The Lioness and the Unicorn

by CrackedInkWell

Rating: everyone
Tags: Alternate Universe, Human, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Clover the Clever, Starswirl the Bearded
Length: 24185

Long after the fall of the Roman Empire, in England in the year 1588, two unicorns appeared on the hunting grounds of Hampton Court. Star Swirl and Clover the Clever meet with the Lioness of England: Queen Elizabeth Tudor.

Warning: The following fic is currently unedited. And is a sequel to "Lightning Bolt of Rome."

On a mission to document all the information in the world by Princess Platinum from a newly formed kingdom of Equestria, Star Swirl the Bearded and his students are sent off into the wilderness. Along the way, they come across an unstable, but highly charged cloud filled with magic. Lightning from the cloud strikes them, and they wake up in an entirely new world and kingdom. They land in the Kingdom of Britain, whose ruler, Queen Elizabeth Tudor, is facing an incoming invasion by the Spanish Armada.

Published 2017-01-16 21:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-10-06 03:22:43 UTC

I: Out of the Forest, into a New World

“Pardon me, Master Star Swirl,” Clover spoke up, pulling the wagon of supplies behind her. “You still haven’t answered my question.”

“What was it?” The gray unicorn turned his head away from the trail that cut through the forest of pine for just a moment.

“Why are we setting out this early in the morning? I know you seem a bit excited, but care to share with me what is going on?”

“Ah, my apologies,” the wizard continued on the rocky path through the mountains. “Tell me, my dear, did you see the storm that passed over us this morning?”

“Besides the rain and thunder from outside of my tent, not much. Why?”

The stallion pointed up at the sky to where the storm was, “Look carefully, do you notice anything odd about it?”

Clover the Clever craned her neck upward above the pines and jagged mountains at the sky. Several miles away from where they were, she saw the large cloud that every so often explodes with lightning. Looking at it critically, the color of it in the early morning sun it didn’t seem that out of the ordinary. But when she lit up her horn to be more sensitive to the flow of magic around her, however…

“Is it me, or is there some really strong magic coming from it?”

Her teacher nodded, “Yes, that’s exactly why we’re moving out so early. I think judging by how the other clouds flow about, we might be able to catch up with it in time before noon. Now come along,” he started to trot, “I think we might be onto something interesting.”

The mare tried to catch up with him as much as she could. Ever since the three pony tribes had made an alliance with each other with the promise of peace, Princess Platinum gave her permission to go out beyond the borders of the kingdom to document all knowledge in the world to her. That same Princess also thought it would be a good idea to have somepony to be with her to help document all the curiosities they would encounter to give detailed accounts of what they found.

While the two unicorns found themselves on a perfectly straight trail, the younger lit up her horn to take out her journal and a piece of graphite from a pocket of her cloak.

Day 87 (Morn) – Star Swirl has noticed a peculiar cloud of powerful magic this morning in the mountains of the Gryphon Kingdom. It is in a constant rage of lightning, thunder, and rain without any sign of stopping. The cloud is a darker shade than the others and it tumbles about so like rapids in troubled rivers. It could be a wild cloud that has been neglected by any help of Pegasi. For now, we are on the move to investigate.

“Hurry along Clover,” Star Swirl called out, “We won’t catch up to it if you keep on writing everything down!”

Putting the journal safely back in the cart, the mare quickens her pace to catch up with her teacher. The sky had a sense of foreboding as cold winds galloped past Star Swirl’s starry cloak and his cloud-like beard. Clover was shivering underneath her brown cloak while the mountainous trail drew them closer to the path of the storm. Pretty soon, they felt the patter of icy rain upon their clothing as they walked into a clearing.

Right above them without any trees to block their view was a large, wild cloud. One that swirled and twisted in the wind, but this cloud’s color was intriguing because as lightning flashed from it, they saw that it was in a deep purple. Now on a hill with no trees in the way, both unicorns could see it up close as it continued on with its storm.

“Master Star Swirl,” Clover began, “Why is this storm cloud like this? I’ve never sensed so much magic in a cloud before.”

The gray unicorn peered through the rain that came down on his face. “I doubt it’s even a cloud at all.”

