Chapters Deep within Canterlot, Twilight aided Luna in searching through Celestia’s relic room. They hoped to find Starswirl’s staff, which proved difficult as one thing quickly became apparent. Celestia had collected many things over the years. Everything from great mystical artifacts down to a simple iron statue, which the two alicorns found a bit odd and unsettling for some strange reason.
Twilight and Luna looked in confusion at the relic before them, both knowing that it had been at the other end of the room earlier. When Twilight had first seen this iron statue, she thought it was made in an image of a hero; that time had worn away any semblance of whom it was meant to be. Now, however, she was not sure. It was clearly old, all the iron it was made out of had long since turned red from rust from years of neglect. As Twilight studied the statue she felt an air of magic about it, coming from the ruby embedded in its head. How strange, simple iron with an enchanted ruby. Not unheard of in the wards of the far western nations. So maybe it was a gift from some prince or ruler of ages past?
Twilight had reached out a hoof and touched the gem embedded in its head. “Do you feel the magic coming from it?” Luna asked, a nervous look plastered on her face. The Lunar Alicorn refused to take her eyes off the thing as if it would spring to life at any given moment and stab her.
Before Twilight could answer, it moved forward and its eyes started to glow red. It looked from Luna to Twilight, then back to Luna. The two mares stared in shock and nervously stepped back. The ruby in its head started to glow as it pulled two rusted blades from its sides. “Guards!” Luna yelled.
It turned to the door and threw one of its blades with such force that it buried itself into the marble wall, jamming the door shut. The sound of the guards trying to break down the door filled the room. It was then that Twilight watched Luna fire a beam of magic at the iron pony.
The heat of the spell burned off a bit of the rust, revealing ancient runes etched into the metal. Twilight knew all too well what the runes on visible meant and that was 'demon's bane.'
Luna unleashed another spell but to her shock, a magic shield deflected the beam, the shield had cracks and holes in its defense though. Twilight reasoned that it had to do with the magic being worn down over the long ears that it had been locked away. It was then Twilight took note of the torches along the walls had started to dim, and the ruby of the iron pony had started to brighten.
Right Rubies are linked to fire, Twilight realized. She turned her horn aglow with arcane power. She summoned forth a wind that extinguished fleams, before quickly turning back to the iron pony. Now, as long as we don't use fire magic it should not gain any more strength.
The iron pony had paid Twilight little mind and focused wholly on Luna. It slashed at the older alicorn, it had landed a few hit cuts on Luna. Twilight knew she would not want to face one of those constructs at full power.
As Twilight watched an idea quickly came to her. She aimed for one of the holes in the shield. The first hit the shield, which made the constructs turn toward her. Before Twilight could ready another attack the iron pony was rushing toward her. Doubtless, it wanted to end what it saw as the weaker threat. As the iron pony thrust its blade forward Luna let less a volley of magic arrows. Each did little to damage the iron pony, but give Twilight the time to unleash a powerful spell, ripping through the iron pony.
The iron pony managed to thrust its sword forward before it stopped. Twilight’s pupils were the size of pinpricks as she looked at the tip of the blade inches from her eye. Luna had caught the blade in her magic and Twilight let out a relieved breath as the blade fell to the ground, her heart was still racing through and she was on the verge of a panic attack.
“Are you okay?” Luna asked worriedly as she looked between the young alicorn and the blade.
“Ye-yes, at least I think so… I-I… I'm… Not dead...” She stammered, looking to Luna still in shock at the close encounter.
“Good, I’ll get the door,” Luna said as the guards were still trying to break it down. She looked at the iron pony as she passed it. “Seems you destroyed it... whatever it was.”
“Are you sure?” Twilight asked, staying close to Luna, not wanting to get near the thing, for fear that the fight wasn't over. She stopped as she saw a flash of light where its eyes were. “Did you see that!?”
“See what?” Luna asked as she tried to free the blade from the wall. The guards hit the door again. “Hold on!” Luna shouted.
“I-it's eyes, they…” Twilight shook her head.
“Princess, what's going on? Are the two of you ok!?” One of the guards shouted through the door.
“Seems one of the relics was more lively than we thought!” Luna called back.
Twilight screamed and tried to jump back as she felt a metal hoof wrap around her hind leg. “Luna!” She yelled as she started to feel weaker as if the creature was draining the magic out of her. Luna fired a powerful beam of magic, but as it hit the thing’s shield Twilight took note of how it was now the color of her magic. Soon an orb formed around Twilight and the iron pony.
Luna cast spell after spell each time doing a little damage to it. Twilight found a look of horror on Luna’s face as she realized her spell could do little to this thing. Twilight closed her eyes, as a bright flash filled her vision.
“Did she take down that Guardian!?” One said.
“Send for the Town Watch!” Another said, looking at her with distrust.
“Please, my name’s Twilight Sparkle, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Twilight said as the pony with the knife grew closer. She began to panic and tried to use her magic again. Unfortunately, though, whatever that iron pony left her completely drained.
“For heaven's sake lads, if that lass is a Devights then I am a great lord who rides into battle on a great dragon.” Twilight looked up to find a middle-aged stallion standing before the pony with the knife, protecting her from their attempts to move in for the kill.
“Battlesong! Look at wench she clearly a Devight! I bet she lured more than a few brave stallions to their deaths with her black magic.” The pony spat in disgust as he stared down Twilight.
"Aye, and do you honestly think that a Devight wouldn't have turned you to ash by now, or ripped your soul from your body, and should we turn on the Great Lords as well? I mean they are alicorns as well." Battlesong stepped in front of the mob, "And let not overlook the eras of rust on this ancient Guardian."
The leader of the mob looked but seemed unconvinced. "Fine, but don't come seeking my aid when that wench turns on you. Retrieve the Guardian before this witch plays her hoof!” He order.
The ponies shot her hateful looks as two of them pulled the iron pony off of her. “Don’t worry guardian, we’ll have you good as new in no time.” One of the stallions said, the whole time glaring at Twilight.
Once the crowd of ponies was gone, Twilight found Battlesong offering a hoof to help her up. “Come now lass, we need to get you out of here.” He said as he leads Twilight away from the hamlet and into the woods.
Once they were safely away from the mod, Twilight found her heart was still racing. “Thank you, Battlesong.” She said, giving him a weak smile.
"Don't mention it lass, but maybe next time be more careful when acquiring artifacts, as some of them are deadly," Battlesong said.
Twilight couldn't disagree with that, however, a thought crossed her mind. “Why do they think I'm their enemy, and what a Devight?” Twilight asked in a frightened tone.
"Their demons lass," Battlesong looked around carefully. “Well, that old Guardian picked the worst village to teleport you to. The ponies here see anypony without a royal seal as a Devights, and being an Alicorn like the Grand Lords didn’t help the matter.”
“What about you?” Twilight asked as she heard the sound of a river.
“Simple, lass, you don’t have the look of the Devights, and by the looks of that Guardian, something tells me it has been some time since it has moved,” Battlesong said. “Does make me wonder where you’re from though, What’s your name again?”
“Princess Twilight Sparkle, I'm from the land of Equestria.” She said and watched as Battlesong looked in disbelief.
For a moment he didn’t say a word. "Well, that would make a great song wouldn't? A wandering saves a princess, but one most wondered how that old Guardian managed to get to bring you all the way here." Battlesong hummed a bit as he thought, "Most be he drained your magic?"
Twilight nodded, "Yes, and while I have so many questions I kind of need to find a way home."
"Ah, the simplest way would be to beseech one of the Grand Lords or seek passage form Watertown. However, the path to Watertown is full of outlaw and wouldn't recommend it."
"Well, then how would we beseech one of those Grand Lords?"
"Well, if you are truly a princess I'm sure one of them would have heard of you. As to getting you to one of them safely is another matter, as you saw my countrystallions are a bit, let say over cautious... and a bit eager to do away with Devights."
Twilight didn't speak for a moment. “Thank you.” She replied. “So where am I," Twilight asked with worry in her voice as she saw a huge paw print in the mud and gulped nervously. She was terrified.
“Right now we're near the village of Iron Guard within the Kingdom of Archen, but you may know it by Earth’s Warden.” He said.
“Earth’s Warden… the same one from where Puddinghead is from?” Twilight said.
His mane was black and he seemed to only have pieces of armor. He had shoulder plates and gauntlets on his legs as well as some armor on his back that seemed to be specifically designed for him but nothing else. Twilight felt her heart race as fear set in, she looked to Battlesong who didn't seem a bit worried.
The lion looked at them and he let out a sigh. “We're going to Silver’s Watch I take it?” The lion said as Twilight and Battlesong came closer.
“That we are. Oh, Twilight this is Golden Courage, Golden Courage that would be Twilight.” Battle said with a smile.
The lion laughed with a deep roar that rang through the woods. “Thought as much, you know you're going to give Silverfire another reason to have a headache.” He said.
Author's Note
First, update in a few years, hope everyone likes it.
Twilight awoke to the delicious aroma of food and the gentle sound of music. Slowly, she opened her eyes to find Golden Courage mixing a black pot over a small cooking fire. She could feel her stomach rumble as a cool breeze blew over her face. Sitting up, she made sure to keep the wool blanket around her, as it was still a bit chilly and the blanket served to cover her wings.“Good morning.” She said groggily as she let out a long, tired yawn and rubbed the sleep for her eyes.
Golden Courage smiled. “Morning, sleep well?” He asked, keeping his attention on the pot as he tasted the contents within it. “Needs more garlic.” He murmured, reaching into a nearby bag and pulling out the plant. He crashed the garlic before adding it to the pot.
Twilight nodded. “Didn’t think I would, given my circumstance-” Twilight motioned to all the unfamiliar surrounds. "-but guess yesterday took a lot out of me...” She sighed and gazed down at her hooves.
Golden Courage gave Twilight a sympathetic look and slowly shook his head. "Poor mare..." He muttered quietly under his breath as he continued making breakfast.
Twilight sighed and looked up, noticing Battlesong with a simple wooden lyre in his hooves as he played his tunes. The sound slow, sweet with a hint of sadness. It set Twilight's raging nerves somewhat at ease. There was a magic to the earth pony's playing, not like a unicorn but one that was more passive. She had heard of earth ponies that had a sort of magic before, but they were rare and a few. Mage Meadowbrook, Puddinghead, and Rockhoof coming quickly to her mind. "That a lovely tone, what is it called?"
"The Lament of Archangel," The earth ponies kept playing the tone. "It about the day that the Grand Lord fight his sister and slew her."
"That horrible, couldn't he had saved her or locked her away?" Twilight replied, think to Luna and Celestia.
Battlesong kept on playing, "Mayhap he could have, but how long could he kept her locked away, or what if she gave into the darkness again? No, the Grand Lord did his duty the best he could, even if it cost him one so dear to his heart."
Twilight didn't speak for some time, partly still feeling worn out and her mind pondering the song. Could Celestia have done the same, if there had been no other to stop Nightmare Moon?
"Something the matter lass?"
"No, just still exhausted from yesterday."
Battlesong looked over at her and gave a small, light-hearted chuckle. "Trust me, lass most would be out for days after a guardian drains them of their magic."
Twilight perked up and turned to face him as her curiosity took over at the mention of the iron being. She scooted closer to the fire and gazed at Battlesong with keen interest. "Could you possibly tell me how the guardians came to be?"
Battlesong sample played his Lyre. “Depends… Which story?” He asked, plucking yet another string.
The purple mare leaned in with childlike eyes as if she were leaning in to hear a bedtime story. “I want to know everything.”
He chuckled at her eagerness and cleared his throat. “To the Earth Ponies they were sent by the old gods to add their children against the Devights, the Grand Lords always find this one to be the most foolish one. Ask our kingdom’s enemies, they would say they climbed out of the tartarus itself to rain death upon them.” He said.
“What about you?” Twilight asked.
“Well lass, I believe there is a reason the Grand Lords want it to be forgotten. The Guardians, while they may be a powerful weapon against the Devights, they are can be very uncaring about any that gets in their way.” He stated.
“But it's part of your history. Even if it's not the happiest tale, ponies should not forget it.” Twilight said knowing full well the ramifications of hiding the truth from history.
“Lass.” Battalsong sighed. “If you must know only two ponies may tell you, and as your luck would have it, we're headed to one. Just know, he'll need convincing if you want the answer. Better have a good enough reason.”
“Oh…” Twilight was a little disheartened but quickly shook it off. She was determined to know. “All right.” She said confidently.
