It was bad enough that Brindi's village was conquered by the evil Queen Ember. When the queen was told about Brindi, she demanded that Brindi be brought before her. "So, you're a freak, are you not? How interesting." A cruel smile appeared on Queen Ember's face. "Freak, I want you to demonstrate your... ability. See yon golden bowl? I command you to fill the bowl with your, let's call it, essence. Do this, and I may let you live, so that you can... entertain me."