“Why do you say that?” his student inquired. “It looks and moves like one.”

“Remember Cleaver, looks can be deceiving. Clouds don’t need much magic but this one has much obviously.” He turned to her, “If it’s not a cloud, what do you suppose it could be?”

The unicorn mare squints into the storm, “Perhaps… it’s a collection of magickal vapors that have been collected together over time?”

“That is a possibility. But how do you suppose we test if it’s so?”

“Scan it?” Clover asked when there was a crack of thunder overhead.

“Very good,” he nodded. “But I purpose that we take only a small sample of these vapors so we may study it later. And since this thing is regurgitating lightning, we must do so gently. Otherwise, we may get strike ourselves.”

“How do we do that?”

“I assume that with our magic, we reach out to it and, as gently as possible, take hold a little bit of the vapor to be brought down and put into a jar. We don’t want to add too much magic of course; otherwise, it might cause a magical discharge between us and the cloud overhead. Bring the largest jar we can spare Clover, and let’s see what we can get from it.”

The student did as she was told as she unhitched herself from the wagon and dug out a jar with a large croak at the mouth of it. After opening it up, she stood by Star Swirl, whose horn was already glowing, “Ready my student?”

She lit hers as well, “Ready master.”

“Now remember, gently,” he said as they fired a levitation spell towards the cloud. Of course, the mare did her best to follow her teacher’s instructions as much as possible. But given the distance where she had to stretch her magic tinny, she was forced to slowly increase her aura until it touched the cloud. But to her horror, she felt every single hair on her body standing straight up, tremendous energy was flowing through her before something sharp hit her. With a deafening boom, she blacked out.

The first thing that Clover noticed was how cold and damp everything was. As her eyes forced themselves to open, they found the world around them was dark, save for the flashes of lightning overhead. When those precious moments of light helped illuminate where she was, something in the back of her mind was telling her that something was wrong. There was a severe lack of pine trees, which probably contribute as to why the grass was so soft from the lack of needles. There were oaks, maples and willow trees that encompassed the field of grass she was in as she lifted herself up from the ground.

Clover lit her horn to cast a lilac glow to realize that this was not the same field as they were before. If anything, even the mountain range was gone too, and as she circled around, she even found, “Master!” On the ground not too far from where she was, Star Swirl was laying belly down on the wet grass as rain continued to pour on his cloak and hat. The unicorn mare rushed over to her teacher, using her forelegs to wake him, “Master, wake up!”

“Not now,” he grumbled. “A few more minutes I beg you.”

“Master, wake up! Our cart is gone!”

This got the gray unicorn’s head to cane over the grass, “What!” For a moment he panicked as he looked about, but this quickly turned into confusion. “Clover? Where are we?”

“How should I know? I just woke up myself, in fact, how long have we’ve been out for?”

Star Swirl’s horn lit up brightly as he examined himself, “Well… One thing’s for sure, wherever we are; I don’t think we’ve been robbed because my bag of coins is still full under my hat. If we were ambushed we would have been tied up, but we’re not. We’ve just… moved.” For a long minute, the bearded unicorn looked straight up at the sky. “Clover, unless my memory if false, do you recall the last memory you have in which we were in a field, looking up at a mysterious cloud with lightning?”

“I do master,” she nodded, “and we were going to put a piece of it in a jar, but I think we’ve might have been struck by it.”

“Now that’s interesting… a cloud filled with magical vapors in which it can transport not just one but two ponies to an inertly different location.”

“That’s quite an obvious master,” Clover pointed out, “but where in the world are we anyway?”

“Good question…” he muttered as lightning quickly illuminated the mysterious land once again. This time, in the distance he caught sight of something that didn’t belong to the land. He started moving about but still kept his muzzle point in a specific direction. “Clover,” he finally spoke, “I think there might be some light over there.”

“Where?”

“Over there by that group of trees, do you see it?” he pointed a hoof over. “I think that the answer to where ever we are must be over there. Let’s go over to see if they might be of some help… and getting out of the rain too, I’m freezing out here.”

