Sapphire followed Vigohi as the two traversed through the hallways to the underground lair. It took time and convincing from their leader to spare the newest member of their group from being mauled or far worse sacrificed to their deity. The trio who had followed were none to thrilled that she was spared any retribution for the deaths of their followers. Even more so that Sapphire was a living descendant of the great Chrome Fireblood. Sapphire could feel the burning glare of hatred emanating from the dragoness as they followed behind the two. She merely smirked to herself. If they tried anything later, she was more then welcome to give them some more hard knock lessons.
Her mind wandered to the next part: The cult The Eternal Fire consisted of all three dominant inhabitants of Equestria. Not just dragons. But ponies and griffins as well. There were even a few Diamond Dogs that served as the heavy hitters in case unwanted guests or creatures stumbled upon their residence. She paused as Vigohi stood before a door. Reaching within his robe sleeve, the dragon produced a key to which the heavy wooden door was unlocked. Turning he motioned Sapphire to enter. As she did, she could hear him whisper orders to the three that were behind her. The one in charge made noises that sounded like protest. But Vigohi's whispers grew stern and she quieted. With a curt nod they turned and left, the dragoness casting one last glare at Sapphire before they disappeared into the shadowed halls.
"I don't think she likes me much, does she?" Sapphire said as he entered the room.
Vigohi made a small gesture with one hand,"Aero is still... sour about the untimely ending you brought upon those who stood guard at the bottom of the stairs. She knew the griffin well so his passing hit a little harder then the others. She'll come around. Just needs some time."
Clapping his hands together he nodded,"Now I understand you desire the journal of Steel Talon the 3rd. And while I would love to grant you access to it, I feel I need to know a little more as to your intentions of its contents."
Sapphire felt an scaled eye ridge arch,"Really? After the whole praising that a living descendant to Chrome has all but left a bloody trail on your floors, you doubt what I say? Vigohi you hurt me." She placed a hand on her chest as though wounded by his words.
The dragon clicked his tongue against the roof of his muzzle,"Any dragon can say they come from any long dead clan. It's why I sent Aero and her fellow comrades to fetch a certain stone. One that will legitimize your claim to Chrome's legacy if you say you truly are who you claim to be. Until then I will and always have been cautious when it comes to certain articles of texts."
Sapphire sighed then pulled a chair from one of the corners. The room they had entered was what she would consider a library. Walls covered in shelves were littered with books, tomes, scrolls, piles of aged papers and other degree of written texts. All lined from one end of the room to the other. A long table made of aged oak sat at the center. Chair lined each end with candles set at the center, their drippings creating crude piles of melted waxen hills of various colors. The table was heavily used as stained ink and other grooves left by bored nails, talons and claws made their mark on the surface.
Sapphire looked at Vigohi as he took a seat at the end, his gaze never leaving her not even as he pulled the chair out to sit upon.
"Well if you wish to know why I want his journal its because it details a certain... item he and Star Swirl had come across during the unicorn's time in his kingdom. And not just Steel Talon. Each kingdom, Gryf, Draconis and Canterlot came across items. Items so obscure that those on the throne kept their lips, beaks and muzzles tight. Tighter then a dragon's hoard locked under key and gate. In my travels I came across Star Swirl's...."
Sapphire trailed off. Vigohi leaned forward, his expression one of interest,"Star Swirl's what?"
She laughed,"That's all you're getting, Vigohi. Just as you're hesitant to the journal, I'll not say another word on the matter. Not until you have your proof of my claim of heritage."
He smiled,"And what is to stop me from pressing the matter? We're alone here. Just you and me. I could overpower you, relieve you of your pack and find the answers myself."
Sapphire tsked and waved a hand,"And risk losing everything in this room? Vigohi in the few hours I've been in your presence I've come to know your far, far too careful. You would never allow an unwanted scuffle to result in the loss of all the information you've gathered here. We barely made threats towards each other back in your quarters and I serious doubt you'll want to deal with another fire now, would you."
