Knight of Solas

Chapter 3

A cold enigma

Fire Knight closed the door gently behind him, still encased in the royal guard armour and to his surprise the royal guard he took it from was standing purposefully in front of him.

   “Excuse me sir, but are you Fire Knight?” the guard asked uneasily, backing away a little due to the size of the golden armoured stallion that stood before him

   “So you must be the colt who i stole this armour off” He replied with a small cheeky grin, the colt in response looked back at him with disdain and distrust.

“I’m sorry friend, here… take it” he apologised: using his magic to remove the armour; placing it in front of the colt, re-strapping his scabbard to his torso and putting his black cloak overhimself. The royal guard who stood there also did the same, strapping the armour to him, piece by piece before placing the ornate crested helmet proudly upon his head. The colt turned round and explained sternly to Fire Knight

   “This way sir, the royal guard are waiting for you”

He walked with the guard pony into Canterlot gardens and right behind the corner was the revered royal guard, all equipped in their renowned bronze armour along with their daunting long shafted spears, all in formation trying their utmost best to look intimidating, disciplined and un-afraid. Fire Knight looked at them for a few quiet moments; a sight such as this was nothing new to him. After a while of allowing them to collect their thoughts he then finally spoke

   “Who’s lieutenant among all of you!” he spoke aloud. Something at that moment reminded him of his days as a Shadow corps sergeant to his own squad of soldiers, but that was a day long gone. Eventually a pony stepped forward breaking away from his comrades in arms; soldiers making way for their 2nd in command to address himself to the cloaked stallion whose wound was apparent to all. Fire Knight peered down at the lieutenant, he didn’t atoll look like the rest of the royal guard, this was made obviously apparent of course by the fact of his armour variation being unique, allowing guards to distinguish the colt from the rest in Celestias army.

The colt removed his helm and revealed underneath the armour that he was a young colt. His coat was dark blue and as for his mane; also blue baring the fact that across it he had a brilliant yellow lightning streak, which made him stand out from the rest of his brothers in the Royal Guard

“What is your name?”

   “My name is Blue Star, second in command of the royal guard sir!” Blue Star stated in a disciplinary voice to the pony; finishing with a salute

   “As you probably already been made aware, Due to the absence of Shinning Armour, Celestia for the time being has put me in charge of setting up and organising a new more efficient defensive formation around Canterlot, but first lets see what you can do” the royal guard listened attentively, looking at each other slightly confused on what he meant by “see what you can do”

“Show me a defensive stance!” Fire Knight shouted unsettling the guards as they all, including the valiant Blue Star, lifted up their spears and held them out firmly at their onlooker in a threatening way. Fire Knight walked down to have a closer look, their eyes now fixed on the cloaked pony. No doubt, this was the pony that by rumour breached their own defences during the gala, no wonder why he was chosen to make amends to Canterlot’s defences.

He scanned the front line, to see if they were focused and without weakness and there was no question about it, they possessed no such weakness. They stand, all in their defensive stances, all watching inquisitively at the pony, who they call Fire Knight. The guard were rather precautious of him, however there was sense of unpredictability about him that felt as though it had left them off guard. He distances himself from the guard when suddenly! In a moment of absolute confusion He rounds on them, running headlong right for them. “What in the world is he doing, charging at line of spears like that!” Were the guard’s main thoughts as he closed in on them. He was so close to them now and instinctively point their spears at their advancing oppressor. Fire Knight looks to their faces and its clear to him that these guardsmen were flustered by his spontaneous dash to death but nonetheless kept their steel tipped porcupine under control.

Fire Knight stops only inches from the tip of their razor sharp spears and skids around to a safe distance.

“You lot seem to be pretty sturdy to stay in formation under pressure, but the enemy you’ll face will stop for nothing, they will charge at you without any sense of retreat, now defence is what will be what keeps you alive the longest, however defence alone will just drain you of your energy and leave you dangerously vulnerable to getting overrun, So to avoid this you need to attack with efficiency, knowing when to switch between your defensive and offensive stance…I’m sure your all aware that both defending and attacking are tactics which go hoof in hoof but executing them with efficiency, can be a challenge” he explained. It was clear to the guards now that this stallion was definitely not your average pony, yes this Fire Knight was probably some ex-soldier of the griffin wars or some sell sword trying to make some easy money, but still, he had to be pretty damn good to get past them unnoticed. They continued listening to every word he said.

“Now should Canterlot become under attack, you have to be able to set up a line of defense quickly, to avoid the enemy flooding the city, now you will be designated to the tight streets within in Canterlot, while the rest get barricaded by other ponies, this will nullify their numbers and make good use for your spears, but like I said defence will just buy you time, you will need to push your back essentially killing your attackers as you do, but I stress” he then turns sharply at them, a look of great seriousness upon his face

“Your lives are just as important as your orders, don’t be like them and mindlessly give them away jut because some pony asked it of you, guard it, as well as the ponies either side of you…now enough talk show me how the guard makes use of spears, Show me a attack manoeuvre” the guards thrust their spears forward making a war cry that would send a changeling running back home. Their expressions were calm and focused and there was no sign of weakness under their helms, they were strong …but weather they were ranged? Well Fire Knight had ideas for that.

“Good, the lot of you, you all certainly have the potential of being an effective fighting force, but you cant just rely on the length of your spears, you have to be able to pick off targets with ranged capabilities or of high priority, this includes archers, magic users and leaders, so my question is…can you all throw a spear?” he watched them fidget, watching the ponies look to the soldier either side of them. The fact that the royal guard were not really intended to be primed for war and more a ceremonial guard for the Royal sisters Fire Knight knew that if they were attacked by one they could hold against them but against the enemies he’s fought within the past, they wouldn’t stand a chance against such a foe, even he himself found it a formidable task but that was a different story.

When you were in the shadow corps, you were educated by a grizzled war veteran on every type of warfare taught you, this meant sword fighting ranged weapons and hoof to hoof combat for years until being designated to a Shadow corp regiment, with a squad and number. For the rest of those years you would have to fight and survive the gruelling battles against the Drorcha before moving up rank by rank depending if you were still alive of course. Your now probably wandering why such a pony would want to sign up to such an army, well, its because they have nothing to lose, a army of soldiers who fear nothing and deliver death cold to their oppressors. But as time past the Corp. grew corrupt and became infamous for war crimes their own race, Fire Knight however escaped the cruel and corrupt clutches of the corps which was once loyal and noble; the force he once fought for, but now he lived a solitary life in Equestria away from the horrors that was the corps.

