Chapter 3:
The Expedition
SPIKE AND ZECORA where lead up to the throne by the two guards from before; the name of the one, who spike had interrupted, was HeartFeather. HeartFeather was a slender griffon, with light-brown plumage, and who looked as if he was about to faint all the time and was a little on the weak side of things. The other was Darkplume, whose feathers were as black as his name suggest. He was on the older side and had a noticeable scare above his cheek.
The griffons lead the two them up the stairs of the throne room, siting up right on his throne was His Highness with Claudius to his right.
"YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS PRESENTING HIS DRAKENESS, SPIKE THE DRAGON AND...um... A ZEBRA!" Called out HeartFeather.
Clearing his ears out, "So," Spike addressed Roi," what did you want to see us about?"
Roi started,"Well, I—" but Claudius cut in:
"His Highness and I, have a most urgent matter we'd like your help with. It concerns a vast vault underneath this very castle, indeed, underneath mountain its self. I place that was here long before its former occupants built there castle. I believe it to have once been the home of some ancient species long, long forgotten to time. We, no doubt, have a lot to gain from the unearthing of what ever lies down there."
Spike folded his arms, Give me a brake, he thought. Then he said," Yes... Well, what does this have to do with me?"
"Well, Spike the dragon, a curious feature of this the vault door is that it can only by accessed by the flame of a dragon."
"Okay then, then i guess my next question is why should i help you." Claudius almost flinched (almost.) King Roi wouldn't make the drake do anything the drake didn't feel like doing; Claudius's power over the king was a shore thing, but he still he thought it best not to unduly upset His Highness, and Claudius needed the dragon to open up on the door. So:
"From my studies I've found that in this vault is a large pile of treasurer—"
Figures, thought Spike.
"—And among this collection, is a very special magical item named the Clerical orb. The uses of which are numerous, but what you might like to know about this orb is that it helps with the locating of lost things."
Spike grasped his meaning," This orb can it be used to find, say, ponies?"
Claudius chuckled,"Well, there is only one way to find out."
"Okay, fine, I'll help you open the door."
"Doors, plural. One at the opening of the labyrinth and the other at it's end. You'll need to go the full way."
"Okay then!" said the king, very existed," If it works will be able to find your old friends in no time, Spike!"
Claudius rolled his eyes.
"Well, we will be off at then, and I'll of course will—"
"NO!" cut in Claudius," I mean—Your Highness will not be accompanying us...FOR your safety. Of course."
"And why is that oh royal crow, is there something lucking below?" Zecora grin.
"w-w-well," Claudius stammered," There is the little question, of the...Monster."
"Monster?" Cried Roi and Spike in unison, HeartFearth fainted.
"Yes, well, not exactly. something described very much like a monster. A creature said to have] been the protector of this dungeon, is mentioned in a few old passages, but this of no consequences to us. If this thing ever did existed it has long sense expired. You shall have no trouble."
"Well, we can not let Spike go down there alone! Send a division of guards too!"
"Why of course I would never think send him in there...alone."
"And you'll be going with them, right?"
Quill shifted,"Err...yes of course i am going myself too...eh."
"And as will I, you'll need the extra eye." add Zecora.
"Sir," said Darkplume,"If it pleases His Highness, I will start preparing the guards. If such a thing lurks down there, it will be no difficulty for my griffons. Sir."
"Yes, you assemble the troop."
"Thank, your Highness." He saluted, and waking HeartFeather, both walked off to the barracks.
"Well, seeing that all is settled, Spike, Miss. Zebra, why don't you two take leave walk around the gardens till ever thing is ready?"
"Yes, you two do that," Claudius said," but, don't go very far. We'll be leaving shortly."
Spike did not like the way he said that.