale ale and unwashed bodies assaulted his senses. A handful of patrons sat at scattered tables, their gazes darting nervously to the newcomer. Eldric ignored them and made his way to the bar.

The barkeep, a wiry man with a scraggly beard, looked up as he approached. "What'll it be?"

"A room," Eldric said. "And information."

The man raised an eyebrow. "Information's not cheap, stranger."

Eldric reached into his cloak and placed a small pouch of coins on the counter. The barkeep's eyes widened slightly as he took the payment, nodding in approval.

"What do you want to know?"

"The gods' temple," Eldric said, his voice cold. "Who guards it? And how strong are they?"

The room fell silent at his words. Patrons exchanged uneasy glances, their faces pale. The barkeep leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"You'd best keep your voice down, friend. Speaking of the temple… it's dangerous."

Eldric's gaze hardened. "Answer the question."

The barkeep hesitated, then sighed heavily. "The temple is guarded by the Order of the Divine Flame—fanatics loyal to the gods. They've taken over the city, enforcing the gods' will. Anyone who opposes them disappears."

Eldric clenched his fists beneath the bar. The Order of the Divine Flame had once been his elite guard, warriors sworn to protect his empire. Now, they served his enemies.

"What of the people?" he asked. "Why do they not resist?"

The barkeep laughed bitterly. "Resist? Against the gods? You've seen the city—these people are broken. The Order keeps them in line, and the gods watch from their temple."

Eldric stood, his cloak billowing slightly with the motion. The barkeep flinched, but Eldric tossed another coin onto the counter.

"Thank you," he said. "Enjoy your evening."

---

Night had fallen by the time Eldric left the tavern. The city was eerily quiet, the only sound the distant murmur of patrols. He made his way through the winding streets, his steps purposeful.

As he approached the city square, he saw them—the Order of the Divine Flame. Clad in ornate crimson armor, they stood in formation around a makeshift platform. A crowd of civilians had been gathered, their faces pale with fear.

Eldric moved closer, keeping to the shadows.

A man was dragged onto the platform, his arms bound behind his back. One of the armored figures stepped forward, addressing the crowd.

"This man has defied the will of the gods," the soldier announced, his voice echoing across the square. "Let his punishment be a lesson to you all."

The man struggled, shouting, "The gods are tyrants! They've stolen our freedom, our—"

A blade of fire silenced him, the soldier plunging it into his chest. The crowd recoiled in horror, but none dared to speak.

Eldric's molten eyes burned with fury as he watched. This was not justice—this was oppression.

The flames within him stirred, urging him to act. But he forced himself to remain still. This was not the time. Recklessness would jeopardize everything.

"Soon," he whispered to himself, his voice low but resolute. "Soon, they will pay."

As the crowd dispersed, Eldric melted back into the shadows, his mind racing with plans. The gods' temple loomed in the distance, its spires glowing faintly in the moonlight. It was a beacon of their power and the key to their downfall.

He would bide his time, gather his strength, and strike when the moment was right.

The gods had taken everything from him. Now, he would take it all back.