Hello again everyone! I hope all of you are well. Anyway, I'm back with yet another update on the story. Also, a great shout out and thank you for all who have followed and reviewed so far! Rest assured, even though I hen peck at the keyboard, the updates will keep on coming. I have no intention of leaving things incomplete if I can help it. So now, on to the story!
Also, for my readers in France, Israel, and Europe abroad, my prayers are with you all in this, your most trying of times. (begins singing La Marseillaise)
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING OR ANYONE IN THE SPYRO UNIVERSE. ONLY MY OCS.
Chapter 11: The Shroud Falls
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The rain continued its steady pace outside the balcony window. Arden was sitting on his bed gazing out into the grey clouds. It had been three days since returning to Warfang. News of the destruction of Egratz had spread like wildfire throughout the city, but so had news of Arden's arrest by Reiner and his use of so-called 'forbidden magic'.
Naturally Arden was already known to most of the city as the human who bested Hunter of Avalar in a one-on-one fight as well as the healer who saved Lieutenant Tempest from certain death. Word he had destroyed Egratz and showed no mercy to the apes made him a hero in the eyes of many of the city's citizens and all were clamoring for Arden's release.
Three days...Arden had been under the equivalent of 'house arrest'. He was not permitted to leave his room in the temple. He was not permitted visitors, not even Rehne. His meals were brought to him by a human who Arden learned was Reiner's squire. To add insult to injury, Reiner had him devested of his armor and had also taken Arcadia. Every day the squire, Salin, would argue with other members of the Arcanum, Spyro, and Cynder for wanting to visit Arden. Although, Rehne had come by twice, and Arden doubted Salin would be able to refuse her; he'd been lucky with Reiner right around the corner and waving Rehne off every time. No one could come on the balcony to because the noise would have attracted Salin's attention as well as Reiner. Worse was that Salin stayed tight-lipped about the discussions going on about him. Nevertheless he'd heard rumors floating up from some of the young dragons (and although no dragon could come to the balcony, nothing was said about a dragonfly) and for once, Sparx managed to keep his voice down as he told Arden some of the news.
Apparently, Egratz had been such a pain in the backsides of the dragons the Guardians were wanting the use of Cataclysm excused. Despite this, several members of the Arcanum were in favor of Reiner citing that the 'tenets come before all other law'. Valden was on the fence about the whole thing, and Father Joseph had yet to awaken. Rehne had told the others about the Dragonslayer threatening her and that was the cause of Arden losing it. While news of the Dragonslayer was disturbing to most, it was not enough to change their opinion.
Outside, the people of Warfang were preparing for the Autumn Festival. Shop and market owners decorated their shops. Tavern owners readied their best autumn and winter brews. Soldiers polished their ceremonial armor. People from all over the realms came to Warfang daily in anticipation of the celebration. Despite the tidbits of information he heard from Sparx, Arden could only watch people went about everything even in the rain.
His thoughts were disturbed however, by a knock on the door. Turning, he saw Salin open the door and in stepped Reiner looking as stoic as ever.
"It's time. A council has been put together from what few qualified knights and crusaders we have here. Salin, with me."
With Reiner in front and Salin behind him, Arden stepped out of the room and walked down the hall.
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Unbeknownst to all, a man in a ragged old cloak stalked the back streets. He kept to the shadows and walked the alleys instead of the open streets. From within the folds of his cloak and hood, Vochik Xavier cursed at the number of Arcanum here as well as dragons and cheetahs. He'd been forced to silence a guard who got a little too curious for his own good. With any luck, they wouldn't discover the body (or rather what was left of it) for quite some time. Regardless, he'd come this far; he just hoped the Dragonslayer was right about this particular plant.
Of all the things Vochik knew how to do, boteny was his preferred area of expertise after torture. Still, it irked him that pile of dusty old bones knew about some rare plant that he didn't know of. For centuries the tomes said that dragonsbane was the only plant that can kill dragons, yet the Dragonslayer knew of a plant called Reaper's Scythe that looked identical to a plant called Ancestor's Heart with only a small difference in color to distinguish the two. The proverbial devil in the details was actually finding a place where the normally benificial Ancestor's Heart grew and planting the Reaper's Scythe next to it.
