The Archons Dream

Belle stood impatiently outside the ancient doors, rambling from one end to the other every so often opening her research journal she held in her hands to make sure her flawless work did not have an error that she should be notified about. It had been three days ago when she had sent the Hero Sparrow, who she had been acquainted with for over 10 years to find the final piece of the code to unlock the ancient doors behind her. 'Maybe she couldn't find the area where the scroll was buried' Belle thought but already she shook that off as an impossibility. Sparrow knew Albion better than anyone and she had always been able to find what she needed with vaguer information. She also had her dog, Hero, with her to find the scrolls. Belle was always amazed at the dogs ability to sniff out ancient artefacts a mile away. It had been over 10 years ago when Belle had met Sparrow and had interested her in finding the artefacts. Back then, Sparrow was only 16, young and pig headed, reassured by her Hero status. Belle had been sceptical at first that she wouldn't be able to find anything, but Sparrow always came through, she was the only reliable person in this project, she was someone her father would have trusted.

Belle smiled in anticipation as she reminisced about her younger days. She had been 5 years old when she learned about the Archons dream, her Father was an archaeologist just like Belle, she could still remember the stars in his eyes when he told her tales about the old kingdom. Belle was heartbroken when at 10, her father died from a disease caught in a cave during one of his excavations. He had come back with an ancient tome that no one could decipher. Belle was determined to find the archons dream and so at age 20, after finishing her education she deciphered the ancient tome and found the location of the archons dream in Fairfax gardens. With the money raised from an interested noble, Belle began a 15 year excavation of Fairfax gardens. She was nearly at the end, nearly there, soon she would finish her father's life ling work and become the greatest archaeologist ever known!

Her reminiscing was interrupted by the gentle 'ahem' of Sparrow standing before her, dressed in black trousers, red knee high boots a black corset and a red long sleeved shirt finished off with a red jacket. Beside her, was her yellow furred dog Hero panting and looking at his master with pure love in his eyes. 'Please tell me you found it Sparrow' Belle pleaded. With a small smile Sparrow handed over the grubby piece of parchment. Belle's heart leapt for joy as she deciphered the parchment and opened the door. She was about to run in when she faltered, dangers certainly would lie within the ancient room.

With a smile Belle turned to Sparrow 'I certainly would never be able survive against the ancient perils inside but perhaps a hero like yourself…'

Sparrow sighed and rolled her eyes gesturing to Hero to stay. 'I just hope that whatever we find is worth 10 years of trouble' Sparrow groaned as she entered into the abyss.

It was five minutes before Belle determined that it was safe enough to enter. As she stepped cautiously forward, Belle marvelled at the ancient writings on the cold stone walls, after she was done presenting the gem, she would definitely come back to decipher these ancient marvels. Belle was startled when she found herself facing a dishevelled Sparrow. Her heart caught in her throat, 'After all this time could I have been wrong?' She wondered.

Belle stepped towards Sparrow 'D-did you find it?'

Sparrow raised and opened her hand to reveal an amethyst the size of a walnut resting in her palm. Belle nearly broke down in tears when she saw it, 'We did it father!', Belle reached out to take the gem when Sparrow snatched her hand back. Confused Belle looked at the look of complete fury on Sparrows face.

Sparrow spoke in a quiet venomous voice, 'After all this time, after everything I did for you, you were just looking for a pathetic amethyst!'

It was Belles turn to feel anger 'How dare you! This amethyst is a great historical artefact that a mere brute like yourself couldn't begin to fathom the implications of its finding!'.

Sparrow snarled 'It's a stupid amethyst! I've found hundreds before, what makes this so special?'.

Belle sighed in frustration, 'this is Archons dream, given to the Archon in a dream by Avo himself'

A look of interest crossed Sparrows face, 'So does that mean it's powerful? Like an augment for a weapon or something?'.

Belle gave Sparrow a condescending laugh, 'Of course not! It a gem, but it has historical significance'.

Sparrow looked at Belle with venomous blue eyes framed with blonde hair; somewhat scared Belle decided that it was time to give Sparrow her award. 'You didn't do this all for nothing Sparrow, here I'll give you twice the net worth of the gem, I assure you you'll find the money much more valuable.

Sparrow cocked an eyebrow at Belle, 'I have more than enough money Belle, I live in Fairfax castle for Avo's sack! I have my own servants, what could you possibly offer me?'

Taken aback, Belle looked at the fearsome Sparrow with new eyes now. She had always thought that she could simply pay off Sparrow and be on her jolly way but now she realised that that wasn't enough.

'What do you want than?' she asked with a shaky voice

Sparrows eyes roamed around the room finally finding themselves back to Belle, 'I'm taking the Gem' she said mater of factly, 'At least I'll have it to add to my trophies'.

Sparrow made a move to leave but found herself blocked by Belle, who had found the courage at last to stand up to Sparrow, 'I've worked too long and too hard to have you just walk away with the Archons Dream! I'm not moving until you give it to me' when Belle saw Sparrow's amused look she added 'You'll just have to kill me If you don't want to give me the Gem, and live the rest of your life knowing that you killed an innocent person!'.

Sparrow laughed at Belle as she shoved her to floor and walked past with two strides; looking back Sparrow chuckled again at Belle, 'You think you could stop me? You're pathetic'. Sparrow gave another laugh as she left the room.

Belle could feel the hot tears streak down her cheeks, 15 years! She was so close only to have the jewel snatched away. Her father had died for nothing; she had given up everything for that Gem. She could have married, started a family, and had a life full of friends. But it turned out her only friend was someone who would just stab her in the back. Belle reached into the folds of her dresses to pull out the small pistol that she always carried with her for protection when Sparrow wasn't around to find an artefact. With shaky hands she pointed the barrel gun at the roof of her mouth. She closed her eyes. 'I'm sorry father'.