Ascension Chapter 7

The king stood, slouched over a large table. A map of the city laid over it. He was speaking to none other than Eiyel, who's presence no doubt concerned Spyro. "There you are". Said the ex-God. "Heard you were in a scuffle. I'm curious about that".

"As am I". The king stood straight, and the two walked over to the purple dragon. "What happened with this thief? Do you know who they were"?

"They didn't say much. Mostly just said ill things of you".

"So it's true then". He paced around the table as the others watched. "They've made their way into the city".

"Who"?

The king released a heavy sigh, looking over the map once again. "Recently, there was an attack at an outpost. One that I had set up long ago, far from any city. They stole something that could turn the tide of the war".

"Is that why you recruited us"? Questioned Yheia, stepping forward.

"It helped me decide to, yes".

"So what was in this outpost? Weapons? Money"?

"Information. Weaknesses in Warfangs defences. Escape routes, blueprints, the names and alias' of spies currently out in the field".

"That sounds important. Likely to be very well guarded".

"You assume right, Spyro. I spared no expense in the outposts defences. I even asked Kidras and Eiyel to spare members of both the Knights of the Convex, and the Beast Hunters. This ended up not mattering as there were almost no survivors".

"Rather ingenious. Well hidden, probably used the cover of a storm. We wouldn't know about it if not for the few survivors. Is it too late to change sides"? The god of war chuckled as he weighed in on the situation. "What do you know about them? Have any names? A meeting location"?

"We know they call themselves Stonetalon. So far, that's all the King and I have to go on".

"Eiyel is right. But we should soon be rid of at least a few of these thieves".

"What do you mean"? Questioned Eiyel.

"I have called Atva in from the frontlines. Goldcrest will be easily defensible, and should cut a supply route from the rebels".

"Is that really necessary? Surely the Verndari I chose for you would suffice".

"Are you implying I do not know what I'm doing, master Eiyel"? His eyes narrowed on the god, cutting through him as though he wasn't there.

"I would never. I'm just saying that maybe Atva would be most useful out there".

"Atva is most useful here, by my side. Cleaning up the mess your chosen warriors leave. I guarantee that dragon would have died if Atva had found them".

Eiyel bowed his head. "Of course, your highness". A voidgate opened behind him. "I should leave you to it then. Best of luck to all of you".

"So", started Spyro, "who is Atva"?

The king's lip curled up, "You'll find that she has a very familiar face. You'll hit it off in no time". He chuckled, waving the verndari away. "I'll do my best to recover some of the recordings from the outpost. Maybe it will help you to better understand your enemy".

"It will be good to test Atva, see if that reputation is earned".

"Come on, Qyysus. Why do you always have to test people? Can't you just let them be"? The defeated Yheia rolled her eyes as he flexed his sword arm.

"I cannot allow weakness to be bred into our ranks".

"Maybe you're just trying to rebuilt some of that pride you lost when I stuck you in the centre of the earth. Twice". The dragons boasting earned him a glare from the God of war.

"You only won because you had help. First Cynder, then the breaking ritual. If not for that thrasks weakness, I would have conquered this world again".

"Can you stop with this? You always go into the exact same argument and it never gets resolved! You're Gods now, so start acting like it"! Yheia stormed off, mumbling obscenities as she disappeared around the corner.

Qyysus pulled the purple dragon in close. "This isn't over, whelp". He reentered the throne room, making sure to close the large door behind him.

Spyro groaned, knowing that his comrade would be back to go at it again in no time. "Hey", consoled Nivalis, "Do not fret over such details. We shall be by thine side, should thou need us".

"Yeah, what she said". Their eyes fell upon the gryphon.

"If it is the will of Kidras, I shall lay down my life for you".

"It shouldn't come to that. But I respect your enthusiasm". The gryponess bowed low.

"I look forward to our future endeavours. Now I must leave you to pray. Unless you'd like to join me"?

"Likely tis we do not seek the same Gods. Best of luck".

"I would love to. However, the gods don't favour me much. What about you, Spyro"?

He shook his head. "Not sure I'd want anyone up there to hear my prayers".

"Next time then". The gryphoness took flight, kicking sand into the air.

"Wanna get back to patrol"?

"Why is the God of death so eager to do grunt work"?

"I'm not eager. I just don't want to disappoint the King is all".

"You really look up to him, don't you"?

Spyro shrugged. "I admire his feats. There's no denying that he deserves to be on that throne".

Nile put a finger over his friends lips. "Be careful where you say that. Not everyone shares your sentiment. Some would rather see the king dead".

The God pushed away the red hand. "The dragon I fought earlier seemed to feel that way".

"Many do. His claim to the throne is based on his MF. And his supposed holy blood".

"I've heard that term before, MF. What is that exactly? Just a class of weapon"?

Nile Laughed. "HA! Calling an MF a weapon is like calling a God an ant. I'm surprised you haven't heard more about them. The gods tend to stockpile the things".

"I am curious as well. Doth thou have an MF"?

"Well.. yeah. We all do, don't we"? Spyro and Nivalis shook their heads. "It would be wise to talk about this elsewhere. How 'bout my place? Not too often I have company".

"I've been curious about the housing in Warfang. I only ever lived in the Temple, Templeary or in a small"... His words trailed off.

"You alright"?

Spyro shook the thoughts from his mind. "Y-yeah. I'm fine. Let's go see your house". He forced a smile.

"If you say so. Try to keep up". Nile jumped into the air, only needing to flap his wings once to get airborn.

Spyro and Nivalis followed suit, their smaller wings not able to keep pace with the larger dragon.

They flew up above the clouds, where the sun shown brightest, warming their scales soothingly. Nile dove back down, and stopped just short of hitting the ground.