After uttering more curses and ducking into a few more alley ways, he finally saw it. A lustrous red-gold flower blooming in a small garden mear what looked to be an orphanage. Giving a caution look around to make sure no one was near him, he knelt down and began doing his work.
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Spyro dodged another of Cynder's tail swipes and countered again and again. Still her lithe form kept dodging every one of his strikes. Cynder noticed this and called a stop to the practice.
"Spyro, what's wrong? You've been like this ever since Egratz. Is it Arden or something else?" Spyro breathed deeply and looked away.
"It's several things Cyn. Arden has been all but betrayed by his comrades. Furthermore, they will not allow outside speakers for Arden's behalf. Also... (sigh), I..." Cynder heard him mutter something but she could guess it.
"Spyro, it's not your fault we were ambushed. Even I didn't sense them and one of my elements is shadow. Tempest said he didn't see anything either and he's a trained soldier. We simply weren't expecting anything that's all." Spyro looked out the skylight.
"It's not just that...I...I could feel myself slipping. If Arden hadn't arrived when he did and done what he did I would have gone dark. My control over it has been failing. I have to try even harder. Huh, I guess we have to face it. We haven't gotten soft but we've lost our edge. Once the festival is over, we'll start training even harder." Cynder nodded at this and lowered herself into a fighting stance again.
"Ready to try to take me down again?" Spyro gave her a wry smile.
"Of course I am. Just be prepared to lose."
"I could say the same to you purple boy."
As Spyro lunged, Flame burst into the training room, shouting, causing Spyro to miss Cynder and slide into the wall. As he cleared the stars he turned to Flame who was catching his breath.
"I just saw Arden. They are heading for the Guardian's chambers!"
Forgetting about training for now, the three dragons bolted for the chambers.
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Meanwhile, in the infirmary, young Farris was working with a cheetah healer when suddenly, Father Joseph's eyes shot wide open and he shot straight up, scaring both of them. The human recovered his wits first.
"F-Father Joseph?! You are awake?" Joseph looked at Farris sternly.
"Where is Arden?" Farris stuttered then explained everything.
"I need to tell you something, help me up and let's get to the chamber, I'll explain everything on the way."
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Reiner could not help but wear his disdain on his face when he entered the Guardian chambers to see not only the Guardians there but also several other dragons and outsiders. The trial was supposed to be an ordered affair not this circus. He turned to see Valden by the dragons along with Arden's supporters looking rather pleased with themselves.
"Master Valden, I thought it was agreed that this matter would be discussed among members of the Arcanum only? Why are others here?" Terrador harrumphed, getting Reiner's attention.
"In the first place, this room is meant for use by the Guardians of the Dragon race. We allowed you to use the room for this farce, but we had no intention of sealing it to those who wish only to observe."
Allowing himself a moment to check his emotions, Reiner simply scowled and pointed to an empty seat and motioned for Arden to sit there.
As Arden sat, Reiner took his spot in the center of the three knights and two crusaders who sat before him. Then Reiner began.
"Arden Jaeger of the Aegis Arcanum, the charges against you are of dire nature. The use of the forbidden spell Cataclysm and furthermore, using your magic in anger with the intention of taking numerous lives with no regard as to who was nearby. In answer to these charges, how do you plead? Be warned, if you answer falsely, you will bring down the full extent of justice upon you, answer truthfully and you may shown mercy." Arden scowled at this.
"Shown mercy how Reiner? Instead of a noose it may be a headsman's sword? I broke a tenet that is punishable in only one manner: death." Reiner scowled.
"Answer the question posed to you, guilty or not guilty!"
"I say not guilty." For a moment, Arden could have sworn Reiner flashed a ghost of a smile.
"So you are saying you did not cast a forbidden spell and that you were fully aware of yourself when you attacked the enemy in such a violent manner? Then in that case you have committed murder instead defending your comrades as you have claimed to do." At this, Rehne snarled and advanced forward.
"Hold your tongue Reiner! You may be a knight in the order but do not forget that as a battlemage and dragon knight, Arden is entitled to more respect than this." Reiner frowned.
