15. Sunset Shimmer IV

Sunset Shimmer

Kaerndal was more beautiful than she could ever imagine. A whole castle and fortress built along the side of the mountain; much like Canterlot. It was a lot different in the way it looked however. It was very medieval in architecture, a simple longways castle with tall rooks and turrets surrounding it. What made it so beautiful, was actually the trees planted in its courtyard and inside the fortress. The trees had brown rough bark around it, but the leaves were a bright blue.

She could only see so much from far away unfortunately. Sunset had been accompanied by her fellow companions, Void Wing, Wildstrike, Paprika, Lemon Lime, Limburger, Sanguine Fire, and also Ruby Bloodmane. Leading her and her friends (most of them anyway), were Lady Tacita, Hoarfrost, and River Run. The stallion, Blood Hunter, would have been here too if not for his other responsibilities as blacksmith. She had been viewing the castle from the winding stony bridge path which leads to it. The rest of her friends were also in awe of its splendor.

"It's almost like Canterlot!" She heard Ruby speak, "But with more trees."

Void Wing went over to get a closer look from the railing, "These kaerndallens sure got a pretty sweet castle! Look at the trees! Sunset?" She turned to her, "What do you think?"

As old fashioned as it was, it was still an incredible sight to her. "It's incredible!" She honestly could not find other words to describe it.

"The kaerndallens call them skyleaf trees." She heard Hoarfrost explain to the orange pegasus, "The reason is obvious enough: the bright blue color of their leaves."

"Skyleaf trees?" Void must not have expected the simple name, "Not exactly what I thought they'd be called, but I guess it makes sense."

"In early morning, when icy dew covers the leaves and falls to the ground, it's as if they were frozen tear drops from the sky."

"Wow, um..." The orange pegasus was notably amused from that. "That's pretty interesting I guess."

"I've heard many kaerndallens speak of it many times, before I saw it for myself." Hoarfrost continued, "And when I did... it was breathtaking."

"I should probably see it sometime." She smiled.

Out of the corner of her eye she could see Ruby staring at Hoarfrost with disdain. Her hazel eyes were fierce now, glaring at the white stallion. She was apparently so jealous, she can't even have stallions flirt with her. Although it seems to be that Void did not mind it. If she didn't know any better, she'd assumed she liked it. She figured it would be best to push the thought away; she had kept Lady Tacita waiting long enough.

The winding path reminded her of a serpent in a sense, which may have been the reason why the kaerndallens called it the Stonesnake bridge. Lady Tacita told her about it on their way here. Fortunately it had railings posted at the edges, otherwise they would have to risk falling down into the dark chasm below. It may have been hundreds, maybe thousands of feet deep.

Paprika--once again--was beside her. The pink filly was growing more and more attached by the day. Of course she never blamed her. It had come to her that she must have been younger than both Lemon Lime and Sanguine Fire. Her reason for thinking this had to do with the filly's behavior, and strong dependence on her late mother; which then passed down to her. Paprika wanted to go with them to Kaerndal to speak with this King Brandri. Or more specifically, to go with her.

It took her a while, but she eventually caught up to Tacita. Paprika had no trouble keeping up with her, trotting gleefully beside her as always. Tacita seemed to have taken some amusement out of it, seeing how she smiled warmly. Lady Tacita had worn a fine blue tunic with a gold color trim, neat white silk pants, and engraved leather shoes. On her left front leg, she had worn a bracer, similar in appearance to her shoes.

"The child seems very dependent on you." Tacita commented.

"She's been that way since--" Sunset tried to explain, but cut herself off when she remembered the filly was within earshot.

"I remember," She said to her calmly, "you told me of it the other day. I understand."

"So... about King Brandri..." She was desperate to change the subject. She did not want to remind herself of that day; the day all those ponies died, including Cinnamon Spice, the filly's mother.

"What do you wish to know, Sunset?" Tacita must have picked up her willingness to change subjects.

She sighed before asking: "What is he like? I of course never met him before, but I'm just curious."

