The following morning at first sunlight Zordrak woke up to the sound of singing. He climbed out of bed and looked out his window. He quirked an eyebrow when he saw Balathustrius coming up the path towing a brilliant red horse with a mane and tail of golden flames.
“Good morning to you!” Balathustrius said cheerfully. He then saw the expression on his friend’s face and chuckled. “Fear not this charming beast, he is rather friendly towards humans.” He assured him. “Can’t say the same about the rest of his kin though. Very territorial they were, almost trampled me to death!”
Zordrak smiled. “Maybe so, but I am more worried about the burns that I am likely to obtain if I were to ride on him. I can’t help but notice the distance and amount of rope you require to deliver him to me. Am I to tow this horse all the way to Norgren in the same fashion?”
Balathustrius laughed. “Yes indeed, you would receive many burns if you were to attempt to ride him bare back. But with the appropriate gear fitted on him your skin will be safe.”

After a satisfying breakfast the two wizards took the horse (who they had wittily named Burnard.) into the town square and purchased a red and white studded-leather armour for him, which Balathustrius enchanted with a fire resistance spell.
“The spell should last up to three days.” He told Zordrak. “I trust you slept well last night and regained enough energy to recast it when the time comes.”
Zordrak nodded and Balathustrius handed him a scroll.
“This was very hard to come by.” He told him. “Only the priestesses of the Vyantha have the knowledge to counter the element of fire and you know as well as everyone else that the Amazons have a disliking towards the male gender.”
The blacksmith hissed at the mention of the Amazons.
“Oh, I am terribly sorry my friend.” Balathustrius said bowing his head in apology, then turning his attention to Zordrak again. “Sometimes I forget what realm I’m in and that even though Ebnar Krig signed the Treaty, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all his people are ready to make peace with the Water folk.”
“We all hope that times will change for the better.” Zordrak said. “And you know what? I believe those times are almost upon us.”
Balathustrius smiled and rested a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “So do I.” There was a brief pause. “So, care to give him a try?” He said finally tapping Burnard on the side of his armoured belly.
“Yes of course.” Zordrak said mounting the horse. He was surprised that he could hardily feel any warmth beneath him. Those Vyanthians are geniuses! He thought to himself.
“Well I guess you’re ready to head off home now.” Balathustrius said. “I bid you a safe journey my friend.”
Zordrak nodded. “Help will be here soon I promise.” He steered the horse towards the city gates and rode off. “Until we meet again!”

The southern district of Artalia looked devoid of life. No citizens could be seen, buildings were half destroyed and flaming boulders littered the streets. Zordrak could hear orders being thrown about as he and Burnard drew closer to the gates.
“Crossbows man your posts!” One voice yelled. “Barricade the gates, nobody gets in or out is that understood?”
“Yes Sir!” Another voice came.
“Sir, we have spied a group of giants heading this way!” A third voice yelled.
“How many of them?” Came the first voice again.
“We’ve counted at least thirty Rockhurlers and fifty Fire Giant warriors!”
“Lord Syndr wont cease these assaults until he gets what he wants!” A fourth voice came into the conversation. “We’re running low on fighters and he knows it!”
Zordrak finally reached the gates and was intercepted by a man who looked to be the captain of the guards.
“Halt!” He said. “You can not go any further I’m afraid. The city is under serious attack and we’re barricading the gates!”
A huge boulder flew over the wall and smashed through the side of a nearby inn shattering the support structure and causing the roof to collapse, followed by each floor stacking on top of each other, reducing the entire building to rubble.
“Sir the Rockhurlers are in range!” A watchman called from the tower.
“Crossbowmen fire at will!” The captain ordered the long-range soldiers that lined the entire south wall. He turned his attention back to Zordrak. “Are you still here?”
“Perhaps you do not recognise a representative of His Majesty King Thurgaos when you see one.” Zordrak told the rather young captain, putting a bit of authority into his voice.
“You’re Balathustrius the Wise?” The captain grinned. “Then it’s you the Fire Lord is after, the reason so many of my men are dead!”
Zordrak took the captain’s misidentification as an opportunity. “Yes I am he, and if you were to let me through then I can lead Lord Syndr’s army away from the city.”
The captain gave the wizard’s words some thought. Another boulder flew into the south wall flattening a few crossbowmen, but doing very little damage to the cities defences.
“You’re right!” The captain said finally. “I don’t see why Ebnar Krig didn’t throw you out of his city in the first place. It would have saved a lot of lives.”
“You know nothing of my business with the leader of the Red Dwarves so I suggest you still your tongue!” Zordrak snapped at him. “And I’m afraid I haven’t the time to educate you on exactly why you’ve been sent to defend his people!”
The captain glared at the wizard and turned to the soldiers at the gates. “Open the gates!” He ordered. “Let the man through!”
“I thank you sir.” Zordrak said with a bit of sarcasm and bowed his head. “You are too kind.”
As soon as he exited the gates slammed behind him.
“Seal the gates!” He heard the captain yell. “Hopefully the old man is right about the enemy following after him. Maybe then we can finally go home to our wife and children, and not have to worry about any Orcs or giants at our doorstep!”
Zordrak shook his head and told Burnard to ride swiftly. The horse picked up speed instantly, leaving a trail of fire behind him. They headed directly towards the army of Fire Giants speeding passed them towards Merwena.