Tales of Trotbhalaby LiracrownedChaptersChapter 1 - Destiny FluxChapter 2 - AstroblitzChapter 3 - Swift TrotChapter 4 - Razzle DazzleChapter 5 - Destiny FluxChapter 0 - Midnight CloudChapter 1 - Destiny FluxEach turned page was exciting. Today’s lead was good, I could just feel it. Today’s the day. Finally progress on finding out what happened to the Princess’s parents; a mystery that has remained unsolved for far too long. Flipping page after page, just speeding through text. Individual words aren't important. My mind wanders as my vision darts back and forth over the words on the page. It’s easy to recognize the words even if you aren't really reading them closely, just looking for key phrases that migh- “Oh, what’s this?” “-see through flashbacks. Mixing the ruby gem root…” with a sigh I go back to skimming the text “Irrelevant, that species has been extinct for a long time now” my words trail off as I get back to the book. Somehow I know I will find something today. I couldn't say why I’m so sure though. Some days you just have that feeling, right? Time passes. Book after book after book. I move them off the desk and onto the floor. Not really looking as I move them away, just setting the next book in front of me. Just to be replaced again by another old tome. Hours have passed and now only two books remain on my desk. All the others have been placed neatly on the floor by the table. It is disappointing to have nothing to show for it; yet my confidence is still high. Something will be in one of these two books. I decide to slide the bottom book out and look at it first. What one is looking for is always the last place they find it, right? Yeah, yeah, it doesn’t work like that. The Book is a dark amber color with a plane cover, no graphics or trimming. Looking at the title makes the book feel equally drab, “Legendary Artifacts at Shifting Intervals” sure sounds exciting. But, I will end up reading ether way at this rate. May as well get it out of the way now, so I can move on to “The Magical Properties of Dust”. Woo. Opening the cover and turning past the flyleaf my eye catches a signature on the title page. “Wartwood? As in the Wartwood?” How strange. This book was at the research institute, but all of Wartwood’s personal collection should be at the castle library. Usually it’s a logistical nightmare to get ahoof on any of his personal work. I would know. Wait. Did he write this? Quickly flipping back to cover to check, but there is no author name. Maybe a single print? I begin flipping through pages. Only a few pages in a phrase catches my eye. “-is an object which can allow one to see back to brief moments in time.” Could this be? Trying to find a starting place I read in more detail. “While talking with locals they have told me many legends of strange artifacts in these lands. One of which is an object that can allow one to see back to brief moments in time. Apparently moments one should have no knowledge of or reason to see, so long as one knows exactly what they’re looking for.” This is it! Or, at least it’s something. My eyes skim through looking for any important details when I begin to hear knocking at the door. “Uhhh~ just a minute!” I shout as I try to drag myself from the pages. Rushing to the door I open it to find a pony with fine white fur, wearing a blue jacket and hat. This pony works with the mail service. And he seems as enthusiastic an slightly late as always. “Oh, Swift Trot.” Inspecting him a bit more he has a package. It appears to be a book I sent for from Reinalon, it’s a bit late but considering the lead I think I found I’m not too worried about it. “That’s for me?” “Hey, Destiny. Yeah, package here you need to sign for.” He says in his chipper-as-always voice. As I sign for it I drift it out of his hoof and over my head. “Hey Swift, I know you’re busy but can you wait a moment? I have a letter I need you to deliver.” “Oh, sure. No problem.” “The thing is I haven’t actually written it yet, but it’ll just take a moment.” “Al-righty, just a moment then.” He says quite happily. This is probably why he is always a little bit late with deliveries. He has a habit of chit-chatting and sticking around places. But Swift is a hard worker and friendly so nopony seems to mind his lateness. Getting a quill and paper I begin to start writing the letter, to which I address the royal guard of the castle requesting an escort. Stopping for a moment I go back to the study to get Wartwood’s book and bring it to where I am writing the letter. My eyes skim the pages talking about the artifact again. Somewhere it was talking about a location. I mutter to myself as look. “Ah, here.” It says it is supposedly in a temple west of Boltsamore, near Napenarrow Pass. It’s pretty far; but the guard has helped me on a few expeditions in the past and the journey to Boltsamore is straightforward. I expect they will lend me a hoof again for this one. Finishing the letter I hover it over to Swift Trot. “This letter is important, it needs to get to the castle guard.” My words came in a voice more serious then I intended. A worried look forms on his face. “Is it urgent? I can go straight there if it is.” “No. No, go ahead and finish off your route. It is important; but not urgent.” It feels urgent to me, but I have been researching and looking for answers on this matter for years. Another day won’t hurt and little time to research the area would be nice. Besides, Swift is already behind schedule today, I shouldn’t send him out of his way for this. “Alright. I’ll get it there today after I finish up then.” He says as he turns to leave, “Have a good evening miss Flux.” I don’t like being called miss. But I wave and smile as he trots away. Chapter 2 - AstroblitzWith a little yawn I rub my eyes. There’s hardly any hurry this morning. It’s supposed to be a pretty clear schedule today. With a stretch and flap of my wings I hop off the bed and look out the window. “Clear skies, just as they should be today.” Despite just waking up I’m not hungry. Making my way to the kitchen table I take a hoof full of strawberries from a bowl and stuff them into my mouth. That should do just fine for now. I usually don’t