Day two, Time 7:00 PM

Rarity awoke for the second time that day and let out a small yawn. These mid morning naps always helped out the unicorn mare when she was having a stressful time. She waited a moment for her eyes to fully open and then began to examined the room. The candle had withered down to a small nub by now, and there was little sunlight coming in through the door. Must be late evening. Rarity thought to herself.

Carefully she shifted herself from the bed and onto the cold floor. To her relief the pain in her legs had dimmed greatly since earlier. There was still a slight sting, but she brushed it aside. There were more urgent matters to attend to, like finding her friends along with a way home. But first she was meeting with Brianne for something, training, she thought.

Cautiously Rarity opened the door with her magic and headed into the main hallway. The interior looked very similar to Applejack’s home; very simple and homely. Sadly the pleasant atmosphere was ruined by the large amounts of clutter and farming equipment scattered everywhere. How can anypony live like this, it is simply atrocious.

Rarity made her way through the mess and opened the main door. Sure enough the sun was lowering in the horizon, giving the rolling fields in the area a beautiful golden hue. She took a moment to breath in the beautiful scenery in all its glory before spying Brianne. The Jalis woman was sitting on a stone sharpening a large steel object with a rock. As Rarity approached her she realized the object was a large sword.

She looked up from her work and smiled at the Unicorn. “Ah, good, you are awake. I was beginning to lose patience.”

“Are you sure we even have to go along with this?” Rarity asked hopefully. “You’ve already done so much for me.”

Brianne gave an amused snort before kicking herself off the rock. “Yes, I saved you from the Grippers so you are my responsibility. And I’m not letting you go unless you can defend yourself out there.”

“I can assure you that I am more than capable of handling myself.”

“Those bandages say differently.”

Rarity let out a small huff. “Well how was I supposed to know that the plants would try and eat me?”

“You didn’t and that is exactly why you should learn. It will teach you to always expect the worst and how to properly combat it.”

Rarity realized she was going to get nowhere with this one, so she sighed in defeat. “If it means I can be on my way, fine. What would you have me do?”

Brianne lifted her sword and casually inspected it. “Just charge at me for now, and make sure you don’t hold back.”

Rarity flashed her an odd look before complying. The woman did seem to know what she was doing after all. The unicorn lowered her head and then charged at her top speed towards the woman. As she was mere seconds away from colliding with her, Brianne sidestepped and hit rarity on the leg with the flat side of her blade, sending the unicorn stumbling forward.

“Care to try again?” She asked when Rarity had gathered herself. The fashion unicorn gave a small huff and tried to kick the woman. She easily deflected the attack with her blade and tapped Rarity on the head. The unicorn swerved around and tried to land at least one blow, but the Jalis women easily swerved aside. Rarity tried again, but was easily knocked aside by the women’s free arm.

“You have good spirit my dear, with some refining you might come close to a challenge.” She said jokingly. With one quick movement she tossed her sword aside and extending a hand to assist the unicorn.

“Like I said I’m more into fashion than violence.”

Brianne let out a friendly sigh. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

“And what does that mean?”

“What it sounds like.” She replied with a grin. “But we’re getting off topic.” She picked up her sword and made a small gesture to the unicorn. “Whenever you are ready my dear.”

*****

Time, 2:00 PM

Swiftly and silently Spike moved between the citizens of Where Waters Meet on his way to the river. Always his eyes darted between their faces, waiting for one of them to look down and see him. Luckily this was not the case. The folks of the town were too busy buying, selling or stretching their legs to give the young dragon any notice. This worked perfectly for Spike. He figured the less people who noticed him the better.

Finally he broke free of the crowd and found himself at a large, two storied white paddleboat. It looked large enough to fit at least thirty ponies on it comfortably. A small crimson ramp led up to its main deck, being manned by a tanned skinned human wearing a white uniform and hat. He bore a long scar down the middle of his face. Spike assumed this man was the captain. Gathering himself the little dragon walked towards him.

The captain looked down at the dragon took a step back in shock. This was the exact reason Spike hadn’t wanted to draw attention to himself. The shock on the man’s face soon died away however, and was instead replaced with a curious grin.

“And what do we have here, a lizard boy?” The captain asked.

“You’re not so good looking yourself.” Spike retorted, which got a small smile from the captain.

“So you looking to head downriver?”

“If that’s where this boat is heading.”

“Then you’re in luck kid, so long as you can afford it that is.”

Spike reached into his bag and pulled out the bag of coins from the Toran’s and healed it out. The captain counted the coins quickly before taking them from the young dragon.

“Welcome aboard the River Runner, now here are a few rules we need to go over. First off, I’m the captain, not your personal bodyguard. So you have to look after your own well being and the safety of your belongings. The other is this, I want no trouble on my ship. Start any and I won’t hesitate to toss you overboard.”

“I don’t intend to do anything like that.” Spike said calmly.

