The Equestrian Warden

“Ah there it is. Appleloosa.”

We stood outside the village of Appleloosa, outside of the palisade surrounding the village, but luckily the Templars opened the gate when we approached. Dash turned towards me and Azura.

“Ok, before we enter I think it’s time we discussed where we intend to go first.”

A thought came to mind that I didn’t think about before.

“I need to find my father! He was at The Castle of the Two Sisters.”

“King Soarin said he was under Lord Sombra’s command.” Azura reminded me, her voice trying to sound gentle.

“Oh. Right.” I said. My father was under the command of the very pony that wanted me dead.

“Then he is either at Cloudsdale or dead.” Dash said. Azura glared at her with her sapphire eyes.

“VERY sensitive.” Azura said sarcastically.

“What I mean is that it is foolish to go looking for your father when we have no idea where he even is. The Shades are overrun with darklings, so we will either find him outside the wilds with others, or not at all.”

Dash said, trying to sound as sympathetic as possible, and although she wasn’t very good at it I respected her for trying.

“If your father really did die, then I suggest you do him a favor and fight the darklings first and then we can look for him later.”

“I think what Flemeth said was a good idea. We should use these treaties to our advantage.” Azura said, trying to change the subject.

“R-Right, let’s talk about that.” I said eagerly.

“There’s the earth ponies in Orzammare, the deers in the Everfree Forest, and the Circle of Magi at Lunar Lake. And judging by what Dash said, we might also be able to get the support of Arl Sundancer.” Azura said.

“What about the Grey Wardens?” I asked.

“There are the Wardens of the Crystal Empire, but they’re a thousand miles away.”

“Where do you think we should go Dash?” I asked.

“I don’t know. I’ll go wherever you go.”

“Wait.” Azura looked at the rainbow pegasi in confusion. “You’re the senior Grey Warden here, why don’t you choose?”

“Look, I have a long history of trusting my gut and rushing into things, and although it doesn’t happen as often any more, when I do something like that, I tend to regret it. I don’t want to fight about it either.”

“Ok.” I said nervously. “Never mind that then, do you have any ideas?”

“Well, there is one.” Dash said uneasily.

“Go on.”

“I say we attack him directly. We go to Cloudsdale, and kill Sombra. Then we can focus on the treaties in safety.”

I stared at her for a couple seconds. Now I understood what she meant by rushing into things.

“Umm Dash, it’s not a bad idea. But surely you haven’t forgotten that Sombra does have the advantage of an army, and experience, and-“

Azura started, but Dash quickly cut in.

“I was asked a question and I answered. If your plan is to stand there and list off all the reasons why my plan is stupid, the darklings will already be upon us.”

I sighed and shook my head.

“Let’s get going.”

“As you wish. We can talk more when we have all the necessary supplies.”

…

Dash suggested we talk to one of the Templars for information, but the news we received was grim.

“Move on when you can. Appleloosa is lost.” The Templar said.

“Umm, I was actually just hoping you could tell me some news.”

“Alright, but most of it is probably rumors. We’ve had refugees coming in here every day, the tavern and local Chantry are full. There isn’t enough food to go around, and all we Templars can do is keep order. Believe when I say you should probably move on. I’m sorry but if you have any more questions then please speak to the Revered Mother at the Chantry or Knight-Captain Silver Wings.”

And so we continued our walk through the town. Apparently the bandits I let go had taken the belongings from a couple deers seeking refuge in Appleloosa. When I told them they were gone, they gave their thanks and went to go find the goods the bandits took from them.

“Alright, maybe what you did was a good thing.” Rainbow Dash muttered making me smile.

We looked around until we stumbled upon a large cage with something… interesting inside it. It appeared to be a pony, but this pony was covered in stripes and appeared to be sitting…cross legged. It’s cutie mark were strange markings I didn't understand. Its eyes were closed until we approached the cage.

“You aren’t one of my jailors. If you came here seeking entertainment, then I suggest you move along. I don’t do tricks. Leave me in peace, pegasi.”

“What are you?” Azura asked, clearly just as surprised as I was.

“I am in a cage. Could I be a prisoner?” It said flatly, making Azura turn away in a huff.

“I am Zen of the Beresaad. A warrior of the Zebra Nation.”

“I’m Comet. Pleased to meet you.”

Zen looked at me for a few seconds before speaking,

“Are you mocking me, or are you just showing manners that I have not come to expect in this land? It doesn’t matter, I will die soon enough.”

“This is a powerful creature. Trapped like a bird in a cage, left for the darklings. If you cannot find a use for him, then I say release him for mercy’s sake alone.” Dash said, surprising me.

“Mercy? I wasn’t expecting that from you.” Azura said teasingly.

“What I’m trying to say is that zebras are renowned for being great warriors. If we can set him free, then he may join us. What do we have to lose?” Dash asked, looking at me intently.

“I suggest you leave me to my fate.” Zen said indifferently.