get hungry until around noon anyway. Biting into them I nearly drowned on the juices. Stepping outside I feel the sun on my face. It’s such a good feeling on days like this. Despite having little to do today I really should get to the office. Things always come up around here even on the good days. Plus I have to keep good appearances. I begin a light trot down the street. Sure I could fly, but a good trot now and again is nice on days like this. “Morning” somepony calls out. Smiling I turn my head towards them as I pass “Good morning” As I trot along I see some fillies gathered together playing a game. Kids are interesting. They do strange things, or at least I think so. Watching them as I approach I try figure out what they are doing. One of them has a stone and looks at it really close, as if something is inside it. The others are sitting around her, watching as she talks while looking deeply into the stone. Squinting a little I feel my head tilt to the side slightly. I really can’t tell what they are doing. Some kind of pretend I guess. As I get closer I begin to hear her story. “I see way, way back in time. Boltcaster is flying through the skies over the ocean and then, suddenly, he sees land!” The filly with the stone is telling quite the tale. Funny it’s about Boltcaster, founder of Boltsamore and in fact my great ancestor. Most of the Pegasus of the region look up to him and it’s unsurprising why. “ooo” all the fillies say as the stone-holder tells her tale. “Boltcaster files in closer and sets hoof on the land and says” She tries to deepen her voice and sound heroic “This land shall be Boltsamore, new land of the Pegasus!” That’s not what happened at all, but something about this is familiar to me. Not the story the stone-holder is telling, but what she seems to be doing. It reminds me of an old local legend about an artifact that allows ponies to see the past. I hadn’t heard the tale since I was quite young myself. Few ponies seem to know the story at all. “Hello little fillies” They all turn towards me and their faces seem to light up at seeing me. It’s making me feel a bit hot and I think I’m blushing a bit. They don’t seem to notice though. One of the shouts at me “Astroblitz! What are you doing here?” “I was just passing by. But, I wanted to ask you all something.” They look a bit confused. The filly with the stone was the one to speak up “What would you want to ask us?” “It’s about that game you were just playing. Did somepony tell you the legend of the seeing stone?” “Seeing stone?” She replied, “I thought it was called the Viewing Glass?” “I just meant, you know, the legend of a magic object that lets you see back in time. Somepony told you that story? “Oh, yeah. Why?” “I was wondering if you could tell me who told you. I haven’t heard that legend since I was a filly.” “It was Grizzly.” “Grizzly…? Grizzly Graybeard? But he doesn't live in Boltsamore anymore. “He was in town the other day to get some things and he told some of us that story.” “I see.” How strange for that story to have popped up again. Then I realize they are all just staring at me while I was thinking, waiting for me to say something else I guess. “Thank you girls, I’ll be off then.” I raise my wings and give them all a little salute as I take off. “Bye Astroblitz!” I hear a few of them yell behind me as I speed off. Landing on the steps city hall I head straight to my office. As I get some of the boring work out of the way a thought comes to mind. It’s nagging at me. It’s a worry from my fillyhood. Doing mindless paperwork I try to push the thought aside. “It’s just a legend, if it were real surly somepony would have found it by now… right?” I did not convince myself. The temptation to get answers is too strong. I cannot help myself but think of the opportunity I would be missing out on. To finally know what was said. “Raz.” I call out. A moment passes and I hear quick paced hoofsteps, then appears a head from around the doorway. “Yes?” “I need to check on something, do you think you can handle things for a bit? I should be back before too long.” “Yes. It should be a breeze.” She smiles and seems quite pleased at saying this. Thinking for a moment a little chuckle escapes my mouth. She made a joke. We literally have a breeze scheduled in about an hour. “Good one Raz,” praising her joke. I raise my wings “It shouldn’t take long, just have to get some information and I’ll be back.” And then I take off out the window. Chapter 3 - Swift TrotJust two deliveries left today. Oh, and this letter Miss Flux needed me to take to the castle guard. She said it wasn't urgent but she seemed so serious. Regardless I’ll do as she asked and finish my route first. Luckily one of these deliveries was already going to the old Kingdom so it’s already on my route today. But first a package for Miss Chain. Picking up pace I head for the merchant district. There’s a good chance that this package has some precious materials for something Miss Chain is working on. It isn't too far from where Miss Flux lives ether so I should be on my way to the castle in no time. Turning a corner I reach the largest merchant street in Bitsburgh, all of Trotbhala even. The old cobblestone path is home to some of the finest craftsponies around. Nothing here I could afford, but it is still impressive to see. Woodworks, metal smiting, artwork of all kinds. Anypony with a talent like that dreams of a storefront on this old road. In my drifting thoughts I nearly pass right by Miss Chain’s residence. The sign on the door says she is closed, which is pretty rare for her. I knock on the door. But hear nothing. Knocking again “Miss Chain? Are you home?” After a moment I hear a few sounds from inside and the door squeaks open. The filly answering the door was not Miss Chain, she was a unicorn, but a much smaller one then I was expecting. “Hi!” She announces in a squeaky voice. “Hi.” While the door is open I peek inside “Is Miss chain here?” “No, cous’ is out.” “She’s not here, because she’s out?” “No. Well, yes. But…” We seem to both be confused. “I have a package she needs to sign for. Do you know when she’ll be back?” “I can’t say I’m sure.” She seems to be