"Respect that was lost when he broke a tenet that has been part of our order for centuries, since its founding!" Rehne countered this time.
"What of the respect that most of you had for him from before?! Have any of you fogotten his actions in Devis? In Garsburg? What about the battle in the White Forest? Or the Siege at Duncanstown? Sir Falur, I see you there. Have you forgotten how Arden saved your life in the Battle of Broken Stones? Or you Crusader Vellis, have you chosen to cast aside the memory of Arden healing you after those shadows ambushed you and nearlt dismembered you? Will you cast away all such things and condemn him for one simple mistake? Even if you do, know this, I have not forgotten Arden's bravery, even if he has amnesia, even if he doesn't recall everything, he is still my knight and as such I will protect him in all battles whether they be battles with steel or wars with words. How many of you can claim to have done half as much as he?"
The council, except Reiner, faltered for a moment as if magically recalling all she had said. Spyro took the moment to come forward.
"We here have known Arden only a short time but in these few days, he has shown us what you humans are capable of. He is a man of honor, courage, and integrity the like of which that I myself have only seen a few times before. In a manner, Arden reminds me of Ignitus, the Guardian who taught me everything I know and who guided me on my journey. The spell he used saved our lives and ensured the destruction of a place that had cost many others their lives. What you are doing here is dishonorable and demeaning not to mention downright betrayal of one of your own." Reiner scowled again.
"Regardless of what his meaning was, the fact remains he broke one of our tenets, our sacred laws! We cannot simply forget that! It was a similar trial that put an end to Alvern Kleis, and he broke every single tenet and law in the book! Should we have forgiven him and let him free to spread darkness?" This time Valden was the one who came forward.
"How dare you Reiner, compare Arden to the Dragonslayer in action as if they were the same person! You go too far!" Reiner then stood and looked to Arden.
"With the evidence obvious and so recent, the proof is irrefutable regardless of the fervor of the defense. As is such, I have only one verdict: Guilty. As Arden did say that he did not commit this violation, yet it is obvious he did, he will indeed be hung by the neck until dead. This is the ruling of this council and this is our order's law!" Rehne came forward, fire in her eyes.
"Then be sure to kill me as well Reiner for I will not let you touch my knight, and if you do take him from me you'd better prepare to deal with a furious dragoness!"
The collected group gasped at this and Arden visibly paled at this act of rebellion. Reiner however, refused to falter.
"For such a display of rebellion and insubordination there can be no mercy shown. Not even to a golden dragon."
This statement however, got the attention of several knights and dragons who immediately jumped to their feet and stood in front of Rehne. Valden had gone completely red-faced.
"How dare you threaten a fellow member of the order, and a golden dragon no less!" Reiner looked at Valden coldly.
"I do not see a member of our holy order, only a rebellious dragoness who is too shy to admit she thinks of Arden as a mate instead of her knight!" Rehne went wide-eyed and cautiously looked at Arden who was just as dumbfounded as her. This time however, an unlikely voice spoke up, everyone turned to Verrin who sat on the council.
"I've kept my peace up till now Reiner but that remark is where I draw the line." Reiner surprised them all by wheeling on one of his supporters.
"Indeed? Well, I know why that would make you question me half-breed but I didn't think you would allow yourself to speak so openly." Spyro heard this and looked to Rehne and Valden.
"Half-breed?" Valden nodded.
"Verrin is the only child of a golden dragon and his rider, a female cleric. He inherited his father's strength and magical prowess and his mother's gift with healing magic. Sadly both were lost during the war. He appears human but if he chose to, he could take on a half-dragon appearance resembling a bipedal dragon."
Reiner was getting furious that his decision was continually being challenged by both order members and outsiders.
"Again, it does not matter how strong your defense is! You broke two of our sacred tenets! You cast a spell in anger that obliterated an entire fortress! Yet you show no remorse for the lives you have taken! Why then am I challenged when all I'm trying to do is administer justice?!"
"Maybe because you are so fixated on one small detail you neglect the big picture."
Everyone turned to the source of the new voice and saw an astonishing sight, Father Joseph, standing upright, leaning on Farris for support. Almost immediately, several people ran over to help Joseph as he made his way forward, Farris trailing behind looking somewhat stunned himself.
