The Runaway: Journey to Tambelon

by Hope Caster

A Small Act of Disobedience

Spike gave the key a turn and the wardrobe unlocked without making a sound. Taking a deep breath, he slowly opened the doors. Much to his shock, sitting behind a chest, was his mother’s shield. The outer rim was a light bronze, while the inner metal was varying shades of blue. His mother constantly kept it out of his reach when he was younger, only ever allowing him to hold it when she was with him. He reached out and traced his fingers over the shield’s surface. There was something nostalgic about seeing the relic again. If he recalled it correctly, his mother called it the Tortoise Shield, though the shape of it was more akin to a sea turtle’s shell. His uncle, for some reason or another, referred to it as the heretic’s weapon, and often chided his mother for having it.

Next, Spike turned his attention towards the chest. The metal outlines were gleaming silver, while the wood was stained dark. There was also a very small plaque with his name carved into the metal. Spike felt tears well up in his eyes. It warmed his heart to know that, even though she had left, his mother still thought of him. Spike quickly undid the chest’s latches and threw open the lid. There were several articles of clothing: new boots, a pair of odd gloves, a dark cloak and hood, a belt, and a long-sleeved tunic. He dug deeper and found three small bags, one of Arcanian Dran, one of gems, and one filled with gold shekels. Useful for when he was older, bit meaningless as of now. There was also a aged book. Skimming through the book, he found that it only contained a short section detailing the shield. Part of him was expecting something that could give him a clue to where she went, but there was nothing of the sort. No map, letter, or even a scrap of paper. Perhaps he was not meant to find out, at least not yet.

With his curiosity satisfied, he shut the doors and moved on to the second wardrobe. Like the first, it unlocked without making a sound, and he swung the doors open. Inside hung several dresses. They were almost all haphazardly put away, jammed together, with only one that was hung with the utmost care. This was his mother’s favorite dress. It was cream colored with white going down the center chest. Along the skirt were several red bows neatly tied and stitched into the fabric. The sleeves were wide, and the was a gold trim to them. Though no one could see it, there was even a space cut out in the back for her tail.

He remembered that she usually wore it on her birthday, as it was on that day, decades ago that she received such a fine gift. While wearing it, Kindle would softly hum a tune, and admire herself in the mirror, before closing her eyes and swaying to and fro, as if she were dancing with someone. The few times Spike caught her doing such odd things, Kindle’s faced turned red for a moment, before she stopped and tended to her son.

With his gaze leaving the dress, Spike looked towards a second chest resting at the bottom of the wardrobe. Sealing it closed were two latches, which Spike easily undid, though he did feel a bit tired after doing so. Perhaps after rooting around in the chest, he would snuggle under the covers and go to sleep.

Spike found countless drawings of him ranging from his egg all the way until he was five. There was even one picture of his uncle holding him when he was but an infant, sleeping and swaddled in blankets. At the bottom of the chest was set of three diaries and a bound stack of unopened letters. The letters were all addressed to members of his family and stamped shut with a wax seal, save for him. Tirek by far had the most, with five in total. Three were addressed to Sendak, two to his grandmother, and one was for his father. He considered opening them, but quickly decided against it.

The letters were none of his business, and he himself would be quite if his uncle had done anything like that to him. However, her diaries were a different story. Unfortunately, two of them were locked, and the key he had would not open them. The last was just a normal book, and so Spike quickly skimmed its contents. All of the entries were about him in some way or another. One entry he found interesting was about his uncle.

Tirek simply can’t hold Spike without him wriggling and whimpering. Before I knew it, he was rushing the poor dear back into my arms. That silly centaur thinks he’ll drop him! He’s much to careful to do something like that though. He’ll get comfortable holding him in time. If he works on his smile, so will Spike.

Spike couldn’t help but smile. It was just like his mother to give his uncle of all people the benefit of the doubt.

There wasn’t much else, aside from an old ticket for a play and an aged sketch of a young centaur (why there was such a picture was an utter mystery to Spike), and lastly, there was a folded piece of paper, tied with a string, with his uncle’s name on it. It couldn’t be another letter, it lacked a wax seal like the others had. Curiosity got the better of him, and Spike quickly undid the binding, and unfolded the paper. What he found was a small map of the entire continent and, near the northern tip, was a circle marked Tambelon with a short note written at the bottom reading ‘Tirek, show Sendak’.

