A Wish Before Midnight

A Wish Before Midnight

Chapter 2 – A Tale Begins

“The moon’s time in the sky had ended, and soon, the sun would rise to take its place.” Cedric begins. “Our Princess would soon bring daylight to the land, just as she had done every morning before. And, within the walls of her majesty’s royal castle, a special ceremony was to be had. A ceremony that would change three ponies’ lives for the rest of their days. . . Their rise to knighthood."

The sun peers over the mountain tops far on the horizon. The birds awaken and stir, fluttering in groups out from their homes in the trees to soar in the violet sky. The land is illuminated by the sun's lively rays as ponies, village to village, awaken in their beds to trot and peer out their bedroom windows; so that they too can gaze out at the sun’s magnificence. Within moments of the sun’s rising, villages and cities become vibrant with life, as every pony gallops in the dirt roads to begin their day.

Playing and conversing with their many neighbors and friends, they gaze to the source, the very reason the sun is able to thrive. The center of the Kingdom of Equestria, Canterlot Mountain, the home of the angelic Princesses themselves. Their throne, a castle that can scrape the very bottom of the passing clouds, a symbol that stands for everything good in their kingdom. Just gazing at it can fill anypony’s heart with pride, and joy.

Inside the regal monument, the Goddess of the Sun stands at the very edge of her balcony. A beautiful, white Pegasus adorned with a gem-encrusted crown and golden shoes. Her head held high, and horn aglow; her elegant wings outstretched as far as they can, her long, flowing, multi-colored mane, and her eyes gently closed so that she may remain in the deepest phase of concentration. As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, turning the sky’s violet to a rich blue, the Goddess’ horn emanates a golden hue, shimmering with sparkles of white light. The sun halts, and the Princess rests her mind, opening her eyes so that she too can gaze and bathe in the sun’s glory. “Your majesty. . .” A voice softly calls from behind her. She turns her head to find one of her loyal knights standing in the middle of the doorway to her balcony.

“Yes, my knight?” asks Princess Celestia.

“Your newest knights are ready for their ceremony.”

“Yes, of course. . . Have our Knights of Harmony returned from their trip to the Everfree Forest?”

“I’m afraid not your majesty.”

“Very well. We mustn’t keep them waiting. Let us go.” The Princess and the knight leave the balcony, descending down to the castle’s main hall where their thrones reside. The windows inside the hall are high near the ceiling, leaving the bottom half in shadows. There, a lineup of three ponies dressed in their proper Equestrian knight attire, awaits. Their plated armor, the same as the knight beside the Princess, is golden, and their features are nearly hidden by the shadows. They stand with their chests puffed, and faces emotionless. At the sight of their rulers, they salute. “At ease, soldiers.” She begins. “And please, relax yourselves. This is a moment where your hearts can beat steadily. There is no need to be so stoic. Go on, take a breath.” Each of the three ponies breathe out, and ease the tension they’ve put on their legs. “Now, let us begin your ceremony to knighthood. Would the first in line please stand under the light?” The first pony steps to the center of the room where a veil of light is cast down from the ceiling, cutting through the shadows. Atop is a stained, glass window cast in the shape of the sun, painted orange and red. Enveloped in the rays of colors, the soldier looks on as the Princess stands before him. Everything about him is then illuminated, all except his mane which is hidden under his helmet just like the others. His steel-blue coat is now visible, along with his magenta eyes, as well as his rather thin physique when compared to the other two in the lineup. “Steadfast, soldier of the fifth regime.”

“Your majesty,” says Steadfast, as he kneels before her.

“It is quite an impressive feat you’ve accomplished. Making it all this way at such a young age. In fact, if my memory serves me right, the youngest that’s ever attended this ceremony. I can tell you’ve given your life to your career. ‘That’ is most admirable.”

“Thank you, your majesty.”

“You show so much promise, and I truthfully believe that with strength such as yours, in both heart and sword, many others will be inspired to follow your lead. I hereby dub you: Steadfast, Knight of the Sun.” Princess Celestia bows, and touches the tip of her enlarged horn to the top of Steadfast’s helmet. “Congratulations, Knight Steadfast, would you please rejoin your fellow comrades?”

“Yes, your majesty,” he says as he returns to the lineup.

“Would the next soldier please stand under the light?” The next pony then takes Steadfast’s place. A mare, who’s coat is of a vanilla color, and rich, yellow eyes. “Ah, yes, Arina, Member of the Royal Guard.”