thinking. “You do deliveries n’ stuff right?” “Yes? I’m the mailpony, it’s what I do best.” “You deliver something for me?” “Yes, I can get it wherever it needs to go.” “It needs to go here.” I can’t help but stare at her. Waiting for some additional explanation. “You would bring cake here?” she asks. “I. I could, yes?” I’m not entirely sure about the question. “You’ll do that for me?” “What exactly are you asking me to do?” “Deliver cake. Here” She replies “To me.” “Did you have an order placed or something? Or-“ “You said you could. You said you could get what I need delivered to wherever it needs to go.” I feel as though she’s misunderstanding how my job works. But I did say that, well, sort of. I can feel a sigh coming up but I manage to keep it in. “There’s a sweets shop around the corner.” Her eyes are already lighting up. “I’ll get you something.” “Thank you” she squeaks again. “I’d go myself but Silver Chain says I need to stay in the shop while she’s out.” “Alright, I’ll be back in a moment.” I turn to leave and I can feel her watching me as I trot down the street and around the corner. Getting the cake was far easier then delivering Miss Chain’s package has been. Although it took nearly every bit I had on me. Had I had the time I would have gone a bit further away to get something cheaper, but I do what I must. Turning the corner I find a surprising sight, the little filly’s head was still sticking out the doorway where I left her. She had been staring blankly until she say me and her eyes light back up. I make my way back over to her and present her the package she requested. “Thank You!” She yells at me and dashes back inside with it, leaving the door ajar. Closing the door I prepare to get comfortable and wait for Miss Chain to return. But I had only waited a moment before I see her from the corner of my eye. “Oh. Miss Chain, there you are.” “Did you wait around long?” she asks. “No miss, not too long.” I have a package you need to sign for.” “I was expecting you today.” She says. Her horn glows lightly as a quill is pulled from her hat and gracefully signs the paper I had shown her to sign. “Thank you” I tell her as I prepare to leave. “Did my cousin open the door for you?” Turning back to her I reply honestly “Yes. She asked me for cake.” Miss Chain just looks at me for a moment before continuing “Did you get it?” “Yes” Her head goes crooked “Why?” “She asked if I could deliver it, and I had told her I could.” She is still staring blankly at me “I’m a mailpony. Delivering things for anypony is what I do best.” She still doesn't seem satisfied with this answer, but it looks like she accepts it as a reasonable reply. “I take it she didn’t pay you.” “I don’t get paid per package.” “But it wasn't a normal delivery. Let me pay you back at least.” “No miss, it’s alright.” I turn and start to walk away before she insists I take her money. “Deliveries are what I do.” Chapter 4 - Razzle DazzleWeather is super important here. No one anywhere takes it more seriously than the ponies of Boltsamore. The great sage of weather lives here so how could we not be the most enthusiastic about it? And she trusts me to make sure things stay in order when she’s gone. Nopony else thinks I have what it takes. Poking my head into a doorway I ask “Are things in order for tomorrow yet?” She replies promptly “Yes Raz. The clouds are already prepped. We should be ready for the scheduled storm.” “Alright, good to hear.” I start to leave but, “Where is Astroblitz?” “She’s out getting information on something.” “I see.” She seems irritated that the orders are coming from me, again. I am the oldest pony I know to not have their cutie mark. I’m barely considered a filly these days, but I still haven’t found my real purpose I guess. It seems like nopony takes my word seriously because they don’t know what I’m actually good at. As if I don’t know what I’m talking about just because I don’t have a mark saying I know how to tell them what to do. Somepony calls out to me “Hey. Raz?” “Yes?” Turning to them I continue “Is something wrong?” “Well, no; not exactly. I was doing some calculations and it seems we’re a bit short on rainwater.” He goes on “There’s plenty for tomorrow, but we’ll be well below the expected reserve levels.” “I see.” Thinking about it, there’s not much going on today but a breeze. I could send the flight team out after the breeze is lifted to go collect extra water in advance so we can stay ahead of schedule. “Alright, tell the flight team to head out after the breeze today and collect extra while there’s time before night.” “Alright.” He continues to stand there for a moment. “Was there something else?” “Uh, no.” I can tell, he is wondering if I’m in charge today or not. “Astroblitz is out.” He seems a bit lost for words, I guess I read him right. “That’s not what I- I mean-“ “Just go inform the flight team of the change in their schedule. Please.” “Right. Right away Raz.” He says before scrambling away. I mean I understand that ponies might not have full confidence in in somepony that is giving orders in such an important job and still doesn’t have their mark. But, I have been doing this under the guidance of Astroblitz for years already. You’d think they’d have some faith in a pony by now. Making my way back to my office I can’t help but think about it. That breeze should be going out any time now. It’s nearly noon too, I wonder if Astroblitz remembered to eat, she often gets distracted and forgets to. A tree scratches the glass of the window, there’s the breeze. Am I really suited for this job? Astroblitz seems to trust me with it, and everyone trusts her choices. Why don’t they trust mine if she choose me to make them? Sighing to myself, my eyes look to the window. Things seem as they should be, and there’s nothing else scheduled for a while. Maybe I’ll go get something to eat while I can. Chapter 5 - Destiny FluxUsing my back leg I kick the door shut. The institute had plenty books on Boltsamore and the region around it. I found a few different maps of the region too. The area seems to have been pretty well explored in the past, so my goal is to try and identify spots which may have been