Chapter 1: Leaving the Nest
Just a day, sunny, typical day, the usual level happiness flowing through Ponyville. It is the day that a special holiday is celebrated. Sage-Glow Week, caravaners from distant lands barely known by most Equestrians come through Equestria on a journey of trade and good fortune. Winter had passed five moons ago, and today is the day that our young adventurer sets out to find a life of her own. Sallantra is her name, and finding her cutie mark is her aim… or so she claims. She is quite annoyed by her lack of a cutie mark, but that’s merely a setback for her. She lives at home, with her mother, her father having joined the Equestrian Guard. She is just an ordinary pony, barely old enough to live on her own as it is, but this story is one that will last for many a century. The story of the green mare as she begins to discover a mystery known by few ponies and zebras alike.
“Muuum! Why did you have to give me a complicated name that doesn’t help me know what my cutie mark is!?!?” I whined loudly in the general direction of my mother, stretching out on the couch.
“Oh shut it you big cry baby, Sallantra’s a wonderful name.” The blue mare retorted back at her daughter, giggling to herself. She always loved doing this, and it really annoyed me. I just groaned, turning away from her voice.
“Right… I’m gonna go for a bit, I need to return this book to the library soon enough anyway.” Not waiting for a response, I trotted off, grabbing the book with my wing, and opened the door, ready to leave for the library. However, I was not expecting a certain purple unicorn to be standing in the doorway, and smacking face first into her, I dropped the book onto the ground, landing on my rump.
“Oof… oh, are you okay Sallantra?” The purple unicorn smiled calmly at me, as she helped me back to my hooves. Looking down at the book, Twilight picked up the book with her magic, inspecting it’s cover. “Oh, perfect timing, I was just coming to jump on you for not returning it. Ten minutes late.” I groaned in annoyance, facehoofing, making a mental note not to forget, yet again.
“Sorry Twi… it won’t happen again… actually, I was just coming to return this and hopefully find something… different… to read. Like, mythological stories or something. Do you have any ideas on what I could read?” I followed Twilight as she walked towards the library, recounting every book she could and would suggest.
“Oh! I have a great one! It might take me some time to find though…” And with that, she teleported to the library immediately, leaving a stunned me standing in the middle of the road.
“H-hey! Wait up!”
A large, slightly dusty tome sat on a table, with a grinning purple unicorn standing next to it. I looked down at the tome, admiring it’s glistening gold trims and the cursive writing decorating it’s cover.
“Tales of the… Sage-Glow?” I looked up at Twilight in question. “Where’d you find this?”
Twilight simply shrugged and pointed towards a store room in the library. “Came in the last delivery of books from Canterlot. I’d forgotten all about it to be honest.” She gave a nervous chuckle, before looking down at the dusty tome. “It’s a pretty rare book I’m told… but what are we waiting for, let’s read it!” She brushed the dust off with her magic, carefully opening up to page 3. I gazed down at the text covering the page, the cursive text drawing my attention.
“The Crystal Wings…” I continued reading through the page, giving Twilight permission to change pages whenever I finished. “Wow, this is… interesting to say the least Twi. C-can… Can I borrow this?” I peeked up at Twilight, pleadingly and waiting for an answer. She frowned a little, thinking. After about a minute, she turned back to me with a smile.
“Oh, alright, but remember, return it within a week, I don’t want to have to chase down one of my favourite students because they were ten minutes past the due date.” I looked up at Twilight, beaming.
“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” I couldn’t help but leap up at Twilight, wrapping my hooves around her in a great big hug. The thought of kissing her crossed my mind for a split second but that would probably ruin my friendship with her.
“I’ll check the book out when you leave, unless you’d rather stay in here and read, which is completely fine.” I just sat there, finishing of the paragraph I was reading, before looking up and nodding in acknowledgement.
“Thank you oh so much Twilight. This book must be priceless.” I squee’d in delight, bolting out of the library and back home, up the stairs and straight into bed, immediately getting back to reading about one of the Sage-Glow Tales.