He was a knight of Solas, like his farther before him and his teacher Slanthior the scarred, the legendary greatsword wielder of Solastria. All warriors, in service to the creator and to good itself delivering justice, defending the helpless, crushing the enemy with a steel hoof such was the way of his farther, his teacher and the way of a knight of Solas. These royal guards however had families to care about, they had lives which, through his eyes were too precious to lose. He knew deep down that if the time came, there just wouldn’t be enough of them to defend their homeland and kin against the vile horde massing…somewhere in Equestria, all Fire Knight could do was train them, make them as prepared as he could make them to give them hope and raise their morale because sometimes, it was those things that won the day.

Fire Knight walked purposefully down to one of the brave stallions, which stood amongst the many rows of others.

“Pass me your spear for a moment” he said politely, extending a hoof to the royal guard. The young stallion at first seemed rather reluctant to part with his only means of defence but did what was asked of him and passed his weapon to the pony. Fire Knight then began to examine the spear, the guard watched him as he smiled with a faint nod. The guard soon realised he was testing its quality and from the expression he given, the spear he held was a durable and effective one at that. The guards watched him with great interest as he held it with a hoof and turning his vision to behind them; he spoke pointing to behind them

“You see that archers target, behind you…just over there” the royal guards turn around, looking behind them to see an archers target far off, some 40 meters away from their hooves with a 2 meter diameter. All nodding in agreement they stand overseeing the target. Fire Knight taken a few hoof steps back honing his body before charging toward the target, spear held between his teeth. He was gaining speed and using this momentum he stood up on his hind legs and grasped the spear in hoof he had a second to place the shot and threw the spear, using the momentum of both the spear and body to throw the projectile with greater velocity.

The spear went high over the pony’s heads and staring at the airborne threat that was elegantly making its decent to its marked out target. As it fell, they all anticipated its impact; they bickered anxiously as they watched

   “Do you think it’ll hit? Its pretty far off” asked a royal guard standing on the front line

   “Faust knows, the wind will probably blow it off Target” replied his doubtful friend. Lieutenant Blue Star and the colt Fire Knight who stood beside him were blind to the target due to the guards blocking their view. With a flick of their ears they listened closely, they heard a very faint “plonk” and noticed the guards went silent turning around to the colt who thrown it.

   “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Standing on his hind legs he peered over them and to his amusement there it was.

The Spear had hit dead on its target; the guards staring in astonishment. Oh such a magnificent throw it was, one that even Shinning Armour captain of the Royal Guard would find most impressive, for a pony that looked like a vagabond. Fire Knight landed back on all four hooves, walking back to the bold Blue Star

“Now that’s how I throw spears and soon you too will able to throw your own, but sadly I cant stay here for much longer so instead ill let your lieutenant take my place” He explained as all the guards span round amazed, inspired and eager to try: they faced their on lookers

   “Blue Star!” Fire Knight drilled

   “Yes Sir!” Blue Star replied, watching the cloaked colt walk to yet another guard and obtained a spear from them and placed it in his hooves.

He looked confused on what he was meant to do with it, he was a unicorn and he could just fire bolts of magic at his foes, why on Equestria would he need a spear? Let alone throw one?

   “What do you want me to do with this sir?” he asked

   “You see that target about 30 meters where were standing” he explained pointing his hoof. Blue Star reared up to get a good view of his target: Blue Star nodded in response

“Well my friend I want you to throw your spear at that target…if your up for it of course” Blue Star recoiled at such an athletic task, if he had it his way he could of just blasted that damn thing sky high, but he couldn’t didle-dadle in his head for much longer. Guard pony eyes were watching him and didn’t want to let all the ponies watching him down.

Guards shifted aside to make way for their lieutenant, He focused his mind; placing the pear between his teeth and ran. He was using all the energy he could muster, accuracy was definitely his personal strong suit but he couldn’t allow doubt to take hold, he needed to focus and that he did. He reared up going on his hind legs and threw the spear, putting as much force behind the throw. The guards looked above to see the projectile cut through the air as it neared its target. Blue Star immediately landed on his hooves and closed his eyes; he couldn’t bear watching his failure or even more so the humiliating looks on all the guard’s faces. “Plonk” There he stood, awaiting a comical remark by a guard but to his surprise, he was greeted by the sound of gasps from, which was followed by a loud and victorious cheer; he opened his eyes…HE DONE IT! Overjoyed and speechless he arose to see guards from all around run over to praise his amazing throw.

   “By Celestia Blue, you actually done it!” cheered a fellow guard pony

   “You have to teach us how to do that sir, were all eager to try” explained another. Blue Star then felt himself being lifted high by his comrade’s hooves, laughing along with them.

Fire Knight from afar was watching the Lieutenant with a proud smile

   “You done good colt…real good” Fire knight whispered to himself as he started making his way out of the gardens, there was no need of him to stay any longer. Meanwhile Blue Star was placed down and looked around for the colt that had taught him the art of spear throwing, but to his surprise, Fire Knight was leaving them, more mysteriously when he arrived.

He chased hurriedly after him before he could pass further beyond the gardens

   “Sir!” he nearly shouted, but succeeded in stopping him

   “Yes Blue, I’m afraid i can’t stay for long, so keep it brief” Fire Knight replied, hastily turning round to face him

   “What’s happening in Equestria…what’s going on Sir?” Blue Star asked nervously. Fire Knight reflected for a moment as to weather it was right explaining that his world could be in danger as this would most certainly rise tension in Canterlots royal guard, a tension they couldn’t afford to have, especially when he wasn’t sure yet weather the Drorcha’s presence were even in Equestria but still it would probably be best to tell Blue Star. He let out one long sigh

   “Okay, I will, just be sure to keep it to yourself, as it may sound a little…unsettling” Blue Star nodded as Fire Knight inhaled a breath to explain the insidious matter at hoof

“A possible darkness is rising in Equestria; something which hasn’t appeared in this realm for at least a thousand years, going back before even nightmare moon or even Celestia, its my duty and your fellow guards to defend against that darkness, I must go to the crystal empire to warn Cadence and Shinning armour of this” Blue Star shuddered for a moment and this was totally understandable.

