Just when the store owner threatened to call the city patrol to collect the rowdy would-be customer, Henry stepped in to mediate and gently guide the man away.

  “Bah! Who wants to shop at your mediocre store, anyway!” The man almost spat out as Henry took another deep breath to calm himself and drag him away.

  “It’s not worth the trouble. You can shop elsewhere,” Henry told him. “You fell rather hard; you should get cleaned up. Are you all right? No bruising?”

  The man stumbled behind Henry, but appeared a bit touched at Henry’s concern. He calmed down at once and nodded, running his hands over his body and wincing as he touched his arm.

  “Looks like I fell harder than I thought.” He pulled up his sleeve to reveal a scrape and what would become a bruise. He looked at Henry and gave him a thankful smile. “Thank you for your concerns, gentleman.” He took a deep breath and straightened up. “I should buy you a drink.”

  “I’m here with my brother-”

  “You can bring him, too!” Excited to have someone to talk to, the man waved for Ash to come forward. The horses were tied once more and the man introduced himself as Sumak Amar, and said he was looking for tools to help him cross a volcanic valley.

  “May we ask why?” Henry prodded for confirmation.

  The man became fired up. “So, I can get married!”

  The brothers looked at each other. “Yeah,” Ash conceded in Lunapsar. “It’s him.”

  After listening to Lord Sumak’s frustrations about fake products, the Magic Tower refusing to help, and how his uncle had been trying to talk him out of it, but he managed to convince him, the brothers were assured that this man was the man who had requested a suit. However, what struck Ash was that sheer amount that he was paying for it.

  Not just for the product itself, which was already extremely expensive as it was the first of its kind, but to post the request at all the Adventurer’s Guilds, and the travel expenses. From what they’d learned asking around, Uqi’ichu wasn’t a large kingdom. It was a few times larger than the average principality, but it wasn’t hugely powerful or influential in the region.

  But, it did have money.

  “Money isn’t an issue!” Lord Sumak said, his face never losing its eagerness. “I have plenty! My family owns ore mines!”

  Ash almost wanted to slap his hand across the man’s mouth. Was he crazy? Who went around bragging that they had so much money in public? Did he want to die?

  “I would watch what you say about your funds, my lord,” Henry said as he lifted his cup to his lips and took a long slip. “Announcing your wealth in public, especially when you are unescorted, is a death wish.”

  Lord Sumak sucked in a sharp breath and sank back in his seat. He cupped his mug in front of him and his eyes darted around the tavern with suspicion.

  “I...um...I don’t have any...”

  “You also shouldn’t just follow random people just met into a tavern,” Ash told him with some concern.

  “Eh? But you’re so kind.” The nobleman blinked at them.

  Henry didn’t want to feel the looming sense of foreboding. “...do you at least have an escort with you?”

  The man shook his head. “No, I came by myself. This town is just outside my family’s king-property.” He caught himself and gave them a sheepish smile. “I’ve been going around to the surrounding towns looking for magic items.”

  Ash leaned forward. “Didn’t you say that you put in a request to the Adventurer’s Guild, and someone has confirmed and is delivering the product?”

  Lord Sumak slumped back in his seat and signed. “The Guild said that he would arrive three days ago, but he never did.”

  Both Ash and Henry looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. “...Do you know where he’s coming from?” Henry asked.

  “The Guild said he was departing from Carthage Harbor by land. The calculated date was three days ago.” Lord Sumak took a deep breath and shook his head. “I already spent so much money on the request....”

  Ash drew his lips inward, and Henry closed his eyes. “My lord, he could have had travel delays. This is quite common.”

  “And shouldn’t they have given you a window of arrival time and not an exact date?” Ash asked. Henry nodded. When they left, Drae had told them it was a window of time, as they were also dropping things off at local Adventurer’s Guilds along the way. There was a buffer time to make up for any delays.

  Lord Sumak’s eyes crinkled up as he seemed to think for a moment. “Is it possible it was a window of time?”

  This man isn’t ready to be married. Henry decided at once. “My lord, you should return home and wait at least a few more days. You can always inquire with the Guild if there is a significant delay.”

  “I see....” Lord Sumak nodded. “This is the first time I’ve put up a request with the Adventurer’s Guild. A friend of mine recommended doing so after the Magic Tower said they were unable to help me.”

  Ash barely held back a snort at the mention of his nemesis.

  “The Adventurer’s Guild is a reputable organization. If they confirm that the product has been created and is on its way, then you just need to wait and prepare payment,” Henry told him.

  Lord Sumak drew his lips inward and bit them. “But what if he doesn’t come? What if something happened on the road, like he was attacked or kidnapped.”

