4. Seris I

Seris

Dawn, in Ronia, was an amazing sight. How it changes from the black of night, to the blue of day. Seris had watched the sunrise ever since he was only a child. But times were different here. He is grown, his wings spread further than his body length. When had woken up from his fine feather bed, he would always watch the sunrise from his balcony. And when it did, it bathes his bedchamber in its heavenly light. Which had warmed his exposed dark skin, and fair hair.

So much warmth, He mused, Yet so little time to waste.

He had a servant to help him in his formal attire, polished silver suit of armor. The mail underneath the chest plate, felt cool over his skin. He put on his pauldrons (shoulder armor), bracers, and helped fasten his wings through openings on his back.

"Shall I offer you further assistance, my lord?" He had asked him.

"No, thank you Harut," He dismissed, "There are some things a man must do on his own." The servant briskly, exited the room.

He preferred to put certain articles of clothing, on his own. His silver boots, gauntlets, even his own helm. He had always admired his silver helm, how it appeared. Almond shaped eye slits, ornate and decorative engravings along its sides. His helm covered all of his face, except his eyes. It was apart of ronian custom to wear helms or masks, to cover their faces, as well as the rest of their bodies. For to expose one's flesh, is a sign of disgrace.

T'is sad, such customs prevent from seeing such pleasant faces.

His uncle, Mendrion, would be waiting for him outside his keep. Mendrion was the emperor of Ronia, whom had ruled over his city for almost a hundred years. Despite this, he had not been known to put aside punctuality. So being there on time was essential.

He stepped outside onto the balcony. The balcony was surrounded by medium sized stone walls. With which, he had effortlessly perched himself on top of. His tower was a long way up, thousands of feet in the bright blue sky. their cities were built in the clouds, high above the wastelands of Casah below. But not all of Ronia below was wastelands however; for there were other diverse locations, such as vast rivers and oceans.

His wings spread, as he took the plunge. He had struggled for a moment, to stay balanced; as he soared across the sky. The name of the emperor's city was Nezand, and it was to Seris, a sight to behold. Massive towers that scrape the sky, and clouds to support them. Most of their buildings are structured on clouds, or by other methods he had no knowledge of. He had pondered these thoughts as he flew.

Even after a lifetime of flying, the city of Nezend will never tire of its beauty

Many of the towers had a different appearance to it; giving them their own personality. However, he needed to get to the emperor's tower. The emperor's tower was not to hard to find, for it was the tallest structure. Seris could indeed see it, a spire like structure with tall pikes that surround the roof, resembling a crown. Possibly to symbolize control.

Many other ronians were flying, both above and below him. Fortunately for him there was little traffic, which made getting there much easier.

As Seris approached the tower, patrols of knights surrounded it like bees protecting their hive. Lord Commander Eldellus and other knights of his, came to meet with him.

"Lord Seris, of Nezend," He greeted formally, "You have made it, just in time."

"You say that as if I've been late before, Lord Commander." He replied, jokingly.

The Lord Commander had worn heavy, but decorative silver and gold battle armor. He had pauldrons with spikes protruding from them, a thick chest plate with a crown engraved along it, small armor on his wings, and a long cape. His helm had slanted eye slits, and along its top was a high white plumage. He held a lance in his right hand, as long as his body, and a large round shield in his left.

"His highness, requested an audience immediately after you arrive."

"As one could figure..." Seris had said under his breath, but then replied, "But of course."

Lord Commander Eldellus and his knights, flocked around Seris and guarded him as he was being escorted. Some of the other knights wore the same armor as the other, except for their helms. Each of their helms identify one from the other, which would prevent mistaken identity.

The doors of the emperor's keep, opened upon the word of the Lord Commander. They were opened by at least three or four other knights on the inside. These knights had only one job: to open the doors to the emperor's keep.

A rather easy job, but not a very exciting one.

Upon entering, he had admired the emperor's great hall. With its pillars of ivory, gothic windows, and murals along its walls depicting of great victories won long ago. The floor of the keep was polished marble, smooth in its texture. Along its ceiling were wrought iron spikes, fashioned as perches for guards.