Lets face it, being told that a plotting evil force is rising outside the walls of Canterlot and then being told to fight something you have no idea of what or who it is would make anypony shudder at the thought, but as for Fire Knight, he was so use to war from all those so many years ago he became accustomed to it, however did not take pride in that fact. Fire Knight seen it though by his apprehensive behaviour that he was afraid and rightly so, he placed a hoof to his shoulder and to an unsure Blue Star and said

“Listen Blue, fear is something which can take you over if you allow it to, if you have hope and passion in your heart, that you can win, then that fear is nothing, so don’t be afraid, and have faith in not just the ponies around you...but yourself”

   Blue Star nodded, taking in his words of wisdom. Fire Knight then used his magic to obtain a scroll from under his cloak, placing the parchment in his hoof

“Here are the defensive plans for Canterlot; don’t let the enemy get a hold of them” he explained before turning to the exit again. Blue Star turned back to his guards when suddenly he heard from behind

“Oh and another thing Blue Star!” In response he turned his head

“Good luck my friend” Blue Star smiled at the kind statement as he peered back at the strange and secretive stallion walk outside of the Canterlot gardens. He stood there contemplating, looking as though he seen a ghost, but eventually turned back to go over with the plans given to him by Fire Knight.

Fire Knight was now at the train station and to his luck he was still under the cover of night meaning no ponies to worry about on the way. Before going embarking, he looked gloomily back at Canterlot palace, like he had left something precious behind which he had great remorse for; something important but he couldn’t allow himself to pander on things like that now he had a mission, a duty and he was going to complete it. So before getting on the train to departure from the beautiful night lit city of Canterlot he said

“I hope you stay safe up there” and with a few hoof steps climbed onto the train as it slowly escalated along the tacks, to the frozen planes of the crystal empire.

Time had past and the moon had descended and sun arisen. The train followed the tracks, which became increasingly unsteady and it was no doubt by the development of ice on the windows that he was on the outskirts of the crystal empire. The weary, sleeping Fire Knight rested himself upon two of the many comfy seats on the carriage and was slowly coming back into consciousness as the train’s tremors became more violent and common. He awoke facing the window rubbing his eyes of sleep only to be faced with yet another arduous task.

He stared grimly at the icy wasteland that was the out skirts of the Crystal Empire and what a sight it was. Such a foreboding and abominable place, a sea of snow combined with a strong and unrelenting wind that simply by even considering going through it, was a dreading thought. He continued to stare rather inquisitively out at the blizzard that seemed to endlessly follow the train without any sense of retreat.

“Well isn’t that a sight” he chuckled rather coldly; as he watched the elements clash with the train. A moment later he started noticing something about this certain storm, which appeared denser and darker then the others surrounding. He peered anxiously closer, instinctively putting one hoof on his sword; he could see something moving inside the blizzard, a dark misted figure within its centre.

“What is that” a split second later he felt the train quake; as what was a normal train ride was now starting to change far from it. The train started screeching along the tracks causing luggage and other miscellaneous objects, falling off the shelves and hitting both him and the floor.

“Not good” he grunted. A split second after he said the words something solid hit the train causing it to spin off the tracks. He felt a moment of weightlessness inside of his carriage until suddenly…CRASH! Fire Knight fades to black

Moments pass and Knight awakes with a jolt

“Argh*cough*what in the world*cough*” was all that was heard in the carriage he was in, apart from the howling winds from the outside world. He started slowly coming back into awareness, finding him flat on the wall of the carriage, buried in luggage and glass

“*Cough*… what the hell done this” he grunted as he began regaining himself; back up on his hooves and oh how his head felt terrible after that, (like the sensation you get after laying on the couch for too long) giving him the sensation of dizziness.

“Creator sometimes I question how I survive these things” he reflects in his mind; sweeping glass and rubble off himself.

He looked around attentively for any signs of life before looking up above to a window; this was his way out. He went on his hind legs and tapped at the window and found it was fairly thick and sturdy, there was no way he could shatter the window with his bare hooves, so looking to his sword he unsheathed the weapon, griping the blade; his hooves wrapped in his cloak and pommel facing up at the window. “Remember…every part of the longsword is a weapon, the pommel, the hilt and of course the blade, use all of this to your advantage and the longsword will never cease to be a versatile companion for all your situations in war” he reminded himself of what Salanthior the scarred had taught him, he treasured those memories. With the pommel he smashed the window, he had to cover his eyes with a hoof to avoid the glass hitting him.

Jumping and grasping onto the window rim, he heaved himself out of the wreckage and landed on the side of the train. He landed with a thud and looked around at the brooding blizzards and the almost seamless desolate snow-covered landscape, which lay all-round him. His Sword was clutched by the red leather handle in his hooves, treading lightly, as he wandered beside following the rest of the train which was becoming rapidly entombed in snow.

“HEY! IS THERE ANYPONY OUT THERE!” He shouted. He had to make sure he double checked every corner as he ventured on, ever vigilant for signs of danger, his sword firmly ready to meet the blood of his foes “Come on! Show yourself, I know your out there…somewhere”

He began to trot to the front of what was left of the train and peered into the Cabs window and strangely… no pony was there, completely deserted without a trace. He backed away and began to speculate, if there was no pony controlling the train then who was? back when he was on the previous train the driver had departed for the night and presumably all the other drivers, meaning this train wasn’t meant to be used at that time, something was incredibly insidious about that thought

“This train wasn’t meant to be on duty…wait…that can only mean…” he was cut off as at that moment he heard the faint trot of hooves on snow behind him. He then span round, to where the sound was coming from and waited anxiously for whomever it was skulking out there.

A moment later he heard the ever-growing sound of speedy hooves on steal coming from on top of the train itself and suddenly! A figure descended and Fire Knight had to block a figure with holes in its hooves and holding a black serrated blade. It was a changeling, wearing a black, red rimmed hood and dressed in a suit of black chain mail, it was clear now, a changeling assassin was here to kill him but there was no time to dwell on the matter, Fire Knights attacker broke speedily away from the block and started to franticly slash with the gladius like blade at his target.

