An Earth Pony Orphan In The Unicorn Courtby BenmanChaptersChapter 2Chapter 1Chapter 3Chapter 2“Sounds like everything went well enough while we were out,” Diamond Edge was saying. Rushlights in iron holders illuminated his craggy gray face and the stump of his horn, amputated before Bastion’s birth. The window, barely more than an arrowslit, let in little sunlight. “Triumph did a good job of playing seneschal. Jasper wanted the baron to settle some sort of dispute when he got back, I didn’t catch the details. They were gonna meet with Sheen tomorrow.” “They should be meeting me.” Bastion frowned, or started to. The movement pulled at the stitches in her face. She forced her cheeks to keep still. Diamond shrugged. “Sheen said you’re too wounded for that.” “You know what that will look like.” Bastion shifted in her bed. It wasn’t where she wanted to be, but at least Comfort hadn’t tried to stick her in his infirmary. “Ponies are watching to see who will rule.” It was hard to believe her brother was dead. For two decades, Bounty had been the baron of Tintagelding and the guiding star of Bastion’s life. There was no time for any of that now. “She’s maneuvering for the regency. And you just let her get away with that?” “Can I be blunt?” “Always. You know you’ve earned that.” “Stand up,” Diamond said. “Get out of bed. Go for a walk.” Bastion was more than strong enough, she was sure. She’d been down and out for two days on the road, then semiconscious for two more after their safe return. By now she was, if not recovered, then at least fit enough to attend court. Beneath the bandage that covered her eye and half her muzzle, Bastion’s face was fire, but that was only pain. Still… “Sure,” she said. “You get to explain it to my husband.” Diamond Edge snorted. “No thanks.” “Well, then,” said Bastion. “Well, then,” echoed Diamond. “Petty maneuvering or no, Mirror Sheen has a point. You can’t hold court in your bedchamber.” She shouldn’t hold court at all. That had been Bounty’s role. “Thank you, Diamond. You may go.” “One other thing. About that dirt pony your husband picked up.” Bastion suppressed a groan. She was tired, and all this talking was pulling on the stitches. Whatever this was, it didn’t sound urgent. “Can it wait?” “As you say.” He gave a perfunctory bow and backed out of the room. Bastion sighed and settled back against her cushions. After weeks on the road, it was good to be in a real bed, under a real roof. She pulled the peryton-down duvet tight about herself. Bounty had given it to her when she returned from quelling Sir Prancelot’s rebellion. Had she ever thanked him for it? She drifted in and out of consciousness, wandering between sharp memories and vague plans, chasing her thoughts in circles. It wasn’t until the door opened again that she snapped back to lucidity. Comfort Glow marched to the bedside, summoning his magic even before he stopped moving. Bastion sat up straighter. Since the manticores, this was the first time she had been fully awake in his presence. His magic pulled the bandage off her face, gently but inexorably. She hissed in pain. “How bad is it?” said Comfort. “Not so bad. Hurts.” “Less than it did?” “About the same.” Comfort took a rushlight in his mouth and held the smoldering reed close to the wound. Bastion stayed still while he made his examination. Finally he spat out the light. “It’s healing slower than I’d hoped.” His horn glowed, picking jars of herbs and his favorite pestle from the shelves surrounding them. “No sign of infection, though, and that’s the important thing.” “How long until I recover?” Comfort looked up at her and blinked. “Recover?” “Until I can see again. How bad is the eye?” He set down his implements and pulled himself atop their bed, draping a foreleg around her. “My love. Your eye is gone. The flesh will close again, but that’s all. I’m sorry.” “It’s gone.” She carefully brushed the tip of a hoof against the socket. A short, sharp shock of pain. “I guess I got off easy, compared to the rest.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “It should’ve been me, not him.” “Don’t,” said Comfort. “Don’t do this.” “Why not? He was the elder! Serving him is… that’s why I was born! He took me along to protect him. I failed.” “He took you along to defend the innocent,” said Comfort. “You saved the life of a child.” “That earth pony.” Bastion leaped on the new topic. “Diamond wanted to talk about him.” “He would, wouldn’t he?” Comfort didn’t leave her side, but his horn glowed and the poultice resumed assembling itself. “You know how Diamond Edge feels about rules. He doesn’t like how I’ve put an earth pony in the infirmary.” “You did what?” “It’s a stupid tradition! Bounty would’ve done the same in a heartbeat.” “Maybe.” It was the sort of sentimental thing he did. Had done. “But he was the baron. It was his right. I’m just…” What was she, with Bounty gone? “You’ll be the regent, now. You can do the right thing.” “The regent.” That was something she could do. A way to stay loyal to her brother, even now. “My job will be to keep Tintagelding stable until Beauty Blue finds her mark. Not to go overturning edicts.” Comfort’s expression hardened. “The kid’s hurt and alone. I’m not going to stick him in some drafty serf’s cottage where I can’t care for him.” “Then don’t. There are other places in the keep. But find somewhere else.” “If you say so.” He laid the finished poultice against her face. She clenched her teeth, but did not cry out. Busybright moved fast, trying to keep up with the grown-ups. Beauty Blue was next to him, but she never even looked at him. She’d been like that ever since Mom got hurt. “It will be hard here without the baron,” old Battlement was saying. “Very hard indeed.” His horn glowed yellow as he magicked open the big door to the Noon Tower. He held it open for Mirror Sheen and the children before he went in. “Rumor has it that Discord’s hordes are on the move. We need your strong horn here, now more than ever.” Mirror Sheen went first up the tower’s spiral stairs. “What’s this about Discord?” “Ah,” said Battlement. “Wild tales from travelers and merchants. Nothing reliable. Yet even still, even still…” “Even still what?” said Mirror Sheen. “Rumors, only rumors. All from the Earth Pony Republic. There are sightings of hydras and chimeras. Skirmishes with timberwolves. Some even say Queen Mandible is testing the border, with all her swarm beside her. I am a practical pony and I put no faith in such talk, but in these times, who can say?” “Is any of this close to us?” “No, thank the stars. But there have been refugees from the Republic.” “I know,” said Mirror Sheen, and she got a funny look on her face. Busybright didn’t like it at all. They reached the top of the stairs, the tower’s fourth floor, and stepped into the corridor. His room was here, and everyone else’s, too. “Okay, children, I’ll see you soon. We need to talk to Bastion.” Mirror Sheen turned right, towards Mom and Dad’s chamber, with Battlement close behind. Beauty Blue instantly turned left, straight for her own room. Busybright started to follow her, but the way she stared at him stopped him in his tracks. After a moment, he went down the corridor straight ahead. The big door at the end went to the room he shared with Bonfire. He made it halfway to his door before he heard the sound. It was coming from the Doll Room, through the crumbly wood door on his left. He liked the Doll Room, but Mom got angry if he went in. He went in. Stuffed ponies filled the bedroom, as ever. There was the dancer with her cape and the duchess with her tin lance and the wizard with his one button eye. There were lots of dolls everywhere. It was a moment before Busybright noticed the pony in the bed. It was the strange colt from the wain, but now he was awake. One foreleg held a toy knight with plush armor while the other wiped at his eyes. “Go away.” His voice was faint and hoarse. Busybright moved closer. The bed was too high for him to easily climb on top. He reared up and reached, stretching his forelegs towards the colt. His shoulders just cleared the top of the mattress. “Up!” he said. “Help me up!” The colt scowled. He reached out a hoof and pressed it against Busybright's breast. After a moment of hesitation, he shoved. Busybright tumbled backwards. He hit the carpet in a tangle of flailing legs. His rump stung, but he was more surprised than hurt. Busybright sorted himself out and climbed back to his hooves. A high-pitched whine forced its way from his throat. That set off the colt. “I said go away!” He clamped his muzzle on the stuffed knight and whipped his neck, flinging the doll at Busybright. It glanced harmlessly off his withers. Busybright's cry grew to an all-out shriek. He fled. Comfort Glow made his way down the length of the Grand Hall, eyeing the empty dais where Bounty no longer stood. Banners drooped from the ceiling’s crossbeams, displaying the cornucopia that had been the baron’s mark. The Grand Hall was mostly empty tonight, with only half a dozen ponies clustered at the base of the wooden dais. Diamond Edge, Triumph, and Battlement all wore coats sewn with metal scales, but carried no weapons in this place. Harvest Moon and Legacy were clad in jewels and bright cloth. At their head, Mirror Sheen wore only a black shawl. “—see that they’re sent away,” she was saying. “If word gets out that we let them in, there’s no telling how many will follow.” Comfort frowned. “You’re talking about that band of refugees the patrol found?” “Yes,” said Triumph, stepping aside to make room for him. She was a young knight, built like an ox, with a stub where a bandit’s spurs had shortened her left ear. “Eight of them, all earth ponies. Their camp is a quarter day’s march from here, and we’ve got two guards keeping watch on them.” Comfort nodded gratefully, as though he hadn’t already known the details. “Bastion had some