Once upon a time, there was a legendary blacksmith, his weapons were of the highest quality and refinement. Kings, heroes, and legendary warriors traveled far and wide to have him forge their gear. One day he was approached by a powerful King, who offered him untold riches, if he forged a weapon out of sacred magic.
Hesitant, the blacksmith eventually agreed. For twelve days they traveled past the molten ridge, and through the obsidian gates, until they reached the lake of fire. For six days the blacksmith worked tirelessly. The heat and cinder of the lake acted as a natural forge. The king requested a weapon to strike enemies from afar, and engulf the battlefield in flames. The blacksmith forged a crossbow from the cinderwood and iron, a masterwork that he presented to the king.
The king was greatly pleased, and commenced with the final step. Unbeknownst to the blacksmith, the final step was the blessing of the living flame. From the lake rose a flaming figure. Towering over the king’s party. Immediately the soldiers were engulfed in flames and incinerated, leaving only the blacksmith and the king.
Then the flame spoke, “For what purpose has led such a fool to summon me?”
The king replied, “I have come seeking a blessing.”
The flame replied, “If you desire my blessing, you must sacrifice that which is of most value to you.”
The king spoke, “Take my blacksmith, the greatest in the land! Surely he will suffice!”
The living flame with eyes of amber looked at the blacksmith, “Yes indeed what you say about the blacksmith is true.” The blacksmith looked around in panic begging for his life, the flame continued, “But you lie about what you value most.”
The king protested, “What then do you want? I shall give you as much gold as you demand, name your price!”
The flame let out a chilling cackle, “Let us make a deal then. I will enchant your weapon, if you agree to pay my price.”
The king agreed and enchanted the weapon, causing it to radiate with arcane power. The king rejoiced not knowing his hubris would lead to his destruction.
The flame then spoke, “Now my price.”
The king smiled, “of course!”
The flame became smaller, “I will then take from you what you value most, your life.”
The king’s smile quickly faded, as his heart nearly stopped in his chest. He began to panic and plead with the flame, but the deal had been struck. The king tried to flee as he was consumed by fire. He screamed in agony, until a pile of ash was all that was left of him.