“Your majesty,” says Arina as she kneels before her.

“I remember the day you first joined the Royal Guard, t’was so long ago. I could tell you’ve pushed yourself through great lengths to reach this moment. I must first express my pride in you for not letting your dream go. Your will is not so easily broken.”

“Thank you, your majesty.”

“Not only that, but I do not see very many mares attempting to put such time and effort into their career such as you. That alone is quite impeccable. You will become a role model for many other fillies who yearn to follow in your steps. Which is why I hereby dub you: Arina, Knight of the Sun.” Princess Celestia takes a bow, and touches her horn to Arina’s helmet. “Congratulations, Knight Arina. You may rejoin your fellow comrades.”

“Yes, your majesty. Thank you,” she says, returning to the lineup.

“And lastly, Bronze, Member of the Edge Royal Family.” The stallion leaves the lineup, and kneels before her. The light illuminating his coffee-brown coat, and shimmering off of his forest-green eyes.

“Your majesty,” he says.

“Bronze, son of Marigold and Silver Edge. I must say, it brings me so much joy to have the son of one of my most valiant knights finally become a part of this ceremony. I had in fact dreamt of it quite some time, as I could see the very image of your Father in your eyes when you were just a foal. However, I began to assume you had no interest in the idea of knighthood. I am ready to admit I was very much mistaken. You had risen through the ranks at a stunning rate. I’m sure your Mother must be very proud of your progress, and I’m sure your Father would show you just the same pride. . . I do hope my mentioning of your Father hasn’t caused you any sort of discomfort.”

“Of course not, your majesty.”

“Splendid. Then I hereby dub you: Bronze, Knight of the Sun.” She then touches the top of his helmet with her horn. “Congratulations, Knight Bronze. You may now rejoin your fellow knights.” Bronze returns to the lineup, and both Princesses stand before them. “As honorary Knights of the Sun, each of you must be ready for battle whenever you may be called upon. And remember, you represent what it means to be a part of the highest ranking knights possible. Each of you must now take a vow, to swear your loyalty to the monarchy, and to serve your kingdom with honor. Do I have your vows?”

In unison, the knights make their vows. “I vow my loyalty to the monarchy, and to serve my kingdom with honor.”

“Thank you, my knights. . . Well now, after all this excitement, I’m sure the three of you must have worked up an appetite. Follow me, I have a surprise for you all.” The three of them follow curiously behind the Princess and her knight down a series of red-carpeted halls. Upon reaching a giant, ornate door, everypony halts as the Princess’ horn begins to glow. The door is highlighted by the golden glow, and is slowly pushed open via the sheer strength of the Princess’ magic. As soon as the door is completely open, the Princess raises her hoof to present the room. “Welcome, my knights, to the dining hall.” Inside is a long table fit to seat many guests, and in their seats, are other knights adorned in the same armor as the three of them.

“Welcome, knights!” They all cheer as they raise their cups. The three, new knights, smile and proceed to gape in awe. Every window in the room is a stained glass depiction of royal figures and symbols nearly filling the entire room with color. Above the dining table, hangs a glass chandelier. The light bounces off of it and across the room giving it such a heavenly glow.

“Please, join us!” one of the knights calls.

“Yes, please do,” another knight adds. “We’ve been brimming with excitement to meet the newest additions to our regiment.”

“Go on ahead and sit with your new, fellow knights. I had hoped that my Knights of Harmony would be here to greet you three as well,” says the Princess.

“You mean, ‘the’ Knights of Harmony?” Steadfast asks in surprise.

“Indeed, however, it would seem they’re still out on important matters. They should return soon. Once they do, I will be sure all of you are introduced. Until then, please, have a seat amongst your fellow Knights of the Sun.”

“Yes, your majesty,” they say in unison.

The three knights join them at the dining table. Each and every one of them conversing, laughing, and learning about one another. “So, Steadfast, is it?” One of the knights asks. His voice is jolly and inviting, the same goes for the smile on his face, joined by the curly, orange beard stretch from the bottom of his ears across his chin.

“Yes, sir,” says Steadfast.

The knight chuckles. “There is no need to refer to me as ‘sir’. As of today, you and I are of the same status. Neither of us is more important than the other, we each share the same thread that holds this cloth together. Simply call me, Venice.”

“Ah, yes, understood.”