thoughts on that. She sent me to speak in her place.” His wife had been hoping to force a confrontation with Mirror Sheen, but Comfort Glow just wanted to help as many of the foreigners as he could justify. “Indeed?” said Battlement. “And what did my niece bid you say?” “She wants to find out whether any of these refugees knows a trade. We’re to welcome any who do, along with their families.” Mirror Sheen shook her head. “This is no time to add to our burdens. Winter isn’t far off, and our granaries aren’t as full as I’d like.” “Skilled labor is too rare and too valuable to pass up,” said Comfort Glow. “We’ve all talked about how we need another carpenter, and we’ve been without an herbalist since Weeping Willow died. One of these ponies could be the answer to our prayers.” “Too true,” said Battlement, “too true. But let us remember that these are earth ponies. I would sooner not see such as them practicing a trade in Tintagelding. Certain of the serfs might get… ideas.” “That was not Bastion’s judgment,” Comfort said carefully. “But it is my judgment,” said Mirror Sheen. “I’m grateful for your counsel, but taking in refugees would be too dangerous.” Her tone brooked no argument. “With respect,” he said, “that’s not your decision.” That tone never worked on him when Bastion tried it, either. “Oh?” Mirror Sheen arched one eyebrow. “Beauty Blue is Bounty’s child and heir, and I am her mother. Who better to serve as regent until she finds her mark?” “You’re her mother,” said Comfort Glow, “but your parents weren’t noble. I’m afraid you can’t hold the barony.” “Your own lineage is no more noble,” Battlement said instantly. “It’s unimportant.” Comfort Glow frowned. Battlement wasn’t such a quick thinker. Mirror Sheen must have anticipated the challenge and coached him. “I claim no authority,” Comfort Glow said. “I’m here as a messenger from my wife. She was Bounty’s only sibling, and she’s the only adult with any claim to the regency. Even leaving that aside, she’s still the captain of guards.” Diamond Edge cleared his throat. “As fascinating as this is, we don’t need to settle a succession crisis here. We just need to figure out what to do with these dirt ponies. For all we know, they could be a bunch of farmers who none of us want.” “Right,” said Triumph. “I’ll head over tomorrow and talk to them.” “Good,” said Diamond Edge. “If they’re farmers, send them on their way. Gently, if you can, but take enough ponies to get it done. If they’re worth our time, report back so this lot can finish bickering.” Comfort Glow stayed quiet. He, at least, would’ve liked to take them in regardless, but saying so would help no one. “You put him where?” said Bastion. “Bauble’s old room.” Comfort Glow kept his voice calm. “It’s close, and it’s not the infirmary. Everyone wins.” Bastion glared. Even bedridden, she made an imposing show that would have intimidated anyone else. “You gave our daughter’s room to an earth pony.” “It’s been almost a year,” he said gently. “It’s time we used that space to care for living ponies.” “Maybe. But not that pony. Find space in the servants’ quarters or some such.” Comfort shook his head. “Everything he ever knew is gone. He needs stability. I’ve already uprooted him once, and I’m not about to do it again.” “Fine. If you won’t, then I will.” Bastion started to rise. Comfort restrained her with a gentle hoof. “You should stay in bed.” She brushed him off. “I’ve stayed here too long already. Ponies are talking.” She stood, wavering, and set off. Comfort Glow led the way, staying close, ready to help if she stumbled. Minutes later, they arrived, Bastion sweating with exertion. Comfort knocked twice, then pushed open the door. “Bramble Berry,” he said, “there’s a pony I’d like you to meet. This is my wife, Bastion.” Bramble Berry looked up, mouth half-open. He was crouched beneath the narrow window, surrounded by half a dozen of Bauble Bounce’s stuffed dolls. He met Bastion’s eyes without blinking. Comfort Glow went to him and peered over the dolls. “What’s this?” Behind him, Bastion watched silently. She had always been uncomfortable around kids, excepting their own, and her hesitation would give him the time he needed. Bramble Berry was a child, not some abstract problem in need of a solution, and she just needed to see that. “This is a monster.” Bramble Berry pointed to the biggest doll, a misshapen gray thing. Two more dolls lay on their sides beside it. “This is me.” That was a stuffed knight, half a pace away, standing beside two brightly colored dolls. “My brother and sister.” Comfort Glow nodded solemnly. “What’s happening?” “Watch.” Bramble Berry pushed the monster closer to the toy knight. He bonked the two against each other, making fighting noises and unchildlike screams as he nudged them across the stone floor. He stood and picked up his proxy siblings in his mouth, then carefully deposited them atop the bed. “They’re running,” he said to no one in particular. “They’re safe now.” Returning to the duel, he reached out a hoof and toppled over the knight. He looked up at Comfort Glow. “You died,” Comfort Glow said. “The monster killed you.” Bramble Berry nodded. “But they got away this time.” They both looked up at the sound of Bastion slamming the door behind her. Later, when Comfort Glow left the bedroom, he found his wife waiting just outside. Her face was like iron, brittle and unyielding. Bramble Berry had hit her harder than Comfort had planned. But of course he couldn’t say so aloud. “I think he should stay where he is,” Comfort Glow said instead. “It’s a good place for him, and the boys could use a companion.” “Damn you,” she whispered. He touched her shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault. No more than it was his.” “Damn it all.” She crumpled against him, burying her face in his mane. “Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn.” He held her for long minutes, saying nothing. Finally she looked up, wiping tears from her remaining eye. “I need to do something.” Comfort Glow blinked. “Do what?” “I don’t know,” she said through clenched teeth. “Anything.” Chapter 1As he made his way through the forest, Comfort Glow kept one eye on the undergrowth and its hidden dangers, and one eye on the children. There were three of them, riding in a heavy wain laden with sacks of provisions, trunks of fine clothes, and a long spear forged of a single piece of dull steel. The spear was a perfect twin to the one on the slate gray flank of Bastion, the baron’s sister, who was pulling the wain. She was the mother of Comfort Glow’s two children, and he felt a thousand times safer with his wife watching over them. The bladed steel spurs on her hooves gleamed pink in the fading sunlight. Before and behind, the rest of the unicorn caravan tromped along. The cart shook as the largest of the foals clambered up the railing that kept him safely inside. Bastion spoke without turning to look. “Stay in the wain, Bonfire.” Bonfire paused with his forehooves dangling outside the wain. “Why?” he asked. “Because we don’t want to leave you behind,” said Bastion. “We can’t slow down here, and you’re not strong enough to keep up with big ponies yet.” “Yes I am,” said Bonfire. “I’m fast.” He heaved himself over the railing and tumbled over the side. He landed in a ball of tangled legs, then quickly hopped to his hooves and followed alongside the wain at a brisk trot. The setting sun cast an elongated shadow behind him. Comfort smiled back at him. “Tell me when that makes you tired, so I can put you back inside.” “Yes, Dad,” said Bonfire. He turned to his cousin. “Beauty! Come on down here!” Beauty Blue peeked over the edge and looked dubiously at the drop. “No,” she said. “It’s too far.” For several seconds, she watched Bonfire keep pace with the wain, then she turned to the adults. “I liked Canterlot. When can we watch the coronation again?” “Not for a long time, Sun willing,” said Bastion. “Queen Corona is still young. She’ll rule for many years, if she doesn’t fall in battle.” “The coronation was boring,” said Bonfire, breathing hard. “It was just a bunch of ponies talking. How far is home?” “About two more days, if the weather holds,” said Comfort Glow. “We should—” A great roar tore through the forest, shaking him down to his hooves. Whatever beast was out there, it was large and it was enraged. Bastion pulled herself free of the wain’s traces and galloped to the baron’s side, snatching up her spear in an aura of azure magic as she went. Frightened murmurs spread up and down the caravan until the baron’s voice rang out from the vanguard. “Stay calm!” Baron Bounty spoke loudly, but he didn’t shout. When he talked, ponies listened. “Circle up, nice and orderly. Guards, form a perimeter.” “Teams of two,” Bastion called. “Like we practiced.” The two of them conferred in low tones while the rest of the caravan, some two dozen ponies, formed a ring with the three foals at the center. Comfort Glow grabbed Bonfire before the press grew too tight, picking up his son with his mouth and depositing the colt safely in the wain. “Dad?” said Bonfire. “What’s going on? Where did Mom go?” “There’s something in the forest,” said Comfort. “Mom has to make sure we’re safe.” “But why?” “Because she’s the captain of guards. Stay in the wain, now.” “But I can help!” “Yes.” Comfort gave him a solemn look. “I need you to watch Busybright. He’s not big enough to take care of himself.” Bonfire nodded and turned to his younger brother, who was looking open-mouthed in every direction. Bonfire stepped to his side. Busybright latched on to his brother and did not let go. A shriek came from deep in the woods. Comfort Glow looked up in alarm. That was a pony’s scream. The baron didn’t hesitate. “Somepony’s out there! Bastion, Sunbeam, Water Dancer, with me. The rest of you, stay where you are!” Bounty galloped into the trees, the three knights hard