It was proper to walk rather than fly, when being escorted. Much like revealing one's face, it was disrespectful. When he had walked across the hall with the Lord Commander and his knights, the only sounds he heard were the chinking of their armor, and echoes from their footsteps on the marble.

They had passed through several halls until they arrived at a large door. The door was made from white wood, and on it was a carving that depicts a battle between two brothers: Anakim, and Sabrathan. The brothers fought with sword and spear, high into the air, wings open across the sky. It was carved when Adonael, son of Anakim, was born.

The Lord Commander had one of his knights, Captain Boel, open the door to his majesty's throne room. It was filled with courtiers, as well as members of the emperor's council, and many knights. The sounds of chatter and gossip, had dwindled slightly when they entered.

"My lord," Said a thin voice, he might have recognized.

"Semyaza, lord of Brittlebean." Seris greeted courteously.

"Lord of Moldermouth." Semyaza corrected, "Formerly of Brittlebean, that blasted pile of dung!"

"I see." Was all he could say.

Lord Semyaza wore a fine silk doublet, in sage green. He wore a mask rather than a helm, because he was a member of the council. The mask had a slightly round design, with floral markings along the eye slits. Semyaza was very thin, and elegant, and somewhat flamboyant. Seris didn't like him much.

"Brings you close to the emperor, being member of his council that is." He knew he had to be respectful, as much as it kills him.

By the look in his eyes, the floral lord seemed aghast, "Well of course! Not to mention, it is rather lovely in Moldermouth, despite its name."

Moldermouth was not far from this place. Just a two hour long flight. It was on a small mountain and has a beautiful city. It had cherry blossom trees, streets paved in dark grey stone, yet it was filled to the brim with stuffy politicians. The cave's wall overhangs the city as if it was molded that way. Hence why it is called Moldermouth.

"Where is the emperor?" Seris asked.

"Lord Seris!" Boomed a hearty voice.

"Never mind."

He saw his uncle walking towards him. Emperor Mendrion did not have his guard around him, surprisingly. The emperor wore an impressive suit of golden armor, and a long crimson cape. His helm was his most outstanding feature of all. Gold, like his armor, with long horn like features along the helm, similar in appearance to a crown.

"My nephew! How have you been?"

"Slightly better than usual." He lied, he in truth did not wish to be here.

"Good. Good." The emperor sighed, then belted out, "Eldellus!"

The Lord Commander came at once, "Yes your highness?"

"I wish to speak with my nephew alone." He tensed slightly, then commanded, "Dismiss the courtiers, and the council."

"Yes your majesty."

And with his word, they all had gone. Except for his nephew. The emperor folded his great white wings, climbed up onto his throne. The throne was made of entirely out of ivory.

"Well, now that the buzzards are gone," His uncle chuckled, "I can finally have time to speak with my own blood."

Lord Seris bowed before him. Mendrion seemed disinterested.

"Oh, you don't need to do that you silly sot!" He said, slightly offended, "I am your uncle! Your flesh and blood! You don't need to bow every chance you get."

He has always known him to be huge ham.

"Alright uncle, I know you." He was slightly amused, but then asked, "So, why do wish to speak with me?"

The emperor had took a deep breath and sighed, "Aside from wanting to see you again, we've had some trouble with Sabrathanians."

Seris had already known the whereabouts about the cultists. "What news was brought, uncle?"

"They had found a way to reach the other relm."

His eyes widened in shock through his helm. "Is that even possible? From what I was told, the relm was sealed off a long time ago!"

His uncle must have shared his astonishment, "I couldn't believe it myself when I first heard! I still have a hard time believing, even afterwords!"

Seris barely believed that those cultists, found a way to breach the seal. What kind of evil magic did they conjure to do it? Magic is looked downed on in Ronia. Sabrathanians were all murderers, thieves, traitors, assassins and magic users alike.

"But that isn't all." The emperor continued after a pause, "The kingdom of Kaerndal has also been in the other relm, as well."

Kaerndal?! He thought inconceivably, What in Anakim's name is going on?!

Kaerndal is another kingdom in Ronia, and are bitter rivals of the empire. They live on a cold mountain high above the clouds. It astounds him that sabrathanians aren't the only ones who have breached the seal. But they never knew of the alliance, so how did they get through?

