The Apprentice

Chapter 1

The comb is running through your mane. The comb sat on the dresser. The comb is running through your mane. The comb remained still. Comet screwed up his face in concentration as he tried to move the comb on his
dresser with nothing but his innate unicorn magic. Channel the magic through your horn and into the comb. The comb is running through your mane. It’s getting off the table, moving towards your head, and is running
through your mane.

A small glow formed around the comb. Comet gasped in delight, but regretted his outburst as it caused him to lose focus. The comb returned to its dull-boring self.

A tapping came at the door.

“Helloooooooo brotherrrrr!” A white unicorn foal came trotting into the room.

“Hello Snowflake,” said Comet, not taking his eyes off of the comb.

“Still trying to lift that comb?” the filly asked, walking up beside Comet.

“I think I saw a spark before you came in,” he replied, a smile brimming on his face.

“That’s great!” Snowflake used her own magic to effortlessly lift up the comb and began running it through her brother’s cerulean mane. “Brushy brushy!” she giggled.

“Ow! Not so fast, Snow!” The light blue pony winced as his sister pulled several of his hairs out with the comb.

“Oops. Sorry, Commy. I keep forgetting you don't shampoo your hair. You really should do that you know?” Snowflake slowed down the combing process for her brother’s sake.

“Why do you care about how I manage my mane? It makes sense for you since you’re a filly, and fillies love to brush their manes.”

Snowflake set down the comb. “I’m care because I love you, you silly pony. And for the record, not all fillies and mares take care of their mane as much as I do,” she said as she flipped her cyan mane across her white face. “Now come on, it’s time to go to the new school. I hear Princess Celestia herself is going to be there!” She began trotting out of the room, her excitement showing in each step. Then she paused at the doorway and turned her head back to her brother.

“And this time, try to make some friends, okay?” She turned left and disappeared from Comet’s sight. The young foal looked at himself in the mirror. Light blue coat, dark blue mane, and the brightest green eyes that stood out from the rest of his body.

“‘Make some friends,’” he snorted. Then his gaze shifted back to the comb on the table.

The comb is running through your mane.

<<<><><>>>

It took much convincing (and a few threats of punishment) to get Comet to finally come out to the carriage taxi waiting by the front door. Out there waiting for him was Snowflake and his mother, Hailey Winterspell, tapping her forehoof with impatience.

“There you are!” she said with an exasperated tone, “we’re ten minutes late already so hurry!” Comet did as he was told and jumped into the backseat with his sister. Hailey climbed into the front seat of the carriage. Comet’s view of the front window was obstructed by his mother’s white mane, forcing him to look out the left window as the taxi started to move. It would be the last time he would see his house for a long while.

“Aren’t you excited Commy? We get to go to school in Canterlot! We’ll practically be living next to the Princess!” Hailey squealed.

“Yes and you can thank your uncle for convincing the school board for letting you in,” replied Hailey.

“Will Uncle Frost be there, mom?” asked Comet eagerly.

“Well of course, deary, the Princess will be there, so she needs your strong Uncle to protect her.”

Comet sat back with a satisfied smile on his face. He couldn't wait to see his uncle again. Perhaps Frostbite would have a present for him before he began his new life at school.

While Canterlot was only a few miles away, it was hidden behind craggy peaks and a long, winding road. The trip would take at least half an hour if not longer.

Time passed by slowly in the cart as Comet and Snowflake played Pony Cake and I Spy while their mother snoozed in the front.

“Look Commy,” exclaimed Snowflake, leaning out of her window. “I can see the castle from here!” Comet did the same on his side and his jaw dropped. Gleaming minarets of pearl flying banners of various colors peaked out from over the mountain ridge. Waterfalls poured from invisible caves in the mountain face, accenting the already splendid castle town. Despite the wooden scaffolds and the incomplete towers, Canterlot castle was, in Comet’s eyes, the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. And I’m going to school there! he thought to himself.