Vigohi shrugged,"You're very perceptive. I like that. I'll humor and won't pry in terms of what was once Star Swirl's is now yours. But for the sake of wishing to be friendly company you could perhaps give a tad bit of this item that was hidden?"
Sapphire frowned as though she was debating on not telling or even answering. He watched as she pulled one of the chairs out and sat down,"To be honest I really don't know. You could read the book from top to bottom end to end, page for page both forward and backward. Yet, they don't say what it is. Only that they. And by they I mean the griffon king and Star Swirl had concern for it. A relic of high importance to be hidden away from the population of both nations. It only makes it more worthwhile to find out why they fear it."
"There are things out there, Sapphire things that were never meant to be found. Things that are better off buried and forgotten. Our nations were not built on relic, artifacts and magic alone. Those who counseled saw reason in this. Perhaps it is this reason why this item you speak of has no name."
The library doors opened and the trio Vigohi sent out earlier had returned. One was holding a pouch that housed an object within. The dragon rose to greet them taking the pouch from the leader's hands,"Thank you my dear."
The cloaked being grunted,"You sure this will prove her bloodline?"
"Of course. And if not... well you'll know what will happen. Wait outside. This won't take long."
A curt bow from the head of the trio before they turned and left. Sapphire could feel the one's gaze upon her, one mixed of disgust and hatred. She inwardly smirked and reveled in it. Once they left, Vigohi turned and raised the pouch before her.
"This is a particular relic left behind by Chrome. A sort of test to those who claimed to be her descendant." He reached within and pulled free a dark crystal sphere. Smooth with a dark granite finish, Sapphire could feel a gentle pulse of power radiating from the ball.
"All you need do is lay your hands upon its surface. If you truly are Chrome's blood then the orb will acknowledge it and you're free to read the journal which I just so happen to have in my possession."
Sapphire eyed Vigohi with some suspicion,"And if the orb deems me not of her blood?"
"Then it will burn you from the inside out, leaving nothing but ash. I assure you it will not be pleasant either." Vigohi smiled with a rather dark grin.
How encouraging Sapphire thought as she took the orb from Vigohi.
Laying it upon a small stand she laid both hands upon its surface and stared at the sphere. The suttle power she felt danced along her fingers and palm a gentle thump thump almost like a heart beat danced beneath her fingers. The orb began to swirl and twist, the dark granite color changing to a storm grey hue. Clouds swirled and clashed sparks of lightning silent and swift placed across the orb. Sapphire stood firm not afraid to show who she truly was. Though it was not without some hesitation. What if the orb was rigged or made to make those were related to Chrome perish? Was this how they sacrificed their offerings? Foolishly allowing them to hold this orb only to have it burn them to a crisp? Had she fallen into a well laid trap and now she was to be slain here?
As Sapphire quickly thought of someway to take Vigohi with her should it kill her, the orb's dark grey patterns turned blood red. A jolt of electricity danced through her body so sharp and so quick, she barely had time to register it. As Sapphire gasped in surprise, the color changed from blood red to deep green and then dark blue. The power she once felt was gone replaced with only a cold sphere beneath her fingers and a dark blue orb to gaze upon.
"Well. It deems you are of Chrome's heritage. Truly this is a blessed day." Vigohi replied with great pleasure in his voice.
Under candle light, Sapphire poured over the Steel Talon the 3rd's entries. Vigohi sat there quiet as can be with a glass of wine in hand. She had been going over the book for the past few hours, scribbling down notes on parchment, cross referencing what she had down from his previous entries. And yet for all the knowledge she had on what they had discovered, there still was no mention as to what they found.
Groaning, she pushed the book back, talons to her temple as she rubbed them slowly.
"I'm guessing its not there. And if it is, the long dead king's words are not giving up their secrets are they?"
