Chapter 4

Temple of Malefor

The halls of the temple were eerily silent. A dragon, so dark purple that he was almost black, strode through the dark halls. He came to the training room, where the large statue of a dragon stood in its center. As he began to make his way to the front side of the statue, an ape came running up to him, completely breaking the silence. He turned toward the creature, eyes glowing blood red.

The ape gulped nervously then said, " Master, the purple dragon has been spotted in the woods heading north. Should I send out troops to search for him?"

The dragon answered in a deep voice. " Of course you idiot! Find that purple menace and bring him to me. I want him alive. Also tell your troops to keep an eye out for that fire dragon, Blaze. Keep in touch with him and find out what news you can. He may have already found him."

The ape bowed then raced off to spread the order. When silence reigned once more, the dragon continued his journey to the statue. When he reached the front, he stared up into the dragon's glowing eyes. It looked exactly like him when he was younger. In fact it was him. He placed a paw on the stone and it began to turn the same color as him, it eyes changing to a glowing blood red color. The dragon smiled wickedly and laughed.

" Soon the purple dragon will be mine. And he will submit to the darkness or die, for I am Malefor, the Dark Master!"

He turned to the door leading to the balcony outside and went towards it. His tirade continued as he went outside and looked at the beautiful night scene below him.

" That pathetic excuse for a dragon will soon learn what it means to have real power! I'll show him not to defy me." He let out a terrifying roar that shook the temple violently.

He went back inside, his fit of rage ended. The temple was certainly small compared to his mountain. Malefor needed a more secretive and private place. There wasn't anywhere in the temple he could go without an ape asking him about something or other. As he prowled around the training room he suddenly felt there was a weaker section of flooring below him. A secret passage! It would be easy to expose. He backed away then used his control of the earth to lift the flooring up and rip it apart.

A set of stairs was below. He went down them without hesitation. They led to a huge cavern glittering with tiny droplets of water falling from the ceiling and lit by torches. It was perfect.

" So it's true, you do like to destroy everything, even if it's yours." A voice said from the stairs.

The Dark Master growled and turned to face the intruder. It was Blaze's father. " What do you want?" he snapped.

" You sent for me remember? You have a very short memory."

Malefor tried to control his temper. He was very moody for whatever reason. " You'd best be quiet."

The other purple dragon smirked, " Or what?"

The Dark Master gave him a glare that sent chills down his spine. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his chest. It was as if his heart was being squeezed and was going to explode. Malefor grinned slightly. " It looks like it's you who has the short memory. Surely you remember what I can do to you? Now you must have come for more than just to insult me. If not, I can keep this up until you're dead."

Blaze's father nodded his head slightly, the only thing he could do with the intense pain. It stopped a few seconds after. Malefor waited for his news. When he had recovered, he spoke, " I sent Blaze out like you wanted. It sounds like he's close to capturing Spyro."

" Really? You wouldn't happen to be lying would you? After all if Blaze fails I can easily kill him."

" No! Please spare him. I'm telling the truth."

The Dark Master smiled. He had him right where he wanted him. " I will spare him as long as he brings Spyro back to me. And I worn you, speak against me again and it will cost you your life AND your son's."

" Yes, Master."

" Now get out of my sight."

Blaze's father dashed from the room without a second thought.

" Nicely done, my lord." An eerie voice spoke from somewhere in the cavern.

A phantom like ape approached the Dark Master. He was completely white, and was for sure a ghost.

"Ah, Mulgrath, I was hoping to see you. I have a little job for you."

" Yes, Master?"

" Follow Blaze and make sure he captures Spyro. Do whatever it takes. If he fails, you know what to do."

Mulgrath grinned. " As you wish my lord."

With that the phantom ape floated out of the cavern and out into the night sky. Now this would be fun. For him anyway.

Well, looks like things are getting complicated. Think Spyro has what it takes to defeat the Dark Master? Anyway, I wanted to say that by now you have probably realized that every time I mention Blaze's father, I never say his real name. That's because it's someone you probably know and I don't want to give him away yet. I hope that clears that up and that you enjoy my story so far. On to Chapter 5!