The cave's catacombs twisted deep back into the depth of the mountain. Idril gripped her guitar close and closed her fingers around the flute in her pocket. She had been so relieved the Ember had learned her real name on this journey. The witches prophecy may have saved their very lives. 

As they walked Idril attempted to count the turns, but they were so often she quickly lost track. Down they spiraled into the heart of the mountain. Soon, they entered a large open cavern with torches embedded into the rock, illuminating many long wooden dining tables. Around some sat other tieflings, taking deep swigs out of tankards. A few stared at the passersby awed by visitors. 

At the end of a hall was a rough doorway carved into the rock. Across it was draped several skins and furs, acting as the door. Inside the considerably smaller room was a fire crackling in a pit in the middle of the room. A weapon rack stood against one wall, a large bed also covered in furs was in a corner. A round table sat near the fire pit, five chairs circling it. 

The tall tiefling pulled out one chair and plopped into it, crossing his arms over his wide chest. Ember leaned against the back of another chair, her tail flicking agitatedly. Mayabelle sat in the seat Ember leaned on, stretching to peek over the table and Idril took her place at Ember's side, gripping her guitar almost threateningly. 

"So," started the tall man suddenly, "I suppose you'll be needing my name. I'm Captain Dharnon Regret Jelomang, the head of this band of mountain misfits. Your mother and father were the captains before me. They had you in this very mountain. You were one of the most adorable and terrifying creatures I'd ever seen," Captain Dharnon chuckled slightly. "Then..." he trailed off with a saddened expression. His head bowed slightly, showing Idril the now visible grey hairs peeking through the deep black. 

The silence penetrated Idril's curiosity. "What happened Captain? Ember deserves to know after all these years."

He nodded and continued thoughtfully. "They came to Bal-hanime. They were looking for something or someone in particular. Who, I do not know. When they returned it was without you. Then the next day they both sneaked away, deep into the forest near the bottom of the mountain. I wish I knew what happened to my brother, my sister," he raised his eyes, locking them on Ember, "and my niece."

A profound silence rang through the room. Idril could feel Ember deflate slightly beside her, and Mayabelle issue a soft breath of wide eyed disbelief. The only sounds that could be heard were the popping of the fire and the snuffling of Ceaser in a corner. 

Idril shook her head sadly. "Ember," she said, gently putting her hand on her friend's shoulder, "I'm so sorry." 

"Are you kidding?" Ember said, suddenly straightening. Idril was shocked to see a smile wider than any she had before seen on her. "I thought for nineteen years that I had no family at all! Now I have an uncle!" 

Captain Dharnon rose to his feet, clapping his hands together in sudden jolliness. "Let's not stand around then!" he exclaimed, throwing his arm around Ember's shoulder. "Let's celebrate the return of Ember Zealous Jelomang!"