The Rasp

It's so late it's early. I'd been standing on the balcony for about an hour now. Just staring at them. There were dozens of them. Dozens and dozens of ponies all glaring up at the tree. At me. They watched me with angry eyes, and horrifying intent. Down there, somewhere, was the scroll the princess had sent to me. Whatever was written on it was lost to the violent horde (herd?) below. Forever. Vital information that had been delivered to us was gone forever, and it was my fault.

Next to me, Applejack glared quietly at the teaming mass of infected ponies. I don't remember when she'd stepped out with me, but there she was, scanning the ground for any possibility of retrieving the scroll. She was looking for hope, and all that looked back was horror. She then shot me a glance of pure disappointment that dropped the pit out of my stomach.

"Whelp....nothin' we can do bout it. Reckon we oughta get some sleep, and work on our plans for t'morrow. " Applejack said with a frustrated huff. She gazed down at the silent infected and gave another sigh and shook her head. She turned and headed inside without another word.

I gazed down at the group of infected and grit my fangs. I was very, very angry.