The sound of steel clashing filled the air around them, sparks flying off their blades, spinning and flailing doing all they could to kill the other but to no avail. Fire Knight blocked each of the blows with his agile longsword, waiting for the right opportunity to strike, the assassins rapid manoeuvres making him tired and more prone to attack, however the changeling was also losing the fuel to fight. He held his weapon far back in the effort to make a cleaving cut down Fire Knight but this left him dangerously open to significant harm.

Fire Knight swung his sword in a deadly arc at the assassin’s legs and cut them clean off, his chitin didn’t stand a chance against Solastrian steal. The changeling howled and screamed in its green ; freezing blood still persistently trying to kill him. Fire Knight looked back at the changeling who crawled towards him his fangs out ready to take a bite out of him but was silenced when the blade was plunged ran through his chest piercing his icy heart. The changeling gave one last breath before finally succumbing to darkness.

Fire Knight pulled the blood stained blade out of its chest, the blood almost instantaneously freezing and the body laid to rest in the cold; harsh winters snow. He swiped his weapon; removing the blood, which still stained the fuller and seethed his weapon back in its scabbard. Looking pitifully back at the dead changeling Fire Knight questioned in his mind what was going on, first Chrysalis and now this changeling

“Who sent you?” he uttered before he looked back to the icy plain before him. It was a dangerous and blinding wasteland out there, one that lead to the Crystal Empire. So landing his hooves upon the snow he marched into the cold and bitter artic of the Crystal Empire.

<<<<<< Back in Canterlot>>>>>>>>>

Chrysalis started coming back into consciousness, rubbing sleep from her tired eyes. She slowly opened them but what greeted her was definitely not her Changeling kingdom; it was a familiar place she recognised. She forced her eyes open, Oh no she thought, she was back at the most loathsome place she could ever imagine ever going back too…Canterlot. She rubbed her forehead, trying to think back to what in Tarturas had just that made her end up here. All she could remember was a stallion’s voice, a mare’s and one other hissy, whispering voice, what happened before and why she was there was completely vague to her. She sat up; looking around she noticed she was in yet another very familiar sight, was this one of Celestias personal suites. She sneakily got out of the bed looking around until she heard a knock at the door; oh no she thought as she rounded to the bed and quickly hid under the covers pretending to be asleep while keeping one eye sneakily open like a cobra awaiting its prey.

Chrysalis squinted her vision at the figure coming in; seeing what looked like a purple pastel coloured pony coming into the room her face covered by a book labelled dark magic. The pony sat upon a comfy looking, red-cushioned chair. She sat there reading sifting through the books for a few more moments before putting it down, Chrysalis in response closed her eyes shut, she had to remain calm, charging in would do nothing but get her locked up in some cell beneath Canterlot and was a place she would never go back to ever again.

   “Why did that pony save you?” said the pony in the room. That voice, she thought for a while thinking back and suddenly she recognised it, after all those years ago, it was that disgusting stubborn little purple pony…Twilight Sparkle. Oh how the rage inside Chrysalis grew, the memories of that oh so abhorrent day fuelled her rage however…she couldn’t allow her own emotions take control, no she had to play along and then get out of this loathsome abode.

She lay there in the bed, plotting her next move when she suddenly noticed a familiar scent on the air, something that smelt awfully good, were they torturing her with starvation she thought but decided to play along, she groaned a little as she sat up pretending she had just awoken

   “Please I’m so hungry” she said in a dramatic tone; putting her right hoof over her forehead

   “Get me some food” she could feel her uneasy emotions emanating from her as she raised the book not wanting to make eye contact with her most bitter enemy

   “Not until you tell me what’s going on” Twilight said, in response Chrysalis raised a brow, not understanding a word of it and instead realised, what if this were all a cover up, maybe even some sort of delusion spell, why would twilight and Celestia let her stay in this suite, it was to good to be actually true

   “Twilight I should have known, come to get me after what I did to your brother?” after saying those words she assumed this would break the illusion, Twilight gave the queen an unimpressed look in response

   “I would have if it weren’t for that white stallion” Twilight replied, feeling reluctant to stay with the changeling queen.

Chrysalis then narrowed her eyes at Twilight, a white stallion? What in Tarturas was that supposed to mean but either way the fact intrigued her

   “Wait…what do you mean a white stallion” Twilight responded by simply giving her the look that she knew, however she didn’t but did take great interest in this mysterious colt, who was he, why was he here and most importantly what happened before she woke up; she had to know some how

“And who is this white stallion?” Chrysalis was now getting annoyed by how Twilight was hiding all the facts from her and besides what was there to hide? The queen awaited an explanation or at least a vague one considering twilights reluctant attitude

   “Celestia didn’t tell me much, his name is called Fire Knight and he’s the reason your not locked away in Canterlot prison” Twilight explained before getting back to her book.

Chrysalis thought about that name, weather she heard it before, but no definitely not and what else did she say, if it weren’t for this so called pony she would have been locked away in Canterlot prison but more importantly, considering it was a pony was very odd, why the hell would a pony stop Celestia and Twilight from her imprisonment, what did he have to gain from all this…it didn’t make sense. She smiled malevolently at the thought of how pointless and unwise this act was and as to the unlucky pony that has done this oh so delicious act of generosity.

   “Awww a pony saving a changelings life sounds like a fool” she smirked as she made the condescending remark, however this just aggravated Twilight, she grimaced at the queen in disgust and got back to reading her book, Chrysalis however wanted more answers from the purple alicorn

   “When will this Fire Knight pony be back?” Chrysalis asked circling a hoof in the air.

Twilight sharply put the book down and looked up at the clock above her, she placed a hoof to her chin; thinking back to how long the journey taken for her and her friends to get to the crystal empire, in a way she missed those days, being a unicorn but now she was an alicorn and on a day like this a unlucky one to have a job such as this

   “Fire Knight, from what Celestia’s told me should be in the Crystal Empire by now, probably making his way through the snow” Twilight explained. What did she say? This Fire Knight was in the crystal empire making his way through the snow leaving her to the mercy of these ponies? What was this? She then fell flat on the bed and stared up at the ceiling, making the most of her time alive she thought and also pandering about what exactly had just happened. All she could remember were those three voices: Celestia’s, A colts and one disturbing hissy voice but she presumed it was just her link to the hive that she was hearing but either way it troubled her.

