"Yes, or axes, spears, or whatnot. Eventually, you will learn to create a streak of fire that could strike at distances without a bow, but we must start with simpler steps."

"I understand," said Athgar, "just as I must have patience when making an arrow, so too, must I have patience learning to wield fire."

"You are wise, for a Human," said Artoch. "Many have been the Humans that were consumed by their attempts to control the flame, it only leads to madness."

"Where do I start? Must I learn all the magic words first?"

"No, you will learn each as we progress from spell to spell. You already show strength of will, or you would not have survived the devastation of your village. You must learn to apply that same will to the power within you."

"The spark?"

"Yes," agreed the master of flame.

"Do all mages have the spark?" Athgar asked.

"Only those that seek to master the flame. Human mages do not understand the spark, they seek only to unleash the power, not realizing that the flame can consume them."

"Consume them? Do they burst into flames?"

"Sometimes, but often they simply become obsessed with it. They think they are masters who can control the most powerful of nature's elements."

"Elements?" said Athgar.

"Yes, there are four, representing the primal forces of nature. Fire, water, earth and air, each of which can be mastered by one with the corresponding potential. All types of magic must be respected, but fire is the most destructive, for only fire can consume."

"But what of Uhdrig? Doesn't she control magic? What element does she control?"

"The elements are not the only types of magic," replied Artoch. "Uhdrig has the power of Life Magic, and some tribes have Enchanters, but the Red Hand has only passed down the tradition of life and fire. Now, are you ready to begin?"

"I am ready," responded Athgar. "What do you want me to do?"

"Gather wood and kindling," said Artoch, "for you cannot start a fire that already burns. Once you have stacked the wood and placed the kindling, I shall show you how to release the spark from within."

"Should I go to the woods?"

"No, there should be a sufficient amount by the woodpile against the north wall."

Athgar wandered off, leaving the flame wielder staring at the fire. It was the arrival of Gorlag that interrupted his thoughts.

"You are treading dangerous ground, Artoch," the chief declared.

Artoch turned his gaze to Gorlag, "He is ready, at least as ready as he will ever be. The time is right for him to learn."

"He will destroy us all."

"No," said the master of flame, "he will save us."

"Save us?" exclaimed Gorlag. "Surely, you jest? What is he to save us from?"

"Annihilation!" declared Artoch.

"What makes you say that?"