Twilight was thankful that Battlesong had given her a cape, even if it was heavy and scratchy. It was warm and kept the crisp, icy air off her thin coat. It also gave her some protection from the thorns.
The path she found herself on was overgrown by the sharp, tangled vines of the lush blackberry plants that spilled over the path trying to rip the large cape from her back. This made it a tad uncomfortable as the cloth scratched at her, making her feel the need to itch it constantly. As she walked by a bramble bush, Twilight groaned in annoyance and tore the cape free of the thorny branches, muttering complaints under her breath.
“Say Battlesong isn’t the Tower of Seraph ahead?” Golden Courage asked walking through the bushes as if they were nothing.
Show off… Twilight thought as she watched Golden Courage walk through them with ease. She realized that this sounded uncharacteristically immature but right now, the purple alicorn couldn't care less. Her legs were covered in scratches from the bramble bushes and she was sweating in the chilly air. She sighed and looked to Battlesong, who was pondering what his lion friend had said. He remained silent for a moment as he held his gaze to the tower. “That it is.” He said finally after a few moments of silence.
“Tower of Seraph?” Twilight asked curiously as she eyed the tower with keen interest. “Why ‘Seraph’? Where'd that name come from?” This place really was strange. It reminded her of all the medieval fantasies she read in the library. Twilight missed her library. She longed to just wake up and find that this was all some crazy dream and she'd just fallen asleep reading another medieval fantasy. She wanted so badly to just wake up with a book sprawled open on her chest as she laid comfortably in her sitting pillows.
Twilight came back from her welcoming fantasy when Battlesong piped up. “Well about a hundred years after the Guardians were created, a unicorn by the name of Seraph found favor with Archangel for his knowledge of shield magic and sending messages. As a way of thanks, The Grand Lord of Justice gave him a tower and servants to further his research. the Earth Ponies, however, were less than happy about where the tower was built as it was a holy and sacred place to them.” He explained.
She pulled her cape free of yet another branch, muttering in annoyance. “Did either of the Grand Lords step in?” She asked, her thirst for knowledge quickly overtaking her annoyance. If Rarity was here, Twilight could've sworn she would've dropped dead at the sight of this road… And this cape… Especially this cape. Twilight chuckled inwardly at the thought of her overly dramatic friend.
“Well lass, both of the Grand Lords believe in a Divine Father, not in the old gods of the earth,” Battlesong said as he picked a few of the blackberries from their bushes with his magic and examined them. He stuck them into his mouth and ate the delicious berries.
“So… They didn't do anything about it?” Twilight didn't get it. Even in Equestria, the most stubborn ponies would respect others beliefs and sacred lands.
The gruff stallion only shrugged in response. “They didn't care. They thought that the idea of earth gods was ridiculous.”
“Please tell me they worked it out?” Twilight asked giving a nervous chuckle as she began to think about all the horrible things that could've happened. She didn't want to think about what would happen in this world if they couldn't work things out like civilized ponies.
He snorted. “Only if you call the Earth Ponies burning the tower the ground with everypony still inside... I’ll let you guess what that leads to.” Battlesong said as they come into sight of the ruined stone structure. Rubble and charred wood and rock were strewn across the ground and the tower looked as though it had been left like this for years. It was tall, even in it's the half-destroyed state and looked as though it was once quite a sight. Twilight sighed as she looked at a part of the tower was completely missing, no doubt the rubble that now littered the grass. Near where the door had once been, a marble stone now stood there, many names engraved into it. A memorial stone? Probably.
“Twilight.” An eerie voice seemingly whispered from within the ruins, its voice being carried faintly to her ears by a breeze blowing past her face. Twilight jumped in surprise and looked around. She found Battlesong and Golden Courage talking over by the stone, though whatever they were saying was lost to her. She gazed at the tower as it seemed to draw her to it. She felt an overwhelming urge to go inside, an urge that quickly got the better of her as she began to walk towards it, careful of the sharp stones and splinters scattered around.
“Dig young one.” The voice came again, a little louder this time, whispering in the back of her mind. Twilight found herself in a trance-like state as she obeyed the voice. She couldn't understand why she was so inclined but it made her worry, as she found herself unable to control her movement. She brushed away the rubble and began to dig. It wasn’t long until she unearthed an amulet, it was old and made of slightly rusted platinum. The emblem engraved on it was of a pair of wings, it was definitely something Twilight could see Rarity wearing… After it was washed of course.
She took it in her hooves, brushing off the layers of dirt that had collected on the necklace as she gazed at it intrigued. Suddenly, a blast of pain shot through Twilight’s head as she almost dropped the necklace. She squeezed her eyes shut, cringing from the pain. When it finally subsided, the world around her changed. It was a night without moon or stars, the world was dead silent, not even the wind made a sound. Only an ominous light floating only feet in front of her. No… light was not the right word, it was too fake to be called that. Orb? She didn't know what it was.
A shadowy figure moved at the edge of her vision. Due to its massive height and size, it was a bit hard to miss in the purple alicorn’s peripheral vision. She felt another one that was breathing down her back in a very terrifying, panic-inducing way as its icy breath sent chills down her back. “My you have such ancient magic my sweet, the likes few have ever been gifted with.” A third figure said. Twilight could hear the malice under his ‘innocent’ tone.
Twilight backed up against a wall, the panic quickly taking hold of her. “W-what do you want?” She asked. Her heart was pounding a mile a minute as she gulped nervously. She'd felt fear before, but never like this. Never this badly. Not even when Lord Tirek had her friends held captive, or when she was trapped in King Sombra’s crystal prison. These shadows were just pouring negative energy and darkness as if they were made of the stuff.
The figure stepped into the ominous light. He was even taller than Celestia and his teeth reminding her of Nightmare Moon. Even the color was that same ominous gleaming white. His eyes were so full of hate and darkness that even Tirek and Discord would've had their blood run cold and be gripped with fear.
Twilight couldn’t form words, though she tried, silently opening and closing her mouth, trying to process her raging and panicked thoughts. She felt herself shake as she watched a pointed hoof lower to the ground and paw at it, scraping up the dirt. These shadows didn't just pour off vibes of darkness and corruption… They might as well have been made of it. He leaned down to her eye leave and gave her a terrifyingly sharp, toothy smile, the faint smell of death in his breath. He ran his hoof along one side of the muzzle, "There are many things I want, and will have." He made forced her to stare into his eyes.
There was no love those eyes only darkness, hatred, envy and lust for what Twilight didn't know. “Don’t worry my dear. Soon you will be one of us… Then the age of light will come to an end.” The figure said as a shadowy magic aura enveloped his horn. Smoke than moved around Twilight’s legs, flashing a slightly crimson glow mingled with the smoke that eerily resembled blood.
Twilight tried to scream as a mark appears on her front leg. It was some strange rune from a language she had never seen. A burning pain beyond anything she had ever felt before shot through her entire body as she let out an ear-shattering scream of pain. Her vision started to blur and an icy chill ran through her body. Graphic images of her friends being ripped apart by an alicorn in dark purple armor flashed before her eyes. The most horrifying thing though, the pony seemed to be enjoying it. Tears welled up in the young mare’s eyes. She knew it wasn’t real but the feeling of helplessness and the sight of the deaths were too gruesome.
Suddenly a bright flash pulled her back into the world she knew. Golden Courage was nursing his paw a look of dread plastered across his face as he gazed worriedly at her. Twilight’s vision was still impaired and she seemed to sway on her hooves. “Wh-what hap...” She trailed off as the dizzy feeling got to her. Twilight collapsed and the world faded from view, leaving her in the cold, lonely blackness of unconsciousness.
Twilight awake to an irritating buzzing and the shouts of ponies outside.
The first thing that she was to look at her hoof, thinking to find something there. However, she spotted nothing out of the normal. Next, came the thought as to where she was. With a glance around the room it which appeared to an inn room. Twilight couldn't recall how she had got here, as she could remember being at some tower before passing out.
Battlesong and Golden Courage nowhere to be found. A strange thought crossed her mind, Did they dump me here, leaving me to find my own way to... um... Silver's Watch? However, the thought ended with a roar of laughter that was clearly Golden. It came from beyond the door to the room.
Twilight stood to find her legs unsteady, nearly falling flat on her face. How long have I've been unconscious? Surely it couldn't have been more than a day at most. She couldn't help but stare out the window as she stood there. The world outside was bright, but there was a dark mass of cloud blowing in. Still, the ponies outside want about their day, some were in fishing boats, as others crowded around a stage. There was a large building in the center of town, it was built of fine wood, and seemed to have a beautiful garden around it. Twilight made a mental note to visit it before they left.
Once she was steady on her legs, she wanted to try using magic to hide her wings. To her great joy the spell worked, where last time it had failed. Afterward, Twilight made for the door and left the room.
In the great room of the inn, ponies and few lions drunk and seemed a merry lot. Golden was seated at a table with a few others playing cards, and with a large mug of all if Twilight was to imagine what it was. Golden had a fair sized pile of coins and odds and ends. She couldn't spot Battlesong, so made her way over to Golden who took note of her as she got closer. "Ah, it's a delight to see you on your hooves."
The others at the table either paid Twilight no mind or gave her a look that made her wondered how she would far walking backward. However, she knew there was little that could be done if they choose to try and peek under her tail as she walked away. "Thank you, but how long was out for?" Twilight asked ignoring the others at the table.
"Ah, yes... Let wait till Battlesong returns before discussing the matter." His words made Twilight feel a bit uneasy.
"Okay, how long should that be?"
"A few hours could be at nightfall. The ways of warrior bard are strange and unpredictable." Golden reached for his side and tossed a bag which held a few coins. "Here, that should be enough for a meal and a warm bath." He said before turning back to his game.
"Um, thank you." Do I smell that bad? Well, I loin is more a hunter so even if I don't stink to ponies I could reek to him. Twilight reasoned as she turned to walk away. She could feel the eyes on her flank, I bet if I lifted my tail a bit they would lose a more then a few rounds. As more then sure they would be distracted trying to think of ways to woo me. Twilight shook her head as she realized she nearly did lift her tail. Wait, no... Ahh, why did I think that?
Twilight took a seat at a table that nopony was setting at. All around her were ponies talking, some of the demons, other of war stories, and a few of mares they had slept with. All if this Twilight pushed to the back of her mind as the innkeeper came up to her.
The innkeeper looked about Battlesong's age, had a few scares and a greying mane. "Will it be the stew or the smoked fish?" He asked.
"Stew with a cup of tea," Twilight asked hoping they would have something other than ale, wine, and rum.
The innkeeper smirked, "Sorry lass ain't got none of that tea stuff here, but I'll bring you some water." The innkeeper went to get the food and drink.
Twilight became aware of just how few mares were about the inn. There were a few older one by the hearth, some of the fairer looking ones were being wooed by stallions. As Twilight waited for her meal, a stallion that reeked of ale came up to her. "Haven't seen you here before, and you awful lonely."
Twilight could feel the eyes of the stallion looking over body, and spending a bit too long on her flank for her liking. "Just passing through with a few of my friends." She hoped that would be enough to get rid of the stallion.
The stallion glanced around, "Where would those friends be?"
"See the big lion playing cards, that one of them. Now could you please leave me in peace." Twilight said a harsher then she would have liked. However, it seemed to give the stallion pause. His eyes want from the Golden to Twilight a few times, before he cursed under his breath and left.
A few minutes later the innkeeper returned with meal and water. "And here you go lass, now is there anything else you'll be needing?"
Twilight thought a moment, "Um, do you know where I could get a bath?"
The innkeeper looked in thought, "Well, I could have serving mares bring a tub to your room, but I would say the Pools if you like cold water or Stonebath if you prefer warm water."
"Where would both of those be?" Twilight wanted to know before making up her mind.
"Well, the Pools are near the edge of town just follow the sighs, and the Stonebath is the largest building in town." The innkeeper smiled. "Also it nice to see you awake." He said before head to the over to another table.
After Twilight had eaten she left for the Stonebath first to see. Even if she chose not to enter, and instead headed for the Pools.
The exterior of the Stonebath was as lovely as it looked for afar. Roses, poppies, and many other kinds of colorful flowers. The sculptures around the building were of mighty heroes, lovely mares, and a few that brought a brush to Twilight's face. However, each was of the stone figures were painstakingly carved, and great care had been taken to keep them in spectacular shape. A few made Twilight stop and study them, one of a powerful alicorn stallion, another was a wizard and the third was of a strange symbol.
As she neared the entrance to the Stonebath, Twilight could hear voices, some were joking, others discussing many sorts of things, from the town, wars long fought, taxes and the like.
