DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING OR ANYONE IN THE SPYRO UNIVERSE. ONLY MY OCS.
Chapter 56: Night of Ancestors
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Neal had gone with Constance as she returned home to prepare herself for the Ancestor's Night Celebration at the castle. Once at the manor, Constance had shown him an empty room and he had taken off the Santa suit and in its place started putting on his military Class A uniform which he had altered to include a ceremonial 'Guardian's Cape'.
Traditionally just a simple cape dyed in the color of the Guardian's element, Neal had instead created a large, heavy trenchcoat that was dark blue in color with a white lining and he wore it draped over his shoulders in similar fashion to some WWI officers. His amulet was on full display around his neck as were his medals on his chest as he turned in the mirror to make sure everything was perfect before heading out.
Just as he stepped out the door, something caught his eye and he stopped. Then, remembering that Constance's older daughter, Shade, was at home instead of the Academy, approached where he had seen her go around the corner.
Just as he rounded the corner though, he froze again, seeing Shade standing there and, much to his shock, was another human, a young man.
The young man had the bearing of a mage but seemed unsure of himself somehow and was just as shocked as he was. He was lanky, sandy haired, with vibrant green eyes and wore mage robes of blue and silver. The young man recognized him however and cleared his throat.
"Lord Neal, it is a pleasure... I mean, well yes, it is a pleasure to meet you but also a shock as I had no idea you were here... sir." Neal nodded and glanced to Shade who was looking somewhat guilty and embarrassed but shrugged it off.
"I'm only here momentarily to change clothes before heading to the castle at the request of Their Majesties. What I'm curious about is who you are exactly and why is Shade with you?" Neal suddenly felt a presence in the shadows and sighed.
"So too would Lady Constance, I assume."
Constance materialized from the shadows with an expression that was both of shock and outrage but with a hint of curiousity.
"The Forger is correct at assuming that. Well, Shade?" Shade froze for a moment, unsure of what to say but then the young man stepped forward.
"Forgive the... uh... intrusion, my Lady but... p-permit me to i-introduce myself. I am Alistair Rhyce, D+ rank (hopefully soon to become C rank) Mage of Blue Waters and student to Balthisere. Uh... as for why I'm here... uh..." This time Shade came forward.
"I met him a week and a half ago when we bumped into each other at the harbor. Not only does he have a genuine interest in dragon magic, he hasn't been reluctant in showing me what human magic is capable of. We've been sort of bouncing skills, spells, and abilities back and forth between us to see what could be useful where and how." Constance relaxed her stance a bit and nodded.
"So the relationship between you two is purely academic? That's fine, so... Alistair, was it? What type of magic do you use?" Alistair coughed but nodded.
"Primarily I study Conjuration but I also know spells from Evocation and even a few healing spells. I'm by no means a full-fledged combat mage, more like a utilitarian or support mage, but that doesn't mean I cannot hold my own in a fight if it comes down to it." Constance nodded understandingly but her gaze was still sharp and cold.
"But your relationship with my daughter; Is. Purely. Academic. Right?" Shade froze and then looked between her Mother and Alistair but then looked to Neal who sighed.
"It's not 'just' academic, is it?" Shade gave a slight nod to which Constance's gaze morphed into a full blown draconic glare momentarily before softening and returning to an 'I'm listening' expression.
"Alistair and I were going to go out tonight and just walk around. It's a first date, nothing serious." Constance was still and silent, eyes locked onto Alistair and then looked to Neal.
"You said the book you found in the library gave proof that relationships between dragons and humans once existed?" Neal nodded.
"More than that, they were sanctioned by the King and Queen of both races at the time. There was even a unit of warriors from both races known as the Dracoknights." Neal then looked to her.
"You're not opposed, are you?" Constance shook her head with a sigh and looked to Shade.
"My daughter is old enough to make her own choices. Besides it would be rather hypocritical of me to say anything when Cynder, Shade's younger sister, is already mated AND that I've been one of the human race's strongest advocates." She paused long enough to lower he head to Alistair and give him a blood-curdling glare. "However, Alistair, mark my words you do anything to hurt my daughter and you will regret it." Alistair nodded and chuckled wryly.
"Believe me, Lady Constance, Shade has already told me about what fates might befall me should I hurt her and I truly want no part of those punishments." He turned to look at Shade and gave her a full smile.
"Besides, how could I possibly hurt anyone who is just so darn cute."
Shade meeped embarrassingly, flushed bright red as her Mother began to smile broadly, and then used her tail to land a solid 'THWACK!' across Alistair's shins. Alistair let it happen with a grimace but then started chuckling which Neal took as meaning that this wasn't the first time Shade had done that to him.