"Sir Reiner, I have no doubt that you wish to see justice done, yet, for all intents and purposes, we cannot afford the losing of one of our strongest warriors and mages simply because of a spur of the moment casting. Besides, the presense of the Dragonslayer and the Blood Covenant at Egratz more than warranted a powerful response. Intentional or no, Arden has rather spectacularly told the Blood Covenant that we are here and that we will stand tall no matter what they throw at us. Furthermore, a High Cleric can challenge the ruling of any council if the ruling is in doubt. So, as High Cleric of the Aegis Arcanum, I hereby challenge the ruling of the knight's council. Furthermore, I believe there is someone else who has something to say."
Joseph motioned for Farris to come forward. Reiner openly scoffed.
"What does this recruit have to say in a matter that concerns his seniors?" Joseph looked at Reiner as well as the other curious knights.
"Young Farris' full name, is James Farris Regnum Phyziin. I trust that you recognize it?"
Almost immediately, the Phyziin knights and Geoffrey dropped to a knee, their sword arms crossed over their chests. Father Joseph nodded.
"Indeed, young Farris here is the lost prince of Phyziin the knights have been searching for. Kind of fitting really, the one who hangs back is really the prince. Still, his rank in the order aside, the fact remains that the order was formed by the command of the kings of both dragonkind and Phyziin. As such, the Prince has a right to hear the charges and decide if they are legitimate. What say you Prince Farris?"
Farris came forward, more confident than before and gazed at Rehne and Arden and walked up to the now kneeling battlemage.
"Sir Arden, I know that if not for you I would not have lived to see the day after my birth. I now realize that every time you came to the citidel was to observe me and report back to my Father. In these times you always had kind words for me and encouragement during the times I faltered. Consider this the least I can do for all you have done for me as a knight, a mentor, and a friend." Farris turned to face the council.
"By my word as Crown Prince of Phyziin, I cannot stand by and allow an innocent man to die. Henceforth, any and all crimes, true or false, committed by him are hereby pardoned. Father Joseph, do you have anything else to add?" Joseph came forward.
"Indeed I do Your Highness. As Arden is now pardoned as a knight, I hereby absolve him of breaking the tenets as the spell he cast saved many lives, mine own included. Master Valden, as High Cleric, I would ask you to instruct Arden of the Forbidden Spells so that this does not happen again."
Throwing tradition and common sense to the wind, Rehne bounded forward and wrapped her wings around Arden, Farris, and Joseph all the while butting her head playfully against Arden's chest. Valden and several others laughed at the display of affection, Reiner on the other hand looked as if he'd been cursed by a priest and slapped by a fish. Composing himself somewhat, he hurried out of the chambers and vanished down the hall. Volteer noticed Reiner's departure and nodded.
"Good riddance to bad rubbish, now then, I propose that since the Autumn Fesival starts in the morning, we all get a good night's sleep, for tomorrow we will need all the energy we can get."
Everyone seconded that idea, even Cyril which surprised a good deal of people and everyone left the chambers as the sun was beginning to dip.
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As Arden finished removing his over-clothes and sat down on the bed, a faint knocking came at the door. Curious, he got up and opened the door to see Rehne standing there.
"A-Arden...may I come in?" Instead of speaking, Arden moved aside and motioned her in. As he shut the door he looked at her.
"What's the matter? Can't sleep? Or is there something else bothering you?" Rehen fidgeted for a second then took a deep breath.
"You heard what Reiner said today when I challenged him?" Arden nodded as he recalled the remark about Rehne liking him as more than her knight.
"Indeed, I believe Reiner yelled it loud enough that everyone in the room heard it. Why what's this about? It's not like you to be skittish." Rehne looked out to the balcony.
"Remember what I said at Egratz, about how shapeshifter magic isn't unlocked by golden dragons unless we find a suitable mate?" Arden nodded slowly, Rehne took a deep breath and muttered some words that Arden couldn't understand.
Almost instantly, bright golden light flared from Rehne's scales. So bright in fact that Arden had to avert his eyes, yet he was still seeing spots. As the light faded and Arden dared to look up. In place of Rehne stood a gorgeous woman.
