The Trials of the Elements

Chapter 5: The Fire Trial

Hope bit her lip nervously as she sat down in the centre of the clearing. Today was the fire trial, and she hadn't exactly left the best impression on Nuria. However, she was hoping that if she completed its trial she would gain the red orb's respect. As if on cue, the girl heard an "Ahem" behind her.

Before Hope was fully facing Nuria, it impatiently sighed and said, "Let's get this over with shall we? To be honest, I don't understand why you came through that portal, you're not fit to hold the power of the elements. In my opinion, you shouldn't even be here right now. Well, at least I get to see someone attempt my trial... Not that you'll actually complete it, that is."

At every word Nuria spoke, Hope flinched as if she were being stabbed with tiny knives.

Yes I made it angry, but why is it being so rude to me? Surely it would want me to complete the trial? Hope thought sadly.

"Stop moping and get a move on. Get up, and meet me by the tree," Said the red orb as it flew away.

Sighing, Hope got up and followed Nuria's instructions.

Once she had arrived, the orb simply stated, "Pick up some of the ash and throw it over yourself, it will take you to the trial."

Seeing as she didn't have much of a choice in this situation, she walked over to the flaming maple tree and crouched down to grab a handful of the ash from the floor. Standing up once more, Hope threw the black substance over her head. As soon as the first specks of ash touched her they instantly caught alight, and thus flames swallowed her. Although she could see nothing but red, orange and yellow around her, the air felt warm and refreshing, not hot and sizzling as it should have. A few moments later, the flames began to die down and turn to ash on the floor under her feet. Instantly, Hope could feel the change in temperature, from warm to almost boiling - the hot, humid air felt heavy on her lungs. As Hope looked around, she could see pockets of lava oozing from pool to pool, walls made of pure rock and hard earth curving inwards as they climbed higher into the air, a smooth floor that was once made of lava and a large hole in the ceiling that showed the night sky.

Hope's eyes grew wide in astonishment as she exclaimed, "I'm in a volcano!"

And she was standing right in the middle of it. To her left were two cave entrances, and to the right lay two more. As she looked down at the floor, she noticed letters scratched into it. Kneeling down to get a closer look, Hope read the following message:

"Your task is to escape this place.

That is your goal.

There are four hollows, each with it's own fate.

Three of these caves contain fuel for fire, but one does not.

Enter the wrong one and the only thing left of you will be your ashes.

But how do you know which one is safe?

Well, you'll have to find out for yourself.

To your left are little holes in the ground.

Using the torch on the wall closest to you,

you must put the torch close enough into these holes to see the letters,

but not close enough to burn the letters away - as they are flammable.

Together they give you a clue as to which cave to enter,

but whether or not you understand it may mean the difference between life and death.

Good luck, human.