The Father

A Brief Return

I walked up the stairs to the second story of the tavern where the rest of the Assassin's sat drinking, and discussing quietly to themselves. Holora looked up as I approached them with a nervous look...yet he knew the news I had come to bring was bad. Meadow stood beside me, and remained quiet as Holora begun to speak.

"What has happened? Why are you not in Ponyville, where has Rocket gone? And who is this?"He asked so many questions at once, demanding an answer.

"Templars..."Was all I could say. "Everywhere. They chased us out of town...Rocket died in an explosion."

"Rocket's dead?"Holoras' eyes widened.

"I'm afraid so. We split up while I came across this mare, her name is Meadow...I helped her with a little chore...but things quickly got out of hoof. They ambushed me, immediately putting both of us in danger. I saw Rocket fall with my own eyes...and we ran..."

"Welcome back...and thank you for bringing us this information William. I'll be sure to notify the grandmaster in Mareyaf about this new evidence."I nodded my head, and turned to go downstairs. Meadow followed me.

"Do you have a place to sleep here in Canterlot?"I asked her as we walked down the stairs.

"I have family nearby. I'll stay with them until I can get a few of my belongings from Ponyville...besides, I've always wanted to live in Canterlot."Meadow spoke softly as we reached the bottom of the staircase. I took a seat at the bar, and ordered a drink. Meadow sat next to me, and looked at me with glistening eyes.

As our eyes met, I could feel the burn so called love ignite within me. My heart picked up pace, as I felt my heart fall for her...in such a time of grief...a time where we should be acknowledging my deceased brother...I was falling in love with this mare I met in Ponyville just hours before.

Two weeks later

Holora sat at the table, reading a letter that had arrived from Mareyaf while smoking a pipe. The quietness of the empty tavern below was soon interrupted by hooves galloping up the stairs. I turned my head, and saw an Assassin who breathed heavily as he approached the table with an envelope.

"I...I come...Excuse me."He spoke as he took a moment to catch his breath.

"Well go on, what is it?"Holora asked, gently holding his pipe in his hoof.

"I was sent here from a small town down in the desert by the name of Apploosa. The griffons and ponies still wage war around that area, but I believe we have located one of the Griffon generals, who is also one of the Templar leaders. My mentor told me to come straight to Canterlot."He explained.

"Apploosa. That towns seen so much violence in such short time...it's still quite a new city is it not?"Holora asked as he got up from the table, and took the letter. He read it quickly and looked up.

"Thank you brother. We'll send a couple back with you to asses the situation. While you are here, make sure to spread the word to any Assassin's you come across. Ponyville is under Templar control."Holora gave the Assassin a small pouch of bits, and sat back down. "Will."He spoke, gaining my attention.

"Mentor."I replied.

"Go back with our brother here, and help patch things up. They'll explain what to do once you get there."

"Yes Mentor."I replied, and turned for the stairs. The assassin that delivered the letter was already on his way out of the tavern by the time I reached the bottom of the stairs. I quickly caught up with him, and spoke quietly as we made our way to the train station.

"I'm coming along with you. Do you have a name brother?"I asked the stallion.

"My brothers call me Avahlade. What are you called?"He replied.

"Just call me Will."I said as we passed a familiar building. "Hold one moment please, I must make a quick stop."I turned and approached the doorstep of the red brick house. I softly knocked on the door, and awaited for an answer. A moment later, I heard somepony on the other side twisting the doorknob, and the door slowly opened. There in the doorway stood Meadow, eyes shimmering as always.

"Hello Meadow."I gave her a hug as she replied.

"Hello Will."

"I just wanted to make a quick stop before I leave. I've been sent to go with Avahlade here to Apploosa. I'll be back soon, I promise."I explained.

"Be careful Will. Promise me you'll come back in one piece."

"I promise. I'll see you in a couple of weeks."I said as I turned away, and made my way towards the street again. I waved as Meadow slowly closed the door behind me.