<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

It had been well over 2 hours that Fire Knight had been walking through the cold and unforgiving tempest that was the snowstorm, which had all of the crystal empire in its grasp under a white veil. Fire Knight walked through the accursed blizzard, which would not cease. As he pressed on through the vile and frigid winds he thought back to when that changeling attacked, it made him wander, who sent it? At first glance the appropriate answer would be Chrysalis being their queen but It couldn’t have been, yes Chrysalis could have used her link to the hive but, she knew not of his location or intentions and killing him would be of little strategic importance, but who else could it be? He made his time in Equestria a very secretive one, making hardly any contact with anypony except only to retrieve imperative things for his home, deep within the everfree forest, who could possibly know of his existence and if so why did they want him dead, it was an allusive thought.

Haooooooooooow! He hastily turned to where he heard the howl; scanning the icy wasteland for any signs of life, it was clear he wasn’t alone. He continued back on his way to the city, treading cautiously with each step he took knowing every moment could be his last. As he trudged through the snow, he felt the ground underneath becoming more ice then snow, his hoof hit a patch and at the sound of cracking beneath, he starting falling into darkness roaring as he descended into an icy chasm.

After a few moments Fire Knights eyes flickered open and found himself beneath a pile of ice and snow, he moved aside the debris; regaining himself. He was confronted by a gargantuan cavern supported by pillars of ice that glistened like crystals and icicles that littering the ground, caused by his so incautious decent into such a wondrous sight of nature. He looked above to see the hole he had made in the roof among was thousands of icicles looming down upon him. He had fallen quite far below the surface of the empire; he would have to find his own way out of this vast cavern.

He put up his hood and turned round to see a steel barrel aimed between his eyes

   “WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!” he was greeted by a red cloaked pony, his hood down revealing his red and purple mane wielding an ancient looking rifle

   “I would like to know the same thing?” Fire Knight replied, no fear in his voice, the pony given him a look of disdain in return at the cloaked figure who stood before him, brooding weather to shoot him or not. Fire Knight looked back at him; the red pony doing the same, Fire Knight let out a cold sigh before placing his hood down to reveal himself to the warrior who stood before him

“My name is Fire Knight, I come from Canterlot to seek an audience with Crystal Empires leaders…a great shadow looms over this world, help me and I will help you” He explained as the pony listened but kept a firm aim on him

   “I don’t believe you” he replied. Fire Knight then heard the trotting of hooves behind the gun-pony

   “Put the gun down Red Thunder, were all friends here!” ordered a colt from behind the pony

An orange coloured colt, encased in silver ceremonial armour, that of a high rank guard, the red pony lowered his weapon turning round to face his companion, greeted him

   “What happened here…you look as if your hiding from something above” Fire Knight questioned the duo looking at both of them with great interest as they started explain themselves

   “My name is Flash Sentry and this is Red Thunder” Fire Knight nodded his head courteously at the two “Red here was also going to the Empire…but then two days after his arrival…something terrible was unleashed onto the city, something dark” he paused as memories of fear started to gnaw at his resolve before continuing with his tale “at first it was just the snow storms, then… those things came, and taken over the city, so me and this pony escaped to the underground crystal caves I learnt about somewhere” Fire Knight speculated, what did he mean by…things, was it more changelings or something much more insidious within the empires crystal walls.

This was most intriguing and need more questions answered

    “Can you describe them?” The royal guard shuddered, the mere thought of them putting deep fear within his heart

   “I didn’t have a good look because we were too busy running away from them…I would have stood my ground but there were just to many… but I do remember them being enrobed by black aura; with red…soul piercing eyes” Flash Sentry ceased, he could not say anymore about them, it was all too much for one pony to take in, a worrying look was etched upon Fire Knights face, the description of this nightmarish foe seeming familiar to him,

   “I understand…but I’m afraid a task lies for me above” he stated with serenity in his voice as he lifted his hood back up ready to depart

   “What? Your not considering of going out there are you?” speculated Flash Sentry

   “That’s suicide” retorted Red Thunder

   “If princess Cadence and Shinning Armour are still within the palace walls, then it is a risk I’m willing to take” Fire Knight replied as he began his journey up an icy pathway towards what seemed to Flash Sentry and Red thunder a death sentence.

They stared in utter disbelief, watching the doom driven traveller walk towards his inevitable death, without hesitation, without fear. In their minds they knew better then to go back to that place but in their good hearts wanted to help this pony complete his righteous cause and help a pony in need, should they help this stranger. Flash looked at his red friend speculating before they both nodded and ran up towards Fire Knight

   “I ask merely for the way out, I need not a body guard” he said from under his breath

   “You wont last long out there and you will need a guide through the city to the palace itself” suggested Flash Sentry, as he was the palaces valiant royal guard.

Flash was right, his knowledge of the empire was limited and would need a guide through both the crystal city and palace itself and would need aid fighting these hellish monsters of the void.

   “So be it; we must hurry if we are to reach them before these dark beings do” and so they set out to help this stranger on his quest to aid the crystal empires prince and princess to help them escape from the vile monsters which now roam the city streets. They make their way, Red Thunder, Flash Sentry and Fire Knight through the dark and icy tunnel network beneath the icy wasteland, of the crystal empire above.

<<<>>>>

Chrysalis was regaining her strength now, feeling her magic and power grow; rejuvenating herself but it was not enough to be a danger to any pony…not yet that is. She sat upright and ran her hoof through her beautiful cyan hair before placing it under her chin. Who was this Fire Knight? What was his purpose? And out of all the mystical creatures of Equestria, why her? She was a queen of the Changelings, a Changeling who has seen enough war, terror and blood shed to last 3 lifetimes over and who has killed her enemies by the hundreds with a heart as cold as ice and with her legendary dark magic residing within her black mangled horn and this pony had saved the most ruthless, most malevolent force in Equestria…Queen Chrysalis, daughter of Cocoon

“When will this Fire Knight pony be back?” Chrysalis she asked

   “I don’t know?” replied Twilight sifting through more books creating an even bigger pile then the one she had before

“Don’t you remember anything?” she questioned, raising a brow at her

   “Only fragments” Chrysalis replied, surprised herself that she knew not of what happened before but yet another thought struck her mind

   “Why should all you ponies care anyway”

   “Because he told us too” a voice explained from the opening door.