“So, the youngest member of our band of knights. Quite impressive indeed at your age. I remember, back when I was that age, I was still getting bashed by my trainers and smacked about with training weapons!” Venice laughs. “But no . . . you’ve somehow managed to pull it off. How did you do it?”

“It’s just . . . something I’ve wanted since my early childhood. I remember the first day my Grandfather took me on a trip to Canterlot Mountain. When I saw the Royal Guards patrolling the streets, and others taking off into the sky with their golden chariots to carry out their duties, I immediately was interested. From there, I wanted to learn more about their history. I wanted to learn about those who had their names engraved in history as warriors, as heroes. And, then I hoped that one day I could join them.”

“Well, Steadfast, I’d say that you are already well along that path. Considering you climbed your way to this spot, to bear that armor, and to sit amongst us; you should believe that you shall indeed join those names. I can already see the true knight in you.”

“Thank you, sir—Vince! Vince . . . I do apologize.”

“No worries, in time, all of this will begin to feel like home to you. . . Now, Bronze Edge.”

“Hm? Oh, yes, Sir Vince?”

“I’ve noticed you haven’t yet touched a spec of the meal prepared on your plate, are you feeling troubled?”

“No, of course not. I’m just not quite hungry, is all.”

“Well, I hope not. This is a time for celebration, and a gathering of new friends, not for sour thoughts. Anyway, I had never once dreamt that the ‘Edge’ family name would ever leave my lips again. And yet here you are, the son of Silver Edge himself. I can definitely see your Father in you. You carry that very same aura about you.”

“Thank you, Vince.”

“You know, it feels like it was just yesterday I was charging by his side into the battlefield.”

“Y-You fought with him?”

“Yes, indeed I did. Such a courageous and kind-hearted knight. And let me tell you, after observing him in battle, I knew I would never want to spar with that stallion. He would’ve pinned me down as soon as someone gave the word to begin! Ha-hah!” Vince takes a breath. “Ahh, yes. A good knight, your Father. His name will continue to live on, there is no doubt about that. As a matter of fact, I say we propose a toast.” Vince stands up from his seat with his hoof raised. The other knights at the table grab their cups with their hooves, and raise them up above the table. “To Silver Edge, a valiant knight, and a most trusted ally. And, to his son, Bronze Edge. If he were here to see you now, I ‘know’ he would be proud.”

“Cheers!” everypony says in unison before taking a sip from their cups. Bronze, seeming to be the least enthusiastic.

“Now, Miss Arina!” says Venice. “What be your story? Any sort of family influence on your journey to knighthood?”

“. . . No. None at all,” says Arina.

“Well, I’m sure your family must be proud to see how far you’ve come.”

“I don’t have a family.” Instantly, the smiles on everyone’s faces disappear. “I was orphaned at a young age.”

“My, I . . . You must forgive me. I hadn’t known—”

“No, it’s alright. I did know my Father, as for my Mother, I never did learn anything about her. However, I didn’t get to know my Father for very long. I lost him to fatal illness. . . I was taken in by a Foster Father, but. . .”

“Dear Arina, my sincerest apologies. I did not mean to touch upon bitter memories. If you wish, we can discuss these matters at another time. You can speak with any of us, we are here to listen. But for now, let us cast these memories aside and focus on the present. All three of you have nothing but a bright future ahead!”

Back in the castle’s main hall, as the Princess walks up the stairs to her throne with the same knight by her side, the two, giant double doors at the end of the hall are pushed open. The hall floods with the deep noise of the heavy metal creaking. A group of four Royal Guard soldiers rush inside, galloping towards the Princess with distraught faces. “Your majesty! Your majesty!” they shout.

“What is it? What news have you?” the Princess asks.

Out of breath, the guards continue. “We were observing the Everfree from our outpost, and we-we spotted some sort of disturbance.”

“A disturbance? What do you mean? What did you see?”

“I-I don’t know. It wasn’t like anything I’ve ever seen. It looked . . . I-It looked like—” The guards words are interrupted as everyone in the room is thrown off balance. Scrambling about to stay on their hooves.

“The ground underneath them began to violently shake,” Cedric continues. “Fear overtook everypony in the room as the ceiling above them shed little pieces of rubble and clouds of dust that bounced off the tops of the guards’ helmets. The Princess’ heart quickly filled with dread, her mind running crazily as she wondered what could possibly be happening. With her Knights of Harmony nowhere in sight, and there being no time to waste, she hurried back to the dining hall to alert the Knights of the Sun.”