Ponies of Deltora: Monsters and Magic

Day two, Time, 5:49 PM

Applejack and Farley had been wandering around Rithmere for many hours. There searches for a good deal had sadly been coming up empty handed/hoofed. No matter where they went in this city greed and outrageous prices seemed to follow. So far they had seen food stands charging up to five silver coins for food that should normally cost one and weapon shops carrying highly un-kept products.

They didn’t stay in any part of the city for too long, and by midday they had covered over half of it. Everywhere they went people had turned a head to stare at the odd orange pony. Heeding Farley’s words Applejack made sure to ignore them as best she could, but it wasn’t easy. The thought of so many eyes watching her was unsettling the orange mare.

She turned to her companion for any assistance she could, but from the looks of things he was just as unsettled as she was. His alert eyes were always darting around as if he were expecting something. Seems practical for a place like this. Applejack thought to herself.

Finally they found a stand that had affordable prices for food. It was small and seemed to be in poor shape, but it was all they had to work with. As Farley searched through the wares Applejack decided to look around a bit. Most of the humans were busy entertaining themselves in any way they could, from gambling to watching the entertainers. However, something caught her attention in the crowd. In between some of the people were what appeared to be two fiery red eyes.

There was something oddly familiar about them that Applejack couldn’t put her hoof on. What’s more, they seemed to have shifted towards her. Applejack blinked suddenly and the flames disappeared. As she searched the area for them she saw Farley return with their supplies.

“What is it? Did you see something?” The orange pony nodded inconspicuously. “Alright, were going then.”

“Farley of Orak, is that you?”

Instantly Farley went ridged. Slowly he shifted himself to both turn around and cover Applejack. Even though he wanted her hidden Applejack poked her eyes between his arms. Approaching them quickly was a dark skinned human male wearing beautiful silver garments. He had his arms spread wide in an almost greeting fashion. His golden eyes were beacons of joy.

“It is you. I thought I recognized that outfit of yours.”

Farley didn’t say anything; he just stood there with an odd look on his face. Applejack couldn’t tell what it was, but it looked a bit like anticipation.

“Regan, how unexpected to see you here.” He finally said after a moment.

The man had an almost shocking look on his face. “Really? I am one of the wealthiest men in the city. How can you not expect me to be here?” His expression suddenly became friendly again. “Ah, but what does it matter? Come; let us share a drink or two and discus old affairs.”

“I would love to, but I really must be leaving. See I am heading north and-“

“Nonsense, we haven’t had a drink since your last visit. We have so much to catch up on since then.” He said insistently. “I’m sure your journey can wait a night.”

Farley let out a sigh of defeat and nodded. Soon they were following Regan to one of the nearby taverns. Farley made sure to trail behind him so he could speak to his orange friend.

“I’m sorry for this inconvenience. I’ll try and make it as short as possible.”
“Who is this here Regan anyway?”
“He is an old acquaintance of mine. I had hoped to be out of Rithmere before bumping into him.”
“And why is that?”
“For this reason.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their destination. It was a rather lively tavern titled The Moon & Stars. Farley moved over to one of the banisters and begrudgingly tied Applejack to it. After that he and Regan headed inside.

The inside was fairly clear for a Rithmere tavern. It looked well kept and presentable, a good sign in Laps Lazuli territory. The innkeeper was at his station serving up a few men who were betting on some dice games. Upon noticing the two new arrivals they moved to one of the scattered tables. The two men took the now empty seats and were passed warm drinks. Regan immediately took his in hand and took a small sip.

“Ah, it’s been to long since we sat down, hasn’t it?” Farley gave a small nod and then took a sip from his own mug.

“So Farley, since you are showing your face here I assume you have my dues.” He asked, all friendliness evaporating from his voice.

“That depends, on what dues you are owed.” Farley replied softly. He reached for another sip but Regan placed his hand on the glass.

“You know well the ones I’m speaking of, or should I refresh your horrid memory?” He said threateningly.

Farley’s eyes briefly flash with fear. “Ah, those ones, well I don’t have them with me at the moment, but if you allowed me t-“Before he knew what hit him Regan had his hands on the Meresmans collar and pinned him against the wall. Fearfully he darted around the room and saw that none of the other patrons were paying any attention. They just continued on with their affairs as if the two men weren’t even in the room.

“Farley I am very disappointed in you.” Regan said in a mock sad tone. “I thought I made it very clear to you, you pay me back what you owe, or I will personally toss you into the Shifting Sands and leave you to your horrid fate. Now I assumed an intelligent man like yourself would have chosen the intelligent option.” His golden eyes narrowed. “It seems I was wrong.”

“That’s pretty ironic, ‘cause I was on my way to the Sands right now.” Farley said, mentally slapping himself in the process. That was perhaps the worst thing he had ever said to escape these situations. He cringed and awaited Regan’s response but it didn’t come as suddenly as he had expected. Instead the hands on his collar loosened and he was dropped to the floor.

“I know where you are headed, and I know why.” Regan said as he took his seat again. At first Farley was confused as to how he knew, but then he remembered who he was speaking to. He took a moment to gather himself and reluctantly took his seat as well.

Regan turned to him and a small smile graced his lips. “How would you like to be free of two burdens for the price of one?”

Farley eyed the man suspiciously. “What do you mean?”

*****

With Farley gone and nothing to do Applejack found herself just staring at the cool evening sky. The golden sun was getting close to the horizon. Applejack hadn’t noticed before that the sun and moon moved on their own accords. Now that she had it left her quite baffled as to how they did. Did this land’s ruler control them like the Princesses? This thought didn’t seem right, seeing as how none of the creatures so far had the ability to control magic.

Once again the thoughts of home came heavily to Applejack. She was going on the end of the second day without any knowledge of her friend’s locations or state of beings. Simmer down Applejack, their probably safe and sound right now. No sense worrying ‘bout what yah can’t control.

But where’s the fun in that?

Applejack shot her head from the sky and searched the area vigorously. That voice sounded so familiar to the orange mare, but she was having a hard time putting her hoof on where she'd heard it. To her dismay the streets were empty so her questions were left unfulfilled.

At that moment the doors to the tavern burst open and Farley strode out. ‘What took yah so long?”

“He had some offers to pitch to me.” He said calmly. “Now I don’t know about you, but I have had enough of this city.”

“Me to, let’s get goin’.”

The two of them walked along the streets on their way back to the main gates. With the majority of the people retired for the evening the city wasn’t even a fraction of how it was this morning. While Applejack was grateful for the gap in noise and commotion the silence made the empty streets forbidding. Every second she expected something to jump out and attack her. Farley also seemed to have the same fears as her. Luckily for the two of them the city gates soon came to greet them.

Applejack turned back to the city for one last look before she followed Farley out the gates. Once they were outside Farley gave her a ghostly smile. And this was the last thing she remembered before the crack of a club against a skull was heard.

*****

In no less than fifteen minutes the orange mare was tied, gagged and placed in the back of a stationed cart. Farley looked on calmly and without a word, even when Regan came to oversee the final preparations. Farley was quick to notice the look on the man’s face. It was almost a mixture of joy, and, relief.

“Why so glum all of a sudden, you should be happy. You got out of a surely suicidal mission to the Sands and we can bury the hatchet.”

Farley didn’t say anything; he just stared out aimlessly at the horizon.

“Well hopefully the next time you come around you’ll be in a better mood, and then we can share a proper drink.” Regan said. He then moved over to the wagon driver and whispered something into his ear. The driver nodded and beckoned his horse to move. As Regan headed back into the city Farley watched the wagon move on until it was almost out of sight. Then he left the gates of Rithmere as well.