Chapters William Jade
Throughout my life, I have dedicated my time to the creed in which my father has served for so many years. From the moment I found out about the existence of the Assassin's, and what they stand for, I have trained myself to prepare myself for my future. I knew one day my father would have me join the creed for good. It seems that day...has come close. I prepare myself for being bound to the creed...Nothing Is True, Everything is Permitted, and being accepted into the order...We work in the dark, to serve the light...we are Assassins.
The warm humid air surrounded me as I walked through the streets of Canterlot. I was sent here to meet an Assassin to discuss some business about my place in the creed. I had only been accepted just two days before...now, I just need somewhere to go.
I took a seat on a bench, and stared into the crowded street. As I sat, I noticed a fellow Assassin walking towards me, gently pushing his way through the crowd. He took a seat on the bench next to me, and spoke quietly.
"William, is it?"He asked.
"Yes."
"Good to meet you. We've been expecting you for a while now. My name is Holora but, I prefer that you call me Ollie."
"Ollie. It's good to meet you as well."
"Come with me. We've got somewhere to be."
We walked for a good ten minutes before coming upon a tavern by the name of "White Tail Inn". I followed Ollie in, where we lead me upstairs where a small group of Assassin's were sitting, quietly talking and drinking.
"'Ello Gents."One said with thick Trottingham accent. He stood up, and shook hooves with Ollie. "This must be the new fella."He said. "The Name's Rocket."I shook his hoof, before he proceeded to retrieve two more chairs nearby. I sat at the table as they begun their discussion.
"Brothers...please, welcome William here. He was accepted into the creed not to long ago."Ollie spoke. "He's been sent here to discuss his place in the creed. As we're a few hooves short, I propose that he stay with us here in the Canterlot branch."A few of the Assassin's whispered to each other, before nodding to Ollie. "That's settled. William..."He gained my attention. "Welcome to Canterlot. You'll be staying here with us, watching over Canterlot."
"That reminds me sir..."Rocket spoke. "I've received a letter from Mareyaf. It seems we've been asked to keep an eye on a small town down in the valley by the name of Ponyville."
"Really now..."Ollie took a moment to think. "Rocket, you and William travel to Ponyville, and see the situation out. I'll meet you down there soon."Rocket his hoof on his chest, and nodded his head forward.
"At once sir."He said. I did the same, acknowledging his orders. I followed Rocket out of the building, and made our way to the train station.
I stared out the window as the train exited a tunnel as it descended down the mountain. From the view, I could see the small town of Ponyville below us in the valley. The beauty of the sight of the valley, and mountains on the opposite side were interrupted by darkness as the train entered another tunnel. I turned to Rocket, who quietly sat with his hood serving as a blindfold.
"I assume Holora has authority of all of us in Canterlot?"I broke the silence as the train exited the tunnel once more. Rocket picked his head up, and looked at me.
"That's correct. He's the oldest, smartest, most skilled Assassin in Canterlot. Been here longer than any of us have. A while back he said that if anything happens, he leaves me in command...I don't see that happenin'. I couldn't see myself above others, tellin' them what to do, nor could I see anything happening to Ollie that would force him to retire. But, all and all, he's the big guy around here."Rocket explained thoroughly.
"Well, some of us were born and raised to lead, some weren't. Anyhow...I don't know about you, but I'm interested in this Ponyville. I've never heard of it...not in the papers, not on maps."I looked into the distance at the desolate town. It seemed so peaceful...why would they need us there.
"It's actually quite old. A good reason as to why you've never heard of it, might be because of its location. It's surrounded by mountains, and the only way in through the valley is through the Everfree Forest...so the only way in is over the mountains."Rocket explained in a detailed manner yet again. "Enough about history. It's best we discuss our actions for when we arrive."
"What do you propose?"I asked.
"Have a bit of a gander, look for any suspicious activity. Templars are known for being in quiet places, because they can get away with their actions, and keep it up a lot longer."Rocket explained. "But...we'll have to see once we get there."
