P.M. 989 Twenty-Fourth of March, Balder, Depths of Night
The rasping of blade against sheath, followed by a echoing click that reverberated over the bodies of the dead. Striding towards the door, a Thestral mare, her feet gently lapped at by the pools of blood now coalescing from the veins of the fallen. A trail of scarlet prints behind her, a small peaceful smile upon her face. The dark blue scale armor of the Lunar Guard cloaked her form; Luna's crescent moon embossed above her heart. Her left hand gently easing out a curved dagger, it's very outline alluding to a thirst, a hunger for life's blood inherent in this weapon of murder. Her right hand gently pushes open the door behind which the recently wed couple lay. Anticipation hammering in her veins as she approaches, eyes glinting, arm slowly stretching over the horned head of Freedom Oath, First Prince of Minoshin Kingdom. A sudden rolling across the bed forces her to halt, holding utterly still as Freedoms lady wife Silver Sanction tosses restlessly. After a minute turns to two and then three she slowly lowers the dagger over his throat and quickly snaps her hand back to her side cleanly severing the front half of her target's throat, opening three major blood vessels, destroying the voice box, and splitting open the windpipe. He thrashes awake trying to hold the wound, his consciousness fading into the abyss. All Silver sees is crimson as she screams out for help before the mare, her wings outstretched a visage of death smiling contently, forever imprinted on Silver's mind. Silver wails before the mare disappears like a phantom down the hallway. The Thestral mare glides through the shadows, leaving behind an echoing song of blood and revolution. As she arrives under open sky, a small soft sigh, "Rest in peace", and into the night she fades, leaving only one living soul behind her.
P.M. 989, Twenty-eighth of March, Canterlot, half an hour before High Noon
"Starburst come in here right now!" Called out Twilight Sparkle, the tinge of distress clear to her daughter. She was adorned in her purple armor and robes, the chest plate emblazoned with her Fate Mark, the Star of Magic. Her hair put back into a long braid and eyes focused and seemingly devoid of her usual mirth. The Tome of the Archmage was suspended by chain against her hip. Here was Twilight as Star rarely saw her, leader of the Elements of Harmony, Champions of Equestria.
"Yes Mom," Starburst replied, quickly jogging into the barracks and changing out of her new golden armor and rushing to where her mother stood impatiently tapping her foot. "What's going on, foreign nobles being rowdy again?" Star inquired, slightly off put by her mother's out of character behavior.
" You could say that, Several important figures from Minoshia arrived at the castle today, including Prince Empyrean Pact." Her infamous lecture pose was now fully engaged "The talks will begin in half an hour and I am requiring that you attend."
Starburst let out a sigh "Diplomacy training, I take it?" Her mothers only response was a brief nod. "Alright then," the armor and serious guise now making sense but one thing stood out as off. " So what happened to Freedom's Oath? Wasn't he leading the negotiations before."
Twilight leans forward and pushes open the door revealing the royal dressing room. "Sit and let me brush through this mess you've made of your hair." Star sits and accepts the hellish mix of fashion and archaic symbolism now adorning her in the traditional style. "Don't worry, I hate it too, but Minoshia still follows the old way and so when meeting them we will as well. Besides it does look rather fitting on you," and by all accounts Twilight was right. The armor of purple base mixed scale and plate with chain, the gold of her new allegiance covering her gauntlets, neck guard and shin plate. The odd scale skirt adorned with her mothers colors and the arcane symbols of her office a deep purple. The chest plate of lighter purple, embossed with Starburst's Cutie Mark. a tri-colored axis star representing her talent for spreading fear into the hearts of others. The heavily adorned but usable heir's blade at her side and her massive wings out stretched, framed her form. The lean angles of her face and short cropped hair added to her appearance as a bird of prey. "don't you look wonderful Starburst, Luna made the recommendation saying the former set didn't suit you."
A light chuckle. "I will have to thank her for that, and mom...you know that I can tell when you dodge a question, right?" a note of worry entering Stars voice as it wasn't like her mother to dodge such things.
"Alright, I am worried and as for why, you will know soon." Twilight's tone brooked no argument in a way only a mothers can as she leans forward and plants a kiss on her daughter's head. "Now, see you in a bit Star, I am going to meet up with your father and the others."
"Love you too mom," a smile tinged with worry still on Star's face as she walked towards where the other heirs would certainly be, her best friend included.
