"You have an affinity for fire," continued Artoch. "You have been touched by it. With patience and training, you can be taught to harness that spark, to control the flame."

"I don't understand," said Athgar. "Are you saying I have the makings of a Fire Mage?"

"You have, as long as it does not consume you. This gift can be controlled, and even directed if you wish, but it will take great mental discipline."

"I don't understand," said Athgar, "if that was true, shouldn't I have shown some affinity for fire in the past?"

"The gift of fire can be a fickle thing," said Artoch. "While some show an aptitude as they grow, others only have their power unlocked through great suffering. I believe you fall into the latter."

"This is all too much for me," the Therengian replied. "I remember fighting the horseman, and then waking up here, and now you're telling me I'm a Fire Mage?"

"You have the potential to be one, yes," said Artoch

"Who found me?"

"Kargen and Laruhk. They were out hunting when they detected the smoke from your village. I am sorry to tell you it has been burned to the ground."

Athgar tried to sit up again, but firm hands pushed him back down. "You must rest and heal," said Uhdrig. "The time for questions will come later."

"But I have to track down the attackers," insisted Athgar.

"It is far too dangerous," said Artoch. "Without learning to control the fire within you, you would perish."

"I don't understand," said the Human.

"You have great magical potential," explained the Orc, "but you are untrained, making your days dangerous and numbered."

"Nonsense," objected Athgar, "I've never had that problem before."

"No," said Artoch, "I do not suppose you have, but it has been released now, and it can only grow, putting your own life in danger unless you learn to control it. And it is not just you that you must consider."

"What do you mean?" Athgar asked.

"You might find survivors, only to burn them to death in your sleep. Is that the fate they deserve?"

"No, it's not," Athgar agreed, "but I must begin my search before it's too late!"

"You may go if you wish," the elderly Orc replied, "but you would likely not live out the week."

"It's that dangerous?" asked the Therengian.

"It is," said Artoch. "If you would permit me, I would teach you, provided the tribe agrees to let you stay, of course."

"In any case," added Uhdrig, "it is too late. They are long gone, their tracks washed away by rain. One day, perhaps, you will find them, but the ancestors have clearly spoken, that day is not today."

Athgar closed his eyes, his head in turmoil, trying to make sense of everything, until sleep finally claimed him.

The Unleashing

Spring 1102 SR

Stanislav Voronsky entered the room, the child following as he took a seat, waiting for the inevitable greeter to arrive.