I stood at the entrance to a temple, the walls around me gathering dust and mould, a cowl covered over my muzzle. I quickly made a few minor adjustments to the reinforced leather armor I wore, allowing my saddlebags to be mostly empty, while keeping the rest of my gear strapped to me comfortably and easy to reach. I checked over my forehooves, making sure my leather bracers were attached properly. Looking around to make sure nopony was watching me, I shrugged, unable to shake the feeling that I indeed was being watched. I took a last look to the sky, before cautiously making my way through the temple entrance and through multiple hallways. Every now and then, I came across feral rats and simply crushed those that dared attack beneath my hooves. Didn’t want to get an infection now, of all times. I quickly continued forwards, and entering through a doorway into a large room.
I glanced at my new surroundings. The ground was covered in panels of multiple creatures. A bear, a weird flying snake creature thing I barely recognized, a dragon. Shaking my head, I took to the air and flew over them all, keeping a careful eye out for danger. Landing on the other side, I looked behind me, and quietly chuckled to myself. Too easy, being a pegasus was amazing. Continuing forwards, I eventually came to a large stone door with a strange mark in the centre, like a spiral overlapping a star, but it seemed to change before my eyes. The star seemed to be known as Trickery. Taking a deep breath, I pushed my forehooves against the spiralling star. Suddenly, my whole world flashed bright, a slight burn running through my hooves. That did not feel healthy. Quietly I whispered to myself, bracing against the burning.
“Zrenagar guide me to safety…” What? Who did I know that I don’t know?
“Hey… Sallantra… come on you sleepyhead… the caravaners will arrive soon.” A gentle hoof pushed Sallantra’s shoulder, then a little more forcefully, stirring the young mare.
“Black… pearl… shmyshal shing…” Sallantra’s mother watched her babbling daughter, sighing and shaking her head. Floating her daughter up in her magic, she took her outside, placing her in the grass. Smiling, with a slight chuckle in her throat she floated over a bucket and began to fill it with water from a nearby tap.
“Sometimes you’ve gotta do what’s necessary” She mumbled to herself. Floating the bucket over, now filled to the brim with water, Sallantra’s mother looked down at her still sleeping daughter, unable to hide her glee. She enjoyed screwing around with her daughter like this. Especially when it involved buckets of cold water.
I stared at my mother, unamused as cold water dripped down my face.
“I hate you…” I mumbled in annoyance. My mother simply smiled.
“Oh please, you know that’s not true.” She tossed a towel at me, and I quickly dried my mane to the best of my abilities. Sighing, I plodded back inside to make sure I was prepared for the arrival of the caravans.
“Bits… check… sack… check…” I ran my eyes over the book for a few moments, hesitating. “Awesome book, check.” Satisfied, I nodded, picking up my sack and placing the book and bits inside, before heading outside again. I cast my eyes to the darkening sky for a few moments, before trotting towards the town hall beside my mother. Oh tonight is going to be amazing…
I sat there, staring in awe at a variety of strange looking weapons, especially a purple wooden one with a gleaming silver trim. I hear a chuckle from behind and squeak, looking up in embarrassment.
“That’s my favourite as well, she’s known as Soaring Pain. Made from genuine Sagewood, trimmed in a thin layer of Pohawcium.” Catching my slightly confused look, he quickly added, “Your equivalent for Platinum.” Nodding in clear understanding, I continued looking at it for a few moments, before turning back to the strange pony.
“How does it… work exa-” I stop mid sentence, realizing he was no normal Equestrian. “Whoa… your eyes… they glow… and your ear are like, so fluffy and large looking… that’s so cool…” Gaining a smile of amusement, the pony patted me upon the head.
“Indeed, since I’m a Sage-Glowian.” I smile in return, before returning my gaze to ‘Soaring Pain’. “Ah, yes. You see…” I watch as he walks around, and opens a box sitting inside the caravan his wares were located upon and pulls out a strange glove like leather brace. I gasp, remembering it. It bore resemblance to the ones situated on my hooves during my dream.