"First sabrathanians, and now Kaerndal?!" He was shocked before, but he was even more shocked now, "I remembered when you once told me that the portal, can not break. And now both of our enemies are capable in going into other worlds as they please!"

"Same feelings, my nephew." His uncle looked weary as if he was aware that his nephew peeved, and it was too much for him, "It astounds me to no end. Blast'em, Kaerndal! They never cease to amaze us!"

"So much for a peaceful afternoon," Seris said to amuse himself, "Hearing about our enemies crossing to another world. Surprising they got there before we did."

Ronians have never really seen Equestria, rather they have been told of it. But that was possibly thousands of years ago when ponies came to their world. And sealed the portal to it, to keep them safe from Sabrathan. But with this talk of sabrathanians and Kaerndal, the safety of the other world could be threatened.

"A surprise indeed." The emperor was somewhat amused by his jest, "All the more reason to be aware. My eldest son died in battle, a while back. A very brave but arrogant warrior, but he would not have made a good emperor though."

Seris was very curious to hear this, "And why is that, uncle?"

"Galizur was a great soldier, but soldiers don't make good rulers." He stated, "He would have sought for greater power had he have been on the throne. I found out the hard way."

This surpassed any expectation he had about his uncle. He never assumed that could be humble. Seris had known Galizur for a time, he was much older than he was at that time. He viewed him more as a brother, rather than a cousin. He was impaled with a spear, fighting a knight from Kaerndal.

"I understand," He said at last, "He will be missed."

"As an heir, or blood?" The emperor asked, confused.

"Blood, uncle."

"Right, right. I see." The emperor fumbled, "And uh... what was I going to say?"

He started noticing his uncle, may have been having a hard time remembering. Seris felt sympathy for him. He ruled over the city of Nezand, ever since he was young.

How could I been so careless?

His uncle was still fumbling for words, "Um... eh... Ah! Now I remember!"

"What is it?" He asked worriedly.

"Nothing too important. The Lord Commander, had recruited someone new."

"Really?" He wasn't so sure if he should be curious about this, "Who is he?"

"Actually, she."

Now that's something interesting!

"And it's an old friend of yours." The emperor continued, "Someone you grew up with."

"A Ronian woman knight. Is it Ophiel?" He asked, delightedly.

Opheil was a dear friend of his as a child. Beautiful as can be. She wanted to be knight for some reason, when they were children. But that never bothered him, she would look magnificent in armor.

"Actually, no." His uncle replied.

This disappointed him greatly. He had not seen Opheil in a long time. It would have made his day, to see his childhood love again. If not her... who?

"Hayliel is her name." He corrected, "From what I've heard, she has been wanting to see you."

"So she has." He muttered, disdainfully.

Hayliel is the younger sister of Opheil. Opheil was two years older than Seris was, but Hayliel was his age. Unlike her, she was not as beautiful, inside or out. She was rude and blunt. She had wanted to be a knight like her sister, but he had no pleasure to see her as a knight at all.

"Why do you sound so disappointed?" The emperor wondered, "She is a friend of yours after all."

"Was a friend." Seris corrected, heatedly.

"What ever do you-"

*Door opening*

They both had looked towards the door when it opened. It was the somewhat-flamboyant-Lord Semyaza. His pace quickened when they noticed him.

"Your highness," He had called.

"What is it?!" Mendrion's voice boomed, "Can't you see I am engaged in conversation, with my nephew?!"

"M-m-most understandable sire," Semyaza stammered, "B-b-but i-"

The emperor's eyes looked fierce behind the slits of his helm, "Stop quivering, and get on with it! What could be so important, to interrupt my time with my own flesh and blood?!"

The fearful lord took a moment to collect himself, "A few knights have found a sabrathanian, trekking the desert of Casah."

When he looked back to his uncle, his eyes widened, "Very well... bring him in!"

The doors opened opened again. This time, three knights, one of them female, brought forth a ronian wearing dark grey light armor, and a black tattered cloak with a mantle. They had him cuffed in shackles. His cloak must have hid nubs on his back, when his wings had been chopped off.

"Right," The emperor then commanded, "Leave him here."

"But, your majesty-" One of the knights objected.

"You heard his highness," The female knight said, possibly Hayliel, "Leave him here!"