  Henry slowly turned his head towards Ash, who avoided his gaze by looking up at the ceiling. Henry clenched his jaw for just a moment. “What are the chances of that happening?”

  “I heard there was a cult taking over Ji’Kerra, which on the map is on the way down,” Lord Sumak told them. His eyes were wide. “What if they were taken by the cult?”

  Henry resisted the urge to rub his forehead. “Lord Sumak, are you sure that the Guild member who is delivering your product hasn’t already arrived? How many days have you been away?”

  The other man’s face went blank for just a moment. It was clear he hadn’t even considered that.

  “This man isn’t ready to be married,” Ash muttered in Lunapsar.

  “This man isn’t ready for a lot of things,” Henry muttered back. “Lord Sumak, may I ask, how old are you?” The Guild dossier reported his general identity and confirmed he had the money to pay, but his specific age wasn’t included. There wasn’t an age limit for submitting a Guild request so long as it was legitimate.

  Lord Sumak blinked a bit. “I’m eighteen.”

  Age of adulthood varied from country to country, as did what ages allowed for certain things. Most places allowed for marriage at sixteen. Most people who married at that age were either eloping or were in an arranged marriage for political or economic reasons. As such, many wealthy and nobility tended to marry earlier than those who were not.

  It wasn’t surprising Lord Sumak wanted to get married, but it was surprising that it wasn’t arranged, or he wasn’t engaged.

  “How did you meet this woman you wanted to marry again?” Henry asked.

  A flush filled Lord Sumak’s face and he suddenly drew back, as if shy. “I attended a ball in her father’s kingdom with some friends.” He let out a blissful sigh. “She was so beautiful in that gold dress. Her dark hair had braided ribbons that glowed in the crystal light, her eyes sparkled. It was love at first sight.”

  Ash smiled a bit. “And so, you two decided you wanted to get married?” Tale as old as time.

  “Oh, I don’t know if she wants to marry me.”

  The silence of the two brothers was deafening. Ash blinked, as if he’d heard something wrong. “She...you...you don’t know if she wants to marry you? How can you not know?”

  “You told us that you were going to a volcanic valley to fetch a fire dragon scale for her father to prove you are worthy of marrying her,” Henry said, trying to make sense of it.

  Lord Sumak nodded once more, unperturbed by their confused expressions. “Her father, King Valacras, said that only the most worthy and loyal man will bring him a fire dragon scale to prove their love for his daughter. Only when they do is he willing to give his blessing.”

  Henry’s head ran through his family’s earlier theory that the King of Zimora didn’t want to marry his daughter off, so he made the task for her hand practically impossible. It didn’t occur to them that the King of Zimora might have been using his daughter in exchange for a fire dragon scale.

  Dragon scales in general were hard to come by, and as a result, were extremely expensive. Fire dragons and deep trench water dragons had the rarest scales. People had literally bought a single scale for the price of a small kingdom.

  “He made such an announcement at the ball you attended?” Henry asked. “May I ask, what was the occasion?”

  “To celebrate his daughter’s birthday.”

  “And she’s a princess, isn’t she? Strange that her father hasn’t already engaged her to someone, or she has someone in mind for marriage,” Ash said. Royal marriages for junior members of royal families tended to be deeply political, after all.

  “She was engaged, but the King had a falling out with her betrothed’s father, so he ended the engagement last year,” Lord Sumak replied. “Now, he is looking for a new man for his daughter.”

  “Do they know that you’re trying to get the fire dragon scale?” Ash asked.

  Lord Sumak sat up straight and nodded. “Yes, I have made my intentions clear! I told him that I will acquire one for Princess Isera’s hand before the fire dragon hibernation period ends.”

  “Are you the only suitor who informed the King of Zimora? Did he agree?” Henry asked.

  At this, Lord Sumak seemed a bit at a loss. He looked down and didn’t seem to know what to say. “He agreed, yes...but he agreed to marry the first man who presented him and his daughter with a fire dragon scale.”

  Ash stared at him with a look of pity and disbelief. “Tell us the truth,” Ash said. “Is there a competition for the Princess’ hand where multiple suitors are in a race to acquire a fire dragon scale?”

  Rather than see the ridiculousness of the situation, Lord Sumak perked up and nodded, as if he were relieved that they understood his plight. Which, if Henry were being honest, they did, but not in the way he’d like.

  “Yes! And I fully intend to be that man!”

  If he were Ash, Henry would’ve already smacked him and dragged him back to Carthage Harbor. He looked at his younger brother, who was just a year younger than Lord Sumak, and narrowed his eyes a bit. Ash caught his accusing glare and scowled.

  “I’m not doing something so pointless.” Ash crossed his arms over his chest and glared back.

  Henry shook his head and looked back at the nobleman. “Do others have the same plan as you? Are they also looking for heat resistant and protectant items?”