“Funny, it seems I find myself in need of some skilled help.” I said, looking to see if the zebra would react.

“It appears you do. What help do you seek?”

“I have sworn to save Equestria from the Blight.”

“The Blight,” He looked at me closely before nodding. “I see you are a Grey Warden.”

“How’d you know?” I asked, surprised.

“Your cutie mark is the Grey Warden insignia, and your armor has the same insignia.” I wanted to slap myself for asking such a stupid question.

“I have heard legends about the Grey Wardens strength and skill, but only legends.”

“And I’ve only heard tales of Zebra’s being great warriors. But those are just stories.” I shot back, but the zebra didn’t react.

“If you go to the Chantry and manage to somehow convince the Revered Mother to free me, I will consider joining you group.”

I stroked my chin. It would be nice to have the extra muscle around, and having a zebra for an ally would make ponies think twice before confronting us.

“Ok Zen, I’ll go talk to the Revered Mother. Maybe if I tell them we are Grey Wardens, she may come around.”

“Farewell Wardens.” He said before closing his eyes again.

As we walked away Dash sighed.

“Leaving him there to die for the darklings. It just doesn’t seem right.”

“I agree.” Azura said, and both looked at me intently, but I was already walking towards the Chantry.

…

“The legions of evil are coming, and when they come they will feast upon our hearts. There is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, the evil will sweep across the land and swallow the world in darkness!”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Groaned Azura.

When we approached the Chantry we were welcomed by a familiar screaming old pony, surrounded by others who were either trying to calm him down, or listening to him in fear.

“You know this pony?” Dash asked.

We told her how we knew him and she whistled and shook her head.

“Damn… Why not just let Azura punch him and get it over with? It may smack some sense into him again.” Dash asked, shrugging her shoulders.

“Gladly.” Azura said, her eyes flashing yellow.

“No.” I said firmly. “If these villagers see us assault a troubled pony then their look on the Grey Wardens will diminish.”

“A couple villagers won't hurt us.” Dash said, again shrugging her shoulders.

“No… no.” Azura said, her eyes returning to normal. “He’s right. We don’t know what ponies think of the Grey Wardens. To ponies the Grey Wardens failed the king, and let him fall on the field of battle. I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple ponies are mad at the wardens.”

“Fine, but can we at least shut him up before the Templars kill him.” Dash growled trying to cover her ears.

We approached the man who was still ranting about the evil coming to kill us all.

“Better to slit you children’s throats then let the the darklings take them.”

Taking a deep breath, I stepped in front of him.

“Hey, long time no see.”

“You…You! This stallion is infected by the taint!” He turned to Dash, “And this one too. They will kill us all.”

“Why don’t you quiet down.” Dash said, though I could hear the strain in her voice.

“I watched the darklings descend on my people, I will not be silenced!”

“Please somebody shut him up!” begged a unicorn. The pegasi next to him however said,

“Isn’t he right. The soldiers left us. We’re goanna die!”

“These two are among the first who will destroy us!” The old earth pony shouted, pointing at us. Dash finally losing her patience stalked up to the earth pony,

“Don’t be a fool!” She looked at the ponies around them. “Darklings can be killed.”

“No! I have seen what they can do with my own eyes. You cannot run! You cannot hide! You cannot fight!” He raved on.

“Standing here and yelling at these ponies won't save you!” Dash almost screamed her wings flaring out.

“There is nothing to do! There is no hope!”

“Equestria has fought of the Blight before, and we’ll do it again. With or without you.” Dash growled.

“Are… are you calling me a coward?!” Yelled the old earth pony.

“I’m calling you an idiot! Listen to yourself! What good is this doing for any pony!”

The old pony stared at Rainbow Dash before looking at the ground.

“I have shamed my ancestors. But the darkness will come…”

The earth pony slowly trotted away. Another earth pony dressed in Chantry robes looked at Dash and shook her head.

“He was right, wasn’t he? We’re all goanna die.”

Dash looked at her for a few moments before laying a hoof on her shoulder.

“Listen to me. There is always hope! Restore your courage. Do not lose faith!”

The earth pony nodded, confidence beaming from her face.

“Your right. We can’t give up now!”

“But we can’t fight. What are we supposed to do?” asked a pegasi.

“We can’t lie down and die either! Let us go north to Cloudsdale.” said a unicorn and just like that, the crowd dispersed.

A Templar, who was watching, approached Dash and bowed his head.

“Many thanks to you Grey Warden. You gave those people hope to live, and for that I am grateful.”

Dash smiled and bowed her head as well.

“Just helping out wherever I can.”

Dash turned to us and had a pretty confused look when she saw us smiling at her.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Azura said smiling. “But I guess you can say we finally understand what Flemeth meant when she talked about Grey Wardens inspiring ponies.”

Dash actually blushed and shook her, but still wore a big cheeky grin.

“Just helping out wherever I can.”