The beige mare smiled wider when she asked, "King Brandri is a kind, and just ruler of these lands. He fought hard to protect his kingdom from any enemy who swore to take it. The Nezenite Empire, in particular, are always hungry for more lands, and when they sought to besiege Kaerndal, it was their kings who saved them from the Empire's wrath. Brandri, and his ancestors were among the few ronian nations able to withstand the the might of nezenite emperors."

"How long have they held their kingdom?" Sunset felt the need to ask.

"For hundreds of years. Ever since the first civilization first made their place here. They were always a strong, and hardy race; 'fierce as the winter cold', they say. Other ronians never dared to cross with them, for fear of losing thousands of soldiers."

There's sure is a lot to this world. Finding all this out fascinated her. She felt inclined to know more: "What are the other cultures of Ronia? If you don't mind me asking..."

"I don't." She smiled again, "Other than the kaerndallens and nezenites, there are also: esoni, aeors, barusians, veonans, dramorans, senians, oshmosi, and thousands more. As well as thousands of extinct ronian cultures, wiped out from the evils of this world."

"Their not gonna hurt us, are they?" Paprika shivered.

"No, little one," she reassured the filly with a smooth, calm tone, "King Brandri is a kind and noble ruler. He is kind to all the ponies of Equestria."

"Really?" The filly's fear ebbed away.

Tacita only nodded in reply. The castle was much closer than before, the same could also be said for the "Skyleaf" trees. Glancing behind, she saw Void walking alongside Hoarfrost, much to Ruby's chagrin. The two foals walked with one another as well. As for Wildstrike, he was walking beside the old stallion Limburger. He always scolded that he does not need their help, even though he does. The blue and red maned bat pony, River Run, flown right beside them.

"You wanna know something funny?" She snickered at the pale beige mare.

"What do you find amusing, River Run?" Tacita only sighed.

"I don't think I've ever seen Frosty try to impress somepony before!" The bat pony was trying her best to stifle a laugh. "He really thinks trees are gonna impress her! How hilarious is that?!"

It was clear the bat pony was making fun of her fellow soldier. She saw that the bat pony's cutie mark was a fish leaping from wavy lines. It definitely bewildered her how her cutie mark was a fish of all things. Then again, with a name like River Run, she supposed it shouldn't surprise her.

Once they've passed through the portcullis, they were finally in Kaerndal at last. It looked more like a town on the inside of the fortress. Lady Tacita explained that this was Stagir's Square, a town just outside the castle's boundaries. Kaerndallens dressed in animal pelts, walked in the streets. All of them wearing at least something covering their face. When Sunset had asked Lady Tacita about it, she told her:

"It's apart of all ronian cultures. It is considered unethical to them not to wear full clothing, and a sin to not wear something covering their face in public." She had shrugged, "It is strange to us, but we respect their beliefs. Their culture applies only to them, so they won't rebuke us for that law."

I wonder why that is. To think that a culture--no, a whole species would follow these laws, astounds her.

She saw kaerndallen children playing across the yard. Unlike the adults, the children had much smaller wings. They seem to be playing some kind of game, as for what game she couldn't tell. The settlement was a busy one. She could also tell that the way each of them dressed was different as well; she was able to distinguish one from another. She didn't bring much with her, aside from the sword sheathed on her back. As they continued crossing, more kaerndallens stared at the ponies curiously--particularly, the sword.

"Good afternoon, milady." A plump kaerndallen greeted. He wore an flour stained apron around his waist.

"Afternoon, Narmen."

"Is he a baker?" Paprika asked wondrously.

"Yes, little one, and a fine baker he is." Tacita confirmed.

"Thank you, milady." The baker bowed, "What brings you here to Kaerndal?"

"We have an appointment with the king. The company I bring has much to ask of him."

"Understood. Best be on your way, milady." He rushed back to a building which could have been his bakery.

After that, they continued on their way to the castle. She heard fast paced trotting behind her. Turning her head, she realized it was Ruby. Her expression obviously furious. She heard her groan in distaste at something, though she probably already knew what it was. She trotted up next her, seeing her breath steaming from her mouth from the cold.

"I can't believe it!" She hissed in Sunset's ear, "My friend is smitten by some... weirdo stallion!"

"Ruby--"

"How could she betray me?!" She cut her off, "After all we've been through! My best friend!! Why would she do this to me?!"

