There was always something off about the Badlands. Something that just didn't feel right. Sapphire could not put a finger on it even if she tried. What was it about the Badlands that, the deeper she traversed the oddly more slight feeling akin to uneasiness did she feel.
She scoured the libraries across all three nations concerning the Badlands. Yet, for all the geography and historical references there was not much to go on. A large patch of barren sand complete with rocky alcoves and uneven croppings made up most of the scenery. There were hardly any towns, if they were even called such clinging to the surface. No one, be they pony, dragon or griffin could give a full detail as to how the Badlands came to be.
From the ponies side stories had sprouted that once the Badlands were a lush oasis teeming with life and greenery that faded out of the blue. Another claimed it was the private garden of Luna that turned barren and empty upon her banishment to the moon. Griffins had a story that a wealthy rich city made from gold was taken by the sands as punishment from the deities for the denizens greed and love of money. Dragons had no easier nor plausible explanation either.
Where ever these stories were conjured from there was one thing that was constant. A hum of magic over the lands. Where it came from or how it came to be was how the stories were spun. It was this same faint thread that made Sapphire uneasy as though she or any living creature was not welcomed. Indeed no shrubs or even the hardiest of plant life seemed to grow. The only thing worth noting according to a pony was it was the perfect hiding place for the so called Changelings. This thrum of magic combined with a traveler's unease made it hard to sense anything out here. Which made it perfect for the so called insectoid race to hide within.
Sapphire was not here for them. The dragoness was here for another reason: The so called cult that made these lands their dwelling. It made sense really when one looked at it. Any gathering that sought secrecy or wished to remain hidden from the prying eyes and ears of the governing nations of the lands need only come here and stake a claim the the barren scenery. Scrying spell, scouts, sharp eyes and hawks used for spying had difficulty tracking anyone or anything out here. All the better to do... whatever it was secret groups did. With a tug of her robe to further tightening her guise Sapphire set forth once more after pausing to rest. The unicorn mare said the cult lived out here. And here she would find the prize she sought for some time: The journal of a griffin king of history would soon be in her talons. She then would be one step closer to achieving her goal.
The sun was beginning to set on the horizon to the west. As it did a suttle chill began to creep over the ground. Sapphire increased her pace as she sought shelter for a few reasons. One the nights were oddly cold even in the summer. Draw it up to the strange magic that carpeted the lands. Two. For the past few hours, she had the distinct feeling of being watched. Sapphire had begin to notice it as she headed toward a small hill region. At first the dragoness brushed it off as instinct of some other form watching from afar. But as time when one, the feeling never faded. Instead it seemed to grow a little stronger the closer she was heading towards the hills. Like eyes under an invisible veil gazing at this intruder that dared to walk the lands.
She would not be distracted nor chased off. The dragoness would show these eyes what it would mean should anything or one foolishly dared to challenge nay even attack her. Sapphire was ready. Still it helped to prepare maybe set a trap of her own to catch those by surprise. Hence the shelter. To hide from said eyes and perhaps add some personal protection. Just in case. The sounds of stones tumbling down a embankment had the dragon's eyes dart in the direction of where they had fallen. Narrowed she scanned the hill as the shadows of night began to descend upon the side. Her nose flared to take what faint scent if there was in hopes of catching whomever it was that was lurking out there.
Nothing.
She huffed to herself and increased the pace. As the stars began to appear in the sky Sapphire had come across an opening to a cave. Creating and igniting a torch revealed that whoever occupied the interior had long abandoned the opening either for something better or maybe was chased off. Faded tracks long worn down by winds and time revealed little as who the former occupant was. Setting her pack down, Sapphire set to creating a small pit. Within the pit a circle of stones were laid down at the edge followed by a log split into quarters. Finally a little tinder and a coaxing from the torch had a hidden campfire going. Drawing out a collapsible skewer the dragoness pierced a few pieces of rabbit she had hunted, slain and skinned in the forest before setting here. These set to cook while a pot with some water was made to boil.
Call her a carnivore from any pony Sapphire considered herself decent and civilized to an extent. Unlike the feral dragons, she preferred meat more then gems, though they were not without purpose. More like emergency rations or trinkets to be sold for easy currency wherever she went. Raw gems fetched higher income for buyers could shape them into whatever design they wished. And sellers could charge whatever they wanted claiming them to be rare minerals. She laughed to herself at the silliness that ponies and griffins made a fuss over such items.