The inside of the building was much like the outside, fine carvings of all sorts, stone and wood walls. A mare that smelled of lavender came up to Twilight, "Will it be public or private bath?"
"Private, please."
"Right this way," The mare smiled and started down the long hall.
Twilight took note of how the mare swaying her flank from side to side, and would often intentionally or unintentionally show what lay hidden her tail. I wonder if she does this in hopes of making the stallions pay more? Twilight wondered as then walked down the hall.
"So what if the twelve increased the tax on wine, hack I'd pay even more to keep our armies fed." Twilight overheard as they passed one of the doors.
"Won't need to if Archangel would make more of those Guardians or got off his flank and lead our troops." Another voice said.
Twilight wanted to hear more, but soon the voice faded away and replaced by giggling mares and laughing stallions. Not long after Twilight was lead into a small room. The room had a small tub fed by a small fountain. The tub steamed and the water flows out through a hole in the wall.
"That will be a silver piece," The mare said turning to face Twilight.
"Oh, here," Twilight took the coin from the bag that Golden had given.
The mare smiled and lend up close to Twilight, the aroma of lavender overpowering. "And do be sure to let me know if you need anything." She fluttered her eyes. Twilight stared blankly at the mare left her alone in the room.
Later Twilight was back in the inn room, Battlesong had yet to return, Golden was drunk leaving her to herself. She had been trying to read, but there was the world's most irritating fly. It kept leading on her muzzle, book, and mane. No matter how many times she shooed it away it would come buzzing back. She had tried to open the window but found there was no means to, had attempted to shoo the fly out the door but it just buzzed around the room.
Where a spider when you need one? Twilight wondered. The fly landed on her book once more and this time she caught it in her magic. The small fly buzzed and try to break free of her magic aura. "How can something so tiny be so annoying?"
I could squash this fly easy with my magic, tire of its irritating wings or burn it with the flame of a candle. Who would care if did? Twilight let go of the fly and rubbed her head. The fly had been annoying her, but her thoughts were overly cruel. Squashing it was one thing, but burning it, ripping off its wings, that was a bit much.
Twilight glanced out the window, to find it had started to rain. Light flashed across the sky and the wind had started to blow. On the streets below Twilight could make out the form of the Battlesong hurrying down the road. His cloak pulled over his head. He soon vanished out of sight.
A few moments later Twilight heard the wood crake as a pony walked down the hall, and stop in front of her door. The door and Battlesong stepped in, he smiled as he saw Twilight up. "I trust your feeling better lass?"
"Yes, but how long was I out for?"
Battlesong stepped in the room and closed the door. "Oh, about a week. Lucky I'm old friends with the innkeeper so wasn't hard to keep you hidden here while you rested. Golden wanted to you to a healer, but I knew that would have been risky, more so if we took you to one of... let's say less than honest ones."
A week, great my friends must be worried sick, not to forget my family. Twilight took in a deep breath, feeling like she wanted to pace back and forth, read, or go for a fly. However, the room was too small, the storm outside made the taking a flight a bad idea, and she wasn't sure how long a book of songs would keep her busy. "A week?!"
"Aye, was started to fear we have to take the risk of finding a heal or making for Lion's Lake."
Twilight bit her lip. "So how... how long will it take to reach Silver's Watch?"
Battlesong looked out the window and sighed, "If the rivers don't overflow and we take the main roads a fortnight, maybe more if we're unlikely. Good news is that you being you cast that illusion on your wings, we won't need to avoid towns as much."
Two weeks great, oh, and let's not forget that only to have a hope of getting home. With how my luck has been of late, the pony we're going to see will end up being unable to help us. Well, that is if we're not attached, killed or worse before reaching. Twilight thought wanted to scream, but that wouldn't have helped. "Please tell me this plan of yours will work."
There was a long pause, "Aye, I believe it will but you'll need to have patience lass."
Author's Note
The first new chapter in a few years hopes everyone likes it.
Will try and get a chapter a week out, but no guarantees.
They had set out just before dawn. Twilight didn't mind the mud under her hooves, or cold light rain. It was how slow they were moving along the old roads. The river had overflowed its banks making the main road impassable. To her luck, the old highroads were clear and passable. However, in areas, the mud gave way to slippery rocks; which made the going treacherous.
Golden and Battlesong needed to hug the walls in a few areas where the path narrow. One wrong step would send they falling into the rocks below, and Twilight doubted she would be able to lift Golden if he slipped. Even Battlesong would be a challenge.
Twilight was never more thankful for her wings as she watched her companions, slowly make their way to the other side. As she waited, her mind wandered to last three days. How she had come to hate that inn, and each of the three days they waited for the storm. On the first night two drunken stallions had tried to woo her, as she sat eating. On the next day a few tried to peek under her tail as she walked, and on the last day one had tried to kiss her. The thing that had made it all the worse was the lack of books.
Had Twilight had a few good books, she could have hidden in her room and waited. Sadly the only library in the town was owned by the local lord, who was noted to be just as bad as the drunks when it came to mares. If the stories of that lord were true, he had many bastards around the town.
On the fourth day, when the rain had turned into a light mist, Twilight convinced Battlesong and Golden to set out. Golden had wanted to wait longer, saying something about the rain would stop in a few more days, and that he was won a winning streak. All of which Twilight didn't care about, and just wanted to get a move on in hopes of getting home all the sooner.
Twilight had taken note of how Battlesong seemed to watch her with suspicion. It could have been just her imagination, but she couldn't be sure. Still, he was helping her, and she had no reason to think he meant ill, as he had saved her from that mob.
It was midday before they stopped to rest at an old town, long reclaimed by the forest. The walls where little more than mounds of dirt and grass. Nearly all the buildings had collapsed leaving rubble and rotten wood. The only things still standing were the inn and the keep; both of which were stone.
The group stopped in the inn, most the roof had rotted away but it gave shelter. Golden set to work finding wood for the hearth, and Battlesong pulling out a bit food. "Here lass," he said offer Twilight a bit of bread.
"So how long till we reach the next town?" Twilight asked.
Battlesong looked in thought for a moment as he chewed, "two days if the weather holds, three or four if we're unlucky."
Twilight looked around the building wondering why the town had been abandoned. Could have been a plague of some kind, or could have been attacked or maybe a famine. She looked at Battlesong, "So what happened here anyway?"
"King's Wood suffer during the Grey war, famine, sickness and most of her able-bodied stallions want off to war." Battlesong laughed a bit, "Or could give the mare's tale of the beast that prow the woods at night stealing away foals, then mares after it killed the stallions."
"And what did it do with the mares and foals?" Twilight asked knowing there could be a truth in old tales.
"The foals it ate, the mares some say shared the same fate, others that beast kept them alive for other means." Battlesong watched as Golden built the fire before turning back to Twilight. "Some say the beast still hunts those woods, taking mares that wander in or steal them from towns too near the forest."
Oh, and Nightmare Moon eats foals, and the Castle of Two Sisters is haunted by a pony of shadows. Twilight rolled her eyes a bit. "I'm sure it was the former reason."
Battlesong laughed, "Aye, that more likely the reason, but still a very strange tale. Though there are queer things that happen in those woods. Ponies vanish from time to time never to be seen again."
Twilight rolled her eyes, before glancing toward Golden. "So Golden how did you meet Battlesong anyway?"
"Met years ago on the along the Angel's Road. We both got it in our heads to go after a fellow who was wanted for what was it, theft... or was it sleeping with the daughter of some lord?"
"Theft, though he may have done both."
"Right, well at first we both tried alone to catch this stallion, but he was a slippery fellow. He made off with one coin one time after he got me in my own trap." Golden laughed.
"Aye, and he lead me around in circles for weeks," Battlesong added in.
"How did you get him?" Twilight asked.
"Well..." Both Golden and Battlesong rubbed the back of their head. "After we made our minds up to work together after meeting at an inn one fine day. Afterward, we tracked him down only we kind of let him go."
Twilight tilted her head, "Why?"
"He was stealing to feed his two brothers and sister. So we didn't feel right turning him over to local lord, who would have most likely cut off his hoof, or locked him away for years." Golden got the fire going, "We did tell him to flee to another land and seek honest work, as the next group would have liked just took his head and maybe his siblings to sell into slavery."
"That was kind of you to let him and the reward."
"Aye, but the next fellow we want after was not so lucky. In truth, I wished we could have killed him a few times for all those he killed." Battlesong said recalling something.
"The Watertown butcher left a bad taste in my mouth for weeks. Should have just used my claws." Golden added, "Needless to say we are both bounty hunters, and at times noble wanderers."
Before they could leave the weather turned and the rain started to come down hard. While the old inn had holes in the roof, they could keep dry and warm.
Twilight settled near the fire, as Battlesong started to play a tone. The wood of the inn creaked now and then, and wind would howl like some monster beast that laid unseen all around them. No wonder that ponies think there some monster in those woods, Even knowing it was just a story Twilight couldn't help wondering what the beast could look like. Was it some monstrous wolf-like creature or something from the depths of Tartarus.
The storm lasted through the night. The next morning had an overcast but the sun shone through. The forest seemed darker somehow as they walked along the old roads, even with sunlight. At time Twilight felt as if she was being watched, but every time she glanced around there was nothing. "How long till we are out of this forest?" Twilight asked.
"We walked all day without rest would be early tomorrow," Battlesong replied. "What worried about an old mare's tale?"
"What, no. Just was wondering how long till we back on the main roads." Twilight replied.
Battlesong laughed, "Just messing with you lass. and we'll be back on the main road in the town of Rocktree. Till then get used to mud and those blasted woods. Be glad we're not taking the path that leads through the heart of this place. Though it would cut a day or two off our journey."
As much as Twilight wanted to get home, she didn't want to go deeper into this then she had too. The day seemed to stretch on for hours as they walked along the old road. In places, they needed to cut through some overgrowth, and go around fallen trees.
Twilight took note of how some trees had long claw marks on the sides. Doubtless, it was made by a bear but her mind wandered to the tale of the monster every time she saw something like that. Ahh, why do I keep thinking of that thing?
The road came to an old wooden bridge that seemed ready to give out at any time. Twilight knew she could have easily flown over, but that would leave Battlesong and Golden to go around, which seemed like it could take some time. As the bridge went over a fast moving high fast river. "Could use the north bridge but that would take another few hours, and it could be in worse shape," Battlesong said as he put a little weight. The wood held but Twilight could hear it creak and groan as Battlesong tested.
"I vote we risk the north bridge, as I recall that one made of stone." Golden tapped the wood with his paw.
The thought of going deeper into this forest made Twilight feel uneasy, but she didn't want to force either of complains to cross something that could give way and drop them into the river below. "Is there any other way?" Twilight asked.
"Aye, but we would to backtrack and lose three days, and that way may well be impassable." Battlesong sighed.
I could try using my magic to hold it together, but it would be a challenge and if the bridge gives way I will not be able to help either of them. Twilight glanced back to down the road. She had seen the side path that leads north. It was heavily overgrown and was a place a ghost story would be set. "Then let see about this north bridge."
Author's Note
This chapter proved to be easy to write, so thought I post it early.
Thinking of changing the cover art, but not sure.
The air didn't smell right in this part of the forest, nor did it feel right Twilight thought; it smelled of death and decay. It was far darker here as well; the sunlight was blocked by the canopy; in places, Twilight needed to use her magic to see. Unseen eyes where on her, they could have beast or ghost for all she knew. Even the Everfree didn't feel like this. Maybe there more to that old mare's tale
Battlesong and Golden seemed on edge as they walked. Neither spoke but their ears twitched every now and then. Golden would sniff the air every few feet, and stare into the darkness for a moment. "Most likely rabbit or wolves." Golden's voice broke the silence.
"Aye, still unsetting. This road has changed from the last time we walked it, Nearly unnaturally so." Battlesong replied.
Maybe we should turn back, not like a few days is going to matter in the long run. Twilight was about to say when she heard the sound of rushing water. Not long after the moss covered stone bridge came into sight. Trees hung over the river letting only a sliver of light in. An ancient rusted blade rested on one left side. This made a pit form in Twilight's stomach, even if she didn't know why.
"Seem in good shape, so let's get across," Battlesong said.
Twilight didn't mind feeling the hard stone under her hooves, or sound of the water. Her hoof hit something hard in a patch of moss. At first, she thought it was white rock, but soon knew it was a bone. If it was pony or beast she couldn't tell only that she couldn't get out of this place soon enough.