P.M. 989, Twenty-eighth of March, Canterlot, quarter of an hour before High Noon
On the other side of the palace strode an odd quartet. In the back a Minotaur, of age having in the least reached his fortieth year of life and more likely was nearing his fiftieth, grey peppering his otherwise black hair. His armor was simple and well used but cared for to the extreme as suited him, the old warrior that he was. Scars littered his form, legacies of battle with everything from griffin soldiers to wandering dragons. His demeanor was focused, his impressive mustache rippling, his nicked and battered horns adorned with the emblem of a legion legate, this was the Bulwark of Minoshia, Granite Barricade and currently he was watching his Prince and the others that had been sent by the king.
Looking forward at the others, he contemplated his companions. First ahead of him yet, the customary distance away from the Prince was Outer Balance, a shapely and thirty-something Minotress with silver highlight running through her hair, horns gently sloped, also adorned with a legate ring and light dragon scale armor covering her form mixed with the monastic robes common to her legion. A known emblem of beauty and a powerful fire shaman by all accounts, her demeanor was jovial and friendly, joking with their escort, a pair of spatha resting gently on her hips.
Then, at the front, was the Prince, well muscled, of average frame. His dark eyes were a emerald color uncommon in their kind. The tattoos spiraling his arms depicted a maze of thorns and vines, his breastplate of a fine make which adorned his chest, along with white ribbons of mourning and a red ribbon of retribution. His sharpened horns bore both a legate ring and the ring of first prince now his. A long bastards blade was strapped to his side, bleak in nature with the red ribbon hanging from the sheath. His demeanor was calm for now and yet fire still obviously burned in his heart and tone as he whispered quietly with the one next to him, the one that worried Granite the most.
A figure adorned in a cloak black funeral shroud, its race not determinable, or indeed its gender, but it was no Minotaur, as it only stood at 5'8. It also lacked either wings or rune. Its clothing was strange under the shroud, leather in make with grayed metal riveted onto the armor, a dagger sheathed somewhere upon its form Granite was sure. Worse was the death mask of purple crystal that adorned its face. Lines green and black running through it in thin veins, the eyes pitiless orbs of red. It was silent at times, not even its steps seemed to make a sound. In all ways it appeared a wraith and was already quite close to the young prince and the king. Granite had noted that it responded violently at mentions of disloyalty a thing that comforted ever so slightly, but Granite had to know what they were discussing so he strained his ears and listened.
" What do you think?" asked Prince Empyrean, his voice shaking ever so slightly.
The figure seemed to cock its head to the side and then in a strangely melodious voice that sounded as if it came from behind the listener " About the concepts that are bothering you?... I think they are irrelevant. All that matters is who is right."
Empyrean gazes at his companion slight irritation mixed with curiosity entering his voice "And how do you determine who is right?"
His companion chuckles then the gold plated escort call out "Here is the throne room. May your petition be considered fairly." A faint giggle emitted as Outer Balance gave him a peck on the cheek and they moved to enter. Granite collected himself. Now it was time to face the rulers of Equestria.
Starburst watched as the quartet entered and felt her stomach drop as she looked in detail at the Minoshian representatives. She noticed the Illusion also seemed to tense at the sight and Nidra seemed to little pale, but none of them could bring themselves to speak as Prince Empyrean bowed, if only a little, to Celestia and Luna.
"Greetings, Prince Empyrean and welcome. Would you like a seat? " spoke Celestia bringing warmth to any who heard her a sense of warmth, a feeling of kindness and peace but also power beyond mortal ken echoing off of her.
"No, lady Celestia it is not required. We will not be here long." Only a slight edge remained in Empyrean's voice. " As for our purpose here, we all know my brother was assassinated two weeks ago, and whether Princess Luna admits to it or not, it is clear that your sister either ordered the action, with or without your consent. Or perhaps she has a traitor among her Lunar guard that she is protecting, most likely from the Equestria First party." He breathes deeply and lets the ripple of surprised mutterings and outraged spluttering wash through the lesser nobles and functionaries in attendance. His eyes taking in the shocked looks that swept the heirs and guards in the room. But to Star the looks of grim acceptance that entered her Parents and friends parents faces was the truly disturbing thing. The small grimace on her mother's face awakened unease in Star.
As then Luna stood and spoke not as a ruler but as an equal, honesty and hope ringing in her voice"Prince Empyrean, I assure you that we did not order this foul deed and are not protecting the one responsible for it and should we find them, they will be punished to the full extent of the law. The thing I know you are considering is born of pain. Do not let it blind you to what Freedom's Oath would have wanted. "
Star was worried now, what was happening, there was no way that the princess had done such a thing, and yet only Equestria would have profited from the act. This wasn't Sombra the tyrannical mad stallion, but grieved and wronged folk who were about to declare the first war on equestrian soil in over a thousand years.