Let it be said that Spike was never meant to find this map. Had fate been kind to Spike and his family, he never would have even found the key. The chest itself was only ever meant for Kindle’s closest friends to open. She had been to several mages, from centaurs to ponies, to craft an enchantment so that only someone like Tirek could open it. If she could have foreseen that Spike would have been able to open it so easily, perhaps she would have settled for a lock and key.

The dragon fell short of breath as his hands began to tremble. For years, he’d only known that his Mother had ‘left’. No one in his family had ever said anything more than that. But now? Now he had a location: Tambelon. But what was Tambelon? Did it really matter though? He had a where, and for that, he felt relieved. But why did she need to leave for Tambelon? He doubted his uncle or even his Grandmother would tell him, even if they knew. Sendak? No, he was never one for talking about such things.

‘I could ask him,’ Spike suddenly thought to himself. ‘Father would know.’ The idea of visiting his father filled him with equal parts fear, dread and a small twinge of excitement. His uncle and his grandmother had forbade him from even asking to visit his father’s estate, and for good reason. Yet, fate had kicked up a storm of coincidences. His uncle would be gone, and Selina would be picked up by Sendak tomorrow morning. However, such thoughts would best be saved for tomorrow.

Spike closed the wardrobe, and refolded the map, hiding it in his mother’s journal. He then hid his new books among the ones on the book case. The key was re-hidden amongst the last book and he quickly darted off into bed. Feeling unusually tired, sleep came quicker than expected, and the comfort he felt under the covers helped carry him off into a pleasant dream.

The next morning, a loud knocking came at his door, stirring Spike from his sleep. “Come in,” he said, sitting up in his bed and rubbing his tired eyes. Rarity hurried in with a fresh change of clothes, putting them at his side.

“Change quick, your grandmother is making breakfast,” she urged.

Spike did as he was told, though he stared out into space, thinking about what the day would bring. ‘Sendak’s coming,’ He thought to himself. His mind was a battlefield of conflicting thoughts. The most prevalent urged him to stay in the safety of his home and wait until he was older before asking questions. ‘Not yet. Soon, but not yet,’ they urged him. Perhaps he was being a bit foolish. It was a long journey to his father’s after all, and anyone, at any moment, could have a change of heart, assuming he somehow managed to leave with permission.

‘Why do you need permission? They don’t need to know you left,’ another, darker voice said. ‘Just head out the back door and follow Sendak. It’s like in the book mom used to read you about the hunchback, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Besides, who would you rather make mad? Uncle Tirek, when you’re a young man or Grandmother, while she still sees you as a child?’

Breakfast was eaten without him saying much, though he ate more than his fair share of it. The most vocal was Selina, as the poor girl let out sniffles and whines, whimpering how she didn’t wish to leave just yet. Haydon and Rarity did their best to comfort her, and the food helped. It was difficult to be too miserable when eating a wonderful breakfast prepared by a loving grandmother. Spike could understand his sister’s sorrow all too well. He also disliked leaving his Grandmother’s, something that he was going to have to do once Tirek returned.

‘And once that happens, you’ll probably never get to visit Father. Let this slip by, and you’ll never have another chance.’ A voice whispered into his ear. Spike took a deep breath, admitting that today would be the only day he would have a chance to see his father, and formulated a small, risky plan in his head.

Breakfast was soon finished, and Spike went upstairs. He made his mother’s bed and, though he was at risk of getting caught, drew out the cloak from the wardrobe before shutting it. He went to his room and put the garment on his bed before joining Rarity, who was helping Selina pack her things. The little gargoyle was still pouting, but Spike assured her that the next time they were together, they would play all sorts of games.

By the time Selina’s bags were packed, and everyone was gathered in the main hall, there came a tap on the door. It was Sendak, who looked awfully tired. Though the centaur was old, older than Haydon by a century and a half, he still had an air of youth about him. However, today he moved much slower than normal, and he seemed to rely on his staff to keep from falling over.

“Good heavens, Sendak! Are you alright?” Haydon asked, hurrying to her friend’s side.

