Templar's Honor

Chapter 2: Deciding Words

The days passed slowly after the Arabian's death. I had gotten use to the scimitar's oddly-shaped blade. The sword was balanced and well-forged. Though I did not keep it to admire, but to remember. I had been rather solemn the days after my mistake. Soarin took notice of this quickly and had been badgering me constantly about it.

"C'mon Spits, what's the deal?" He asked me while we ate in the lounge.

"What's it to you." I replied.

"You've been like this for weeks, and the time isn't for solemnity. Hearth's Warming is coming up."

I blinked at this. "Really? Hmph, it seemed like winter just started yesterday."

Our attention turned to Fleetfoot when she walked down the stairs. We could tell she had been out all morning. Her cheeks were red and she shivered slightly. She silently joined us at our short table. I raised a brow at her to show my confusion at her silence. She noticed and shrugged.

"Been a rough morning. It's almost unbearable out in that cold."

"How is the city doing?" I asked.

"Everyone's out and decorating their homes with lanterns for Hearth's Warming. Other than that, I didn't see anything unusual." Fleetfoot replied.

Soarin smiled. "City's been low on Templar activity since Spits took out the Arabian. Maybe they got the message."

Fleetfoot giggled in agreement. I simply nodded. Templar activity had been low, so low that most of the Assassins had been stuck up in the Den. My friends and I had only been on some scouting missions. The Bearer kept telling us to be vigilant, so we did. It was repetitive and boring, but I knew it was important.

I stood up and stretched. The short tables and chairs easily made my muscles tight. Fleetfoot and Soarin continued to chat while I walked up the stairs. I wanted to visit my quarters, but as I walked through the hallway, the Den Master called to me.

"Vos. Yeah you, Spitfire, come in the Bearer's quarters."

I heard him call to me and turned to the Bearer's quarters. When I entered, I saw him leaning on a wall beside the large table and the Bearer standing on the other side. He coughed and hacked. The Den Master had been sick the past few days. The Bearer of Kindness looked at me and gestured at the table.

"Cloud Chaser just came by and told us that Empress Celestia is coming here for Hearth's Warming." The Bearer informed me.

I shrugged. "Bene? Alright, she visits plenty, what does it have to do with us?"

The Den Master spoke up. "The Templar are not fond of the Two Sisters. Her Highness is going to attend a play on Hearth's Warminng Eve at the Cloudsdalian Theatrum. Security is always 'laxed on such occasions. It's a perfect time for the Order to make their move against her."

The Bearer nodded in agreement. "We need our own presence to be in the theater. Empress Celestia is very important to our cause. So we must keep her alive. Since the Den Master has not been completely well and that you are the best in this Den after him, I have decided that you shall protect her. Don't worry; I am also accompanying you on this mission."

The Bearer accompanying me? I inspected her for a moment. She was tall, but extremely thin and rather flimsy. She did not appear to be a fighter in any way. The Bearer of Kindness was known to be skilled in archery, but I had never seen her even carry a bow. I gazed at her skeptically. She took notice and blushed out of her shyness. The Den Master shook his head and pointed at me.

"You better keep her safe Spitfire. The Empress and the Bearer both." He stopped to cough. "Ugh, this illness won't go away! Watch out for the Templar, they can hide just as well as we can."

I bowed in acknowledgment. The Bearer and the Den Master returned the bow. This was the sign that I was dismissed and I left them. I had never cared much about the Two Sisters. They were always held up in the capital. Empress Celestia and Luna seemed too formal and quiet to be the leaders of this Empire. I often imagined emperors being similar to Commander Hurricane and his heroic conquests, and not the Sisters' reserved diplomacy. While thinking about this, I headed towards my quarters to get some item I had forgotten about.

"Why don't we take to the roofs, Bearer?" I asked the Bearer of Kindness.

"We...I mean I prefer the simple approach. Besides, we need to look like true guests." The Bearer replied.

I grumbled in response. The cold night of Hearth's Warming Eve had only just begun. Crowds of nobles and rich merchants stood in front of us, waiting in line to get inside. I suspected that most of these nobles were here only because of Celestia. I sighed as I remembered that that was my reason for attending as well. I leaned back and gazed at the theater. The Cloudsdalian Theatrum was one of the largest buildings in the Fog City. It was built ages ago as a roofless amphitheater and was completed a century later. I did not know why it took so long to build a roof over the place, but I also didn't care. The building was marvelous and grand. I wished I was more excited to be entering it.

It took us a while to finally get inside, but when we did; my interest in the theater grew. The inside was newly remodeled with balconies and red carpet. I had never seen anything like it before. The old stone seats were replaced with cushioned rows. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. The nobles and merchants only added to the sight.

The Bearer and I made our way through the chatting crowd. I felt her nudge me. I looked over to her to see that her hood was down. She gestured at me to do the same. I complied and then ran a hand through my fiery orange hair. Once we passed the crowd, we found our seats and sat down. The play had not started and I could only see a large curtain on the stage.