Its an old bridge, surely a few wolves have used it over the years, one must have carried its prey over at some point. Twilight reasoned. A shadowy formed catch her eye, it was a way down the river. With the darkness, it could have been anything from a rabbit to wolf.
Once on the other side of the river, they walked for what felt like hours till they came to a run-down old cabin. "Glad it still standing, what do you say we rest here for the night. As if I'm right the sun should be going down soon, and I don't much fancy walking this forest at night."
Twilight couldn't argue with that, even if she would have rathered to keep going in hopes of reaching the end of the King's Wood before morning.
Inside the cabin were twos beds, an old table, a bow and a quiver of arrows. A few pelts hung on the walls, and the hearth laid long unused. "I'll get some wood for a fire," Golden said, before leaving Twilight and Battlesong.
Battlesong went over to the table and dusted it off before placing his saddlebags on it. He then started to dig into them looking for something, he hummed to himself as he did.
Twilight walked over to a cracked window near the back of the cabin. It was dusty and hard to see through, but she could make out an old well, and a small overgrown garden around the back. It looked to have many large green vegetables and a few ripe tomatoes, nor then likely Golden would pick a few if for their meal tonight. After Golden return and the fire had started, and the meal was cooked they set about sleep.
Twilight dreamed she was in the Canterlot Castle Library reading over the history of Equestria.
She had read it many times before and knew every word. She could have most likely told it word for word if tested on the matter. However, she came upon a small foal looking up opposite of her.
The foal was an alicorn filly with bright golden eyes, with a mane to match, her wings were strange seeming to have an ethereal glow to them. "Have you seen my brother around?" She asked with a look of sadness. "I can't find him."
Twilight glanced around the library in the hope of spotting her brother, only to find them alone. She looked back at the filly and smiled, "I'm sure we can come let see if around. So what’s your name?"
"Veritas,"
"Nice to meet you I'm Twilight."
Then Veritas followed Twilight as they looked all around the castle, each room, and wing. She would have asked one of the Royal Guards to help, but she couldn't find any, even the servants had seemed to disappear. It didn't matter, however, as Twilight knew the castle better them most of them. She doubted that very many had been allowed in many of the closed off rooms or the east wing with all artifacts. She didn't think Veritas's brother would be there, but she checked all the same.
As with the rest of the castle, there was a not a pony to be found, and before she could think of another place to look, she awoke to a tapping sound. Golden was on the other in a deep sleep, and Battlesong had fallen asleep next to the heath with his lyre in his hoof. So it was clear neither of them was making the tapping sound.
Twilight listen for a while unable to find where it was coming from but soon it stopped. It could have been in her mind she reasoned, or some animal. Either way, she didn't sleep for the rest of the night.
The next day they set out early, the paths were worse than the previous day, and the feeling of being watched was nearly overpowering. Every tree had eyes, and every shadow moved. Twilight knew it silly but it didn't stop her mind for thinking of monsters in the woods.
They came to a sharp turn in the road, "This isn't right..." Battlesong looked a bit lost. "This road should continue straight on till we reach the edge of the King's Woods."
"Are you sure?" Twilight asked.
"Aye, this ain't right."
They turned down the old path, that seemed to become darker the further they went. The trees seemed deformed and the ground was dry and dead. However, none said a word but it was clear to Twilight that both Battlesong and Golden felt the same unease she did.
"Huntress have mercy," Golden said as he passed into a clearing.
Twilight didn't understand till she passed into the clearing. The bones of countless ponies, lay strewn about. Arrows, rusted swords broken bows, spares and bit of ancient armour laid scattered over the whole of the area. At the heart was an out of place cave.
The whole clearing reeked of death, sulfur, and corruption. Twilight turned to find eyes staring at them. She quickly looked all round at every part of the clearing there were eyes, some low to the ground others at eye level with her.
She could find her voice but the others were aware of them as well, the three backed away from the tree line as a large beast stepped out from where they had entered. It was no wolf, bear, or dragon; it was something that Twilight couldn't understand. Its eyes glowed with madness, hunger, and lust. It had an aura of death about it, and it's breath smelled of death.
Fir... no... arca... Twilight couldn't put thoughts together. So she did the only thing that came to mind, to fired a blot of magic at the thing, but it did little more than blowing it fur. She took hold of as many weapons as she could and fire them toward the beast. All that happened was for them to shatter upon its fur.
Golden took a step forward only to then start backing away. None could form words as the beast and the shadows moved closer pushing them toward the cave. The smell of sulfur becoming stronger as they were forced back. Each hoof step brought them ever closer and closer to the mouth of the cave.
Twilight let less spell after spell, but none had any effect on this thing. For that matter it seemed to amuse the monster, it looked at Golden and Battlesong like prey and to Twilight as if she was a plaything. As she hoof hit the felt the first stone of the cave, she stopped. She knew another step would be the end of them and any hope they had to flee.
The beast was only a feel feet from them, smelling, and licking its lips. Only to step as he got a good look at Twilight. It was then its eyes showed something new, confusion and then fear as it backed away. Then the shadowy forms did the same.
As the beast went back into the woods, felt like this was not the last time she would come face to face with this thing. The look it gave Twilight chilled her to, it was as if to say next time it would stop and would have its prize.
"What... what was that?" Twilight found her voice at last.
Battlesong was pale as he spoke. "That... was a very old... and powerful Devight. How it is here I do not know, or why it didn't feast on Golden and I and have its fun with you I do not know. However, let’s get out of here before it came back."
Twilight didn't need to be told again, neither did Golden the three ran east through the thick trees and brushes earning more than a few cuts as they did. However, none of them cared all that mattered was getting out of the King's Woods. They ran till their legs hurt but kept going, they ran till they came into an open field filled with sunlight, and kept going till they couldn't walk another hoof.
There they rested, not speaking, only trying to catch their breath. A powerful, bone-chilling wind roared through the wood and the field. After sometime Twilight finally was able to think again. "Why didn't my magic work?"
Battlesong and Golden gave no answer as they sat there watching the tree line for a long while. At least Battlesong broke the silent. "Only a few ponies can tell you... one of which we're going to see soon."
The days that followed their adventure through the King's Woods and the beast that lays within were filled with sleepless nights. The first day out Twilight, Battlesong, and Golden didn't rest. Nor did they the second day, the third Golden and Twilight sleep for an hour, but Battlesong had stayed awake playing songs. On the fourth, they took turns keeping watch for fear that monster could be lurking in the shadows waiting to strike.
The fifth day they came to a hill marked with an old ruin of an abbey, which Battlesong called, 'Holy ground and no evil could walk upon it.' Twilight was not sure if it was true, but she chose not to think about it too hard, as a good night sleep sounded better. Even still her dreams were filled with shadowy figures and those hateful eyes.
The following day an outline of town came into view as they passed over a hill. "Seems were further north then I thought, as isn't that Lion's Lake Golden?" Battlesong asked as they started down the hillside.
"Oh, that it is." Golden sniffed the air, "I can smell my mother's cooking from here, or could be my grandma's."
Battlesong laughed, "will be nice to have a warm meal and bed."
The edge of Lion's Lake statue or an armored lioness, with two cubs at her teats. Hm, mother and warrior, I would guess, so she must which would make the closest I can think of being Terra. . Across from lioness was another lion. This one was male who held a banner and was also armored. Around both were flowers, gold, silver and copper coins, and candles.
Twilight stared at the statues for a long time before she heard Golden laugh. "That would be the Great Huntress and Lio the Great." Golden smiled, "Be glad we're not in the east, where the great stallion is honored if I recall he is normally sculpted with... let's say he is not lacking in areas."
The thought made Twilight blush, as she knew the one he was talking about. Lover of mares and envy of stallion, if I recall my reading on the matter. She recalled how the mares would offer up gems and gold in hopes of being blessed with a foal, stallion would seek to gain his blessing through battle and mighty deeds.Even if one of those deeds is bedding one hundred mares.
Twilight couldn't help but recall how some ponies saw Celestia and Luna as goddesses. Celestia was sometimes depicted in the same manner as the Great Huntress. Luna on the other hoof was often portrayed as a warrior queen or as Nightmare Moon, even if the latter was less common than it was before her return. However, a few of the bat ponies still saw her as their goddess of the night; Nightmare Moon.
Lion's Lake was many homes to lions with a few odd ponies here and there. Of the ponies there were a few shopkeepers, some walked beside lions of the opposite gender, with the last few seeming to be just travelers. The town watch was made up of all males, in boiled leather. A few they passed greeted Golden and Battlesong as they want by, but paid little mind to Twilight.
As for the town itself it was built in a mix of Saddle Arabian and early Unicorn Empire style. Columns and balconies were in front of the older building of the town with flower gardens. It was not as large as Ponyville but it was clearly older. At the heart of the town were three statues the Great Huntress, and Lio the Great were bowing before a six-winged alicorn. Something about that alicorn made Twilight feel great terror. She was not sure if it was due to the odd number of wings or the fact the statue was imposing.
They stopped in front of one of the older homes in the town. Golden knocked at the door before entering. Inside were an older lioness and one around the age of Battlesong. "Grandma, Aunt Sapphire," Golden give both of the lionesses a kiss on both cheeks before they did them. "Where my mother, father, and my lovely sisters?"
The older lioness was the first to speak, "Oh, they want to Silver's Watch to trade for goods and the like. Most likely be back in a fortnight."
Sapphire kissed Battlesong on both cheeks and whispered something in his ear. She then took note of Twilight, "Oh, Battlesong if I didn't know better I say you found a nice young mare to keep you company on those lonely nights."
Twilight felt her face turn bright red as she guessed what Sapphire was implying. " No... I would never... He just taking me to Silver's Watch."
Sapphire laughed, "I jest my dear." she gave a toothy white smile, as she ran her tail along Battlesong muzzle.
The old lioness looked Twilight over, "By the Huntress, that one all skin and bone..." she looked to her grandson. "What have you been feeding this poor mare? Air, water, no matter I’ll give you all a proper meal." Before she left them in the great room of the home.
Twilight could hear plates and pans being moved and a few words which she couldn't understand. I'm not that thin, am I? Twilight looked at herself for a moment, she didn't seem much thinner then she had a few weeks ago.
"Don't mind her less, my grandma is always trying to fatten you ponies." Golden laughed a bit.
Twilight felt unease at the thought of being fattened up. I guess I'll be more of a meal for them then. Well, I'm sure it's just a joke, but it is common knowledge that the zebras have been the prey of the lions in their homeland. I doubt those lions feast on ponies, so more likely that beast will have more of a meal, or does that monster want my plot? "I really not that hungry," Twilight said.
"Come now less, you have not had a good meal in a few days," Battlesong spoke up.
Twilight bit her lip and knew he had a point. She had only seen this much food once before and that was when she first came to Ponyville and Applejack had set meal after meal before her. The old lioness had placed fresh bread, cooked beans, smoked fish and a half dozen eggs just on her plate. Golden had a far larger helping of each.
Thought dinner, Twilight paid little mind to what was said. The few things that she heard was about wars, the local lords, and other nonsense. The one thing she learned was how Archangel had left the governing of his kingdom to twelve ponies of high standing, and only rarely left his mountain fortress to deal with matters of state or defending his ponies. Glad we're not off to see him, the way it sounds I would be here as long as Luna was on the moon.
The other thing that Twilight took note of was how Sapphire would whisper into Battlesong's ear, and giggle every now and then. Golden seemed to pay it no mind, he either already knew what his aunt and friend were whispering about, or didn't care. If she had to guess it was the latter.
After dinner was over she set about helping the old lioness with the clear the table as the other want off to their rooms. Golden had gone down the hall, while Sapphire and Battlesong had taken their upstairs, Twilight didn't care to know if they were up to anything. However, she was more then sure she would be hearing things later in the evening, more so if she was placed in a room on the upper floors.
"Your room is upstairs and the last door on the right." The old Lioness told her before going into the great to read.
Twilight made her way upstairs, she could hear giggling from one of the rooms she passed. The door was slightly cracked, and without thinking Twilight peeked in. There she saw Battlesong on top of Sapphire rutting away, as he whispered in her ear. Twilight knew she should look away and head toward her room, but something in her wanted to watch.
What the harm in it? A small sweet voice whispered in the back of her mind. Twilight knew it sounded like her inner voice, but something about it felt wrong. As she watched under her tail begin to burn, it wasn't told she felt her hoof moved down her barrel that she shook her head.What I'm I doing? What would Celestia say if she saw this, or my parents, friends or anypony for that matter. She knew they would disapprove of this, and even give her an earful.