"Is it really that obvious?,"She said,"Steel Talon didn't trust Star Swirl. Its why he made this second journal detailing the things he didn't cover in his first journal. Yet even with the torn pages that the cult have so... gracious removed it seems the dead bird king is not coughing of what I would like to know."
"Perhaps someone or somepony may have stumbled across what you have. A close follower of Star Swirl perhaps? A fake journal to keep curious minds and prying eyes from finding? It wouldn't be the first time." Vigohi suggested.
Sapphire snorted and pushed the book away,"It wouldn't be far fetched. Star Swirl was cunning and brilliant. I hate the old pony but respect him for his keen observations of the world around him. Its why his cookbook isn't really a cookbook. Rather hints at where these relics may be."
Vigohi rose and went to the bookshelf. Humming to himself, the dragon cult leader rummaged through scrolls and tomes, his tail flicking from side to side as Sapphire watched. He reached within the back of the shelf and pulled what appeared to be an old tome. Turning the dragon placed the book before Sapphire then slid it in her direction.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Perhaps the nudge you so desire." he replied.
She eyed the tome before her. It was old, the leather binding cracked and faded. Thin strips of leather bound the book shut. Aged yellow paper could be seen at the edges, even a few poking out as age old book marks. Sapphire carefully unbound the book and slowly opened the tome. Among the yellow pages of faded ink and entries a few pieces of paper stuck out. These appeared fresher more recent as though they were kept out of sight. She looked up and eyed Vigohi who said nothing. Rather he took his seat once more and folded his arms in a casual manner.
Pulling out one page Sapphire eyes scanned over the entry:
Year --24 Age of Cold winter
As I write this entry my informants are tracking Star Swirl. As much as we are close I trust him as much as I trust an honest dragon to watch my treasury. There IS no honest dragon. The ------ we found is astounding! Years older then any kingdom before us be it pony or griffin or dragon! Some may say it could very well be the oldest relic out there. Its origin is unknown yet Star Swirl thinks it could be draconic in design. All the more reason to have it as part as my keepsake. The old stallion thinks otherwise. He says there's.... something off about it. Something that gives him an ill feeling. Preposterous! I think he wants to keep it all for himself! That magician always did have a way of hoarding the best. Says its for his students he is teaching back in Equestria. Does he think me a fool? I don't know who these sisters are, but I doubt they could be of any worth to waste time grooming. So he says.
Year--25 Age of Cold winter
My third expedition has come back empty talon. What's worse is their delirium is by far the worst I've seen since the last two. Star Swirl insists I abandon my search. Never! I'll never stop! Its there! Under the ruins!! I don't know what my prodecessors have hidden but they've taken painstakingly careful steps to keep it from being found! With this I could change the very face of the griffin kingdom! But some barrier or spell is thwarting my attempts! I'll send my best spell casters on the next expedition. I'll be successful. Star Swirl will see. They all will see!
Sapphire looked up at Vigohi as he sat there. He said nothing for a minute or two before gesturing with one hand.
"Steel Talon the 3rd nearly destroyed his kingdom searching for whatever was in those ruins. What history did not tell the rest of the world was his sanity slipping. He was after something in the kingdom. Ruins to the far south long abandoned. Royal decree forbade anyone or pony from setting foot among the stones. Whats odd is there is a perimeter of guards around the ruins. No where near them just around. As though they are avoiding the same fate that befell Talon's ruined search parties."
"What is under them?" Sapphire asked.
"No one knows. Even the best tomb thieves and robbers have entered the ruins. Only to never return or come out raving nonsense. They die shortly after. Lost in an endless stream of words that make no sense."
"What does this have to do with the relic he mentioned earlier?"
"I told you Sapphire. Some things are better off remaining buried or hidden. They were never meant to be found."
"Then why forsake tracking Star Swirl for whatever it is they found and focus on these ruins? It does not make any sense. Was his sanity starting to slip when all this started? This page feels off. Like a few entries are missing." Sapphire gestured towards the paper.
