The Equestrian Event

The sun was beginning its slow descent into the vast western horizon, transforming the sky into a beautiful palette of pinkish hues. Long shadows were cast over the palace grounds, creating blankets of darkness that snaked across the grass.

A young unicorn guard was walking along one of the stone garden paths between the hedgerows, admiring the decadent statues and shrubbery that filled the area. It was one of more bearable parts of his day. Distracted by the wondrous craftsmanship, he almost failed to notice the cloaked figure that was waiting behind the next hedge.

The guard let out a surprised gasp when he turned his head, stumbling back into a nearby bush.

“You’re late,” the hooded figure growled. “What kept you?”

“Oh!” the guard let out a sigh of relief as he stood up. “You surprised me, Archbishop. My apologies for being tardy. I had to cover a shift for another guard. One of the ones that Princess Celestia sent to get Twilight Sp-”

“No matter,” the hooded figure interrupted, waving a hoof through the air. “Also, as of now, you are to refer to me as, ‘Cardinal.’ Understood?”

“The church promoted you?” the guard said gleefully, having regained his composure.

“Indeed they did, my child,” the cardinal said, a smile gleaming from under his hood. “It seems my efforts in retrieving the Codex were greatly appreciated.”

“And rightly so,” the guard said, excitedly rapping his hoof against the ground.

“Yes, yes,” the cardinal said, his smile fading. “There will be time for celebration later. For now, we must get down to business. What do you have to report?”

“Not much has changed since my last report,” the guard said, fidgeting with his helmet. “The Princess called Twilight Sparkle back to the palace. She’s supposed to be staying here tonight.”

“Of little concern to us,” the cardinal said. He turned around and stood silent for a moment.

“And what of the blasphemer? This… ‘Jay’ creature?”

“Still in Canterlot,” the guard said. “Though, we’re not sure what he’s doing at the moment. From what I’ve heard, he may be returning to Ponyville with the Princess’s student sometime tomorrow.”

“How sure of this are you?” the cardinal questioned, turning to face the guard once more.

“Fairly certain,” the guard said firmly. “The Princess is keeping a very close eye on this newcomer.”

“Excellent,” the cardinal said. “In that case, we may proceed as planned.” He pulled a large canvas bag from underneath a nearby stone bench. With a stream of magic, he placed the bag on the guard’s back.

“Your instructions are inside. Follow them to the letter and everything will go accordingly.”

“Yes, Cardinal.” The guard snapped to attention. Then after a moment, decided to speak up. “Cardinal, may I ask a question?”

“Very well,” the cardinal sighed, beginning to walk away. “Speak.”

“Well…” the guard trailed off, scratching the back of his neck. “If you don’t mind my asking… Do we intend to do anything about this new creature? If he really is as guilty as you’ve claimed, shouldn’t he be punished?”

The cardinal let out a low, malevolent chuckle.

“The church has already decided his fate. The dogs will be sent and he, torn and burnt. And with him, that pitiful student of Celestia. Nothing will be left of them to experience the glorious majesty of the Great Red Rock.”

“Surely such a forward action wouldn’t go unnoticed,” the guard said, quivering in anticipation. “Is it wise?”

The cardinal sighed and gazed off at the horizon.

“We have remained in the shadows long enough. It is time to make ourselves known. An example must be made. And they… They will be the first of many.”

“By your order,” the guard said, bowing to the ground. He knew better than to question the judgement of the church. “May the Shard guide your way.”

“And you as well, child,” the cardinal said, dismissing the guard.

Alone once again, the cardinal sat down on the stone bench and looked out to the setting sun, contempt burning in his chest.

“Your time is at an end, Celestia,” he whispered to himself. “We are here. See us now.”