Clover agreed and she followed behind the old sage towards the lights in which they grew the closer they approach. Through grass and around trees, it became clear that the lights were actually windows of a great building made completely out of brick. It was indeed huge, for it was the size of a village and several times as tall as they can make out a great number of chimneys. As they drew ever closer, to Clover, it almost looked like a red castle.

All the while, their horns light their path towards the enormous building. Light of blue and purple didn’t go unnoticed by those who were guarding the palace. If anything, it was causing a great deal of alarm. Both ponies paused as they heard a trumpet being sounded.

“What was that?”

Star Swirl uneasily chuckled, “Maybe they have spotted us. They’ll be sending some guards to see who is coming. Don’t worry my dear, once we’ve explained everything then we’ll have a good idea where we are.”

Before they know it, they heard the sound of hooves galloping towards their direction. Yet, what none of them expected to see there were strange shadows that were riding up to them. At first, neither unicorn could make out what was coming towards them, but all they know was that they were carrying lanterns and spears.

“Clover,” Star Swirl turned his head towards her, “prepare any defense spells you have just in case.”

She nodded while her master’s horn glowed brighter that helped illuminated their spot. As he did so, their eyes came upon a legion of equines that were usually tall. But making each of them be bewildered was what was riding on their backs. They were in some sort of red uniform with flat, black hats with white feathers in them. On each of their uniforms, a symbol was sewn on in the shape of a rose that had red and white petals. As the horses encompassed the two unicorns, the creatures shine a light with a lantern in one foreleg covered in blue cloth while pointing spear at them with the other. But what strike both of the ponies were the faces of these strange guards. They were flat, round, had the color of a peach with trimmed beards around their mouths.

“Good Lord,” one of the guards spoke. “Are my eyes deceiving me?”

“Unicorns,” said another, “on the Queen’s grounds.”

At this point, Star Swirl stepped forward, “Yes, hello, my name is-” before he could finish what he was going to say, he found a dozen spears that were mere inches from his face.

“It speaks!” one of the guards shouted. “The creature spoke!”

The bearded unicorn took several steps back but the circle of pointy spears came closer to them. “Wait, listen to me!”

One of the guards hopped off the back of one of the horses but still kept his spear pointed at them. Unlike the others, he had an extra symbol of a crown above the red and white rose. “Are you an angel or a demon?”

“N-Neither, sir,” Clover spoke up. “We mean no harm. We’re lost, hungry, and cold from the rain. Please, we don’t know where we are and we saw a light. Could you please take us inside just to get out of this rain?”

The guard with the crown on his uniform stepped closer, “If you creatures can speak, do you also have names too?”

“Ah yes,” the gray unicorn began, “I am Star Swirl the Bearded, and this is my student, Clover the Clever. She’s quite right; we honestly don’t know where we are.”

“You’re on the royal hunting grounds – or to be more precise, on the grounds of Hampton Court.”

Star Swirl tilted his head, “I’m afraid that I do not exactly know the name.”

“Nevertheless,” the head guard said, “the two of you shall come with us, to see what Her Majesty the Queen will do with you.” Clover glanced over at her teacher, exchanging an unsettling look. “Bring them in lads,” he added as he mounted his horse, “I’m sure she would be interested in seeing real unicorns.”

II: Hampton Court

Both unicorns trotted close by as they walked through the gates of the brick palace. The sheer size of the structure suggested being the residence of someone very important. Even the castle-like roof seemed to indicate it among its many chimneys that each was uniquely carved. In the flashes of lightning, they could barely make out the designs of the masonry of red, white and black brick that form diamond designs, windows that glowed of hearth and candlelight. Yet, they didn’t stay too long in this courtyard as their strange captures dismounted the horses and form a kind of square around them before they walked forward pass some heavy wooden doors.

Immediately turning left, they entered into another door, going directly into the palace itself. Almost immediately, the cold night had been banished as they felt the warmth. Both ponies took notice of the sounds of a mandolin playing to accommodate the chatter of voices.

But before they could go any further, the guard that had the image of a crown and rose on his uniform halted “Wait here.” He told them as he stepped forward before turning right through a brightly lit passageway.

“Master,” Clover whispered, “What are these creatures? What are they going to do with us?”

