Bear Awakens on Arctic Ice

Amidst a violent Arctic storm, a polar bear named Ingavar awakens, embodying the raw power and knowledge of the North. This awakening signifies a new era, hinting at transformation for the Earth. Ingavar's roar acknowledges the changing world, setting the stage for a story of ancient powers and the struggle to protect the planet.

Valentine's Day Memories Resurface

On Valentine's Day, Zanna Martindale reflects on her partner David Rain's disappearance five years ago while walking with her daughter, Alexa. Passing by Zanna's shop, Alexa's innocent questions about Santa and Snigger, a character from David's book, evoke bittersweet memories. Zanna gifts Alexa a dragon named G'lant, symbolizing a connection to David and an enduring flame of hope.

Zanna's Letter and Lucy's Defiance

As Zanna writes a letter to David, Lucy's dragon, Gwendolen, secretly scans it. Lucy, refusing to accept David's death, sends an email to journalist Tam Farrell, hoping to uncover the truth. Gwendolen's actions and Lucy's defiance highlight the tension between accepting David's disappearance and the hope of his return.

Ingavar's Mysterious Return

Ingavar, once a bear, now embodies a powerful spirit, guiding other bears like Avrel and Kailar. He reveals his mission to protect the North and hints at a deeper connection to the legendary dragon, Gawain. Ingavar's transformation and purpose are shrouded in mystery, as he seeks to harness the power of The Fire Eternal.

Tam's Deceptive Intentions

Journalist Tam Farrell visits Zanna's shop under the guise of a customer, aiming to uncover the mystery of David Rain. Initially charmed by Tam, Zanna discovers his deception and uses her powers to ensure he forgets their encounter. Tam's intentions reveal the outside world's curiosity about David's disappearance.

Lucy and the Dragons' Secrets

Determined to find David, Lucy secretly communicates with Tam. The dragons, aware of Lucy's actions, are torn between loyalty to Zanna and the hope of David's return. Lucy's defiance and the dragons' secrets highlight the ongoing struggle between accepting loss and clinging to hope.

Sedna's Bargain with Ingavar

Ingavar, in the guise of a shaman, bargains with Sedna, the sea goddess, for the eye of the dragon Gawain. Sedna, tempted by the promise of fingers, agrees to help. Ingavar's manipulation of Sedna and his quest for the dragon's eye reveal his deep connection to the ancient powers of the North and his role in the unfolding events.

Bears Gather for Final Stand

In the Arctic, David Rain, now part of the bear Ingavar, gathers a massive assembly of polar bears. They are drawn by an ancient call, a harmonic mantra resonating through the ice. David reveals the threat of the Ix, beings who plan to exploit human despair to ignite dark fire and create destructive dragons called Darklings. The bears, united by the spirit of the North, prepare to witness the opening of the dragon Gawain's eye, a conduit to The Fire Eternal, which David hopes will awaken humanity to the planet's plight.

Lucy Faces Her Darkest Fears

On Farlowe Island, Lucy is trapped by the Ix, who force her to create a Darkling from obsidian. The Ix plan to use her connection to dragons to bring their dark creation to life. Lucy, however, cleverly leaves the Darkling without a heart, thwarting their plans. Meanwhile, Tam Farrell, who followed Lucy through the time rift, resists the Ix's control and disrupts their ritual, allowing Lucy a chance to escape.

Zanna's Transformation and Revelation

Back in the Crescent, Zanna, guided by Gwilanna, transforms into a raven to reach her daughter Alexa quickly. She learns of David's survival and his role in the unfolding events. Zanna's newfound powers and determination to protect her family lead her to confront the dangers posed by the Ix and the Darkling, ultimately saving Liz from a deadly obsidian wound with Gwilanna's help.

The Power of Obsidian Unleashed

The obsidian knife, used by the Ix to harm Liz, is discovered to be the heart of the Darkling. Gwilanna, now in human form, uses the dragon's blood to neutralize the poison, saving Liz's life. However, the knife's true nature as a vessel for dark fire is revealed, hinting at the ongoing threat of the Ix and their plans for the Earth.