Twilight made her way to her room, with her tail kept low and burning feeling coming from between her legs. The room was simple, one bed, an end table and a window facing the market of the town. The bed was soft and having four walls around helped her relax.
She found it hard to fall asleep with the burning under her tail and the sounds of the old home. Her mind wandered to the beast, would it come into Lion's Lake, and if it did could anything stop it? She hadn't seen any of the iron ponies around, which made her wonder how many there were in the world. It could have been five thousand or one hundred thousand for all she knew. Yet, even if it was closer to the latter that still left a lot of ground to watch. However, she was more sure it was more likely the former, as she had never read about them in even in the Canterlot Library.
Sleep finally took Twilight and she dreamed. She was in the heart of the Lion's Lake looking up at the stars, Veritas was next to her. "My brother brought me here once, we gave candies to the cubs and foals and watched a play... I think it was the Huntress and Warrior."
"Sounds like it was a nice day." Twilight heard herself say.
"It was, we laughed and smiled." Veritas looked at her with tears in her eyes. "My brother doesn't smile anymore."
Twilight wiped away one of the tears, "I'm sure he will when your back with him. He must miss you terribly."
"I don't think he will be happy to see me, I did something very bad." Veritas glanced at her hooves. "A lot of ponies got hurt."
Twilight wasn't sure what to say to that. How could this filly have hurt ponies, she seemed so guiltless. "What did you do?"
Veritas rubbed one of her hooves. "Hunger for knowledge, I want to tomes and scrolls... I read and read until I was marked by something dark and terrible." The filly showed Twilight the dark lines on her hoof and the strange marks and symbols. "I hid it from my brother and tried to make it go away... But I couldn't do it and it changed me."
There was something strangely familiar about the mark, but Twilight couldn't place it but found herself rubbing one of her hooves. "How did it change you?"
"It made me want to hurt ponies, made me want more, and more power. There were others who were marked with this, some became monsters wanting blood and the flesh of ponies, others become lustful." Veritas looked at Twilight tears in her eyes. "You have to find my brother, I can't say why but you have to before..." The words seemed to pain her.
Twilight was unsure of what to do, part of her wanted to wipe the tears away and hold Veritas but something stopped her. "Who is your brother?" Twilight asked realizing she had never asked.
Veritas opened her mouth to speak but could say anything, and the pain was painted upon her face, fear was in her eyes. "I... can't say his name..." She looked in pain as she thought for a moment. "Wings of Justice." She said before looking in fear at a shadowy figure.
It didn't take Twilight long to realize the eyes of the shadow. The hate, madness, and lust of them. She could smell the sulfur and death of the beast of the King's Wood as it stepped closer. Twilight was about to tell Veritas to run, but the filly was gone leaving her to the beast.
Twilight was frozen in place as the monster smelled her, showed its large black teeth. It seemed to delight in her fear, as it sniffed up and down her body. She tried to scream as it bit into her neck and pulled her to the ground. She could feel the burning pain as it let her lay their standing over her. She was powerless to do anything but stare up in horror at the beast. Her spells and years of learning were nothing, she could only wait for the end.
The beast revealed in her weakness, placing a bloodstained paw upon her back. It began to put on pressure; digging in his claws and Twilight was sure it meant to break her back, or to simply kill her. However, she knew this thing wouldn't give her a clean death and may deny her that.
Twilight awake in a cold sweat, the light outside sting her eyes. "Just. a nightmare." She told herself, yet she could back to the filly and knew there was more to it.Find her brother, wings of Justice... Could be nonsense yet there something strange about that. If it was my inner thoughts why would they say to seek Celestia, Luna, Shining Armor, or my friends? She wondered as she laid there.
Later in the morning after Twilight went to talk to Battlesong. He was in the great room, Golden was in the next room talking with his family. "Battlesong, do the words 'Wings of Justice' mean anything to you?"
Battlesong looked at her curiously, "Aye, that would be one of Archangel's oldest titles, why?" he asked.
Okay, so this Archangel is linked to Veritas' brother. Meaning I need to meet him. to Twilight knew he wasn't going to like what she was going to say next. "How far would he be from here?"
Battlesong just stared at her for a long time, but finally spoke. "His sanctum is nearly a month away, and on top of a mountain. Oh, and let's not forget we may or may not have that beast hunting us. So please tell me you just asking out of curiosity."
Twilight tapped her hooves together, "Well, let just say hypothetically I wanted to head there, would you and Golden be able to lead me to him?"
Battlesong took in a deep breath, "We could, but I would say best to stay going to Silver's Watch. While I'm all for helping you, this goes far outside of that, we would be heading into danger needless. So I would say neither me Golden would be willing to aid you." The middle age stallion looked at her, "But let me just tell you what will most likely happen heading that far west. If somehow we get passed all the beasts and bandits and reached the foot of that Archangel's Mountain. Golden and I would need to take the same way back risking life and lamp for nothing."
That a far point. "Could you give me a map then?" Twilight asked.
"Aye, but could save you time by telling you best just to walk into the nearest outlaw camp with your tail in the air, unless you want them to beat you bloody first. That is if the King's Wood Beast doesn't get you first." Battlesong replied.
Twilight thought of saying who had told her to seek the Archangel, but something told her that he would pass it off a simple dream, or her going mad with being away from home. Either way, she knew it was important to seek after the Wings of Justice; the same way she had when Nightmare Moon's return was at hoof. "Please, I just need to be sure of something."
"And what would that be?"
"I don't know, just trust me."
Battlesong took in a deep breath as he looked at Twilight and then sighed. "Fine, not sure if Golden will be joining us, however, lions do love to go headlong into danger."
Author's Note
Well, still not used to using M rating so any feedback would be nice.
The further west they want, the worse become. They had passed a few towns that were enclosed by a wall of wood none of those towns had opened their gates for the last few days. Twilight would often take the first watch of the night, as her other two companions were more keen of sight and hearing when it came to enemies.
Golden hadn't need long to think if he wished to join them, but Battlesong had tried to change his mind more than a few times. Part of Twilight worried that she would wake one morning and both would be gone or worse they would be dead and a host of bandits would greet her. She chooses not to think of the beast, even if it still hunted her dreams.Maybe, Luna can help with that when I get home."
They passed the rotting corpse of a pony, laying against a tree. The corpse's legs were broken, some of the flesh had decayed revealing the bones beneath. Twilight stomach turned at the smell and the sight of it, but this would have been the tenth pony they came upon in the past week. The first had been hung for a tree with a sign around his neck.' Didn't pay his toll.' it had said.
However, it the next one that made Twilight lose her breakfast. This one had been cut to bits and placed on some strange alter, the smell was horrid and the sight was worse. That night none slept, as they all feared whoever had built that alter and killed that stallion may still be near waiting.
Twilight had started to regret choosing to follow what her gut told her and her dreams. I'm risking my life and that of Battlesong and Golden for what? She had thought more than once over the past week.
Twilight wished she held power in this land, so she could send the royal guards to clear out those bandits and dark servants. Yet, every day she was reminded she could do nothing about it. Two days ago she had nearly tried to overpower a group of outlaws, who lead ponies in chains. She had urged Battlesong to act, but he had simply told her, "We could fight the lot of them, and we may overpower them. However, that would lead to us having a price on our heads."
So all she could do was watch from their hiding place as the bandits passed. I could have done something, what does it matter if it leads to price on my head, those ponies didn't deserve to be sold like cattle. Twilight thought as they walked the ruined path. "Why doesn't Archangel, Silver Fire, or the twelve do something about those bandits?" she asked.
Battlesong shook his head. "SilverFire works day and night to keep the guardians in good shape, the twelve some like Lords Loch and Joyus do within their power, other keep to their lands, and a few more than likely have dealings with the outlaws. As for his royal highness, Archangel, he sits in his fortress and worked on who knows what, and only come out when summoned in time of great need."
"But, isn't a large number of outlaws a good reason or count as a great need to be rid of them?"
Battlesong didn't speak for a time, "Aye, he should but he either happens not to care or doesn't think it worth his time."
"A shame really, there was a time it is said he was the bravest, most honourable and just pony ever to rule this land," Golden added in.
"What happened?" Twilight asked with great interest.
"He was betrayed over a thousand years ago by those he cared for most. Some turned to the dark arts wanting knowledge and powers, some held great envy for what Archangel had, and the rest become minions and pawns of Devights. He drafted them but never was the same after that. Some say he became a drunk, others he hides from the world in fear, and those who are more inclined to hope say he seeks a way to destroy the Devight threat once and for all."
Twilight thought a moment but was unsure what to make of it. "What do you say is the reason?"
"I say he hid in his fortress, becoming lazy and drunk while outlaws, slavers, and killers walked the land. Oh, and let us not forget nopony is brave enough to stand up to him or cast him down." Battlesong had a look of hate as he stared at fog-covered mountain.
Twilight didn't need to ask if that was were Archangel was, just from the looks that Battlesong gave the place.
The mountain had been hidden in the same fog ever since Twilight had first seen it. It blocked all sight, and even for here Twilight felt dread as she looked upon it. The way it loomed over the land casting a long dark shadow. Yet, something in her urged her onward toward this place. Surely, there more to this story then Battlesong or Golden knows.
Then again it not too late to turn back, sure Battlesong and Golden will be mad but they wouldn't complain about head back to safety. Twilight heard herself think but wasn't sure where the thought had come from. All she knew for sure was her leg had started to burn a few days ago, and it only seemed to get worse.
At times it felt as if the burning were in lines and symbols along her leg, but what she couldn't understand was why it was only the one leg. Had it been from all the walking then surely all should have been burning, yet only the one did. Sometimes when she was dreaming she could see strange red lines on that one leg, but when she wakes the marks were gone.
The land ahead was open and filled greenfields and ruined farms and homesteads. A few still had smoke rising from the chimney and fields that were filled with workers, and stallions-at-arms. She did wonder if those armed stallions were sellswords or bandits but either way they were paid by the landowner. Battlesong kept them out of sight of the farms, as he doubtless had the same thought.
That night they had no fire and ate cold meals. The night air was warm so Twilight didn't mind the lack of a fire that much. However, she didn't sleep much and simply stared at the starry night. The next few days were much the same, no fire watches kept, with weapons kept close.
The ponies of the land were either unaware of them or didn't think it was worth the trouble to steal what they had. Still, Battlesong took no risk, when asked what they had that outlaws would want he replied with. "From Golden and I, nothing. In fact, they would give us the choice to give you over to them, or fight them."
Twilight did wonder now and then if they would choose to give her over to outlaws, as they had only known her for a few weeks. However, she couldn't help but think that if they were going to do that, they would have already. Wonder how much they get? Twilight wondered now and then. After all, she was an alicorn, something rare and seem as a deity. Would most likely be a king's ransom.
Every day the mountain grow closer, and her leg burned all the more. The flat land started to give way to hills and fog. There were few trees and fewer homesteads the nearly they got. The land seemed to change as well, at that point, there were feelings of peace, wondered and terror. Not of beasts, outlaws and killers, but of coming near to something that echoed with ancient power. Twilight had only felt this way when she first saw Celestia.
The fog seemed to clear in as they neared the mountain, but it was only in front it did. Behind them, it stayed thick not allowing even the light to pass through.
It wasn't long till they came upon an abbey with an orchard of apple trees. The apples on the trees were large, juicy and bright red. The monks that worked the fields wear robes of brown cloth and paid them no mind. Across from the abbey and a convent with mares dressed all white, some of them want through the apples and picked out the bad ones, others worked with a few young foals. A few greeted them as they passed, others smiled.
While there were unicorns and pegasi they all worked in the earth pony way. None flew or used magic only hooves and sweat. "Who are they?" Twilight had asked Battlesong and Golden.
Golden was the one to speak, "Sons and daughters of the light, they kept to the base of the mountain, and rarely leave it shadow. Bandits and outlaws tend to stay clear of them. As most believe that Archangel will leave them be if they don't harm the monks and nuns. At this point, they could be right."
An old stallion with a long white beard came up to them, "Greeting, welcome to the High Mountain." he bows his head before continuing. "Do you come of rest, to reflect, or do you seek to join the faithful?"
"None, our friend here seek to speak with Archangel," Battlesong replied.
The old stallion looked over Twilight, "His grace has not seen any pony in a long time... The way up the holy mountain is not for wicked or weak of heart." His eyes seemed to see something, "Yet, I believe she may be able to reach the Sanctum." He glanced at Battlesong and Golden, "You two, however, would find only death."
