Ponies of Deltora: Monsters and Magic

Day one, Time, 10:18 PM

The south of Lapis Lazuli territory was as barren as ever. The farmers had all been forced to abandon the south when the King ceased to send help after a terrible drought. Now the only life you could spot were large lizards scrambling among the rocks, and if you were lucky, the lands guardians sailing high above the clouds like shooting stars. As with any night they watched their land, enjoying its beauty and watching for any that wished to do harm.

Tonight their night would be more interesting, for something was coming along the road. It was a large covered wagon pulled by an intimidating black horse. At the head of the wagon was a woman in a green hood with fiery red eyes. Anybody could tell that she was a peddler, for the look on her face was that of the salesperson.

She looked over the merchandise she had purchased from the north and smiled. These daggers were fine ones indeed, especially since she had the chance to test them behind the Meresman’s back. He’ll most likely be mad when he discovers, but oh well. She hummed in her mind. That’s what you get for believing in luck and not being me. She continued to hum to herself as a grey fog covered the wagon.

The guardians watched with great curiosity as the fog completely blanketed her. And just as soon as it had appeared, it promptly lifted. But when it did, the cart and its driver were gone.

*****

Day two, Time 7:29 AM

The banks of the Broad River were shinning in the morning sun. The reeds swayed in rhythm to the wind, creating a peaceful and tranquilizing dance. Beneath the surface fish danced in the cool water and leapt to pluck insects from the wing. It was the kind of setting usually found only in vivid imagination. At least that’s what a down on his luck Meresman who had just been dragged into the most dangerous mission of his life thought.

Farley got up and admired the scenery for a bit. He rarely visited the Lapis Lazuli north, on account of it being the most populated area of the territory. Still even he missed seeing some real beauty from the land sometimes. He moved over to the river, filled his flask, and then placed it on the remains of his and Applejack’s fire.

At that moment the orange Earth Pony began to stir and lifted her head to stare at the Meresman. “Morning Farley, what are yah up to?”

“I’m preparing for the next step in our little adventure.” He lifted the flask off of the embers and drank a little. “We still have quite a ways to walk and just barely enough food.” He then picked up his boots and tipped them upside-down. A small trickle of sand poured out.

Applejack looked curiously at him. “Why is sand in yer boot?”

“Ah I forgot you are new to this land. Placing sand in your boot before you sleep is an old Mere superstition that ensures sound sleep.”

“Ah never took you fer the superstitious type.”

“All Mere are superstitious, does that bother you?” Applejack shook her head vigorously, causing him to smile. “No need to be like that my dear. Now let’s clear everything up.”

The orange pony nodded in agreement, and the two of them began packing up their campsite. During this time, all the orange mare could think of where her missing friends and what hand fate had dealt them, as Farley would say. She looked down at her necklace and hoped they were all safe and sound.

Suddenly a cry of frustration came from behind the orange pony. Turning around she saw Farley standing over his bag and examining the large hole in it. “All our food was in this bag.” He said grimly.

Applejack came over to examine it herself. The hole was quite large, almost like it had been slashed open. “What do yah think happened?”

“Most likely we were robbed in the night.” He looked towards Applejack. “What do you have in your bag?” The orange mare opened up the midnight blue saddlebag, revealing their rope, water flasks, a few dried apples, the map fragment and instructions. The Meresman let out a grunt of annoyance. “Well this changes thing for the worst. Now we need to make a little stop”

Applejack didn't bother to answer, she knew where he was speaking of.

*****

The two of them quickly finished cleaning up and rejoined the road and crossed the Broad River. They walked in silence for about thirty minutes before Farley beckoned Applejack to stop. They were coming to the area where the road widened. Everywhere there were horse drawn carts, wagons, and people on foot. All of them were standing in front of the gates of a large wooden wall. Looking up, Applejack could see buildings on the other side. The winds brought the sound of strong music and haughty laughter over the wall.

“Remember, no speaking or any other form of intelligence.” Farley whispered in the orange mare’s ear. She flicked her ear slightly in signal as they took their places in line. Luckily the line moved surprisingly quickly, much to Farley’s distain. Every step towards the walls seemed to tense the Meresman up even more.