As the door slowly opened it revealed the sun goddess herself, it was princess Celestia, Chrysalis blood boiled, feeling her heart pump faster with rage, however she knew better then to challenge the alicorn here and now, especially in the state she was currently in. She suppressed her emotions and laughed evilly at her. The thought of Celestia being ordered by a pony was quite humorous to her for if she was in her position, she would have killed the pony in a heartbeat no doubt

   “Muhahaha did he now” Chrysalis mocked the princess which aggravated Celestia with each cackle she made

   “You should be grateful he saved your life” Celestia said viciously to her old enemy, it would seem after the time they had last met still remained a part her but unlike the changeling which lay in front of her she cared little for vengeance

   “A pony saving a changelings life sounds like a fool” Chrysalis stated and in turn Celestia pandered at what she said and couldn’t help but think she wasn’t half right.

If it weren’t for Fire Knights explanation of who he was and why he was there at the convenient place and time, she would have had her either executed or sent to the Canterlot prisons below, and saving her life, being the evil queen she is, Celestia would consider Fire Knight a traitor to his own kind and along with it a fool but after Fire Knight weaved his tale of being the last knight of Solas and this 7 thousand year old Warrior from beyond this world it was clear to Celestia that he was no fool, whatever the reason, she was in debt to him for saving her life, it was a shame that Chrysalis didn’t think the same way as she did

   “He told me to look after you until he arrives, I can’t see why he would ask this of me, but I promised I would” Explained the alicorn feeling equally more reluctant as twilight did, to even speak to such an abhorrent character, but deep down knew that Fire Knight knew what he was doing; she had faith in that fact.

Celestia moved aside for a small trolley to be pushed to her bedside by one of her servants. Atop a metal tray lay one bowl of noodles and cup of water. Chrysalis turned to the food and felt a surge of hunger start to gnaw at her stomach; she was oh so very hungry. She used her telekinesis to lift the food closer to her and began to eat contently. Celestia bent her head to twilight while still keeping a firm eye on the queen

   “Twilight if anything should happen ill be in my quarters”

   “Ok princess” Twilight replied and so the sun goddess made her way out shutting the door behind her leaving her favourite student with her bitter enemy.

A few minutes past and Chrysalis had finished her food now sitting calmly on her bed

   “Are you better after that stare?” Twilight asked. What a spontaneous question to ask her but still she couldn’t help but take interest at the mater

   “Yes” she replied giving her a speculating look, Chrysalis not understanding what she meant by…stare.

   “But what do you mean stare?” Twilight was now growing tired of her questions and retorted back at her

   “Don’t you remember anything?”

   “No I don’t” Chrysalis replied.

A thought struck Twilights mind and remembered what Celestia explained to her of what Fire Knight actually done to Chrysalis, something that sent chills down her spine as she imagined it in her mind

   “Celestia said he stared into your eyes and burned away some sort of dark magical entity, I’ve been trying to look for a book about it for ages” Explained Twilight, hurriedly wafting through the pages of the ancient looking books

   “Are you sure you don’t remember” Chrysalis shook her head smiling to herself as she did

   “I’m not sure” what in the world just happened and even more this mysterious Fire Knight character. In truth, if what Celestia and twilight say were true, if it weren’t for him she would be dead and her reign and blood line over, but she was a changeling for Equestria sake ponies were their enemies…or was he a pony.

This type of magic sounds to be of ancient origin, an ability possibly going back to the time of her farther and mother, back to when Sombra himself was still learning dark magic, if this was the case it seemed to her he was hiding secrets from the princesses and as for this stare, it sounded far from being purely good.

<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>

In the dark and icy tunnel network beneath the crystal empire, we follow our brave heroes walking through the treacherous tunnels which felt as though the roofs above were about collapse upon them, a grim place to die no doubt which equally made them want to leave such a place. The cave network seemed to go for miles, their hooves starting to ache but yet would not cease walking ever onward. After half an hour had nearly past they found the exit from the crystal caves

   “Were finally out…okay Flash you lead the way me and Red will follow, just remember to stick to the storm” Fire Knight suggested Flash turned to face him

“And what if we are spotted?”

Fire Knight given him a serious look one that made his blood cold

   “Then you run…understood” Flash Sentry given Red Thunder a specula’s look before nodding

   “Okay” they replied

“Okay, lets move” and with fire knights last word they went forth into the cold blizzard that covered the lands.

They pushed themselves through the great and swirling tempest, keeping them at bay from their objective as they continued. Fire Knight squinted his vision and through the blizzard could see a golden gate that had completely frozen over

“DO YOU KNOW HOW THIS ALL HAPPENED?” shouted Fire Knight. Flash Sentry contemplated, he out of everypony should know but, strangely, it seemed to be veiled to him, like it was all a long lost dream, he found him self in a daze and abruptly lifted his head replying

   “NO”

   “THIS MUST BE THE GATE TO THE EMPIRES CITY” Red Thunder stated

   “WHATS THE PLAN?”

Fire Knight turned to flash sentry who replied with a stunned look, before speaking

   “FLASH I WANT YOU LEAD US TO THE CRYSTAL PALACE, WELL USE THE STORM TO OUR ADVANTAGE!” Fire Knight again shouted over the blizzards almighty howls and roars.

“WELL BE LIKE A GHOST IN THIS BLIZARD!” Red and Flash Sentry nodded in agreement Red checking his rifle as it made sure it was off safety, aye it was clear now this pony Red thunder was obviously a Equestrian artisan of some sort, a gun smith no doubt

“OK FLASH; LEAD THE WAY!” he ordered

Fire Knight then went closer to the gate, his cut left by Chrysalis starting to sting due to the freezing temperatures. He then turned his back to the gate and bucked it open causing the ice to shatter and gates to swing violently in the wind. With the young royal guard leading the way for the rest of his band to follow. They walked on a bit further before stopping as they heard a foul howling sound on the dreaded air

   “WHAT IN CELESTIAS NAME WAS THAT?” Flash sentry reacted his ears twitching agitatedly. Fire Knight looked around at his surroundings too with equal wordiness, what’s worse then a hidden monster, that at this very moment, could be stalking them, with blood lusting fangs and icy cold breath

“SIR!” Flash Sentry panicked looking in all directions

   “KEEP CALM… I THINK ITS ICE WOLVES, THEY MIGHT BE SEARCHING FOR ANY STRAGLERS THAT MIGHT HAVE SURVIVED; I JUST HOPE THEY HAVENT CUAGHT OUR SENT YET!” Red and Flash exchanged cautious looks at each other at that statement.