Apparently, Shade's trigger word was 'cute' and Alistair was fond of using it to get a reaction out of her. Neal suddenly had a thought and looked to Constance.
"It may be crazy but, since we, as Guardians, are going to the castle and Spyro and Cynder are supposed to be there, why not let Shade and Alistair come along with us?" Shade looked to him as if he were crazy but Constance smiled deviously.
"Not crazy, brilliant. Besides, on the Ancestor's Night, families are supposed to be together, on the off chance the Ancestors decide to make an appearance." Shade looked to her Mother incredulously.
"I thought that was a myth?!" Constance sighed.
"Normally it is impossible but, I don't know, something tells me there's something special about tonight." Neal nodded and then, with a flip of the coat, he turned and started off. Constance likewise turned and followed.
"Now then, I don't know much about protocol in this world but I do believe that royalty generally frowns on being kept waiting. Although it is acceptable to be 'fashionably late' in some circles."
Wordlessly, still mulling over what her Mother meant, Shade and Alistair followed behind them.
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{:":}
Tremor and Alliea stood before Terrador who had come to the square to find them. Around them were various dragons who had chosen partners from human, cheetah, wolf, and other races. All of them were stoic but also tense. Would the Guardian of Earth, a much vaunted Hero, and a military legend openly condemn their choice of partners? Would he accept them? This was their thoughts as the mighty Earth Guardian stood before them. Then, cracking a small smile, he addressed them.
"No need to be so nervous. I am here simply to inform you that, due to some interesting information found in the ancient archives by Guardians Volteer and Neal Foster, all dragons, noble and commoner alike, who have chosen partners from other species, particularly humans, are invited to the castle and take part in Their Majesties celebration of the Ancestor's Night. The information discovered will be made aware to you tonight and, should all go well, will become public knowledge by tomorrow morning." Tremor cleared his throat and came forward.
"Grandfather, what do you mean by this?" Terrador looked to his grandson and smiled.
"It is unconventional, to be sure, but still it is Their Majesties wishes. As for what the information is about, I'm sorry grandson, but Volteer swore me not to say a word about it. All I have to say is, looking at the both of you. I have to ask if you are happy." Tremor gave a small smile and nodded.
"Yes, sir. I am." Terrador nodded and looked to Alliea.
"He can be a little scatterbrained at times but he has a good heart. A dragon does not give their heart away easily or swiftly. Do your best not to break it." Alliea placed a hand on Tremor's neck and nodded to the elder dragon.
Terrador straightened and then scanned the crowd of dragons again and growled.
"Well, what are you all waiting for? Get to the castle!"
The dragons all nodded and then started off towards the castle. Their partners close beside them.
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:":":
Ignitus stood looking over the books of all the dragons going to the castle and sighed. Whether from exhaustion (unlikely), hunger (also unlikely), or sheer boredom (probable) he didn't know. Still, tonight was one of those nights. The suns and moons were aligned in such a way that the true power of spirit crystals could be awakened.
It was a once-in-a-generation type of alignment. The spirit crystals would become so powerful that they could actually channel the spirits of the ancestors to take their place among their descendants if only for a single night. Already he could see the book belonging to his former student, Ash, and he smiled at the dragon's expression when an image of Helena appeared before him.
Instances such as this were occuring all over Warfang. Still, he felt an ache in his heart and knew instantly what it was.
Of the Guardians, Terrador had been the eldest, then Volteer, and he and Cyril were roughly the same age. Being a Guardian was generally a task that left one without time to even think about starting a family. Cyril was still a bachelor (no female in her right mind wanted to put up with his pompous attitude long enough to get to know him). Volteer and Terrador both had grandchildren, and he... sighed.
Unbidden, a blue bound book floated over to him and opened, revealing a picture.
It was one of a beautiful female ice dragon, a grizzled, though studious fire dragon, and they were both looking over an egg. A purple hued egg.
(Icelia, my love. You would have absolutely adored Spyro... In this, I am both fortunate, and cursed. I got to be their for my son, to train him, teach him, and yet, for everything I did for him, I couldn't tell him that I was his Father... He was the only one capable of defeating Malefor and I couldn't divide his attentions like that... Especially not with the Belt of Fire...)
A cold breeze blew past him and he shuddered, not from the cold but from the feeling of familiarity. Only one dragon in his memories could create a wind like that...
"Yes, you really are horrible, you old firebug." Ignitus went stock still and slowly turned his head to look for the source of the voice. His eyes stopped when the same blue dragoness entered his vision. She was unique, the only daughter of an ice dragon and a wind dragoness whose abilities could infuse a wind with such cold that it turned into a blizzard. The only hint to her lineage was the line of light green scales that ran down her body from neck to torso and tail dividing her body between glacier blue scales on her back and snow white scales on her underbelly.
