Dance Under Star Kismet

Chapter 2 - Puppets

The rain ceased in the evening, leaving a fresh scent in the air. Dawn flapped her wings in a snap to rid of most water weighing down her feathers. The hall was warm compared to the outside, but it was kind of too stuffy for Dawn. She unlatched some of the windows to let some air in. It took a few minutes for Dawn to feel the breeze flow through the windows.

On the way to her room, in the north tower, she saw no pony. No maids, no guards, no scholars. She wondered where they all went. Her gut felt strange, she felt some pony or something was watching her. Exiting the main palace to the rear courtyard, pass two twin guard towers, she took a right. A fountain on her lift and hedges on her right. At the end of the hedges she made a left and straight ahead was her tower. It overlooked the vast northern land with no visible villages or cities. Dawn slipped climbing up the stairs, scraping her right knee. She winced at the sharp pain, then it faded away. She cursed the scrape and continued up.

At the top of the staircase was a Hybrid Changeling, Hex, an old friend...well, more of an acquaintance to Dawn. Hex had the body and abilities of a normal Changeling, but no loyalty to the Changeling Queen. The only thing that could be used to tell Hex from his other two identical siblings, at first glance, were his eyes. They were yellow. Small scars on his chest and sides were what made his stand out. He was not ashamed of them. He wore his scars as a badge of honor.

"Good evening, Princess." Hex said in a monotone low voice. He was staring off into space.

"Good evening, Hex. How long has it been since we've last spoken?"

"One year." He replied still monotone.

"You've been well?"

"Yes, seems like you have been too."

"Fog and Polar?"

Hex sighed, "Gone. Dead." His tone changed, "Killed by a group of Greybacks."

Dawn saw Hex's sadness on his face, "I'm sorry to hear that."

"I killed every last one of them. Damn beasts." Greybacks are a vicious species of lizards. Not only did their size strike fear in most who came across their paths, their claws, and teeth also did. Their coordination with each other made them even more deadly.

Dawn walked to his left side, "I trust you made them suffer."

"Dearly, Princess."

"Mm, now I must ask, will you be willing to be one of my personal guards, Hex?"

"As one who has sworn to protect you and your kin, but abandoned that duty, I will."

"You were let go of that promise, you don't have to."

"Yes, I still feel I have a debt to pay though."

"Feel free to stay as long as it takes for you to pay that bill."

"Thank you, Princess."

"It's been good to see you again, Hex. Now if you'll excuse me I have to get some rest." She tilted her head to him as she walked away.

"I will make myself useful." Hex bowed in return and leaped off the edge of the stairs and flew off.

The next day

It was morning, just a couple hours before noon and the first guests have already arrived at the castle's main gates. The first to arrive were friends from Reiner, formerly known as Fort Reiner, Holt and Mirage. They came early to spend as much time with Dawn as possible before others arrived.

Mirage bowed to Dawn, approaching with a light smile, "Princess, what a lovely day it is." Holt didn't bow as he didn't see a need for him to, he felt like he was Dawn's uncle.

"Why yes it is. The rain just passed over yesterday." They wrapped each other's forelegs around one another. Dawn turned her attention to Holt, "Holt, long time no see."

"Too long it feels like. Show us in will you."

"Of course, right this-" as Dawn spun around she saw Cloudfire and another stallion eyeing her, silently calling for her attention. "Excuse me, guard please show our guests what there is too see." The castle guard complied and led Holt and Mirage into the castle. Dawn trotted to Cloudfire, "What is it?"

"Everything is in place, Princess. We have Daggers inspecting the Peacekeepers and we doubled the security on Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as a precaution."

"Alright, and what's your role in this, Gardok?" Dawn asked.

He replied, "Fortunately for you, your personal guard."

"You know I don't need one."

"It's for appearances. Without security The Painter could just walk right up to you, with they'd have to coordinate, possibly with others." Cloudfire exclaimed. A castle guard came trotting to them at a hurried pace.

"A pack of four Iron Wolves, sir." The young stallion was panting.

"Just in time. Bring them to me." Cloudfire ordered. The stallion turned around and ran down the road away from the castle.

Dawn was curious, "Why the Wolves?"