“I do not know,” he answered with a comforting smile. “But isn’t this exciting? We might be the first ponies to come in contact with such beings. Oh, the knowledge we could learn from them in this kingdom of… well, whatever kingdom this is, we shall certainly record it!”

“If we get to record it,” his student pointed out. “We don’t know if they have some sort of malicious intent, nor do we know if they are friendly.”

“Fear not, even if that were the case, we can still get out if we have to.”

The head guard returned, bidding them to enter. Following him, they came into a great hall of dark wooden floors, pure white walls that were covered with bright, colorful and detailed tapestries. Above them among the candles were towering stain glass windows and the stuff heads of stags (which made the ponies feel unsettled), the ceiling was supported by flying wooden buttresses and arches that were gilded with gold. That each had a seal of a lion and a white unicorn holding up a shield. All around them, they felt the eyes of these other creatures were upon them from both sides on the hall. Unlike the guards that found them, these wore more flamboyant colors where nearly all except for their heads and hands were uncovered.

At the end of this great hall, the two unicorns saw a smaller table that faced them. Behind it on a chair was one that had the most lavish clothing of all. The creature had a bright red curly mane with a pale face and ruby lips. This thing had on a dress made up of gold, pearls and blue satin, with a white collar around her neck. The creature’s eyes were upon them, to which she put down her silver chalice. “You weren’t exaggerating,” she addressed to the head guard. “And you found these on our grounds?”

The guard confirmed it to be true.

Star Swirl stepped forward and cleared his throat, “Uh yes. Forgive us for trespassing, but we were hoping that you might be able to help us?”

Instead of responding right away, she slowly stood up from her table. “Cecil,” she called in which an older creature with a white beard came to her side. “It appears to me that this unicorn has spoken.”

“Indeed I heard it too, Majesty,” he nodded.

“Please tell me,” Star Swirl began again, “Are you the Mistress of this palace?”

“I am more than that,” she responded. “You are addressing to the Queen of England and Ireland herself.”

“Oh,” the old unicorn blinked, “Forgive me, but what shall I call you?”

“I wish to be addressed as Queen Elizabeth.” She leaned forward, “And how is it that you speak?”

Star Swirl shrugged, “It’s just that we do, Your Majesty. If you give us the time to explain ourselves, we should be out of your hair in no time.” The Queen granted it. “My name is Star Swirl and this is my student, Clover the Clever. We have been sent by Princess Platinum from the newly formed Kingdom of Equestria to record all the knowledge in the world and to bring it back to her. However, during our travels, by very unusual circumstances, we have been transported here on your grounds and we frankly have no idea where in the world we are. So, if you could show us where exactly we are, we would make our way back.”

“We don’t mean, or want to be the cause of any trouble,” Clover spoke up. “We are lost and rather cold from the storm outside. So, would it be possible if you show us a map and maybe give us shelter from the rain for the night, that we may be on our way with our travels mistress.”

The Queen raised an eyebrow, “I’m afraid that I haven’t heard of this kingdom.”

“It’s brand new,” the old unicorn interjected. “Only shy of a few years old, so it might be no surprise that you’re not aware of its existence. However, if you could show us where exactly we are, we’ll be out of your mane before you know it.”

“Ma’am,” the creature is known as Cecil spoke up. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that two real unicorns appear at your doorstep. Perhaps we ought to keep them as pets of the royal court. It would have something that no other monarch on the continent would have.”

Just as Elizabeth was considering the option, Star Swirl objected, “Wait-a-minute! We’re just asking for directions, not to being able to stay!”

“That,” the Queen nodded, “And these two have minds of their own, just like any humans – though I won’t object for them staying in the royal stables for the night.”

“WHAT!” the old wizard marched forward, “Now see here you-” But before he could take another step, he was created with two ax blades in his way. The unicorn looked up at the guards
in annoyance, “Let me through!”

“You are not allowed near the queen,” one of them told him.

“Not allo- Not! ALLOWED!” he roared in which nearly many creatures stood up to draw their swords; this only got an eye roll from Star Swirl. “Oh, I don’t have time for this!” His horn shined a bright blue, and before anyone could do anything, they found their weapons enveloped in the same light, being taken out of their grasp and have their blades pointed at them. The great hall was now flooded with shock to have their swords, spears, and knives being taken up in the air without anything holding them in place except for light.