  A smug smile appeared on Lord Sumak’s lips. “Yes, but I looked over the conditions of the volcanic valley. They would need a lot of heat-resistant items, and they’d have to be of extremely good quality. In addition, they’d have to avoid fire from a fire dragon. Rather than look for something that may not last long in the heat and be absolutely useless against fire dragon fire, getting a protective suit would answer all my problems. The Zimora retainers will watch me from afar to ensure I am the one who picks up the scale.”

  “I admire that you’re thinking outside the box,” Ash said. “But there has never been such a suit, has there? Did you check with the Magic Tower?”

  Henry rolled his eyes. Ash just wanted to hear someone badmouth the Magic Tower again.

  “They said it was impossible and that they couldn’t do it, but I heard rumors that sometimes, independent mages will take on Guild requests for products from my friend, so I tried my luck.” Lord Sumak looked pleased. “It took longer that I would’ve liked, and my local Guild kept saying not to expect a response, but someone accepted!” He let out a small laugh. “To be honest, I was starting to lose hope. As long as the suit works, Mr. von Sails will receive his payment and more!”

  “I see,” Henry said. He looked at his brother who looked back at him. He tilted his head to the side, motioning towards the door. He nodded and looked back at Lord Sumak. “We should get going. My brother and I camp to save on accommodation fees.”

  Lord Sumak nodded in understanding. “I understand. I’ve also been sleeping under the stars.”

  Ash raised a brow. “Really?” Both brothers looked the man up and down. Appearances could be deceiving, but Lord Sumak really didn’t look like he could survive outside a posh residence.

  “Yes, I know I may not seem like it, but I’ve been going on hunting trips with my uncle since I was a child and we often stay outdoors,” Lord Sumak said. He let out a small, sheepish laugh. “To be honest, all my money is tied up with the fireproof suit. My mother won’t give me anymore and my uncle doesn’t agree with going this far.”

  “They are concerned you may spend too much for nothing,” Henry said. In fact, he also felt Lord Sumak was spending too much for nothing, and he knew that Ash had the suit ready.

  “Where are you gentlemen going?” Lord Sumak asked. “If it’s on the way, I’ll join you part way.”

  Henry glanced at Ash, wanting to get his confirmation. Despite his tired eyes, Ash gave his brother a nod. Henry looked towards Lord Sumak as he stood up. “We’re going to the Principality of Uqi’ichu.”

  The audible gasp from Lord Sumak was expected. He almost jumped from his seat. “That’s where I’m going! I’m from the Principality of Uqi’ichu.”

  The corner of Henry’s eye twitched. “Oh...what a coincidence.”

  “A wonderful one! I’ll join you on your journey!” Lord Sumak beamed and slapped Henry’s shoulder energetically but winced and looked at his hand. “You’re very...solid.” He laughed and shook his head. “That’s great! It’s good to travel in numbers! Safer, my mother says.”

  “My lord.” Ash stepped forward. “You’ve just met us.”

  “Yes, but I can tell you’re good people.” Lord Sumak almost seemed to puff up, proud of this. “I’ve been told I have an eye for people.” The brothers stared at him, unsure how to feel. On one hand, they did consider themselves good people and wouldn’t harm a man who held no malice towards them. On the other hand, it was worrisome that Lord Sumak would want to travel with two random men he met, especially after he told them about his family’s wealth.

  “Do you not fear being kidnapped?” Ash asked. Henry elbowed Ash and gave him a silencing look. Ash waved a hand at Lord Sumak. “Even Effie knows stranger danger.”

  Henry sighed. “Since we’re going to the same place, we might as well go together. He’s right; it is safer to go with more people.”

  “That’s the spirit!” Lord Sumak rushed past them. “Let me pay for our drinks! It’s the least I can do for your kindness earlier.”

  “Thank you for the drinks, then, Lord Sumak,” Henry replied with Ash nodding in agreement. Lord Sumak’s face brightened even more.

  “You can just call me Sumak,” he said. “And when we reach Uqi’ichu, don’t worry about finding a place to stay. I’ll take care of it. Consider it being my guests.”

  Lord Sumak reminded Henry of a child who was making new friends for the first time and was extremely excited, so he didn’t contradict him. After Sumak paid, he led them outside.

  “Do you have a horse?” Henry asked.

  “Yes, just wait here a moment! I’ll be back. I put up Firefly down the street.” He began to walk away and paused, looking over his shoulder. “Don’t leave without me.”

  “We won’t,” Ash said. Sumak nodded and then quickened his speed.

  “He’s too trusting,” Henry said as he watched Sumak rush off to get his horse. “He’ll be eaten alive if he marries into that king’s family.”

