The ash-choked stair opens onto a vast forge chamber. Three basalt seal-stones surround a cold altar, whose silver inscription records the covenant’s terms. Edrin remains near the stair mouth, while Tiamat waits behind Bottu, her immense wings held still by the oath.
Fire Giants
Turn the stones in sequence, and the western ward will answer no authority in Histol. Its command will belong to the forge and those who tend it.
The giants spread around the altar without touching it. Their ember-bright hair casts the only warmth across the chamber, while the three stones remain dark and motionless.
Fire Giants
But the altar demands a living witness before the first stone turns. It must hear what limits Tiamat’s refuge will carry into the western lands.
A narrow ring of pale fire ignites around the altar, leaving one clear space before its inscription. Tiamat’s five heads incline toward it, but the covenant holds her silent and prevents her from imposing any answer.
Edrin Vale
I came to witness the command’s undoing, but this choice must be spoken by someone the refuge follows. The altar is waiting for you, Bottu.
Fire Giants
Name the first limit freely, bearer. Then the stones will judge whether the covenant protects a refuge, or merely grants another power a throne.