Finally they made it to the gates. Waiting there was a man dressed entirely in fancy black leather armour who Applejack assumed was a guard. Farley walked up to him casually and extended his hand. “Head straight into the city to the Star House, where you shall be given a permit.” The guard said as he handed Farley a small silver star. “If you are caught without a permit after thirty minutes of your arrival you will be escorted out of the city. Welcome to Rithmere.” Farley thanked the man and the two headed into the gates.

The Inside of the city was something else entirely. It was a tight network of with narrow streets, all crammed tightly with shops and stalls. Everywhere people were crowded around the many performers hard at work for their evening meals. Looking around the orange pony could see a women with trained animals dancing, a man lifting huge barrels over his head, and a team of acrobats performing complex and awe inspiring routines. As they continued on, she spied a long line of people waiting to get their fortunes read. And the music; by Celestia was it defining. Applejack silently wondered how Farley was able to walk so casually through all this noise.

Eventually they arrived at a large square building in the town’s center, surrounded by more of the black leathered guards. Farley approached one of them and held out the silver star he had received at the gate. The guard took it and gestured to one of the doors. It was then he noticed the orange pony. “Is this beast with you?”

Applejack had half a mind to smack the guard for that, but held herself back. Farley briefly shot her a concerned look before answering the guard. “Yes, she is my show pony.”

“Very well, you may proceed, but leave her outside.”

Farley brought Applejack over to one of the nearby building and tied her to a pole with one of their ropes. “Sorry for this, but it has to look believable.”

“Ah know Ah know, just hurry up so we can go.” Applejack was never one for big cities.

“Believe me, I’d like nothing better.” He said with a smile before heading back to the Star House. It was just as boring as the first time he’d visited Rithmere. Wanting to get this over with as quickly as possible, Farley headed over to one of the town officials. He wore a look of great boredom on his face. He looked up from the papers he was working on and faced his visitor. “Name.” He spoke in an almost commanding voice.

“Farley of Orak.” He said calmly.

“From what direction did you come to the city?”

“South, along Adin’s way.”

“And how long do you intend to stay in the city?”

“Preferably no more than a day.” Farley actually wanted to be out before night, but in Rithmere, anything can happen. So it’s best to be prepared.

The official wrote down all the information on a small piece of paper and handed in to Farley. “Everything’s filled out; enjoy your stay in Rithmere.”

Nodding in thanks, Farley took the permit and exited the star house as fast as he could. So quick did he leave that the normally very observant Mere failed to notice the pair of eyes watching him.

*****

Applejack stood around as she waited for Farley to return. By now the initial shock of the city was wearing off, and the orange mare was beginning to grow sick of the noise and crowds. As she sat their tied to a post, her thought once again drifted to her home. Had anypony noticed their disappearance yet? Were they searching? Was there even a home to return to by now? She was soon so caught up in questions that she didn’t notice the ball flying at her until it hit her head.

Applejack’s head was spinning, and there were colored splotches in her vision. Slowly the orange mare raised a hoof to hold throbbing impact site, easing it slightly. She looked around in the direction it had flown in, but couldn’t see anything. “Are you alright?”

Dazed, Applejack looked up at Farley. “What took yah so long?”

He quickly gestured to her to quiet before looking around to make sure they had not been overheard. “Believe me, it wasn’t by choice.” Smiling he untied Applejack and the two headed off to the food markets.

*****

unknown to the two, a small orphaned boy looked out from the wagon he was hiding under and waited. Once the man and his orange horse were a ways away he dashed out and headed down an alleyway. He paused for a moment before letting out a soft whistle. Soon the sound was mimicked, and man dressed in silver garments came from the shadows.

“So was it him?” The boy nodded in response. Smiling the man pulled out a small bag of gold. The boy began to reach for it, but the man pulled it away before he could. “Was there anybody with him?”

“No, just some weird orange horse he was talking to.” The boy said scratching his head. “I tossed a ball at it, and it scratched its head.”

The man’s eyes suddenly sparked to life upon hearing this. For a moment he just stood there, taking in this information. Finally his eyes shifted and he tossed the boy his gold, which he took happily into the streets.