She stood to about Arden's height, had long golden flowing hair, if one word could have described her it would have been 'angelic'. Most striking however, were her eyes, which, like her hair retained their golden luster and confirmed to Arden that this was indeed Rehne who stood before him. He tried to speak but found his throat constricted. He hemmed and hawwed but couldn't manage anything except for "Wow..."
This caused Rehne to laugh lightly, her voice, a melody in itself in dragon form, now sounded even more beautiful than before. Then, as if remembering something, she smiled.
"What's the matter my knight? Finally run out of ideas or things to say?" Arden smiled lightly and shook his head.
"No...I just recalled how beautiful you looked and that was the same thing you said when I first saw you change form." Rehne immediately beamed.
"You remember!" Arden smiled.
"Aye, I do. There are still a few blanks around my training, magic, and battle experience, but I believe now that you're with me, I will soon be of whole mind again. Until then, I'm just happy to finally recall what you meant to me."
Then Arden came toward Rehne and embraced her like he had done so many times before. For the first time in a long time, Rehne felt her heart flutter and she longed to stay like this forever.
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Down the hall, Spyro tentatively rapped on Cynder's door. When she answered, she looked at him curiously.
"Spyro, what's wrong? Can't sleep?" Spyro shook his head.
"Cynder...I...blast I don't know how to say this properly but...remember when we were in the core and you whispered 'I love you' to me?" Cynder nodded, still trying to puzzle things together.
"Well...the truth is that...I...I"
He whispered something in a meek voice but Cynder was adept at reading words and expressions. She smiled broadly, leapt forward and nuzzled Spyro.
"I always had a feeling but with all the people crowding around and the training I never got a chance to talk to you aside from the training bouts and even then I couldn't pick the right words to say." Cynder pulled back and nodded understandingly.
"True, well, now that we've beared our hearts to each other, did you come all this way just to say this or is there...something more?" Spyro nodded and slid forward a small box he'd had with him.
"I had these made for the Harvest Festival but, to be honest, I couldn't wait to give them to you. Since we're still too young to become official mates, let these show that we are betrothed to one another. The Guardians have already agreed to this plan...so...here Cyn, my gift to you to show my love and affection for you."
Cynder opened the box and gasped at what she saw.
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Far away on the White Isle, Ignitus was rapidly flipping through several books at once. One was Spyro's, another was Cynder's, then there was also Flame and Ember's books. He smiled when he saw Spyro and Cynder's books and chuckled lightly when he saw Flame's book and yet another attempt to find the sight of the Ancestor's Heart before the festival, and sighed at Ember's fruitless pursuit of Spyro. Suddenly, he felt something he'd felt before and cautiously, he uttered the spell to let him see into another's mind.
Again, the pristine structure of Arden's mind materialized. Another window had opened and memories of Arden and Rehne from the time they met to the time she surprised him by transforming in front of him and confessed her true feelings came flooding in. At first, Ignitus smiled seeing something lost return, then, he heard a crack of thunder and looked towards the sealed window. The storm behind it was roaring now even more than before.
As Ignitus contemplated adding another seal to it, another voice spoke up.
"It's been too long Ignitus. Tell me, do you really think to keep the truth from him? His memories are returning at an accelerated pace and soon he will uncover this one as well. Once he discovers this one and that you tried to hide it, he may just become furious with you."
Ignitus froze as he heard the voice and called another book from a secluded shelf to him. As he opened it up, he gasped at what he saw, the name falling from his mouth as if it were poisonous.
"Malefor..."
A deep laugh shook the island and almost immediately a storm began to swell around the island.
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Okay everyone! I hope you all like this one. Shoot, I've been typing at this keyboard for so long my fingers feel like their about to fall off. So...obviously Malefor is back (again), and Arden has finally remembered his connection to Rehne and Rehne reveals her human form. Haha! Still though this is a T for teen book so no heavy romance, merely implied.
Well the Autumn Festival starts soon, Arden no longer has to fear the gallows, Reiner has slunk off (for now). Still though, what's with the dark window in Arden's mind? Well, that will have to wait for another time.
Until next time everybody, as always I ask you to fav, follow, and/or review if you like the story!
Next chapter: Treachery.
