Earthen Furnace was alive today with intense, bright colors and excessively loud sounds of hissing fire and spurting magma. These areas had the highest frequency of unexpected lava flows, which could destroy the marble floor, which was the only way to move freely here. This was probably also why this level of the dungeon was not particularly popular with everyone. The unstable ground and the hellishly hot mass of lava could kill even the most experienced veterans.

For this reason, Husein decided not to venture into Earthen Furnace alone and Crispin accompanied him on the expedition. Compared to the rest of his guild, the gray courser earned Husein's great respect. He had the impression that he learned something new from him every time they venture together. Crispin was also needed by him, because the client wanted to get salamanders. They were common foes in the dungeon, but for some time now there had been fewer and fewer of them on the market. Hearing Crispin's conversation with the local horses in one of the taverns, Husein learned that he knew ways to find valuable salamanders. He offered him a job, according to which they were to split the payment at the end.

Husein acted as a bodyguard here. Apparently, salamanders appeared in areas populated by various monsters. Despite the fact that they had been wandering here since morning, they had still not met a single one on their way. The mercenary did not want to suspect Crispin of lying, because then he would lose a lot in his eyes. Maybe their species really was dying out?

"I have always appreciated coursers dedicated to their work. But listen, if you really don't know where they are-" Husein began, walking alongside the older veteran.

"Don't lose faith. Sometimes you have to be patient to find something. Such is the rule of the dungeon." His companion replied, who did not seem the least bit tired of this constant wandering.

As if by magic, a lone salamander appeared lay on one of the rocky shelves far away from the erupting lava. Its scales were so dark that it could go out completely at any moment, and then it would become useless. To protect it, they had special marble containers filled with constantly glowing coal, but to place it there, they first had to catch it. Unfortunately, between its shelf and theirs, there was a huge chasm. When Husein looked over the edge, the darkness of the dungeon flooded his view and the bottom was not even visible.

"Any ideas?" Crispin asked, watching the distant salamander.

Husein began to think hard, looking around the area. Then he looked at his pet, the black bat Flint, who was hanging on his tail. The creature had wings, so it could easily fly to the rocky shelf, catch the salamander and return. Unfortunately, as soon as Husein shook it off his tail, Flint squawked and ran away from him. What did he expect? That the newly adopted creature would immediately start listening to him? He sighed quietly, turning his gaze back to the great chasm.

“I’ll try.”

“Woah, calm down mister. It’s not like it’s the only salamander in the dungeon.” Crispin didn’t seem convinced of his idea.

That was true. But Husein didn’t intend to waste his time any longer, and the distance between him and the rocky ledge didn’t seem that huge. He took a dozen or so steps back and took a deep breath, only to gallop off at a fast moment later and gain momentum. When he jumped, he felt no fear. His determination motivated him to act so much that Husein was convinced he would succeed. Then he felt his hooves land on solid ground. He caught the lying, barely warm salamander and put it in the hot container hanging over his side. Wasting no time, he did the same maneuver again, landing right next to Crispin. The sudden rush of adrenaline made Husein breathe heavily.

“You’re a horse of action, Husein” Crispin stated impressed, giving him a well-deserved smile.

The mercenary jerked his head back, adjusting the dark mane that was falling over his eyes and pointed his muzzle in the opposite direction.

“Let’s go, we need about ten more of these.”