  “I’m more concerned that this entire time, he didn’t ask us our names and is still willing to travel with us. Alone.” Ash shook his head, almost stunned. “What an absolute madman.”

  “The dossier never said why the King of Zimora wanted the fire dragon scale, did it? Outside of the whole proving one’s love for his daughter.”

  Ash nodded. “I thought our original guess that he didn’t want to marry off his daughter was more plausible.”

  “Well, it’s not the first time a noble used their child to get benefits,” Henry told him. “I’m curious as to what the fire dragon scale is for. Does it have medicinal purposes?”

  Ash shook his head. “Not that I know of. It’s difficult to work considering it takes ages for it to cool down and before it does, it will burn anything it touches. Cooled fire dragon scales that have been studied don’t show much difference from regular dragon scales, except for the texture. As for magic uses, it’s a tool to start fires and heat things.” He paused and frowned. “But despite all of that, they’re still really expensive. I think it’s just the rarity of it that makes it so prized.”

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  “So, it may just be a status symbol or bragging right?” Henry asked.

  “I can’t think of why else he’d want it,” Ash said. “He can also resell it if the kingdom needs money, so it’s an investment. At least, before it cools.”

  They went to untie their horses and were checking the saddles and bags when Sumak returned, happily pulling a large, spotted gray horse with a white mane. He couldn’t seem to stop smiling as he saw them waiting.

  “Are you ready?” he asked. “I am ready to leave, as well.”

  “Then let’s get going,” Henry said as he pulled himself onto his saddle. Ash did the same and gently patted his horse’s neck. Sumak’s movements were also surprisingly smooth. It seemed he’d been telling the truth that he spent time hunting with his uncle.

  “We’re not far from the city,” Sumak told them as they rode out of town. “When we get there, you can follow me if you have nothing else to do first. I’ll arrange that one of the guest annexes be readied for you. It won’t take long.”

  “We need to first report to the Adventurer’s Guild,” Ash said. He was riding between Henry and Sumak, who was just a quarter horse length ahead to lead the way. “Is it far from your home?”

  “It’s across town, but that’s because the Guild is close to the main entrance of the city,” Sumak replied. He glanced over his shoulder. “Are you two adventurers?”

  “Yes, we’re responding to a request,” Ash said.

  Sumak laughed once more. “No wonder you said the Adventurer’s Guild was reputable. Well, I feel a bit safer going with two adventurers.” He looked ahead of him. “That reminds me, I never asked you your names.” He looked back at them with an apologetic face and bowed his head a bit. “That was rude of me.”

  Henry waved his hand in front of him. “No, think nothing of it. You were preoccupied.”

  “A preoccupation is no excuse for a lack of manners,” Sumak replied. “So, if I may be so rude as to ask now, though a little late. What are your names, gentlemen?”

  Henry looked at Ash who let out a heavy sigh.

  “My name is Rutherford von Sails,” Henry said. Sumak nodded in his seat and then suddenly stiffened.

  Ash cracked a small smile as he watched Sumak slowly turn back to look at them like a caught deer. “And my name is Guillermo von Sails. Together, we are the von Sails brothers.”

  Henry sent him a deadpan look. “I thought we agreed not to call ourselves that.”

  “You said it, I never agreed,” Ash replied quickly. He looked at the dumbfounded Sumak and grinned. “Nice to meet you. If you are satisfied with my product, do leave a positive review with the Guild, and recommend me to others seeking high quality magic products.”

  ﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

  Ash was a bit worried at first about how Sumak seemed to be trembling with excitement when he realized who they were, and what they were bringing with them. Sumak wanted to see the suit immediately and had even stopped his horse, but Ash reminded him of Guild regulations.

  The delivery and final sale were to take place at the local Guild so that documents could be processed, confirmed, and the payment paid. Sumak followed them directly to the Guild. Of course, in the case of magic goods, they needed to prove they worked first.

  This meant that they needed to evaluate the suit before the final payment.

  “You can try it on now, but I can’t give it to you until you test it under the supervision of a Guild member,” Ash said as Sumak looked over the suit that had been rolled. Ash placed the boots on the floor and then pulled out a hat and gloves.

  Lord Sumak’s eyes widened, and he looked at Ash with curiosity and a bit of hesitation. “I only requested a suit. How much more are the boots and accessories?”

  “The boots, hat, mask and gloves are all part of the suit,” Ash told him. “You had the right idea to protect your entire body with a suit, but you were going into a volcanic valley and may face fire dragon fire. You need something that will protect your entire body. From the top of your head to your feet.”

  Ash began to straighten out the suit. Though some of the stitching wasn’t straight, he’d been cautious about making sure they were secure and then sealed with a mixture of ice snail slime and coastal giant pine resin.