Battlesong and Golden didn't speak and a flash of shame crossed both their faces. "Why can't they?" Twilight asked.
"They know the reasons, and it is not for me to speak for them." The old stallion looked over Twilight again his eyes seemed to be fixed on her leg that burned. "Tell me, why do you wish to see his grace?"
"I... I don't know, just something tells me I must." Twilight said knowing it was partly a lie, but she doubted tell him that same dream told her too would help matters.
The old stallion said nothing for a long time, "very well, however, rest here for the day and start at first light. As the way is long and treacherous; all the more at night."
"Sounds fair, and been a warm meal sounds delightful," Golden spoke up.
The old stallion turned to one of the nuns. "Sister Faith, see that our guest here is feed and given all, she needs to walk the angel's way." Sister faith bowed her head.
"Why can't I go with my friends?" Twilight asked.
"Simply, it is forbidden for mares to enter the abbey, just as it is for stallions to enter the convent." the old stallion informed her.
Very well, that far they land their rules. Twilight nodded in understanding.
Inside the convent was humble, wooden tables, tall white candles, simple beds. They prayed before they ate a meal of oats, apples, and drank cold water. Followed by more prays. Twilight spend the rest of the daylight reading the books that were in the convent, some were histories, others were on the faith, and few on light magic.
Twilight had read a few books light magic in Canterlot, but those may have well been written by foals next to the ones in this convent. Spells of healing, protecting and many other spells she learned. Yet, something told her there were far more in the Sanctum.
Could those spells hurt the Beast of the King's Woods? I mean if he was a monster of the dark, and arcane had no effect on him, then surely light magic would. After all, don't the shadows flee from the light? Twilight wondered, but as she tried to cast one of the spells she found only it only made her leg burn and nothing else.
Author's Note
Been wondering if I should try and draw an of ocs in this story, so any you would like to see drawn?
The High Mountain loomed Twilight. Ahead was the Gate of Truth; it was large and was closer to a castle than a gate. Atop it stood ponies each armed with a bow. At the base of the gate were a few monks, each blessed Twilight as she went by.
Battlesong and Golden walked beside her, "Are you sure about this?" Battlesong asked as they came ever nearer.
No, but this burning in my leg has only gotten worse. I fear that this is the mark that Veritas had spoken about. Twilight forced a smile, "Yes, it only a climb up a mountain." She said. She had thought about flying up, but as she read through the books at the convent. She had learned that there was a powerful spell in place that would have blown her against the rock face or cast her to the ground below.
Twilight could hardly see the top of the High Mountain and the Sanctum at its peak. Mainly due to the sun and the fact it only looked to be the size of an apple from the base.
The Gate of Truth opened as Twilight neared. She could see the start of the stone path, and feel the cold wind that howled just ahead.I could still turn back, but I have come too far to turn back now. The way up was longer than Twilight would have thought, at areas she could see narrow paths, snow cover stones and a few spots where one could easily come crashing down to the earth below.
"We’ll wait here a few days before heading back to Lion's Lake just in case this proves as useless I believe it will," Battlesong said starting up the mountain.
"Just watch your step and good luck," Golden said with a slight bow.
Twilight turned and looked at the two, "Thank you, and if either of you finds yourselves in Equestria feel free to come to see me."
After that Twilight passed through the gate and started up the stone path. It wasn't tough going at first, the ground stayed at even ascend for about the first hour. Her leg burned with every step, but it had seemed to even for the most part.
When she came to pillar her leg felt as if it had caught fire, and she needed to stop. Twilight rested against the pillar, the stone had been covered with countless runes, nearly all she couldn't understand. The ones she did were holy, ground, evil, and tread. She didn't know how long she stayed there reading over the pillar again and again, but the pain stops. While it still burned she could walk on it again.
"One hundred feet down another what few thousand to go. I really should have asked how to tall this mountain was." Twilight talked to herself. "And I'm talking to myself, great."
Ahead the climb became harder, steep stone steps were carved into the rock. Some were worn by age they were hard to find.Don't look down, don't look down. Twilight told herself as the steps narrow close to a chasm. Her imaged the long drop, the darkness, and her sure death if she should fall. Which, made her glance down, and cling to the rock face all the more.Great, I just had to look, didn't I?
It was a strange feeling for Twilight as she had not felt this fear when she had learned to fly. It could have been that fact that Rainbow Dash had been the one to teach her, and had little worry of her friend letting her fall to her death. Here one wrong step, a powerful gust of wind or a slip would mean her doom with nopony to save her. Would my friends and family ever learn of how I died if I was to fall? Would they keep looking for me, would they hope I would make my way home? Twilight couldn't help but wonder.
A strong wind blew, forcing her to hold together to the rock face till it passed. The howling was the worst part, as her mind want back to that beast. Once the wind stopped, she started again, slowly at first. The path seemed much longer than it was. Soon the path started to widen again, and Twilight's race heart started to return to normal.
The higher she want the colder it got, and the more her leg burned. Twilight had to rest more than she would have liked, but the pain in her leg made it impossible to walk. The pain would come fast and more intense the closer she got the Sanctum. A few times she had wanted to cry it had burned as if she had put her whole leg into a fire.
Ahead she could see the golden roofs, the high white stone walls, and towering fortress that was the Sanctum. It was not as large as Canterlot Castle, but would still larger than her castle. It wasn't hard for her image why somepony would build this high up, as attacks had little hope of breaching the walls of this fortress.
Twilight had read many books of the stronghold and understood the placement. There was no place to place siege engines, nowhere to build to a camp, and a few unicorns would hold the narrow passes agest ten times their number or more. Meaning they would have to wait till the defender ran out of food, or hope to take this place. And that not taking into account that an alicorn lives here.
The main gate was open, as she neared but once she passed through it, the iron gate closed, and a pair of thick oak doors creaked suit behind her. Above her were murder holes, and as nopony had fired anything she took that as a good sign. Seen he knows I'm here. Twilight wasn't sure if that was a good thing or an ill one yet.
The halls were filled paintings, tapestries and white rugs. The floors were marble and had a golden vine pattern. There were few windows, and those were only arrow slits. Now and then she would pass heavy wooden doors, she had tried to open a few but they were locked. She walked for a long time, unsure of where she would find the lord of this fortress. It was a maze of halls and locked doors, there were few windows, with most of the light coming for crystals and candles. A few times Twilight walked in a circle, which had lead to taking note of anything to add in telling the halls apart. The paintings were the best as no two were the same, the tapestries gave little help in the matter as they either had six golden wings with a crown in the middle of a field of white or a sliver fleam on a striped field of black and red.
Twilight wasn't sure how long she had walked those halls when she came to a pair of great oak doors. They were not locked like the others, but even with magic were hard to move. The doors lead into a room with long table piled with books, scrolls, maps, crystal, herbs and many things she wished her own castle had. She didn't think as she took one of the scrolls in her magic and unrolled it. It was noted on the iron ponies. Mainly due to interest in the matter and needed a break from the hours of walking she read into it.
As I feared my spell had trapped the souls of my soldiers in the armored form. The soul gems keep them trapped even when destroyed, able to think, however, I'm unsure if they feel but I fear they do. I should have found another way after that battle, but what choice did I have. Enemies were everywhere thanks to... I will not even write that name best they are forgotten and burn in the lowest level of hell, I wondered if I should be joining them for what I did? Twilight read, and took note of a drawing of the gem below. A bit of fear formed in Twilight's mind, what spell did he cast to create those iron ponies. Celestia may have known or Starswirl. However, she was not sure if they would even know.
She then looked over other scrolls and notes, most were on the iron ponies, other on the kingdom. She found notes on the bandits and the outlaws, a few orders to lords to send troops to towns and areas to deal with them. Yet, Archangel focus seemed to be on the matter of the iron ponies, and the Devights. "So a little spy from Celestia's brood, or maybe I'm going mad." A powerful filled the room. Twilight couldn't find where the voice had come from.
"N..No I was jus..."
"Reading matters that you have no business knowing," the voice cut her off.
Twilight looked all around her and but still could see the pony speaking. "Cou... could you please show yourself?" she speaks in a fearful tone. If this was Archangel then he could see her, and doubtless knew more than a few spells to incapacitate if he wished.
For a long time, there was no word or sound, time seemed to stand still as Twilight kept trying to find where the voice had come from.I could make a run for the door. The thought seemed odd to her. She was the Princess of Friendship and should be more knee on spending friendship. "At least tell me of whom am I speaking to too?"
There was no reply or sound, other than her breathing. Then the voice breaks the silence, "How is it that you, enter my home, walk my halls, read my notes and do not know whom you speak to?" There was a long pause. "I should be asking you your name, as you are my uninvited guest who has the smell of corruption."
Corruption? "I'm Twilight Sparkle, the bearer of the Element of Magic, Princess of Friendship." She forced her voice to sound normal, even if fear ate at her heart and mind. "And what do you mean by corruption?"
"Ah, so Celestia given is making ponies princesses of concepts, tell me is there a princess of tea as well or did Celestia claim that title for her own?" The voice laughed a bit, "No matter, as to the corruption you have been marked or near one of my hated enemies. As if you were given wholly over to them, you wouldn't have been able to enter this place, and I have to kill you if you had somehow found a way."
Twilight felt dread wash over her at the thought of her death. Would she have even put up a fight? "I... It was the King's Woods monster I was near... Battlesong says it was a Devight."
"Tell me then how is it that you and this Battlesong didn't become that beast next meal, or why it didn't seek to claim and alicorn mare for itself?"
"I don't know, it just let us go, but it haunts my dreams."
There was another long silence before it he speaks again. "Take the horn ring from the table and place it around your horn."
There were a few on the table, but Twilight knew which one he met the anti-magic ring. If she placed it around her horn she would powerless, and at the mercy of a pony who said he would have killed a few moments ago. She held the ring in her hoof, unsure if she should place the ring around her horn or not.
Twilight slowly placed the ring around her horn, at first she felt normal but knew if she tried her magic she would be unable to even light her horn. She waited with great unease for her host to appare. It wasn't long till she saw a bookshelf side to one side, and a dark figure stepped out and into the light.
His fur was dark white, the feathers on his wings were started out the same color as his fur but transitioned to black. His mane and tail were they were a light shade of black, and cut in the fashion of the royal guard. His gaze was stern but held a kindness as well, Twilight couldn't help but think of how they reminded her of Celestia's eyes. "I am Archangel, now have a seat."
Twilight sat in one of the chairs as Archangel walked up to her focus on her leg. She looked herself and nearly jumped, a large blood red mark was up to her knee. It was a mix of strange symbols and runes. "What is this?" Twilight asked, fear clear on her voice.
Archangel didn't reply as he studied it, he would take hold of Twilight's leg and look closer now and then. "You're lucky," His voice broke the silence. "You must have a noble heart other ways they would have placed it there. If they had you would already be lost." His horn lit up in a golden glow, Twilight could feel the warmth and kindness of his magic. Slowly another mark appeared above her knee, this one was as white as snow.
"What are you doing?" Twilight asked equal parts worried and interested.
"Saving your soul and those you care for."
Twilight watched as the white runes and symbols formed a wall against the red mark. "What do you mean by that?"
Archangel glanced up from his spell. "Simple, that mark would have soon reached your heart turning it as corrupt as the one who placed it upon you." He looked back to spell. "More than likely you wouldn't have noticed the changes at first. A thought here and there, but soon you would start to act on them. A fly what harm would it be to crash it with your magic, why shouldn't I have my pleasure with that stallion or mare. If your friends were lucky they would be the first you killed before you got a taste for torture, or summoned some Devights, as they would doubtless wish to breed some halfbreeds. Maybe that what this Beast of the King's Wood thought when it saw the mark."
I would never do that to my friends, I would never help that monster. Even as she thought a bit of doubt started to take hold in her mind. Could that have been why I watch Battlesong and Sapphire, thought of rising my tail in that inn? Then there’s, Luna, she had fallen to darkness and nearly cast the whole world into an everlasting night. "Can't you remove it?" She asked.
"Aye, but it will take time. The one who marked you has many names, but his true name is only known to him. In the west, he is Dread Stallion, the east Father of Lies, the south Terror of the Deep, and the north The Father of Nightmares, and that leaving out what other races call him." Archangel said as he worked on finishing his spell. "However, why my ward will keep it at bay, it will still affect your mind, and if you leave the High Mountain it will weaken. So you must remain here till I'm able to remove."
No, I have to get home. Twilight wondered if that was indeed her thought or something else. As she could understand reminding here, she would have done the same. "Can I inform my friends and family where I am?"