“Wait… how… what?” I shake my head, trying to think. “It couldn’t be…”
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, young Equestrian… is something the matter?” Cautiously, I reach up and poke the leather brace.
“I… saw this… two of these… in a dream I just had today… they were… on my forehooves and… there was this light and… I was armoured… in a dungeon…” Realizing the Sage-Glowian was frowning in worry, I shake my head again, trying to grin. Probably just chance anyways. However, judging by his expression, I should be worried. I watched as he locked his wares up inside his caravan in a rush, before realizing I was already being dragged at a gallop towards a large tent.
“Wh-where are you taking me!?” I squeal in panic, trying to wrap my head around the whole situation. Bursting through the flap of the tent, we came face to face with an elderly Sage-Glow pony. A deep booming voice erupts from the pony as soon as he sees the two of us.
“What is the meaning of this?” I shrink back from the elder, and take a few deep breaths to calm myself.
“So sorry to disturb you, Elder Gaion, but… it might be her… I’m positive. It was destined to strike this year as it is, it has to be.” I watched from the entrance, the two ponies talking in hushed whispers. Listening as hard as I can, I barely make out a few words here and there. Equestrian. Saviour. T’asinder?
“By Zrenagar… that’s… I don’t know… it’s the best hope we’ve got.” I looked up in worry, before gaining the courage to speak for myself.
“W-who’s… Zrenagar?” Realizing the blank expressions I got, I doubted to get an answer anytime soon. Instead, the Elder motioned me over to a small ball of swirling gem. In a low, gentle voice, the Elder spoke down to me.
“I need you to place a hoof upon this orb. Gently.” Nodding in understanding, I placed my hoof upon the orb as gently as I could. It was at that moment of contact my world melted away. I felt tiny… non-existant… like I’d been kicked in the head multiple times. I look around at my new surroundings, noticing that the world was shimmering before me. The colours were mixing and combining, and I found it hard to tell what colours existed and which ones didn’t. Of course, I realized that it looked just like the orb I’d placed my hoof upon just a few moments ago. What felt like forever passed eventually and I awoke with my face directly on the ground. Slowly, I pulled myself to my hooves, trying to regain feeling in them. I turned around to look at the Elder, before realizing, my wings weren’t sitting beside my body. Instead, they were snapped out and extremely hard, a wingboner, of course, I still didn’t realize that till I knocked over a table with what I hoped was nothing on top. Squeaking in embarrassment, I looked straight up at the Elder.
“S-so sorry… Elder…” The Elder walked directly in front of me, smiling and shaking his head.
“Worry not, child. The wings are only a side effect.” Blushing even more, I covered my face with my forehooves, sitting on my rear. “Do not worry, young one. Arise to your hooves and let us get you prepared.” Wait, prepared? For what? I shake my head clear of thoughts and slowly stand back up properly. I faced the doorway and nodding in agreement with this ‘Elder’, took a few steps towards the outside. I really wonder what we’re preparing for… and why.
I blinked a few times, looking at the pure white moon, beaming silver rays down at me. It looked brighter and different. Covering my eyes with my slightly stiff wing, I look forwards at the other ponies around me. Most of them had a silvery glow around them, I noticed that one of them had a red glow around them and finding this odd, I looked towards the Elder, frowning.
“What’s with the silvery glows, and why is that one glowing red?” I motioned towards the pony with the red glow, trying to focus on his features.
“Ah, yes, a rare effect of the orb. It’ll last a few minutes. It identifies a ponies karma. Silver usually indicates a good pony, whereas red, indicates evil. We’d best not interfere though, it could change the balance of the world.” I blinked, shaking my head in confusion. “Worry not, you need to stay with us. If luck is going our way...” Sighing in defeat, I continued to walk along, headed towards a weapon rack stacked with all different types of crossbows, swords and some weird, pointy stick thing that looked awfully complicated to design and make. It had spinning blades afterall, if what I saw was correct. Shrugging the thought away, I looked around myself. There were multiple ponies, both Equestrian and Sage, gathered around. A select few of them were standing on their hindhooves, aiming a crossbow at a target. I remembered how hard that was on my trip with my father. Looking towards the Elder, I gave a questioning look, opening my mouth to ask before being interrupted calmly.
