Free Book - Prequel of The Chronicles of Canes Venatici

Boreas Planet 2 (Part 1.2)

Part 1.2 – Hearths of Boreas

At the center of Frosthold lies the Great Hearth, a massive structure that serves as both the literal and metaphorical heart of the city. The hearth burns continuously, its flames fueled by the rare and precious Froststone, a mineral found deep beneath the ice that burns hotter and longer than any other fuel. The flames dance and flicker, casting a warm, golden glow over the square, providing much-needed warmth to the people of Frosthold.

The Great Hearth is more than just a source of heat; it is a symbol of survival, of resilience, and of community. The people of Frosthold gather around it to share stories, meals, and companionship. The warmth of the fire is a welcome reprieve from the bitter cold outside, and the light it casts is a beacon of hope in an otherwise dark and dangerous world.

Around the hearth, people sit on stone benches, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. Some are engaged in quiet conversation, their voices low and hushed as they discuss the events of the day. Others simply sit in silence, staring into the flames, lost in thought. The fire crackles and pops, sending occasional sparks into the air, but it never falters. The Keepers of the Flame, a group of men and women tasked with tending to the fire, move quietly among the crowd, adding more Froststone to the hearth and adjusting the airflow to keep the flames burning bright.

The Keepers are highly respected in Frosthold, their knowledge of fire and fuel passed down through generations. Without their expertise, the hearth would grow cold, and with it, the spirit of the city. The people rely on the hearth not just for warmth, but for a sense of stability and continuity. It has burned for as long as anyone can remember, and as long as the fire continues to burn, there is hope.

Sitting by the hearth, you can feel the heat seeping into your bones, driving away the lingering chill from your journey across the frozen plains. The flames are mesmerizing, their constant movement creating an almost hypnotic effect. You find yourself lost in the dance of the fire, the warmth a welcome contrast to the biting cold outside. The air around the hearth is thick with the smell of burning Froststone, a sharp, metallic scent that is strangely comforting.

The history of the Great Hearth is as old as Frosthold itself. It is said that when the first settlers arrived on Boreas, they were on the brink of death, their supplies dwindling, their technology failing in the face of the extreme cold. In desperation, they dug deep into the ice, hoping to find some source of warmth. What they discovered was Froststone, a mineral unlike any they had ever seen. It burned hotter and longer than any other fuel, and with it, they built the first hearths that would keep them alive through the long, frozen nights.

The flames of the Great Hearth have burned ever since, a constant reminder of the resilience of the people of Boreas. The hearth is not just a source of warmth—it is a symbol of survival, of hope, and of community. It is the beating heart of Frosthold, the thing that keeps the cold at bay and allows life to flourish in this frozen world.

Future Glimpse!
The Hearth, the center of warmth and community, will become a battleground in the coming years, as factions within Frosthold struggle for control of its dwindling fuel supply. The future will see new alliances form as the people face both internal strife and external threats from beyond the glaciers.

Olav J. Insight:
"A hearth is more than a place of warmth—it is the heart of any community. It is where stories are shared, where hope is rekindled, and where the human spirit proves its endurance. In Boreas, the Hearth represents not just survival but the soul of the city."