missed. That should be the best bet for finding the temple that holds the artifact I’m looking for. I mean, if it was in a temple in an area which had already been well explored it would have likely been found, right? Going back to my study I can finally lay these books down and give my horn a rest. To start, I will read this old Boltsamore history book. I know a little about the city; but I have only seen the city from afar. It silhouette is a stunning site for sure. Boltsamore was founded by an explorer named Boltcaster. He was supposedly the first pegasus ever in the region. But nopony is really sure if that’s true. He founded the city Boltsamore so that the pegasus of the kingdom would all have a place to call home. The city originally was all in the clouds. The Pegasus worked with the wylafi to maintain the weather across the two kingdoms. But as the kingdoms grew the city of Boltsamore expanded below the clouds. The city below was made up of factories that produced clouds and snow and stored rain; anything that would help with the weather. These factories began employing ponies without weather magic because although they may not have been able to control the weather, they could control the machines that helped make it. This freed up the pegasus to expand their weather control into the cloud kingdom and made them the weather capital of both kingdoms. I set the book aside. It was all good information, but it didn't really tell me anything I needed to know for the upcoming expedition. Pulling out a few of the maps I brought back with me I unroll them on the floor. Cross-referencing between them shows that most of the area seems to have been explored at one time or another, but there are a few gaps. The most promising area seems to be South West of Boltsamore; but there’s another area to the North West as well. Sighing I walk away from the maps and back to the table. Using my magic I lift the books on the region and spread them in front of myself. I don’t really have time to go through all of these in detail, which will help me most I wonder. I just need to narrow it down to one of these two regions. I glance back at the maps of the floor. Napenarrow Pass. That’s what it said in Wartwood’s book didn't it? Setting all the books back down I have to recall where I placed Wartwood’s book. I left right after I sent Trot off with my letter. Oh right, I took it to the other room when I was writing to the guard. Heading into the other room I retrieve the book and open it as I make my way back into the study. As I enter I step on the corner of one of the maps and it slips out from under me. As I fall to the floor the book I was carrying flies across the room and into the stack of books on the table. As the stack begins to sway and tip I hop back to my hooves. Just before they all topple to the floor and manage to stop them midair; all but one falls to the ground. I neatly stack the books back on the table along with Wartwood’s. Going to the single book which had landed on the floor I noticed it has opened to a page about Napenarrow pass. How strange. Beginning to read the book describes a tribe which had lived and protected the pass. They would prevent ponies from going down the pass and into the valley below claiming it was far too dangerous and that nopony could make it there and back. But rumors of ritual the village had in the valley below were common for a long time. When a young pony would come of age and had earned their mark they would make the journey down the pass and return with a vision. The next few hours were spent looking more into Napenarrow pass. Apparently at some point the Napenarrow village was abandoned. But nopony ever bothered exploring the valley because of all the old rumors of danger. Napenarrow Pass looks promising. But I need to get some rest. Looking at the clock above my table I see it’s already a new day. It’s likely I will hear from the guard today and I will want to leave as soon as they are ready. The maps are rolled back up, the books are straightened once more and I put out the candles as I leave my study. Chapter 0 - Midnight CloudMy family has watched over this land for as long as our history has recorded. Through the darkest times my family has prevailed. Any adversary who stood against us would fall. Our subjects relied solely on us. There came a time when we encountered something unlike anything before. A new pony came to our lands. He could fly like us, but he was not of our kind or like that of any other we knew. His body was like that of the sunstone or geode ponies, but his wings were like that of a bird. For several years the pony explored our lands. He was polite and cause us no problems. And then he left. Years passed and word reached my family that more of these winged ponies were in out lands. Shortly after word of ships on our shores with horned ponies of magic. And before long they were at the foot of our castle. Two tall ponies with wings of birds and each with a single straight horn protruding from their head; introduced themselves as alicorns from a land far from our own. They wished to make towns within our lands and populate our forests. At the time my family was distrustful of these new species and their intentions. But, in time an agreement was made. In exchange for our land they would use their magic to create fine crafts and help us better control our weather. So a new kingdom was formed just south of our own. Nowadays Pegasus freely roam our skies and unicorns spread magic through the realm. But the two alicorns who came so far to live here are gone. No one is sure where to. Their princess remains but she shows little interest in running the kingdom her parents left behind. Leaving us to look after both kingdoms. Much of this story is left to legend. Nopony alive has been around long enough to truly know of events from so long ago. Unicorns and Pegasus have been around long before my birth or the birth of my great great grandparents. For me things are as they always have been. But I feel change. Things will change soon enough. “I wonder what might come of it all?” Looking into the pale light of the moon a breeze catches my face. I turn my head to the side to avoid its bite and close my eyes. “In time I suppose we shall see.”