Sapphire ate her meal while the light from the fire danced against the backdrop of the cave. Shadows danced over stone as the bare walls seemed to quiver and tremble with the flame's erratic motion. The dragoness was absorbed in her food that she did not notice the faint glimmer of a rune shimmering at the back of the cave. Not until its light started to interfere with the camp fire's and had the dragoness whirling around with a hidden dagger concealed now held firmly in one hand.
She approached this strange marking cautious at first. Magic may be difficult to create out here, but with determination and practice it was possible. The dragoness traced the outlines of the rune frowning over the design and what the shape meant. Using the torch she scanned the rest of the cave for the chance of of clues that could help her decipher this sudden puzzle. After minutes of scouring the interior there was nothing to show for the effort. Pulling a small book from her pack, Sapphire set to seeing what kind of rune it was and what it meant. Flipping through the pages, she came across one that looked almost similar to the one in the back.
It was a seal to a hidden door or entry way. To what she was unsure. But this discovery did make the journey worthwhile. Perhaps this would lead her to the cult she sought. Or perhaps some unlucky inhabitant would have a dragoness pounding on their door before knocking it down. One with answers. Tracing a claw along the lines, she murmured a small phrase. A few minutes passed by with no response. Then a soft click and a slow rumble filled the cave. The back wall slowly opened, revealing a passage of stairs leading down.
"Well there is either two possible outcomes. I've found what I am closing in on and will soon have what I want. Or someone or pony. Or creature is about to have a surprise guest drop in unexpectedly."
She grinned then put out the fire, gathered her pack and soon started to make her way down the stairs. The door slowly closed behind her the outside world she was once in now sealed from within. Sapphire would find a way back out. One way or another. Her footsteps echoed and soon she was gone from the entrance stepping deeper into whatever caverns or network of caves awaited her below.
The cave sat in the dark, the moonlight spilling its glow from the opening. Three shadows emerged from outside. The robed figures moved with swiftness as they covered the interior. One kicked at the campfire remains, while the other traced the pattern to the run that opened the path. The last stood watch as the door opened once more, quietly without sound as magic was used to mask its presence.
"The dragoness has gone down. Yes, yes it has. Mmmmm such a pretty one at that too." One figure murmured a sense of glee could be heard in its words.
"A pretty female dragon at that too. Yes, yes. Mayhaps the masters would allow us to partake in its feminine beauty before it is offered." The one by the campfire shivered with anticipation.
"Keep such thoughts to yourself, lewd one. Our masters made it clear. Those who find our hideout and enter must remain untouched. Surely you know this," The figure at the entry remarked in a commanding tone.
"Oh sister of ours it has been some time before a female of any sort has foolishly made their way to our community."
"Male or female, dragon, griffon or pony. Unless they show the mark to those below, they are naught but 'gifts' to our deity. You want to consort with females, go after changelings. They'll make your dreams come true."
The two fell silent as the one in charge stepped forward to the stairwell,"Come. We have a new sacrifice to capture and offer up. We would not wish to disappoint our head leader now, would we?"
The two nodded their heads quickly and the trio set forth down the stair well in pursuit of their newest 'offering.'
Sapphire stood over the body of one of her attackers. The cowl was removed to reveal a griffin, his lifeless eyes staring at nothing his beak open but no breath was drawn. She jabbed at his chest but no response came. The dragoness pulled the dagger protruding from his chest and turned on his fellow companion. The robed figure lay crumpled against the wall, the posture of one doubled over in pain. The dragoness grabbed the being by their head and promptly slammed it against the wall a dull thud of flesh and cloth meeting stone.
"Perhaps I wasn't clear in my questioning." The dragoness said coldy. Sheathing her dagger she lunged her free arm forward, her claws piercing clothing and flesh. The robed figure gasped and struggled as talons were buried deep in its side,"You and your crazy fanatics chased a unicorn mare some time ago in a forest not far from here. She dropped a book, a journal. One that is very important to me. Her description of you cults are word perfect and I've come for it. Don't be like your idiot counter part over there. Tell me where it is."