David's Wish and the Dragon's Eye

In the Arctic, David uses the eye of Gawain to channel The Fire Eternal, creating a global awakening. The bears, united by the dragon's light, become symbols of hope and renewal. David's wish for the Earth to heal resonates worldwide, drawing people together in a shared vision of a better future. The dragons, guided by the fairies, return to the Earth, heralding a new era.

A New Beginning for the North

As the Arctic mist clears, revealing a vibrant new landscape, the world witnesses the power of collective consciousness. The dragons' return signifies a rebirth for the planet, with David at the heart of this transformation. Zanna, Lucy, and their family find peace in the knowledge that David's spirit endures, guiding them toward a brighter future.

Characters

Ingavar

Ingavar is a polar bear awakened with the knowledge and power of the North. He embodies the spirit of transformation and is deeply connected to the ancient dragon, Gawain. Ingavar's mission is to protect the Arctic and harness the power of The Fire Eternal, making him a pivotal figure in the unfolding events.

Zanna Martindale

Zanna, David's partner, discovers her true potential as a sibyl. Her transformation into a raven and her determination to protect her family highlight her growth. Zanna's actions are crucial in saving Liz and confronting the Ix's threat.

David Rain

David, now part of the bear Ingavar, is a pivotal figure in the battle against the Ix. His connection to the dragon Gawain and The Fire Eternal empowers him to unite the bears and awaken humanity to the Earth's plight. David's wish for global healing sets the stage for a new beginning.

Lucy Pennykettle

Lucy, trapped by the Ix, uses her ingenuity to thwart their plans by creating a heartless Darkling. Her connection to dragons and her determination to find David make her a key player in the unfolding events.

Tam Farrell

Tam, a journalist, follows Lucy through the time rift and resists the Ix's control. His connection to the bears and his role in disrupting the Ix's ritual reveal his deeper ties to the North and its legends.

Gwilanna

Gwilanna, once an antagonist, becomes an unexpected ally. Her knowledge of magicks and her role in saving Liz highlight her importance in the battle against the Ix. Her actions suggest a deeper connection to the unfolding events.

Alexa Martindale

Alexa, Zanna and David's daughter, possesses a unique connection to dragons and the North. Her drawings and visions play a crucial role in the story, symbolizing hope and the enduring bond between past and present.

Liz Pennykettle

Liz, recovering from a near-fatal wound, represents the heart of the Pennykettle family. Her connection to dragons and her resilience in the face of danger highlight her importance in the story's resolution.

Gawain

Gawain, though not physically present, is a central figure in the narrative. His eye and The Fire Eternal symbolize the enduring power of dragons and their role in the Earth's future.

Sedna

Sedna is the sea goddess who bargains with Ingavar for the eye of the dragon Gawain. Her reluctant alliance with Ingavar reveals the ancient powers at play and her role in the unfolding events.

Plot Devices

The Fire Eternal

The Fire Eternal represents the ancient power of creation and destruction. It is connected to the dragon Gawain and the quest to protect the Arctic. The Fire Eternal symbolizes the struggle between hope and despair, life and death, and the enduring power of love and memory.

Obsidian and the Darkling

Obsidian, used by the Ix to create the Darkling, represents the potential for destruction and the ongoing threat to the Earth. The Darkling's heart, hidden within the obsidian knife, highlights the danger posed by the Ix and their plans for the planet.

The Dragon's Eye

The eye of Gawain serves as a conduit for The Fire Eternal, channeling the power of dragons to awaken humanity to the Earth's plight. Its activation by David symbolizes the potential for global change and renewal.

Time Rifts and Commingling

Time rifts and the process of commingling with the Fain and Ix are central to the story's narrative structure. They represent the connections between past and present, human and dragon, and the potential for transformation and enlightenment.

Analysis

"The Fire Eternal" by Chris d'Lacey explores themes of transformation, hope, and the enduring power of love and memory. Through the awakening of ancient powers and the struggle against dark forces, the story highlights the importance of unity and the potential for global change. The characters' journeys reflect the duality of hope and despair, life and death, and the choices that shape our destiny. The narrative emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the power of belief in creating a better future. Ultimately, the book serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of renewal in the face of adversity.

Last updated: February 27, 2025