The Fire Kingdom really WAS inside a volcano! The entire village was in the base of the volcano which was apparently protected by some sort of force field created by the fire spirits for when they have flammable quests. They had some interesting ways for farming and such, although I didn't know how they did it. Their fields were located just outside by the entrance to the tunnel that lead to the village and was protected by the same force field that protected the village whenever quests arrived.

"Wow!" Prince said in awe as we entered a huge cavern. It was lit by lava flowing down the sides of the cavern creating an eerily gorgeous type of light. The buildings looked to be ancient, made from some type of dark material? I wasn't for sure what it was, but it was clearly lava-proof. There was connecting caves that branches off from the main cavern.

King Blane noticed our amazed looks and giggled, "Yes, it is beautiful. The most amazing place in the entire world." Prince looked like he wanted to argue, and I had the intense urge to defend my home as well, but King Blane continued, "No need to get defensive, young princes. You'll come to understand one day but every king and queen will claim that their kingdoms are the most amazing and beautiful place. We each have our own ideas on what is gorgeous. For us fire spirits, the heat is our homes. It's our very blood! When we need to defend her, we jump at the opportunity to repay the volcano for her hospitality."

Ice spoke in a whisper, "It's too hot and lit for me." By now we had made it to the castle which was a towering building surrounded by lava right in the center of the volcano. The grand entrance was huge with three thrones although one of those thrones looked like it was for a prince or princess.

A kind sounding voice spoke as a woman entered, "You have always preferred a darker cooler place, Dragon Master. But the heat and light does start to grow on you after a while." The woman wore a gorgeous shimmering blue dress and had pure black hair with the brightest shade of forest green eyes I had ever seen.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

"Cynthia..." Ice said, his voice sad and his eyes downcast.

"Ice." Invent sadly said.

"Ice? Ah your new name!" King Blane spoke.

"Ice...I do not blame you for what happened twelve years ago. My sister was prepared to do whatever she had to in order to protect the people she loved. Besides if you are to blame then so is Samuel. Like Blane he should have covered her instead he did not. If anything, you both share the blame." Cynthia said, kindly toward Ice.

Ice gave her a tiny grateful smile before we heard a male's voice speak, "Mom have you seen my swords? Are you sure, Mr. Dragon Master will ask for me to be a hero?" The boy who entered the room had flaming red hair (that like all fire spirits looked like it was moving) with bright red eyes, almost like fire itself. He was wearing regal red short-sleeved shirt, shorts that went to his knees, and flaming red shoes. He had a sword strapped to either side of his hips.

Cynthia giggled as she looked toward him, "Your swords are on your hips dear. Now come over here and met Ice who we called Dragon Master."

The boy approached and bowed to Ice, "It's an honor to meet you Sir Ice. My name is Prince Volcan."

"Hello." Ice said before turning toward Cynthia, "How did you...?"

"Oh please. I know the heroes are always the royalty with one other from time to time. This elven girl must be the other hero if she is with you?" Cynthia answered.

"An Elf?" Volcan asked.

"Yeah, you got a problem with that?" Prince asked, already looking for a fight.

"No. I don't have a problem with it. I've just never met an elf as gorgeous as her before." Volcan said before seeming to realize what he had just said as he started to blush which made his cheeks seem to glow red. Prince stared shocked at him while Invent blushed as well. I almost laughed at his honesty.

"Maybe we can have a unio..." Cynthia began before Volcan interrupted her.

"MOM!!" He shouted his face glowing even redder. His mother and King Blane laughed.

"My son states his mind with honesty in his heart but he's a natural strategist." King Blane said, talking slightly to Ice.

"I can see that." Ice answered, stifling a laugh.

"A-Am I a hero?" Volcan asked, his tone slightly shaky. Ice simply nodded still refusing to say anything else on this topic. It was decided that we would spend the night then be on our way.