Author's Note
In case you haven't noticed, I hate having to come up with clever pony names...
Ponyville
The Farmers Market in the center of Ponyville was a sight to be seen by everypony. It felt as if the atmosphere was the definition of life itself. The smells, the sounds, the ponies...you could wander for days and only know half its wonders.
"This is incredible. I've never been anywhere so...alive ."I spoke, as I slowly walked through the farmers market along side Rocket.
"I've always heard small towns and communities are always like this. They say that the spirit of a community such as this, can never be broken."Rocket replied.
"I'll say. It's as if everypony knows everypony. I could never imagine this place in a state of chaos...not by the looks of this."
"Well, we've got the rest of the town to see. I picked up this at the train station."Rocket pulled out a piece of paper with a drawing of a map on it, a map of Ponyville. "So we're in the farmers market right now...I say we head to hear."Rocket pointed at the south side of the map, which was labeled "SugarCube Corner".
"Interesting name...I bet there's a sweet shop there."I said as I looked at a clock tower nearby.
"Well, we best get going. Looks like it may rain soon."Rocket and I stared up into the sky as weather pegasi pushed clouds together.
As we begun to walk towards the exit of the farmers market, I noticed a mare carrying a crate a fruit and vegetables. As she picked up the heavy crate, her body gave way, and she tripped. The fruits and vegetables tumbled out of the crate as a small stallion with a sack suddenly threw as much food as he could into the sack.
"HEY!"The mare yelled, reaching out to grab him, "Stop him."She shouted aloud to anyone willing to help. As if it were instinct, I picked up a ripened orange that had been left behind, and threw it towards the fleeing thief.
*thud*
I could hear the orange make contact with his head as he collapsed the ground. Rocket went to retrieve the stolen belongings as I pulled the mare to her hooves. "Are you okay?"I asked. The mare brushed herself off, and looked at me.
"I'm fine. Thank you..."She said. I looked at her eyes in disbelief. The countryside may be beautiful, but the mares here are indescribable. Her yellow fur shimmered in the remaining sunlight that pierced the clouds as her brown mane flowed freely in the wind.
The hypnotizing image was cut short as Rocket returned with the stolen food. The mare took the sack, and threw it back into the crate.
"Here, let me help."I spoke as I lifted the crate upright.
"Don't take to much time. We've still got work to do."Rocket spoke as I hoisted the crate on to my back.
"I know, it won't take long. Where do you live ma'am?"I turned to the yellow furred mare.
"Just follow me, it's not to far from here."She spoke.
"Don't take to long William, meet me at that clock tower when you're done. In the meantime, I'm gonna have a wander."Rocket explained his actions, and quickly left the farmers market.
"Ready when you are miss..."I spoke, realizing I did not know of the mare's name.
"Meadow...call me Meadow."She spoke softly. I followed her as she begun to make her way out of the farmers market. The the pegasi continued to push the clouds together as the sunlight slowly faded, and a rush of cold air begun flowing through the streets in a gentle breeze.
As we walked, I felt a cold drop of liquid land on my muzzle. Another landed on my ear, then my rear. The next thing you know, rain was showering down from the clouds. Meadow's pace immediately picked up as her mane quickly became drenched. I could instantly tell she disliked the rain. My instincts told me to handle it now or never, I couldn't just leave her to get soaked.
"Here."I called, gaining her attention. I stretched my right wing out fully, and gestured an invitation to her. My size was plenty big enough for her to walk under comfortably. She took up the offer without hesitation, and moved her head under my wing.
"Thank you. You're too kind William, I'll be in your debts."She spoke sincerely.
"There isn't any need for that Meadow. I couldn't bear to see you struggle, especially in this weather."
"Many thanks. My house is just up ahead."Meadow pointed ahead of us towards a small house that could fit two people. I approached the doorstep as Meadow departed from under my wing. She trotted ahead to unlock the door, and led me in. "Here is fine thank you."She said.
