The Travelling Argument

Valhalla had woken up to hearing his name. He saw that Swift Blade had returned and was talking with Sky Runner. He walked up to her confused. "How is it that you would have known my name?" he asked. "You were not present as I came to tend poor Sky Runner here."

"Call me very observant," answered Swift.

Valhalla chuckled quietly. "Yes, I have heard how you assassins can be with your observations. And to be quite honest, I am not impressed."

Swift rolled her eyes. "I know that Evening Flash is starting to doubt the intentions of both the world and the master which she serves. I know that Sky Runner, if unhindered, will be a great flyer, perhaps one of the best you will ever see. I know that Willow Leaf believes herself inferior to her brethren and that your departure from your tribe was not unwelcome. Shall I go on?"

Valhalla shook his head. "Evening Flash's master is a fool, a tawdry pastry craving mentor. She is right to doubt. Sky Runner will not be able to fly again, actually. If you had analyzed the damage closer you'd see there is some nasty twisting and many cuts from some form of enchanted blade. Even if they were to be healed completely, she would not be the best flier I've ever seen. I've been a traveler for a long time, I tend to learn a thing or two about infamous artifact collectors. She was never a very good flier even before her injuries. Willow Leaf is a tender pegasus, but her integrity surpasses even the most brave of ponies, even if she doesn't realize it. There are those in the followers of the Two Sisters who would never have set foot outside of the cities. But you are correct about my tribe. They followed me out, shouting and throwing their stones. But their actions were understandable, and so were mine. It was time to leave."

"This does not prove my observations incorrect, only providing background behind them. And Sky Runner's wings are why I called for you. As I told her, my experience is small compared to a pony doctor's, let alone a zebra's. Perhaps you could look at them, find a way for them to be healed," suggested Swift.

"I was not going for disproving your observations, simply adding my own observations and insight," said Valhalla plainly. "And I have looked, and from what I've seen it would take me weeks to acquire the items needed for an appropriate treatment. Even so, the magical damage done is irreversible. The only item I've heard of that might be able to heal it is another enchanted sword, but the one I'm thinking of is by no means accessible."

Swift shrugged. "You have not seen either of us traverse a dungeon. Sky Runner, in spite of her impaired wings, was able to steal the crown jewels from under the muzzles of the finest guards in this world, and could do so from the top of the princess' heads. And I have not met a fortification that I can not get to the other side of with both pairs of hooves tied together."

"Yes, but this one is special. It is not something you can obtain for long before the owner teleports it away. We would have to kidnap one of the top ranking Royal Guards, alive, and he won't go down without a fight," explained Valhalla. "Sky may have done all those things, but she still makes mistakes, otherwise her wing wouldn't be in such ill repair."

"Then I'd say it's a good thing Evening's with us, is it not? The teleportation I am not yet sure of, but it is more possible than you think."

"But what can I bring to the table?" asked Evening. "I just hit things. Hard. Until they stop trying to hit me back."

"Simple, just make sure he's unconscious, not dead," answered Swift.

Evening thought for a moment. "Hmm... what's one more foalhood memory crushed? I'll help!"

"Uh huh. So, were you trained to fight unicorns that know how to fly?" asked Valhalla.

"I was not trained. I practiced," answered Swift.

"Either way, there is by no means a simple way to capture him. Perhaps we might be able to speak with him though, he is a reasonable unicorn, for a Royal Guard. We could convince him to help us."

"Vally and I ran into him once before. He may be a bit edgy of a Royal Guard, but he will at least talk," added Maboo.

"Just don't let him see Sky Runner. Those two have a grudge match that would tear apart a small settlement," said Swift.

"Most guards never notice criminals like Sky. A little hood, maybe some makeup, he'd never know the difference."

"If Sky's description is any indication, Sword's agenda goes beyond mere criminal vs guard. Sky Runner has been evading him for years, and the Lieutenant has an anger streak regarding her to match. Simple disguises will only draw attention, as many are drawn to things that seem strange."

Maboo shrugged. "Who knows? The Royal Guard never caught me, and I was always wearing a simple disguise."

"You never got caught? Really?" asked Swift with disbelief.

"Okay... maybe once or twice. And it looks like Sky is stealing your dairy."

"What?"