"Ruby, you shouldn't worry about it." She winced when she noticed what she said came out wrong.

"'Shouldn't worry about it'?!" She continued to hiss, "Why shouldn't I? You know I love her, Sunset! Void means a lot to me. We have our disagreements, but that doesn't mean I still don't love her." She then sighed solemnly, "Yet now she likes a stallion, that guy who's way into those 'skyleaf trees' or whatever!"

"I'm sorry, Ruby," Sunset wished she had the right words to say, "I wish could help, but I just don't know how."

"I don't see why!" she snapped, "You've got us outta that desert, saved Lemon Lime, fought off that guy who killed our friends, and got us to that camp! I seriously don't see how you can't help!"

"That is enough!" Lady Tacita told them sternly. Paprika cowered under Sunset. "This quarrel of yours, shall have to wait! We have more pressing matters here, remember?"

Sunset gave an affirming nod. Ruby on the other hoof, stormed back to the others. Paprika came out from under her, no longer scared. Tacita only took in a deep breath. Sunset was rather glad she ended it, she didn't want to hear Ruby complain even more than usual. She looked back at her fellow companions, seeing that everypony is mostly in a good mood; all but Ruby of course. The white stallion, Hoarfrost, trotted up to them, with a slight smile across his mouth.

"Having a decent chat, Hoarfrost?" Lady Tacita asked him.

"It was only a momentary diversion, milady." The stallion replied. "I've always had a fascination with the skyleaf trees. And it was invigorating to see that someponyelse takes an interest in them."

Sure... she thought sarcastically, amused by his way of saying it. That's the reason. Even though he sounded sincere, she could see his cheeks turning bright red.

It had taken them a while, but they eventually made it to, well... another portcullis. This one slightly smaller than the entrance to Stagir's Square. The wall that separated the castle from the town, was indeed large, but not like the one surrounding the town. The gate was guarded by at least four kaerndallens, each armed with iron tipped spears. All of them stood stone still, weapons held straight, and wings tucked behind them. When they got closer, the guards turned their attention to them vigilantly.

"Lady Tacita." A guard closest to the portcullis greeted. "On time as always."

"Really?" Tacita mused, "I had expected to be less punctual than normal... given a few setbacks along the way."

I've got to admit, she reflected, It did take a while to have everypony ready.

"Not at all, milady." He said amiably, "Our king awaits your presence."

"Then let us not dawdle any further." She announced to Sunset and the others.

The guard nodded, helm slipping off a bit. He quickly tried to adjust. He then hollered: "RAISE THE PORTCULLIS!!"

That's one phrase she will most likely hear more often than usual. The gate lifted up much faster than the others she's seen before it, the sound of chains rattling and metal creaking filling the frigid air. As the latticed gate ascended, she could see the castle's courtyard, and the skyleaf trees within it. Snow had covered the whole courtyard like a blanket, the blue leaves of the trees glistened in the sunlight. It reminded her of oak trees back home (the other world, not Equestria). They were smaller than oaks, but are far more beautiful. As they walked into they trotted into the courtyard, she could see a few kaerndallens scattered about.

She then witnessed Void Wing fly toward the trees, mouth gaping widely. "They're even cooler then I thought!"

The white stallion, Hoarfrost, came to her side. "They are amazing indeed."

This also seemed to fuel Ruby's frustration even further. The red maned mare was clearly unhappy. Wildstrike on the other hoof, was still assisting Limburger. The two foals: Lemon and Sanguine, were also wide eyed and amazed by the sight of the blue leafed trees. The trees were without a doubt intriguing, but they still had more important matters to attend to.

"My, oh my!" Limburger laughed, "I've never seen a queerer tree in my life!"

"I must admit," Wildstrike observed, "those trees are very pretty. I don't think Equestria has trees this incredible."

In front of them, was the castle entrance; and twelve, large stone steps. They were obviously grey in color, and long ways; longer than the height of even a kaerndallen. The steps led up to two enormous wooden doors, each engraved with an emblem which looked like the head of some great reptile; a dragon most likely. If it was, it would fascinate her even more; she'd never assumed dragons existed in this world as well. As they were about to climb the steps, Paprika still at her side poked her as if to ask something.

