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The fire salamander leads you to a narrow isthmus. The land is littered with green shrubbery. However, you realize that the liquid that adjoins it on both sides is not water, but rather scalding magma. You glance at the other side of the isthmus, and estimate the distance to take around three hours of walking. Your heart sinks at the thought.

The fire salamander hisses, in what could almost be imagined to be a laugh.

“There is a mark on the ground here.” He rasps, and nudges his head towards a spot on the ground, where a large and crude mark in the shape of a cross had been etched.

“There is another similar mark on the other side of the isthmus,” he continues. “When you feel you are ready, you may walk onto the isthmus. There, you must stay until the sun falls. Beware however, for if you cross pass either of the marks before the sun falls, you will have failed your trial, and will become prey for the creatures of the forest.”

You pick up a tree branch, and use your knife to shape it into a sturdy staff. It would come in handy against any monsters that may try to attack you on the isthmus. You then top off your canteen with water from a nearby well. You take stock of the items you are carrying which include: a sharp knife, two days worth of provisions, a large canteen of water, a small tinderbox, a leather vest and breeches, a pair of leather gloves, a pair of hiking boots, and now a wooden staff.

You decide that you are ready, and begin to walk onto the isthmus. However, shortly after you do so, you feel a tremendous heat from behind you. You turn around to find yourself staring at a gigantic blaze that is steadily advancing across the isthmus. You estimate that it would take the blaze only six hours to advance across the entire isthmus. However, there is seven more hours to go before the sun sets!

Your head turns as you struggle to find a way out. The sides of the isthmus are covered in magma; a roaring blaze is advancing across the isthmus towards you. Will you somehow find a way to survive the fire, as well as pass the Salamander’s test?

What will you do?