“Target practice. If I am to assume that you are the pony we’re looking for, we meed to see if you can survive.” Closing my mouth, I turned towards a row of varying crossbows, some simple, others that looked terribly advanced. “Now, you’re going to select a crossbow and begin practice.” Nodding, I trotted over and began inspecting a few of the crossbows. Damaged, short range, less power, how did I know, I had no idea, it just felt like none were suitable. Groaning in annoyance, I continued along the row, noting the most suitable weapons of the group. That purple one looked familiar, and effective, but an orange one looked much more complex and powerful. Upon closer inspection, it was engineered differently, almost as if it was designed to create a spinning effect. Odd.
Calmly, I picked up the purple crossbow, running a hoof along it’s silver finish. Smiling with satisfaction, I slipped my hoof into the hoof straps attached to the crossbow and began working the straps tightly. Raising my hoof, I made sure the crossbow was attached firmly and correctly. I looked down the sights, nodding to myself.
“The Soaring Pain? Why not the Tornadus? I noticed you were inspecting it afterall.” I looked towards the Elder in surprise, before shrugging, balancing on my rear hooves.
“It felt… correct. I’m… not sure, really.” I looked at the crossbow, resting on my outstretched hoof.
“Interesting. Well, go on, take a shot. We’re wasting time afterall.” I flew over towards the firing range, taking up a free area, and landing smoothly on my rear hooves, balanced myself quickly, taking aim at the targets before me. This is it, remember what you learnt with your father. Grinning, I raised the crossbow slightly, noting the lack of wind.
I picked up a bolt and slotted it into the firing mechanism.
I drew a deep breath, focusing my aim.
I smacked my hoof down onto the side trigger, watching the bolt slingshot out of the crossbow. Time seemed to slow down, as the bolt sped towards the target. Already, I noticed that I was slightly off target, but the bolt continued anyway. The bolt collided into the wooden target, sticking firmly. A mere few centimetres from the center. Instinctively, I loaded another bolt, ready to repeat the process. Looking to my side, in the direction of the Elder, I saw his smile of approval. Preparing myself, I stared back at my target, repeating the process another two more times, the third bolt colliding with the center. Smirking with pride, I looked back towards the Elder, noticing his nod of approval. Beside him was the store owner, who looked just about ready to burst out in cheer. And that’s exactly what he did. Everypony’s attention flung towards him as he yelled his delight.
“SHE DID IT! SHE’S A NATURAL! WHOOPEEH!” Smiling at him, I burst into laughter, slowly making my way towards him. As I neared, he attempted to calm himself, before swiftly pulling me into a tight hug, cutting off my air supply. “YOU ARE AMAZING!” I glared at him for a few moments, before pushing myself away, trying to breathe.
“Don’t choke me like that, please, I need my air.” Giggling to myself, I returned the hug for a few moments, before backing away and preparing to take the crossbow off my hoof. “I assume you’ll be wanting this back?” Calming down a bit more, he looked down at me, smiling.
“No no, it’s fine. Keep it. Payment for almost choking you, if you must.” Grinning, he took a step back, refusing to allow me to return it.
“Oh, um, thank you… it means a lot, really.” I wiped a forming tear away from my eye, hugging him again. Tears were for babies. I heard a cough from beside us, catching my attention. Grinning sheepishly at the Elder, we pulled apart from our hug.
“If you two are done, we need to go. She can shoot, but she still needs to be able to come along with us. I doubt it’s her choice after all. Most likely her mothers.” Pouting, I sighed in defeat. The Elder was correct after all.
