Chapter 5: The Map's Location
The map was hidden in the Dragon Kingdom—a fact that filled me with equal parts dread and determination. The temple where it was kept was said to be impenetrable, guarded by both physical and magical barriers. But if I wanted to find the Seven Flames and save my parents, I had no choice.
"You're not going alone," Arl said, his tone leaving no room for argument. We stood in the palace courtyard, the moon casting long shadows across the stone walls.
"I can't risk taking a large force," I replied, adjusting the hood of my cloak. "This needs to be done quietly."
Arl crossed his arms, his expression stubborn. "Then I'm coming with you. End of discussion."
I hesitated, then nodded. Arl's loyalty was unwavering, and his skills would be invaluable. But as we set out into the night, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were walking into a trap.
The journey to the Dragon Kingdom was fraught with tension. Every rustle of leaves, every distant howl, set my nerves on edge. The phoenix's power simmered beneath my skin, a constant reminder of the danger we faced.
As we neared the border, we were ambushed by a group of rebels. They emerged from the shadows like wraiths, their weapons gleaming in the moonlight. Arl drew his sword, but I raised a hand to stop him.
"We're not your enemies," I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. "We're here for the map."
The rebels exchanged wary glances before their leader stepped forward. She was tall and lean, with sharp features and eyes that seemed to pierce through me. "And why should we believe you?"
"Because I'm not here for power," I replied. "I'm here to save my parents—and to stop a war."
The woman studied me for a long moment before nodding. "I'm Kaela. And if you're telling the truth, we might be able to help each other."
Kaela led us to a hidden camp deep in the forest, where the rebels had been plotting their own mission to retrieve the map. According to her, the Dragon Kingdom's tyranny had driven them to desperation, and they saw the Seven Flames as their only hope for freedom.
"The temple is heavily guarded," Kaela warned as we pored over a crude map of the area.
"But there's a secret entrance here." She pointed to a narrow passageway marked on the map. "It's dangerous, but it's our best chance."
Arl frowned. "And what's in it for you?"
Kaela's gaze hardened. "The flames belong to all of us, not just the kingdoms. If you're serious about stopping this war, you'll need allies."
I nodded, though I couldn't shake the feeling that Kaela was hiding something. Still, we didn't have time to question her motives. The temple loomed ahead, its dark silhouette a stark contrast to the moonlit sky.
As we approached the secret entrance, the phoenix's power surged within me, a warning of the dangers ahead. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come.
"Stay close," I whispered to Arl. "And be ready for anything."
The temple's interior was a maze of twisting corridors and ancient traps. The air was thick with the scent of decay, and the walls seemed to pulse with a faint, otherworldly light. Every step felt like a gamble, but we pressed on, driven by the promise of the map.
Finally, we reached the inner sanctum. The map was there, resting on a pedestal bathed in golden light. But as I reached for it, a voice echoed through the chamber.
"I knew you'd come."
I turned to see Sey standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable. Behind him, the mural of the Seven Flames seemed to come alive, its colors shifting and swirling like liquid fire.
"This isn't over," I said, gripping the map tightly.
Sey smirked. "It's only just begun."