The knight that objected, pushed the sabrathanian to the floor. He groaned slightly. He had turned his head back, to face the knight.

"Your rather easy to get roweled up, eh?" The sabrathanian spoke.

"Silence, monster!" The knight shouted angrily.

The emperor wanted no more of it, "Enough!!!"

They had stood terrified at his outburst. "I said... leave him here." He commanded while trying to calm himself.

And with his word, the three knights went to exit, but the female knight turned back for a moment.

"It is good to see you again." Was all she said before she exited along with the other knights.

It was strange to Seris. Her voice then was harsh, but what he heard from her now, was soothing. That couldn't have been Hayliel, he thought. She would never have cared to speak him, after what had happened so many years ago.

When they were all gone, his uncle stood up from his throne. He stepped down from the steps to his ivory throne, to walk up towards the sabrathanian. He gestured with his hand as if to say: "Rise". With which he did.

"My apologies, for his behavior." The emperor apologized, "He is rather quick to anger. Not that I haven't been accused of such."

"Really? I never guessed." He replied sarcastically.

His uncle chuckled at what he said. Seris was rather shocked to see such casual behavior, towards the enemy. Was he missing something? It looked incredibly suspicious, to him.

"Seris," His uncle said at last, "Meet Kapral. A mole for the empire, and a friend of mine."

"A spy?" He didn't understand.

"Of course," The emperor continued, "I hired him as an agent; to keep eye on the cultists. He sends carrier birds with messages on their whereabouts."

This was definitely more news then he expected. A double agent for the empire, keeping watch of the sabrathanians.

"Alright then," He decided to question him, "How are sabrathanians getting into the other world?"

"Well?" The emperor insisted, "How'd they do it? Dark magic?"

The spy looked at both of them, "Yes. They used magic."

"I knew it!" The emperor blurted.

"Well actually, it is rather complicated." He explained, "The cultists have gone into the world many times before, even with the portal sealed."

"How?" Seris and his uncle both demanded.

"Ancient texts. Found over a century ago."

Ancient texts? He thought, But how?

That might bring up a theory. Sabrathan might have carved runes in texts, to create a spell that could open up the portal to Equestria, even if it was sealed off. But that doesn't explain how the people of Kaerndal got there though.

"Texts?" The emperor asked, "Who wrote them?"

"I don't know," Kapral replied, "There was not a name signed. It was possibly Sabrathan himself, or so the cultists claim. That aside, it said, through chanting the words, may the caster create a pathway between worlds."

"But why would they continuously enter Equestria?" Seris asked curiously, "Killing ponies I'm guessing?"

The spy, Kapral, was quiet for a moment before answering, "Sort of. They bring a number of ponies back into our relm, to the sabrathanian fortress for sacrifice."

"Sacrifice?!!" The emperor roared, "Those sadistic piles of fostuin fodder!!! I'll have their hearts roasting in a pyre!!!"

He stared at his uncle, shocked by his second outburst, louder then the last. The emperor's golden armor made him more intimidating. Noticing their widened looks through the slits in their helms, he sighed deeply, realizing his ferocity.

"I'm sorry," He apologized, "It's just that I am flustered to hear of such barbarism."

Kapral stepped forward, "There is no need to apologize. Your frustration towards them, is relatable. I for one have had experience, watching innocent lives burn in Sabrathan's pit. During my stay, I assumed that there was no hope for them."

"They... Burn them?" Seris felt a sense of sorrow for the ponies who died.

"Such mindless monsters!" The emperor started, "They have been doing this, since those texts have been found?"

"Sadly." Was all he answered.

It was quiet for a moment. His uncle, he noticed, was filled with a sense of dread.

"What uh, other news do you bring?" His uncle asked, as if in demand to change the subject.

"Well," Kapral began, "One of the sabrathanians, told me that a pony killed one of them, during one of their raids."

Lord Seris was at a loss for words.

Now what is this nonsense?!

"A pony..." Even his uncle was in disbelief, "Killed one of them? How is that possible?!"

From what he had been told, ponies were peaceful creatures, and could barely defend themselves.

"Yes, tell us how, if what you are saying is true." He made no effort to make it known he doubted him.