“Then we won’t have any problems.” The captain said. “And don’t take it personally kid, I say the same thing to everybody. Believe it or not, you aren’t the weirdest thing to get on my ship.” With that he stepped aside and allowed Spike access to the ramp.

The main deck was quite plain, with the exception of a few scattered tables and benches. At some of these sat humans playing card games and others were eating food from their personal rations. In the center of the floor were three musicians playing flutes and piccolos to those who cared to dance. None of them paid any attention to the dragon and went about their business. Spike headed over to an inconspicuous corner and sat himself down.

A small chattering sound entered his ear not a moment later, causing him to spin in surprise. No sooner did he find himself face to face with a small red haired creature with a curious face and long, powerful arms. It eyed the dragon curiously for a moment before rushing off.

“I take it you’ve never seen a Polypan before?” Spoke a friendly, female voice above Spike. It belonged to a human wearing bright green garments and cloak, beneath which were fiery red eyes. “You’d better keep good track of your belongings. Polyopans are known for being master pickpockets.”

“Umm thanks.” Spike said rising to his feet. The women eyed him curiously.

“I’ve never seem one of you before, are you a dragon?”

“I sure am, although not from around here.” Spike made sure to keep his voice low as he spoke.

“Yeah, I could tell from the lack of wings.” The women said playfully. “So where are you off to?”

“I’m going downriver to the coast.” The women’s eyes sparked with interest.

“What a coincidence, I was heading that way also. Are you going to the Maze of the Beast to see the Glus as well?”

“No, I’m going to the Dreaming Dunes.”

“Oh, those are interesting to.” She said with less investment. “By the way, my name’s Fayola.”

“I’m Spike.” He responded. Just then the captain returned to the ship and headed to his quarters.

“It looks like we’re setting off. See you later Spike.” Fayola said with a wave before moving over to join a new game of cards.

And sure enough the boat gave a small jolt of life. The great paddles began turning, slowly at first but quickly gaining speed. Spike took one last look at the town before staring off at the calm waters. After a moment or two of tranquility the dragon was lulled into a joyful dream of reuniting with his friends. There smiling faces were like new life in his veins. He was especially strengthened by the presence of the two unicorns of the group.

So blissfully at peace was the young dragon that he never felt the unseen eyes watching him. He simply dreamed on as they vanished from existence back to the nothingness they came from.

*****

Time, 11:57 PM

Chief Advisor Drumm paced along the palace hallways, going over the happenings of the day in his mind. Everything was going according to his masters plans. The chief advisor now had the entire royal court in his hands. Like a puppet master he was pulling their strings, weakening this land piece by piece for his master’s grand plan. His master had said that it was nearly time for the next phase to be put into fruition. But that would have to wait until the dragons were dealt with.

Drumm suddenly stopped himself. All this thought about his master had made him realize that it was almost time for his report. Quickly he headed through the hallways, pushing aside any guards and palace folk in his way.

Finally Drumm reached the door that lead to his private chambers. Silently he slipped through the door and locked it behind him. The room itself wasn’t much to look upon, very dark and secretive. Fixed into the center of the room was a glass table with a well furnished wooden frame. In the center of the glass was a crystal that swirled with grey smoke rimmed with red. As Drumm approached the table the mist parted, and from it came a slow, hissing voice.

“Are you there Drumm?”

“I’m right here master.” He responded in a whining voice. “I am pleased to report that your plans regarding the palace are well under way. Once the dragons have been dealt with I will be ready to place them in their respected locations.”

“As I knew it would.” The voice said.

“Yes master, as usual your plans work out well. And on another good note my spies have just moved beyond Del’s borders. Soon I will have the presences for you.”

A low hissing laughter came from the crystal. “As I have said before Drumm, you can assure me nothing. I have already located the presences myself. As we speak one is being delivered to me.”

Drumm let out a small whimper. “I am sorry master, I did my best.”

“That is irrelevant, what matters is that I know what the presence now is. It seems they are a gathering of ponies.”

Drumm let out a whimpering laugh. “That is what we’ve been searching for? At least we know they aren’t a threat to-“

Before he could finish his thought he slumped to the ground and let out a cry of pain.

“Never underestimate magic Drumm, no matter how simple it appears.” The voice whispered with absolute authority. “Why the accursed belt is nothing more than gems and steel, and yet its power keeps me from the lands I covet.”

Drumm crawled towards the crystal. “Forgive my insolence master.” He pleaded to the voice. “What would you have me do about them?”

The voice paused for a moment before speaking again. “Keep your eyes opened, and report anything you hear.”

“Of course master, I shall deliver them to you when I learn their locations.”

The voice let out another laugh. “Oh no Drumm, I shall extend them my own ‘personal’ welcome.” And with that the smoke began to roll over the crystal's surface again. Before it was completely covered though, Drumm got a quick glimpse of something in the darkness. He saw seven sets of wings unveiling and seven horrid heads being raised. One by one they released seven mighty shrieks that echoed around their master’s vile domain.

Author's Note

Last of day two everypony.