"I know lady Luna you are a just and honorable ruler and I am sure you or your sister have reasons for what you have done, but my brother's blood is on one or both of your hands and that is not something I can forgive, even if that is what he would have wanted." A serious and cold look covered his face like a mask of flesh "And so on behalf of the nation of Minoshia and its crown, I declare war on Equestria and all allies of Equestria."
Then Outer Balance spoke, her voice ringing forth "The Spirits of Minoshia also cry out for vengeance for their fallen prince. Nature itself declares war upon you." Her face still smiling and her charm still fully there making what she said only more disturbing " May the wind rip at your wings, the ground swallow you up, the waters drag you into the deep, and the fire burn you away."
Then Granite spoke "The Legions of Minoshia willingly walk to war against you under the crown. Let you feel our wrath." His voice old and gruff full of conviction solid as the stone he was named for.
Finally, the specter spoke. "We the children of Minoshia grieve at the loss of our savior and shining knight. You asked me my prince what defines those who are right, I offer to you my answer, those who win. Those who remain when there enemy has vanished from this world. Let war decide who is right, for victory is truth."
Empyrean spoke one more time. "We will be taking our leave now, I await you on the battlefield, my blade thirsts for your blood" As they left the doors swung shut once closed putting them completely out of sight the room burst into panic. Except for the Princess who simply looked among themselves and sighed deeply before calming the nobles and giving orders. Star eventually turned and left thinking over what she had seen, war had come and she would be fighting it the long peace was over.
Chapter 2 Harken in the Mirror
P.M 989, First of April, Fort Oasis, Saddle Arabian border, 9:00
Fort Oasis was bustling with activity. The news had spread and preparations were underway, War was coming. The draft had gone out only two days before and Truthful Mirror had recently arrived, prepared to serve his sultan. The sounds of wagons upon cobblestone carrying grain and spears, the ringing of the Fort's forge crafting blades and armor for the new recruits, the screeches of soaring hawks carrying messages across the sands. Truly a cacophony of sounds bombarded him. The courtyard was filled with new recruits being shown how to don their armor and trained to swing their swords. The Rangers, few in number, glided across the edges, eyes wary. The border of Minoshia was only a few miles of desert away. The Kreel mountains spread across the skyline, spears against the Heavens.
"Hey Truth, you all right?" softly came the voice causing Truthful to snap out from his stupor. There stood his foalhood friend, Desert Blossom. She had left at the same time to join up.
"Yeah. I'm all right Bloss, just got caught up in the bustle, you know?" A blush on his face, his right hand clenched. How stupid to say something like that to Blossom. Why hadn't he said something cool? Celestia dammit.
"Yes, I know." Her ever present smile somewhat smaller then normal, her new armor fitted to her form and long shamshir hanging from her waist.
"Hey Bloss, no reason to be worried we have at least a week remember that's what the Marshal said. Not a lot of time, but we learn fast, right?" A comforting smile, he hoped, was on his face and optimistic bravado wafting off him.
"We will be all right," She stepped towards him to, punch him in the arm. " But don't lie to me like that, It didn't work even when we were foals and you were saying that your mom wouldn't be upset if we had a sugar cube."
Truthful tried to hold in a laugh and failed miserably " Yeah you're right, so when the war ends-" Then came a sound, an odd whistling noise. He had never heard anything like it. The world turned to fire. The sheer force of the blast, along with the roaring wall of sound slammed him into the ground. The west wall had turned into shrapnel raining down onto the courtyard. He could see others crawling across the ground or staggering to their feet but he could hear nothing other than an odd ringing that utterly overcame his ability to think. The scent of burnt flesh and copper filled his nostrils as more blasts came again and again, reducing the the west side of the fort to nothing more then smoking rubble. He was in something? It was wet and clung to his hands and legs as he tried to get up. Truthful looked down to see what he was coated with. Oh princess. The hair. He stood, staggering forward, vomiting into the sand, as Minotaurs in little more then breastplates, fatigues, and cloaks stormed through the rubble, Pugiones and Iklwa in hand. He watched as those who still could stood and fought but the effective and immediate follow up with a large number of ground forces quickly overwhelmed the few remaining desert guard the first battle of the war was over. Unknown to the invading Legionnaires, Truthful simply limped slowly into the desert drops of crimson not his own fell to the sand behind him only one thing fixed into his mind "Blossom."
P.M 989, Second of April, Canterlot Castle,17:00
Luna strode through the halls, intent on finding her sister. In front of her, the restricted section of the library, the last place Luna could think to look for her sister. "Is my sister inside?" She inquired to the Royal Guards on duty.
The younger of the two guards answered "No Princess, Princess Celstia's not currently inside the archives."
"Damn. Not here either, where could she be?"
The younger spoke again, "Well have you tried the music hall? Princess Celestia could be there."
