*Future Ashna thought Anzunda to be perhaps the most loyal of the mephits. Some of the others seemed a bit too sceptical for her tastes, so she decided to lead with the carrot and run a relatively safe and tested experiment in energy transfer on Anzunda, both to make sure it was safe for Ashna and to make an example of those who please her. The success indicated the procedure's efficacy in infusing power in minor beings of fire, and though it would not be enough for the Task, it may be a step in the right direction. The beneficial side effects were several. First, Anzunda experienced the power herself and is now completely convinced in Ashna's cause and Ashna's capability to succeed, nearly fanatically loyal and addicted to the idea of advancing again at Ashna's side when Ashna perfects the final experiment (which may or may not happen but probably might--after all, the final experiment is going to need a completely willing guinea pig once it is done, as only a fool would try it without making sure it was safe first). Second, the others have seen Ashna's power and seen that Ashna rewards those who are loyal. Third, Ashna was able to place Anzunda in charge of the other mephits, and the additional power allows her to hold that position without even a hint of insurrection from the others.*
*As for regular Ashna, she's not much at sensing motives, but as far as she can tell, the mephit was being honest in her obeisance.*