Chapter 1 - Destiny FluxEach turned page was exciting. Today’s lead was good, I could just feel it. Today’s the day. Finally progress on finding out what happened to the Princess’s parents; a mystery that has remained unsolved for far too long. Flipping page after page, just speeding through text. Individual words aren't important. My mind wanders as my vision darts back and forth over the words on the page. It’s easy to recognize the words even if you aren't really reading them closely, just looking for key phrases that migh- “Oh, what’s this?” “-see through flashbacks. Mixing the ruby gem root…” with a sigh I go back to skimming the text “Irrelevant, that species has been extinct for a long time now” my words trail off as I get back to the book. Somehow I know I will find something today. I couldn't say why I’m so sure though. Some days you just have that feeling, right? Time passes. Book after book after book. I move them off the desk and onto the floor. Not really looking as I move them away, just setting the next book in front of me. Just to be replaced again by another old tome. Hours have passed and now only two books remain on my desk. All the others have been placed neatly on the floor by the table. It is disappointing to have nothing to show for it; yet my confidence is still high. Something will be in one of these two books. I decide to slide the bottom book out and look at it first. What one is looking for is always the last place they find it, right? Yeah, yeah, it doesn’t work like that. The Book is a dark amber color with a plane cover, no graphics or trimming. Looking at the title makes the book feel equally drab, “Legendary Artifacts at Shifting Intervals” sure sounds exciting. But, I will end up reading ether way at this rate. May as well get it out of the way now, so I can move on to “The Magical Properties of Dust”. Woo. Opening the cover and turning past the flyleaf my eye catches a signature on the title page. “Wartwood? As in the Wartwood?” How strange. This book was at the research institute, but all of Wartwood’s personal collection should be at the castle library. Usually it’s a logistical nightmare to get ahoof on any of his personal work. I would know. Wait. Did he write this? Quickly flipping back to cover to check, but there is no author name. Maybe a single print? I begin flipping through pages. Only a few pages in a phrase catches my eye. “-is an object which can allow one to see back to brief moments in time.” Could this be? Trying to find a starting place I read in more detail. “While talking with locals they have told me many legends of strange artifacts in these lands. One of which is an object that can allow one to see back to brief moments in time. Apparently moments one should have no knowledge of or reason to see, so long as one knows exactly what they’re looking for.” This is it! Or, at least it’s something. My eyes skim through looking for any important details when I begin to hear knocking at the door. “Uhhh~ just a minute!” I shout as I try to drag myself from the pages. Rushing to the door I open it to find a pony with fine white fur, wearing a blue jacket and hat. This pony works with the mail service. And he seems as enthusiastic an slightly late as always. “Oh, Swift Trot.” Inspecting him a bit more he has a package. It appears to be a book I sent for from Reinalon, it’s a bit late but considering the lead I think I found I’m not too worried about it. “That’s for me?” “Hey, Destiny. Yeah, package here you need to sign for.” He says in his chipper-as-always voice. As I sign for it I drift it out of his hoof and over my head. “Hey Swift, I know you’re busy but can you wait a moment? I have a letter I need you to deliver.” “Oh, sure. No problem.” “The thing is I haven’t actually written it yet, but it’ll just take a moment.” “Al-righty, just a moment then.” He says quite happily. This is probably why he is always a little bit late with deliveries. He has a habit of chit-chatting and sticking around places. But Swift is a hard worker and friendly so nopony seems to mind his lateness. Getting a quill and paper I begin to start writing the letter, to which I address the royal guard of the castle requesting an escort. Stopping for a moment I go back to the study to get Wartwood’s book and bring it to where I am writing the letter. My eyes skim the pages talking about the artifact again. Somewhere it was talking about a location. I mutter to myself as look. “Ah, here.” It says it is supposedly in a temple west of Boltsamore, near Napenarrow Pass. It’s pretty far; but the guard has helped me on a few expeditions in the past and the journey to Boltsamore is straightforward. I expect they will lend me a hoof again for this one. Finishing the letter I hover it over to Swift Trot. “This letter is important, it needs to get to the castle guard.” My words came in a voice more serious then I intended. A worried look forms on his face. “Is it urgent? I can go straight there if it is.” “No. No, go ahead and finish off your route. It is important; but not urgent.” It feels urgent to me, but I have been researching and looking for answers on this matter for years. Another day won’t hurt and little time to research the area would be nice. Besides, Swift is already behind schedule today, I shouldn’t send him out of his way for this. “Alright. I’ll get it there today after I finish up then.” He says as he turns to leave, “Have a good evening miss Flux.” I don’t like being called miss. But I wave and smile as he trots away.