on his hooves. Their bladed spurs clattered as they ran. “Nova!” Comfort cursed. “What’s he dragging her into this time?” He watched the four unicorns disappear into the forest. A silver-white mare, frantic with worry, dashed to the wain and looked inside. She visibly relaxed at what she saw. “Oh, my stars.” She nuzzled Beauty Blue, who shrank against her. “You’re safe.” “Mirror.” The mare looked up at Comfort’s voice. “Watch the foals, please. They might need me out there.” He levitated his healer’s panniers from the wain and draped them over his back. Mirror Sheen scowled. “And supposing we need you here? You’re the only physician we have. You shouldn’t leave the children.” “The children aren’t galloping towards some Sun-forsaken beast. Your husband is, and so is my wife.” “Fine. Go. I’ll watch over the little ones.” Comfort Glow galloped off after the warriors. He was far from an expert woodspony, but even he could follow the path the other four had trampled through the undergrowth. The fading sunlight grew dimmer as trees pressed close around him. His breath grew short; Comfort was no athlete. He pressed on, fueled by willpower and adrenaline. From ahead he could hear shouts, bestial shrieks, cries of pain. He was close. He burst into a clearing and pulled to a halt. “No,” he gasped. He had never seen so many bodies in one place. Water Dancer was the only pony still standing. Maybe half a dozen unfamiliar ponies lay at the far end of the clearing, red and torn. Closer to him sprawled a pair of manticores, a male and a female, trailing blood from countless wounds. They were surrounded by the bodies of Bastion, Bounty, and Sunbeam. Water Dancer had stripped off his bloody spurs and was crouched over the baron. Comfort Glow dashed to his wife’s side. Her face was a red mask. Razor-sharp claws had torn three long, deep gashes through the right side of her face, and one had carved a notch near the base of her horn. She was breathing, but shallowly. Comfort opened his saddlebags and went to work. When the needle came out, Bastion was just conscious enough that Water Dancer had to help hold her down. Some time later—Comfort Glow couldn’t say how long—he found himself attending to Sunbeam. Bounty was already dead, he remembered Water Dancer saying. The manticore’s poison had worked too fast. Sunbeam had suffered a deep slash above his hind leg. Comfort did what he could, but the cut had severed an artery, and Sunbeam died beneath his hooves. The strangers turned out to be a family of earth ponies. “Nova,” said Water Dancer. “I can’t believe we did this for a bunch of hornless idiots.” The bloody patriarch was still hitched to the cart containing everything they had owned. He was dead, as was a mare who had likely been his wife and a filly whose cutie mark was a sunflower. The two blank-flanked colts were unconscious but alive. One had a bloody scalp and a shallow gash running the length of his belly; Comfort Glow stitched it up without much trouble. The other’s chest had been crushed by some terrific blow. Comfort could only hold him while he died. Comfort Glow realized he was sitting on the edge of a tarp. The stars were out, and his ochre forelegs were crusted with dried blood up to the knees. Bastion and the earth pony were laid out on the tarp behind him, as was the sleeping form of Water Dancer, who had somehow acquired a bandage on his flank. Comfort hadn’t even realized the soldier was injured. The rest of the caravan had caught up to them. Tents were set up, but almost nopony was asleep. “Is she going to live?” Mirror Sheen sat beside him. Her voice was thick with grief. Comfort blinked while his brain extracted meaning from her words. “Probably,” he said at last. “I think so. As long as it doesn’t get infected.” “It wasn’t worth it.” Mirror Sheen’s blank stare was fixed on the earth pony colt. Comfort followed her gaze. The colt was barely younger than Bonfire. Bauble Bounce would have been his age, had she lived. “The children?” he asked. “Asleep. They don’t know yet. How am I supposed to tell them?” A pony cleared his throat. The two of them looked up at the muscle-bound figure of Solid Steel, the farrier. “Begging your pardons,” he said. “I hate to interrupt…” “Well?” The regal mask slid over Mirror Sheen’s face, pushing her pain out of sight. “What is so important?” Steel rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, you see, it’s just that a few of us were wondering about the succession, now.” “What question could there be? Beauty Blue is my husband’s only child. The barony passes to her.” “Yes, my lady. Only she’s seven years old, now.” Comfort Glow pulled himself up on bloody hooves. “Sun’s breath, pony! The baron’s not even cold yet. We’ll worry about the regency later.” Steel looked to Mirror Sheen, but he found no help in her icy glare. “Right,” he said. “Of course.” He hurried away. Mirror Sheen huffed. “Doubtless he is not the only pony thinking such things. We will have to come to an agreement on that, and soon.” Now that her mask was on, it showed no signs of slipping. “Later,” he said again. “You’ll have to talk to my wife, not me.” She nodded. “One more reason to wish her a speedy recovery, then.” She stood. “Excuse me. I should be with my daughter.” Comfort Glow watched her go. As she went, Mirror Sheen passed a wagon that had been emptied of everything save for a pair of bodies shrouded in white sheets. Baron Bounty and Sunbeam, he knew. They would take their own dead with them. Several unicorns were building a cairn above an oversized grave that doubtless contained the four dead earth ponies. The manticores were left where they had fallen. He turned back to his patients. His eyes were drawn to the smallest of the bodies. Who was that earth pony, and what had his family been doing in the middle of nowhere? In the moonlight, the black blood blended seamlessly with the colt’s dark green coat. He looked like any child, sleeping peacefully beneath the stars. Comfort Glow silently wished him pleasant dreams. He was in for a rough time when he awoke. Bonfire stood on his hind legs, leaning on the wain’s railing and trying to see Mom. She was lying in one of the carts, which was weird. Dad said she was hurt, but whenever Bonfire got hurt, he felt better pretty soon. Mom had been hurt all day. Dad walked next to her cart, and Bonfire couldn’t see anything past him. He gave up and dropped back down to the wain’s floor. Beauty Blue was somewhere else. Dad said she had to be with her mom because Uncle Bounty had died. Bonfire didn’t know what to think about that. Ponies died in stories, not in real life. Busybright was napping, and even when he was awake, he was still only four—barely more than a baby. Playing with him wasn’t fun for very long. If Mom or Dad was pulling the cart, Bonfire could talk to them, but Diamond Edge was pulling now. Whenever Bonfire tried to talk to him, he just gave him that horrible look. Mom said Diamond Edge didn’t like foals, which didn’t seem fair at all. That only left the strange colt. He lay at the back of the wain, crying softly and smelling of blood. Bonfire didn’t want to go near him. Instead he settled into a cozy nook in all the bags. There was more stuff here than usual, today. He grabbed a burlap sack with his teeth and dragged it to form a cave around himself, blocking his view of the strange colt. It was some time later that he heard Dad’s voice. “Hey, my little Spark. Where’d you get to this time?” Bonfire stayed where he was. “I’m not here,” he said. “Well, when you come back, I’d like to talk to you. I know this is a hard day. You’re being very brave.” After that, there was only the sound of cloth on cloth. Bonfire wormed forward until he could see. Dad was walking behind the cart, using magic to wrap fresh bandages around the strange pony’s belly. The old, bloody bandages lay in a pile to the side. Bonfire looked away. It was a long time before Dad finished and looked up. “Do you understand what’s been happening?” “Yes,” Bonfire lied. “Okay,” said Dad. “Tell me if you have any questions.” Bonfire wrinkled his nose. “Who’s he?” Dad was quiet for a little while. “I don’t know. We’ll have to ask him, once he’s awake.” “Can I see Mom?” “Not right now. She needs to rest.” He took a breath. “I’m sorry, Spark. I’ll tell you when she can see you.” “Comfort Glow?” Steel trotted up. “Um, sorry to interrupt. Lady Sheen said she needs to talk to you.” Dad nodded. “Right away.” He looked to Bonfire. “Be back soon, little guy.” And then he was gone. Bonfire edged closer to the strange colt and the back of the wain. With a tentative hoof, he pushed the pile of old bandages off the cart. Bonfire watched the bloody rags as they fell further and further behind. Chapter 3Triumph strode into the Grand Hall, sagging a bit under the weight of her armor. She was just returning from the refugees’ camp and still reeked of travel and sweat, but apparently the big shots wanted to hear her report right away. The thought of smelling bad in court scared her more than the threat of battle. Still, duty was duty. She walked with more confidence than she felt. Most of the court hadn’t assembled yet, but beneath the banners that bore Bounty’s cornucopia, the few ponies present were staring at her. Diamond Edge was already there, as was Mirror Sheen and one of her hangers-on. Comfort Glow had entered just before her, and was still crossing the hall. She hurried, reaching the base of the empty dais seconds after he did. She placed herself beside Diamond Edge. “I’m glad you’re here,” she muttered. The old soldier’s scowl tightened. “Well? What did they say?” “Please,” said Mirror Sheen. “We’re all anxious for your news.” “Right,” she said. “They had—” She paused as the great doors opened behind her, grinding against the stone floor. Battlement hurried in, huffing and puffing. Triumph turned back to Mirror