“Yes, yes, just a little drained,” he explained. “Elric and I were up at odd hours in the night, practicing magic. The boy was quite insistent that I make up for the time he’ll lose today.”

There was a mumble from Rarity, who rolled her eyes at the mention of Elric. Haydon turned and raised a brow, as Elric, however rude, was still her eldest grandchild.

“Is something wrong, Haydon? Oh, did you think I was speaking ill of Elric? No, no, no!” Rarity assured, though it was obvious she was fibbing. “I was just thinking that, perhaps in light of things, we should have Master Sendak sit down and rest for a short while! Maybe brew him some tea? I know he loves white, and he certainly seems like he could use a treat or two. Wouldn’t you agree, Spike?”

“Of course! I’m sure if he were here, even Uncle Tirek would agree.” Tirek would indeed agree with Rarity, but only after belittling his eldest nephew for a mishap that would dare require a Sage such as Sendak to exert himself.

Sendak stroked his white beard. It was too tempting a proposition to decline, aside from being terribly rude for doing so. “If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I could have just a small snack before departing. Some tea would do me some good as well. The cooks that Scorpan employs, they’re no Spike, or Haydon for that matter.”

“No trouble at all, come in!” Haydon nearly dragged Sendak into her home, before having Rarity prepare the meal for them. The unicorn brought up jam and bread, biscuits, some white tea after it was brewed, and a small plate of cookies for Spike and Selina, the latter overjoyed to have her departure delayed by a few minutes. Haydon and Sendak discussed many topics, from Spike and Tirek to even Kindle, though Sendak knew the ire Haydon had towards the dragoness. Afterwards, the old sage began talking about Vorak, Haydon’s beloved, late husband, and soon became lost in his musings.

“I remember when Vorak said that he was courting you,” Sendak recalled, his eyes closed, “I thought the bull had lost his mind, ‘Haydon Highferia?’ I cried out. ‘My student, you are very kind, virtuous and wise, but you’re thinking with your eyes and not your brain!’” He chuckled to himself, shaking his head while smiling contently. “Spike, Selina, do the two of you know about your grandmother when she was younger?”

“Oh, I know, I know! Grandma said that on their first date, Grandpa proposed, saying that she was the woman he was going to marry! And grandma, she knew she was going to marry him to, but she wanted to wait,” Selina said, excitably bouncing in her seat. It was one of the most romantic stories she’d ever heard, and Selina loved all things romantic. Her personal favorite fairytale of all was Beauty and the Beast.

“She was very proper,” Spike added. “Never went outside, rarely drank, and usually had her nose in a book. Even at parties, she tried to disappear into the background. I think she said that Grandpa spotted her and pestered her for her name until she mumbled it to him. They had their first date the next night.”

“I see,” Sendak said looking skeptically at Haydon, who lowered her head as her cheeks turned red.

Perhaps I should take a moment to explain. Before she became Mrs. Vorak Arcanous, Haydon was Haydon Highferia, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Hartford Highferia. And, as most everyone in Arcania knew, you could never find a finer, nor richer, lady than a Highferia daughter. They were everything ladies should be on the surface: Beautiful, intelligent, sophisticated, wonderful cooks, and quiet. They ate like ladies and certainly looked and acted as ladies should, but there was something that wasn’t quite ladylike about the Highferia daughters. In truth, anyone born with the name Highferia seldom wanted to be ladies or gentlemen. They instead wanted to be adventurers.

I will not waste time describing how the women were forced to be proper, because they were not. If a Highferia wanted to leave their home and go on an adventure, they would do so, forcing their families to lie weeks or months at a time. What annoyed their fathers the most would be having to deny any lord or duke that sought a wife for themselves or their sons a chance to meet with their daughters.

“She’s a bit under the weather, perhaps you can come back another time,” They would say. “Good day to you.”

It was most unfortunate that Haydon was no different in her youth, save for the fact that she was no lady. The gargoyle forewent dresses, choosing to wear robes normally found on males, unless she was at a party. Not to say she behaved herself. Haydon drank to her heart’s content, insulting anyone that annoyed her, and flirted with several men, leading them on before smashing their hearts.

In her twenties, which was an extremely young age for gargoyles, Haydon explored her country to its edge, only returning home when she wished to have a few free meals and to lay about for a few days. The price she paid was a good scolding from her father.