Ignitus was at a loss for words as she came towards him. His mate. His Icelia. Back beside him for one night only. She nuzzled alongside his neck before looking him in the eyes.
"What say we go meet our son and his mate?"
Ignitus' scales glowed momentarily before changing from teal back to red. Icelia chuckled and nuzzled him again.
"I'd almost forgotten how absolutely gallant you looked love. I suppose our son did take more after you than I." Ignitus shook his head.
"No, if anything he's more like you. Kindhearted, considerate, caring. I trained him to be a hero, a warrior, yet throughout his training I saw more and more of you in him than I did of myself. To be honest, I'm glad he took after you in those respects." Icelia chuckled and placed a paw over his and nodded towards the portal exiting the island.
"Best not keep them waiting." Ignitus scoffed.
"Yes, Cyril would never let me hear the end of it."
They passed through the portal, unaware that behind them, another book had materialized and landed on the pedistal. This book was pitch black in color and appeared as if it had been singed by flames. It opened to the centerfold, revealing a picture of a black dragon, wings enveloping a woman.
The woman was holding a child.
Throughout the library, a woman's voice echoed.
"Tonight's the night. The night where I seek the one who has helped this world become a better place."
Neal's book which Ignitus had been looking over, flipped up in the air and landed on the pedistal beside the black book. The voice sighed as she stroked the black book lovingly.
"My darling, Maybe soon, you will be free of your dispair."
The unseen specter vanished through the portal and into the world beyond.
The black book remained but then shut. The name of the dragon was on the spine.
'Draskill, The General Prince'
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['/*|*\']
The castle was decorated lavishly for the celebration. Fabric streamers and bunting of all colors was hung all along the hallways and in the audience chamber. In the back, King Altonis and Queen Tianis sat watching the gathering with great interest. Among those gathered were several nobles as well as Guards who had distinguished themselves, the Guardians, Spyro and Cynder of course, and also a number of dragons who were arranging large blue spirit crystals into place around the room.
As Neal, Constance, Shade and Alistair entered, Shade and Alistair immeidately went towards Spyro and Cynder while Constance went towards the other Guardians, minus Terrador who was still leading the other dragons to the castle. Neal on the other hand had something to present to the King and Queen and, with help from Skylar who was there brought the item in question up.
On approach, Queen Tianis nodded to Neal and then nudged her mate.
"Guardian, it is a pleasure to see you again. I take it that the bundle there is something for us?" Neal nodded.
"Yes Your Majesties. Lord Ibikiir told me of your interest in human relics and armor from my world so I brought a few rarer examples that, until now, I had been unable to create." Altonis beamed.
"Armor that not even Ibikiir's collection possesses? I am eager to see what you have created."
Several nobles who had also taken interest in Ibikiir's armor collection came forward (once they got a nod from the Queen of course) to see what neal had created.
"Firstly, Your Majesties, I present a set of Mongolian Battle Armor. This armor was used by the elite warriors of the Great Ghengis Khan and his decendants. In their time, roughly the thirteenth century, the Mongols were much vaunted horsemen, soldiers, and archers. They were originally a nomadic people until Ghengis forged them together into a semi-nomadic nation that even rivaled the great Chinese Empire of the day."
There were impressed murmurs from the crowd and Neal bounced off of that to reveal the next armor.
"This however, is the armor used by soldiers who eventually triumphed over the Mongol Hoardes. This is the armor of a Japanese Samurai. These warrior knights answered to a jito who in turn answered to the Shogun in the thirteenth century. When Mongol forces invaded Japan, a great typhoon obliterated the majority of the Mongol force. Those who landed were swiftly routed and driven back into the sea by the Samurai."
"They adhered to a strict code of honor. For instance, it was seen as cowardly and dishonorable to attack a foe from behind. Samurai always faced their foes head-on, no matter the risks or consequences. In later years, with the advent of firearms, the Samurai code of bushido forbade the use of firearms, instead allowing only the use of traditional Japanese longbows."
Neal then motioned to the rest of the commission. Instead of armor, they were uniforms. One was tan in color, another was brilliant blue, and the last was grey. British, French, and German.
"These are uniforms worn by soldiers in the First World War. However, in the year nineteen fourteen, in the month of December, a miracle happened. After months of furious fighting, fighting back and forth across a battle-scarred landscape barely two miles wide, the soldiers on both sides started to sing Christmas carols." Neal looked to the uniforms and smiled.