  The suit itself was quite a simple one piece with holes for the head, hands, and feet. Straps were added to the hands and feet to secure them and keep them from riding up when putting the gloves and shoes. The front had a double-breasted opening with one side layering over the other after the suit was put on, and then tied closed with the same fabric it was made of.

  The gloves were leather overlaid with the thick fabric Ash developed, as were the boots and hat, which had a hard shell and then had a fabric hanging down that attached to the neck and shoulder line of the main suit.

  “Can I see if I put on the hat?” Sumak asked, lifting up the item. His brows shot up. “It’s lighter than it looks.”

  “Insulated cloud lava rock with just a thin coating of ribboned steel to keep it together,” Ash told him. “The most difficult part was the eye hole over the net that goes around the hat. It’s a loose knit with larger gaps, but nearly triple the coating. Your vision is limited, but you’ll still be able to see.”

  He took the hat from Sumak and put it on his head, adjusting it so that the eye holes were over his eyes. “I can see! Surprising, I almost couldn’t notice the difference from the outside.”

  Ash nodded. “You’ll also be wearing this mask. We’ll strap it around your head to cover your nose and mouth to assist with your breathing.”

  Sumak turned his head and looked at the device in Ash’s hand. The cupped device had little vents. “What does it do?”

  “Regulates the air temperature to keep it from burning your insides and filters the fumes, to keep them from poisoning your insides,” Ash told him. “Many people forget that volcanic valleys are not only hot, but there are fumes coming from the fissures and cracks that can be harmful to one’s health. This is along with the fact that the deeper you go into a volcanic valley, the hotter it becomes. Fire dragons like heat and will be further in. Hot air will kill you, so cooling the air is necessary.”

  Sumaks head bobbed up and down with understanding. “I...I didn’t even consider the climate.”

  “The suit will keep you reasonably cool inside. It is both insulated and coated with material that resists both heat and fire dragon fire.”

  Sumak’s head snapped in the direction of Ash and stared at him with wide eyes. “How is that possible? Everyone has been telling me that nothing can withstand fire dragon fire!”

  “Yes, well, I’m not everyone,” Ash replied with confidence. “According to my research, fire dragon fire is a combination of two things. There is a gland that secretes a highly flammable liquid that makes fire dragon fire as infamously hot as it is. When mixed with the fire of the dragon, it becomes overpowering.

  “I spent two weeks testing various extracts and powders, focusing on animals, plants, and minerals commonly found in volcanic areas, particularly those who can withstand volcanic activity and live amongst fire dragons. I found a beetle that lives in the area and have read that fire dragon fire does not penetrate its outer shell. It is theorized that it resists the gland secretions. I’m sure you can understand where I went from here.”

  Sumak looked down at the suit. “So, is this all made of beetle shell?” He ran his hand across the fabric, impressed. “Amazing, you can’t tell that it’s sewn together with shells.”

  Ash blinked. That was not it at all. “It’s made of coastal giant pine bark fibers embedded with powdered beetle shell and coastal giant pine resin,” he said in a dull voice. “I threw the entire bolt into the hottest forge in Carthage Harbor overnight and it was unharmed the next morning.”

  Normally, this would’ve garnered a lot of attention, but he’d called in a favor from Hana, who pestered her brother to let him use his forge. Hide thought it would burn immediately, but ended up watching the fabric the entire night and could barely accept it.

  Now, Ash owed Hide a work apron made of the newly developed fabric.

  He also tested it with a little-known fire that was stronger than that of a fire dragon’s fire: divine fire. At least, that’s what Simir, his brother’s fire spirit, told him. Simir’s fire could be controlled, and he mimicked the level of heat from a fire dragon. Then he doubled it.

  The fabric survived.

  It was only when Simir increased the heat did the fabric start to almost dissolve in the heat. Seeing that happen before his very eyes reminded Ash that if Henry were cruel, and had no regard for human lives, it would be a terrifying amount of power.

  “Seeing this, I feel as if I’ve underpaid you,” Sumak said in a low voice.

  “Well, there is one more accessory. It’s this bag that is made of the same material and is filled with ice snail slime and resin. Once you get the dragon scale, you can put it inside safely. This isn’t for you to keep, though. This is just a loan.”

  Sumak nodded. “Thank you, Guillermo.”

  A knock came from the door to the back meeting room of the local Adventurer’s Guild. Ash shouted they could come in and Henry entered.

  “The soonest date we can do a test to confirm the product does what it is supposed to is in two days. And due to the nature of the situation, waivers need to be signed,” Henry said.

  Ash looked towards Sumak, who nodded. “That’s fine. Two days isn’t too long. No one has made much progress for the fire dragon scale yet, anyway. We can sign the papers today.”