"Ah. Home sweet home". He pulled a key from his waist as Nivalis and Spyro landed.

Before them lay a small home. Very small. More of a shack in good condition than a home. It was made of stone and wood, with a straw roof and glassless windows. The only way to keep the sun out was with heavy duty green shudders.

Inside was just as cramped as they had imagined. The house consisted of pretty much just a kitchen with a circular table in the centre.

Tin dishes piled in the sink, flies circling overhead. Nile banged his head on pans as he walked through the quarters. "I always forget to clean. If I had planned on inviting you over, I would have made sure to at least do the dishes".

"Wow. Cozy". Spyro looked over the knickknacks on the many shelves that clung to the walls.

"And hot. What kind of demon lives in a furnace"?! Nivalis conjured a fan of ice in an attempt to cool herself.

"Heh, just a fire dragon thing I guess. You can cool it down if you want".

She was quick to call forth a frosty wind that swept through the home and cooled it to a comfortable temperature. "Much better". She said as the fan turned to snow and flew out the open window. "I think I understand how thou manage to afford to own a house in Warfang. Not quite what I was expecting".

"From what I remember, the guardians never had the money for lavish things. Volteer could go on and on about the budget". Spyro met with his comrades at the round table.

"This wasn't a gift from Volteer. Those guardians died long before I was even born".

"So this was a gift from Flame! It's been so long since I've seen him. How is he"?

Nile looked to the floor. "This wasn't just a gift from him. This was his home. He left it to me in his will".

Spyro gasped. "So Flame's"... Nile nodded. "When? How"? His eyes narrowed, brow furrowed. "Who"?

"No one knows. He lost his life in the battle for the holy throne. When the Half-Holy King took over Warfang. So much senseless death. All for a crown".

"And now a civil war between the new kings armies, and those still loyal to the old king. Twas truly senseless".

"After the battle, the Half-Holy King disbanded the guardians. Slowly, and with the help of Kidras, he started to rebuild the Knights of the Convex, and hunted down Eiyels forces. Surely you must have heard something about that"?

"Eiyel never really talks about his side duties. Or his main duties. Or anything, really. Asking how his day was is like pulling teeth".

"He must be fun at parties".

"Oddly enough, he's a pretty fun when he drinks. Never talks much about himself, but is always so eager to learn about others".

"Probably why you've never heard of ".

"Oh right, that's why we're here".

"Art thou always so forgetful"? Nivalis chuckled.

"I don't remember". Spyro smiled.

She laid her face into her palm. "Can we allow Nile to explain "?

Spyro straightened his expression, leaving the time for Nile to speak. "An M.F is specifically designed to kill things that can't die". His eyes shifted between his friends, and a smirk curled up his lips. "Fragments". Nivalis gasped, whereas Spyro sat in silence. "Long ago, before the eras. Before even time itself. Everything was ushered into existence by... The One".

"Wrong". Came a familiar voice from the doorway.

"Y-your Highness"! Nile stood rapidly, banging his head on the pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. "What are you doing here? It isn't safe".

Arms spread, somewhat mockingly, the king spoke again. "If I couldn't handle myself, how do you think I managed to conquer Warfang"? He pulled a chair from the wall, sending the pile of junk to the floor. "Now then", he said as he seated himself, "the whole, 'One' story is told to children for reassurance. The universe was created by it's own accord, and 'The One' was a bi-product of it's creation".

"What does The One have to do with "?

"Everything about is because of that... being, Spyro". He tilted his head, "Do you know what Fragments are"?

"Kind of".

"A Fragment is a piece of 'The One'. Broken when it was destroyed by the Gods and mortals of old. The One granted untold powers to many of it's most devoted followers. One of which was a smith, granted the power to forge weapons of immeasurable capabilities".

"When the smith saw what the One's true intentions were, she fled". The king wrapped his fingers around Nile's maw.

"She joined the mortals, hiding from the Gods, and together they crafted weapons, armour, tools designed to kill, stop, fix, do absolutely anything". He gestured to Nile. "There are many types of , such as swords, axes, armour. The one Nile has is very special. It's the First Flame. The very fire that the weapons were forged over. A gift from my personal collection, for his years of service".

"Do you have one"? Asked Spyro rather bluntly.

"Ushtri Vrah. Slayer of Armies".

"Could we make more of them"?

The king shook his head. "The smith lost her power when The One was killed. The Fragments could make more, but it'd be the stupidest thing they could possibly do". He released Nile from his grasp and rose from his seated position. "I must say that this was entertaining, but now I return to my duties. I shall call for you when the need arises. You might even be allowed to peruse my collection of ". He stepped out the door, where a platoon of guards awaited him.

"That was unexpected. Must of heard us talking on the steps". The purple dragon gazed to his fiery friend. "First Flame, huh? Sounds pretty kickass".

Nile forced a smile. "It has its perks. But every M.F has a downside".

"What, pray tell, is thine"?

"I can't go around telling everyone my weaknesses! Otherwise I'd never win". He brushed the question aside quickly, and attempted to cover it up with forced laughter. His facade did not fool either of the other dragons.

"Of course". Nivalis weaved her way through the cramped house. "I should be on my way. I have duties to attend to". Without another word, she left the home.

"Strange". Spyro faced his red friend, whose hand was clutching his chest, as though trying to keep something down. He darted around the table, ready to aid in any way he could. "You okay"?

Nile raised his other hand, stopping the purple dragon in his tracks. "You should go. I have something I need to take care of".

"Are you sure? I could"...

"LEAVE"! Nile shouted, scaring the hero to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow". Spyro closed the door, as much as he didn't want to.

"Yeah. See you then".

Happy Canada Day! Been a busy week, not much writing done. Sucks, but life comes first.