"What is it?" She asked the filly, a little worried.

"Um..." She shifted uncomfortably, "Is it alright if I call you mommy?"

Of all the things she had to ask, this was a question she didn't anticipate. Yet, it made sense: her dependency on her, and never leaving her side. With her mother dead, she didn't think the filly sought out to find another. The fact that she asked her of all ponies to be her mother made sense, but how can she be her mother? She's never had children before, obviously. The pink filly's big innocent eyes made it difficult for her to say no.

"Sure, Paprika." When she said that, the filly hugged her tightly.

"Thank you mommy!" She heard the filly say, muffled against her amber coat.

What am I going to do? She thought despairingly, I want to help her, but how am I supposed to be a mother?

The foyer wasn't as spectacular as the courtyard, at least in her eyes. Whether she could call it amazing or not, she couldn't decide. It was just more steps than before, except there were three paths to choose: left, right, or forward. Left and right were both ascending stairs, possibly leading into rooms and other living spaces. In the middle of the two ascending stairs, was a large double door, most likely leading into the innermost hall or throne room. The doors were guarded by two kaerndallen soldiers. Lady Tacita was trotting forward, so that was obviously where they needed to go.

"This way, my friends." She told them, "The king is just beyond this door."

Without another word, they were all trotting up the stairs to join her. The pink filly, Paprika, stumbled a bit, but Sunset went over to aid her. After she helped the filly get back on her little hooves, she trotted back up with her up the stairs. Glancing back, Wildstrike was still at Limburger's side making sure he didn't fall, much to the old stallion's chagrin. Lemon and Sanguine raced up, nearly tripping on the steps. Hoarfrost, who was originally at Void's side, trotted ahead, leaving her and Ruby to walk beside one another. The white stallion went up to Tacita, who was waiting for all of them.

"Lady Tacita." the guard on the left had greeted, "The king awaits your presence."

The two guards pushed the two doors open for them. Tacita entered first. Sunset saw that behind those doors was, at the very least, a throne room. The room itself was larger and wider than she imagined, it would have looked too drab if not for the splayed heraldic banners along the walls. The white banner depicted a dark blue reptilian creature, very dragon-like in appearance, its mouth wide as if it was roaring. A tall, well built kaerndallen clad in imposing bronze and silver armor, sat upon a carved wooden throne. The kaerndallen's helm had sword like spikes around it, like a crown. His pauldrons were molded like dragon heads. He also wore a light brown, woolly fur cloak across his armored shoulders. His eyes were like light blue orbs.

The kaerndallen had to have been no one other than King Brandri. He got up from his carved throne, and stood tall. "It is a pleasure to see you, my friend." He welcomed Tacita. His voice was calm and rather soothing, in contrast to the armor he wore.

"The same, your highness." Tacita then bowed before him. As did Sunset, and everypony else.

"Now, tell me... what is it you wish to ask?"

"Well..." Tacita looked back at Sunset, "Actually, Sunset Shimmer has much to ask of you."

The king had turned his attention to her. "Sunset Shimmer? Very well then."

"Your highness," She started, "we've traveled far, from the desert, all the way here."

"Desert? You mean the vast desert of Casah?"

"Yes, your highness." She answered. Lady Tacita had told her the name of the desert they had trekked, not long ago.

"Have you found decent comfort in the refuge?" he asked her expectantly.

"Well yes but..." She turned back, taking a quick glance at her companions. "My friends wish to return to Equestria, your highness."

He stepped down the steps from his throne, "Of course. With sabrathanians kidnapping you, freeing yourselves, and facing the searing heat of Casah... I can understand your reasons for wanting to return home."

"Really?" It was Void Wing who spoke, "But wait... how'd you know we got kidnapped by sabrathanians?"

There was a brief pause before the the king answered: "You are not the first to escape from the cultists."

Could she believe what he just told her? The fact that there were other survivors who escaped from those murderers, gave her at least some light of hope. It had been hard to forget her experience with sabrathanians. Knowing that they burn ponies in a pyre, to sacrifice to whom they worship, made her chest burn from anger.

