Ponies of Deltora: Monsters and Magic

Cold winds swarmed and hot ones rushed around the white unicorn as she struggled for her life in a sea of black. Her eyes were stung shut in the darkness as her skin was nipped by flames and frost all at once. Wherever she turned was another blast waiting to happen. The mare struggled as hard and as bravely as could, but it only seemed to edge the things on. She tried to let out a desperate scream, but instead she ended up choking on the never ending darkness.

It seems you’ve taken a bit of a tumble, may we offer you a hoof?

The voice was like a knife cutting into the endless night. Desperately the white unicorn searched around for its source, but her eyes still refused to open. She could tell thought that whoever was speaking, they sounded friendly.

Do you want your help early perhaps? It means you won’t get it later though.

The white mare couldn’t make out what the voice was saying, but if it was some way out of this torment she’d gladly take it.

So what will it be; now or later?

The unicorn screamed in her mind, praying for the voice to hear her. She waited on edge while the symphony of frost and flames played all around her. It had picked up its rhythm vigorously since the voice had appeared. It was driving the unicorn over the edge. Softly in her mind she prayed it would end.

Suddenly, the orchestra of hot and cold began to died down, and she could feel the crushing darkness lift. Silently she thanked whatever was responsible for this positive change of events. She didn’t have long to though, before what felt like some form of tether began to drag her off to who knows where. She didn't try and fight this force, instead embracing it willingly. As she was brought to what felt like a wall of light, the playful voice popped by one last time.

Aww too bad, we’ll have to talk some more later. Just remember; if you ever need some early help, don’t be afraid to give us a yelp.

*****

Day two, Time, 12:00 PM

Rarity shot the front half of her body into the air, sweat coursing through the untainted sections of her mane and coat. She was in a small candlelit room, in what appeared to be a simple wooden and straw bed. Her hooves and sides were all freshly bandaged and smeared with some form of gray paste. Her bag was even resting by the bedside.

It was then that she noticed the other figure in the room. Sleeping soundly in a chair was another of the bipedal “humans.” Rarity guessed from its posture and hair length that this one was female. Immediately Rarity spotted how messy she presented herself; her dark brown mane was scattered wildly, and the simple clothing she wore was simply atrocious. She was even more un-kept then Applejack.

The human lifted her head and let out a small yawn, opening her eyelids to reveal sparkling blue eyes. She stretched herself for a moment before taking notice of her guest.

“Ah good your awake.” She said after another yawn. “I was beginning to think the Grippers had claimed you.”

Rarity tried to speak but found her throat was bone dry, letting for nothing more than a dry grunt. Her hostess smiled and lifted a bowl of water from the bedside table. Gently she lifted it to the mares face. Rarity drank it feverously and nodded in thanks.

“Now that you’re awake, do you mind telling me what you are?”

Rarity waited a moment for her throat to loosen before responding. “My name is Rarity, and I am a unicorn.”

“Brianna of the Jalis.” She replied placing her hand over her chest. “I have never heard of a unicorn before, are you a foreigner?”

“Yes, I come from the land of Equestria. You wouldn’t have heard of it by chance?” Rarity asked, shifted to a more comfortable position.

“I have not.” She said a little flatly. “Can you stand?”

The white unicorn shifted herself off the bed and delicately placed her hooves on the ground. It felt a little straining and her wounds stung, but these feelings soon passed. Cautiously she took a few steps and made it across the room. Brianna watched the whole time with a look of pride on her face.

After a moment she spoke again. “If you don’t mind me asking, why have you come to Deltora?”

Rarity rested herself against the bedside and brought a hoof to her chin. “I don’t quite know the specific details, but I believe I was transported here somehow. The only clue I have is this note.” She reached into her bag and pulled the note out. She handed it to Brianna who looked it over before letting out a small laugh.

“I hate to tell you this my friend, but your quest is futile.”

“Why would you say that?” Rarity asked.

“You’re mission is to take the helmet of a Jalis knight. However, seeing as how easily you fell victim to the Grippers, I can easily assume you are not a fighter.” There was a grin on her face as she said this. “Let me guess, you are the type who solves problems with words.”

“Well I could always persuade him to-“

“The only way to remove his helmet is to pry it from his head.” Brianna interrupted. “And you will not do that unless you can fight.”

Rarity cocked an eyebrow. “And you are willing to teach me?”

“Of course, I am not allowing you to wander across Jalis territory without showing you how to defend yourself.” She strode towards the door and walked through. “Rest up, we begin at sunset.” With that she closed the door, not even bothering to wait for Rarity’s reply.

*****

Time: 12:24 PM

Spike hiked his way along the banks of the River Tor, making sure to stay concealed in the tree line. It had been three hours since he had left Tora and already the little dragon was missing the beautiful city. He was more upset about leaving the friendly people than the city itself. But he had a mission to do and he was determined to find his friends. The only thing he had on him of the Toran’s was a small bag of gold they had traded him for one of the Quarts he had found in the Bindle.

Before his departure, Zentha had dictated the dragon to head to a village known as Where Waters Meet. Spike remembered reading of the city in the Toran’s library; it was a busy trading settlement located where the River Broad met with the Tor on its way to the sea. Apparently the town had ferry boats for hire that the young dragon could use.

As Spike walked on, he would occasionally pear from the tree line and observe the activities around the riverbank. Beautiful lavenders grew in huge bunches along the riverside, and Spike just had to collect some for when he found Rarity. As he did, throngs of water birds swarmed in the shallows. One by one they joined their calls in harmonious symphony. And then there were the boats; the area was filled with wooden rowboats manned by one or two humans at a time. All of them were busy casting lines and nets into the crystal river, and pulling out heaps of glistening silver fish.

It was hard to do, but the young dragon forced himself to continue on. Eventually he found himself on the outskirts of large swollen vegetable farms. There were many paths through the busy fields, and to the dragons luck the farmers were too busy to notice his passing through. Once he was passed the gardens his eyes widened.

The village was filled with humans, most of whom were busy buying and selling goods at the many shops and stalls. Peering through the crowds, Spike could see the banks of the river again, only this time huge paddle boats were docked by them. Passengers were busy clambering off the ships, eager to starch their legs and get a fresh rest for wherever their journeys will take them.

As inconspicuously as possible Spike passed through the crowds and headed to the boats.