Ice wolves, the predators that roamed the cities farthest outskirts now hunting in their beloved crystal city. A dark threat was looming over it seemed, one that to Fire Knight seemed all too familiar. Still they shoved any negative thoughts aside turning back now would be hopeless. It felt as though death lurked on every corner and the only thing they had against relenting was the hope that they could get out of this…alive (A more just reason then any, no)

The 3 brave ponies went further and through the blizzard could start to see the walls of houses and the remnants of wagons along with their load buried beneath a forever snow. The entire crystal Empire seemed a ghost town, its once prosperous ponies gone leaving only a deserted and eerie world constantly being eroded by the elements. Fire Knight suddenly stopped and looked above, vaguely seeing a tower of some sort, one that could be used to spot the crystal palace and a place of refuge.

“COME ON LETS FIND SOME COVER FROM THIS STORM I THINK I SEE A BIULDING WE CAN USE TO FIND WHERE WE ARE!” Fire Knight pointed out to them but stopped again. He made a gesture with his hoof causing them to stop.

A foul voice is heard whispering on the air uttering words in a strange dialect in rapid secession. They look around franticly, all ducking low trying to remain calm. There it is, a black enrobed creature, purple ethereal mist emanating from its body and its eyes…those pair of blood filled eyes stared back at Fire Knight, it moaned almost in pain or even grief as it slowly floated towards him, a avatar of fear made manifest.

Fire Knight stared back, moving back as it moved closer

   “Its them things” Flash said quietly, his fear staring to get the better of him

   “Stay here” was Fire Knights reply as he unsheathed his sword and stood on his hind legs moving closer to the dark spirit

“What does he think he's doing?” said Red Thunder to flash who immediately retorted

   “Shhhh stay quiet”

Fire Knight stopped and waited for the spirit to come to him. The spirit groaned louder as it revealed a set of serrated teeth, which gnashed ready to take a bite out of its prey. Fire Knight remained sturdy holding the sword held above his shoulders.

   “Any second now” The spirit then roared as it lunged at him, he then swung the sword and watched as the creature fell to the ground, its whispers left silent and its corpse becoming quickly consumed by snow. He sheathed the blade and landed on his hooves, walking back to them.

“Was that really necessary” Flash said

   “These things are neither alive nor dead, they are shadows of ponies left behind, spirits if you will of crystal ponies long ago, but these spirits to have been…desecrated by some pony or even something” Fire Knight spoke out

   “How do you know and if their crystal ponies why are they attacking us?”

   “I can fell their anguish and hatred towards the old king of this place…I forget his name” they continue walking through the snow as they listen to him

“As for their reasons for why they’re attacking us? I cant really say” They were now at the tall building Fire Knight was on about “Here it is…let me go in first ill make sure the coast is clear then you come in after me!” Fire Knight spoke loudly

   “GOT IT!” they replied watching the stallion slowly open the door and walk inside.

The natural lighting from outside dimly lighting the room he entered, the windows surrounding were cracked and cob webs littered the place growing in abundance as the darkness grew. Was there anyplace left unscathed, apparently not by the looks of everything. However He seen a spiral stair case, still intact and in reasonable condition, which must have lead to the ramparts of this tower.

   “Its clear, you can come in now, just watch your step, there’s cobwebs everywhere” he said turning back to the door watching Flash sentry and Red thunder walk in to find themselves in the bottom floor of the tower

“Right…lets get to the top of this thing; Red, watch our backs we go up, alert us the moment you spot something” Fire Knight told them. They both nodded, they had to admit, they felt safer in numbers then by themselves, but still had a sickening uneasiness as they made their way step by step up the damp, dark tower, it was definitely not a place for the faint of heart.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>

Chrysalis lay there confused, annoyed and hungry for love, yes it was true she had just eaten a few minutes ago but food could only sustain her, she needed love, being the only thing that could keep her alive. It nourished her, made her strong and without it? She was powerless, left with two of her most hated enemies she’s ever encountered. Oh if only she had her case of love elixirs which were back in her kingdom.

They were an alternative to feeding off love and emotions made by the most skilled changeling alchemists in the kingdom, how they made it was rumoured to be made by victims captured by the hive and drained of all emotion; condensing it into a literal elixir of emotion. Being the queen, she could afford such expensive anomalies; she could last without it she assumed.

Chrysalis so Bored of this pointless waiting and as much as she hated Twilights mere voice, she needed to find more answers to this enigma

   “What’s that you’re reading?” she questioned, in an attempt to the truth out of her

   “I already told you I’m trying to look for a book which might explain about this dark entity Celestia told me about” Twilight retorted, frustrated by being constantly distracted by one of her worst enemies, Chrysalis didn’t need to even tap into her emotions to know that she bared a hatred which after all these years still remained alarmingly strong, but mind you she was a killer, a murderer even, she wasn’t surprised that she did

“Is there anything I can read or are you afraid I might wreck your precious books?” she said mockingly which just annoyed twilight even further.

Twilight, who currently was keeping the peace in the room, followed the queens wishes, using her magic to levitate a book from her messy pile if books over to her lap

   “There you go” Chrysalis swished her back to take a closer look at book cover. It read “Ancient Equestria” and by the looks of it, the book in itself looked ancient, its cover feeling rough and dirty. Still left out a troubled sigh. She was starting to contemplate again about this Fire Knight, she just couldn’t get the ridiculous thought out of her head of that one foolish pony who saved probably one of the most wanted, infamous despots in all Equestria.

Thoughts raced through her evil mind, plotting what she could do when she was out of enemy’s sight, the possibilities, the strategic advantages she could get from all this, even use this pony to help her and it was perfect…well for the most part. Chrysalis no doubt had gained much experience from her time in war and she was not only a queen but also a feared leader in a vast army. Her training too also paid off, considering she too was taught in the art of magic but this type of magic was unheard off, even Celestia didn’t know and if Celestia, twilight and no other pony knew what the hell this magic was, made her think deeper.