Archangel muttered something to himself but replying. "Aye, your not my captive but my guest. However, Celestia will most likely send a few agents to ensure you're not being held here against your will."
Twilight thought she heard him mutter something about, 'that sun-loving mare' and 'fool of mare doesn't listen.' Once the spell was done, Twilight asked. "Can I remove the ring?"
"Not yet, I as I do not know you and I have little love or trust for Celestia. For all, I know she has fallen to darkness like that sister of hers." Archangel replied.
"No, Celestia is a good and noble pony!" Twilight said a bit loader then she wanted. "She would never side with monsters and killers."
Archangel didn't reply, and Twilight couldn't tell what he was thinking. After a long moment before Archangel spoke, "Be that as it may, I will not change my thoughts on Celestia. I have many reasons, all of which are mine alone. Now, I'll have Old River show you to your room." He said before calling out for said pony.
Not long after an iron pony with an obsidian gem in its head entered the room. It looked it master to Twilight, "River, show our guest to a room in the west wing, and be sure to show her the meal hall along the way." River bowed its head in understanding. It turned to Twilight and motioned for her to follow.
The Griffins, hippogriff, Crystal Ponies, Changelings, and even my own faithful guards have not found sighs of Twilight. Blast that construct, it doesn't move for eight hundred years, then attacks out of nowhere, but which was the target Luna or Twilight? Celestia wondered as she looked over the maps of Equestria, the Crystal Empire, and other kingdoms under her protection.
It had been well over three months and not a sigh or hair of Twilight had been found or seen. The days where reports were fewer than yesterday, but still piled high on the table. Whatever homing spell that construct had used most have had longer range then she would have believed. I just hope that it didn't drop them into the middle of the sea. Celestia felt a pit in her stomach thinking of that construct dragging Twilight the bottle of the sea, as the water filled her lungs.
Had this been Archangel plan all along to stake with long plated swords, if so does he more in the shadows waiting to strike? Celestia had known the alicorn of the west was not to be trusted and held great hate for all that used dark magic. He would have killed Luna if I had not locked her away, even then I feared he would turn his monsters on my kingdom. I was a fool to believe that he was earnest in wanted to free those he damned.
A knock came at the door. "Enter," Celestia said.
A Luna entered with a letter held in her magic. She looked tired, each night she would search in the realm of dreams for Twilight, had given up sleep for days after the monster took her. It had been only by her ordering Luna to rest that her sister finally did. However, that had not stopped Luna for looking in the dream realm. "This came for you, though it was a report at first however, the seal is one I don't recognize."
The wax seal was of six wings with a crown in the middle. Celestia unrolled it and was shocked to find it was signed by Twilight. Dear Princess Celestia, I fear that I have been marked by a Devight. So until the mark has been removed, I must remain in the hospitality of Archangel. So please tell my friends and family I am fine and will be back home soon. Twilight Sparkle. Also, do you know how many ancient books Archangel has! Celestia grated her teeth together.
"Sister is everything well?" Luna asked.
"Just peachy, seems Twilight is being held by Archangel, who has fooled her with the tales of the Devights and has made her believe she is marked." Celestia went over to the bookshelf that held maps from all over the world. She took several that were yellow and worn with time, and placed them carefully at the table. She unrolled one and place a few weights on the sides.
"Hm, if we are going to rely on those maps we could end up in the middle of a sprawling city or in the heart of the fortress. Better to send spies so we have newer knowledge of the land." Luna said as she looked over the map.
"Why I agree that the maps are ancient, and doubtless there are more towns, cities and the like. However, Archangel will destroy Twilight if he truly believes she is marked by the monsters of myth." Celestia looked between Lakeshire and the Sanctum. If I'm wrong and she is in the Sanctum, then our only hope is to plead reason with him. Yet, that hope may be in vain.
"Very well I'll gather some..."
"No, you're to remain here and rule. I can't risk you and Twilight if he should believe even for a moment your still Nightmare Moon it could very well cost me both of you. No, I must go in peace." Celestia cut her little sister off.
"Come now, I can hold myself well enough and if I bring the pillars I doubt he would try anything," Luna said.
Celestia didn't need to think on the matter, "That would only lead to more of a risk if anything. I'll take a small host of guards, and..." Celestia sighed knowing if she even said his name the fool would appear. "And, our mutual friend who will remain nameless."
Luna looked surprised for a moment, then nodded in understanding. "Are you sure that wise?"
No, but I need somepony with ancient power who could aid me in case things should go awry. Discord for all his foolishness and games is at his full might and while not being of order he wouldn't be seen a Devight's pawn. "Sadly yes, bring an army would lead to war, being the pillars will rise too many questions, can't risk Shining Armor or Cadence. As they are too close to Twilight and could very well misspeak." Celestia said.
Luna didn't say anything for a long time. She looked at the map and seemed to think over what Celestia has said. "Fine, but if things should go awry, know that I will call upon our allies." She broke the silence at last.
"Would expect you too." Celestia paused a moment, "I'll leave the picking of my guards to you. As I'll need some time to ready a few things."
Luna still seemed a bit unsure, "Very well, is one of those things a fool?"
"Yes," Celestia replied knowing she was going to hate to summon the fool, but he would be needed. Luna left the room to attend to her tasks.
Celestia looked at the map. Long ago she had thought Archangel and Sliverfire could have been allies and friends. The Wings of Justice and the Fire of Truth, both so noble and proud, always ready to act for the greater good. Sadly the greater good was not always right, Archangel lacked mercy for mistakes, Silverfire only saw facts and not the reason behind them. She could have worked with that, but it was when she learned the truth about the constructs that any hope of even being allies with them had faded.
Had they just been animated by magic there would have been no harm in it. However, they were not made but born, had families before they were cast forever in bodies of irons, doomed to an everlasting life of servitude. Each one a soul of a pony who lived so long ago, they had put their faith in Archangel to lead them and protect them, only for that trust to be broken. It was something that Sombra would have done, it something that evil wizards seeking power would have done.
At the time she learned this she ruled alone, Luna had been on the moon for nearly two hundred years. The Crystal Empire was gone, the Griffins were her enemies and the Dragons had never been a friendly lot. She could do little, she had tried to free one, she had thought she had. However, that was a ploy, that iron pony waited, rusting till it was ready to strike.
Celestia knew it was going to be a long day in the tomorrow, and she still needed to talk with Discord. However, she could do that before she leaves in the morning, doubtless, the Lord of Chaos would appear in a washtub, or reading a book upside down. Either way, he would act as if he need to pack or come up with some kind of joke all of which Celestia didn't want to deal with this night.
The next morning Celestia sipped at her tea, as expected the Lord of Chaos had appeared in a strange fashion. Discord must have been listing last night as he appeared in a washtub reading a book upside down. However, Celestia didn't think what he would be drinking, it looked to be wine or grape juice. "So is this about our lost little Twilight?" Discord asked.
"Yes, but I'm going to guess your ears were burning last night." Celestia took a bit of breakfast, a biscuit with butter. "However, she not lost so much as with..."
"Is being held by some order-loving alicorn, who would have doubtless wished to see me smashed into a thousand tiny pieces before sending each bit of rubble to the far corners of the world." He pulled at his bread for a moment. "What was his name again... Srchangel... no, no that wasn't it. Ah, yes, Archangel with his absurd numbers of wings."
"That would be the very pony, now while he may hold contempt for you, you're also less likely to enrage him." Celestia had thought a few times of throwing him in the deepest darkest hole when he was imprisoned in stone but knew that one day she may be able to redeem him.Perhaps, the same can be done with Archangel, Celestia wondered as she took another sip of her tea.However, first I need to get out his hooves, then with luck later we can work on reforming him.
"Oh, I'm sure I could win over him over to either hating the ground I walk on or turn him into a friend. After all, I am the reformed lord of Chaos. Now, do you think the sighing tea or a tap dancing book will be better?" Discord said as he summoned forth a few bags of good, and donned a stylus suit, half yellow and the half purple.
Wonder if it too late to take Shining Armor instead, a high tempted brother may be less likely to war, plus she may reach Archon with her sanity. Celestia knew it was too late, and if she took both of them she would be unable to keep the peace. "Discord, if you could tone it down when we are there, it would be a great help. As I would like to get Twilight back without incurring the wrath of Archangel and his iron monsters.
"Fine, but that doesn't stop me from making our voyage an ever so chaotic and joyfully one." Discord replied.
Maybe war wouldn't be so bad, at least there won't be flying pies, or rain falling up. Wait, no that right Discord would still be there... Wonder if I can turn him to stone without the elements. Celestia wouldn't do it, but the thought was enjoyable at the time, as Discord was a hooffull.
Author's Note
Thought about giving this chapter a title other then chapter nine but wasn't sure if that was a good idea or not.
Twilight would sit in the Sky Garden every morning and look out into the mist. The mist was always thick and hid anything beyond the mountain. Morning, evening or night the mist remained, never once fading. It had to be a spell of some kind, Twilight knew but she couldn't understand why someone would want to keep up the spell.
The Sky Garden hung off the side of the Sanctum and was one of the few places one could fly. There were clouds for resting and looking up at the sky. Twilight would spend hours on the clouds reading, or at night making maps of the stars.
Some days she would spend time in the west wing and the library. other in the east wing with studying the artwork. Some of the art was of battles, other peaceful scenes of lakes, fields, and mountains. A few times she had stayed in her room and write out what she had learned that day or letters she wanted to send. It was there she learned she needed to work on her writing without the aid of magic.
Twilight quickly learned that despite being able to hold a small army in its walls, the Sanctum was near-abandoned. There were rooms filled with dust, with linen covering all the furniture. Her chambers had been like that, and when she had pulled the linen cover away, it had sent nearly millennium of dust into the air. Thankfully she found that her room had a window, however, opening it sent more dust into the air.
She closed the book she was reading as she heard the heavy hoofs of Archangel. It was strange to see him when he wasn't trying to remove the mark from her leg. Twilight flew down to where he was; Archangel paid her no mind as he looked out into the mist. Twilight tried to see what he was looking at, but all she saw was the endless mist. "peacefully isn't?" Archangel asked.
"In away, but it would be nice to see the land beyond."
Archangel glanced at her. "For you aye, for me it only a reminder of pain and failure."
Should I ask? Twilight thought for some time, knowing that she may not get a chance again. "Why is that?"
Archangel turned back to face the fog, for a long time he said nothing. "You have seen what lies on the other side of the mist, all the ruins, and monster in pony skins. Would you not want to hide it from your sight?" He spoke at last.
"Yes, but that wouldn't help my subjects or my kingdom," Twilight replied.
A sad smile found its way onto Archangel's face. "Your right in that; but my kingdom is better off with me leaving it be. I have fought wars, ordered the construction of castles, cities, temples and raised armies, appointed lords. Now outlaws claim ancient castles, cities are ruled by the unjust, I damned the souls of a whole legion. Oh, and those lords that I appointed are bandits in robes of silk."
"You could have turned to Celestia for help she could..."
"Could have what, done better? Show me the error of my ways? I say not, Celestia was blessed with a land of milk and honey. A land full of ponies that love her, rivals that admire her. Oh, she had her enemies but they are few, mine are many and not all of them are in plain sight." Archangel cut her off. He seemed to linger on a thought, as he waited for Twilight to respond.
What does he have against Celestia? Twilight wondered. This was nothing new, any time she brought up Celestia, Archangel would brush her off, or call her 'Celestia's Brood. The two were older then Equestria and knew spells, knowledge, and secrets that Twilight would have loved to learn. "Do you hate Celestia?"
"I..." Archangel seemed at a loss for words. "No, I don't hate her, part of me admired her at one time." He sighed, "Celestia has had an easy reign next to mine which leads my sin of envy. How nice it must have been to have even your enemies to respect you."
Twilight bit her lip as she thought, she knew Celestia reign had been anything but easy. "Her rule has not been easy, she had to face the might of King Sombra, the madness of Discord, the armies of griffins, the swarms of the changelings, lived in fear of the Dragon Lord, and banish her sister to the moon for a thousand years. So what part of that was easy."
Twilight had thought to see something in Archangel's eyes, anger, regret or anything. However, all she saw was nothing. "I concede to you those points, yet I wonder what would have happened if she was forced to live with King Sombra always at her door, or forced to kill her sister, or if her armies were in ruins and she was forced to damn them to save her ponies?"
"I don't know, but I believe she would have kept to her faith in harmony, in her ponies and herself," Twilight replied.