“Well then, follow me.” Slowly, I lead the two Sage-Glowians towards my house. Mother said she’d be back home early to prepare a dinner for the feast we’d be participating in. It’s an official part of Sage-Glow Week to hold feasts between Equestria and Sage-Glow, to celebrate our co-operation and unity. Opening my way into the house, I followed the sweet smell that was floating out of the kitchen. Smelled like a raspberry and apple tart. Delicious. Grinning, I waltzed up to my mother, tapping her shoulder.
“Yo, mum! Is it fine if I go with the Sage-Glowian Ponies on their journey through Equestria and back to their home?!” Beaming with delight, I watched as she faced me slowly, frowning in confusion.
“I-I’m sorry, what? You want to… go with the Sage-Glowian Ponies… back to Sage-Wood?” Noticing the worry in her voice, I dropped the smile.
“I’m aware of the risks, mother but they’ve requested I journey with them. My skills could prove useful and I’m a natural with the crossbow.” Looking up at my mother, I showed her the crossbow, still attached to my hoof. “They even gave me this beauty to celebrate my gift. It might even be my cutie mark, mother.” She sighed for a brief moment, taking some time to think about it.
“You’re still young… but… if that’s what you really want. Just, please, be careful… I don’t want to hear about you getting injured, okay?” I nodded simply, before being swept into a hug. “Don’t miss the feast though… it may be our last meal together for a while after all…” I nodded again, wrapping my hooves around my mother.
We sat around a large table. Food was placed all over a larger table nearby, and other adjacent tables next to ours were filled with ponies. Grinning, I walked over, grabbing pieces of food from all over the serving table and placing them onto my plate. Returning to my seat, I watched, waiting for everyone else to collect their food as well. It was rude to start eating before announcements were made. Once everypony had collected their varieties of food and had taken their seats, the Elder walked onto a nearby stage, a proud smile upon his face.
“Welcome, friends and family, to this wonderful night of celebration. We have gathered this fine night to enjoy the unity of Equestria and Sage-Glow and for the prosperity of both our lands. Tonight, under the glow of the moon, we celebrate for a future of further more prosperity as well. And with that, I deem it time to enjoy the food the Equestrians have proudly shared with us, and they too for our foods. Enjoy.” A large amount of us cheered and stamped our hooves on the ground, a few cried prayers into the night air, and soon, we all dug into our food. I sat beside my mother, eating a slice of her tarts. Swallowing my bite, I looked up to her, grinning.
“It tastes amazing, mom. What’s the secret?” She looked down at me, smiling. Of course, still won’t tell me. Typical. Sighing in defeat, I continued eating my food, enjoying every bite. A full stomach later and a night of dancing about to start, I climbed to my hooves, ready for fun.
“Left hoof upon your partners waist, right hoof upon their left. Swapped around if necessary, depends on which side you’re on. And a simple one step left, one step right, two steps left, one step right, twirl under your hoof. Basic. Now, let’s get the music playing!” The pony up on stage leapt down, taking the nearest mare up in his hooves, demonstrating the stance. Awkwardly, I sank away from the crowd, having nopony to dance with, not that I didn’t mind of course. Taking a step backwards, I bumped into another pony, spinning quickly.
“So sorry, I didn’t see you there!” Oh, he’s kinda cute… gah, no, not thinking that. “I was walking backwards and-” Smiling, he cut me off, placing a hoof on my lips.
“Would you accept this dance with me, fair lady?” Oh, how formal, he even bowed. Blushing slightly, I nodded, quickly being dragged onto the dance floor. “Wundervar!” He would make for an amazing prince. Within moments, I found myself dancing, making a few stuff ups here and there, but enjoying the night with this mysterious stallion. Of course, that ended soon, as I found myself flung to another partner. Giggling, I danced with my new partner, before being flung onwards, eventually returning to the princely stallion of silver coat. Floating over a rose, he spun me towards the center, dropping me towards the ground and holding the rose in his mouth. Oh that blush that rushed to my cheeks. Instantly, I was pulled back to my hooves, and we resumed dancing long into the night.
