Tale of the Sage-Glow

Chapter 2

[CH02]

I sat on the top of a caravan, watching some Sage-Glowians pulling carts behind us. The destination was Canterlot, and I was finally going to see my father. Slowly we travelled along, getting closer as the scenery passed by. In my lap sat the crossbow I was given, Soaring Pain, which I’d soon learnt was detachable from the straps. Looking down, I realized a group of Sage-Glowians talking amongst themselves, each holding their own crossbow. One of them looked up at me, and sneering, raised a hoof at me, as if pointing me out. A few others laughed and trotted up towards me, one calling out.

“Hey! Equestrian! Ya think you’re a good shot?” Grinning, I leapt off the caravan, equipping the crossbow in a simple, smooth motion.

“Heck yeah I am. What’s it to you?” Staring him in the eyes, I practically dared him to challenge me.

“Let’s have a small contest then. See who can win in a fight.” He tossed a quiver of bolts at me, made specifically for sparring. Catching the quiver, I quickly loaded my crossbow with one, placing the quiver around my neck.

“Well, when are we star-“ Cutting me off, I leapt back from a bolt already shot. “HEY! That’s cheating!” Growling, I leapt to the air, taking immediate aim at one of my opponents. In mere seconds I had fired, nicking his hoof and taking him out of the game. Pulling out another quiver with my mouth, I barrel rolled out of the way of the next two bolts, firing down at my second target. Smack, right in the forehead. Grinning, I flung myself upwards, loading the third bolt and avoiding another bolt. I fired the third bolt into the air, loading the fourth and final bolt to take aim at the third target. I pulled my wings to my sides, allowing myself to drop towards the ground. My opponent shot at me, and I spun my body, narrowly avoiding the bolt, before reaching my hoof out and firing at him. I watched the bolt speed towards him, except he leapt into the air, over the bolt at the last moment. Drat. Landing on my hooves, I glared at him, revealing my empty quiver.

“Looks like you’ve won…” I smiled, looking to the skies and reaching my hooves out to my side. “I lost. Go on, take the shot.” I watched the grin on his face spread as he raised his crossbow, taking careful aim. “Before you fire though, you might want to collect the loose bolts.” I let out a laugh as he fires quickly, although I was prepared, leaping into the air and speeding towards a bolt left on the ground. Another bolt flew towards me, colliding with the bolt I was aiming for, and smacking my hooves into the ground, I kicked my way backwards towards the sky. The bolt I fired earlier flew towards the ground, and angling myself accordingly, I managed to catch the bolt, slotting it into my crossbow. Smirking in delight, I fired at the stallion. The bolt smacked into his leg, causing him to fall over, face first. Landing triumphantly before him, I cracked up laughing.

“Plus one for the Equestrian!” Sneering, I reached down, pulling the Sage-Glowian to his hooves. “You’re a good challenge. See you around, mate.” I launched off, dropping the empty quiver before him.

“H-HEY! Wait! Drat… she was cute too.” Sighing, he shook his head, looking at his friends.

“Looks like someponies got a crush.” One of them teased. Blushing slightly, he turned away, hooves crossed.

“Whatever…”

We slowly approached the gates to Canterlot. Unable to contain my excitement, I quickly took off, flying straight ahead, determined to find my father. Within moments I‘d found my way to the barracks, smacking my hooves on the door. Really should worry about my high-speed landings. Smiling to myself, I quickly brushed my mane down with my hooves, before opening the door and entering the barracks myself. I looked around everywhere, noticing the lack of life in the building. Frowning to myself, I trotted through slowly, looking for somepony. There, on his bed, a stallion. Clearing my throat, I entered the shared room.

“Excuse me, but where is everypony?” Catching his attention, he raised his head, looking at me. Puzzling over the question for a few moments, he noticed I had my dagger still attached to my hoof.

“I recognize that blade… you’re looking for the Commander, aren’t you? He’s out on a mission… like most of us are lately. Sorry kid.” Pouting in defeat, the stallion stood up, patting my back. “Say, he’s your father, isn’t he?” Nodding, I wiped that pout from my face.

“Yes, he is, I need to find him soon.”

“Well, he should be returning later tonight, but there’s no guarantee, young ‘un.” I nodded in understanding. “Sorry I couldn’t be much more help than that.”

