Monochrome Mystery and the Lost King

The doors swung open to the tavern, revealing the sleek body of a mare. She walked rhythmically, but the sound of her hoofsteps was lost to the slurred chatter of the intoxicated stallions that surrounded her. However, she was only here for one pony, and she subtly scanned the room. Just as expected, in the far corner of the room, there was a lonely stallion sitting by himself, drinking apple cider. She strided over, and quickly sat down.

"Monochrome Mystery?" she enquired.

"Yes?" the stallion mumbled, and looked up slowly.

"I've heard tales of your..." – she paused to think of her next words – "detective skills, and I believe you could be of help to me."

Monochrome scrutinized the pegasus that sat in front of him. She had never introduced herself, but he could tell quite a lot from her appearance. She was rather healthy, and obviously had money to spare, as she wore the clothes that were in fashion currently. However, he noticed a small amount of fibre around her throat that didn't match the colour of the clothes - she obviously changed her clothes a lot. She had two black saddlebags, one of which was bulging, but the other seemed almost empty. Her wings were well looked after, and she seemed to generally flaunt how good she looked.

"Yes, I'm listening." He shook his head to dismiss to clear his head of his previous thoughts, and earned a confused look from his client.

"Well then. Recently, I've been doing some research into the past rulers of Equestria, and I believe I have found something interesting.

"I believe Celestia's rule has been built on lies. Scattered around in historical books are hints at a past ruler, but they don't make any appearance in any books written after she rose to the throne. I've managed to locate some sort of tomb relating to this king, and I wanted you to investigate."

Monochrome stifled a yawn, and looked at the pony sat across from him. He sighed, and replied, "I'm a detective, not an adventurer."

"I was afraid you'd say that, so I brought you this." She pulled out a bag filled to the brim with bits, and Monochrome's eyes lit up as soon as he saw it.

He quickly estimated the amount of money in the bag, and slowly began to nod. "I guess I'm in then. So, where is this tomb?"

"Well, we don't exactly know yet... We'll tell you when we know," she replied, carefully choosing her words to make herself sound more confident.

"Where shall I find you then?" As he asked his final question on the matter, the mystery mare stood up, and began to walk away.

She laughed quietly as she said, "Oh, you won't find us. We'll find you." The doors to the tavern swung open, and Monochrome's client walked out, and was gone as mysteriously as she appeared.