I kneeled down, letting the crate fall off of my back, and fall to the floor softly. I looked around, observing the paintings and furniture around the house.
"You have quite a lovely home Meadow."I complimented. I made my way for the door as she smiled. "Sorry to be leaving to quickly. My friend and I have work around here."I explained. "Maybe we could go grab a drink or something sometime?"I asked as an intense burning rose in my cheeks. Meadow stood with my on her doorstep as the rain continued to poor down.
"I would love to. When do you-"*CRASH*
Meadow's voice was suddenly cut off by a deafeningly loud explosion towards the other side of the road. Ponies stopped in their tracks as they looked towards the smoke and fire.
"What the hell?"I said quietly. I watched as a figure begun walking out of the smoke. It begun to take shape, and I realized to my fear that it was a stallion. The stallion made his way out of the smoke...my heart immediately dropped in horror...The stallion was wearing a white hooded robe...Rocket.
"ROCKET!"I shouted from the porch. Rocket looked up at me with fear. He suddenly stood up on two legs as if he were being possessed...and then...he fell to the ground. Three more figures made their way out of the smoke as ponies begun to back away. The three other stallions wore dark grey jackets with trifold hats, as well as a belt around their shoulders, which held many threatening weapons. "No..."I identified them as what I hoped would not be present...Templars.
"What's happening?"Meadow asked in fear. The Templar in the middle of the three nudged Rockets now lifeless body, and spat on it. He looked up, straight into my eyes.
"There!"He shouted as he pointed towards me. "Assassin! Kill him, and the mare!"Meadow gasped as I pulled her front door closed behind us.
"We have to go now! Hold on."I said as I threw her on my back. Her hooves gripped my shoulders as I turned to climb the building. The Templars were only a few yards away by the time I reached the top. I looked to my left, and saw the train station in the distance. "How fast are you?"I asked.
"I won fastest athlete in junior and senior year in high school."Meadow replied as she let go of me.
"Good, cause we're gonna need to run."I took off to the other side of the roof, and saw a bale of hay below me. "Listen carefully, I want you to completely relax as if you're diving into water."I spoke calmly.
"Wait what are you-"I picked her up with ease, and looked at the bale of hay below me.
"Calm, just let faith catch you."I spoke. She gave me a nod, and I gently tossed her out of my hooves. She flipped around, and landed into the bale back first. She immediately jumped out of the bale unharmed, brushing some of the dried grass off her legs. I quickly followed as I heard the sounds of the Templars climbing up the building. I jumped, and landed in the hay.
"Quickly, we must get to the train station."I said as I climbed out. I took off, sprinting back through the farmers market in the matter of seconds. I continuously looked behind me to make sure Meadow was keeping up. In the distance I could see the train station ahead of us. Behind us, the Templars chased us as we reached the platform.
A train was making ready to depart as we neared it. The doors begun closing as I jumped into the car. I looked behind me and saw Meadow leaping for the door as it nearly closed. I forced the door open, and pulled her into the car. The train begun accelerating quickly, and we left the station by the time the Templars had caught up. Meadow took a seat, breathing heavily and deeply.
"I highly apologize Meadow. I couldn't leave you to be killed by those savages."I spoke.
"No need to be sorry...you saved my life. Who were those ponies?"Meadow asked. I gritted my teeth as I tried to decide what to do. Tell her the truth, or reveal my order's secret.
"I'm supposed to keep this a secret...but what I'm about to tell you is extremely classified...promise not to tell anyone?"I asked.
"Cross my heart."She drew a cross over her chest as her ears perked up ready to listen.
"The stallions that killed my friend Rocket were no ordinary men...they were Templars."I said. "A secret organization that fights to establish order and control over their ponies. They've been fighting us for hundreds of years."I explained.
"Us?"Meadow asked.
"Yes...us. I belong to a secret order called the Order of Assassin's...we fight to bring peace and freedom...and the Templars are our greatest enemy."I spent the next half the train ride explaining the orders of Templars and Assassins, explaining their history, and their intended future.