Chapter 2 - AstroblitzWith a little yawn I rub my eyes. There’s hardly any hurry this morning. It’s supposed to be a pretty clear schedule today. With a stretch and flap of my wings I hop off the bed and look out the window. “Clear skies, just as they should be today.” Despite just waking up I’m not hungry. Making my way to the kitchen table I take a hoof full of strawberries from a bowl and stuff them into my mouth. That should do just fine for now. I usually don’t get hungry until around noon anyway. Biting into them I nearly drowned on the juices. Stepping outside I feel the sun on my face. It’s such a good feeling on days like this. Despite having little to do today I really should get to the office. Things always come up around here even on the good days. Plus I have to keep good appearances. I begin a light trot down the street. Sure I could fly, but a good trot now and again is nice on days like this. “Morning” somepony calls out. Smiling I turn my head towards them as I pass “Good morning” As I trot along I see some fillies gathered together playing a game. Kids are interesting. They do strange things, or at least I think so. Watching them as I approach I try figure out what they are doing. One of them has a stone and looks at it really close, as if something is inside it. The others are sitting around her, watching as she talks while looking deeply into the stone. Squinting a little I feel my head tilt to the side slightly. I really can’t tell what they are doing. Some kind of pretend I guess. As I get closer I begin to hear her story. “I see way, way back in time. Boltcaster is flying through the skies over the ocean and then, suddenly, he sees land!” The filly with the stone is telling quite the tale. Funny it’s about Boltcaster, founder of Boltsamore and in fact my great ancestor. Most of the Pegasus of the region look up to him and it’s unsurprising why. “ooo” all the fillies say as the stone-holder tells her tale. “Boltcaster files in closer and sets hoof on the land and says” She tries to deepen her voice and sound heroic “This land shall be Boltsamore, new land of the Pegasus!” That’s not what happened at all, but something about this is familiar to me. Not the story the stone-holder is telling, but what she seems to be doing. It reminds me of an old local legend about an artifact that allows ponies to see the past. I hadn’t heard the tale since I was quite young myself. Few ponies seem to know the story at all. “Hello little fillies” They all turn towards me and their faces seem to light up at seeing me. It’s making me feel a bit hot and I think I’m blushing a bit. They don’t seem to notice though. One of the shouts at me “Astroblitz! What are you doing here?” “I was just passing by. But, I wanted to ask you all something.” They look a bit confused. The filly with the stone was the one to speak up “What would you want to ask us?” “It’s about that game you were just playing. Did somepony tell you the legend of the seeing stone?” “Seeing stone?” She replied, “I thought it was called the Viewing Glass?” “I just meant, you know, the legend of a magic object that lets you see back in time. Somepony told you that story? “Oh, yeah. Why?” “I was wondering if you could tell me who told you. I haven’t heard that legend since I was a filly.” “It was Grizzly.” “Grizzly…? Grizzly Graybeard? But he doesn't live in Boltsamore anymore. “He was in town the other day to get some things and he told some of us that story.” “I see.” How strange for that story to have popped up again. Then I realize they are all just staring at me while I was thinking, waiting for me to say something else I guess. “Thank you girls, I’ll be off then.” I raise my wings and give them all a little salute as I take off. “Bye Astroblitz!” I hear a few of them yell behind me as I speed off. Landing on the steps city hall I head straight to my office. As I get some of the boring work out of the way a thought comes to mind. It’s nagging at me. It’s a worry from my fillyhood. Doing mindless paperwork I try to push the thought aside. “It’s just a legend, if it were real surly somepony would have found it by now… right?” I did not convince myself. The temptation to get answers is too strong. I cannot help myself but think of the opportunity I would be missing out on. To finally know what was said. “Raz.” I call out. A moment passes and I hear quick paced hoofsteps, then appears a head from around the doorway. “Yes?” “I need to check on something, do you think you can handle things for a bit? I should be back before too long.” “Yes. It should be a breeze.” She smiles and seems quite pleased at saying this. Thinking for a moment a little chuckle escapes my mouth. She made a joke. We literally have a breeze scheduled in about an hour. “Good one Raz,” praising her joke. I raise my wings “It shouldn’t take long, just have to get some information and I’ll be back.” And then I take off out the window.
Chapter 3 - Swift TrotJust two deliveries left today. Oh, and this letter Miss Flux needed me to take to the castle guard. She said it wasn't urgent but she seemed so serious. Regardless I’ll do as she asked and finish my route first. Luckily one of these deliveries was already going to the old Kingdom so it’s already on my route today. But first a package for Miss Chain. Picking up pace I head for the merchant district. There’s a good chance that this package has some precious materials for something Miss Chain is working on. It isn't too far from where Miss Flux lives ether so I should be on my way to the castle in no time. Turning a corner I reach the largest merchant street in Bitsburgh, all of Trotbhala even. The old cobblestone path is home to some of the finest craftsponies around. Nothing here I could afford, but it is still impressive to see. Woodworks, metal smiting, artwork of all kinds. Anypony with a talent like that dreams of a storefront on this old road. In my drifting thoughts I nearly pass right by Miss Chain’s residence. The sign on the door says she is closed, which is pretty rare for her. I knock on the door. But hear nothing. Knocking again “Miss Chain? Are you home?” After a moment I hear a few sounds from inside and the door squeaks open. The filly answering the door was not Miss Chain, she was a unicorn, but a much smaller one then I was expecting. “Hi!” She announces in a squeaky voice. “Hi.” While the door is open I peek inside “Is Miss chain here?” “No, cous’ is out.” “She’s not here, because she’s out?” “No. Well, yes. But…” We seem to both be confused. “I have a package she needs to sign for. Do you know when she’ll be back?” “I can’t say I’m sure.” She seems to be thinking. “You do deliveries n’ stuff right?” “Yes? I’m the mailpony, it’s what I do best.” “You