A Carriage Drawn by Two

Worried murmurs and gasps echoed through the cavern. Each pony’s eyes widened when they heard the news: the queen was dying. Wails sometimes split the low buzz, other times ponies just stared in shock and lowered their heads. Most where unsurprised, however. Ever since they had been banished, food was scarce. Anything found was brought directly to the queen, in order that she could keep her power up. If the queen died, the rest of the ponies wouldn’t live much longer.

Two guards whispered in a hushed conversation, shifting from hoof to hoof uneasily.

“There has to be a way to save her!” The first hissed, frowning. “Something, anything!” The second guard nodded, his blue eyes cold but anxious.

“If only we could find magic strong enough to get her back on her hooves,” he moaned, “then everything would get easier.” Another set of guards emerged from the queen’s chambers, their faces solemn.

“The queen wishes for an audience with her top guard,” the larger informed, dipping his head. “Enter while we retrieve the others.” The first two guards exchanged curious glances. What could the queen want? Curiosity turned to dread as their thoughts continued. Perhaps she would decree her final words before death, leaving the guards to find an heir for her before the other ponies died. However, there obviously wasn’t enough magic around to anoint a new ruler. The guards trotted into the chambers, forcing their hooves into an even pace. The queen lay on her bed, sides heaving with the labor of breathing. But even on the verge of death, the queen maintained her pride. Her head was forcefully high and her tired eyes were stern and serious. Her wings were torn in several places, but she stretched them out proudly as she had always done. The other guards entered the room and the chamber doors slid shut.

“My loyal subjects,” the queen rasped, her eyes falling on each of them, “I have been thinking as death drew nearer.” She paused, as if pondering something, before her blue-green eyes focused back on the guards. “And I have formulated a plan to save me, nay, to save us.” The guards straightened immediately, held at attention. The queen grinned, a strand of hair falling over her eyes.

“Listen carefully to what I shall tell you. This could be our last chance.”