I was again on my way back to Canterlot. The city of Ponyville below now had a dark cloud of smoke slowly rising above it. I sighed, and closed my eyes...knowing what lied ahead.
Out West
Beads of sweat rolled down my forehead as the sweltering heat from the sun bared down on the western frontier. Avahlade and I watched the streets of Apploosa from the patio of the saloon. The young town was clearly in shambles. Buildings were on the brink of collapsing, and townsfolk fled in fear of death from the war, as well as starvation.
As we sat quietly, we noticed a small platoon of soldiers returning from the south. A few of them looked battered, covered in their own blood. The captain, split off, and came towards the saloon.
"Captain."I spoke. "Have any news?"
"The Griffins are moving to flank the city, and surround us. The one you call 'Templar' is over seeing the entire thing, and is the brains behind the operation."We walked into the saloon as he spoke.
"Do you know when they are attacking?"Avahlade asked.
"Not sure, but I know one thing for sure. Seems they've hired a few stallions to work for them, and come here undercover. Which means they have someone on the inside, a spy."The captain explained. "Go around town and see if you can't eavesdrop on a few of the townsfolk."The captain quietly said as he sat the bar. I turned to leave as Avahlade spoke.
"Take the north side of town. I'll see what I can do south."He spoke. I nodded, and walked out of the saloon, heading north towards the orchards.
The north side of town seemed much different than the side I had just left. Buildings were much newer, and ponies were more appropriately dressed. To say it simply, the more wealthy families lived north, away from the Griffin occupied south.
I sat down at a bench, and listened among the townsfolk that roamed the streets. Many different conversations caught my ears at once, a conversation about dinner plans, and one about a party that had apparently occurred last night. As two stallions walked by, they spoke quietly to each other. As they walked by, they stopped, and turned their heads towards me.
I tried to look as natural as possible, keeping my eye contact with the ground beneath me as the autumn leaves swirled in the wind. The two suspicious stallions turned back, and continued walking. I quickly got up from the bench, and slowly followed them.
"Do you think he's one?"One asked.
"Definitely. I've never seen one, but the way that...what was he called, 'Templar'? That's it, the Templar described them as stallions and even mares in white hooded robes."The other replied.
"Ah. He doesn't look to dangerous."
"That's what you think...but keep your guard. The Templar just wants us to bring back any information of the town, who lives where, and what's located there...you know, basic stuff."
"I can't even remember why I agreed."
"Cause the check was fat my friend. I don't know about you but I'm moving north, away from this hot stove I called home."
The two stallions walked into an alley leading back to the high street. One of them split off, and went inside a building next to them while the other stood guard.
"Now's my chance."I spoke quietly to myself. I walked around the corner, immediately catching the guards attention.
"Stop where you-"I cut him off with a hoof to the muzzle, immediately knocking him to the ground.
"Sleep Templar."I spoke quietly. I let go of him, and looked at the door. With a fierce buck, it flew open. I turned around, and leapt into the room.
"What is this?"A stallion with a raspy voice asked as he stood up.
"Where is the Templar?"I asked.
"What's a Templar?"The raspy voiced stallion asked, acting like he had now clue what I was talking about. I stepped toward him and grabbed his neck, pinning him against the wall. "AHG! Get him off me!"He ordered the other two stallions in the room.
I let go of the stallion, and took out my sword as the two stallions lunged toward me. Quickly, I deflected a swing from a sword, and kicked the attacker in the leg. He dropped his sword and held his chest as the wind escaped from his lungs. The other stallion tried to tackle me, but I grabbed him in mid-air and threw him on the other stallion. I took my sword and killed them both, quickly and painlessly.
I turned, and saw the raspy voiced stallion had fled. I took chase as I ran out the building, and scanned the high street. He begun running south deeper into Templar territory. "It's wise not to run Templar."I shouted. I ran, much quicker than he was, and caught up to him in nearly no time at all. With a quick shove, he fell the ground.