"He speaks truth." Lady Tacita told them, "Ever since they first entered Equestria, sabrathanians have captured ponies from their world, and are brought back to Ronia. Very few times, have anypony ever escaped and lived. Over time, ponies have been escaping more and more often, sometimes being chased after by their captors. You on the other hoof, were the first to ever destroy one of their bases, as well as slay all of them in one fell swoop."

The king nodded, "Yes. And most of them found their way to The Ridge, thanks to the Equestrian Universal Defense. Had it not been for them, some if not all, would have died."

"Equestrian Universal Defense?" Sunset wasn't very familiar of this name.

"The organization I work for." Lady Tacita answered, "It was forged by Princess Luna, ever since she first came to Ronia."

"Oh." Sunset remembered the day in the Spider's Lair, when she first Tacita. She remembered her saying they were allies of Princess Luna.

"Is that...?" King Brandri spoke suddenly and incredulously. He came closer to Sunset, eyeing the sword at her back. "No, it can't be!"

"What?" Sunset said confused.

"May I?" He held his hand out. It was then she knew he meant.

The aura of her horn glowed, as she levitated the sword; removing it from its sheath. She held the orange bladed sword in front of her, holding it sideways, offering him the sword. He grasped the sword in armored hands, and gazed at it with wide eyes. He then held it by the pommel in one hand, and stroked his other hand across the blade's edge.

"Magnificent!" The tone of his voice showed signs wonderment, "I never thought I'd see it once more. How did you find it?"

"The sword?" Sunset remembered Lord Erinnen, and how he murdered her friends vigorously. "Your brother, Erinnen, killed most of our friends. I used the sword to-"

"-Say no more." He cut in, "You did what you had to. As much as I loved my brother, his heart was too envious and vengeful. May the maker have mercy on his tortured soul." He held the sword upright, "This sword's name is Ember. One of three swords crafted out of dynom steel. The other two are: Dragon's Breath, and Pyre; both still in my possession."

"So, I guess you want it back, huh?" Sunset asked dejectedly. She had found a liking to the sword, since she used it to protect herself and her friends.

The king then handed her the sword, "May it be yours from now on. A gift, as thanks for doing the honorable thing. Dynom steel is incredibly powerful, and is nearly indestructible. Make good use of it, Sunset Shimmer."

"Um... thank you." Sunset couldn't believe he actually wanted her to have it.

"It has been my pleasure."

"Okay, are you done?" Ruby blurted impatiently, "I mean, are you gonna take us back to Equestria, or not?"

"Ruby!!" Void scolded, "How could talk to a king like that?!"

"Well, you wanna go home too, don't you?" Ruby challenged, "We all wanna go home, but all we're doing is just wasting time!"

The voices of her companions, rang the throne room. Soon all of them--except her, Paprika, Tacita, the two other foals, Hoarfrost, and the king--started arguing. The ambiance overwhelmed her, as well as everyponyelse and the king. She could barely even hear herself think. When she looked up at the king, his blue eyes seemed fierce.

"ENOUGH!!!" The king roared. The sudden fierceness in his voice, silenced everypony within an instant. "There is a device, we have. It will take you all back to Equestria. However, I am not one to reward anyone or pony for any disrespect in my presence."

When he added that, all furious eyes were on Ruby. The green mare frowned, shameful for what she said. Or, at least she hoped so. Jealous or not, it didn't excuse this kind of unruly behavior. The king walked back to his throne, frustrated. As he sat, he put a hand over his forehead like he had a headache.

"Your highness, forgive us." Sunset begged "We didn't mean to-"

"You're fine. You don't need to apologize." He turned his head to Tacita. "Lady Tacita, take them to the device."

"As you command, my king." Tacita acquiesced.

"Oh, now we're going!" Ruby complained.

"Don't start!" everypony said in unison

As she was about to turn around, the king stood up again. "And one more thing, Sunset Shimmer."

"Yes, your highness?"

"Did you by any chance, come across any bright armored ronians on your way here?"

Sunset could only answer: "No." She had not encountered any hostile ronian, aside from Lord Erinnen, on their journey to the mountains.

"Good." He was quite pleased with her answer.