Star Swirl, his eyes glaring at the queen, stepped between the guards that tried to hold him back. “I don’t want to hurt anyone,” he said sternly. “I don’t like doing this. At all. I absolutely hate to use my magic in such a manner. But you know what? We came here looking for help, as strangers to this kingdom of… whatever it’s called, and yet, you and everypony here see us as nothing but animals. We just want to know, where the living Tartarus we are. That’s it! So let me put it like this, either show us a map, or we walk out of here! Now, which is it?”

The Queen, instead of making a reply, walked around her table, and taking notice of Cecil’s sword that was pointing at him, reached up and took hold of it into her own. “I am not easily threatened,” she said as she walked around until she was before the unicorn. “And you sir, don’t you ever dare underestimate me.”

“Master,” Clover interjected meekly. She walked in between her teacher and the queen, “We are causing trouble. Let us go before anypony gets hurt.”

“They have mistreated us,” said Star Swirl.

“So let us go to some other kingdom that will give us directions. Come on Master, let’s leave.”

The bearded unicorn stared at her for a moment before breathing in deeply then releasing the weapons from his aura. “Yes, let us leave,” Glaring at the Queen, he added, “Perhaps we’ll find a friendlier kingdom than this.”

But just as the two unicorns were about to leave the great hall, the queen spoke up. “I’m afraid that won’t be likely unless you two plan on swimming across a sea to get off our islands.”

This piece of news made them halt in their tracks. Clover craned her neck around, “Islands?”

“My kingdom and that of Scotland are the only lands that you could go to without any means of getting across waters. Although, I strongly advise you don’t visit the Scots.”

The two unicorns looked at one another. “We’re on an island?” the older unicorn inquired.

Elizabeth too starts to walk out of that great chamber, “Spirit, with me!”

The assumed adviser, Cecil ran right behind the queen, “Where are we going?”

“Drawing room,” she replied, “Have they bring the map of the world for these creatures.”

It was a map alright. Star Swirl couldn’t deny that. If anything, it was one of the most detailed charters that he had ever seen. It showed seas and still being explored continents, and it had names of cities that he had never heard of before. However, as the old unicorn stared at it, he came to a realization that turned his spine to ice.

“Master,” Clover spoke up, “Do you know where we are?”

He made no reply. The whole drawing room that contained a long table where the map was placed down was surrounded by himself, his student, the Queen and even a few of her closest adviser. They were waiting for him to make an answer.

Still, he couldn’t give one.

“Master,” his student spoke up again. “Are we lost?”

Star Swirl reached out towards the islands that were called England, “So if we’re right here… then we must have moved from… from…” He retraced the gray hoof, staring at the map blankly. “I have no idea where we are. These cities and lands… I don’t recognize any of it! There’s no Equestria or anything resembling it!”

“Could it be possible that your homeland must be over in the new world?” Cecil pointed to part of the map that was still remained uncharted.

Queen Elizabeth inquired of both unicorns, “Have either of you heard of any Spanish ships, in particular, that of the Conquistadors?”

“The what?” Clover blinked.

“I’ll take that as a no,” the red hair queen put a finger to her chin. “And if this country is as big as you say it was, I don’t think that even Magellan’s ships would have missed something so colossal.”

Star Swirl sighed, placed both hooves over his eyes and elbows on the table, hunching over the map in candlelight. “But… how?” he muttered. “How did we move? That cloud must have done something… but what?”

“Perhaps, it is the will of God,” Cecil suggested. “It could be that this is the Lord’s doing.”

“That doesn’t give answer anything,” Clover the Clever pointed out. The mare turned to her teacher, “Master, what are we to do now?”

“I wish I knew,” he moaned. “And the worst part is we don’t know what that cursed cloud did or why it sent us here. It was obviously charged beyond the brim with wild magic, so what spell did it do?” The unicorn yawned, “I need to rest from all of this.”

