Free Book - Prequel of The Chronicles of Canes Venatici

Boreas Planet 2 (Part 3.3)

Part 3.3 – The Fire Beneath the Ice

Returning to Frosthold after your time in the mines, you gain a new appreciation for the delicate balance that the people of Boreas maintain between fire and ice. The geothermal energy that powers the city is a precious resource, one that keeps the cold at bay and allows life to flourish in an otherwise inhospitable world. But that energy comes with its own risks, risks that must be carefully managed by the Fire Keepers—the engineers responsible for maintaining the geothermal systems.

The Fire Keepers are a highly respected group, their knowledge of Boreas' volcanic activity unmatched by anyone else. They understand the planet in a way that few do, their work essential to keeping the city warm and ensuring that the ice does not melt too quickly. A single mistake, a single miscalculation, could have disastrous consequences, flooding the city and unleashing destruction on a scale that would be impossible to contain.

You are given a tour of one of the geothermal plants by a Fire Keeper, a stoic woman with a deep understanding of the systems that keep Frosthold alive. She explains the intricacies of the turbines, the pipes that carry heat from the vents deep beneath the surface, and the constant adjustments that must be made to ensure that the system runs smoothly. It is a delicate balance, one that requires constant vigilance and a deep respect for the forces that lie beneath the ice.

As you walk through the plant, you are struck by the complexity of the machinery, the sheer scale of the operation that keeps the city warm. The geothermal vents provide the heat, but it is the Fire Keepers who ensure that the heat is distributed evenly, that no part of the city is left in the cold. It is a dangerous job, one that requires precision, skill, and a deep understanding of the planet's volatile nature.

The Fire Keepers are always on alert, always ready to respond to any changes in the geothermal activity that might threaten the city's stability. They know that their work is vital to the survival of Frosthold, and they take that responsibility seriously. As you leave the plant and step back into the cold, you are reminded once again of the delicate balance that the people of Boreas maintain. Fire and ice, warmth and cold—it is a constant struggle, but one that the people of Boreas have mastered.

Future Glimpse!
The balance between fire and ice will soon falter, and the geothermal vents that keep Frosthold alive may one day pose the greatest threat to its survival. A catastrophic shift in the planet's core will force the inhabitants to face a choice—adapt or perish.

Olav J. Insight:
"We often think of fire as life-giving, but it is also a force of destruction. Boreas reminds us that the power that sustains us can just as easily consume us. Balance is everything, but balance is always fragile."