I watched the sun as it’s tips began to rise over the horizon. It had been a long night of packing up and preparing the caravans for travel back to their home. Smiling to myself, I rose to my hooves, walking towards my home. Mother requested I return home before we left, as a final departure. There she was, standing by the door, smiling gently. I rushed over towards her, quickly trapping her in an embrace.
“I’ll miss you, Mother. I’ll miss everyone as well.” Tears began to well up in my eyes. I was about to move on. Leave my whole life behind me. All my friends, mother, father even. But, my life was also just beginning.
“I’ll miss you too Sallantra… we’ll all miss you. Try to return safely, and soon. At least try to stop by next year, alright?” I nodded, on the edge of bawling my eyes out. It was a promise. “Stay safe, and don’t go chasing any stallions just because they can pull you into a dance.” Blushing and giggling, I wiped the tears away from my eyes.
“I won’t mother.” We stood there, hugging for a few minutes, before slowly pulling apart.
“Oh, and before you leave, I have a gift for you… some of it’s from your father.” She turned away and walked inside, before returning with some saddlebags, carefully embroidered with a beautiful green thread. The clasp, I realized, was in the shape of a curled leaf, the family emblem. “Inside, is the gift from your father. Those saddlebags are from me, as well as the small gift.” Smiling, I opened the saddlebags, pulling out a small package and a larger one. Taking Mother’s gift first, I opened the small box, looking inside. A small, neat pendant representing the family emblem was attached to a necklace, a purple gemstone hanging from it sparkling in the low light. Immediately I burst into tears, hugging my mother again.
“Th-thank you, Mother. It’s beautiful.” Eventually I pulled away and carefully slid it over my head, allowing it to rest against my chest.
“You bear the family name, Sallantra Swiftleaf. Make us proud.” Sniffling, she wiped away her tears, motioning to the other gift. “Go on, open it.” Nodding, I reached over towards to the other package, carefully peeling the paper off. What I saw, amazed me. A delicate dagger with a matching bracelet sat before me, an intricate design of leaves and wind like carvings flowing around it. The dagger itself was designed for easy access, as it had a flipping blade designed like a leaf and the handle, I noticed, was engraved with my name in a smooth, cursive design. The amount of work dedicated to this simple tool was amazing. Looking down at it, I pulled a hoof to my chest, gasping to myself. Looking up at my mother, I noticed she was looking down at it, at its design. Quietly, I heard her mumble.
“It’s been forever since I last saw this.” Raising an eye, I waited for mother to continue. “This dagger was made years ago when you were still but a filly. There were fears that the world was about to enter a new stage of war, but that threat subsided. We’ve all had one though. Your father, my father, my mother, their parents. It’s been a tradition to have a form of heirloom, that’s unique for each family member.” Calmly she walked back inside for a few minutes, returning with a similar dagger, engraved with the name Airloft. Airloft Swiftleaf. I noticed that mine was leafier, whereas hers was windier. Just like her cutie mark. Slowly, I attached it to the bracelet, sliding it onto my left hoof and tightening it in place. I flicked my hoof, the blade flipping out, then flicked it back in, allowing me to travel without damaging the blade. My mother looked on proudly, on the verge of crying again. Noticing this, I pulled her into a hug again, tightly pressing my head against her chest.
“Thank you, mother... I love you.” We stood there, embracing each other. After some time, we pulled away, and watched the sun rising slowly. Looking up to my mother, I noticed she was thinking. “What are you thinking about, mother?” Looking down at me, she shook her head.
“Just stuff… the caravans should be passing Canterlot, so you should probably drop in to see your father. It’s been months after all, and he did manage to send your gift in time.” I nodded in agreement. “Your life is starting now Sallantra. Don’t waste it. I’ll be fine, so don’t worry about us. Don’t forget to say goodbye to your friends, they deserve to know what’s happening. It’s time for you to go live your life of adventure. Keep an eye out for Autumn Swiftleaf though, you’ll know her if you see her.” Smiling, she leaned down and nuzzled my cheek. “Goodbye Sallantra, and may the winds swiftly carry you to your destination.”
Chapter 2: Temporary Reunion
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.”