crown of self-interest

As Raelan and his allies emerged from the dying forest, a solemn resolve settled over them. Though their alliance with the Communion was fragile, it was a start. But to face Zaros, they needed more than broken guardians and dwindling magic—they needed unity among factions that had been isolated for centuries, factions that had grown distrustful and defensive over time. Zaros’s ambition was a threat to the very essence of their world, and yet, Raelan knew that convincing others to unite under a single cause would be a monumental challenge.

He took a deep breath as they climbed a narrow trail leading from the forest. The cool air, sharp with the scent of pine and frost, filled his lungs, clearing his mind. They were heading toward the borders of the Emberreach, the land of the Sunborn, whose territory was marked by volcanic plains and obsidian peaks. The Sunborn had long kept to themselves, their land shaped by fire and brimstone, and their warriors were known to be relentless as the flames they commanded.

Eryndra walked beside him, her face a mask of calm determination, though he sensed the turmoil beneath. She had been invaluable in negotiating the alliance with the Communion, her quiet wisdom and deep understanding of the factions’ histories giving them a crucial edge. But Raelan knew that Eryndra harbored a painful history with the Sunborn. As a young diplomat, she had once ventured into their lands on a mission of peace, only to watch her efforts be shattered by an unexpected attack. She had barely escaped with her life, and her loyalty to him had been forged in the fires of that betrayal.

“If we’re to approach the Sunborn,” Raelan said softly, “we’ll need your guidance. You know their customs better than anyone.”

Eryndra glanced at him, her expression unreadable. “The Sunborn do not forget insults or slights easily, Raelan. Their trust is not something to be earned with mere words. We’ll need to prove our worth before they even consider an alliance.”

Raelan nodded. “We’ll do what we must. They’re fierce fighters, and if we’re to stand a chance against Zaros, we’ll need their strength.”

Their path took them deeper into Emberreach’s rocky terrain, where rivers of molten lava snaked through the earth, lighting the land with a fiery glow even in the darkest night. The heat was oppressive, and Raelan felt sweat forming on his brow as they neared the entrance to the Sunborn’s territory.

A few hours later, as the sky began to darken, a Sunborn scouting party appeared. Clad in armor crafted from obsidian and adorned with golden sigils that glowed faintly, the scouts looked both formidable and imposing. The leader, a tall man with a face etched by countless battles, stepped forward, his piercing gaze fixed on Raelan.

“State your purpose, strangers,” he said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying the weight of authority.

Raelan inclined his head respectfully. “We seek an audience with your leaders. The Sunborn’s strength is unmatched, and we come with a message of unity. There is a threat rising—a darkness that will not stop until it consumes all lands, including yours.”

The leader raised an eyebrow, glancing at Eryndra, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. “And why should we believe anything you say? The last time an outsider brought words of peace, we paid for it with the lives of our warriors.”

Eryndra stepped forward, her face pale but resolute. “That was a long time ago, Commander. The Sunborn are proud warriors, and we know of your strength. But Zaros does not care for strength. He seeks only domination. Your fires will be snuffed out like any other if he succeeds.”

The leader studied her for a long moment before finally giving a nod. “Follow me, but know this—one wrong move, and we will show you no mercy.”

They were escorted through the craggy paths of Emberreach until they reached the great city of Ignathar. Massive obsidian walls towered before them, crowned by towers that glowed with inner flames. Within the walls, the streets were bustling with Sunborn citizens who regarded Raelan and his companions with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. The air was filled with the faint scent of sulfur, and pillars of smoke rose from chimneys and forges alike, casting shadows over the city.

They were led to a large hall in the city’s center, a building carved into the side of a mountain. Torches lined the walls, their flames casting flickering light across the dark stone. At the far end of the hall, seated upon a throne of obsidian, was the Sunborn Highlord, Ashandar.

Ashandar was an imposing figure, his fiery red hair flowing past his shoulders, his eyes like burning coals. He was dressed in armor forged from the heart of a volcano, a dark metal that shimmered with veins of magma. At his side stood his council, each member a warrior of renown within Sunborn society.

Ashandar’s gaze was sharp, appraising. “You come here, strangers, in a time of war. Speak quickly, for our patience is as limited as the time you have to convince us.”

Raelan took a step forward, his voice steady. “Highlord Ashandar, I am Raelan. I once ruled over my own lands, but I have seen what Zaros is capable of. He seeks the artifacts that hold power over life itself. He has taken the Heart of the Wild from the Communion, leaving their forests to wither. I come here not to ask for favors, but to warn you. If Zaros is not stopped, your lands will face the same fate.”

Ashandar’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger flashing across his face. “The Sunborn have endured countless threats, Raelan. We are not so easily swayed by tales of terror.”

Raelan’s gaze remained unyielding. “This is no ordinary threat. Zaros’s forces are vast, his ambitions boundless. He cares nothing for the sanctity of life. He will strip this world of every last shred of magic if it means consolidating his power.”

Ashandar leaned forward, scrutinizing Raelan as though peering into his soul. “You say you once ruled lands of your own. Why should we trust a former tyrant who once imposed his will on others? What proof do we have that you are not simply looking to replace Zaros with your own rule?”

Raelan took a deep breath, the weight of his past pressing heavily upon him. “I ruled with tyranny once, it’s true. I thought power was enough to bring order. But I was wrong, and I have paid the price for that realization. I do not seek to rule—I seek to protect, to atone, to prevent others from facing the pain I caused. If that isn’t enough for you, then I’ll find another way to prove my worth.”

Ashandar’s council exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves. Finally, Ashandar raised a hand, silencing them. “Words alone are insufficient, Raelan. The Sunborn are not inclined to trust easily, especially in times as dire as these. If you seek our alliance, you will have to earn it through action.”

Raelan nodded, determination hardening his resolve. “Tell me what needs to be done.”

Ashandar’s eyes gleamed with a calculating light. “There is a creature that roams the volcanic fields to the north, a beast we call the Emberfang. It has been terrorizing our lands, destroying crops, and attacking travelers. Defeat this creature, and we will consider your request. Prove to us that you are more than just a man with empty promises.”

Raelan accepted the challenge without hesitation. “Then it shall be done.”

As Raelan and his companions left the hall, Eryndra’s expression remained tense. “An Emberfang is no ordinary beast. It’s born from the heart of a volcano, its skin as tough as obsidian, its breath fire incarnate. This is no simple test, Raelan.”

Raelan smiled faintly, the glint of a challenge in his eyes. “Then it’s exactly what we need. If we’re to stand against Zaros, we need allies who trust us. We’ll show them that we’re more than mere wanderers, more than remnants of our pasts.”

Together, Raelan and his companions set out into the volcanic fields, their spirits high, their purpose clear. The sky above them roiled with dark clouds, and the distant growls of the Emberfang echoed like thunder, a reminder of the challenge that lay ahead. This trial would be brutal, but Raelan knew it was a necessary step in forging the alliance that could turn the tide in their favor.

As they prepared for the coming battle, Raelan couldn’t shake the feeling that each step brought him closer not only to his goal but to redemption. He was no longer fighting for power, for conquest, or even for survival alone—he was fighting to build a world that no longer needed the likes of him or Zaros to bring order.

This was only the beginning.