Spyro (classic version)

Chapter Seven: The Tundra

The ice fortress had the look of a giant, overturned white bowl, with many tunnels and holes carved into the edge. Even from a distance, Spyro could see the apes guarding every entrance. It seemed impossible to gain entry with such tight security.

"Geez, she's a bit over-paranoid, isn't she?" said Sparx, also noticing the amount of guards.

"Remember, there's a guardian in there, one of the most powerful dragons," said Spyro, "She's bound to want to keep them under heavy security."

They surveyed the fortress, trying to find an easy path inwards. Spyro soon noticed what looked like an ancient ruin, that was half buried in ice. Behind it was a path further into the Tundra.

"Let's go this way," said Spyro, "It's bound to be less guarded than the rest of the place."

"The key word is less," said Sparx, "There will still be guards."

"I'm sure I can handle them," said Spyro.

"Oh, great, now you're getting cocky," replied Sparx. As they walked through the ruin, the sinister shapes of frozen suits of armour, locked in a pose of battle, met their eyes.

"This place gives me the creeps," said Sparx. They passed the haunting shadows, and were soon in the icy passage beyond the ruin. As Spyro had expected, there were apes patrolling here as well, but not as many as were in the fortress.

"Maybe we can find an easier way in through here," said Spyro. Careful not to make a sound, Spyro slowly advanced along the passage, hiding behind anything he could so as not to be detected. Sparx fluttered just overhead, high enough not to draw attention. Spyro peeked from behind a spike of ice to see two apes talking to each other. He could just about hear them.

"The crystal's been removed, Cynder wants the dragon guarded until she comes back," said the larger of the two, "She says someone may attempt to free 'im, but whoever it is shouldn't be too much of a problem."

"Who exactly are we up against?" asked the smaller ape. The larger one shrugged.

"You know 'er, she never gives any info, does she," said the larger one. Soon, the smaller one saluted and the larger one began to walk back to the fortress.

Sparx buzzed down to Spyro.

"Did you hear them then?" he asked. Spyro nodded.

"What were they talking about, crystal?" asked Spyro.

"That's the least of our worries right now," said Sparx, "Come on, let's get going!"

Onward they crept, managing to sneak past the remaining ape while he was facing the opposite direction.

"Good so far," said Sparx.

"Hey, you!" shouted a voice.

"I had to open my big mouth," said Sparx. They turned to see a squad of ape guards running at them, wielding every kind of weapon they could imagine, including swords, axes and maces.

"Hey, Spyro," said Sparx, "Why don't you try shooting some magic outta your face?!"

Spyro hesitated, but as the apes approached, he realised there was no other option. As before, he bombarded the apes with flames, much larger and brighter than they had been in the swamp.

When the flames cleared away, Spyro saw the remaining apes backing away, but he didn't have much time to feel proud of himself, as an ominous cracking noise began to echo down the passage.

Looking at the walls, they saw, to their horror, that the flames had greatly weakened them. Long, visible splits in the ice were forming, causing the shadows of the war machines behind them to become fragmented and distorted.

"Umm, Spyro..." said Sparx.

"Run, now!" said Spyro.

"Good idea!" said Sparx. They sprinted down the passage. Behind them, the walls cracked open and the frozen soldiers busted out, swinging their weapons wildly, and attacking anyone they could see.

"Great job, man!" said Sparx.

"Now's not the time for sarcasm, Sparx!" said Spyro.

"No, I'm serious," replied Sparx, "You've distracted the apes from us, they're too busy with those other things."

Spyro looked over his shoulder. Sure enough, the apes no longer cared about the intruding dragon, and were entirely engaged with the thousand-year-old soldiers, who were still acting as though in the middle of a war.

All around them, more and more of the orc-like soldiers burst from the walls. The ice cracked and fell away, revealing more old forts and towers. One of the towers appeared directly in front of them.

At the top of the tower was a crackling ball of energy, which seemed to be charging up.

"Sparx, look out!" shouted Spyro, knocking the dragonfly out of the way in time to save him from a bolt of lightning which shot from the top of the tower. Spyro himself, however wasn't so lucky. It hit him and exploded.

"Spyro!" said Sparx, "Are you okay?!"

The explosion seemed to retract and the crackling energy absorbed itself into Spyro, who's eyes were closed tight. A squad of orcs was marching toward them, and as they approached, Spyro's eyes shot open, and he sent another, equally strong bolt of lightning back at them from his mouth.

"Whoa, I guess so," said Sparx.

"Come on," said Spyro, "We need to get going."

They came to the wall of the great ice fortress, and found a small opening, just big enough for Spyro to fit through, at it's base.

"Through here," said Spyro. Sparx went first, and lighted the way for Spyro.

On the other side of the passage, they came out into the main hall of the ice fortress. It was one gigantic room, with no furniture or decoration. Simply just one empty round hall, with spikes of ice on the ceiling and floor, and directly in the centre of the floor, a large yellow dragon with blue wings.

"That must be Volteer!" said Spyro.