We stepped out of the fog, an island spreading out before us. Far in the distance the remains of a once majestic tree stood, now burned to cinders. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a mark of the person we just saw.

“There’s no place to hide.”

It’s true. Only open plains and small hills, huh. “We don’t know what awaits us further inside, let’s set up camp nearby. If he really comes back than it would be better if he finds us quickly.” And that rider followed us all the way through the fog, we won’t escape him either way if it survived.

We walked a bit further inward, keeping a safe distance from the water in case the beasts living inside came out once more, before laying the unconscious woman and girl down.

“Can you get some dry wood? We need to start a fire to warm them up.”

“Sure, I’ll have a look around. Take care of their wounds till then.” James started to walk further inwards.

I looked into my bag, scratching out the meager remains of my first aid kid. A few bandages, antibiotic ointment, scissors. My spare knife. I stuck it at my belt before continuing to search through the bag. Not even gloves left behind. I let out a hollow laughter as I looked at the woman before me, riddled with cuts, a gaping hole in her shoulder. It will be a wonder if she can use her arm once more, I guess there isn’t that much of a need to care about infections right now.

Slowly I took care of her wound, scraping the dirt out of the cuts before covering them with the ointment. I took a glance at the hole, but decided to leave it alone for now, as any unprofessional help would most likely only end up worsening it. Not anyone could have made the same decision in that moment, burning her to keep her alive. I couldn’t help but respect the man for his decisive action.

I was nearly finished, focused on the task before me, when I heard the grass rustling behind me. “Back already?” I lifted my head, turning it around only to stare in a glistening eye surrounded by black scales. I stumbled backwards, holding my knife in front to defend myself.

“Hissss.”

It hissed but kept its distance otherwise. As I calmed down, I noticed how it held something in its mouth. That sword! We left it behind when we ran away. Slowly I stood up, trying to observe this monster but then a voice weakly whispered.

“We’re here. Thanks for dragging me.”

“Shaaaaa.”

It let go of the sword, coiling together before it slowly started to disintegrate, as little by little its scales turned into flames, before it lit up all at once, the flames scattered into the wind. What was left behind was the person who protected our escape, lying on the floor. But something was different. While at first only his hair stood aflame now even his arms were ablaze nearly all the way to his shoulders. And instead of the golden fire he was now covered in black flames.

“Hey, you fine?” I stepped up to him but soon I was forced to stop. He laid there without any movement, but the flames twisted and lashed out at anything near him, the temperature around him as hot as a sauna. If his chest wasn't weaving up and down I would've though he was dead. Has he lost consciousness after getting here?

As I thought about what to do James came back, carrying a small bundle of dried grasses and branches. Seeing me he let everything fall, running over before stopping when he saw the man.

“Damn man, put your knife away, I thought there was something dangerous.”

Only now I noticed I was still holding the knife. I put it away as I turned to my friend. “If you saw the beast that pulled him here you would have pulled one too.”

“Sure man.” He shrugged his shoulders, shaking his head, before walking over to the man. Or at least trying to as he stopped next to me. “Damn, he’s hot. Guess we didn’t need something to burn after all.”

“HaaHaaaa. Sometimes I don’t know if you’re easy-going or just purposely ignorant.”

“You’re stuck up enough for both of us.” He slapped me on the shoulder before continuing. “What about the other two?”

“Took care of the woman as best as I could, the girl was mostly fine, just showing signs of exhaustion. Found something of interest?”

“There are traces of insects, other than that there is no sign of life left on the island. I found a bush with berries, but appraisal said to watch out, as it also feeds on flesh.”

“So we’re on an island, potentially devoid of life with the only source of food trying to kill us.”

“Not devoid of life.”

We turned around, seeing the girl trying to lift herself up. “What do you mean?”

“Ants. Gigantic ones.”

We stepped over, helping her into a sitting position.

“We should be fine for now, they shouldn’t get near the beach, but still be careful as they would rip you apart within seconds at an encounter.” She stopped for a moment, looking over the scenery. “But still, we need to hunt them if we want to eat something.” Then she turned back, whispering as she grabbed her bow, pulling the string. “Still works. But I need some arrows.”

“You seem like you’re used to the situation.”

“I guess it has been two and a half months.”

They are here since the beginning? “How did you survive for so long?” We lost everyone a couple of days after stepping inside.

“We would have died if it wasn’t for him.” She glanced at the man, her voice holding signs of trust of affection, but her face was twisted with sorrow and regret, seeing him in his momentary state.

“I guess you don’t know what’s happening to him?”

“No…” She fell silent, biting her lips.

The silence was disturbed once more, rustling noises besides us as the warrior woman woke up. She tried to stand up but we quickly, kneeled near her, stopping her from doing so.

“Don’t try to stand up, you need to recover.”

“It’s okay.” She grabbed our arms, easily pushing us aside, before she pushed her upper body up, groaning in pain as she did. When she glanced at the girl she smiled, before noting the bitter expression on her face. “Sarah?”

“Alice, it’s Agni… He’s…” She pointed towards the man, towards Agni, making Alice follow her with her view.

She frowned as she looked at him. “Help me get closer.” She tried to stand, nearly falling over once more before we supported her. But opposed to her feeble body she pushed forward with determination.