A.2.3 The Return to Warfang
Through the streets of Warfang, over the pot holed, paved roads strode the gryphons guard as they marched alongside the trio of carriages that held the ambassador and her aides. Because of the distance, they were disappointed that the trip had passed with neither incident nor incursion, or at the least, something to relieve the boredom they had accrued. Despite this, they were glad that they could finally rest for. Although they had ridden in the rear carriage throughout the trip, the roads had been rough and unused in the land between the realms.
Ahead, they could see the guardians, waiting in the courtyard of the council chambers, surrounded by the peoples of the three different races in and around the city. As the carriages pulled to a halt, there was a flailing of arms amongst the watchers to get a position with a good view.
As Terrador watched, a young phoenix stepped out of the lead coach, her black feathers rustling as she did so. A single line of red feathers running the length of her wings and the gloves of red colour on her hands and feet gave the earth guardian impression that a small ball of fire had rolled from the convoy and up the stairs towards him.
"My name is Kiera, ambassador for Vithis." "I assume that you are Terrador;"the avian eloquently stated?
The green dragon was surprised by her blunt attitude but quickly regained his composure. "I am. I would like to welcome you to Warfang and hope your stay is enjoyable." He started into the tower and motioned for her to follow, her guards and the other guardians falling in behind them.
"To be honest, any trip to a place where the inhabitants aren't trying to kill me is a welcome change." She said; her demeanor softening as the door closed behind the group. "I have spent so many years negotiating with the foxes, I feel I have to ward myself against arrows and poison at all times, even in my own home."
She sighed to herself as they trudged up the long stair till they reached the hall at the top. "While I am happy for this respite away from the war, you are the one who called for my help. I know what you need from us. It is time I met with Ignitus to discuss what we need from you."
There was a sharp intake of breath from Volteer. Sparx, hovering behind Cyril, muttered to himself "Here's where it all goes downhill."
There was a long, drawn out silence in the hall.
Finally, Terrador spoke. "Ignitus is dead. He was killed making sure young Spyro could reach Malefor."
Now it was the avian turn to look surprised. "You never told us about this before."
"I wonder why?" snarked Sparx as he flew past.
"Well, what about this young Spyro, who you seemed to hold in such high faith?"
"We sent our best trackers out to find him;" Said Terrador, becoming more aggravated by the minute. "And we know that they did find them. However, their return is still an event we await."
"Then you had better hurry them along." yelled Kiera. "For until he is back here alive, there will be no deal between us."
Before he could reply, there was a crash of the doors slamming open behind them. "You know;" said Cirion to the dragons behind him. "That sounds like the standard gryphon bargaining. They shout until someone gets them what they want." He turned to face Kiera. "It's no wonder they're still at war with the foxes."
A look of relief was clearly visible on the faces of the guardians. Volteer moved forwards to congratulate them but halted as the phoenix leapt at the fox, sword springing from its scabbard as it came around full swing. A sharp crack filled the room as it bit in to the ground he had just occupied. There was a scrabbling as the twelve other gryphons scrabbled for their weapons, which ceased when a rumbling growl flowed from Cyril.
At last, Terrador motioned for him to stop "I know you're at war back in your lands;" he said, drawing the avian attention to him once more. "And as long as you wish to remain in one piece in our lands, you will leave it there. We have no wish to be involved in your battles."
"Then why do you harbor 'vermin' like that within your walls?" she snarled in reply.
"We allow him to remain because he just gave us back our best fire dragon. Something, for which, I am most relieved."
"Vithis won't stand for this!"
"Then you are free to go and inform Vithis who, I'm sure, will understand perfectly. At least she thinks before she speaks."
She was just storming out the door when Cynder spoke up. "If I may ask, has this particular fox done anything, in the past, against your peoples, that is worthy of your stance?"
Silence loomed. Slowly, Kiera stepped back into the room. "You know I have no way of knowing that."
"Yet you bring an accusation against him so freely. That tells me he's right. It wouldn't matter if you tried to make peace. The diplomats try to slaughter each other at every chance."
"He is no diplomat!"
"And you have no honour."
Again, silence reigned. Yet, this time, it was paired with a tension stretched so thin; you could have played a symphony with it. "You;" drawled the fire mage, "a creature so obviously of shadow, would dare claim that I am without honour?"
It was here that Volteer finally spoke up. "Her 'shadows' are of no concern to you. She redeemed herself fighting Malefor alongside the one who was least likely to show her mercy. She has shown more honor than I have seen from any but two others."
"If you lot are done shouting;" interrupted Cirion, jumping back into the room; "perhaps you can give us leave to go and rest. It's been a long week."
For the first time that day, Terrador smiled. "Very well, go see Mole-yair. He should be able sort out some beds."
"Now hold on…" started Kiera.
At this, the green giant turned on her all kindness gone from his face. "You hold no authority within these walls;" he growled; "So I suggest you choose your next words very carefully."
She staggered back at the force of his statement. Then, drawing herself up, she turned to face Spyro. "You had better be well worth our time." and with that, she left.
"Now why did sound like a threat to me;" murmured Spyro, casting a questioning look at Terrador?
"I'd be happy to explain that. But first, where has Hunter gotten to?"