Sheen. “They had two tradesponies. A cooper and her apprentice.” “Good,” said Comfort Glow. “We could use a cooper.” “Not badly enough to risk the consequences,” said Mirror Sheen. “The disruption of letting in refugees would outweigh what we’d gain. Word could get out. Who knows how many more would follow?” “If it’s tradesponies who follow,” said Comfort Glow, “I’d count it as a blessing. I think we should take in the whole group. That way—” Triumph heard the doors swing open and turned to see a pair of courtiers, Legacy and Helix, trot inside. Mirror Sheen leaped on the pause. “That’s too dangerous. Even if we make it clear that we’re turning away unskilled labor, that information won’t make it into the rumor mill. You know how these things get distorted. We’d be inundated with untrained rabble.” “Quite right,” said Battlement. “Far better to act with caution.” Yet another pony entered the hall, but this time Triumph didn’t bother turning to see who it was as the hoofbeats cantered closer. Diamond Edge’s scowl became a full-on grimace. “Bastion’s orders were to take in the ones who know a trade.” “And their families,” said Comfort Glow. Mirror Sheen shook her head. “Bastion is in no shape to give orders. Her wound was too much for her.” Battlement cleared his throat. “Her service was admirable, but we need leadership from somepony more capable,” he said as the doors ground open once again, “with the vigor to stand up to—” He stopped, staring at something behind Triumph, not quite remembering to close his mouth. Triumph turned. Bastion was entering the Grand Hall, walking with a slow, measured tread. She stood tall, facing straight ahead, her mouth a thin line. Her face was as bad as any of the rumors. It was unbandaged, exposing the scabbed, swollen flesh where her right eye should have been. The hall was silent save for the clink of Bastion’s horseshoes. Mirror Sheen stepped forward as Bastion reached the ponies clustered beneath the dais. “What a pleasant surprise,” she said through a shallow smile. “I hope you’re well enough to stay. We wouldn’t want to overtax your health.” Bastion didn’t slow, didn’t so much as glance her way as she marched forward, forcing Mirror Sheen to scramble aside rather than be trampled. Bastion passed them all and climbed the three steps of the dais before turning to face them from above. Battlement bristled. “Now see here!” he said. “This is highly premature! The regency is anything but settled. Come back here at once!” Bastion stared down at him. Battlement took a half-step back before glancing around at all the ponies watching him. He paused, puffed himself up, and advanced. “Don’t make me come up there.” Diamond Edge barked a short laugh. “You won’t. She could take apart anyone here, and you know it.” “I don’t—" Triumph began, then cut herself off. It was too late. The whole room was staring at her. “You may as well say it,” said Comfort Glow. Triumph’s face burned. “It’s just, she’s not that much better than me. I could probably win, now. Because of her wound. I mean, if we were sparring or something.” “Mm,” said Diamond Edge. “Before anyone tries taking advantage of that wound, I hope you all remember howshe earned it.” There was a moment of silence. For the hundredth time, Triumph wished she had been at the baron’s side that day, that she had done something. Bastion had tried, at least, and she had the scars to prove it. Mirror Sheen cleared her throat. “If we’re all finished posturing, there remains the matter of these earth ponies. Taking in a simple cooper still isn’t worth the risk of becoming known as a city that welcomes refugees.” “So there’s a cooper,” said Bastion. “We could use a cooper.” “And an apprentice,” said Comfort Glow. “It’s too dangerous,” said Mirror Sheen. “If the others move on and spread the tale—" “So we take them all in,” said Comfort Glow. “No one moves on, no one spreads the tale.” “All of them?” said Mirror Sheen. “You’re not serious.” Comfort Glow shrugged. “Like you said, we can’t take the risk. Besides, we’ll want them once planting season comes.” Bastion nodded. “They’ll stay in the castle tonight. Tomorrow we’ll find them more permanent places in the town. Diamond Edge, go and bring them in. Helix, see that they have shelter when they arrive.” The two ponies bowed and hurried off. Mirror Sheen scowled up at Bastion. “Are you done?” “No. We’ll need a new captain of guards to take my place. Triumph.” Triumph stepped forward, standing tall, trying not to think of all the eyes on her. “I, I’m honored, but Diamond Edge would be a better choice. He has decades of experience.” “Too many decades. He can’t lead from the front anymore. You can.” Triumph bowed. “Yes, my lady.” “‘My lady,’ is it?” Battlement forced a laugh. “Is she the regent already, then?” “I don’t like this,” said Mirror Sheen. “I might have laid aside my claim for the Bastion I knew a week ago, but now… I don’t know. She’s going soft.” There was a moment while everyone took that in. “Soft?” said Comfort Glow. “I expected you to make up some reason she wouldn’t do, but… soft?” “I’m as surprised as you are,” said Mirror Sheen, “but she’s been through a lot. Now we find she’s stepping down as captain of guards—the position my husband asked her to fill—and she’s taken some earth pony orphan into the baronial suite. What am I supposed to think? Is that the ruler Tintagelding should have?” “An earth pony?” Triumph found herself asking. “Really?” That didn’t sound like the Bastion she knew. If it was true, then… she wasn’t sure. Maybe Bastion really had changed. Comfort Glow drew himself up. “He—” He cut himself off at Bastion’s upraised hoof. She was silent for a moment before speaking. “My brother died for that pony.” Mirror Sheen’s face twisted into a snarl. “It wasn’t worth it.” “It happened,” said Bastion. “Bounty is dead and Bramble Berry is alive. I’m not going to turn him away, after that.” She stepped down from the dais. “We’re done here.” She made her slow, deliberate way towards the doors, brushing past Mirror Sheen without a second glance. As she passed, Triumph saw the ruined half of Bastion’s face twitching, jaw clenched so hard the tendons stood out in her neck. Triumph fell into step behind her. “You really think it’s what he would’ve wanted?” Triumph asked. “I think so. Wish I could ask him.” “Yeah.” Triumph glanced up to the banners with his mark. “I guess we should replace those. I’ll have some made with your mark, instead.” Bastion followed her gaze. “No,” she said. “Leave them up.” “Go on,” said Comfort Glow. “You can say hi.” Bramble Berry peeked around the big pony’s legs, his stuffed soldier clasped firmly in his mouth. Two unicorns were playing in the chamber ahead. The big one ran around, hopping all over the furniture with the small one riding on his back, all four legs clamped around the big one’s barrel. Both were laughing. Bramble Berry had played that game with his sisters, before. “The older one is Bonfire,” said Comfort Glow. “Busybright is the younger one.” Bramble Berry put the soldier on the ground. He took a step forward, then another, then froze. “Boys!” called Comfort Glow. Bonfire slowed down and made his way over. There was a lump in Bramble Berry’s gut. He remembered Busybright. He remembered pushing him off the bed, and he remembered the look on the foal’s face when he landed. Bramble Berry went back behind Comfort Glow and watched the foals from between his legs. “I’d like you to say hi to Bramble Berry,” said Comfort Glow. “He’ll be staying in the keep with us.” “Hi!” said Bonfire. Busybright waved. Did he even remember? He was barely more than a baby. Bramble Berry looked up at Comfort Glow, and then at the ground. “What are you two up to?” said Dad. “I’m Flamerider!” said Busybright. Dad nodded. “I see. And that makes Bonfire the dragon?” “Yeah!” said Bonfire. “Why don’t you let Bramble Berry take a turn?” “Sure!” said Bonfire. “He can be the dragon.” “I don’t want to be a monster,” said Bramble Berry. “Flamerider’s dragon is a good monster,” said Bonfire. “It doesn’t count.” That didn’t sound right. Bramble Berry frowned. “Who’s Flamerider?” “He’s the best knight there ever was! So his dragon has to be a good guy.” “But knights aren’t always good guys.” “Of course they are,” said Bonfire. “They’re unicorns. Come on! I’ll be Discord.” Before Bramble Berry knew what was happening, he found himself helping Busybright climb onto his back. Then Bonfire started running, so Bramble Berry had to chase him. “Faster!” said Busybright. “Go faster!” Bramble Berry grinned, and went faster. Bastion forced herself upright on throbbing legs. Her performance in the Grand Hall had left her exhausted; once they were out of sight, Comfort Glow had all but carried her up the tower stairs and laid her in bed. Tired as she was, she had woken to the sound of her sons laughing, and that was more important than sleep. She nudged her chamber door open and shuffled into the hall. Her husband stood in the entrance to the boys’ room. She went to his side, and nearly tripped over Bauble Bounce’s stuffed knight, which lay discarded at Comfort Glow’s hooves. Bastion tried to summon up the old anger that someone had desecrated her daughter’s toys, but couldn’t muster the energy. Beyond, the boys played with Bramble Berry. Bonfire wrestled against the two smaller ponies, letting them bear him down rather than use his full strength. “They’re getting along,” she said at last. Comfort Glow looked at her. “They are,” he said. “I think this will work.” She didn’t take her eyes off them. “It’s like he’s moved on already.” “No.” He ran a hoof along her coat, smoothing it. “But he’s starting to.” “Good,” she said. “That’s good.” She bent and picked up the toy knight, then turned to go. “Taking that back to Bauble’s room?” asked Comfort Glow. She gazed down the hall, to the door that had been her daughter’s. “Not Bauble’s room,” she said. “Bramble Berry’s.”