A coughing cackle erupted from the cowl,"Silly dragon. I'd sooner die then betray my brethren to one such as you. Yes, yes you are a spry lively one. Your life force will make an excellent contribution to our deity." Squeezing where her claws were buried, Sapphire watched as her attacker turned information give squirmed against the grip. His breathing was becoming choked and ragged, his legs jerking from beneath him as she slowly started to crush his side. Still he was not talking. Sighing, she slammed his head against the wall a couple of times, each one harder then the next.
"I really don't have time for your silly games. There will be one of you that will squeal. Question is, how many bodies will pile up before I get the answer."
He spat at her. She hissed and freed her claws then snapped his neck. The figure fell to the side slumped over. She yanked off the cowl and her muzzle contorted into a scowl: A pony. A damn pony. Must be a fanatical cult to allow griffins and ponies into their ranks.
More sheep for the slaughter. The dragoness rose and looked about her surroundings. The stairwell had ended a narrow path leading to these so called guards. When they spotted her, they grew tense and alert. The griffin had asked for a token of some sort, something Sapphire did not know or possess. She had no token but demanded they hand over the journal she sought. These two merely looked to each other before the griffin replied on how lovely a offering she would make. He then lunged at her with the pony behind with swiftness. Sapphire was ready for this. She had ducked under his outstretched arms poised to pin her against the wall, her hidden dagger sinking deep into his sternum. As he fell, she could feel the look of shock coming from those eyes as she pushed him to the side. A sweeping tail strike sent the pony tumbling backwards with cracked ribs as she dispatched them both quickly.
Sapphire rose. If these were the guards then no doubt she was indeed being watched. Possibly more company coming after her. The dragoness did not wish to find out. She had a journal to find. And plenty of prey to squeal, torment and eventually talk before she got what she wanted. Rising to her feet, she adjusted her bag and set forth once more, leaving the two bodies behind. She had energy to conserve fighting members of a cult would wear her down and she had no intention of letting them. Someone younger, more easy to crack then these older ones. The dragoness passed through the door her fallen attackers were standing by her search continuing once more.
The trio of followers arrived minutes after. Their lead rushed upon seeing the two bodies and quickly checked for pulse. Neither one had any. The other two shook their heads, murmuring to themselves a prayer or two for the fallen.
"Lively indeed. This one we'll need to take down fast. We can ill afford more losses of our faithful. Not until their time that is."
Faint shouts and cries could be heard coming from deeper within. An alarm had gone up. The dragoness had stirred the nest and now followers every where were scrambling to contain, capture and take hold of the intruder.
"Sister should we use higher methods? This dragon is dangerous. It is perhaps wise we cast her down quickly and with great efficiency." The one to her right motioned to their fallen.
"Our leader will not like it, but it must be done. Deaths must be kept to a bare minimum at most. Come brothers. We have an offering to seize."
The three rushed forth into the hive. The time of burial would come later. Right now they had a dragon intruder on their hands. One that had to be restrained quickly before more damage was done.
The dragoness grinned. Her prey lay huddled against a doorway, the faint whimperings of one not used to pain drifted from the cowl. Sapphire reached forward and yanked the cowl. A dragoness barely into her teen years shielded her eyes.
"Tsk. You call yourself dragon and yet here you are mewling like a kitten. Disgraceful. We never cower. We stand our ground and defend what is ours, whelp."
Grabbing the young one by the collar, Sapphire shook her hard,"Where is your leader? If he knows where this journal is, perhaps he will be more forthcoming then you will." The young dragoness squeaked and held on as the older one shook her like small prey in a predator's jaws. With one shaking arm, she pointed to a hallway on Sapphire's left, her voice barely audible,"O over there." she squeaked.
Sapphire chuckled then dropped her young captive. She delivered a hard kick to the chest resulting in a coughing squawk from the young dragon,"That is for being so weak."
It took five more corpses before she came across this one. Young, inexperienced and easily breakable. She waited as it came around the corner, unsure what to make of all the noise. Then all Sapphire had to do was grab it, drag it to a shadowed corner then rough it up a little. The dragoness blabbered everything. Sapphire laughed to herself. Young ones were so easy to bully sometimes. Though she as disgusted this one was a dragon as well. Probably ran away from the next from her own siblings for being too weak. More surprised she managed to survive long enough for this cult to take her in.