As I picked him up, another Assassin approached me from behind, Avahlade. He took the templar by the other hoof, and carried him back into the building.
"Please, don't kill me."The stallion pleaded.
"You're not making this easy...just tell me who hired you, and where they are."I spoke aggressively.
"I don't know you here me!"He exclaimed as he squirmed from his bonds. "I never met this 'Templar' you speak of. I only met some stallion who hired me, he said he'd pay me...I was only trying to help my family."
My ears perked up at the word, 'family'. "I take it you are not a wealthy stallion?"I asked, calming my tone.
"No...I was so desperate."His words sounded honest and weary. I reached into my pocket, and pulled out a small bag of bits.
"Here...I understand how hard it is living how you do, but could you at least tell us where you met this stallion?"
"Yes, he's well known around here, used to be the town barber."
"Take this and be on your way...but I warn you, do not get involved with Templars, they may pay much...but you're no good to your family dead."I spoke.
"They never said anything about this...Thank you sir, forgive my error."He spoke as I untied him. He got up, and quickly ran out the building.
"You're just gonna let him go? What if he goes straight to the Templars?" Avahlade spoke as the stallion disappeared.
"I heard the sorrow in his voice. Desperate times call for desperate measures." I replied. "So the town barber eh, or former town barber at least. I say we go around and ask a few of the locals about the barber."
"Agreed." Avahlade said. "Care to lead the way?"
"Will do." I walked out of the building, and saw the street had cleared. "Curious..." I said aloud. "Come on, let's go."
We walked back through town to where there were more townsfolk walking around. I spotted a well groomed mare picking out some apples, and approached her with Avahlade along side me.
"Excuse me miss." I spoke, catching her attention. She turned and looked at me curiously. "Sorry to bother you, but I couldn't help but notice your mane. Does it need grooming often?" I asked politely.
"Why yes it does." She replied in her thick western accent. "The barber does my mane."
"Well I'd say he's doing a fantastic job. Do you know where I can find him?" I asked next.
"Why the barbershop of course!" She exclaimed. "It's right down the road there, you can't miss it." She pointed down the road, which split into two more roads. "Take the left road." She added.
"Thank you ma'am." I nodded my head, and turned toward the left split in the road. Avahlade followed me. We walked only a few feet before I could see a sign that read "Trim's Barbers." I reached the building, and pushed the door open, causing the door to hit a bell and make an audible ring. I heard a voice from the back speak out toward us.
"Hello!" It said. "I'll be out there in a moment."
"Hoods off." I whispered. We pulled our hoods over our heads, revealing our faces. A blonde maned stallion came through a doorway on the other side of the building, and approached us.
"And what can I do for you fine gentlecolts?" He asked.
"We'd like to ask you a few questions." Avahlade said. The barber didn't reply, he only gave a noticeable nod of acknowledgment.
"First of all, are you the only town barber?" I asked. He nodded, keeping his polite smile on his face.
"Sure am." He added.
"Well we've been told that you hired some stallions for the Templars." I said. The stallion's face turned sour as his eyebrows lowered.
"Ah here we go again. The same bull every week. I tell you guys the same thing." He ranted. "About a month ago I hired a stallion who seemed desperate for a job. After I did I realized he was involved of some sort of gang. I over heard him talking to one of his gang members about killing somepony, and immediately fired him."
"Do you know his name?" Avahlade asked.
"The shrimp went by the name of razor. He never gave me his real name."
"Any details you can remember. Mane color, style, eye color, fur color?" I asked.
"A black, grey and messy mane, a tan-ish coat color, and eyes...I think they were a blue of some sort." The barber explained.
"Thank you very much. Let us know if you need anything for us." I said. I shook the barbers hoof, and pulled my hood over my head. Avahlade did the same as I made my way out the door.
"You remember what he said. Stick together, and we'll look for this stallion he described." I said.
"Way ahead of you..."
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.