"I have a few friends that are willing to help us flush out The Painter." The Wolves appeared on the horizons, their large silhouettes were very distinct. The average Iron Wolf stood a head taller than an adult stallion and their paws were the size of dinner plates. "This group is particularly special. Looked down upon by their own race, but the Iron Wolves have never been so lucky to have them."

"They sound like quite the group. I can't wait."

Dawn took her place at the top of the stairs in the castle. Cloudfire at the castle's front gates with the Iron Wolves and trusted Thorned Cloak warriors, like Gardok. The Peacekeepers were arriving. They didn't know for sure if the Painter was one of the Peacekeepers or one of the guests, but they had to be sure.

As the columns of Peacekeepers started to pour into the front gates, the Iron Wolves were discreetly sniffing them for the scent of blood. The first squad of Peacekeepers smelled free of blood, but there was an individual that was a bit nervous. Routine security should've been nothing to worry about, right? They pulled him away along with three other Peacekeepers to avoid singling him out.

His name was Julien. One of the most senior members of the Peacekeepers. He had a family and had been loyal to Dawn and the other princesses. He was also a skilled unicorn warrior, he was a dangerous suspect. Cloudfire reminded them of their job today and noticed that Julien's pupils were darting back and forth in his eyes. Cloudfire dismissed the group but signaled Gardok, who was at the castle steps, to keep an eye on him with a flick of his wing.

Another group of Peacekeepers walked in and Harmony, one of the Iron Wolves, made a low growl. Her muzzle was pointed at mare. Her ears pointed straight up as she was about to pounce. Then she got her attention diverted to another Peacekeeper in the column. "Alpha, that mare reeks of blood."

"I know. She appears harmless, her greatest weapon." Alpha responded. The two suspected mares and the column trotted passed them. All the Peacekeepers have been accounted for. Alpha and Harmony stayed by the gates.

"And the other one. She smells of blood too."

"Don't do anything reckless, Harmony. Or else they may never find out who their Painter is."

"Their way is too damn slow." Harmony said angrily.

Alpha growled, "This is the opportunity for you to learn how to be patient. You're impatience will not serve you well, Harmony." Harmony scoffed and walked to the side of the the castle, disappearing into the shrubs. Alpha sighed, "Still a pup."

Dawn saw the waves of Peacekeepers and her heart began to race. "Where are you, Painter?" She was so fixed on trying to eye a potential suspect that she didn't notice her invited guest, Dali. She actually made Dawn jump. Dawn panted, "Geez you could've at least called for me."

Dali chuckled, "I did. You didn't hear I guess. How's your morning, Princess?"

"You look beautiful and quite well. Yours?"

"Likewise and so do you. I notice your mane has been well done. So when are we gonna talk to some of the leaders?"

"Unfortunately not today."

"Huh, why not?"

"I don't wanna lie to you so let me be clear." Dawn pulled Dali away from the guards standing by their side and whispered, "It is not safe here. It's best you stay next by Cloudfire."

"All do respect, Princess, no."

"Alright, not my fault if you get hurt now." They returned to their position.

"Haha, I'll still blame you for not stopping me."

Cloudfire was walking up the stairs, "Princess, I'm pleased to inform you that your guests have arrived. They wish to see you." Cloudfire walked back down the stairs and waited.

Dawn and Dali slowly trotted down the stairs, "Guests?" Dali asked.

"You'll see." They met up with Cloudfire who was crowded by Griffons, they were very anxious to speak with Dawn. "Good morning."

"Anything but good, Princess." Snarled a Griffon.

"Of course not." Dawn replied, she looked to her right and saw an old griffon. "Commander Talon, I didn't expect you here."

"You failed to have your trades delivered to us." She said.

"I believe you've been misinformed, Commander. I had them-"

"Ha, this isn't the first time either. I am not here to socialize. Return our weapons or send us double of what you failed to deliver." Talon stepped up to Dawn, she was a head taller than her, "This is the last time I will tolerate your incompetence."

"Don't try anything you'll regret."

"I regret nothing."

"Except flying blind."

Talon growled loudly and looked Dawn dead in the eye, "Watch your tongue!" The guests around them stepped back. Talon straightened up and tried to appear calm, "This is the last time." She stormed out the castle.