"Medics rose from their trenches to carry the wounded and the dead from the muddy field, sometimes even carrying back wounded from the enemy back to their own trenches. Enlistedmen and officers rose from their positions to lend their voices to the other side in celebrating that most holy of days. It became known as the Christmas Truce. In all the wars humanity has fought in my world it only happened this one time and never again." Tianis gave a smile and nodded as did Altonis who looked on with wonder at these simple uniforms that obviously meant so much.
"These are indeed splendid gifts, Neal Foster. They shall enjoy a place of honor in the collection you have given us." Neal bowed and moved to step away when suddenly he felt a wingtip on his shoulder. It was Queen Tianis.
"Since you have gifted us such impressive items, it is only fair that we in turn give you something. While Altonis and I were looking through the Royal Collection, we found something that, in my opinion should have never been there." Tianis slid three small boxes forward and opened them.
In the first was a small piece of metal called a gorget engraved with a horizon decal (a half rising sun) and three dolphins.
The second contained a set of scales like the ones merchants use but this one was engraved with a lantern and an open eye.
The last contained something Neal thought strange. It was a sword, or more presicely, the hilt of a sword with only four inches or so of the blade remaining. It looked to have been broken deliberately. The crossguard bore the same emblem as the scales. The grip looked similar to that of a bastard sword (also known as a hand-and-a-half sword), a cross between a longsword and a greatsword. The pommel was a large teardrop shape also engraved with the same crest as the crossguard.
Neal heard the gasps of shock from those gathered near and when he looked to the King and Queen in askance, they nodded.
"These treasures are human relics that those who destroyed the human capital of Aurora presented to our ancestors as gifts of their success. Now that we know the truth of what had transpired, I believe that we should return these items to the race that hold claim over them. Unfortunately, we do not know what they are or what powers they might have." Neal gave a small nod of understanding.
"I thank you for these gifts, Your Majesties. However, as for what they are... I think we might have someone here tonight who can tell us." Neal turned around to look at the crowd and and found who he was looking for.
"Alistair, could you come over here please? Being a mage under Balthisere's tutelage, you should be able to identify items of importance and relics, correct?" Alistair nodded, still curious and he, along with Shade, Constance, Spyro and Cynder came over and gasped in shock at the relics before him and fell to his knees which made Shade look at him curiously.
"These... these are relics from Aurora... Relics of the old gods." He pointed to the gorget.
"That's the Aquerius Gorget, a relic forged by Alkanere for Sentara. Whoever wears this gorget will have almost limitless power and dominion over human water magic. They can swim as fast as a sea dragon, their healing magic is unparalleled, and they can even breathe underwater." Tianis looked to the young mage curiously.
"How do you know this, young mage?" Alistair gave a small smile.
"I'm not just a mage... I'm also a cleric. I had to become one in order to study healing magic. As a result I had to all but memorize countless tomes of the old gods, their relics, and what powers those relics held." Tianis nodded and Neal motioned for him to continue.
"The second relic is called The Scales of Truth, a relic created by Alkanere for Fortuna, the King of the old gods. Whoever holds the scales shall be able to tell truths from lies and shall never be deceived. There is a crest in each cup. One says 'false' the other says 'true'. Depending on what hears, whichever cup drops is the truth of the matter. If the cup marked false drops then they are lying and if the one marked true drops then it's the truth." Neal looked to him curiously.
"How in blazes were these used?" Alistair sighed.
"In ancient times they were used to judge criminals in the high court. However, there is a drawback. If the holder themselves are deceitful the relic burns them. Thus they were just set aside and flopped back and forth depending on what was heard." Neal sighed.
"In other words, thanks to one or several corrupt officials, the Scales could no longer be depended upon to show the truth and without a guiding hand they were next to useless." Alistair nodded and then pointed to the last chest.
"That relic however, I know the story extremely well. That is the hilt of Caladbolg, the Sword of Heroes. Whoever wields that sword is said to be the greatest champion humanity has ever known and is capable of near impossible feats. However, you must first prove your strength by first lifting Caladbolg. It was enchanted to only be drawn by one it deems worthy of being its master." Alistair sighed.
"The last human to wield that sword was Lady Amanda Reisevitter of Cold Harbor. It was said that, not one month after she had given birth to her child, she took up the sword to face those responsible for the Plague. She fought valiantly but was ultimately cut down during the final days of Aurora. However, it was said that her mate and child survived and fled through a portal to Cold Harbor." Neal's breath caught as he heard that as did Volteer's who was nearby.
"It was said it took six dragons to kill her. One dragon was slain, the remaining five were injured to varying degrees and, in a final effort, combined their powers and unleashed a combined fury attack on her. After she fell, those five dragons broke Caladbolg into seven pieces to be kept in their hoards, sending one piece back to the family of the dragon who had fallen against her, and sent the hilt to the Royal Family." Altonis sighed.