“You were plenty of help, thank you, sincerely.” I smiled towards him, before preparing to take my leave. “May we meet again, kind sir.” Trotting out of the building, I slowly flew back towards the Caravans, now being inspected by the gate guards. All the weapons were disassembled until they were taken to the sparring arenas in Canterlot, where they were allowed to be used in matches and the sort later tonight. I waited on the other side of the gate with some other ponies curious to catch first sight of the Sage-Glowians. Growing bored, I departed the group, deciding to start exploring Canterlot. All around, stores rose into hotels, then parks, community areas and then houses, and all of them were kept in top condition. I arrived at the castle gates, tucking my dagger into my saddlebag and passing it over to the guards positioned there. Hopefully they wouldn’t go through my belongings, they’d probably confiscate them. Shrugging the worry away, I traverse my way into the castle, looking around in wonder. Eventually, I found my way to the throne room, after a large tour through many other rooms guided by myself. I looked around in amazement, looking at the different stained glass windows. I walked over to one depicting the defeat of Discord, looking closely at the many different shards of glass, polished to the point I could see myself.

“The defeat of Discord. Twilight and her friends did the right thing.” Yelping in fright, I spun around quickly, staring at a large, deep blue alicorn. “It’s okay, no need to be scared.” She smiled calmly at me, watching as my features relaxed.

“S-sorry, you kinda scared me, Your Highness.” I bowed slightly in apology, smiling sheepishly.

“Just call us Luna. We- I don’t mind, really.” Gulping, I nodded in respect. “You seem shy. Do you fear the Nightmare, or something more?” Shaking my head, I replied quietly.

“Nothing like that, just awed to meet you on such a personal level.” I smiled nervously, standing up straight. “Apologies, I’m nervous, being around you. Your sister just as much, nothing personal. What with you two being alicorns, and our rulers.” I laughed half-heartedly to myself, trying not to look like a fool.

“We understand, young one. How about you come along with me.” I blinked a few moments, before realizing Luna was leaving the throne room. I caught up quickly, walking quickly beside her.

“Where are we going, Princess?” I looked towards her in question, thinking of any possible locations.

“Just somewhere quiet.” Raising an eye, I shrugged to myself, following her as she led me to a large flight of stairs. “Would you care to fly to the top, or take each step as they are?” Thinking for a few moments, I placed a hoof onto the first step.

“I’ll fly if you’d rather, but I don’t mind personally.” I looked towards Luna, allowing her time to give her input.

“Well, they say only the truest of hearts and soul can climb these stairs properly without quitting. Of course, climbing all one thousand, two hundred and sixty three stairs takes forever, so most ponies just teleport, fly or don’t bother going up here which ruins the surprise of the tower.” She chuckled to herself, taking a few steps towards the now inevitable climb. Looking up, I saw nothing but the bottom of the next stairs. Dammit. I’d bet a gravity spell would work well, but I’m a pegasus, not a unicorn, so that option was ruled out. Sighing to myself, I began the long climb towards the top, counting every step I took. One… Two… Three… Four… Five…

“So, what’s your name?”

“One thousand, two hundred and sixty eight… wait, I thought you said there were one thousand, two hundred and sixty three stairs… we’re still climbing.” Pouting in annoyance, I stared at Luna, confused. She simply smiled back to me as if she was daring me to find out a secret of hers. Rolling my eyes, I rushed up the next few flights of stairs as quickly as I could, passing Luna again. Wait, Luna? I stopped in my tracks, staring at her. “There’s magic at play here, isn’t there?!” Luna simply smiled a little more, giggling to herself.

“We’ve been teleporting for the past seven hundred stairs, Sallantra. Sure took your time to realize.” Hmph, unicorn magic. Typical. “Would you like to continue as proper then?” Sighing, I replied with a hint of annoyance in my voice.

“That would be good…” I watched Luna, waiting to see what she would do. She raised her head, her horn illuminating in preparation for a spell. A beautiful blue glow formed around her horn and for a few moments, us as well, before cutting out quickly. I felt the whole world shifting before me and suddenly I was on my hooves again. That felt sickening. Damned unicorn magic.

