The Order of Dragonfire

Chapter 25

"This might be the place." Ava said, pulling the horse to a halt as they reached the top of the incline.

That was an understatement. Ahead of them was a steep descent into a tract of blackened land that spanned miles in both directions. A few other travelers could be seen on the each side of the valley, sparsely spread out over the vast landscape.

"There is great power here. I have never felt anything like it." Booker said slowly. Alex felt the same. When she tried sensing a conduit the response was overwhelming, leaving her dizzy and nauseous. 

The group slowly edged forwards. Even plants didn't seem to survive near the valley. Whilst there was some light shrubbery and grass near the edge, it was in very ill health and sorely dehydrated. It seemed that they would soon end up like the charred stumps surrounding them.

"No one wants to go in." Booker observed. He was right; although there were other people around, no one was inside the valley itself.

"Well, not no one." Ava said, jumping from the horse and walking over to a pile of rocks. Curious, Alex climbed down and followed her. With a swift kick it soon emerged that they were not rocks but burnt remains, presumably human.

"If they can't go in, how did anyone get dragonstones out?" Asked one of the mages.

"That's a good question..." Booker mused, scratching his chin.

"There were some outside it, out here. Look, the ground has been dug up, and recently. It's like that all around." Ava said, kicking at the soft dirt beneath her feet. She was right; trying to sense conduits - carefully, so as to avoid another sickening blast - told Alex that there were indeed dragonstones beneath them, although all those left were very deep down. 

"It looks like the area of the effect is shrinking. This ground was charred too until recently." Ava continued.

"It seems that all those reachable have been exhausted." Said Booker, apparently having done the same. "Not surprising."

Dragonstones seemed to be somewhat valued by those living in the expanse north of the Edge, although Alex had never heard of anyone managing to use them. They were still rare and precious jewels even without their power, so perhaps that had something to do with it.

"So who's first?" Ava asked, walking back over to the others.

"What?" Booker frowned.

"Who's going in to get the stones?"

"Don't you think your friend there might advise against that?" Booker nodded to the disturbed remains. The rest of the group eyed each other nervously, unsure if Ava was serious or not.

"Oh calm down." Ava sighed. "You know this was caused by dragonfire magic, and it's obviously not strong since all it's doing is searing stuff and burning it slowly... it's just big, covering the whole valley. Your enchantments on our armour ought to protect us just fine."

Booker nodded.

"You're probably right." He mused, sighing slightly as he contemplated how to proceed.

"If what we've been told is true, it should be fine to step inside for a few seconds. The merchants say people went in and came out blistered a few minutes later. We can find out if we're protected or not without any serious harm." She said,

"But what about..." One of the soldiers gestured to the remains.

"They were persistent, apparently. Or wearing kindling. Either way, we won't be so foolish."

Alex nodded as they spoke, realising it was probably true. If they did start getting burned they would be able to heal on their way out anyway. However, Alex was still in Rose's old leathers which certainly wouldn't be.