“Your Majesty,” the Queen’s adviser spoke up, “May I have a word with you?” The Queen excused herself and the old man to a separate room. Once they were out of earshot of the unicorns, he said to her, “Ma’am, I do believe that perhaps we should keep these two around in our court.”

“Why? Those ponies don’t want to be here.”

“What if we convince them otherwise? I mean, we all saw what that bearded one did in the great hall, how he disarmed all of us, using nothing except the light of his horn. Maybe he could be of use to us.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, “How so?”

“Ma’am, we both know that the Spanish are preparing to invade the shores of our kingdom. Our spies tell me that they are preparing their armada to attack by sea then march onto London. The fact of the matter is, Your Grace, is that we need all the help we could get when we are without allies to help us. May I propose to your Majesty, that those unicorns could be the key to our future and your protection?”

“Spirit, even if we do gain his trust, we still don’t know if he’s capable of taking out the Spanish navy.”

“But that is point precisely! Imagine if he did the exact same spell upon our enemy’s cannons. How quickly he might able to disarm them or use the sea to overturn their ships, or even command the wind to blow them back to Spain. I say that as long as both unicorns are here, they could assist us.”

The Queen pondered over this for a moment, “How are we to regain their trust? We’ve clearly offended them from the start.”

“Perhaps we take small steps. Give them a proper room within the palace walls, time for the elder to teach his students and assist with whatever inquiry they have. Surely, they may repay us with the hospitality that England will have to offer.”

“You do have a point Spirit,” Elizabeth nodded, “Come, let us negotiate their stay.” Upon returning to the drawing room, the Queen told them that they’ve decided that until they find a way to return to their homeland, they will remain with their court. “We shall give you rooms with servants, as an apology for the treatment you received upon your welcome. You two will be seen as guests in our court, to be given our English hospitality and service until you decided on what to do for your return.”

Star Swirl blinked, “That’s… generous of you. But I suppose that while we’re here, we also must fulfill our mission on behalf of Princess Platinum, to record all the knowledge in the world. So not only do I ask if we could visit your libraries, but being able to record your subject’s knowledge, customs, and history to give our report from.”

The Queen turned to her adviser, “I believe that we can arrange that.” Cecil replied, “Would there be anything else you require.”

“Now that I think of it,” the old wizard replied, “There is one thing that I need: a history book about this world before I retire to bed.”

III: Lesson by the Ponds

Star Swirl spent the night alone pouring through human history – or at least, a book that described the history of England. He read by candlelight of how once the island was inhabited by savages until a nearby empire, who called themselves the Romans, conquered most of the land up until they got to Scotland. From there, it mentioned the introduction of a philosophy called Christianity, then the invasion of the Vikings, the beginning of the early kings that ruled over the divided patches of land. The unicorn took down notes, asking questions about certain events and people.

The book especially caught his eye on a particular legend within the book, about the supposed first real King of England: Arthur. In it, the passage described his teacher, Merlin, a powerful and wise wizard. Star Swirl scribbled a note to ask the Queen for more information about this legend.

By the time the storm outside had ceased to pour its rain, he was onto William the Conqueror and the beginning of a long Royal dynasty. However, before he could read further, he was sleeping face first into the book.

What woke him was a knock on the door; “Master?” it was Clover’s voice. “Master, are you awake yet?”

The bearded unicorn cracked open an eye, and after blinking a little, he craned his aching neck from the table. “Wait, wait,” he moaned as he got up and reached his magic to open the door where his student was waiting. “Yes?”

“It’s already past the noon master.”

Star Swirl blinked, “Really? Perhaps I’ve stayed up longer than I thought.”

“I meant to ask about that.”

Her teacher groaned, “To put it simply, I’ve been reading that history book the Queen has given me. Taking notes too. So what’s going on?”

“It’s time for my afternoon lessons master.” Before she could say anything further, Clover was interrupted with a roar from her teacher’s stomach. “That reminds me, you haven’t eaten anything in a while, have you?”

“Other than taking a nibble of the grass from yesterday, I’m afraid not. Why? Do they have something for us?”

Clover nodded, she explained to him that while she was in the dining hall, she noticed that while they eat quite a bit of meat, they did have salads that they make from their gardens. “If you want, I can have a servant go down to the kitchens to fix you one. They have flowers in them too.”

