His time was near.

Thin branches and thorny vines reached their spindly fingers to catch him as he ran past, grabbing his robes and leaving claw marks on the patches of exposed skin on his face. The wind whipped through his long hair, gray with age that shouldn’t have lasted him this long.

Clear the forest, and we’re there. It’s almost over.

He didn’t know who exactly ‘we’ was in this instance, but the false sense of camaraderie he had created with his body was the only thing that had carried him – us – through the treacherous mountain range. 

He knew his luck had been stretched as far as it could go but still hoped Knir, the God of Time and Age, may have granted him enough to get out of this situation. And even though that luck ran longer than it should have, he couldn’t help but mourn the unfinished plans he had made for this life.

Mother. I will never be able to explain the sorrow for the life I lead and how it affected your own. 

Growls from the leashed beasts of the kingdom nipped at his heels, hot breath spreading like a fine mist over the forest floor. He urged his legs to go faster, pleading for any last bit of spare energy to push him just a little bit further. They trembled in response, exhausted from the six-day trek he had already made to cross the Grenvern Highlands to reach Sungan, the sacred mountain peak. He sent a silent prayer to the gods that his legs wouldn’t give out before he made it.

He reached for his magic one last time, knowing the last spark had already been thrown at the soldiers when he entered this godsforsaken forest. A kernel of flame wavered weakly in the pit of his stomach, but it would be enough.

The forest started to thin, and the thick darkness of the night eased a fraction. He could just make out the puffs of air hissing from his mouth, weaving through the air in fractured gasps. Relief coursed through his veins.

He burst through the forest’s edge and into the clearing with a cry. Skidding on his heels over the dew-covered grass, he stopped and faced his pursuers. He spread his arms, palms facing the skies, and tipped his head back. The harsh wind cupped and caressed his face, whispering goodbye. 

Keeva. My love.

His throat burned as he swallowed a sob, tasting ash on his tongue. 

Flashes of silver armor glinted off the moonlight. Metal on metal crashed through the sleepy oak trees, a path of destruction in their wake. The beasts cried out when they saw he had given up the chase, begging their masters to release their holds on the chains that barely kept them at bay. Upon seeing him, the soldiers slowed, wary of the sudden change of heart. 

I can only pray you will someday forgive me. 

His chest heaved as they drew closer. He closed his eyes and felt the warmth of the flame grow until he could barely stand it, but he welcomed the burn, relished it. His greatest gift and oldest friend. 

The leading soldier took a few steps forward and paused, holding a hand out toward him. 

“Don’t do anything stupid,” said the soldier, panting, eyes widened slightly. “He only means to help you.”

He nearly laughed at the comment. Why they were never able to grasp that he didn’t need help, nor did he even want it, would be left unanswered.

The burn was building rapidly now, faster than it usually did. In order to summon the dredges of whatever was left, he had to pull with every last ounce of strength left in his body. For a brief moment, he panicked his heart would give out before he could form the spell. 

“Ignis, lucis custos, teporem pande,” he breathed, steam forming on his lips. The undersides of the surrounding tree leaves began to glow faintly. Still outstretched, his fingertips each started to pulse and cast a silver light throughout the forest. It crept outwards, so bright the soldiers shielded their eyes. The flame spread to every inch of his body. It threatened to consume him. 

“Adius,” the lead soldier called again. “Think, brother. Is it worth it?”

Keeva. My northern star. 

He held many regrets in his life. Regrets that stole sleep from him on many nights. Regrets that he had never dared share with anyone. Regrets that would follow him into his next life. 

He knew, however, with every fiber of his being, that this would not be one of them.  

“Yes,” he said. Tears collected in the corners of his eyes. From the emotion or the pain, he couldn’t tell. “The worth is greater than anything I have come to know in this life.”

Your shine was always greater than you believed. 

“Ignis, lucis custos, teporem pande,” he chanted.

Fire, keeper of light, spread your warmth.

With one last inhale, he opened his eyes. The night sky welcomed him home as he pulled on the bond that tethered the flame to his soul until it snapped.

Use it, my love. May it guide you the rest of the way.

He heard a soldier draw a sword before the forest erupted into chaos as silver flame consumed everything in its path, leaving nothing but smoldering embers.