They were told by Tacita that the device was located outside the castle. The warmth from the castle left them as they stepped back out into the cold. Only this time, they exited from an entrance in the back of castle. Beyond it was the face of the mountain. There was also something she had not anticipated...

"A cave?" Sunset was somewhat puzzled, even though it shouldn't surprise her.

"Indeed." Tacita answered amiably, "Inside, there is tunnel which will lead us inside the mountain. It is there, where the device is placed."

The cave entrance was rather small, but very wide. The cave's ceiling would have been taller than a kaerndallen, she estimated; plenty of room for a pony to enter. She wondered exactly what the device was. If ponies came here, it had to have been some kind of portal-like mechanism. The king had told them it would take them back home. Or at least... her companion's home. Equestria was no longer her home. Celestia banished her to a very different realm from Equestria, and Ronia. Sadly, Sunset didn't believe she'll ever get back to her home, with her best friends waiting for her. The thought of it made her feel anxious, so she pushed it away.

What's more important, is that these ponies get back to Equestria.

"Sunset Shimmer!" Lady Tacita called, far off in the distance. "Are you coming?"

She didn't realize her company was already close to the cave. She must have been too far into her thoughts to notice. Paprika did not leave her side at all, she was still beside her, shivering. "Yes, I'm coming!" She called back, she then turned to Paprika, "Come on, Paprika. Lets go join our friends."

As she trotted forward, Paprika was running after her, leaving tiny hoofprints in the snow. The pink filly had little trouble keeping up with her. It wasn't long until she caught up with everypony. They never entered the cave without her, which she felt glad for. Lady Tacita went up to her, as if to speak to her or ask something.

"Are you ready?" She asked warmly.

Hesitant, she said: "Yes, Lady Tacita. I'm ready."

"Your home awaits you all."

Tacita entered first, and the rest followed her. At first glance she thought the tunnel went straight forward, but when they continued to follow her, the path twisted and turned in unexpected ways. The tunnel itself was perfectly round in shape, unlike The Spider's Lair, and the The Ridge entrance. It had to have been carved that way by the kaerndallens, she assumed, for the tunnel could not have been made like this on its own.

Sconces were posted on the walls, pale light glowing from the torches flames. The fire from the torches warmed the freezing ponies, as well as reliving them from darkness. Snow became more scarce the deeper they went, the cave floor becoming visible. Paprika was still at her side, never straying from her line of sight. Sunset however, was still uneasy about being the filly's surrogate mother. In the parallel world she resides, she's in high school! It would have been cruel however, if she didn't voluntarily adopt her. The filly would expect a lot from her now, she knew. The thought of it made her feel even more uneasy.

"How much further, ma'm?" Wildstrike asked politely.

"Not much farther now." Tacita answered.

"Whew, boy!" Limburger said to himself jovially, "When I get back home, they're not gonna believe what story I have to tell!"

"Limburger, is it?" Lady Tacita turned her attention immediately to the old stallion.

"Why, yes, milady."

"I apologize my good stallion, but you cannot tell everypony about us; the organization." There was a hint of desperation in her voice.

"Actually, I meant to tell folks about this very world. Uh... wasn't it called Ronia?"

"Yes, it is."

"Well don't you worry!" The dark yellow stallion cried, "I won't tell a soul about the organization. Cross my heart, hope to die!"

Lady Tacita chuckled at that, "I am most amused by your enthusiasm, but do intend to keep that promise, mister Limburger."

"Yes, milady, I promise."

An orange glow appeared at the end of the tunnel, they had to be close by now. The glow had to have been from another torch on a sconce. She can tell that her companions are excited to finally go home. Sunset was indeed happy for them, but there are other pressing matters such as: how would she get home? The only way back to her home, was through a magic mirror, which is somewhere in the Crystal Empire. Though she could go through the portal back to Equestria, but on the other hoof, she was banished from that world, and Celestia would most likely punish her greatly if she did. It was then she remembered something... or rather, someone!

Kapral! the thought of him disgusted her, He kidnapped me, and brought me here! Then again, he's dead, along with the other sabrathanians.