"I know the story quite well. My ancestor, King Galleon, was far from pleased with this gift and, in turn for this, stripped the five remaining dragons of their honors, titles, and accolades and exiled them on pain of death." Tianis looked to her mate curiously.
"Why would he do that? That's a punishment given out to those who indirectly harm the Royal Family but cannot be imprisoned or executed due to some form or connection." Altonis sighed.
"The five dragons were members of a unit called the Special Service which answered directly to the Council. As for why they were exiled, King Galleon is listed as having only one son, my ancestor, but in truth he had two. My ancestor was the younger brother. The elder brother, Prince Draskill, was a dragon who fell in love and mated with a human." Tianis froze in shock.
"The same human those dragons killed... The same one who... oh Ancestors..." Volteer immediately pulled the book of the Dracoknights from under his cape and handed it to Altonis who scanned its pages before nodding.
"This book leaves no doubt. The General Amanda and General Draskill in this book are the same two Amanda Reisevitter and Prince Draskill. Hmm... part of me had waited for this night for the chance to speak to Draskill if possible but now I'm not so sure."
"It wouldn't do any good even if he could show up here, Your Majesty."
As that voice resounded, the crystals around the room began to glow a dim blue light. Slowly, forms took shape from the crystals and slowly walked across the floor. The majority of them were dragons, however, in amidst them was a solitary figure, clad in chainmail, a brilliant black cape flowing behind her. The lady came forward and knelt momentarily before standing again.
"It is nice to finally meet Prince Aero's descendants. I am, or rather, I was Countess Amanda Reisevitter of Cold Harbor and the first ever General of the Dracoknights."
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({[*]})
While Neal, Volteer, King Altonis and Queen Tianis were speaking to the human figure, Spyro and Cynder were elsewhere when three figures appeared out of the glow of the crystals. One of them was a large shadow dragon, another was a female ice dragon and the third-
Spyro's eyes went wide as he recognized him. He was also vaguely aware of Constance giving a cry and rushing towards the shadow dragon. Spyro however slowly approached Ignitus.
"Ignitus? What are you-?" Ignitus chuckled.
"Technically, young dragon I did sacrifice myself in the Belt of Fire to give you and Cynder the chance to get to Malefor. It hasn't been that long since I was here last but this time I came with another." Ignitus gestured with a wingtip to the dragoness beside him and Spyro stopped as she looked at him with an expression that, to him, seemed to threaten to disolve into tears at any moment. When Spyro looked back to Ignitus he smiled.
"Spyro, this is Icelia, your Mother... and my mate."
Spyro's jaw dropped.
"My... you're my..." Icelia nodded.
"My darling boy, you have no idea how badly I wanted to see you." She glanced over to where Constance, Shade, and Cynder were around the shadow dragon who had come with them. Ignitus smiled seeing them and then his expression turned somber.
"Constance lost her mate during the raid on the temple. As did I." He then looked to Spyro.
"The last thing your Mother said to me was to get your egg and get to safety. I did the best I could at the time but until that day you stumbled upon my hiding place I had feared I had failed." Spyro looked to Ignitus and frowned.
"Why didn't you tell me that you were my Father?" Ignitus sighed.
"I couldn't take the risk that the knowledge would divide your attentions. If you had known that I was your Father when we were in the Belt of Fire, what would you have done? Hmm? I can tell you. You would have sacrificed yourself to save me."
Icelia smiled and nuzzled Spyro as he stood there.
"In that particular respect you take after your Father very much. It's one of the things I love about him. However, there will be time for that later. For now, tell me about your chosen mate." Icelia lowered herself to a crouched resting position and listened intently as Spyro told her all about his adventures and how he came to save, fight alongside, and eventually love Cynder.
{:}
Nearby, Constance couldn't stop fighting back tears as her lost mate, Eclipse, strode towards them. Shade was in a similar state, being the older sister and remembering her Father vividly. Cynder however just stood there in stunned silence. She had heard passing descriptions of her Father but never before thought she would actually see him.
If a word described Eclipse, it would be regal. He was slightly larger than Constance, his scales the color of polished ebony. His pitch black wings folded to his back like a flowing cape. His horns, talons, back spikes, and tailblade all shown the color of silver. The most distinctive thing about him though: his eyes. They were the deepest shade of emerald green.
Just like hers.
As he approached Constance he embraced her with his wings and rubbed his neck alongside hers for a moment before parting with a kiss. He then turned to Shade and rubbed his nose against hers, a gesture she returned with obvious affection. He then looked to Cynder and smiled as he spoke, his voice deep in timbre but vibrant.