Chapter 2“Sounds like everything went well enough while we were out,” Diamond Edge was saying. Rushlights in iron holders illuminated his craggy gray face and the stump of his horn, amputated before Bastion’s birth. The window, barely more than an arrowslit, let in little sunlight. “Triumph did a good job of playing seneschal. Jasper wanted the baron to settle some sort of dispute when he got back, I didn’t catch the details. They were gonna meet with Sheen tomorrow.” “They should be meeting me.” Bastion frowned, or started to. The movement pulled at the stitches in her face. She forced her cheeks to keep still. Diamond shrugged. “Sheen said you’re too wounded for that.” “You know what that will look like.” Bastion shifted in her bed. It wasn’t where she wanted to be, but at least Comfort hadn’t tried to stick her in his infirmary. “Ponies are watching to see who will rule.” It was hard to believe her brother was dead. For two decades, Bounty had been the baron of Tintagelding and the guiding star of Bastion’s life. There was no time for any of that now. “She’s maneuvering for the regency. And you just let her get away with that?” “Can I be blunt?” “Always. You know you’ve earned that.” “Stand up,” Diamond said. “Get out of bed. Go for a walk.” Bastion was more than strong enough, she was sure. She’d been down and out for two days on the road, then semiconscious for two more after their safe return. By now she was, if not recovered, then at least fit enough to attend court. Beneath the bandage that covered her eye and half her muzzle, Bastion’s face was fire, but that was only pain. Still… “Sure,” she said. “You get to explain it to my husband.” Diamond Edge snorted. “No thanks.” “Well, then,” said Bastion. “Well, then,” echoed Diamond. “Petty maneuvering or no, Mirror Sheen has a point. You can’t hold court in your bedchamber.” She shouldn’t hold court at all. That had been Bounty’s role. “Thank you, Diamond. You may go.” “One other thing. About that dirt pony your husband picked up.” Bastion suppressed a groan. She was tired, and all this talking was pulling on the stitches. Whatever this was, it didn’t sound urgent. “Can it wait?” “As you say.” He gave a perfunctory bow and backed out of the room. Bastion sighed and settled back against her cushions. After weeks on the road, it was good to be in a real bed, under a real roof. She pulled the peryton-down duvet tight about herself. Bounty had given it to her when she returned from quelling Sir Prancelot’s rebellion. Had she ever thanked him for it? She drifted in and out of consciousness, wandering between sharp memories and vague plans, chasing her thoughts in circles. It wasn’t until the door opened again that she snapped back to lucidity. Comfort Glow marched to the bedside, summoning his magic even before he stopped moving. Bastion sat up straighter. Since the manticores, this was the first time she had been fully awake in his presence. His magic pulled the bandage off her face, gently but inexorably. She hissed in pain. “How bad is it?” said Comfort. “Not so bad. Hurts.” “Less than it did?” “About the same.” Comfort took a rushlight in his mouth and held the smoldering reed close to the wound. Bastion stayed still while he made his examination. Finally he spat out the light. “It’s healing slower than I’d hoped.” His horn glowed, picking jars of herbs and his favorite pestle from the shelves surrounding them. “No sign of infection, though, and that’s the important thing.” “How long until I recover?” Comfort looked up at her and blinked. “Recover?” “Until I can see again. How bad is the eye?” He set down his implements and pulled himself atop their bed, draping a foreleg around her. “My love. Your eye is gone. The flesh will close again, but that’s all. I’m sorry.” “It’s gone.” She carefully brushed the tip of a hoof against the socket. A short, sharp shock of pain. “I guess I got off easy, compared to the rest.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “It should’ve been me, not him.” “Don’t,” said Comfort. “Don’t do this.” “Why not? He was the elder! Serving him is… that’s why I was born! He took me along to protect him. I failed.” “He took you along to defend the innocent,” said Comfort. “You saved the life of a child.” “That earth pony.” Bastion leaped on the new topic. “Diamond wanted to talk about him.” “He would, wouldn’t he?” Comfort didn’t leave her side, but his horn glowed and the poultice resumed assembling itself. “You know how Diamond Edge feels about rules. He doesn’t like how I’ve put an earth pony in the infirmary.” “You did what?” “It’s a stupid tradition! Bounty would’ve done the same in a heartbeat.” “Maybe.” It was the sort of sentimental thing he did. Had done. “But he was the baron. It was his right. I’m just…” What was she, with Bounty gone? “You’ll be the regent, now. You can do the right thing.” “The regent.” That was something she could do. A way to stay loyal to her brother, even now. “My job will be to keep Tintagelding stable until Beauty Blue finds her mark. Not to go overturning edicts.” Comfort’s expression hardened. “The kid’s hurt and alone. I’m not going to stick him in some drafty serf’s cottage where I can’t care for him.” “Then don’t. There are other places in the keep. But find somewhere else.” “If you say so.” He laid the finished poultice against her face. She clenched her teeth, but did not cry out. Busybright moved fast, trying to keep up with the grown-ups. Beauty Blue was next to him, but she never even looked at him. She’d been like that ever since Mom got hurt. “It will be hard here without the baron,” old Battlement was saying. “Very hard indeed.” His horn glowed yellow as he magicked open the big door to the Noon Tower. He held it open for Mirror Sheen and the children before he went in. “Rumor has it that Discord’s hordes are on the move. We need your strong horn here, now more than ever.” Mirror Sheen went first up the tower’s spiral stairs. “What’s this about Discord?” “Ah,” said Battlement. “Wild tales from travelers and merchants. Nothing reliable. Yet even still, even still…” “Even still what?” said Mirror Sheen. “Rumors, only rumors. All from the Earth Pony Republic. There are sightings of hydras and chimeras. Skirmishes with timberwolves. Some even say Queen Mandible is testing the border, with all her swarm beside her. I am a practical pony and I put no faith in such talk, but in these times, who can say?” “Is any of this close to us?” “No, thank the stars. But there have been refugees from the Republic.” “I know,” said Mirror Sheen, and she got a funny look on her face. Busybright didn’t like it at all. They reached the top of the stairs, the tower’s fourth floor, and stepped into the corridor. His room was here, and everyone else’s, too. “Okay, children, I’ll see you soon. We need to talk to Bastion.” Mirror Sheen turned right, towards Mom and Dad’s chamber, with Battlement close behind. Beauty Blue instantly turned left, straight for her own room. Busybright started to follow her, but the way she stared at him stopped him in his tracks. After a moment, he went down the corridor straight ahead. The big door at the end went to the room he shared with Bonfire. He made it halfway to his door before he heard the sound. It was coming from the Doll Room, through the crumbly wood door on his left. He liked the Doll Room, but Mom got angry if he went in. He went in. Stuffed ponies filled the bedroom, as ever. There was the dancer with her cape and the duchess with her tin lance and the wizard with his one button eye. There were lots of dolls everywhere. It was a moment before Busybright noticed the pony in the bed. It was the strange colt from the wain, but now he was awake. One foreleg held a toy knight with plush armor while the other wiped at his eyes. “Go away.” His voice was faint and hoarse. Busybright moved closer. The bed was too high for him to easily climb on top. He reared up and reached, stretching his forelegs towards the colt. His shoulders just cleared the top of the mattress. “Up!” he said. “Help me up!” The colt scowled. He reached out a hoof and pressed it against Busybright's breast. After a moment of hesitation, he shoved. Busybright tumbled backwards. He hit the carpet in a tangle of flailing legs. His rump stung, but he was more surprised than hurt. Busybright sorted himself out and climbed back to his hooves. A high-pitched whine forced its way from his throat. That set off the colt. “I said go away!” He clamped his muzzle on the stuffed knight and whipped his neck, flinging the doll at Busybright. It glanced harmlessly off his withers. Busybright's cry grew to an all-out shriek. He fled. Comfort Glow made his way down the length of the Grand Hall, eyeing the empty dais where Bounty no longer stood. Banners drooped from the ceiling’s crossbeams, displaying the cornucopia that had been the baron’s mark. The Grand Hall was mostly empty tonight, with only half a dozen ponies clustered at the base of the wooden dais. Diamond Edge, Triumph, and Battlement all wore coats sewn with metal scales, but carried no weapons in this place. Harvest Moon and Legacy were clad in jewels and bright cloth. At their head, Mirror Sheen wore only a black shawl. “—see that they’re sent away,” she was saying. “If word gets out that we let them in, there’s no telling how many will follow.” Comfort frowned. “You’re talking about that band of refugees the patrol found?” “Yes,” said Triumph, stepping aside to make room for him. She was a young knight, built like an ox, with a stub where a bandit’s spurs had shortened her left ear. “Eight of them, all earth ponies. Their camp is a quarter day’s march from here, and we’ve got two guards keeping watch on them.” Comfort nodded gratefully, as though he hadn’t already known the details. “Bastion had some thoughts on that. She sent me to speak in