"Never actually been to one of these." I said.

"Vere? I've been to some, though I had to sneak in to watch." The Bearer told me.

"Heh, that must have been fun."

"Not if they throw you out."

People began to fill the theater seats. The play must be starting soon, I thought. As the crowds found their seats, a man walked up on stage and addressed the audience in a strong voice.

"Ladies and gentleman! It is our honor to inform you that the Sister of Equestria, Empress Celestia, has blessed us with her presence tonight. Let us give her a warm welcome to Cloudsdale!" The man pointed up to a balcony where the Empress waved at us.

The theater erupted in applause. The Bearer and I only clapped lightly as our eyes inspected the theater. We were looking around for any unusual activity. The Empress had arrived and was in the secluded balcony. It was time for any Templar moves against her to commence. I became frustrated as everything and everyone seemed normal. The Bearer took notice and tapped me on the shoulder.

"I'll watch from down here. You go and see how close you can get to the Empress. Uhh....Don't climb up there, you'll be seen. You should act normal, well....if you want to."

I stood up and began to make my way out of the theater's main room. I had to pass by many nobles through the tight rows. Their indignant grunts told me how displeased they were at my walking in front of them. The play hadn't even started yet, so I could not fully understand their complaints. Once I was out of the row, I walked to the entryway where there were steps that led to the balcony. The entryway was empty except for a few chatting nobles and some servants. I walked up the steps. I was surprised I did not need some sort of pass to walk up there. The top of the steps led into a long hallway. One side only had the theater wall way the other was divided into many small balconies. The Empress was at the furthest balcony, so I had a ways to go.

The sudden sound of trumpets startled me as I walked down the long hall. The play had started. I turned and entered one of the balcony rooms to see the play. I knew I was sidetracked, but curiosity was the better of me at the moment. On the stage was a short man addressing the audience. He was obviously the narrator. His voice boomed throughout the halls.

"Twas long before the 1st Imperial Era, when Equestria was a land of chaos and disorder. Our ancestors were in the Frozen Lands, fighting the Windigo hordes. The Windigoes engulfed the Lands in an eternal winter. This made the Three Tribes lose crops and food, creating a large famine. The Three Leaders: Commander Hurricane, Chancellor Puddinghead, and Princess Platinum formed an alliance and fought back in a hopeless endeavor to rid themselves of the hordes. Now, they must plan their next moves."

The narrator walked off the stage as the curtains lifted. My mind remembered by mission and I walked away from the balcony. The voices of the actors and actresses could be heard as I made my way to the Empress. I cursed when I saw two Royal Guards standing in my way. Their bright golden armor and tall blue crests contrasted with the theater's primarily red color. As I approached they halted me.

"Sorry M'lady, but no one unauthorized can cross this point." One told me.

I didn't say anything to them. They were doing their job and I was not going to interrupt them. I was about to leave when a lean woman came out of the Empress's room and walked pass the Guards. She had curly red and yellow hair. The woman did not notice me as she was reading a book when she passed. When she was next to me, I saw the flash of the Templar cross on her necklace. This made me jump internally. A Templar was just in the room with the Empress? I felt an impulse to follow the Templar. I could still see the woman walking down the hall. I quickened my step and followed her silently.

When she was at the end of the hall, she lifted her eyes from her book and looked back. I had no place to hide from her view and simply stood in the middle of the hallway. She deadpanned at me. The Templar closed her book and walked over to me, her face was most disapproving. I was confused by her behavior. Most Templar would simply run at the sight of me, she was doing the opposite.

"What is an Assassin doing here?" She asked me.

"I should be asking you that." I replied.

"Me? I am here for the play. Assassins do not partake in such formal activities. You are here for something else."

I remained silent and stared at her. She sighed.

"Not much for talk? Fine. There is a balcony right there, let's watch the play."

I blinked at this. This Templar was inviting me to watch with her. I hesitated. I could not trust her, but I was not going to kill her either. She was unarmed and her fearless demeanor made me curious. I saw her beckon me into the room. I mentally shrugged and entered the balcony room.

The seats were taken already. The Templar walked over to the rich couple that were watching the play and got their attention. She cleared her throat and addressed them in a polite manner.

"Would you two let us sit here alone? We wish to have a private conversation here." She asked them.

The man laughed. "Find your own seats."

The Templar looked back at me. "Assassin, make them move."

"I don't take orders from you."

"Then hide for now. Guards!" The Templar yelled.

The sound of metal footsteps could be heard from the hall. Suddenly, a Royal Guard entered our room. I hid in a dark corner to avoid his eyes. The Guard bowed at the Templar.

"Yes, Lady Shimmer?" He asked.

"Guard, remove these two."

"As you wish."

The Royal Guard grabbed the couple and threw them out of the room. The Guard bowed and left. The Templar chuckled and took a seat. I was intimidated by her power. A Templar that could order Royal Guards? Who was she? I moved from my corner and took the other seat. The Templar was rather pleased with this.