Archangel stood and muttered something to himself, "I'll tend to the mark at nightfall." He said before he left Twilight in the Sky Garden.
With little else to do, Twilight turned to study the three iron ponies that dwelled in the Sanctum. Old River was the one she saw the most of. He would tend to the rooms that were in use and seemed to liked having Twilight about the Sanctum. The other two were named Firesoul and Obsidianwing.
Firesoul had a garden he tended to, which was colorful. Roses of many colors, grass of the purest green, and soft, well-trimmed hedges, and an apple tree that had the sweetest apples that Twilight had ever had. Firesoul seemed friendly, but Twilight wasn't sure if that was just her projecting emotions on them or if they truly felt.
Obsidianwing would disappear for hours each day, and always came back with some new, sometimes it was a rock, other a piece of fabric. Twilight would often wait and see what Obsidianwing's prize of the day would be.
Twilight was never sure if any of the iron ponies were male or female. She had started taking note of how each acts, hoping to learn. Twilight knew fall well she could ask Archangel but that would just remove one of the few things she could do.
Near nightfall, Twilight was happily reading books in the library. Today she had picked to read myths and legends of many nations, some she had heard of before others were new. She had thought about picking something on history or magic, but she needed something to take her mind off the world. That and she had found that some myths hold truths. As she could still recall how Luna had faded into myth and legend.
Twilight would glance at her leg every now and then, sometimes she would try and find what each symbol on the mark meant. So far if there was a book or scroll on those symbols she had yet to find it. She knew that Archangel most have a forbidden library, which she doubted she would ever see. That didn't stop her from looking through Celestia's collection of tomes and scrolls in the off-limits part of the Castle library.
The mark was well below her knee now, sometimes Twilight thought she could see scars were it had been. However, when she looked closer there were none at all. She still had odd thoughts now and then, but the visits from Veritas still came in the dead of night. Twilight was still unsure if they were dreams or the spirit of a pony. She wanted to believe it was a spirit,
She had not asked Archangel if he had ever known a pony by the name of Veritas. Every time he came to work his magic in removing the mark Twilight wanted to ask. However, she would remain silent fearing that Archangel would either call her mad or not believe her. Twilight needed to steel herself and just ask, as the question burning in the back of her mind.
Twilight waited in the library for Archangel, tonight she would ask him about Veritas. She had read a few books while she waited, but she felt uneasy. The doors opened and her host entered. He wordless set about his task, his soft golden magic burning away the red mark. Without glancing up, "Do you want to know what set Celestia and I as odd with one another?" He asked.
Yes, but I need to ask about Veritas. Twilight thought. "Yes."
"It was about a thousand years ago when her sister rose up and locked away. It reeked of Devights to me, after all a Nightmare. Anyway, Celestia thought I could help her, however, she didn't like what I told her." Archangel said not once glancing up at Twilight.
"What did you tell her?"
"Simple that I would help her summon the monster back and we would slay it. Needless to say, she was less than happy with that."
No wonder he wanted to kill Luna even though they could have saved her. "Well, you did tell her to kill her sister, which friends and I saved."
"Aye, and if you had failed? How many would have died to stop her, and are you sure that is truly Luna or something playing the role of her?" Archangel shook his head. "Celestia put too much faith in those Elemental of Harmony."
"You would have done the same if you had a sibling. Even if it was only a hope that you could have saved them." Twilight said without thinking.
Archangel didn't speak he just looked at the mark, he didn't move just sat there. Twilight could see something in his eyes, it was a deep sadness mixed with rage, anger, and pain. After a felt like an hour he started to work his spell again. "Did I ever tell you one of my greatest failings? Of course not only Silverfire knows. Well, you say I would have done the same, would have risked the lives of countless on just a hope." There was an anger in his voice. "I... I killed the demon that wore the skin of my dear sweet sister, then I wipe her name form every book and scroll, from every tale that the bards sing."
Does he mean Veritas? Twilight felt a pit in her stomach. "I'm sorry I..."
"Of course you didn't know, not even your dear sweet Celestia knows. Oh, and let us not forget the spell I worked that night that truly burned my soul, the Guardians." Archangel had not once looked at her while he talked. "So go ahead call me what Celestia will once you tell her, as I know you will. Kinslayer."
Archangel had finished his spell, and Twilight could think of anything to say. Archangel stood and headed for the door without a word. He never once looked at Twilight as he shut the door and headed for central wings of the Sanctum. Once there Twilight knew he would lock himself behind the great oak doors, only to come out to work on removing the mark.
Which left Twilight to wait for whenever that would be. So she turned to the books and scroll the older the better. She knew that Archangel couldn't have wiped all mention of his sister from history, and she was going to find it. Every yellow tome and scroll could hold what she was seeking. If I can learn what happened then maybe I can help, but he has had a long time to wipe his library clean and I don't know Sliverfire. I could see if Old River, Firesoul, or Obsidianwing could send a message to him. They seemed to have free will. Twilight still wasn't sure if they did or not, but she hoped they did.
Celestia strolled along with the tell stone and wood building of Lakeshire. Some had gardens, other vines running up the side of buildings. It was an old city she knew, built before the founding of Equestria on the bank of what ponies at the time thought to be a great lake. At some point, they learned that the lake was, in fact, the sea, but never bother to change the name.
The great market square of Lakeshire was abuzz with ponies trading all manner of goods, from tea to ancient weapons the shop owner claimed to belong to some great warrior. Celestia greatly doubted that Sir High Spear had owned ten swords, some of which seemed newly forged.
Celestia had been forced to wait for members of the Twelve to arrive in the ancient city. She had hoped that Twilight would have been in Lakeshire, but as she had learned Archangel had moved his seat to the Sanctum; leaving the Twelve to deal with all matters of trade law. Celestia had wanted to set out of the Sanctum but was informed that she would need leave to pass through the land.
This had left Celestia with little to occupy her time, as she knew it foolish to try and keep Discord from spreading chaos. Part of her hoped that disorder would bring Archangel to investigate the cause, sadly it hadn't of yet. Eight Hundred years ago Archangel would have been here within a week with that glowing sword, and his zeal to bring about order. Celestia thought.
So far the Twelve seemed to be corrupt from what Celestia had seen and learned thus far. Lord Highkeep family were once slavers and had dealing with bandits, Lord Ironcreek had many opponents who disappointed or turned up dead. The other Celestia had not heard much of, however there holding were far from Lakeshire.
"Come, and let Mother Coast tell you of your future!" A stallion called out. He stood in front of a caravan wagon. The wagon had chipped paint that showed the wood beneath, two of the wheels had been replaced and had a crystal ball painted on one side.
Been some time since I have seen a traveling fortune teller. Celestia thought, Conponies who tell you what you want to hear, wonder if this one tells mares that they will meet a prince, and stallions they will be rich or great warriors. She laughed to herself.
As Celestia and her guards passed the wagon an old mare peaked out the window. There was something was unsettling about the old mare, It could have been how the old mare's eyes were nearly white or the way they followed Celestia. The old mare didn't say a word to Celestia as she passed.
In the afternoon Celestia was summoned before the Twelve. Their hall was the largest building in the city. Marble walls crowned in silver and gold, tell ancient statues of the original members stood at the entrance of the building. There was a line of ponies waited to be heard, as they had been every day she had come. A few of the nobles had tried to woo Celestia as she waited.
In the meeting, the hall was a table on a platform, with thirteen chairs. The center was empty and most likely was meant for Archangel or Silver if they should wish to take in the running of the kingdom. Lords Highkeep and Ironcreek set in the chairs nearest the center, with Lords Loch, Kinhill, Goldshire, Rapid, Feathers, Joyous, Fireside, Rosehill, Coppereye, and Dragonbane seemingly to be seated in whichever chair was opened when they arrived. All take note of Celestia, but none seemed too pleased to see her.
It was a good hour before she was called forward, "Queen Celestia of Equestria," Lord Highkeep said.
Celestia stepped up to the Twelve, she found them a mix of annoyed and curious. "Thank you, your lordships."
"We understand that you seek to leave to pass through our lands," Highkeep said.
"Yes, unless Archangel sees fit see me here," Celestia said, doing her best to smile.
Highkeep leaned back in his chair, "Sadly his grace rare leave the Sanctum those days, and the roads to the Sanctum are perilous for even a highborn with guards, let alone an alicorn mare. Just the thought of you being taken by those outlaws fills my heart with dread." Highkeep placed a hoof over his heart and feigned emotion.
I could use a glamor spell and order my ship to depart, but getting Discord to play along could be tricky. Celestia thought, knowing it could be easier and cheaper than getting leave from those ponies. "I can ensure you that my guards are more than able to deal with some outlaws."
"That maybe, but we can't take the risk you should fall into their hooves. I mean even his grace could only deal with some many, and let not forget that they would seek to get some halfbreeds out of you." Lord Ironcreek added in.
Well, knew they would play that card. I wonder if Archangel is fully aware of the kind of ponies ruling his kingdom? "I'm fully aware of the risk, but I can ensure that I would be in no danger." Celestia smiled, "Oh, and let not forget I would be most grateful to you for allowing me to cross your lands as it is most important that I speak with Archangel."
"That very well and good, but I am afraid we simply can't allow it. Just the tradeless if something should befall would ruin our market, let alone what your sister would do." Lord Highkeep spoke again, as other whispered between themselves.
"Surely there must be a way, perhaps you could grant me an escort."
There was a whisper between the twelve. Highkeep cleared his throat before he spoke. "We could grant you one, however, what do we have to gain from it?"
Knew it would turn to gold. "I'm sure a thankful queen would lead to far trade treaties, perhaps a reward," Celestia said being careful with her words.
The Twelve talk amongst themselves, Celestia knew they would be eager to gain as they could out of this. It seemed to take an hour before they came to agree on the matter; all the while Celestia sat and waited. "This is most agreeable, but you forgive us we will need to draw up the agreement. Not to say we doubt your word, but we have dealt with many honest ponies who forget their promises."
In other words we don't trust you and want a way to shame if you should try and change the agreement. Celestia mused. "That is very fair, as I would not want to forget something agreed upon." It going to take hours to read the fine plaint, as they are fully aware of three unmarried royals and doubtless several of the nobility. That and best to make sure they are not undercutting other trade partners, however, I fear I may have to give in on some matters for now.
"Very good, Lord Ironcreek and Kinhill will have it done by the morrow," Highkeep said.
"Very well, then I will be back in the morning," Celestia said.
Aborad the Solerwind, Discord had set about making singing tea and changing the laws of gravity in the royal cabin. Celestia had thought it would have been worse, but this was tame next to what she had imaged. How does Fluttershy deal with him every week. I feel the need to pull my mane out within an hour of dealing with Discord.
"Ah, your back. Do you have any idea how to deal it is here?" Discord took a sip of his teacup. "I mean it is hard to spread proper chaos when you can bearly leave the ship, and don't get me started on this sinister chaos about."
"Hm, I thought you love all forms of chaos." Celestia pulled a chair back down to the floor of the cabin.
"Oh, just like you like Sombra's ideas for unity?" Discord said.
Celestia was about to argue but just sighed. "Fair point, what is so sinister?"
Discord smiled, "Oh, haven't you seen it. The way ponies live in fear, how they are ruled by corrupt ponies? How about the talk of slavers, bandits and all manner of outlaws."
"I have been dealing with that for the past two weeks. So hard not to take note of." Celestia took hold of a teacup and the teapot pouring herself a cup.
Discord laughed, "Oh, yes. Tell me have they made you sell half of Equestria to just so we can rescue Twilight from a pony, who is what again." He pulled on his beard. "Right, has been letting her send letters, giving her run his library, oh and is trying to free her from dark magic."
"He is manipulating her, trying to convince her that Devights are real," Celestia said.
"Oh yes, just like ponies made of shadows, nightmares, the crystal empire, dark unicorns and countless other things she has dealt with." Discord poured himself another cup of tea. "Surely you of all ponies should have interest if those myths as you call them are real or not." Discord laughed, "Oh, and let not forget you're talking to a being of pure chaos."
Why does he have to make sense at times. Still, he doesn't know what Archangel is like, even if Devights are real, Archangel is more likely to removed Twilight's head then risk her becoming one. The thought of receiving Twilight's bones with a note of remorse of failing to save her from corrupt passed through Celestia's mind. "I'll just feel happier when we have Twilight back, and I'm sure whatever spell he trying to remove. I'm sure Luna and I are more than able to also remove as well." Not like there two of us or anything, and let not forget we know other powerful sorcerers and mages.