Knowing she would leave again in just a few short weeks gave him little time to find a groom. Even when he could convince a suiter to ask for Haydon’s hand, his daughter would send them away almost instantly. Some were too pigheaded for her tastes, others were more interested in her dowry and inheritance, which included her family’s entire estate, and the rest were some combination of the two.

Fortunately, for Haydon at least, on the rare occasions that her father dragged her to a temple to marry, at least three priests would ask Haydon one thing in private: “Is it your will to marry this man?” Marriage is a sacrament in the land of Arcania, and as such, individuals needed two things: A priest, a man of the gods, and consent from all parties, including the bride. Haydon was more than happy to share her view of the groom with all three priests. The priests would then scold her for using such unbecoming language in a temple. In no time at all, she would walk out of the temple, change her clothes, and then leave for another adventure, leaving a snide note for her father to find.

Of course, this soon faded after meeting her late husband Vorak, who was the only person that, at the time, Haydon described as tolerable. And, after marrying him and becoming pregnant with Tirek, her life became her children. As of today, she couldn’t help but be embarrassed at her younger self. She often painted a picture of a learned young girl who was obedient and respectable, never indulging in silly things like adventure. In fact, as far as anyone but Sendak and Vorak knew, she detested adventures and journeys like a priest detested greed, lust, and other such sins.

Not wanting to embarrass such an old friend, Sendak moved on to merrier topics, and after a half-hour, he seemed to revert to his old lively self. “I do thank you for the tea and treats, Haydon, but I must be going now. Hilda is anxious for Selina’s return, you know how her mother often get.”

“I understand but do try and come by more often! I want you around for another century, and seeing you so lively, maybe I should cook you a dinner every now and again. For all the work you do for my family, you certainly deserve it!”

The praises lifted his spirit and the temptation of a well-cooked meal made him as giddy as a drunk. “Certainly!” He said. “If it would be alright with you, how about two weeks from tomorrow? I could even get Spike and Tirek to come along. It’s difficult for that man to say no when I ask something of him.”

“That would be wonderful! I’ll have Rarity set the date. Come, we’ll see the two of you out,” She said. Haydon stood and led Selina and Sendak to the entrance hall, followed by Spike and Rarity. “I love you, my sweet bambino,” She said giving the little gargoyle a kiss on the forehead. Spike quickly gave his sister a hug, and a small kiss on the cheek, before Rarity also said her goodbyes. Selina took Sendak’s hand, while her bags were placed on his back, and the pair began their journey home.

The door shut, and Spike didn’t hesitate to ask his grandmother a question he’d been holding in all day. “Grandma, can I go out into the garden for a bit? I could use some fresh air.”

“Of course, Spike. You needn’t ask. You have fun, Rarity will fetch you if either of us need anything.”

Spike nodded, scurried up to his room, slipped on his new cloak, and adjusted the hood so that it covered the top of his spines. Hopefully the cloak would allow him to blend into the crowd whilst following Sendak until he was close enough to his father’s home where he could reveal himself without much risk of being sent home immediately. There was still a chance he would be dragged home, though Spike would worry about that later. He left through the back door of the mansion, circled around to the front, and ran after Sendak. It didn’t take long for him to catch up, Sendak never hurried someplace unless he needed to.

Spike, keeping his head down, kept the pair in his sight, making sure never to draw too close unless needed. When they were about a fourth of the way to Scorpan’s, Sendak suddenly took a sharp left and travelled down an empty alley. Spike did the same and heard Selina asking a myriad of questions, only for Sendak to whisper into her ear. She giggled some and began to excitedly hop up and down when they came to a stop.

Sendak suddenly cried in a booming voice, “Come out now, and make it easier on yourself! I will not be asking again!”

Spike ducked behind a nearby barrel. Spike prayed that Sendak was bluffing, but the dragon knew that there was no such chance. Sighing, he drew back his hood and made his way towards the pair. Almost instantly, his sister trapped him in a tight hug, while Sendak glared at him.

“Spike, there had better be a good explanation for following us!” Sendak declared.

“It’s because he’s coming with us, right Sendak? Is he? Can he please come with us?”

“Selina, not now!” Sendak demanded, using his staff to separate the two. Selina fell silent, but only after grumbling objections to herself.

