Welcome back to The Violet Riddle. Last time, after a brief flight and a strange discussion on the prominence of sending babies down rivers in world folklore since it actually happened to Spyro, our heroes learned the Altar of Shadow is in the Catacombs. After prepping for the tight space, Langdon joined the group on the way down. So, what awaits them down in the darkness? Read on to discover...
(Our scene resumes deep in the caverns, heading towards the Catacombs. Our heroes are making their way by Cynder's guidance.)
Langdon: Wait, does anyone know why Cynder's leading us?
Spyro: Cynder's got the best night vision of any of us.
Cynder: Having the Shadow element helps with that. Now keep with me. This place is a real maze.
(As all of this happens, we take a look through Langdon's eyes, probably since that's all we can see of him in the darkness. But it's clear that his claustrophobia is starting to kick in. The lack of light in this scenario is forcing him to stay close to the wall. And the sound of the water flowing towards Twilight Falls certainly isn't helping him. The memory of that incident in his childhood is growing stronger, and he's having trouble fighting it off.)
Langdon: (Between attempts at a deep breath) I need to hold off for a moment...
Flame: Getting tired already, Professor?
Langdon: No... I just need to hold off for a few moments.
Ember: What's up with him?
Cynder: Professor, are you claustrophobic?
Langdon: How'd you know?
Cynder: Your need to take a few deep breaths before coming in here told me you had a fear response to a cavern like this. Either claustrophobia or a fear of the dark was suggested. The latter seemed ridiculous, so I went with claustrophobia.
Langdon: Well your assumption was spot on. And the river isn't helping.
Spyro: What happened?
Langdon: I don't usually talk about it.
Cynder: You can tell us anything, Professor.
Langdon: I fell into an old well when I was 7. Nobody found me until the next day. I was treading water all night...
(At this point, Langdon appears to start having a panic attack, so Cynder throws a wing over him and starts to sing something in an unclear tongue but definitely set to the tune of "This Broken Soul". But as the words flow over his ears, Langdon is remarkably calmed. And though it's not seen, everyone else in the room is calmed as well. As she finishes, Cynder closes her eyes and let's out a relieved sigh, clearly the song worked on her too, and looks to Langdon with an almost maternal look)
Cynder: Better?
Langdon: (Surprised that that actually worked.) Yeah. How did you do that? What did you just do?
Spyro: It's an old traditional song. I still don't know the name, but Ignitus knew it by heart.
Cynder: It has a seemingly universal calming effect. I know when I used to have episodes of PTSD, Ignitus would do to me what I just did to you. I guess I remembered the lyrics.
Langdon: Whoa...
Cynder: Don't worry though, we're near the entrance to the Catacombs anyhow.
Spyro: Let's keep moving. If you're ready, Professor.
Langdon: (Sighs) Yeah. We can't stop for long.
(And with that, the group moves out, heading for the end of the tunnel, marked with a light as our tale ends for today.)
And that looks like a good spot to end for today. Now to be honest, I don't know if Langdon has ever explained that claustrophobia inducing incident in his childhood to anyone. I really did that as an exposition dump for those who haven't read the books yet. And as to the song. I have no idea what this sounds like, but I know it hits the tune of "This Broken Soul". Mostly because that song is featured prominently in one of my all time favorite Spyro fan works: "Legend of Spyro: A New Dawn". It's actually supposed to be a musical. And "This Broken Soul" is the first song used in it. I figured it fits Cynder, since she was the one who sang it in the aforementioned story. Cynder probably sang it to herself a lot after Ignitus died, and now she's using it to calm Professor Langdon. So, what awaits our heroes in the Catacombs ahead? Tune in next time to find out! Same time... same channel!