"There is magic bound to those pages. Star Swirl found his journal. It seems he read what Steel Talon had learned and as you said, went to great lengths to hide this information from prying eyes such as ours. We searched in hopes of finding some item like a lens or spell that will reveal what it is exactly he hid from the world."
Sapphire rose from her seat, both hands on the table,"And no such luck on finding an item that would dispel the illusion cast over these pages."
Vigohi laughed,"Oh I wouldn't say we never found anything. More likely what you have in possession."
Sapphire felt an eye ridge rise slowly as Vigohi strolled over. She leaned back as he leaned forward, his muzzle close to her ear. A few words were whispered, her eyes widening then narrowing as he pulled back. She said nothing as she stared at him, baffled that he knew what she had.
"Do you think running around all these months in search of what you're hoping to find would not go unnoticed? True you've given the enforcement companies of both dragons and ponies the slip. But how long have you known about us? Not until recently. We however, have been watching you for quite some time."
Sapphire looked to the pages then back to him. It was slowly coming together.
"You were among those who attacked the unicorn. You purposely tore the pages from the journal knowing I would seek her out. You baited me, led me here knowing what lengths I would take. You planned this all out didn't you?"
" A careful hand to slip a journal among the library aisle protruding just enough to entice the curiosity of a certain unicorn pony." Vigohi replied the smile on his muzzle still slight but visible.
"You need what I have to get into the ruins don't you?"
"Sapphire let us work together. In exchange for guiding us through the ruins I will give up the remaining pages of the journal so you can break the spell Star Swirl placed upon them."
She folded her arms tail flicking in mild irritation,"And what if I say no?"
"Sapphire you wound me. Have I ever done wrong to you?" He asked.
"I barely know you and given your behavior and demeanor towards me, I'm going to say that it is still up for debate."
Sapphire turned to the table and slid the journal towards him,"Fine. I'll play your little game, Vigohi."
She raised one scaled finger, talon slightly arched as she waved it,"But if I sense anything off anything remotely suspicious about your little group brigade, there will be severe consequences."
The afternoon sun was setting on the horizon its orange and yellow rays gave the sky a hue of pink and soft reds. The sea below was turning shades of purple and blue as early evening began to set in. The cull of sea gulls below almost made the being flying want to simply stop and enjoy the setting. Spyro shook his head as he pushed forward. His wings rose and fell with great flaps, catching the breeze beneath the membranes as he continued north. This journey was not once of leisure but of importance. The letter sent to him and the others back at the temple was urgent.
Due to his heroic efforts as the rest of the inhabitants of Avalar, Mole-Yair and his people wanted to help the dragons by unearthing more of their history. As a way of saying thank you and perhaps save whatever was left of dragon culture that was not destroyed either by Malefor's presence or natural. At first, Spyro didn't want him to go out of his way to dig and burrow in some places he felt too dangerous for the moles. But with Mole-Yair's insistance (and Volteer practically talking his poor ears off) Spyro reluctantly agreed to the expeditions of the ruins scattered across the globe.
The weeks that followed were successful. Mole-Yair's people came back with stone tapestries, statues, walls of glyphs and stone chests. Each telling the history of not just the dragons but of the other denizens of Avalar as well. Volteer was like a child in a gem cave. He just seem to never get enough. Of course he had to rub it in mainly on Cyril whom, in turn would be put off by his ramblings with each new discovery arriving on their doorsteps every few weeks. Spyro, Cynder and Sparx helped catalog and store them with Terrador's help (mostly to get away from Volteer and Cyril constantly getting into a spat over some fungi that none of them wanted to know grew in damp caves and had nothing to do with some aged tablets.)
Everything changed when Mole-Yair and his people traveled to the north. They had discovered a set of ruins they had overlooked their first time there. One of the small groups left behind to clean up discovered it due to a collapse within a cave. Then nothing. No word, no new stone statue or chest at their doors. Spyro thought perhaps it was already cleaned out in the early years. But as the days dragged on a deep concern started to set in with the purple dragon. It wasn't until early afternoon that a mole arrived bearing a scroll sealed with Mole-Yair's insignia addressed to Spyro.