deliver something for me?” “Yes, I can get it wherever it needs to go.” “It needs to go here.” I can’t help but stare at her. Waiting for some additional explanation. “You would bring cake here?” she asks. “I. I could, yes?” I’m not entirely sure about the question. “You’ll do that for me?” “What exactly are you asking me to do?” “Deliver cake. Here” She replies “To me.” “Did you have an order placed or something? Or-“ “You said you could. You said you could get what I need delivered to wherever it needs to go.” I feel as though she’s misunderstanding how my job works. But I did say that, well, sort of. I can feel a sigh coming up but I manage to keep it in. “There’s a sweets shop around the corner.” Her eyes are already lighting up. “I’ll get you something.” “Thank you” she squeaks again. “I’d go myself but Silver Chain says I need to stay in the shop while she’s out.” “Alright, I’ll be back in a moment.” I turn to leave and I can feel her watching me as I trot down the street and around the corner. Getting the cake was far easier then delivering Miss Chain’s package has been. Although it took nearly every bit I had on me. Had I had the time I would have gone a bit further away to get something cheaper, but I do what I must. Turning the corner I find a surprising sight, the little filly’s head was still sticking out the doorway where I left her. She had been staring blankly until she say me and her eyes light back up. I make my way back over to her and present her the package she requested. “Thank You!” She yells at me and dashes back inside with it, leaving the door ajar. Closing the door I prepare to get comfortable and wait for Miss Chain to return. But I had only waited a moment before I see her from the corner of my eye. “Oh. Miss Chain, there you are.” “Did you wait around long?” she asks. “No miss, not too long.” I have a package you need to sign for.” “I was expecting you today.” She says. Her horn glows lightly as a quill is pulled from her hat and gracefully signs the paper I had shown her to sign. “Thank you” I tell her as I prepare to leave. “Did my cousin open the door for you?” Turning back to her I reply honestly “Yes. She asked me for cake.” Miss Chain just looks at me for a moment before continuing “Did you get it?” “Yes” Her head goes crooked “Why?” “She asked if I could deliver it, and I had told her I could.” She is still staring blankly at me “I’m a mailpony. Delivering things for anypony is what I do best.” She still doesn't seem satisfied with this answer, but it looks like she accepts it as a reasonable reply. “I take it she didn’t pay you.” “I don’t get paid per package.” “But it wasn't a normal delivery. Let me pay you back at least.” “No miss, it’s alright.” I turn and start to walk away before she insists I take her money. “Deliveries are what I do.”
Chapter 4 - Razzle DazzleWeather is super important here. No one anywhere takes it more seriously than the ponies of Boltsamore. The great sage of weather lives here so how could we not be the most enthusiastic about it? And she trusts me to make sure things stay in order when she’s gone. Nopony else thinks I have what it takes. Poking my head into a doorway I ask “Are things in order for tomorrow yet?” She replies promptly “Yes Raz. The clouds are already prepped. We should be ready for the scheduled storm.” “Alright, good to hear.” I start to leave but, “Where is Astroblitz?” “She’s out getting information on something.” “I see.” She seems irritated that the orders are coming from me, again. I am the oldest pony I know to not have their cutie mark. I’m barely considered a filly these days, but I still haven’t found my real purpose I guess. It seems like nopony takes my word seriously because they don’t know what I’m actually good at. As if I don’t know what I’m talking about just because I don’t have a mark saying I know how to tell them what to do. Somepony calls out to me “Hey. Raz?” “Yes?” Turning to them I continue “Is something wrong?” “Well, no; not exactly. I was doing some calculations and it seems we’re a bit short on rainwater.” He goes on “There’s plenty for tomorrow, but we’ll be well below the expected reserve levels.” “I see.” Thinking about it, there’s not much going on today but a breeze. I could send the flight team out after the breeze is lifted to go collect extra water in advance so we can stay ahead of schedule. “Alright, tell the flight team to head out after the breeze today and collect extra while there’s time before night.” “Alright.” He continues to stand there for a moment. “Was there something else?” “Uh, no.” I can tell, he is wondering if I’m in charge today or not. “Astroblitz is out.” He seems a bit lost for words, I guess I read him right. “That’s not what I- I mean-“ “Just go inform the flight team of the change in their schedule. Please.” “Right. Right away Raz.” He says before scrambling away. I mean I understand that ponies might not have full confidence in in somepony that is giving orders in such an important job and still doesn’t have their mark. But, I have been doing this under the guidance of Astroblitz for years already. You’d think they’d have some faith in a pony by now. Making my way back to my office I can’t help but think about it. That breeze should be going out any time now. It’s nearly noon too, I wonder if Astroblitz remembered to eat, she often gets distracted and forgets to. A tree scratches the glass of the window, there’s the breeze. Am I really suited for this job? Astroblitz seems to trust me with it, and everyone trusts her choices. Why don’t they trust mine if she choose me to make them? Sighing to myself, my eyes look to the window. Things seem as they should be, and there’s nothing else scheduled for a while. Maybe I’ll go get something to eat while I can.
