Freelance

Ataris Fennal knew not to keep a potential client waiting. Same could be said for a meeting with Equestria's rulers. He picked his pace up as the castle gates came into view. Two guards stood apost on either side of the massive oak doors. They crossed their weapons as he approached.

"State your business, citizen." One guard barked. Ataris rolled his eyes and gave them a scroll with the royal seal adorning the piece of parchment. Their weapons parted as they allowed him passage. He walked in, his sword and armor clinking together in rhythm with each step. The sound bounced off every wall of the antechamber to the throne room. Standing a few feet above the floor itself, sat two thrones, both empty. He stared at the royal seats and took in the details. Celestia's was made of a lighter wood color, adorned in gold scrollwork on the sides and up to its peak. Luna's stood a foot shorter than her sister's but was nonetheless lacking in detail. The darker wood was a sharp contrast to that of its partner. Black scrollwork was barely made out, save for the glittery shine that made it all the more beautiful. A sun and moon adorned the top of each throne. These were the seats of power.

Ataris' gaze was interrupted by a shorter, skinnier looking fellow, with unkempt blond hair, and glasses perched at the edge of his nose. No matter how many times he saw this young squire, he always looked flustered.

"The princesses request your presence. This way please." The squire spoke with a somewhat nasally voice. He gestured for him to follow. Ataris nodded and followed him to a room not far from the main hall itself. The squire knocked on the door.

"Princesses, the one you requested is here." The squire nervously puttered out.

"Send him in." A more authoritive voice  said beyond the door. The squire pushed the door open and bowed. Sitting at a small table were the royal sisters. "That will be all squire." Celestia spoke. Her tone was gentle, yet firm. The squire nodded and made a rapid exit.

"Please, have a seat." Luna offered. Though somewhat shorter than her older sister, she was all the more striking and beautiful.

"Thanks, I'll stand." Ataris never moved.

Celestia shrugged. "Very well. Do you know why you have been summoned?"

'Your letter was lacking some detail in that department." Ataris said.

"We have a job for you, Master Fennal." Celestia brought several files into view. Ataris walked over and picked one up.

"Your student. And her friends, the bearers. Why show me this?"

Luna spoke up. "We believe that they may be in some sort of danger."

"What kind of danger?"

"We are not sure. This could all be a simple prank, but we fear it's not." Celestia slid another paper into the pile. Pieces of newspaper were cut up into letters to form a rather threatening letter.

Your precious bearers will meet their end. Then, so will you.

Ataris cocked an eyebrow. "Quite a creative sort I see. When did you receive this letter?"

"Just this morning." Celestia said. "Which is why we had called you hear for this."

"My sister and I have heard a lot about you Master Fennal. Ex military, tops in your class, and quite the sword master." Luna said.

"Spare me the compliments. What do you want me to do?"

Celestia took a sip of tea. "We need you to find whoever sent this, and bring him here."

"Well, that narrows it down to, lets see..." He counted on his gloved fingers. "All of Equestria. How solid is this threat?"

Celestia bristled at the tone, but kept her cool. "As impossible as that may be, it is my belief that whoever sent this means to do real harm. I refuse to sit by as one of my little ponies gets hurt."

"And how do you expect me to find him? Ataris asked.

"Well, as a cover for finding this one who has sent this letter, you will be acting a student of friendship."

Ataris paused, looking balefully at the sun goddess. "Is that really the best you got as a cover?"

Celestia frowned. "Do you have a better story?"

Ataris shrugged. "When do I start?"

Luna chimed in this time. "You start now. And worry not about your pay. You will be rewarded your weight in gold." A guard came and brought a bag in. He put it down and it spilled over, revealing the contents. Gold, and a lot of it.

Ataris nodded. "Have it here waiting for me. I will pick it up when the job is done." With that, he turned on heel and headed out.

"Master Ataris, one more thing." Luna spoke after him. He stopped. "Please, try not to get involved with them."

Ataris turned, his eyebrow cocked. "Involved?"

Celestia frowned more. "Yes, involved. Try to keep it in your pants."

He chuckled and walked out. "No promises." He said as the door shut.

Ataris made his way to the station, taking in the sights around him. He wondered how long he would have to keep up this shtick. A student Celestia, really? Wanna talk about cliché. He took a breath and kept moving. The longer he waited to start, the longer the job took. And he had other ways of spending his time.

The train ride was a long one, and he took every opportunity to sleep. He settled into his seat and leaned his head against the glass. He drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes. The train halted, jolting him awake. He looked around as the conductor called out the stop for Ponyville. Ataris stood and hitched up his bag and wandered out of the car. Oh what awaited him here, he wondered. He made his way to the center of town.

"Now, if I were a student, where would I be?" He looked around as he walked. "Ow!" He yelped as he slammed into a cart. Some of the carts contents spilled under his feet, causing him to land flat on his back. He looked up into the sun in a blurred daze. A figure drifted into view. He squinted up at the figure.

"You ok, stranger? How many fingers do I got?" The figure spoke in a drawl. It held up two fingers.

"Ugh... four?" He groaned as his vision slowly came back.

"Eh, close enough sugar cube." The figure hauled him up to his feet. "Sorry about bumpin' into y'all like that."

Ataris waved it off. "I wasn't paying any attention anyway. Lemme get that." He stooped down and picked up some apples and replaced them back to the cart. "Names Ataris, by the way." He held a hand out.

The cowboy hat wearing figure took it and gave him a firm handshake. For a female, she sure had a grip, but what could you expect from the resident farmer. "Applejack."

He smiled, but then pointed. "Wait, aren't you one of Twilight Sparkle's friends?"

She nodded "Y'all got business with her?"

He apted her nod. "I do. Actually, it has to do with you all."

Her gaze became one of suspicion. "Is it bad?"

He looked around. "Maybe best not to talk here. Where can I find her?"

Applejack pushed her cart toward the farm. "Tell ya whut, lemme get this here cart back to mah farm and we'll round em all up."

Ataris nodded. "Sounds good to me. Lead the way."

Applejack nodded and hauled her wares back home. Ataris wondered how this one would play out. This might be the easiest one yet. But what job is ever easy? He was gonna soon find out that he spoke way too soon.

-End Chapter-