Dododex

ARK: Survival Evolved & Ascended Companion

Ascendant

- HGA ttg The Nazgûl

Book 1: Convergence

Chapter 4

“Spark! Didn’t expect to see you here right about now. I heard the council needed you.” Spark was about to say something, but Cole held up his hand. “Someone saw you headed up there with Eddie, mentioned it to someone, and next thing you know, someone is announcing down here at the tavern. You know word travels fast around here. So what is it you need from me?”

“Well, I’ve got some bad news. Apparently there has been a sudden emergence of people in the wyvern trench. The council suspects that they will attack. I myself am a little confused by the whole situation, but I must respect their wishes. After all, why not prepare? Even if a war doesn’t begin, we can at least do something different than normal life.”

“What does this have to do with me?” Cole asked. Spark was puzzled as to why he would ask. He expected Cole to be eager to fight.

“They asked me to lead the army. I can’t do it by myself. I need you to help. You can lead part of the army, and I can lead the other part. I figured—,” At this Spark paused. Cole had a strange look in his eyes. “Cole, is something wrong?” Cole took a deep breath before he spoke.

“Spark, I haven’t been in a war, at least I don’t think I have,” Spark seemed confused by this comment, but a Cole continued speaking. “But I have heard about them. They are not some adventure. They bring destruction, death, and sorrow. It be wiser for you to avoid it at all costs. Hide out for a little while. Come back when it’s all over.”

“Cole, I can’t just leave these people to die. As far as we know there’s no way off this island, and if there is, the next spot of land can’t be for miles. These people may die anyways, but if I can save some or at least give them hope by leading them, I will. You don’t have to help, and I won’t make you. That’s for you to decide.” Spark began to walk away.

“Spark, wait.” Cole got up and walked over to Spark. He put a hand on his shoulder. “Look, this war is going to bend and break you in ways that you didn’t know were possible. I think you are a great man, and if you are willing to possibly give up your life for these people, then I am willing to do the same for you. One condition though: I want to bring on one more guy.”

“Deal. Have anyone in particular in mind?” Spark asked. Cole looked at him and smiled.

“Follow me.”

Cole lead Spark down the path. Although the tavern was nearly at the bottom, it was not quite the bottom of the path. Spark followed Cole as the looped around one of the pillars of rock that held the cliff up. As they reached the very bottom of the path where it merged into the beach, Cole turned toward the houses. He stopped at the second to last one. It looked identical to all the others, except for the big yellowish orange “C” painted on the door. “Alright, now before we go in, I need to warn you.” Cole started. “I know you are great at making friends with people, but Caleb can be a little, what’s the word, eccentric? I don’t know. Basically what I’m trying to say is he tends to get really excited about what he does. He’s sort of a nerd, but not really.” Cole paused, as if he was going to say more, but gently shook his head, deciding it was unnecessary. He stepped up to the door and gave it a hard knock.

“What exactly does he do?” Spark asked. Before Cole could say anything, a guy who looked like he must have been seventeen. He had rusty hair, glasses, and a jumble of papers in his hand.

“Hi! I’m Caleb! Inventor, gardener, explorer, —,”

“Yes, Caleb, we know.” Cole interrupted. “This is Spark, a good friend of mine. We are here to talk business.”

“Oh. Of course! Right this way!.” Caleb motioned for them to come inside. Once they were in, he closed the door.