“Welcome to Canterlot, Sallantra. As you can see, we have our visitors from the land of Sage.” She motioned her hoof down towards the caravans I’d arrived with. “Down there, we have our new Bat Pony Recruits returning from one of their first proper missions.” She pointed her hoof, now at a group of ponies flying in from the west. “We’re trying to adapt some bat pony forces to be effective during the day as well as night.” One certain group of colours stood out though. The green and yellow, covered by the gold armour. Father. “I see you recognize somepony there, if I am to be correct. Family?” I looked up at Luna, smiling in confirmation.

“Oh, uh yes, should be my Father. I came here to meet with him before I left with the Sage-Glowians.” Nodding mostly to myself, I watched him begin to instruct the other ponies to perform an aerial attack and capture.

“Well, why don’t you go say hello? I have things to do anyway, night time is a busy time of day, believe it or not.” Nodding again, I took to the air, about to depart, before turning to Luna.

“Goodbye Princess. It was an honor spending time with you.”

“And me to you, Sallantra. May we meet again.” And with that, I left, headed towards the barracks again.

I looked at the group of twelve ponies, mostly bat ponies, and whom were mostly tied up on the ground. Well done to the winners, they’d surely earnt an extra meal, that’s how it went here. I looked around me, trying to locate my father for a few moments, before a heavy, iron clad body smacked me into the ground.

“HAVE AT THEE, SALLY!” Squeaking, I attempted to spin around, mud coating along my body. “What brings a certain green mare to her father’s work?” Looking up and accepting defeat, I grinned at my father, his golden armour gleaming in the sun.

“You already know why,” Getting up, out of the mud, I wrapped my hooves around him in an embrace, “Ditzy arrived with the package yesterday. Thank you, so much.”

“T’was nothing. Every family member requires their heirloom at some point, to remind us of home and to ensure we carry the strength of family within each other at all times.” Slowly pulling away, I attempted to brush some of the mud out of my mane, only causing a larger mess and giggling to myself.

“Ahem, commander, sorry to interrupt, but can we depart now?” Turning around, I looked at the pony who had interrupted our reunion. Standing before me, one of the bat ponies with a green and silver mane, looking down at us. Standing up and facing the bat pony, my father replied calmly.

“In a minute, I’d like for you to meet Sallantra, my daughter. Sallantra, this is Silver Moonrise, the best damned soldier in my squadron.” I smiled at the bat pony, watching her cheeks go red.

“You flatter me, sir. An honour to meet you, Sallantra.” She extended her hoof towards me, and I looked down at my muddy hoof, trying to shake some of the mud off, before shaking her hoof in return.

“An honour to meet you too. Never met a bat pony before.”

“We strike at 0100, flanking both the east and west sides. Silver takes command of the east strike, Gleam takes west. Remember, this may be an assessment, but this is a real, potential, hostage situation. We will be attempting to form a treaty with the zebra’s, however, we suspect it to be a trap. Team Gala will be available to assist, only if necessary, although they may still have injuries they need to care, so they are only in an emergency. Whatever happens, just try to get everyone home safely. We’ve had talk of Big Macintosh assisting, but whether he, and the others can join, is uncertain.” Father smiled, leaning away from the desk. “Any questions?” No reply. “Alright, one last thing, keep radio comms quiet.” I looked over to my crossbow, watching as a tinkerer worked on it for me. Taking to my hooves, I walked over towards him.

“Hey, how’s it looking?” He looks up at me for a few moments, before directing his attention back to Soaring Pain.

“Nice design, but could use a few tweaks here and there. As you can see, this piece here is slightly crooked.” Poking his tongue out to the side, he gently pushed it into place properly. “There, now it should fire a lot more smoothly.” Squeeing, I tapped my hooves together, beaming happily.

“Thanks! I’ll have to repay you someday.” I watched him smile, shaking his head.

“It’s alright, I’m already being paid for this, and I enjoy it, especially crossbows. Nowadays, I see more guns popping in than I do swords anymore, so thanks.”

“You… you mean guns actually do exist?” I blinked, leaning backwards. “The things that, shoot those tiny bullets?” Receiving a blank look, I frowned, understanding. “Right… so, that means we’re at war, aren’t we?” Sighing, I let him finish with the crossbow, returning to the meeting room.

