Shadows swooped around the dark cavern accompanied by heavy breaths and the unsheathing of swords. Next to her Ember could hear a single string twang on Idril's guitar and the shuddering gasp on Mayabelle drawing closer to her. Ceaser growled snapped and snarled at anything that came close to him, causing one shadowy member to draw away from the small band of friends. 

Ember threw out her arms as if to shield her friends from the figures in the dark, and from within her she drew the brightest, hottest fire she could muster. White and blue flames danced along her arms, lighting every corner of the cave. Her curved horns erupted and her swishing tale alighted with the wrathful flames. She looked up dramatically, glaring at the company as they stepped back cautiously. 

This wisely timed distraction had earned Mayabelle and Idril enough time to pull out weapons. Mayabelle swirled out from under Ember's flaming arm, slamming her staff into the ground, producing a blinding ray of light that blasted back the front row of stunned people. Idril appeared next to Ember, threateningly chanting a spell that made icy wind howl through the cavern and freezing the swords of their adversaries. Ceaser bounded to the front, spreading his wings and screaming horribly at the men, sending fear into their hearts. 

Again, the voice boomed from the cavern, "What is going on?" 

From the dark depths emerged a tall creature, skin a deep purplish red, horns spiraling towards the cavern's ceiling, hawk-like yellow eyes training on Ember, clawed hand on the hilt of his silver great-sword. 

"Who are you?" he snarled at the group. 

Idril spoke, her smooth voice floating down the tunnels. "We are a band of travelers on the way to the mountain's top. We mean no harm, if you mean us none. I  am Idril Luthien, daughter of the elfin King and Queen, this is Mayabelle Daisychain Honeycomb, monk of highest regard and this is Ember Zealous Jelomang, fire sorceress and dragon tamer. We-" The tall tiefling cut her off. 

"Jelomang?" 

Ember stepped forward, setting her face in a glaring expression. "I am she," she said stonily. 

The man looked shocked, as though someone had knocked the wind out of him. Ember noticed the soldiers around them stepping back as though in respect. 

"You three must come with me," said the tiefling abruptly, turning back into the cavern with a swish of his dark blue cloak. 

"Why should we trust you?" Ember called to him. He turned as though he had forgotten something extremely important. 

"Because I am your uncle."