She needed to make a decision. Should she stay, or go with them? And then came the thought of Paprika, the filly who now wants her as a mother. If she decided to stay, the filly would do the same. If she chose to go with them to Equestria, where would she go? She no longer had a home there, and it would be hard to eek out a living without any bits. She wouldn't be able to take care of herself, or Paprika!

It sounds crazy, she told herself, but I don't have much choice.

"Lady Tacita." a guard greeted as they emerged from the tunnel, standing by it. "What brings you here?"

"Most of the ponies behind me, wish passage to their world." Tacita answered.

"Ah, I see! The Dan'enth should be fully operational."

"Dan- what?" Ruby asked, clueless.

"The Dan'enth is the device's name." Tacita confirmed.

The large chamber they entered was pentagonal in shape, illuminated by from the torches placed about. There were many kaerndallens in the chamber as well, possibly guarding the device. One of them went over towards them, who's helm had an intricate circlet around the top. His eyes were blue like the king's.

"More wanderers I presume?" He asked plainly.

Lady Tacita nodded in reply. She then turned to Sunset, "This is Prince Vorick. He is the son of Brandri, and heir to Kaerndal."

The prince knelt down, and scanned them all with a curious gaze. "Where did you find them?"

"She found 'em in The Spider's Lair of all places!" The bat pony River Run chuckled, "They're lucky they didn't get completely devoured by those cave spiders."

Tacita stepped forward. "They say they escaped from the desert of Casah, milord. Thankfully I found them huddled close to the tunnel, and not a cave spider to be seen."

The prince eyed the her sword, Ember. "I see you have retrieved Ember. How'd you get it?"

"From Lord Erinnen, I..." Sunset trailed off.

"Killed him?" he finished for her.

"Yes, milord."

"You've done a great honor for us, miss." He then asked: "What is your name?"

"Sunset Shimmer, milord." She tried to remain confidant. "The king wanted me to keep the sword. Mainly because I used it to save my friends from your uncle, when he..."

"When he what?"

She didn't like to remember it, but it had to be brought up. "There were thirteen of us, originally," She explained, "but when Lord Erinnen came he killed five of our friends. I killed him with the sword that I have; Ember."

Prince Vorick had been quiet for a moment, taking in all that he had heard. "He had brought this on himself." he spoke, a sad tone in his voice, "He may have been family, but he should never have tried to kill my father for the throne. My father, the king, exiled him to the hills; far from here. You did well to avenge their deaths, Sunset Shimmer. May The Maker give them passage into the next life."

She didn't have the words to say. He got up from kneeling, and ushered them forward. At the end of the chamber, was some kind of giant circular ring. The ring itself, had engraved symbols around it, all of them different from the other. On different sides of the ring were ten or eleven points, shaped like chevrons. It must have been comprised of minerals unknown to her. The ring probably about twenty feet in diameter, she estimated. She turned her head and saw her friends slack-jawed, and eyes wide in amazement at the massive contraption.

So this is the Dan'enth. She was obviously as amazed as they were, I've never seen anything like it!

"Why do you call it 'Dan'enth'?" Ruby inquired.

"The word 'Dan'enth' comes from the language of our ancestors." The prince explained, "It means: Ancient gateway. They found it when they first colonized here. There was also something next to it." He pointed at what looked like separate device, shaped like a pedestal, placed adjacent to the ring. It had a dial of some kind on what looks like an inclined control panel. "Those who entered claimed they've been to another world, the world of The Maker even. Many thought they'd gone mad, until the ponies came to our world. The only person in Kaerndal who ever saw a pony, was a spy sent by the king, to learn of the nezenites. Years later, we went back to the device and tried to use it.

"There was a combination that we found, that would lead us into Equestria. And it was there we found out... that there was another device like it on the other side."

"Are you serious?!" Void said incredulously.

"But of course," Lady Tacita told them, "how else would the members of the organization have come here?"

"Why? Why come here?" Ruby asked.

"Sabrathanians." a familiar voice answered. She turned to where she heard him, and saw the scarred helm of Thokkan. "Exiled nezenites turned heretics. They've found their way to Equestria using dark magic, captured ponies, and then incinerate them in in a pit of fire!"

I'm all too familiar with them. she grimaced at the thought of them.