"What could be better? Two enemies enjoying a classic together." She mused.

"Who are you?"

"I am Empress Celestia's student, Sunset Shimmer. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

"Spitfire."

"Hmm. Matches your hair. Well, Spitfire, I am glad we have met."

"Ha. I can tell a lie too."

"No, it's true. You're an Assassin that didn't gut me at first glance. Usually they fling knives and arrows at me for just wearing my necklace."

"I must say, I was tempted to do so."

"Oh I'm sure. You are trained that way. Trained to be a killing machine."

"You Templar are killing machines also."

"No we aren't. Those that we dispose of are done carefully. We do not want to ever kill someone that may be of use. Assassins just kill anyone they can."

"Those that we kill don't deserve to live." I was becoming annoyed by the Templar's arguments.

"That is what you may think, but I see differently. The Brotherhood is afraid of them, of us. You want power all to yourself and are afraid that others may take it from you. Then you brand the killing to a political crusade, justifying your actions."

"We do not seek power. We want to establish Harmony and Freedom."

"Two words for Chaos. The Brotherhood abhors Chaos just as much as the Order. Yet, the Assassins seek it. Freedom always dissolves into anarchy and Harmony is a false goal for humanity."

"Harmony is the only way we can progress our society."

Sunset shook her head. "Harmony can never be achieved due to man's inherent greed and mistrust. You Assassins only prove such things."

"Did you invite me just to insult my Brotherhood?"

"Oh no. I merely wanted to chat. I admit that the Assassins intrigue me greatly. But I must also defend the Order. For the Order has been doing this for quite some time. There are even historic figures that were Templar."

"Oh yeah? Name one that didn't end up beheaded by his subjects."

She gestured at the stage. "Commander Hurricane."

"He wasn't a Templar...." I began.

"Yes he was. One of the first after Shadow King Sombra's demise. Hurricane remolded Sombra's ideas into the ones that the Order uses today. He used Absolute Order to conquer the barbaric lands. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have this Empire."

I didn't want to believe it, but it was reasonable. Hurricane was known for his iron rule. But he did so much good for the people, for his subjects, that he did not seem capable of dealing with Absolute Order. I leaned back in my chair. The actors on stage said their lines with passion, but I did not heed them. Sunset Shimmer looked at me for a response. I opened my mouth and was about to speak when I was interrupted.

"There ya are, Lady Shimmer. I've been waitin' for ya downstairs this whole ti...."

I turned to see a woman in crimson armor. She had short dark golden hair and golden eyes. She stared at me with shock. She then pulled out her sword and pointed it at me. I recognized this woman as Lightning Dust, a Templar Captain. I drew my blade and we entered a standoff. Sunset stood up and crossed her arms.

"Captain Lightning Dust! Stay your blade."

"Lady Shimmer, she'll kill ya."

"No she won't. Sheath your sword."

Lightning Dust grunted in disapproval and sheathed her blade. She then crossed her arms, keeping her eyes on me. I kept my blade in my hand and stayed standing. Lady Shimmer placed her head in her palm. She lifted her head back up with a sigh and glanced at me.

"Well, Spitfire, I guess our conversation is over. I will be in Cloudsdale a few more days, at the Cloudsdale Palace. If you wish to chat, procedo. I shall be expecting you either way."

She performed a short bow and walked out of the room. Her captain continued to watch me. Finally, she exited the room, leaving me on an empty balcony. I looked down at me hand. I was still holding the Arabian's scimitar. I sighed and sheathed it. I turned around and threw myself over the balcony. I landed on the floor below. It was only about a four meter drop, so I was perfectly fine.

The play was still going on, but I had lost interest in it. I headed out of the auditorium. Before I was at the large exit, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I jumped back and turned around. The Bearer looked at me with equal fright. She then took a deep breath and calmed down. I cocked my head at her.

"How's the Empress, Spitfire?" She asked in her soft voice.

"Uhh...Fine. There were no threats to her."

"Bene."

I silently turned and walked out of the auditorium. The Bearer quickened her step to stay with me. As I made my way through the remnants of the people in the entryway, my eyes caught the red and yellow hair of the Templar woman. I focused my eyes on her. She was talking with Lightning Dust. Sunset Shimmer glanced at me and lifted a glass of wine.

"Is something wrong Spitfire?" The Bearer asked me.

"What? No, everything's fine." I replied quickly and exited the theater.

The night was cold and windy, but I didn't feel it. My thoughts were on the woman. Something about her was sophisticated and delicate. She was not like most Templar agents I had met. She was not brutal or even harsh. I sighed loudly as I pondered this. The Bearer followed silently behind me. The lanterns that stretched over every street reminded me of what holiday tomorrow was. Hm, I ought to enjoy it. I made a mental note not to be so solemn to Soarin or Fleetfoot the next day. I would hate to spoil their cheer.

~