Tree of Harmony

Chapter Five:

The steady passage of time.

Luna had stayed behind to rally the royal guard surrounding the city and so only I galloped into the forest alone. A rose, sustained by magic, rested gently against my ear as I trotted over the ancient path winding to that long forgotten place. The dark figures watched from the shadows but each time their eyes fell to that flower nestled in my mane; they vanished as quietly as they came.

“I fear no beast in your forest, my friend.” I spoke the words out to the trees. A gust of wind rustled their branches.

The path opened slightly and the old castle, home to my long lost days, stood before me. The crumbling stone walls, battered ramparts, broken windows, and shattered doors were the only witnesses that still spoke of what transpired. I turned my gaze up and watched the sun quickly race against the sky; against my will. Once more my horn glowed brightly, an attempt to summon my radiant sun but the sky remained black. The empty horizon was devoid of even the moon that should rightly bask its luster among my sister’s beautiful stars. I shook my head and cursed the name into his corrupted sky.

“Discord, I will stop you.”

The glow from my horn lite the way as its tranquil light played off the ghosts of battle that yet covered the grounds. Empty, partially decayed, and almost bereft of the magic that once powered them; the Dryad armor lay scattered across the courtyard. The emotions that yet emanated from the castle and scared even the bravest of my ponies away manifested itself before me. An ethereal Pegasus, clad in golden armor, drifted from the opened castle gate and out into the yard. She turned to face me and floated silently in place for a moment. A smile of recognition crossed her transparent lips as a hoof came up and saluted.

“As you were, Cloud Drifter,” I spoke the name from distant memory.

The specter nodded and wandered to the broken rampart behind me before vanishing. I continued my journey into the depths of the open yard. The earth that once had been sundered into great peaks now lay crumbling in small hills. A few small clumps, still imbued with the last vestiges of Dryad magic rolled around a patch of stunning flowers. Pausing, I looked down to where mother had told me Briar Heart had fought for her. The clumps rolled into each and formed a small golem that made a few tentative steps before stopping before me.

“Thank you,” I whispered softly.

The golem crumbled back to clumps and returned to their paths.

My slow trot came to an end as I now rested before my goal. Alone, surrounded by the ruins of my past home, Ever Free stood as large as I had once remembered.

“Hello, my dearest friend.” Placing my muzzle against the warm bark, a single tear dripped below me.