"I speak no lie, my lord," Kapral spoke cordially, "Like I said, a member from the fortress, told me of his difficulties during his raid. An alicorn he claimed, used her magic to kill one of three members, who were apart of the raid, as well as a fostuin they brought with them. Several ponies got away; but only twelve were successfully brought into the fortress."

The emperor stood stiff for a moment after what the spy had said, "An alicorn?"

"Yes," Kapral continued to explain, "One of the four princesses of Equestria. She had also taken one as hostage."

Hostage? Seris doubted, Very unlikely.

Seris and his uncle, were surprised at this, "Four? I thought there were only two."

No ronian has ever been to Equestria. So it might be obvious that things may have changed, since thousands of years past.

"But she wasn't the only one, who has killed a sabrathanian." Kapral had told them.

The emperor was keen to listen, "Really?"

"Yes," he continued, "Before the recent raid, I was told to bring back very special pony. A unicorn mare by the name of Sunset Shimmer."

The spy had both him, and the emperor, interested. Even though Seris could scarcely believe it.

"Go on."

"Very well," He went on, "We had her in a cell, for at least a day. When they came back from the raid, they brought twelve ponies, stallion, mare, and foal alike. When the ceremony began, the pit ignited, they were about to shove them one by one into the flame."

What kind of madness, brought them to this?!

"But then, it seemed, that mare escaped. Then she had killed the master, by blasting him with magic. And as the others rushed to attack, she shot the overhanging rock above; crushing all but herself, and the twelve captured ponies."

"So," The emperor interrupted, "This, Sunset Shimmer, killed every sabrathanian?"

Seris noticed Kapral nodding his head, dark grey helm squeaking, "Everyone, but me."

All these surprises, filled his head, most uncomfortably, "Were all sabrathanians - as a whole - killed?"

The spy then leaned in, "Most of them. The fortress holds the largest number of members of sabrathanians, ever. Now, there are very few left in Ronia."

*Laughing hysterically*

Lord Seris, and Kapral apparently, found the emperor's laughter most unexpected. They weren't sure why he was laughing. Whether he doubted what he said, or thought it amusing, they couldn't tell.

"Is that it then?" He laughed, "Not very many left-"

He continued to laugh, harder then before. To the point where he's now wheezing. He tried to catch his breath, choking from laughing so hard. He stopped, and sighed deeply.

"Well," The emperor started confidently, "If what you said is true, then it looks like we don't have to worry about them anymore."

"Uh..." Kapral looked very uncertain.

"Right!" His uncle shouted, "Should we worry about them?"

"I... suppose not really." Kapral obviously didn't look like he wanted to say more.

After a deep breath, emperor Mendrion continued gravely, "Good. 'Cause we have bigger problems. The people of Kaerndal has also entered Equestria, from I'm told."

Seris realized, the spy's eyes widened at the mention of Kaerndal.

"How..." Kapral spoke slowly, "...Is that...?"

"That is a question I want answered." His uncle interrupted, "And, why didn't you bring back the unicorn mare and the other ponies, eh?"

Seris was curious about that. Why didn't he bring them back?

"I wanted to avoid getting killed," Kapral started, irritated, "Thank you very much! She thinks I'm one of them! I don't blame her, given I kidnapped her."

A valid point, he thought, for someone like you.

*Door creaking open*

The three of them turned, quickly, to the door behind them. It was Semyaza, and Lord Commander Eldellus.

"Your majesty," The somewhat-flamboyant-Lord ordered respectfully, "The council humbly requests your presence."

"That's good," The emperor commented, slightly annoyed, "That's all I need, more talk. However..."

He pointed to the Lord Commander, "Eldellus."

The Lord Commander stood stiffly, "Yes, your highness?"

"Send some scouts to comb the desert of Casah, and find a group of thirteen ponies. Once you've found them, bring them here." The emperor commanded carefully.

"It will be done, your majesty." The Lord Commander left at once.

The emperor, followed Lord Semyaza. "Nephew," He called, "You have my leave to go."

"And what of him?" Seris asked, talking of Kapral.

"Don't worry about him," His uncle told him reassuringly, "Rest well, my nephew."

His uncle muttered something, but he was not within earshot, so he couldn't tell what it he said.

With the mountain warriors in Equestria, He thought grimly, I pray there's still hope for them.