Peacekeepers closed in on Dawn, Dali felt a chill in her spine and backed away from Dawn without saying a word. In the group of 7 Peacekeepers was Julien and one of the other suspects. Dawn saw Julien slowly reach for his sword and as soon as he had it attached to his foreleg Dawn shot a spell at him. Julien deflected it and charged for Dawn, but was held back by the others. Four Peacekeepers escorted Dawn away from Julien who was still fighting back. He casted a spell that pushed others away from him violently and appeared in front of Dawn.

"Stop! You don't have to do this." Dawn cried out to him.

With tears in his eyes, he replied, "I have to." The corners of him mouth started to rise into a smile, it seemed like he was fighting it. He lunged, Dawn slipped to the side and he missed. One of her escorts tackled him and held him down, he smashed part of Julien's horn. Her escorts continued to find her a place for safety.

Before she knew it Dawn was in a broom closet. She walked to the back of the room and looked into the wall panting. She closed her eyes to relax. She felt a presence in the room. She opened her eyes and looked up, "Which one of you is The Painter?" She said. She turned around and saw two stallion unicorns and one mare earth equine. The two stallions looked at each and looked confused, the mare was calm. "Her!" One of them shouted, in lightning speed the mare went from one side of the room to the other. The horns of the stallions fell off and they screamed in agony. She was gonna finish them off, but Dawn said, "Enough."

The mare put her hoof on the floor and looked at Dawn, "Shut them up." She said, the two stallion had their tongues torn out and throats crushed, it was silent, "Hello, Princess." And turned to her.

"Painter." Dawn wasn't nervous at all. She felt something familiar about the Painter, her eerie resemblance to Lacoden.

She chuckled, "I'm flattered by that title. My name is Ersatel."

"Nice to finally meet you, Ersatel."

"Oh, I am not so sure it's nice for you. More...unpleasant? I'm assuming."

"No, nice. Though I am upset that Julien turned on me."

"Julien, a fine stallion he is. He was forced too so don't be so hard in him. His family was my guillotine."

"You exposed his weakness. Smart."

"Personally, I'd call it a strength. They're the reason why he's so good at fighting."

"Ersatel, correct?" Ersatel nodded. "Why're you here?"

"You have something that doesn't belong to you."

"And that is?"

"It makes you special. Let me just say that. Should be obvious enough." Dawn stared at her with a straight face, "Why don't you use your wings? I've noticed you don't use them for flight. It's a gift to be given the ability of magic and flight. Earth Equines have no such thing. If I were you I wouldn't set a hoof on the ground again."

"I haven't had a need for them."

"Everything you need is right here so I guess I can buy that. Do you have any family?"

Dawn felt uneasy about the question, but stayed at ease, "All dead."

She chuckled, "Explains a lot. Farewell, Princess. We'll meet again soon enough." The Painter have a deep bow and trotted out the door and disappeared. Then the door opened again, a Peacekeeper looked through. The Peacekeeper looked surprised, then in shock. He called to the others and had the bodies carried away.

Later that same day, the castle was again dead silent. The guests have left and security was more heavy. Julien was taken in for interrogation by Cloudfire and Gardok, Dawn observed. The stone room one lamp in the corner and one iron door. This room was created to hold unicorn prisoners. Within it the only magic that could be performed was from Dawn and whoever she allowed.

"Who else was there?" Cloudfire asked.

"I don't know. There was just only one of them I swear!" Julien was beaten and restrained with magic.

"Earth Equines can't perform magic, Julien!"

"Please! Go to my family! They're in danger!"

"Cloudfire, enough. Take a break." Dawn ordered, she removed Julien's restraints and Cloudfire left the room, "You aren't going anywhere understand me?" Dawn scolded to Julien. "I will personally check on them, but if I return to see you are not here or causing trouble you will be killed. Gardok, come along. I could use some company." Gardok closed the door behind them and walked down the hall to Cloudfire, "Feed him, make sure he's well. I will have have him released in the morning."

Cloudfire tried to speak, "But-"

"Stop. Just do as I say."

"As you wish."