“We leave in 140 minutes.” My father turned away, snapping his eyes to me as he approached. Passing, he mumbled for me to follow so, obediently, as a warrior and daughter, I did as such without hesitation. “Now. I want you to understand the risks you are facing. Sallantra, they could kill you. They could kill me if they try. Do not underestimate the zebra’s. They are a powerful force. Be careful. I’d rather you not come, but we could do with the help.” Nodding, I smiled, pointing at my crossbow.

“It’s fine if I use that, right? I don’t want a gun.” Watching him smile, I grinned excitedly.

“Kid, I hate guns as well, but it’s up to us to experiment weaponry. Although, some of it’s getting a bit wild. You use that crossbow, and you use it well.” Nodding, I pulled my father into a hug.

“Don’t die Father. Whatever you do. Mother’s waiting for your return.”

“I don’t plan on it, not while Silver’s with us anyway. She’s listening to us right now for all we know, isn’t that right?” I noticed his gaze shift to behind him, as a quiet squeak emanated from a rock. “Heh, nice try Silver. Just father-daughter reunion.”

The bat pony climbed over the rock, grinning sheepishly.

“Uh, right, sorry sir. I couldn’t help but overhear. I’ll make sure she returns here safely, no matter what, sir. As both soldier and friend.” She tapped her hoof to her chest proudly, before raising it into a salute. “I will be outside if you need me sir. Gotta stretch my legs.” I watched as the bat pony took her leave, going outside into the fresh air. Looking back towards my father, I pulled him into another hug.

I watched from the tip of a rock down into a gulley, keeping an eye out for any suspicious action. To my left was a soldier equipped with a funny box thing that was probably a gun and to my right, Silver and two other soldiers, both with their own weapons. I wondered why Silver arrived weaponless. I shrugged the thought away, afterall, it was her choice. I had a crossbow as it was. I returned my attention to the gulley, noting the meeting point, a cave entrance. Nothing suspicious, and made reason to meet there, somewhere reasonably flat and in sight. I looked over to Silver, trying to catch her attention. Something felt off about this.

“Silver!” I whispered, trying to keep quiet. “Silver!” That got half her attention, thank goodness. “If we’re fighting a smart enemy, at a hostage situation, don’t you think they’d expect us?” Fretting, I returned my gaze to the gulley for a moment, then back to Silver, seeing her nod in agreement. I looked over at the soldier that was beside me. Wait, where’d he go. In a panic, I leapt over, tapping Silver’s shoulder and pointing at where the soldier was. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a shimmer, looking towards it, it seemed to never exist.

“What is it Sallantra?” A few pebbles stirred on the ground, slowly, but surely.

“Y-you don’t think… they’re invisi-” And there, right in front of us, five zebra’s, all armed and ready to shoot. Squealing in panic, I fired off a bolt, tearing straight through a zebra’s throat. “Ah! What just-!?” Crawling backwards in fear, I noticed most the guns flick in my direction. Pinned, and out gunned.

“You, halt. Drop your weapons and your lives may be spared. Make sure she feels pain though, she killed a good soldier just then.” I sat there, staring at the zebra who just spoke. Squeaking an apology, I attempted to push my way backwards, into the rock I was forced against. One of the zebra’s approached me, staring at me in anger. Still pushing backwards, it felt like I actually morphed into the rock. That was probably because the rock was gone though. So was I. I was falling. Backwards. Down into the gulley. With a zebra trying to shoot me. It seems I managed to break my cover, quite literally.

“K-kill them all!” I heard the zebra shout, before hearing a few yells of pain. Smacking backfirst into a rock, I flipped over in mid-air off the rebound and in a quick rush, manage to catch my balance, hoisting myself into the air, back towards my group. Surely enough, I could hear fighting, before a dismembered zebra head almost smacked me out of flight.

“W-what the… t-that’s disgusting…” Fighting the sickness now quelching in my stomach, I reached the overhang we were at. Five dead zebra’s, two injured soldiers. How? I had no plan on asking. I still did anyway. “How-” Silver simply smiled before looting the corpses. Okay, note to self, do not mess with her. Oh, right, corpses… in a mere matter of moments, I’d already lost the contents in my stomach into the gulley. “Frigging zebra’s were invisible… that’s cheating…” I lay in place, clutching my stomach, fighting back tears of pain. I killed a zebra. Sure, he scared the crap outta me, but still, I killed him. We killed them all.

