Temple Academy Legacy

Chapter 8 – New Troubles Arise

Deep in the woods, several dragons gathered in a clearing. The dragons were a rough looking bunch. Each had scars, cuts, bruises, and scabs. Each had sharp claws, teeth, and tail blades. Some wore iron bracers, helms, and armor pieces. They talked amongst each other. Their language was simple and direct. Pleasantries and manners mattered not. Action and heart mattered.

In the center of the clearing lay loot. Bracers, amulets, necklaces, rings, trinkets, fabrics, meat, crystals, gems, and other items rested in a large mound. It was the items they had stolen over the past 7 months. Some of the items were caked with fresh blood.

Enid looked upon the items, knowing what they had done to get it. She remembered the creatures they killed to have such loot. She knew it was horrid and dishonest. She knew that they would be hunted for such actions – by guards, adventurers, sellswords, and heroes.

We are bandits, the Blood Fangs, she thought. Though killing innocents feels so bad.

"Good haul, boys and girls," a deep voice said. A large and meaty dragon strode to the center of the forest clearing. He was dark blue and had ridged horns. Scars marked his sides from all the fights he had been in. His teeth were sharp and yellow. He looked about at them with a wicked smile. Enid knew this dragon as the leader of the group. It was Zerak the Bold.

"Keep working smart and together," Zerak continued. "And we'll always succeed."

"When's the next steal?" a bandit dragon asked. "I'm itching to go and swipe more crystals. Hehe."

"In a couple days. Let's enjoy our current spoils first."

"Who will be our next target?" another Blood Fang asked.

Zerak sat on his haunches. He brought a paw to his snout and stroked it a couple times. Enid recognized that action. It was a constant habit of his, especially when he was thinking and planning. She had seen it plenty of times. The Blood Fangs looked at Zerak, waiting.

After ten minutes, Zerak looked at the Blood Fangs with a smile. "Anyone hear of a certain school here in the Dragon Realms?"

The Blood Fangs exchanged looks and shook their heads.

"No? I'll enlighten you." Zerak nodded. "There's a school for dragons called Temple Academy. It teaches young dragons to make something of themselves. Something honorable and respectable. If you believe that."

"But sir…isn't that a good thing?" a Blood Fang said.

"No, dungball! You don't need a school to teach you how to find your purpose or place," Zerak continued with a growl. "You have to go out and make it for yourself. Besides, I'm interested in the valuables that school may have."

Enid blinked at that. She had heard that school mentioned whenever they would raid a village, hamlet, or settlement. It was a place of learning for many young dragons.

"I want one dragon to scout out the school," Zerak said. "See what valuables it has, report the findings, and take them once I give the order."

The Blood Fang leader was quiet for several minutes as the bandits talked amongst each other. Then, he raised one forepaw and the group became silent. Zerak looked to Enid and a smile spread across his face again. Enid tilted her head, feeling that he was going to ask her to take on such a task. It was usual and suicidal.

"Enid…you'd be the perfect one for the job," Zerak said. "You're quick, smart, and quiet."

"But…the Guardians, Spryo, and Cynder are there."

Zerak scowled at the names. The large dragon snarled and shook his head. The Blood Fangs growled and shifted. Enid knew they hated the dragons, but she did not. She respected them and didn't want to kill them. From what she had heard, she learned that Spyro and Cynder had saved the world and restored it.

"Do it, Enid." Zerak said. "Scout out the school and learn what you can. Tell them you want to become a student."

Enid blinked at the suggestion. She looked down at her paws. She didn't want to disobey her leader's order and let down the group. They were the only family she had and knew.

"Yes, Enid. Pose as a student, scout the school, and report your findings to us," Zerak said. "Then, when I say so, swipe what you can and return here."

Enid looked up. This is so strange a job. "I…"

Zerak smiled at her. It was a warm and fatherly smile. It was different from the wicked one he had. "Become a student and help us, Enid. We'll support you. Right, Blood Fangs?!"

"Right!"

"See? We'll stand with you. Will you do this job for us?"

Enid looked from Zerak to the other Blood Fangs. The other dragons smiled. They dipped their heads and gave approving looks. She felt unsure about the task. However, going to the school and exploring appealed to her. She turned back to Zerak and nodded.

"I'll do it."

"Excellent! Let us prepare and send you on your way now."