Fire Knight…Fire Knight, she repeated in her head as she pandered. “Okay his name is Fire Knight, well obviously he must be a knight of some kind as if that weren’t obvious enough and as for Fire…well I guess he’s a colt who has an affinity with fire…but what an absurd name, what type of pony calls their son Fire Knight, peh…though it does sound like royalty, but as for this dark magical stare now that’s interesting, he must have a connection with the darker side of magic to have used such a skill, hmmm, very interesting” it intrigued her still, that this Fire Knight, this stranger would help her so. She then opened the book and started sifting through the pages until she found something worthwhile to read. She landed on a page about ancient orders gone by and so began to read, who knows the answers could be in this book…or most likely not.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

The towers spiral staircase was sickening them with the fear of what might be above; with each hoof step they looked vigilantly around being wary not to trip.

   “Were nearly there, just a few more steps” he told them. Flash Sentry looked ahead and could see the light from outside again and what happy sight it was when they all got to the top of the forsaken place. The top floor was made entirely of steel and a windshield, which from the cold was starting to crack over time.

Fire Knights eyes then fell upon a metallic contraption

“Oh…well that’s convenient” a telescope attached to a tripod, what luck. They had a roof over their heads and had a means of observing the area around them

“Flash…you think you can use that thing to find a safe way to the palace?” Flash Sentry nodded and hastily went over to the contraption.

“Red keep that rifle of yours loaded and watch those stairs, if one of those dark spirits is moving down there don’t hesitate to shoot” Red thunder nodded and walked over to the landing, loading his rifle with fresh rounds and aimed it down the stair case.

Fire Knight walked over back to Flash Sentry who was peering through the eyepiece.

   “Hey I think I see the crystal palace from here but wait a second” he paused lowering the telescope to ground below. There was a horde of at least a dozen, stalking in the shadows.

“There’s groups of those things, everywhere down there, covering the only way into the crystal palace” Flash then came away to let Fire Knight have a look

   “Yeah I see them, but that cant be the only way into the palace”

He swivels the telescope in a hope to find another entrance.

Fire Knight reviewed the landscape in his mind

“Okay, flash said the only way into the palace is through the front door, damn it…think, there must be another way…wait a second… the balcony! If Flash Sentry and Red Thunder fly over to the balcony they can save the, no, no… the blizzard, they wont be able to fly through it, its too strong...hmmm” he contemplated even further

“That door is the only way and that horde down there is pretty big…out of all the palaces this one really is a pain to breach”

“Okay…looks like simply walking through the front door is out, but then again…” he sighs as he swivels the telescope down to the underside of the palace where the dark spirits roam

   “What? You see another way?” said Flash Sentry

   “Yeah…but its not gonna be pretty” Fire Knight turns to them with a doubtful look

“One of us will have to go up to that horde and lure them out of there while the rest of us storm inside, it’s the only way” he explained. Flash Sentry immediately raised a hoof; this job was fitting for a royal guard like himself

   “I will” Flash said, boldly stepping forward his spear in hoof ready to take the steps necessary. Fire Knight nodded, as did Red as they turned to the stair well and began their journey back down the tower.

After they reached the exit and back out into the city streets they walked head long, perilously through the storm. The winds here seemed colder then the ones they had recently went to and as they walked further on its ferocity grew and the cries and moans of the dark spirits along with it; a foreboding place indeed however something about this place reminded him of another place, but that memory was vague to him now, his mind only held captive by the hate for the Drorcha and the pursuit of peace on this so wearisome journey.

They then stopped and ducked their heads, the palace doors was in sight but that troublesome horde surrounded the resting place of the crystal heart

   “There it is, okay, you got the plan right?” Fire Knight asked

   “Got it” He replied confidently as he began to walk further towards the horde. Flash looked behind him, his breathing quiet and his mind focused as he closed in on the dark spiritual beings

“Okay Flash, time to draw their attention” his mind spoke and thus reared up and…

“(Whistle) HEY! YOU GUYS! THIS IS ONE PONY YOU AINT GONNA GET!” He roared at the top of his lungs before the dark spirits moaned with much more ferocity and ill intent. Flash felt his ears drop, waiting for his doom to come to him. The ethereal beasts turned around to face their foe with blood red eyes glowing bright; their ailing moans thirsting for souls of the ponies who dare dwell here, sensing the life that, through their eyes, shone brightly within him. They all lunged to take their prize moving to the shaking Flash Sentry

“Time to go” was Flash’s last words and ran for dear life as they started to chase him.

Meanwhile Fire Knight heard the quite humorous battle cry from his position close to the palace.

   “Well that colt knows how to pick a fight” said red thunder turning to Fire who replied with an amused smile

   “We better get to that door, quick before they come back!” he stated as they galloped through the storm and to the crystal hearts pedestal. But wait a second, the crystal heart, where was it? Red Thunder was already at the door trying to break it open when he noticed Fire Knights anxious look.

   “No, no this can’t be, the crystal heart, its gone!”

“Ahem…if you don’t mind lets focus on opening this damn door” interrupted Red. Fire walked to the door and began bucking at the door.

   “Okay on three!” suggested Fire Knight through gritted teeth.

“One...Two... Three….” and before they were about buck the door right open

   “OPEN IT ALLREADY!!!” screamed Flash Sentry as ran headlong into the door. The sheer force of all their hits smashed the door wide open and they ran quickly inside.

“OW, damn that hurt, where am I…OH SWEET CELESTIA!”

The monsters were only a hoof throw away but before they could catch him a red hoof grabbed him

   “GET IN ALLREADY!” shouted Red Thunder pulling him through the door and slamming it shut. SLAM! They heard the monsters hit against the door the impact nearly breaking the lock of this sturdy door.

Fire Knight placed the steel bar down on the door so they couldn’t get through.

“Remind me never to do anything like that ever again, because sweet Celestia if it weren’t for that damn blizzard I would of flew sky high!” uttered Flash Sentry. The two ponies looked back at him and watched Red snicker a little Fire Knight exposing a small grin. Flash was unimpressed

“What’s so funny?” Red couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing

   “Colt…HA that distraction is one for the record books...Haha! Oh and that scream how can any pony ever forget that!” The royal guard eyed at the red pony, before eventually laughing at himself, Red was right, he galloped at least 5 blocks before running towards the place doors, screaming like a maniac through the streets of the crystal empire, he wouldn’t hear the end of it but thanks to his little act of so called heroism, they were inside the palaces great crystal walls, standing atop a thick, glistening, crystal stair case.

The difficult task was done, now the hunt for Shinning Armour and Princess Cadence…was on.