I’d spent the whole night praying for forgiveness. Luna would understand, she always did. But, it was murder. In defence technically, but… I needed to find Luna. Earn forgiveness. Crawling to my hooves, I looked towards the barracks entrance, sensing the presence of somepony else. Looking around for a few moments, I scrunched my nose in annoyance before glancing upwards. Upside down, hanging from the roof was none other than Silver.

“Sorry for overhearing, but I was trying to rest for a few moments. Taking on three zebras in unarmed combat is difficult.” Gently, she dropped from the roof, landing smoothly on the ground, hooves first. “Come. We’ll find Luna. She’ll forgive you after understanding the situation. I take it that was your first kill?” I nodded, looking towards her with interest.

“How many have you killed so far?” I ask. Surely one of her skills would be an asset in this war.

“Just seven now. That was my first real mission to speak. My other four came from an assault strike in an attempt to damage Canterlot herself. It’s not easy, we all know how you felt Sall. I know I did.” Interesting.

“I see. So, where are you from?” I knew little of bat ponies, let alone where they came from. “Oh, and any relatives?” Smiling, the bat pony faced me, stopping me with her wing and began drawing in the dirt with her other. It looked like a family tree. A big one.

“I’m a descendant of the Silver family, who became their own House thanks to Silver himself. My grandfather.” She pointed to a box up the top before continuing. “He, and his wife, Crystal Tear, gave birth to Silver Casanova and Silver Clementine.” She motioned to the next two boxes. “Casanova gave birth to Flitch, who has been injured in this war, but he’ll be returning to active duty in a few days. Clementine gave birth to my sister, Silver Ore, and I. Beyond Silver, we don’t know about his parents or beyond sadly. Our home is located within the South-East province of the Trispian Woods in Sage-Glow.” Nodding, I respond simply.

“Where’s your sister at then?” She chuckled to herself before removing the dirt drawing and continuing towards the castle.

“Ironically, she went to a town called Silverfield. I’ve heard stories about that place, but she should be fine. I hope…”

“Hello again Sallantra, what brings you here?” Luna spoke down to us, a slightly quizzical look upon her face.

“W-w-w-” I stuttered, tears in my eyes. Thankfully Silver was here. She could talk.

“We’ve killed zebra’s during the call of duty, your highness and we request to beg forgiveness for our sins.” Silver stood beside me, waiting for Luna’s reply.

“I… I see. Because this was during the call of duty, you are both excused of any and all crimes you have committed against the enemy. I thank you for assisting Equestria through these difficult times.” Looking up at Luna, I felt the tears flowing down my face.

“R-really? We’re forgiven, just like that?” Luna nodded briefly, replying in a smooth, regal voice.

“For now, you are dismissed. In the event you request more forgivings, do not hesitate to return. Until then, I bid you well, dear children.” And with that she left, probably to leave for her quarters.

“That wasn’t so bad, now was it Sall?” Sighing, she picked me up off the ground and onto my hooves.

“I… I guess.” I began to walk towards the courtyard, head drooping. “But-” Smack, a hoof in the face really hurts. “OW! What was that for!?”

“Zip it. You saved us all as it is. Even your father. If I hear another peep from you about what happened, I will hit you harder.” Taking a step away, I nodded in understanding. I suppose that’d work. “Now, I believe the Sage-Glowians could do with some help packing to leave for home. And it’s not like we have anything better to do.”

“Leaving in five minutes everyone, hurry up!” I looked towards the source of the voice, sighing.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye Silver, Father.” I embraced my father in a hug, knowing I may never see him again. “I’ll miss you, both of you.”

“Just remember, stay safe and carry the family spirit with you. You’re a strong mare now, I believe in you. You can do anything if you try.” Slowly I pulled away, looking towards Silver. “Thanks, for… threatening to smack me if I ever fall under the influence defending my friends is wrong.” Quietly, I giggled to myself as a grin spread across her face.

“If you ever enter the Trispian Woods, don’t hesitate to meet my family. Tell them Moonrise sent you.” I nodded quickly, looking back towards the caravans for a moment. “Oh, and before you go…” Silver leaned towards me, giving me a kiss on the lips. Looking at Silver in surprise, I fell back, babbling nonsense as my wings flew to my sides, hard as rock. “See you soon, cutie.” Silver purred, getting a strange look from my father. “What? She’s cute. And it’ll give her another thing to look forward to.”