TLoS: UAA 42: Confronting Crazed Conspirators Prt1

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The Hermit, sometimes simply known as 'Hermit', was a strange individual. He was an old, magic-wielding character; underneath his madness he hid a strange, foretelling sort of wisdom.
Three of their company had experienced how chilling Hermit could be, Cynder more than most; to be told one is to be destroyed and rendered as nothing more than a shadowy puppet for treachery in 'betraying' Malefor would leave anyone feeling shaken up, especially when, in Cynder's case, this almost became a reality.

The Hermit later appeared again to Cynder, foretelling that she would suffer another curse; this too became truth, and it almost cost the young dragoness her relationship with Spyro, and her sanity.

Those who knew Cynder were well aware that she would not be looking forward to this third encounter. He had it in for her; this visit wasn't even about Cynder, but he would find a way to hurt her again somehow...

Ddraigtanto was beginning to wish she hadn't brought her with them. All that had been achieved for the younger dragoness was the opening of old, previous healed, wounds, only for salt to be rubbed into them and flare up the old pain all over again. This was not what Ddraig wanted; she was taking many blows for Ddraig's own self-interested goals. Cynder had been fairly vocal about it, but she was completely in her right to be so, Ddraig didn't blame Cynder for her displeasure for a second.

Hermit lived in a different cave further down the river; it was a rough, unaltered hole in the side of a stone cliff, accessible via a few smaller holes below the cave's mouth, effectively one could only climb of fly up into the entrance, leaving it rather safe from most predators, and the elements.

"Cynder, do you want to wait behind while we sort this out?" Ddraig asked her, she felt she at least owed her godchild that. "I know you and this guy have history."
She shook her head. "I'm here now, I don't like it, but let's get this over with. I only came here for you after all." The dragoness informed Ddraig. "I mean it. Anyone else, other than perhaps Spyro, and I would've told them to get lost."
Well, that was good to know. Ddraig found that rather flattering. "Thanks... I'll try to get this done quickly."

The group approached the cave. There was clearly a figure, alive, inside. Captain Sol wasted no time being being a blunt fool. He picked up a rock, and threw it into the cave.
"Hey!" He barked. "Stand to attention, hermit! This is Captain Vitality Sol, Captain of the Avalarian Royal Guard! Your empress demands your presence! Make yourself seen or I'll climb up there and drag you out myself!"
"Sol!" Ddraig hissed. "Unless you're going to cease being a tactless oaf, I suggest you shut up!"
The Captain flinched, his pride taking a blow, but he nodded. "Of course. Forgive me, your majesty."

In any case, Sol's actions had worked. The crusty old cheetahman stood up, clambering down from his cave, staring at the group as he went.
"Ah, I wondered when you would show up..." He spoke, his tone almost creaky, as one might describe a floorboard covered in gravel, pointing at Ddraig. "The Empire builder, the Imperial Monarch... The dragoness who used to be a dragon."
Elwynn wasn't taking this for a second. "You cursed our empress!" He growled, showing an unusual level of hostility. "...You are nothing more than an insane, treacherous madman! Explain yourself!"
The hermit chuckled. "Oh, I will..." He answered. "But not to you, Welshman. If I'm to talk with your empress, I will do so, alone."
"You spoke with us once, and we were together." Spyro protested.
"You young purple fool, you were attached to each other, far more literally than today! And I told you nothing more than your friend is a traitor to both sides, and Malefor would punish her! You pair also stole my property, and you know it!"
Cynder and Spyro looked at each other, they'd stolen a key they needed, and a piece of armour from him, but he deserved it! Right?
"You..." He turned to Sol. "You are a jumped up, spoilt inbred lizard!" He finally turned to Hunter. "...And you lead them here!" He stamped his stick into the ground angrily. "So I will only speak to Ddraigtanto. For it seems I have some explaining to do..."

With that, he turned, gave a look to Ddraig that effectively demanded she follow, and climbed back up into his cave, leaving the group perplexed.
"Well..." Ddraig grumbled. "...Looks like I have no choice."
"Once he's done, give the word and I'll clap that bastard in irons." Sol informed his leige.
"Oh, get in line, Golden Boy." Elwynn snarled.
"You two ladies calm down." Ddraigtanto jabbed at them. "Christ, you're worse than I am, and I'm the one with the curse here. Get a grip, this'll be fine!" With that, Ddraig gingerly followed the Hermit...