Star Swirl told her that was fine, and that once he had eaten, he would begin teaching her. Once the mare was gone, he returned his attention towards the book, to make a few more notes before a servant came with a plate of leaves for him to eat.

Two men entered the throne room, going up to the throne where the Queen sat, they both bowed to her, “What news have you brought me?”

Cecil turned to the other man. He was younger than the chief adviser by a couple of decades, yet he too had a beard that was short and dark as his receding hairline that was covered with a black cap on his head. And like his fellow courtier, he too wore black except for the white collar around his neck. “Milady, Sir Walsingham has some news regarding what has happened in the Netherlands.”

Clearing his throat, Walsingham began, “Your Highness, I am here to give you the report that time is running out. The Spanish are working faster than ever to rebuild their ships despite our sabotage efforts from last year. While we still have time to build out our army, I’m afraid to say that the southern coast of your kingdom is still vulnerable to the sea.”

“And we do not have the funds for the required army and navy to defend your shores,” Cecil told her. “For as of now, we currently have enough to defend certain areas that are in the most danger. Not only that, be we are short on trained men, ammunition and gunpowder that is necessary.”

Elizabeth thought for a moment, “How long do we have?”

The younger adviser replied, “Our spies report that they estimated that they would be ready as soon as July or August. So we only have a few months before they invade.”

“And what do we have as of now from our fleet?”

“Less than a hundred, and not counting the ones that have been built so far,” Walsingham shook his head. “The Spanish still outnumber us in every advantage. I wish we could have more time, but Sir. Francis Drake is doing everything he can to build up the navy as Your Grace has requested. Only, we’re still short.”

Here, the Queen stood up from her throne. With hands behind her back, she walked towards one of the windows. “What about the efforts to recruit arms?”

“So far, nearly every theater group in the country has taken up the call to gain as many men as possible,” the oldest adviser began. “Numbers are coming in, but not as many as we like.”

“I see…” Elizabeth nodded. She stayed silent as she watched was going on outside from her window. “Spirit, Moor, come to the window.” The two men, as soon as they heard their nicknames, obeyed. “Are you seeing what I am seeing?”

The advisers glanced out what her majesty was staring at. In the palace gardens by one of the ponds, a group of her courtiers gathered in awe at the spatial before them. The two unicorns from last night stood at the opposite end of the ponds where the elder in blue lit up his horn to hold up a sphere of water in his aura while his student watched.

“Is that the unicorn from last night?” Cecil blinked.

“What is he doing?” Walsingham questioned. “Is it some form of witchcraft?”

“Let us go and see for ourselves,” the Queen said as she and her advisers walked out of the throne room.

Star Swirl ignored the whispering from the nobles that were gawking at them. In his magic, he held the ball of water from the pond that had a little fish swimming around in. He kept a concentration on it so that not a single drop of water would fall through his aura.

Gently, he lowered the sphere down until it fused back into the pond before gracefully letting it go, not sending a single ripple to shatter their reflection. He was given applause from the humans nearby. “So do you see the way it is done?” he asked his student.

Clover the Clever looked into her reflection. “I think this one is a little difficult to pull off. Since this isn’t earth or sand that I’m using magic on.”

Her teacher smiled, “Good. And do you know why?”

Putting a hoof to her chin, she replied, “Because the element of water is much looser than sand.”

“That’s right,” the old wizard nodded. “Now the puzzle of this spell is how to pick up something so fluid that can easily slip through your magic if you’re not careful. You see,” Star Swirl lit up his horn again. “If one is to pick up water from a pond such as this, one must form a sort of bowl underneath the water. Now, when I did this the first time, I couldn’t move the water without leaking. But my mistake-”

“The Queen! The Queen!” Star Swirl lost his focus and let his horn dim as someone called out that Elizabeth was coming. The other courtiers looked around and they bowed towards the approaching monarch and her two advisers, they bowed. The two unicorns simply nodded in respect to their hostess.

“I pray that I’m not interrupting something,” Elizabeth said as she approached the pond.

“We are in the middle of a lesson,” the old wizard informed her.