her place.” His wife had been hoping to force a confrontation with Mirror Sheen, but Comfort Glow just wanted to help as many of the foreigners as he could justify. “Indeed?” said Battlement. “And what did my niece bid you say?” “She wants to find out whether any of these refugees knows a trade. We’re to welcome any who do, along with their families.” Mirror Sheen shook her head. “This is no time to add to our burdens. Winter isn’t far off, and our granaries aren’t as full as I’d like.” “Skilled labor is too rare and too valuable to pass up,” said Comfort Glow. “We’ve all talked about how we need another carpenter, and we’ve been without an herbalist since Weeping Willow died. One of these ponies could be the answer to our prayers.” “Too true,” said Battlement, “too true. But let us remember that these are earth ponies. I would sooner not see such as them practicing a trade in Tintagelding. Certain of the serfs might get… ideas.” “That was not Bastion’s judgment,” Comfort said carefully. “But it is my judgment,” said Mirror Sheen. “I’m grateful for your counsel, but taking in refugees would be too dangerous.” Her tone brooked no argument. “With respect,” he said, “that’s not your decision.” That tone never worked on him when Bastion tried it, either. “Oh?” Mirror Sheen arched one eyebrow. “Beauty Blue is Bounty’s child and heir, and I am her mother. Who better to serve as regent until she finds her mark?” “You’re her mother,” said Comfort Glow, “but your parents weren’t noble. I’m afraid you can’t hold the barony.” “Your own lineage is no more noble,” Battlement said instantly. “It’s unimportant.” Comfort Glow frowned. Battlement wasn’t such a quick thinker. Mirror Sheen must have anticipated the challenge and coached him. “I claim no authority,” Comfort Glow said. “I’m here as a messenger from my wife. She was Bounty’s only sibling, and she’s the only adult with any claim to the regency. Even leaving that aside, she’s still the captain of guards.” Diamond Edge cleared his throat. “As fascinating as this is, we don’t need to settle a succession crisis here. We just need to figure out what to do with these dirt ponies. For all we know, they could be a bunch of farmers who none of us want.” “Right,” said Triumph. “I’ll head over tomorrow and talk to them.” “Good,” said Diamond Edge. “If they’re farmers, send them on their way. Gently, if you can, but take enough ponies to get it done. If they’re worth our time, report back so this lot can finish bickering.” Comfort Glow stayed quiet. He, at least, would’ve liked to take them in regardless, but saying so would help no one. “You put him where?” said Bastion. “Bauble’s old room.” Comfort Glow kept his voice calm. “It’s close, and it’s not the infirmary. Everyone wins.” Bastion glared. Even bedridden, she made an imposing show that would have intimidated anyone else. “You gave our daughter’s room to an earth pony.” “It’s been almost a year,” he said gently. “It’s time we used that space to care for living ponies.” “Maybe. But not that pony. Find space in the servants’ quarters or some such.” Comfort shook his head. “Everything he ever knew is gone. He needs stability. I’ve already uprooted him once, and I’m not about to do it again.” “Fine. If you won’t, then I will.” Bastion started to rise. Comfort restrained her with a gentle hoof. “You should stay in bed.” She brushed him off. “I’ve stayed here too long already. Ponies are talking.” She stood, wavering, and set off. Comfort Glow led the way, staying close, ready to help if she stumbled. Minutes later, they arrived, Bastion sweating with exertion. Comfort knocked twice, then pushed open the door. “Bramble Berry,” he said, “there’s a pony I’d like you to meet. This is my wife, Bastion.” Bramble Berry looked up, mouth half-open. He was crouched beneath the narrow window, surrounded by half a dozen of Bauble Bounce’s stuffed dolls. He met Bastion’s eyes without blinking. Comfort Glow went to him and peered over the dolls. “What’s this?” Behind him, Bastion watched silently. She had always been uncomfortable around kids, excepting their own, and her hesitation would give him the time he needed. Bramble Berry was a child, not some abstract problem in need of a solution, and she just needed to see that. “This is a monster.” Bramble Berry pointed to the biggest doll, a misshapen gray thing. Two more dolls lay on their sides beside it. “This is me.” That was a stuffed knight, half a pace away, standing beside two brightly colored dolls. “My brother and sister.” Comfort Glow nodded solemnly. “What’s happening?” “Watch.” Bramble Berry pushed the monster closer to the toy knight. He bonked the two against each other, making fighting noises and unchildlike screams as he nudged them across the stone floor. He stood and picked up his proxy siblings in his mouth, then carefully deposited them atop the bed. “They’re running,” he said to no one in particular. “They’re safe now.” Returning to the duel, he reached out a hoof and toppled over the knight. He looked up at Comfort Glow. “You died,” Comfort Glow said. “The monster killed you.” Bramble Berry nodded. “But they got away this time.” They both looked up at the sound of Bastion slamming the door behind her. Later, when Comfort Glow left the bedroom, he found his wife waiting just outside. Her face was like iron, brittle and unyielding. Bramble Berry had hit her harder than Comfort had planned. But of course he couldn’t say so aloud. “I think he should stay where he is,” Comfort Glow said instead. “It’s a good place for him, and the boys could use a companion.” “Damn you,” she whispered. He touched her shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault. No more than it was his.” “Damn it all.” She crumpled against him, burying her face in his mane. “Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn.” He held her for long minutes, saying nothing. Finally she looked up, wiping tears from her remaining eye. “I need to do something.” Comfort Glow blinked. “Do what?” “I don’t know,” she said through clenched teeth. “Anything.”
Chapter 1As he made his way through the forest, Comfort Glow kept one eye on the undergrowth and its hidden dangers, and one eye on the children. There were three of them, riding in a heavy wain laden with sacks of provisions, trunks of fine clothes, and a long spear forged of a single piece of dull steel. The spear was a perfect twin to the one on the slate gray flank of Bastion, the baron’s sister, who was pulling the wain. She was the mother of Comfort Glow’s two children, and he felt a thousand times safer with his wife watching over them. The bladed steel spurs on her hooves gleamed pink in the fading sunlight. Before and behind, the rest of the unicorn caravan tromped along. The cart shook as the largest of the foals clambered up the railing that kept him safely inside. Bastion spoke without turning to look. “Stay in the wain, Bonfire.” Bonfire paused with his forehooves dangling outside the wain. “Why?” he asked. “Because we don’t want to leave you behind,” said Bastion. “We can’t slow down here, and you’re not strong enough to keep up with big ponies yet.” “Yes I am,” said Bonfire. “I’m fast.” He heaved himself over the railing and tumbled over the side. He landed in a ball of tangled legs, then quickly hopped to his hooves and followed alongside the wain at a brisk trot. The setting sun cast an elongated shadow behind him. Comfort smiled back at him. “Tell me when that makes you tired, so I can put you back inside.” “Yes, Dad,” said Bonfire. He turned to his cousin. “Beauty! Come on down here!” Beauty Blue peeked over the edge and looked dubiously at the drop. “No,” she said. “It’s too far.” For several seconds, she watched Bonfire keep pace with the wain, then she turned to the adults. “I liked Canterlot. When can we watch the coronation again?” “Not for a long time, Sun willing,” said Bastion. “Queen Corona is still young. She’ll rule for many years, if she doesn’t fall in battle.” “The coronation was boring,” said Bonfire, breathing hard. “It was just a bunch of ponies talking. How far is home?” “About two more days, if the weather holds,” said Comfort Glow. “We should—” A great roar tore through the forest, shaking him down to his hooves. Whatever beast was out there, it was large and it was enraged. Bastion pulled herself free of the wain’s traces and galloped to the baron’s side, snatching up her spear in an aura of azure magic as she went. Frightened murmurs spread up and down the caravan until the baron’s voice rang out from the vanguard. “Stay calm!” Baron Bounty spoke loudly, but he didn’t shout. When he talked, ponies listened. “Circle up, nice and orderly. Guards, form a perimeter.” “Teams of two,” Bastion called. “Like we practiced.” The two of them conferred in low tones while the rest of the caravan, some two dozen ponies, formed a ring with the three foals at the center. Comfort Glow grabbed Bonfire before the press grew too tight, picking up his son with his mouth and depositing the colt safely in the wain. “Dad?” said Bonfire. “What’s going on? Where did Mom go?” “There’s something in the forest,” said Comfort. “Mom has to make sure we’re safe.” “But why?” “Because she’s the captain of guards. Stay in the wain, now.” “But I can help!” “Yes.” Comfort gave him a solemn look. “I need you to watch Busybright. He’s not big enough to take care of himself.” Bonfire nodded and turned to his younger brother, who was looking open-mouthed in every direction. Bonfire stepped to his side. Busybright latched on to his brother and did not let go. A shriek came from deep in the woods. Comfort Glow looked up in alarm. That was a pony’s scream. The baron didn’t hesitate. “Somepony’s out there! Bastion, Sunbeam, Water Dancer, with me. The rest of you, stay where you are!” Bounty galloped into the trees, the three knights hard on his hooves. Their bladed spurs clattered