"So this is her, our youngest daughter. She has my eyes but I do believe she inherited your looks Constance, and for that I am grateful." Constance stopped and chuckled while wiping a tear away.
"Oh hush, you. You know by and far you're more handsome than that... Oh how I've missed you so." Constance again embraced her mate who smiled.
"The same with me, my darling. You have no idea how painful it's been simply watching, unable to do anything." He broke the embrace and came to Cynder.
"Cynder, my dear child, you've no idea how happy I am to finally see you." Cynder was silent for a moment but then closed with her Father and embraced him.
"Mom told me what you did. How you fought. I just wish you hadn't-" Tears threatened to come but Eclipse gently brushed them away.
"It is a parent's obligation to protect their children. I would have done the same thing over again if it meant you were safe. Unfortunately, I failed, Gaul still got you. You have suffered so much because of my failure." Cynder shook her head.
"No, you didn't fail. If I hadn't been taken, I might have never met Spyro. He would have never saved me and we... we wouldn't be..." Eclipse took a moment, as if looking for something and then gasped.
"I sense two auras within you. Your's and your mate's... Cynder... you're carrying an egg..."
"WHAT?!"
Constance's shocked cry drew everyone's attention. Shade on the other hand looked to her younger sister in sheer disbelief. Eclipse glanced back to his mate with a wry smile.
"Well what did you think would happen when you leave two mates alone for any length of time?"
Spyro, who had heard both Eclipse and Constance, unsteadily came up to Cynder who smiled to him bashfully.
"I wanted to keep it a surprise until after tonight." Spyro didn't say a word, he came up to Cynder and embraced her, tears falling.
It was at that moment that Terrador finally arrived with the dragons and others in tow. Though his somewhat late arrival earned him a glare from Cyril, he brushed it off with a chuckle and went before Altonis and Tianis and bowed.
"Your Majesties, these are the dragons you wished to see."
Standing in the room, surrounded by dragons of all stations, were no less than fifty dragons, all standing beside either a human, wolf, or cheetah. The specter of Amanda Reisevitter looked on in amazement.
"History repeats itself... I must admit I am stunned." Altonis nodded to her and then looked to the assembled dragons.
"The specter beside me is Amanda Reisevitter. She and a select group of humans and dragons formed a rather unique group in our history. They were the Dracoknights, first sanctioned by my Ancestor, King Galleon. Now that some of you have, apparently, chosen mates from the other species, I formally reinstate the Dracoknights and give my personal blessing to all of you." Amanda came forward to look over the new Dracoknights and smiled.
"This is the oath of the Dragon Knight. All of you, repeat after me: I swear-"
""I swear-""
"To uphold the laws of dragonkind and those of my species-"
""To uphold the laws of dragonkind and those of my species-""
"To protect the innocent and the defenceless-"
""To protect the innocent and the defenceless-""
"To bring justice upon the wicked, and our wrath upon all evil-"
""To bring justice upon the wicked, and our wrath upon all evil-""
"To protect my rider, my mate, with my life-" This was meant for the dragons.
""To protect my rider, my mate, with my life-""
"To protect my dragon, my mate, with mine-" This was meant for the riders.
""To protect my dragon, my mate, with mine-"" Amanda nodded with satisfaction.
"May the Ancestors watch over us whether we be upon the land or in the air."
""May the Ancestors watch over us whether we be upon the land or in the air.""
Altonis looked on with awe as the newest generation of Dracoknights swore that oath. He glanced to Amanda who was also smiling. Altonis then turned back to the dragons and their knights.
"Before arriving here tonight, Guardians Volteer and Neal Foster were going through some of the older archives and found a tome written by General Reisevitter here and her mate Draskill. It goes into full detail or orders, laws, regulations, etcetera, etcetera. What was pointed out however, is that, and this is for those of you who may wish to start a family someday. Dragons and members of other races canbreed true."
There was a collective gasp from the dracoknights and more than a few gave furtive glances to their mates. It was then that Amanda turned to Altonis.
"Now we come to the real reason of my visit. I saw what you gifted Neal Foster and, to be honest I approve having known Archsage Gartome personally. If anything, he is Gartome made over. Anyway, back on topic. Yes, during the battle for Aurora I was killed. However, my mate, Draskill, and our child, Severan, survived as did many other Dracoknights by escaping through a portal leading to my home island of Cold Harbor. There their descendants have waited for the Fog Barrier to fall before deciding to make their way to the mainland." Altonis frowned.
"They don't mean hostilities, I hope?" Amanda shook her head.
"I do not believe so. There is one dragon who could answer that: Draskill. Sadly he is in no position to come here tonight." Tianis looked to her curiously.