  “Try on the suit first. Let’s make sure it fits the way it’s supposed to and familiarize yourself with it,” Ash told him. “On the day of the test, wear thin, loose clothing. The more layers you wear, the more difficult it is to move.”

  Sumak nodded and removed his outer layer. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay at my family’s annex?”

  “The Guild has already prepared lodgings for us. Just meet us here in two days,” Henry said as he took a seat. “The volcanic valley is a half day’s travel south, so I’ve arranged to meet with the Guild director who will be overseeing the product test well before dawn to get started.”

  The suit fits well. The measurements Sumak had sent were exact and Ash had been careful about putting together the suit. Tank used to make clothes for him and Sheldon, and Effie went to him to make changes on her favorite clothes, so he helped Ash and was paid for his assistance.

  Despite the complex material, Ash had strived to make it light enough to be comfortable, but with enough weight that it felt of quality, and would give the wearer confidence. Sumak had no problem with it and walked around the back office a dozen times. He also held the sleeves over an open fire of a torch and there was no damage. The ties were time-consuming, and it was much faster with a second person tying them.

  Sumak then insisted on treating the brothers to dinner. “I’ll assure my family that the suit will protect me.”

  “You may want to invite them to watch the product test,” Ash said. “Just to address their worries.”

  Sumak nodded.

  The next two days, Ash and Henry began gathering information around the city and even made a day trip to the next principality over to gather information on Sumak’s competitors and what had been attempted so far.

  There was no word on anyone managing to retrieve a fire dragon scale, which was both good and bad, as it meant that of those who tried, there had been nothing but failures.

  Several injuries had been reported, with one so severe, a man had almost died and was still unconscious.

  Ash had inquired on what items were used to protect a man from the heat and fire, and as expected, none of those items worked. Perhaps it was only obvious to him because he was a mage and had access to the Traceras Clan books that addressed such topics, but for those who didn’t know any better, the ignorance was a death wish.

  Magic was not a solution for everything; it was just an ability, a tool, which needed to be used to build the solution. That was what laypeople didn’t understand.

  Many of the injuries were on the feet, arms, and head. People overlooked their extremities all the time. A crystal that regulated heat would not protect someone from the dangerous fumes. Clothes that were resistant to fire wouldn’t protect limbs that weren’t covered by it. Even then, those things had a time limit.

  Ash was now more confident than ever that he’d made the right decisions during the design process.

  After two days, Sumak was waiting outside their inn by the time they came out. He was wearing a cloak, but underneath was this thinnest set of clothing that could be worn outside. They met up with the local Guild Director, who seemed quite hesitant and asked the party three times on the way to the volcanic valley if they were sure they wanted to do this.

  “What if it doesn’t work?” he asked. “His lordship may be injured.”

  “That is a decision Sumak will have to make,” Henry replied.

  “I’m going to test it,” Sumak said, determination in his eyes. “Guillermo understands the situation better than anyone I’ve spoken to. He’s taken extreme care in selecting and creating materials to build the suit. I am convinced that if he made it, can be done.”

  “My lord,” the Guild Director said with genuine concern. “Even the Magic Tower says it is impossible.”

  “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,” Ash said in stern voice as the temperature around the air began to increase and the vegetation began to decrease around them. “Just because the Magic Tower can’t do it doesn’t mean I can’t.”

  “Mr. von Sails, this is your first request from the Guild,” the gray-haired man said with a voice almost pleading for him to not be too arrogant.

  “My first request from the Guild, but not my first magic product,” Ash replied. “If you doubt me, you can contact Draecearus Olora at the Carthage Harbor Adventurer’s Guild. He will vouch for me.”

  Large location Guilds had excellent reputations, and their employees were the best of the best.

  The Guild Director finally resigned himself.

  When they reached the entrance of the volcanic valley, the air was hot and dry. They had to veer off the main road some time earlier to make their way to the volcanic valley. There were several in West Iveria and this one was a winding valley in a long, wide split between two mountain ranges.

  The Guild Director looked to the side and squinted. He pointed to one of the hillsides overlooking the valley. “From the ridges, you can see into the valley. My lord, you have already gone to review the layout.”

  Sumak nodded. “Yes. I even drew out a map. I marked what I could note of where dragon dens were by observing them just as they returned for hibernation. I also marked the locations of the lava pits that could be seen.”

  “How much of the valley can be seen from the hillsides?” Ash asked.

  “Certain sides will let you see perhaps sixty percent? The valley winds and there are protruding cliffs and ledges, blocking sight of the valley floor. I went around to different hills to try to get a better view, but there are still blind spots,” Sumak told them.