A sigh at that. "Yes, I tried there earlier. Perhaps there is somewhere else?"
The elder guard then spoke quietly. "Have you tried the War room?"
"The castle doesn't have a war room, as I am aware it is kept at the military academy? I had one installed in my wing of the castle, but as we understood it Canterlot palace was built for peace and their by didn't contain one, correct?" Her discomfort causing her to begin to slip back into the archaic.
"You have no reason for such worry Princess, the war room in the palace is obsolete and almost never opened. Lady Celestia occasionally goes there to think that's all." The old guard emits a chuckle. "Its also rather hard to find, making it the perfect place for her highness to hide from clinging nobles. As for its location the mirror that doesn't reflect in the royal court."
"Thank you." " As she hastened to her sister's side. She arrived at the royal court and gently placed her hand against the mirror, Marveling at how in Tartarus she hadn't noticed one of these mirrors didn't reflect anything. The spell on the mirror had a strange edge to it, a hint of familiarity yet recognizably foreign in nature, similar to her own illusions in fact but this spell seemed to draw on ambient magic in the air instead of the caster's own. As she put her hand to the smooth surface of the mirror it quickly give way and was replaced with a hallway ending in a door gently carved with the image of a star? Strange. As she put a hand to the door, she could hear something but who was her sister talking to? It was muffled but it certainly sounded like she was talking to someone, heatedly at that. Feeling slightly ashamed but curious she leaned forward to listen and if it turned out this was where Celestia and Discord went when they desired "alone time" she would simply leave.
"You were right you know?" Melancholy in her sister's voice and then she seamed to suddenly swing back to her normal self. "Your descendants are doing well, I'm sure you would be proud of them. They still carry your talents its rather amazing that even after all this time your blood flows so thickly through there veins." A gentle sigh escaped her next. "What would you do about the current threat I wonder? Truly, The Ash Bearers are waging their fire war on Zebafrica cutting of a flow of allies we have always had. Vulcan's Children have descended from the mountains into Germneigha, and the Silver Lances are intent on the elimination of Saddle Arabia as a threat." The melancholy once again descended "Then again you can't hear me can you? After all you passed from this world long ago. " To Luna's pain a sob came from her sister a quite but undoubtedly real sob "And yet in this place you still feel so very real. I can almost hear you, endlessly pacing this room moment by moment planing the next battle, the next victory, the next moment of truth. I remember those words you spoke to me on that field before this era was even beginning and I think those days might be over." As Luna stood stunned by what she had heard, that her sister carried some pain she had never spoken to Luna of, her sister teleported out.
"Tartarus Dammit where did she go now." Pushing what she had heard to the back of her mind. Luna strode off to find her sister again after all she had the great beast to slay, paperwork.
P.M. 989, Second of April, Acheron, 19:00
A single figure stood on unhallowed ground, gazing at the remnants surrounding him. The blades glinting from the setting sun. A endless howling dirge was the only sound in this place. Created by the wind blowing through the forest of fallen swords, a reminder of comrades long lost on this field and so many others, but it was this the final field, that he kept with him. He wandered among the blades remembering the faces of those he lead to their deaths, those whose blood watered this ground in rivers. As he looked upon this, his temple and remembered, the faces of his foes, those he had lost, those he had slain and from this place he drew strength. It enveloped him this aura of malice, his ever present companion. This was his core, his world, a testament to his remembrance. The hatred flowed through his veins the elixir of life, the only thing that had allowed him to keep his long vigil, his hands bleeding from the pressure he had placed upon them the only tears he shed anymore being blood.
"You've brought forth Acheron, reminiscing of the old days?" came the nobleman, barely of age, yet weighed with time. Large wings of the Thestral at his sides, yet he had red eyes. He was perched atop a war hammer, perfectly at balance like the hawk atop his favorite tree. "You really should stop torturing yourself like this, it will not going to bring them back or make her" The final word spat as curse. "wake up."
As he turned to gaze at the intruder, his armor produced a slight creak, music to his ears. "I know." these words said with a winter's chill..."but, I do not wish to forget, after all these years the urge"
"The urge to just go to sleep, to join in with her dream and forget reality, or to just fade away give in to the weight of all the years piled upon our shoulders. To simply drown in the oceans of time and be washed away. I suppose I am a hypocrite for telling you not to do this when I visit their graves every year." A self deprecating chuckle, false and hollow echos from his throat.
"Our wait is almost over. The time of guards is over, the age of soldiers is returning " The anticipation thrumming inside him.
"And we stand ready, eh General. Just a little longer?" A grin curling unto the face of the perched figure.
"Yes, just a little longer Cold Harbor, just a little longer." And for the first time in a very long time, he smiled.