"The organization came here in search for the missing ponies." Thokkan continued, "Unfortunately, sabrathanian bases are rather hard to find, for both them and us. But there have been a number of survivors they found, and have taken them beyond The Ridge."

"Our camp, essentially." Hoarfrost added. Sunset saw Void smile at him.

"You miss your homes, I'm sure." The prince stepped down from the steps of the Dan'enth. "Thokkan, do the honors."

The scarred kaerndallen nodded in reply and ordered: "Activate the Dan'enth!"

Within an instant, a kaerndallen went over to the other device. He turned the dial clockwise, she noticed. A rising whirring noise, filled their ears. The inner part of the ring sparked with energy. Energy was forming a circular frame in the middle of the ring; sparking and crackling with power. The frame itself, rippled like the surface of water.

"WHOA!!!" Her and her friends exclaimed in amazement.

"Awesome, huh?" River Run commented smugly.

The yellow colt, Lemon Lime, got closer to the portal. He then lifted his hoof, and went to touch it. "Wow! It feels so weird!" he said as he put his hoof through the rippling surface.

"Where is this gonna take us exactly?" Wildstrike asked.

"The other side of the device is located inside the organization's headquarters." Hoarfrost pointed out. "Once inside, there are some members who will ask a few questions to you. Don't worry about what they're going to ask. The aforementioned members will show the way out, and back to your respective destinations."

Now's the time, Sunset! Sunset went over to Lady Tacita. She made up her mind. "Lady Tacita?"

"Yes, Sunset Shimmer? What is it?" Tacita was less than sure of what she will ask.

"I've decided to stay, milady."

"WHAAAT?!!" Her companions were surprised beyond belief.

"My home is no longer in Equestria. My home is elsewhere, and I have to find another way back."

"So you're not coming with us?" the filly, Sanguine Fire said with wide sad eyes. All of her friends looked at her the same way.

Sunset shook her head, "I'm sorry, guys. I know we've been through a lot, but I've got to find another back to my home... somehow."

Ruby came up next to her. "Well I guess this is good-bye then." She said, almost disappointed.

Limburger went over and shook her hoof, "You're a good mare, Sunset. I hope this won't be the last time we meet."

"I hope so too." She felt bad now that she's leaving them.

The two foals, Lemon and Sanguine, hugged her tightly. "We'll miss you, Sunset!" They both said, tears streaming down their faces.

"I'll miss you too." She could feel emotion building up in her face. She can't help but let a stream come down her cheek.

Wildstrike also gave her a hoof-shake. "It was nice knowin' ya, Sunset. Thank you for all you did for us. My wife probably thinks I'm dead. Ha, better go surprise her!" He added a jest.

It was hard to say good-bye to the ponies she saved. They were like family to her. Void Wing's eyes trickled with tears. "You don't have to do this, Sunset! You're an awesome friend! You sure ya wanna do this?"

"I'm glad I met you, Void." Sunset hugged her friend warmly. "I'm glad I met all of you. I promise I'll never forget you, or anypony else."

"Right." The pegasus wiped her nose with her hoof, "Good luck! You'll need it!"

One by one, they all entered through the Dan'enth. Ruby was the first to exit. Almost all of them have passed through, except Void. She turned her gaze to Sunset, and then to the white stallion, Hoarfrost. She made a bright smile at the stallion. She waved her hoof to the both of them, went through. It was just her and Paprika now.

"Sunset?" It was Tacita who spoke, "Are you sure about this? You have the opportunities to go at any time. Do you really want to stay here in this world?"

"Yes, milady." She said hesitantly, "But not very long. I still need to find a way back to my home."

Paprika poked her shoulder, "Can I come too, mama?" she gave her puppy dog eyes.

"Of course, Paprika. I'll never leave you behind." The filly's smile warmed her up inside. She was still nervous about being her new mother, and worried about her well being.

"I'm afraid to tell you, Sunset," Tacita told her, "But the Dan'enth can only take you to Equestria."

"There has to be another way." She was more determined than ever.

"I'm afraid there is no other way; not that we know of. If there was, I would be glad to tell you so. I'm sorry, Sunset. If you plan to go back to your home, you would have wait for a much longer time. Meaning: you'll be here until then."