The message was short and brief: Come to the ruins in the north and come alone.
Spyro started asking the mole who delivered the message questions, but the fellow shook his head and mentioned it was urgent for Spyro to go. Badeing Cynder, Sparx and the other dragons good bye the dragon set off to the north. It was a two day flight in good weather longer if the weather was unpleasant. Thankfully the weather was grand and no storms or other problems arose during the flight. Now as the sun began to set, Spyro squinted and could make out the island where the ruins were found. As he dropped his let his speed increase the wind blowing in his ears as he increased his dive. The island drew closer and closer until finally he slowed his decent and snapped his wings open allowing him to glide in the last few hundred feet. Spyro could make out the encampment below with small pits made for camp fires sat near the center as he approached the ground.
The dragon landed and then made his way towards the tents. As he did so, one large mole with an oversized hat upon its head, a candle mounted on front and wick burned rushed out to greet him.
"Spy-roh! It iz good to see you!" Mole-Yair exclaimed upon his arrival.
"I came as quickly as I could, Mole-Yair. What's the urgency? We're worried for you and your fellow moles."
The large mole grasped the dragon by his shoulders and gently shook,"Urgent indeed. We found somsing in the ruinz below. Somsing that haz effected some of my kin."
Spyro stopped and looked at him. He opened his muzzle to speak but Mole-Yair shook his head,"Tiz best you come and see fer yourself. Zen you will understand."
The mole led Spyro past a few tents moles sticking their heads out to watch as their leader led the dragon to the main tent. Opening the flap Mole-Yair motioned Spyro to enter then followed the dragon inside.
On the rug covered floor five moles lay covered. Each one twitched and made odd noises sounds that Spyro could not make out. As he drew closer he could see their eyes dart left and right as though they were watching flies buzz about above them. Only there were no flies and each eye was moving in odd directions. Spyro glanced at them then back the Mole-Yair. He strolled past them pausing to talk to the two moles that were watching over. They nodded and left, each one nodding to the purple dragon before they exited the tent.
"The cave we found wuz connected to the ruinz we uncovered a few months ago. The cave-in was a rezult of our excavation methods. At first we were worried we may have damaged the walls with our controlled explosives. Turns out we were lucky. The rock and debris was merely part of a cave to the east that was too weak to handle the shock waves. Eager to be part of the main team these five you see before you volunteered to be the first to enter. So we sent them in. Time went by and as it did me and ze others began to feel a sense of unease. It was at that time we heard a shriek coming from within."
Mole-Yair gestured to the five on the ground,"My workers found zem at the mouth of the ruinz. They were ranting, spazming and uttering strange words I have never heard of in my entire life. Fearing ze worst I had them be pulled from the cave and retreated as quickly as we could."
He rose and strode to Spyro his eyes full of concern,"Spy-roh. Somsing is down zere. Somsing dark and unnatural. Whatever it wuz that affected my people has started to spread."
"Spread?" he asked.
The mole nodded,"Zes five were not the first. In ze time it took to get my message to you, four more have succumbed to zis... illness. They were no where near ze cave. Spy-roh. I ask that you check this out. If it iz too dangerous to come back we will abandon zis site and make sure no one else comes here."
Looking down to the five moles and knowing four more were in this condition, Spyro nodded drawing in a deep breath,"I'll look into it. In the meantime its better to prepare. Pack up what you can take and prepare your people to evacuate. If I don't make it out in a half hour get out of here. Get back to the temple and inform the others."
Mole-Yair nodded and left the tent. Spyro turned and started towards the flap when a hand reached out and grabbed his foreleg. He yelped and nearly stumbled as the mole who grabbed him hissed,"She comessss. Her return shall bathe the worlds in eternal night. All shall kneel and submit to her every whims!" The mole let go then softly wailed in his hands. Spyro felt a slight shiver run up his back as he left the tent.