as they ran. “Nova!” Comfort cursed. “What’s he dragging her into this time?” He watched the four unicorns disappear into the forest. A silver-white mare, frantic with worry, dashed to the wain and looked inside. She visibly relaxed at what she saw. “Oh, my stars.” She nuzzled Beauty Blue, who shrank against her. “You’re safe.” “Mirror.” The mare looked up at Comfort’s voice. “Watch the foals, please. They might need me out there.” He levitated his healer’s panniers from the wain and draped them over his back. Mirror Sheen scowled. “And supposing we need you here? You’re the only physician we have. You shouldn’t leave the children.” “The children aren’t galloping towards some Sun-forsaken beast. Your husband is, and so is my wife.” “Fine. Go. I’ll watch over the little ones.” Comfort Glow galloped off after the warriors. He was far from an expert woodspony, but even he could follow the path the other four had trampled through the undergrowth. The fading sunlight grew dimmer as trees pressed close around him. His breath grew short; Comfort was no athlete. He pressed on, fueled by willpower and adrenaline. From ahead he could hear shouts, bestial shrieks, cries of pain. He was close. He burst into a clearing and pulled to a halt. “No,” he gasped. He had never seen so many bodies in one place. Water Dancer was the only pony still standing. Maybe half a dozen unfamiliar ponies lay at the far end of the clearing, red and torn. Closer to him sprawled a pair of manticores, a male and a female, trailing blood from countless wounds. They were surrounded by the bodies of Bastion, Bounty, and Sunbeam. Water Dancer had stripped off his bloody spurs and was crouched over the baron. Comfort Glow dashed to his wife’s side. Her face was a red mask. Razor-sharp claws had torn three long, deep gashes through the right side of her face, and one had carved a notch near the base of her horn. She was breathing, but shallowly. Comfort opened his saddlebags and went to work. When the needle came out, Bastion was just conscious enough that Water Dancer had to help hold her down. Some time later—Comfort Glow couldn’t say how long—he found himself attending to Sunbeam. Bounty was already dead, he remembered Water Dancer saying. The manticore’s poison had worked too fast. Sunbeam had suffered a deep slash above his hind leg. Comfort did what he could, but the cut had severed an artery, and Sunbeam died beneath his hooves. The strangers turned out to be a family of earth ponies. “Nova,” said Water Dancer. “I can’t believe we did this for a bunch of hornless idiots.” The bloody patriarch was still hitched to the cart containing everything they had owned. He was dead, as was a mare who had likely been his wife and a filly whose cutie mark was a sunflower. The two blank-flanked colts were unconscious but alive. One had a bloody scalp and a shallow gash running the length of his belly; Comfort Glow stitched it up without much trouble. The other’s chest had been crushed by some terrific blow. Comfort could only hold him while he died. Comfort Glow realized he was sitting on the edge of a tarp. The stars were out, and his ochre forelegs were crusted with dried blood up to the knees. Bastion and the earth pony were laid out on the tarp behind him, as was the sleeping form of Water Dancer, who had somehow acquired a bandage on his flank. Comfort hadn’t even realized the soldier was injured. The rest of the caravan had caught up to them. Tents were set up, but almost nopony was asleep. “Is she going to live?” Mirror Sheen sat beside him. Her voice was thick with grief. Comfort blinked while his brain extracted meaning from her words. “Probably,” he said at last. “I think so. As long as it doesn’t get infected.” “It wasn’t worth it.” Mirror Sheen’s blank stare was fixed on the earth pony colt. Comfort followed her gaze. The colt was barely younger than Bonfire. Bauble Bounce would have been his age, had she lived. “The children?” he asked. “Asleep. They don’t know yet. How am I supposed to tell them?” A pony cleared his throat. The two of them looked up at the muscle-bound figure of Solid Steel, the farrier. “Begging your pardons,” he said. “I hate to interrupt…” “Well?” The regal mask slid over Mirror Sheen’s face, pushing her pain out of sight. “What is so important?” Steel rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, you see, it’s just that a few of us were wondering about the succession, now.” “What question could there be? Beauty Blue is my husband’s only child. The barony passes to her.” “Yes, my lady. Only she’s seven years old, now.” Comfort Glow pulled himself up on bloody hooves. “Sun’s breath, pony! The baron’s not even cold yet. We’ll worry about the regency later.” Steel looked to Mirror Sheen, but he found no help in her icy glare. “Right,” he said. “Of course.” He hurried away. Mirror Sheen huffed. “Doubtless he is not the only pony thinking such things. We will have to come to an agreement on that, and soon.” Now that her mask was on, it showed no signs of slipping. “Later,” he said again. “You’ll have to talk to my wife, not me.” She nodded. “One more reason to wish her a speedy recovery, then.” She stood. “Excuse me. I should be with my daughter.” Comfort Glow watched her go. As she went, Mirror Sheen passed a wagon that had been emptied of everything save for a pair of bodies shrouded in white sheets. Baron Bounty and Sunbeam, he knew. They would take their own dead with them. Several unicorns were building a cairn above an oversized grave that doubtless contained the four dead earth ponies. The manticores were left where they had fallen. He turned back to his patients. His eyes were drawn to the smallest of the bodies. Who was that earth pony, and what had his family been doing in the middle of nowhere? In the moonlight, the black blood blended seamlessly with the colt’s dark green coat. He looked like any child, sleeping peacefully beneath the stars. Comfort Glow silently wished him pleasant dreams. He was in for a rough time when he awoke. Bonfire stood on his hind legs, leaning on the wain’s railing and trying to see Mom. She was lying in one of the carts, which was weird. Dad said she was hurt, but whenever Bonfire got hurt, he felt better pretty soon. Mom had been hurt all day. Dad walked next to her cart, and Bonfire couldn’t see anything past him. He gave up and dropped back down to the wain’s floor. Beauty Blue was somewhere else. Dad said she had to be with her mom because Uncle Bounty had died. Bonfire didn’t know what to think about that. Ponies died in stories, not in real life. Busybright was napping, and even when he was awake, he was still only four—barely more than a baby. Playing with him wasn’t fun for very long. If Mom or Dad was pulling the cart, Bonfire could talk to them, but Diamond Edge was pulling now. Whenever Bonfire tried to talk to him, he just gave him that horrible look. Mom said Diamond Edge didn’t like foals, which didn’t seem fair at all. That only left the strange colt. He lay at the back of the wain, crying softly and smelling of blood. Bonfire didn’t want to go near him. Instead he settled into a cozy nook in all the bags. There was more stuff here than usual, today. He grabbed a burlap sack with his teeth and dragged it to form a cave around himself, blocking his view of the strange colt. It was some time later that he heard Dad’s voice. “Hey, my little Spark. Where’d you get to this time?” Bonfire stayed where he was. “I’m not here,” he said. “Well, when you come back, I’d like to talk to you. I know this is a hard day. You’re being very brave.” After that, there was only the sound of cloth on cloth. Bonfire wormed forward until he could see. Dad was walking behind the cart, using magic to wrap fresh bandages around the strange pony’s belly. The old, bloody bandages lay in a pile to the side. Bonfire looked away. It was a long time before Dad finished and looked up. “Do you understand what’s been happening?” “Yes,” Bonfire lied. “Okay,” said Dad. “Tell me if you have any questions.” Bonfire wrinkled his nose. “Who’s he?” Dad was quiet for a little while. “I don’t know. We’ll have to ask him, once he’s awake.” “Can I see Mom?” “Not right now. She needs to rest.” He took a breath. “I’m sorry, Spark. I’ll tell you when she can see you.” “Comfort Glow?” Steel trotted up. “Um, sorry to interrupt. Lady Sheen said she needs to talk to you.” Dad nodded. “Right away.” He looked to Bonfire. “Be back soon, little guy.” And then he was gone. Bonfire edged closer to the strange colt and the back of the wain. With a tentative hoof, he pushed the pile of old bandages off the cart. Bonfire watched the bloody rags as they fell further and further behind.
