The King of Crystallum

The Kaiser* watched from the palace window as the city burned below.

‘Please, let me out.’

His voice was a sniffle, yet edged by a harsh tone that made his words into something almost ferocious. It was still a colt’s voice, but it was being made to scream, froth, and rage in a manner the Sebastokrator* had not imagined feasible in him.

The colt bucked his hooves against the hard, wooden door. ‘By the Goddess! Open this damned door!’

Dream Drifter sat at his desk, staring briefly towards the door. He busied himself with the scrolls on the table, his horn glowing a soft gold as he read each one in turn.

‘Dream Drifter! You cannot keep the gates locked up while the city is under siege. The ponies need our help.’

‘The situation is being handled, your majesty.’ The aged unicorn glanced over towards the door for the briefest moment. ‘Your safety, and the safety of the holy bloodline takes priority, however. Had you been in your quarters as I instructed, perhaps the Scholai could have kept the invaders out of the Pearl District. A wise ruler does not put himself in needless danger.’

The Kaiser was a young colt, handsome in a way that was both graceful and sinister. His coal black mane was glittered with tiny gemstones of radiant colors. His eyes were a soft emerald green, and his kindness could be felt if one had but the courage to look at them.

He turned back to the window. In his mind, he pictured the city of Crystallum, its bustling merchants carrying all manner of wares through cramped streets flooded with young fillies and colts, their joyous laughter drowning out their parent's authoritative shouting.

It was gone now. The streets were crowded, that much didn't change, but they were crowded with pillager's, rioters, and clashing bands of armored warriors, as the hurried regiments of the city’s defenders rushed to meet the invaders.

‘Please,’ the young Kaiser said. ‘I can help them.’

Dream Drifter put a few of the rolled parchment into the fire beside him, vanishing into mist as they were touched by the green flame.

‘Drifter.’ The Kaiser turned again to the door. He could hear the crackling of the fire.

‘Yes, Kaiser?’

‘I can defend myself. So please, send the Guards. They need them more than I do.’

Dream Drifter smiled. His horn glowed and the doors opened. He turned to look at the Kaiser. ‘It is generous of you, to want your personal guard to assist in the front. But it is unnecessary. The enemy is being pushed back into the outer districts. They will be forced to retreat soon.’

The stallion got up to walk towards the Kaiser. ‘We must prepare a statement for your subjects. The Griffins have destroyed a whole section of the city, and there might be survivors in the ruins. Your presence will be needed for the time being. The ponies must know their king stands with them.’

The young Kaiser looked away from Dream Drifter, eyes narrowed. Something crept into his voice, something cold and venomous, a foreshadowing of what was to come.

‘I won't do it,’ he said.

‘You will, my Kaiser. You will because, despite your childish pouting, you care deeply for your subjects. You might feel like you are the only one suffering, but this entire city weeps. That is a part of life. Wherever we find happiness, we will also find sorrow.’

Sombra shook his head. ‘What would you know?’

‘I know plenty.’ He went back to his desk. ‘Regardless of right or reason, there will always be somepony seeking to drag us all into ruin. You mother had to suffer them, and you will too.’

Sombra regarded the burning city. In his mind’s eye, he could see his mother looking over the chaos in the streets below.

‘I asked you this once before’ he said softly, ‘but why are you making me do all this? The ponies here don't want me, so, why would you?’

‘I still question whether you are able to rule.’ Dream Drifter gave a small smile. ‘But watching you grow gives me hope. I will not shelter you from the pressures of ruling a kingdom, Sombra. You are kind, but you must also be strong.’

‘But I'm not strong.’ The Kaiser looked to Dream Drifter. His face was thin and gaunt, with deep-creased scars that ran well on the side of his face. They were old and cut lines between the soft chestnut fur, and over his eyes, which were the same color as the morning sky. ‘A friend of mine, she needed my help, but I couldn't save her.’

Dream Drifter came closer, placing a hoof round the colt’s head and resting it against his chest. ‘It is possible your friend is still alive. But if the worst comes, you must be strong, for her sake as well as yours.’

‘I hope she’s okay.’

Dream Drifter laid his muzzle against the Kaiser’s mane. ‘I hope so too, Sombra. I hope for many things.’

Sombra closed his eyes, and he could hear a thumping in Dream Drifter’s chest. He listened, and everything became still, until all he heard were the weak beats of the stallion’s heart.