"Gardok is coming with me to check on his family. Have a good night, Cloudfire." Cloudfire nodded. He called some guards over, Dawn and Gardok took their leave.

On their way out Gardok said, "You don't seem all too shaken up."

"About Julien?"

"No, about your encounter with the Painter."

"Oh, well I knew she wasn't gonna hurt me, she's saving me for her mentor or somepony of that relation."

"Still not nervous. I don't get you sometimes."

"If you ever tango with enemies as strong as Lord Excaelum, which I hope you don't, you'll understand. Nothing seems to scare you after that." They exited the castles front gates and boarded Dawn's personal carriage. "Take us to the town's fountain please. " The stallions began their trot toward Lalifong. Gardok closed the enchanted curtains of the carriage, making their conversation mute to the outside, but still allowing them to hear it.

"I don't plan on fighting dragons anytime soon, especially not him."

"Oh?" Dawn looked him in the eye, she knew he was hiding something.

"Um, well, rumor has it that the reason dragon are so rarely sighted now is because of him. He's killing them."

Dawn scoffed, "No, he's a dear friend of mine, my family. He won't do such a thing unless he had to."

"With all do respect, Princess, but you haven't seen him in almost a decade. A lot can happen in that time."

"That's very true. But I doubt those rumors are true."

It was silent for a few moments, "What of Julien's family, Princess? Should they be questioned?"

Dawn took a moment to answer, "If you were the Painter and you got what you needed by using Julien's family would you keep them alive after you've got what you wanted?"

"Um, I suppose not. You don't think they're alive?"

"Now why is that?"

Gardok felt a little uncomfortable, "They'd be loose ends."

"Exactly. No, I don't think they're alive. I believe the Painter killed them as soon as she got the chance."

"Princess, what will you do if you've met an enemy as strong as yourself?"

Dawn was stricken by that question, "What're you getting at?"

"You said the Painter is saving you for her mentor. What if that mentor is as strong as you are? They must be bold enough to make that kind of move on you."

"Hmm, I failed to mention how the other two guards were killed have I?" One of the stallions pulling the carriage said that they were almost to the fountain.

"The Painter did it, didn't she? Tongues ripped out, throats crushed."

"Yes, but she told somepony to do that. A unicorn we have yet to come across did it. I believe she saw what the Painter saw through her eyes. Pair magic. That's the only way the broom closet could've appeared empty to you when you checked. In order to do that you have to have a visual of what the room looks like to have it work."

"You sound like a filly at the candy shop talking about magic, you know."

"Well, I think the Painter has a skilled friend, or friends, that may pose as a challenge. Magic is very interesting." It was about ten minutes before they felt the carriage stop. "We're here." Gardok opened the door and stepped out first and held it open for Dawn. Dawn thanked the stallions for pulling her carriage. The town was sleepy. Not many equines out or lamps lit. Probably because it was almost midnight. "Which way, Gardok?"

"Follow me." Gardok led Dawn four buildings away from the carriage, "If memory serves me well, this should be it." He noticed light coming from inside, "His wife is awake at least." He knocked on the door. It opened with a skinny mare standing in the doorway.

"Hello there." The mare said. Her voice didn't sound normal to Gardok. And Dawn felt magic around her.

Gardok said, "Free, good-"

"Step back!" Dawn yelled. The mare's body fell over and a long red cut running along her neck started to appear. Gardok jumped out of his skin and the carriage stallions ran over. "I'll check inside." The carriage stallion arrived, "Don't come in. That's an order." Dawn entered the house and noticed an awful stench almost instantly. She used her wing to cover her muzzle, took a glance at the stairs right at the entrance of the door and continued to scrutinize the room. She looked to the walls and noticed blood. It made a character in ancient equine.

Dawn didn't understand it. Then she heard the stairs creak. She looked up and saw a young filly covered in blood. It said, "Princess..." It fell down the stairs and Dawn took a few steps back. Again the body had a long red mark begin to appear on its throat. She was so disgusted by the body, it had a skin of another filly on top of it. She stepped out the door and felt sick to her stomach.

"The kids?" Gardok asked, Dawn pointed to the stairs and he peered inside and saw them. "What the?!" He almost threw up, "I don't suppose you know what kind of magic that is?"

"None that I know of."