The eastern cave on the island entrance was partially caved in. There were signs of removal as Spyro approached noting that the moles left the site after they pulled the five from here. Pick axes and shovels lay scattered about, half full carts of rocks and debris sat abandoned near the mouth. Reaching within himself the dragon called upon the power of earthen magic. The air around him buzzed slightly as a soft green aura rose from beneath his feet. Carefully he pushed and picked apart large stones that were too heavy to move on his own. After a few minutes of clearing the entrance Spyro stood before a wall that was partially torn. As he paused to look the dragon noticed how eerily quiet it was on this part of the land. From the beach to the camps there were sounds of birds and insects all around. Here nothing but silence. Spyro let his senses reach out to feel if there was anything wrong in this area. Nothing came back. And yet he was hesitant. Drawing in another breath he stared down at the entry way then cautiously made his way inside.
The wall was part of a small chamber of a corridor. The dragon looked left then right then decided to head right. In the direction of where the ruins lay. As he looked around Spyro could see walls with stone carved visuals of dragons, among other creatures. Time had faded these murals some so faint he could barely make anything out as to what they detailed. He nearly stumbled over an age old torch so engrossed by these paintings. A quick puff of fire and a soft woosh! brought the torch to life. The hall bored these murals on each side, faded text and glyphs that he could not make out what they read. Following the path he continued on until the hall opened up into an empty room.
The room was large and in the shape of an octogon. Eight pillars stood at each corner, some broken asunder from time and probably earthquakes. At the center a set of stairs let to an archway on an elevated platform. It was partally collapsed with broken stone littering the ground around him. Spyro let his senses reach out and again felt for anything the seemed odd or wrong. Again he picked up on nothing and the dragon began to wonder if whatever it was that lurked here had dissipated. The dragon turned and started to exit when his foot stepped upon an odd square stone that looked out of place in the room. The pressure of his weight caused the stone to sink and a click followed.
The dragon whirled around as the grinding of stone could be heard within. The archway's broken rings shifted and moved as they turned. Faded runes on the face of these circles matched with their correct symbols resulting in the floor at the center of the archway to open. Spyro watched as a stone pulpit emerged from the opening covered in a aged and tattered cloth. With a final click and hiss the stones ceased the grinding and the room became silent once more. Spyro set the torch in a holder and slowly approached the stand. As he did so faint buzzing could be heard around his ears. The dragon shook his head and swatted at the air around him thinking flies had entered. It was then he realized that there were no insects of any sort in this room.
Faint whispers started to dance around his head, his vision slowly blurring. Words spoken in a tongue he could not understand enveloped and began to take hold. Spyro braced himself as the world began to tilt and teeter threatening to throw him off balance. Grunting he shook his head some invisible force drawing him closer and closer to the pulpit and whatever sat under the cloth. The whispers increased as he reached out with one fore paw then yanked the cloth away. As quickly as the whispers came it fell silent once more. Spyro looked around his vision clearing and sense of balance returning. Gazing down a large tome sat before him. It cover was that of metal large latches bound it shut with no sign of any mechanism or key that would open it.
Spyro wanted to turn around and quickly leave. Yet for some reason he watched as his fore paw with talons outstretched reach towards the tome. He grunted and pulled with all his might but his foreleg would not respond. Heart racing and breaths becoming faster and faster, Spyro struggled to pull away with no avail. In one swift motion he snatched the tome from the pulpit and felt a surge of power come bursting into his mind. Throwing his head back Spyro screamed as images erupted within, faces of dragons he did not know come whisking past his eyes, buildings, towns, cities rush by too fast to even recognize any of them. The tome's power continued to course through him as the dragon stood there locked and unable to move his body arched backwards from the pain. Until his vision started to fade his body unable to cope with this force. The last thing Spyro would recall seeing was Spike reaching out with a hand as though yank him through a mirror before the world went dark.