Era Emberheart stood before the mighty mass of metal known as the Fyrescream. Twisting amalgams of fire and stone darted across the deck of the Fyrescream. These masses of flame and rock were the ifrits of the Flamespeaker clan. Era strode across the extended platform to the deck of the Fyrescream and greeted the lead engineer of the vessel, Gambrill.
“Progress report, Engineer Gambrill?” The dwarf held a large schematic in both hands and placed it down on the drafting table beside him.
“We’ve made considerable progress so far but we’ve run into a small issue with the ifrits. They have been pacing the deck for some time now.” Era approached one of the ifrits and reached into its center to hold a pulsing heart-like core.
“Why do you disobey your master’s orders?” The ifrit let out a series of sharp cries like picks on stone.
“I can help you.” Era released the core and turned to Grend’s voice. “I recognize the energy binding this creature to you.”
“What is that beast doing here, Era? They slaughtered our kin and-“
“He is not our enemy.” Era dismissed Gambrill. The engineer made his way past the Yjagtari and off the deck to leave Era and Grend alone with the ifrit.
“Nice boy. A bit foolish but all the same. These elementals, are they earth-bound or fire-bound?” Grend prodded the gelatinous tubes of flame that weaved over the suspended rocks.
“They are ifrits, Speaker. They are not bound to earth nor flame. These entities are bound to the Flamespeakers.” Era gave a low sigh. “Or so the denser of our people would believe.”
“You are not so convinced then, I assume?” Grend inquired. Era placed her hand on the smooth stone skull of the Ifrit.
“These spirits serve us as it serves their needs. The ifrits are not bound to the flame and brimstone. Their will is their own and if they willed it, they could break their form and enter the aether. However, they would not last long in our realm. The ifrits need the stone to hold their fiery souls in our world and thus they can be,” Era paused to admire the runes carved into the stone pillar of the ifrit, “bound.”
“The seers of the Charred Pelt would be envious of your people’s capabilities.” Grend examined the runes closely. “A simple binding rune, to be sure, but there’s something else to it that grants it power over these creatures.” Grend tapped his hooves against the metal grating below him. “Flamespeaker, I must know, what pact occurs between your kind and these spirits?” Era smirked at the Yjagtari.
“If you believe your seers can strengthen the bond, then I shall gladly share our secrets with your kind.” Era moved closer to the ram’s head. “But, for now, just know that these spirits will serve our needs for the time being. Ifrits, come to me!” The flaming stones rolled through the air towards the Flamespeaker. They emitted a series of clattered screams. “Stoke the flames!” The ifrits rushed into the belly of the Fyrescream. “Speaker, would you like to see the combined might of the Dwarven people?” Plumes of flame erupted from the pipes of the Fyrescream and the engine bellowed. The heat rose through the pipes and was released into a massive canvas overhead. The heat caused the cover to expand and form a dome of sweltering air. The access ramp to the Fyrescream rattled as the vessel began to lift off. As the anchoring pin for the ramp began to unlatch, the sweltering heat from the pipes ceased and the ifrits rushed from the lower decks and returned to pacing the upper deck.