"Why is that?" Altonis froze for a moment, eyes widening.
"He's still alive, isn't he?" Amanda nodded.
"He's effectively what you would call an ancient dragon or an elder by this point but yes, he still lives and has been instructing the descendants of the dracoknights ever since he and the others fled there." The room came alive with murmurs of excitement and shock while Amanda then turned to Neal.
"It is good to see a Forger again. I'm glad to see that Lord Gartome's gambit paid off in the end. The book also lists detailed blueprints of equipment the dracoknights will need and, given your extensive knowledge, you may be the best person possible to create their equipment. Now, as for that broken hilt you have, the shards of Caladbolg still reside in the treasure hoardes of the dragons who killed me. The shards are located in the Northern Icelands, the Great Inland Lake, the Western Lavalands, the Dark Forest, Polaris Plains, and the Shadowed Forest. Once you have them, head for the ruins of Aurora." Neal stopped and frowned.
"Why can't I repair it myself?" Amanda smiled and shook her head.
"Caladbolg cannot be 'repaired'. It must be completely reforged anew and the only one capable of doing that resides in the ruins of Aurora."
Needless to say that got Neal's attention.
"There's a human living in the ruins of Aurora?" Amanda smiled and nodded.
"Yes, although using the word 'living' might be stretching things. His name is Calcyus, and he is known as the Undying Smith. Back in my time, he was the leader of the Blacksmith's Guild in Aurora and was a master smith of such skill that even the Forge dragons came on occasion to watch him work. As he neared the apex of his life, he received a vision from Alkanere, the Architect, which showed him the location where Pythagr, the Hammer of Creation was kept. With the hammer, he became an even greater blacksmith and was capable of forging any weapon, even those cursed Astral Blades." Neal listened intently and when she paused, a new voice spoke up. It was Alistair.
"How did he become the Undying Smith?"
"One of the relics kept in Aurora was known as the Holy Draught. A chalice that, once every hundred years, fills with water blessed by Giane, The Mother of Fortuna. Whoever drinks from the draught with good in their hearts become immune to the ravages of time. Calcyus drank from the draught the day the humans discovered the treachery of the old council. He also was given possesion of another relic, the All-Seeing Eye, a relic of Alkanere that allows its wearer to detect any flaws or weaknesses in metals, buildings, basically anything made by mortal hands."
"With these three relics, the Hammer of Creation, the All-Seeing Eye, and with the blessing of the Holy Draught coursing through his veins, he became known as the Undying Smith. It was he who first forged Caladbolg and only he can reforge it. Now renewing the enchantments and blessings on it however is another matter entirely. One I'm not really sure how to go about." Neal nodded understandingly and then glanced to Caladbolg's hilt.
"Either way, it's more information than I had to begin with. Now that everything's coming out into the light, it makes it easier to see the path ahead." Amanda nodded.
"Quite. Heh, you really are Gartome's descendant. I have little doubt that, were he able to be here he would spend the entire night just asking you about the other world." At that moment, Danny came up to Neal, the Book in hand with a smile on his face.
"Neal, apparently at some point we'll need to go to Cold Harbor, right? Well, apparently from what I heard from the last group of troops from Blue Waters, the Guardian took some damage from pirates on the last trip. She's dry docked at Dogram's Port awaiting repairs." Neal frowned.
"Why are you smiling about that? The Guardian was a top of the line ship, you know?" Danny nodded.
"I know, that's why I took the liberty of asking Eve to transcribe a certain blueprint to the Book. It's something that, most likely, we will only be able to Forge together." Neal glanced at the Book, seeing the blueprint inside and his eyes widened.
"W-What the hell is this?!"
({{-]])
Outside on the balcony, Eve watched the gathering inside with mixed emotions. One the one side, she was glad that those who had lost loved ones in the recent war were getting some amount of closure, seeing their loved ones one more time. On the other she was sad because, despite everything, it appeared that none of the Forge dragons she once called family had deigned to show themselves. She resigned herself to simply return to the Book for the night when she suddenly felt a presense behind her.
Turning swiftly, she came muzzle to face with an elderly human in blue robes. He wore a a gold thread lined blue cloak over his robes and had his hood up but from the hood she could see part of a face as well as a voluminous chest-length beard. Looking at the human's hand, she saw three gold rings. One with a ruby, one with an emerald, and the last with a sapphire. She then recognized who this was and smiled.
"I was under the impression that those not related to dragons couldn't utilize the magic of the Ancestor's Night." The figure gave a small chuckle and pulled the hood back, revealing a shock of white-silver hair, bushy eyebrows, vibrant blue eyes, and a somewhat larger than normal nose. His mustache covered his mouth but Eve could tell he was smiling.