Chapter 3Triumph strode into the Grand Hall, sagging a bit under the weight of her armor. She was just returning from the refugees’ camp and still reeked of travel and sweat, but apparently the big shots wanted to hear her report right away. The thought of smelling bad in court scared her more than the threat of battle. Still, duty was duty. She walked with more confidence than she felt. Most of the court hadn’t assembled yet, but beneath the banners that bore Bounty’s cornucopia, the few ponies present were staring at her. Diamond Edge was already there, as was Mirror Sheen and one of her hangers-on. Comfort Glow had entered just before her, and was still crossing the hall. She hurried, reaching the base of the empty dais seconds after he did. She placed herself beside Diamond Edge. “I’m glad you’re here,” she muttered. The old soldier’s scowl tightened. “Well? What did they say?” “Please,” said Mirror Sheen. “We’re all anxious for your news.” “Right,” she said. “They had—” She paused as the great doors opened behind her, grinding against the stone floor. Battlement hurried in, huffing and puffing. Triumph turned back to Mirror Sheen. “They had two tradesponies. A cooper and her apprentice.” “Good,” said Comfort Glow. “We could use a cooper.” “Not badly enough to risk the consequences,” said Mirror Sheen. “The disruption of letting in refugees would outweigh what we’d gain. Word could get out. Who knows how many more would follow?” “If it’s tradesponies who follow,” said Comfort Glow, “I’d count it as a blessing. I think we should take in the whole group. That way—” Triumph heard the doors swing open and turned to see a pair of courtiers, Legacy and Helix, trot inside. Mirror Sheen leaped on the pause. “That’s too dangerous. Even if we make it clear that we’re turning away unskilled labor, that information won’t make it into the rumor mill. You know how these things get distorted. We’d be inundated with untrained rabble.” “Quite right,” said Battlement. “Far better to act with caution.” Yet another pony entered the hall, but this time Triumph didn’t bother turning to see who it was as the hoofbeats cantered closer. Diamond Edge’s scowl became a full-on grimace. “Bastion’s orders were to take in the ones who know a trade.” “And their families,” said Comfort Glow. Mirror Sheen shook her head. “Bastion is in no shape to give orders. Her wound was too much for her.” Battlement cleared his throat. “Her service was admirable, but we need leadership from somepony more capable,” he said as the doors ground open once again, “with the vigor to stand up to—” He stopped, staring at something behind Triumph, not quite remembering to close his mouth. Triumph turned. Bastion was entering the Grand Hall, walking with a slow, measured tread. She stood tall, facing straight ahead, her mouth a thin line. Her face was as bad as any of the rumors. It was unbandaged, exposing the scabbed, swollen flesh where her right eye should have been. The hall was silent save for the clink of Bastion’s horseshoes. Mirror Sheen stepped forward as Bastion reached the ponies clustered beneath the dais. “What a pleasant surprise,” she said through a shallow smile. “I hope you’re well enough to stay. We wouldn’t want to overtax your health.” Bastion didn’t slow, didn’t so much as glance her way as she marched forward, forcing Mirror Sheen to scramble aside rather than be trampled. Bastion passed them all and climbed the three steps of the dais before turning to face them from above. Battlement bristled. “Now see here!” he said. “This is highly premature! The regency is anything but settled. Come back here at once!” Bastion stared down at him. Battlement took a half-step back before glancing around at all the ponies watching him. He paused, puffed himself up, and advanced. “Don’t make me come up there.” Diamond Edge barked a short laugh. “You won’t. She could take apart anyone here, and you know it.” “I don’t—" Triumph began, then cut herself off. It was too late. The whole room was staring at her. “You may as well say it,” said Comfort Glow. Triumph’s face burned. “It’s just, she’s not that much better than me. I could probably win, now. Because of her wound. I mean, if we were sparring or something.” “Mm,” said Diamond Edge. “Before anyone tries taking advantage of that wound, I hope you all remember howshe earned it.” There was a moment of silence. For the hundredth time, Triumph wished she had been at the baron’s side that day, that she had done something. Bastion had tried, at least, and she had the scars to prove it. Mirror Sheen cleared her throat. “If we’re all finished posturing, there remains the matter of these earth ponies. Taking in a simple cooper still isn’t worth the risk of becoming known as a city that welcomes refugees.” “So there’s a cooper,” said Bastion. “We could use a cooper.” “And an apprentice,” said Comfort Glow. “It’s too dangerous,” said Mirror Sheen. “If the others move on and spread the tale—" “So we take them all in,” said Comfort Glow. “No one moves on, no one spreads the tale.” “All of them?” said Mirror Sheen. “You’re not serious.” Comfort Glow shrugged. “Like you said, we can’t take the risk. Besides, we’ll want them once planting season comes.” Bastion nodded. “They’ll stay in the castle tonight. Tomorrow we’ll find them more permanent places in the town. Diamond Edge, go and bring them in. Helix, see that they have shelter when they arrive.” The two ponies bowed and hurried off. Mirror Sheen scowled up at Bastion. “Are you done?” “No. We’ll need a new captain of guards to take my place. Triumph.” Triumph stepped forward, standing tall, trying not to think of all the eyes on her. “I, I’m honored, but Diamond Edge would be a better choice. He has decades of experience.” “Too many decades. He can’t lead from the front anymore. You can.” Triumph bowed. “Yes, my lady.” “‘My lady,’ is it?” Battlement forced a laugh. “Is she the regent already, then?” “I don’t like this,” said Mirror Sheen. “I might have laid aside my claim for the Bastion I knew a week ago, but now… I don’t know. She’s going soft.” There was a moment while everyone took that in. “Soft?” said Comfort Glow. “I expected you to make up some reason she wouldn’t do, but… soft?” “I’m as surprised as you are,” said Mirror Sheen, “but she’s been through a lot. Now we find she’s stepping down as captain of guards—the position my husband asked her to fill—and she’s taken some earth pony orphan into the baronial suite. What am I supposed to think? Is that the ruler Tintagelding should have?” “An earth pony?” Triumph found herself asking. “Really?” That didn’t sound like the Bastion she knew. If it was true, then… she wasn’t sure. Maybe Bastion really had changed. Comfort Glow drew himself up. “He—” He cut himself off at Bastion’s upraised hoof. She was silent for a moment before speaking. “My brother died for that pony.” Mirror Sheen’s face twisted into a snarl. “It wasn’t worth it.” “It happened,” said Bastion. “Bounty is dead and Bramble Berry is alive. I’m not going to turn him away, after that.” She stepped down from the dais. “We’re done here.” She made her slow, deliberate way towards the doors, brushing past Mirror Sheen without a second glance. As she passed, Triumph saw the ruined half of Bastion’s face twitching, jaw clenched so hard the tendons stood out in her neck. Triumph fell into step behind her. “You really think it’s what he would’ve wanted?” Triumph asked. “I think so. Wish I could ask him.” “Yeah.” Triumph glanced up to the banners with his mark. “I guess we should replace those. I’ll have some made with your mark, instead.” Bastion followed her gaze. “No,” she said. “Leave them up.” “Go on,” said Comfort Glow. “You can say hi.” Bramble Berry peeked around the big pony’s legs, his stuffed soldier clasped firmly in his mouth. Two unicorns were playing in the chamber ahead. The big one ran around, hopping all over the furniture with the small one riding on his back, all four legs clamped around the big one’s barrel. Both were laughing. Bramble Berry had played that game with his sisters, before. “The older one is Bonfire,” said Comfort Glow. “Busybright is the younger one.” Bramble Berry put the soldier on the ground. He took a step forward, then another, then froze. “Boys!” called Comfort Glow. Bonfire slowed down and made his way over. There was a lump in Bramble Berry’s gut. He remembered Busybright. He remembered pushing him off the bed, and he remembered the look on the foal’s face when he landed. Bramble Berry went back behind Comfort Glow and watched the foals from between his legs. “I’d like you to say hi to Bramble Berry,” said Comfort Glow. “He’ll be staying in the keep with us.” “Hi!” said Bonfire. Busybright waved. Did he even remember? He was barely more than a baby. Bramble Berry looked up at Comfort Glow, and then at the ground. “What are you two up to?” said Dad. “I’m Flamerider!” said Busybright. Dad nodded. “I see. And that makes Bonfire the dragon?” “Yeah!” said Bonfire. “Why don’t you let Bramble Berry take a turn?” “Sure!” said Bonfire. “He can be the dragon.” “I don’t want to be a monster,” said Bramble Berry. “Flamerider’s dragon is a good monster,” said Bonfire. “It doesn’t count.” That didn’t sound right. Bramble Berry frowned. “Who’s Flamerider?” “He’s the best knight there ever was! So his dragon has to be a good guy.” “But knights aren’t always good guys.” “Of course they are,” said Bonfire. “They’re unicorns. Come on! I’ll be Discord.” Before Bramble Berry knew what was happening, he found himself helping Busybright climb onto his back. Then Bonfire started running, so Bramble Berry had to chase him. “Faster!” said Busybright. “Go faster!” Bramble Berry grinned, and went faster. Bastion forced herself upright on throbbing legs. Her performance in the Grand Hall had left her exhausted; once they were out of sight, Comfort Glow had all but carried her up the tower stairs and laid her in bed. Tired as she was, she had woken to the sound of her sons laughing, and that was more important than sleep. She nudged her chamber door open and shuffled into the hall. Her husband stood in the entrance to the boys’ room. She went to his side, and nearly tripped over Bauble Bounce’s stuffed knight, which lay discarded at Comfort Glow’s hooves. Bastion tried to summon up the old anger that someone had desecrated her daughter’s toys, but couldn’t muster the energy. Beyond, the boys played with Bramble Berry. Bonfire wrestled against the two smaller ponies, letting them bear him down rather than use his full strength. “They’re getting along,” she said at last. Comfort Glow looked at her. “They are,” he said. “I think this will work.” She didn’t take her eyes off them. “It’s like he’s moved on already.” “No.” He ran a hoof along her coat, smoothing it. “But he’s starting to.” “Good,” she said. “That’s good.” She bent and picked up the toy knight, then turned to go. “Taking that back to Bauble’s room?” asked Comfort Glow. She gazed down the hall, to the door that had been her daughter’s. “Not Bauble’s room,” she said. “Bramble Berry’s.”
