It seems that I was unable to finish the events of Dawn of the Dragon before August 5th. This is due to being a DM for a D&D campaign, and playing in two other campaigns as a player character.

However, I still have some chapters that are finished. I just would prefer having a buffer of at least five chapters between the chapter I am posting and the one I am currently writing on. Life is life as it seems.

By the way, judging by the fan reaction to Masters of the Universe Revelation, don't watch it. Kevin Smith, the head person behind the show, said that He-man would have a prominent role in the show, but he DIES in the first episode by being reduced to ash after splitting the Power Sword in half. I'm thinking about implementing the 200x series of He-man into the universe of this story, but that is far down the road.

Chapter 65: The Caverns of Carnage

After several hours, Link exited the caves and landed on a snowy cliff overlooking the fortress and the Well of Souls. Link knew that Cynder had nightmares of the place from Luna, the mountain did look imposing.

"Cynder is in there, needing my help," Link stated, remembering the vision of Cynder bound in chains.

Just then, the familiar sound of dreadwing wings filled the air. Link looked up and saw a squadron of dreadwings land around him. He readied his combat stance, his horn alight in its magical aura and the Master Sword flying from its scabbard to hover at his side, also bathed in his magical aura.

"There is no need for such hostility, purple dragon," one of the ape riders stated as he dismounted his dreadwing. "My companions and I wish to talk." He took the two swords that were on his back and tossed them at Link's feet.

Link raised an eyebrow. "How do you-"

"Your sword gave it away," the ape replied as his platoon followed his example by tossing their weapons to form a pile in front of the alicorn. "The apes have only faced one being with that blade."

Link nodded. "Touche," he stated. "What is the reason of you being out here."

"King Gaul has lost his way," the ape to Link's immediate left stated. "We need a king that looks out for his people, not fantasizes over the monster that usurped the name and body of a dragon."

"Before my daughter was taken before Gaul, she told me that you would come for her," the head ape stated, bowing before the hero. "You nursed her back to health and saved her from Demise's wrath."

"And yet, you're letting Gaul use her as a sacrifice for the Demon King!" he roared.

The apes backed away in fear. "We couldn't stand up to Gaul at that moment," the leader replied. "Most of my companions thought that following our king was the best option until that moment."

Link scowled. "So, what do you want from me?" Link asked.

"Usurp the throne from Gaul," the apes replied.

Link raised an eyebrow. "You seriously want me to be your king?" he asked.

The apes nodded. "And Cynder to be queen," the leader stated.

Sparx chuckled. "At this rate, you're going to become an emperor of some kind, Spyro," he joked.

Link gave the dragonfly a furtive glance. "Don't be so insensitive, Sparx," he retorted and faced the lead ape. "I'll need all the help we can get. Are there other apes around the mountain that wishes that someone else could be king?"

The ape shrugged. "Not that I know of," he replied. "There might be."

Link nodded in understanding as he gestured to the stack of weapons. "Take up your arms," he stated. "We lay siege to the Well of Souls! For the Goddess Hylia!"

"For Her Grace!" the apes chanted as they took up arms and mounted their dreadwings.

With that, Link and the apes took to the air and headed for the front gates. "I have a feeling that this is a bad idea," Sparx muttered.

They landed outside the fortress where Link picked the lock and pushed the doors open and they entered a large courtyard. Almost immediately, they were attacked by apes. Link assumed human form and parried off several of them while his allies assisted with the others. Some of the attackers were taken out, but two of them managed to escape when the doors swung open.

"I have a suspicion we're heading into a trap," the leader of the traitorous apes, the Assassin, stated.

"I agree with you there," Link replied.

After the remaining apes that attacked them, Link and his allies entered a passageway where a large statue was firing a laser onto the ground. Link assumed human form and fired an arrow at the statue. Unlike other arrows, this one had a bomb at the end. Once it made contact with the laser, it exploded, obliterating the statue. This allowed them to move to the next room.

Inside the room, they saw a statue of a dragon looking down at them. Link recognized it as it looked identical to the ones that decorated the Dragon Temple.

Following that chamber, the group passed through a series of rooms into a chamber where apes of all sizes were waiting. This time, the fights were more difficult. Most of Link's ally force of apes fell due to the larger enemies had a special teleporting power that whisked them away before they got badly hurt. Fortunately, Link was able to counter.

Soon, they crossed through several more rooms and they entered a series of caves that overlooked a green waterfall.

"Let's rest here for a bit," the Assassin stated.

Link only nodded and stretched his wings as he assumed dragon form.

The Assassin looked up to the moons. "They are closer than before," he stated.

"I'm not sure we'll reach the Well of Souls before the eclipse," Sparx stated.

"We must," Link replied. "Demise can't be allowed to kill Cynder!"

Just then, a loud screeching yell rang out overhead. They looked up to see a troop of apes jumping towards them, however, the Assassin was able to convince them to join their cause.

Link looked at the Assassin. "Take your soldiers and get out of here," he stated. "Live to fight another day! The mountain will be going down!"

"I can't leave my daughter!" the ape replied.

"I'll be there for her," Link consoled. "Now, go!"

The Assassin nodded and lead his soldiers down to the exit and some dreadwings. Link reverted to human form and fired an explosive arrow at the wall.

Once the dust settled, a passageway opened. Link followed it to the entrance to the chamber where the Well of Souls was.

"Are you sure you don't want to turn back, Sparx?" Link asked.

The dragonfly shrugged. "My best chances of survival are with you," he replied.

Link nodded in understanding as he assumed his equine form and dove into the darkness, ready to slice Gaul to minced meat.