Spike, unable to make eye contact asked, “How did you even-”

“When the masses whisper amongst themselves, ‘but where’s Tirek’, there is only one person in the world they could be talking about. Now answer me, child!”

“Well, I thought that I’d come with you and say hello to Father and-”

Sendak’s eyes grew wide before narrowing. If there was ever a rule that was held above all others, it was that Spike was never to visit Scorpan. “Silence!” Sendak ordered, slamming the bottom of his staff on the ground. Though it was likely just his imagination, Spike could have sworn that the earth shook and the staff’s slam echoed into the far reaches of the country. “Spike, I have heard some foolish things in my day, but this? I loathe to think of what consequences come from such an idea! I am returning you home, and I hope to the gods that Tirek never finds out about this!”

“Wait, Sendak, please,” Spike begged, “I need to talk with Father, it’s about Mom!”

“What’s so important about mama? Oh, did you find out she’s-!”

“Selina,” Sendak interrupted, “Spike and I need to talk in private. I apologize in advance.” Sendak’s aura lifted the bags and placed them next to the small gargoyle. He took a breath and circled the head of his staff with his hand, muttering a chant as two lights, one between his horns, and one on the top of his staff, began to glow warm.

Selina looked at the centaur quizzically, but soon recognized the spell as Warp. A ring of light had surrounded her, making it impossible for her to escape. Selina recalled that, once the ring of light was conjured, another would appear in a place the caster was familiar with. The contents inside the first ring would then appear in the second. “That’s not fair!” She cried, stomping her foot on the ground in protest. There was a flash, and Selina vanished.

Sendak’s legs gave out from under him. The centaur gripped his staff for dear life as his body began to tremble. “Blasted dragon,” He whispered to himself. He’d had used up nearly everything he had casting that spell and would soon need to rest and eat in order to recover. Spike quickly helped Sendak steady himself. “Boy, I can tell you all you need to know about your mother,” He said with a heavy breath, eyes now tired and struggling to stay open, “no one else, especially your father, need be involved!”

Spike seemed to grow a bit of courage upon hearing the last part, though it was likely spurred by the fact that it wasn’t Tirek he was talking to. “Fine. Why did she leave?”

“Spike, Tirek must have told you! It was because your father needed-”

“No, I know he needed her to ‘do something’, I’m asking what that something was!” Spike shouted, interrupting the centaur. “Why did he ask her?! What was so important that she had to leave?! I have a right to know, she’s my mom!”

“You little-She was-I-!” Sendak struggled to think of a retort but became flustered. For one moment, there was a fire in Spike’s eyes and a sharpness to his voice that truly did make the young drake seem like his mother. In fact, had he not been looking at the dragon, he would have sworn that he was talking to Kindle herself.

As for the question posed by young Spike, Sendak was completely ignorant. Only a few people knew, including Tirek. Tirek would take that knowledge to his grave. Sendak knew where she went, but he thought it to be unimportant as far as Spike was concerned. Yet, despite knowing Tirek would be furious with him, Sendak had to agree that Spike had a right to know why she left. He could only imagine how much the lingering questions gnawed at the back of his mind.

In a soft voice he said, “I cannot deny that Kindle was, and is, your mother. Very well, in the name of your mother, I will take you with me, but do not think I won’t tell your grandmother and uncle everything! We are both betraying their trust, and we both will receive a swift and harsh punishment for it.”

“It’ll be worth it,” Spike said, though part of him was worried about what his grandmother would say once he returned home.

“Will it be?” Sendak asked, his eyes narrowing. “I can’t say that attitude doesn’t worry me a bit. But, if that’s true, then it appears Tirek must treat you far kinder than most. Personally, I shudder to imagine what your uncle will do when he finds out about this. Come, let us make this mistake so that we can then put your mind at ease.” Sendak and Spike began moving again, this time side by side, with the sun still high. “I do hope you understand what it is you’re trying to do,” Sendak said, after a short while, crossing a stone bridge that spanned a brook.

“I know,” Spike said with a sigh. He looked down at the ground as a pit began to form in his chest. “But, if I don’t try I’ll never know! What am I supposed to do, Sendak? Stay locked in my room reading textbooks, pretending that she’s coming home?”