  “My lord, this is just to test the product. Do not overstrain yourself,” the Guild Director said. “The retainers from Zimora are already on the cliffs watching. You need to confirm with them that you are entering the valley so they can watch you and ensure it is you who picks up the scale.”

  “Understood.”

  They left their horses further away, where the temperature would be more bearable for them, but crowds of humans were near the mouth of the valley. Since the Zimora retainers were present, it meant that a suitor was going to try to get a scale. As a result, people had come to watch.

  To one side, a group of well-dressed young men seemed to look over another who wore a gown that almost reached his feet, thick leather gloves, and held a magic umbrella. Ash raised his brows as he noticed the item.

  “Impressive. Someone used wind dragon leather to make an umbrella and then coated it with coastal giant pine resin. Not a bad idea,” Ash said with a small nod.

  Sumak seemed to remember that the pine resin had been used in his suit. He looked over at the other suitor. The umbrella did stand out, but he wore no face protection. “What about the fumes?”

  Ash let out a small hum and shook his head. “Yes...what about the fumes….”

  “Let’s get him dressed up for the test,” Henry said, leading the two towards the opposite side. They passed several audience members talking amongst themselves and trying to assess whether this suitor would make it.

  They were halfway through putting the suit on Sumak when a carriage dropped off a middle-aged woman with guards. She immediately saw them and marched over with a dark face.

  “Sumak! I forbid you to test this!” The woman was dressed in fine clothing and was sweating from the heat. She had grabbed her skirt to quicken her steps.

  “Mom!” Sumak blushed. “I thought you weren’t going to come?”

  “You thought I wasn’t going to come?” His mother scowled. “You were gone by the time I woke up! The carriage raced to catch up with you! It’s a good thing, too. I stopped you before you started.”

  Sumak stood up straight with only the lower half of the suit on and the top part still hanging down. “Mom, we went over this yesterday. I am going to do this.”

  “What if it doesn’t work? What if you’ll end up like all those boys at the medical center?” his mother cried out. She seemed to notice Ash lifting up the side of the suit to get Sumak’s arm through and reached forward. “Stop! Stop! He’s not going to go!”

  “Mother!” Sumak’s face flushed as he tried to block her. “Guillermo is a genius! He knows what he’s doing!”

  “If he’s so confident in his work, let him test it for you!” his mother argued.

  That was a fair request, but there was one problem. “Unfortunately, the suit is tailored to fit the customer,” Ash said. “As you can see, I’m taller and a bit wider at the shoulders. The suit won’t fit me.”

  The woman’s face turned red with frustration. “There have been so many people hurt during this ridiculous competition! You must agree that Zimora’s king’s request is madness!”

  “Oh, I agree,” Ash said. “But I’m only here to provide a suit.”

  She grit her teeth and Sumak gave her a pleading look. “Mom, I’ve already come this far. Trust me.”

  The woman lowered her head and shook it. “It’s not worth it. It’s not. Why do you have to marry someone that would allow you to risk your life?”

  “Uncle has agreed,” Sumak said.

  She snapped her head up and scowled. “My idiot brother only agreed after you told me that once you marry the Zimora princess, the king will allow us to use their port for cheaper! Cheaper is not worth your life!”

  Ash and Henry both nodded at this, but continued to help Sumak dress.

  “Mom-” Sumak’s argument was cut off with the sound of boisterous cheering coming from the entrance to the valley. They turned their heads towards the group of young men being led forward by the one with the umbrella.

  Several were excited, but there was some concern on their faces as well. The one closest to the man with the umbrella stopped him before they got too close. There was a stone formation at the mouth of the valley that acted as a sort of gateway. Everyone could feel heat radiating from within.

  Amongst the cheering and well wishes, Ash heard the friend ask the man if he was sure. To think things over more, and that such a price for a marriage with a woman he’d only met once was not worth it.

  However, the man with the umbrella shook his head. He insisted that he paid a lot for the protective items and would make it further than anyone else.

  Ash held his breath for a moment. It wasn’t how far one got, but how long they could last in such an extreme environment. It seemed the friend understood this too.

  “What if you can’t make it back before the items fail? Didn’t the mage say that the umbrella would only last so long?”

  “Don’t worry.”

  Sumak crinkled his eyes as he looked over. His arms were held out and Ash and Henry were shoving on his gloves and securing them.

  “Should they be worried?” he asked.

  At this, even the Guild Director and Sumak’s mother looked towards Ash.

  Without looking up, Ash brought the mask over Sumak’s face to adjust it into place. “The man’s items: a magic umbrella, special gloves, and a long gown won’t hold up for long. The material can’t stand that much heat. A minute or so perhaps, but any longer and they will deteriorate. Even the magic umbrella...the fabric will last the longest, but look at the handle.”

  At this, the others turned back towards the man. The Guild Director took a sharp breath.