Racing down the hallway, she rounded the corner to find two more cultists standing there. Wasting little time, she rushed them both and barreled into them. Caught by a charging dragoness, they tumbled under her tackle. Sapphire wasted little time in grabbing their heads and knocking them out cold by slamming them into the floor. Soon she was on her feet and at the doorway. Carefully she laid a hand on the door. Their leader would probably be prepared. Spells may be laid in secrecy to paralyze her if she rushed into the room without caution. Her sense revealed a few spells indeed active and waiting. She whispered a few incantations and quick phrases and the spells melted off the wood. Sapphire then took hold of the ring and opened the way.
The room was covered in tapestries. Rugs lay on the floor depicting history of all three nations during their early years. A desk and chair sat in one corner of the room a large mirror the revealed the door to the entry way. Book shelves filled with books, scrolls and parchments line the walls, overflowing with information on just about everything. At the center of the room sitting in a chair with a wine glass in hand was the leader. His appearance was that of a dragon. His scales a dull grey, his amber eyes brimming with intelligence. His robes were different from the other cultist. Where theirs were a dull red, his was a vibrant bright crimson with gold borders along the edges. He sat relaxed in a casual manner as she entered his room.
Once her eyes settled on him, he raised his glass to her,"Welcome my dear. Welcome to my studies. Pray tell what is a lovely and magically gifted dragoness such as yourself running rampant in my halls? Surely there are better methods of asking for my presence then needlessly killing my children."
Sapphire snorted,"You should teach your children better manners then thinking intruders as nothing but 'offerings'. That and being more forthcoming with information. I'm here for one thing. A book that you have in possession. A journal I desire. They say you have it. Do you?"
The dragon motioned with his free hand,"I have plenty of books and journals in my study. You'll have to be more specific my dear."
"The journal of one Steel Talon the 3rd. Ruler to Gryf during their infancy of magic age and the time of Star Swirl's tutelage."
The dragon's left brow arched slightly. Sipping from his glass, his free hand drummed on the arm rest, talons tapping on the polished wood finish. Silence fell on the room before his wine glass magically refilled,"And what does a dragoness want of some long dead bird king's memoirs I wonder? Secrets she hopes to uncover through his entries? Supposed forbidden knowledge perhaps? You are gifted I can see that. But you're way out of league to read such texts young one. Perhaps if you join me I could teach you some."
Sapphire's eyes narrowed,"Don't toy with me old one. You have no idea what I've done to get this far. What I can do when pushed. What I'm going to do to you if you don't hand it over."
A great laugh echoed in the room. The dragon continued to laugh as his glass vanished from sight. He rose from his seating, smoothing out his robes before clasping his hands behind his back,"And what will you do to me if I refuse? Stick me with your tiny knife? Cast a spell that will make me babble everything I know? You're playing with fire my dear. Very dangerous fire I might add."
Sapphire merely smirked,"My family has harnessed, mastered and controlled fire with such elegance your words are naught but fuel to add." Rolling up her sleeves, the dragoness drew her arms to the side, talons out stretched,"Shall I offer you up to your gods as a gift? Cremation is just as good as a slit throat I hear."
The dragon merely raised one hand in front of himself, fingers splayed out,"May I ask the name of my prey before I end you?" he murmured.
"Sapphire Fireblood of the clan Fireblood. Exiled and disgraced I shall rain vengeance upon my ancestors judges and bath in their blood as retribution. Not even you will stop me."
His hand fell to the side, his eyes widen. When he spoke Sapphire was struck dumb founded,"Oh the prodigal descendant of Chrome Fireblood in the flesh before us." She was even more stunned when he fell to his knees,"Oh great mistress of Fire you have found us. The great ones have blessed us at long last. The time is nearly upon us and now with you here, our dream will surely come to pass."
Sapphire was puzzled and confused,"I... wait. You and your followers..." she made motions with her fingers not sure what to make at his sudden change in behavior.
The dragon strode forth from his position, one arm wrapped around her shoulders,"All will be explained, daughter of the Eternal Fire. But first introductions and then calming my children. My name is Vigohi. And we have been searching for a living member of Fireblood for a very long, long time."