“I suppose not but-” Sendak put a hand on Spike’s shoulder, “-Spike you need to understand that your situation is complicated.”

“I’m not stupid, I know why everyone tells me to avoid Father.” Spike’s breath hitched as his fists clenched and his body trembled. “As far as far as anyone’s concerned, I’m Uncle Tirek’s ward.”

“I see.” Sendak let out a sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. He pondered as to why was Spike so intent on doing this. A year ago, Spike wouldn’t have done anything without permission, yet now, he was wishing to break the most important rule there was. Worse, he himself was helping the dragon. If he wasn’t as wise as he was, Sendak would have sworn that they both had a bit of Human in them, as what race was better at breaking rules? “Might I ask what spurred you into action?” Sendak asked. “It’s been eight years, Spike. Why now?” Spike remained silent, staring at the road. “Your uncle, as much as he looks like your Grandfather, is more Haydon’s son. They both have big mouths when angered. I suppose something happened between them? Did Tirek say something that-”

“It was Grandma. She called Mom a whore, and said she abandoned me,” Spike admitted. He said nothing else, but instead hurried along, determined to discover what Tambelon was.

“Oh, Haydon,” Sendak muttered, shaking his head. “I’m so sorry, Spike. I beg that you don’t hold it against her. Your grandmother, she loves you, more than anything. There are no doubts in my mind that not even this will change that. Your parents though, your mother especially, they did things that she couldn’t quite forgive. Kindle leaving, well, it was too much for her. Haydon’s never been able to let it go.”

“Did she always hate Mom?” Spike asked. “I know she says she never means it, but it’s not like I can tell if she’s lying.”

“I shan’t lie, while she does hate her, it’s relatively new. Spike, understand that the hatred she has towards your mother, that’s all it is, hatred towards Kindle. I can’t say for certain whether she’s justified in that. However, I do think Haydon is wrong about one thing, your mother would never abandon you. Kindle made many mistakes, did many things wrong, but she loved you above all else. Whatever she did, why she left, I’m more than certain she was thinking of you when she did it.”

The sentiment lifted Spike’s spirits a bit, and the drake formed a small smile. They traveled in silence for a short while, each likely contemplating what was going to happen once they reached their destination. Sendak was mostly worried about how he was likely going to be shunned by Haydon for weeks and cursed at by Tirek upon his return. Spike, who was mostly focusing on his father, was worried how the gargoyle might react. The only time, of which there were three in total, he’d been to his father’s home, it was when Scorpan was off on holiday and Tirek desperately needed to talk with Sendak about books and other such matters. The silence was finally broken by Spike, as another question crept into his mind. “What do you think about her, mom I mean?”

“I won’t lie, I was bitter for a better part of a year when she left. Before that, shocked when I found out she had you. Though, when it's all said and done, I remember her fondly, so very fondly.” There was no smile on him, nor was there any hint of anger. Sendak closed his eyes, reminiscing about the young Dragoness he’d found some decades ago, as a single tear rolled down his cheek.

“Sendak, do you remember what color her eyes were?” Spike asked, remembering the question that had plagued him only two nights ago.

“Dark green,” He responded, “though I suppose I can’t expect you to remember, you were so young when she left, so don’t feel horrid about it. Your mother wouldn’t hold it against you.” Sendak looked up and saw their destination looming in the distance. “We’re close,” He said, warning Spike. “There’s still time to turn back.” Spike shook his head. “Very well. Keep your questions short with your father, and if he asks you to wait, you wait. No arguing. Once you have your answers, I’m taking you home. If things get heated between you and, well, anyone, I’m taking you home. If he refuses to talk, he refuses to talk, and-”

“You’ll take me home?”

Sendak’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, but I must ask you not interrupt me while I speak. That was one of the few things I wish your mother had done less of, and I don’t want you picking up her habits.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s quite alright.” A pit formed in Sendak’s chest as the shadow of a castle fell over the two. “Ready yourself, Spike, we have arrived.”

Spike felt his stomach fall as he stared up at Arcanous Castle, home of his father, King Scorpan.

Author's Note:

What the Letter to Scorpan Read:

Scorpan,

I hope you rot in the deepest pit of the Inferno*.

- Kindle

*the Inferno is Hell.