A giant sword forged from pure turquoise. Due to its greater weight than most ordinary weapons, it was named for Kongamato the Mountain King.

In the heart of Huitzlan lies the “Mountain King” Kongamato, a gargantuan creature like the mountains among which it sleeps. In moments of searing pain, in half-waking frenzies, the Mountain King sees everything as a mortal enemy.

As if to prevent something from being stolen, it attacks all living things that approach without discrimination. People say that Kongamato, who once protected the tribes, was driven mad by that dark disaster. But they are never able to explain why the Mountain King, who ought not to be sentient, only attacks those who draw near.

Indeed, its sanity was lost long ago, back when its sharp fangs pierced that person’s flesh. Legends speak of the one who once made pacts with it, who hunted by its side. But no matter how precious these memories were, they have now been lost to the Mountain King’s long nightmare. Even the name “Kongamato” itself has become unfamiliar to the ancient lord of the Yumkasaurs.

Yet, even so —  Even if it is unable to break free from the nightmare, it must at least protect the fire — though to whom it belongs, it knows not. Even if who that person was, or why such a promise was made, have long been forgotten.

Jillian

Aw, Kongamato has forgotten who he made his promise to because of abyssal corruption.

Even if the great body it was once so proud of continues to be wracked by burning agony, even if its now decaying frame still bears the imprints of unbearable shame — even so, it would never allow anyone to desecrate the life and fire that were once his.

For the giant beast, now lost to madness, despite its soul having been consumed by the filth of darkness, this final shred of resolve it refuses to abandon, no matter what.

”I shall return the Turnfire name to the Night Realm, in exchange for the final kindling. “By past fuel, and present flame, life marches ever on. “We will answer to the fire for all our deeds. Amidst the flames, we shall be reunited.”

Jillian

That “life marches ever on” line is echoed in Earthshaker — Yupanqui heard these words from a “silent priest.” I wonder if that priest was the original holder of the Malipo name.

Kongamato’s promise is to return the Turnfire ancient name to the Night Realm. I’m curious where this name comes from, because we know Kongamato’s companion, Burkina, had a different ancient name. (Edit: This was wrong — we know now that Burkina’s ancient name, Malipo, is the Turnfire name.)