Chapter 5 - Destiny FluxUsing my back leg I kick the door shut. The institute had plenty books on Boltsamore and the region around it. I found a few different maps of the region too. The area seems to have been pretty well explored in the past, so my goal is to try and identify spots which may have been missed. That should be the best bet for finding the temple that holds the artifact I’m looking for. I mean, if it was in a temple in an area which had already been well explored it would have likely been found, right? Going back to my study I can finally lay these books down and give my horn a rest. To start, I will read this old Boltsamore history book. I know a little about the city; but I have only seen the city from afar. It silhouette is a stunning site for sure. Boltsamore was founded by an explorer named Boltcaster. He was supposedly the first pegasus ever in the region. But nopony is really sure if that’s true. He founded the city Boltsamore so that the pegasus of the kingdom would all have a place to call home. The city originally was all in the clouds. The Pegasus worked with the wylafi to maintain the weather across the two kingdoms. But as the kingdoms grew the city of Boltsamore expanded below the clouds. The city below was made up of factories that produced clouds and snow and stored rain; anything that would help with the weather. These factories began employing ponies without weather magic because although they may not have been able to control the weather, they could control the machines that helped make it. This freed up the pegasus to expand their weather control into the cloud kingdom and made them the weather capital of both kingdoms. I set the book aside. It was all good information, but it didn't really tell me anything I needed to know for the upcoming expedition. Pulling out a few of the maps I brought back with me I unroll them on the floor. Cross-referencing between them shows that most of the area seems to have been explored at one time or another, but there are a few gaps. The most promising area seems to be South West of Boltsamore; but there’s another area to the North West as well. Sighing I walk away from the maps and back to the table. Using my magic I lift the books on the region and spread them in front of myself. I don’t really have time to go through all of these in detail, which will help me most I wonder. I just need to narrow it down to one of these two regions. I glance back at the maps of the floor. Napenarrow Pass. That’s what it said in Wartwood’s book didn't it? Setting all the books back down I have to recall where I placed Wartwood’s book. I left right after I sent Trot off with my letter. Oh right, I took it to the other room when I was writing to the guard. Heading into the other room I retrieve the book and open it as I make my way back into the study. As I enter I step on the corner of one of the maps and it slips out from under me. As I fall to the floor the book I was carrying flies across the room and into the stack of books on the table. As the stack begins to sway and tip I hop back to my hooves. Just before they all topple to the floor and manage to stop them midair; all but one falls to the ground. I neatly stack the books back on the table along with Wartwood’s. Going to the single book which had landed on the floor I noticed it has opened to a page about Napenarrow pass. How strange. Beginning to read the book describes a tribe which had lived and protected the pass. They would prevent ponies from going down the pass and into the valley below claiming it was far too dangerous and that nopony could make it there and back. But rumors of ritual the village had in the valley below were common for a long time. When a young pony would come of age and had earned their mark they would make the journey down the pass and return with a vision. The next few hours were spent looking more into Napenarrow pass. Apparently at some point the Napenarrow village was abandoned. But nopony ever bothered exploring the valley because of all the old rumors of danger. Napenarrow Pass looks promising. But I need to get some rest. Looking at the clock above my table I see it’s already a new day. It’s likely I will hear from the guard today and I will want to leave as soon as they are ready. The maps are rolled back up, the books are straightened once more and I put out the candles as I leave my study.
Chapter 0 - Midnight CloudMy family has watched over this land for as long as our history has recorded. Through the darkest times my family has prevailed. Any adversary who stood against us would fall. Our subjects relied solely on us. There came a time when we encountered something unlike anything before. A new pony came to our lands. He could fly like us, but he was not of our kind or like that of any other we knew. His body was like that of the sunstone or geode ponies, but his wings were like that of a bird. For several years the pony explored our lands. He was polite and cause us no problems. And then he left. Years passed and word reached my family that more of these winged ponies were in out lands. Shortly after word of ships on our shores with horned ponies of magic. And before long they were at the foot of our castle. Two tall ponies with wings of birds and each with a single straight horn protruding from their head; introduced themselves as alicorns from a land far from our own. They wished to make towns within our lands and populate our forests. At the time my family was distrustful of these new species and their intentions. But, in time an agreement was made. In exchange for our land they would use their magic to create fine crafts and help us better control our weather. So a new kingdom was formed just south of our own. Nowadays Pegasus freely roam our skies and unicorns spread magic through the realm. But the two alicorns who came so far to live here are gone. No one is sure where to. Their princess remains but she shows little interest in running the kingdom her parents left behind. Leaving us to look after both kingdoms. Much of this story is left to legend. Nopony alive has been around long enough to truly know of events from so long ago. Unicorns and Pegasus have been around long before my birth or the birth of my great great grandparents. For me things are as they always have been. But I feel change. Things will change soon enough. “I wonder what might come of it all?” Looking into the pale light of the moon a breeze catches my face. I turn my head to the side to avoid its bite and close my eyes. “In time I suppose we shall see.”