  “Is that wood?”

  “Yes, it is, and we don’t know how well it’s been treated.”

  The mask was secured onto Sumak, and he held the helmet in his hands. Sumak had provided his own bandana to keep the hair out of his face. “I do that when I fence, or my hair will get in my way after I put on my helmet.”

  “You fence? What style?”

  “Oh, a local-”

  “He’s going in!” They turned their attention back towards the mouth of the cave. The crowds waited and watched, their shouts going quiet as the man with the umbrella stepped through the ‘gate’ and entered.

  Once he was inside, the crowd closed forward to get a better look. Even Ash and the others approached. Henry pulled Ash’s arm and motioned towards a large boulder. They climbed it with ease to get a better look over everyone’s heads and Sumak followed. He had a bit of trouble, but they pulled him on.

  The man with the umbrella made it further back. They could see his body growing smaller and smaller. People were starting to murmur that he was getting far further in than the other suitors who had tried in previous attempts.

  However, Ash kept his eyes on the man’s umbrella handle. The man’s speed had gotten slower, and he seemed to slump forward. From Ash’s observation, the fumes were getting to him.

  “Come back!” His friend lingered at the entrance and was held back by others. “Don’t push yourself further! Come back!”

  The man with the umbrella, as expected, hesitated. He stopped and stood in place. From his posture, it seemed as if he were trying to breathe. That seemed to be the wake up call he needed. He nodded his head and turned around.

  It wasn’t a sudden movement, but the motion shook the umbrella.

  And then, as Ash knew it would, the handle broke.

  The top of the umbrella was swept by a dry gust of air onto the ground. The man’s face filled with alarm as he realized his umbrella that was covering his head and shoulders was gone. Without its magic properties shielding him, the heat that suddenly came down on his head would be painful.

  He gasped out a yell as he covered his head with his gloved hands and began trying to run back. The gloves began to grow dark, burning up and becoming fragile. Holes began to appear and as he ran, parts of the gloves fell off.

  They were quickly followed by parts of the gown.

  The gown itself was not designed for running. It was meant for slow movements. The hem was too close to the ground. Parts of it began to burn away. Holes appeared, causing rips.

  The man was not even halfway back to the entrance when he tripped. Part of his gown had torn off and fallen, becoming entangled with his feet. This sent him to the ground, making everyone scream. The ground was blistering hot.

  The man’s instinct was to brace himself with his hands and the moment his exposed flesh touched the ground, he let out a blood curdling scream of pain.

  The crowd grew heated with several people shouting for someone to help him or asking if there were any mages. Others were holding other people back from rushing in, as they were not equipped and then it would be two or more people who were in danger.

  The friend of the man with the umbrella, the one who had been trying to stop him, yelled, and tried to jump in, but his friends held him back. With horrified eyes, they watched their friend rolling on the ground, screaming.

  A terrified cry sounded. “He’s going to die!”

  Beside Ash, he heard Sumak take in a sharp, low breath and hold it. The color on his face disappeared as he seemed to understand the severity of the situation firsthand. The man was in too much pain to escape, and it was too dangerous for anyone to go in after him.

  Ash took a deep breath and jumped off the boulder.

  “Sumak, stay here!” he heard Henry shout.

  Ash began to yell, ordering everyone to clear the area around the gate. When no one listened, he tossed out some slips that exploded with bright flashes of light. “I said move!” He screamed.

  People jumped back and cried out at the bright flashes. They turned their attention towards Ash, who was shoving his way forward. He kept his eyes fixed on the entrance of the valley as he let another set of slips appear in his hands. He threw them out and activated them.

  The slips glowed and formed a circle in front of him, wider than he was tall.

  “She’s ready when you are!” Henry shouted.

  Ash narrowed his eyes, and the slips began to rotate counterclockwise, energy gathering in the center. Suddenly, a roar of wind filled the air, and a chill blast filled the area. Ash didn’t pay attention to the gasps or the confusion. He could hear them over the sound of the wind even if he did. Using Naali’s ice spirit powers to chill the air, he was able to direct a funnel of cold air into the valley. Dirt could be seen picked up from the ground at the force.

  “Hold!” Ash shouted. He couldn’t tell how far the cold air was blowing, but he needed to cool the space within the wind tunnel.

  Small rocks were lifted and pushed deeper into the valley. “Now?” Henry asked.

  “Can you get him?” Ash shouted in Lunapsar. “The cold air doesn’t get far!”

  Henry pulled down the sleeves of his shirt and prepared to jump into the wind tunnel. “It’s just for show anyway.”

  The corners of Ash’s lips pulled up. “In that case, make it quick!”

  Henry narrowed his eyes and jumped into the wind tunnel.