"Under normal circumstances that would be true, however, since when have I been anything but involved with dragons, considering everything that I and my descendant went through?" Eve shook her head.
"All these centuries and you haven't lost your sense of humor, Archsage Gartome." Gartome came up beside her and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"You've done a wonderful job looking out for the brothers for me since they were pulled into this world. To be honest, it seems that, despite there being different worlds, the afterlife is strikingly similar. I was able to watch over my son and his descendants while they were on Earth, although the fact that there was no magic there through which I could interect with them tried my patience more than a few times." Gartome looked inside to the brothers as Neal was apparently picking his jaw up off the floor after Danny showed him something.
"Any idea as to what Danny showed Neal?" Eve chuckled.
"Sorry but you know well enough that whatever is transcribed in a Forger's Book is priviledged information. All I can say is that when he asked me to transcribe it he said that Shadra and Malefor will learn the meaning of the phrase, 'Don't Mess With Texas.'" Gartome nodded, intrigued, but didn't press further but instead turned around.
"You know, from what I've seen, that young dragon Neal adopted, Frost? He's quite smitten with you." Eve sighed, her smile vanishing.
"Unfortunately I'm still bound to the Book. I have no physical body." Gartome froze and turned to her in shock.
"Who told you that? Not Melquiar I hope?" Eve shook her head.
"No, it was Elder Anval. He said that since my blood was bound to the tome of not only a furture Forger but also a Mage, the seal was permanent." Gartome shook his head.
"Damnable old dragon. I came up with that spell myself. It was never intended to be permanent. It was meant to be undone the second they learned how to use human magic. The only thing I can think of is that he somehow managed to alter the spell..."
Before Eve could react, Gartome snapped his fingers and almost immediately Neal's Book appeared in his hand. Without preamble, he flipped the Book over and opened the back cover of the tome and snarled angrily.
"That damn wyrm altered the seal! Tell me, what damn reason could he have had for sealing you in this Book for this length of time?" Eve thought for a moment but then sighed.
"It could be that... before you climbed the mountain to bargain with my Father, Anval tried to arrange a mating ceremony for his grandson, Stahlver. The arrogant lizard only saw me as a female of breeding age and a link to my father's bloodline. Well, when it came time for me to meet Stahlver, instead of meekly submitting myself, I used my tail to knock him out and went home. Much to Anval's embarrassment and my Father's humor." Gartome chuckled.
"Now that I think about it, one of the dragons I spoke with did have a certain... disgust about him when I laid out my plan to the others..." Eve nodded.
"In any case, now you know I am bound to the Book and I cannot be free." Gartome shook his head.
"No... He just changed it so that the use of human magic wasn't the key... Hmph, he likely thought a 'mere human' would be unable to use Forge Magic to its fullest extent. The seal can be undone. However, it takes a technique called Legendforge." Eve slumped.
"Of course it would have to be the only technique that my Father couldn't do. A Legendforge is the ultimate technique for Forge Dragons who's magic isn't offensive or defensive in nature but creation. The only tomes that list how to Legendforge are likely still atop the Summit on Forge Mountain."
"It is a Forge technique so powerful, so taxing on strength, that any who used it and weren't prepared for it died. Even the great Forger Hephesto, who actually created the skill, only used it once and that was so tiring for him he slept for a month. It basically means Forging something Legendary. An object that has survived the ages and has immense power. In human terms it would be like creating a sword like Caladbolg from scratch, complete with enchantments, wards, and all other manner of things." Her head drooped down and a tear fell from her eye.
"It is impossible." Gartome shook his head and knelt to look her in the eye.
"If we humans are capable of anything, it is doing the impossible. We do that on an almost daily basis. Hmm... wait... if a Legendforge requires something similar to enchantments and other things like that... maybe... just maybe..." Gartome smiled and summoned Neal's Book again and this time when he opened the back cover, he flipped a page, produced a quill, and started writing.
"Neal and Danny are both going to need to learn a few more things but I believe that a Legendforge is not beyond their power... The Forge part is easy, it's the enchantments that's the problem and those can be generally solved by simply learning enchantment magic. Something that, if I may blow my own horn, we humans are rather skilled at. It will take time but, once Neal reaches Aurora, show him what I wrote here. I'm pretty sure he'll know what it means." Gartome then looked up and smiled.
"Now I must take my leave, young Eve, but I do believe that they may have some words for you." Gartome vanished in the blink of an eye. Eve, curious about what he meant, turned and her jaw dropped in surprise.
There before her, stood her family. Her parents and siblings.
And they were smiling.