The younger adviser leaned over, “And what exactly, is that lesson?”

“I’m teaching my student the basics of water magic.”

“It’s much more difficult than it looks,” Clover interjected.

“But I do trust that you can do it,” her teacher encouraged. “Now, may I continue on with my lesson?”

The Queen straightened up, “Proceed.”

With a nod, Star Swirl returned to his student. “As I was saying, the mistake with water magic that many unicorns tend to make is that they try to force the substance into forming into whatever shape they want. But this is both foolish and impractical. Water is not like earth or sand, as you have noted. For it cannot be shaped into anything you want within moments. This is because water is not always solid, such as this pond. What is needed,” here, he lit up his horn once again, and the English court witnessed a light underneath the water. “Is that you must be patient with water. As long as you don’t force in what you want it to be, let it mold not into shapes that have sharp corners, but that which is round. Allow me to demonstrate again.”

Straightening out again while sitting on his hunches, he reached both forehooves out to the pound. And with his face twisted into concentration, he slowly lifted them upward. From the pond, a form blobbed and rumbled over the surface. The shape rose higher up, almost forming into a sort of chalice as a glob of water stretched out of the pond like glass until the thinning neck broke. A smooth, watery bowl formed, yet not a drop had fallen. Then it started to shrink, and as it did so, the flat top got smaller until it disappeared, forming a perfectly round ball. The old wizard opened his eyes, and with a smile, he let the ball drift back into the pond without making a splash.

Once again, there was applause from the nobles, but for Elizabeth, she gave a knowing look to her two advisers.

“Now you try,” the bearded unicorn gestured, “And do take your time, this is a difficult spell.”

“Yes master,” she nodded. Clover looked down into the pond as if to meditate on what she was about to do. Her horn lit up, and the nobles once again saw a light from underneath the pond. As before, a clear glob emerged from the water, and the mare raised a foreleg to help her consecrate. Like before, a chalice-like shape formed from the pond, the neck started to get thinner. However, her face scrunched up she tried to have it break it away in which it became too unstable and splashed back into the water.

“Don’t force it,” her teacher reminded. “You have to wait for that moment when it is just ready to let itself go. Again,” and Clover resumed attempting the spell again. The glob pored over from the water, then came the chalice shape, and at the critical moment when the neck was getting thinner, Clover took the time to gently pull it from out of the water. “There you go. Now condense the water until it forms into a ball. But remember, patience is the key.”

The mare opened her eyes, and lifting both of her hooves up to her withers, she gently brought them together while the floating sample of liquid got smaller. She tried as hard as she could to not to spill a single drop as the flat head shrunk. Every so often, she was forcing herself to stop, giving herself and the forming clear ball time before proceeding. Eventually, she finally managed to form a perfect sphere, much to the encouraging applause from their audience.

But the younger unicorn wasn’t finished; a thoughtful look graced her face, “Master,” she began, “what would happen if I tried to keep condensing it?”

“Do you want to find out?”

Her answer came as she let her horn glow brighter, squeezing the unstable substance until it formed an egg, then a raindrop, and then – the clear orb collapsed like sand, making a splash into the water. Clover looked out at the rippling waters in thought, “So apparently, there is a limit in what one could shape water.”

“Although it disagrees with being shaped to have points such as cubes or pyramids,” Star Swirl pointed out.

“How much water could a unicorn lift?” this question came from the Queen, who like everyone else, looked on with intrigue.

“Ah…” the old wizard pointed at Elizabeth, “Now that is a great question. This all depends on the body of water you’re trying to use. From personal experience, I find that the larger the body water, the more magic is required. Why I could lift every drop from this pond alone, but it can’t be for too long because it is difficult to maintain such an amount.”

“What about waves?” Inquired Cecil. “Are those difficult to conjure up?”

“As long you don’t try to lift it out from its original source, and with enough water, you can.” He demonstrated this by moving his head as he used his magic to pick up the pond’s surface and moved it so that it created a small wave.

When this was done, both advisers knew one thing: They have a secret weapon.

“But I’m growing weary,” Star Swirl commented as he let go of his magic. “Since you’re here, Your Highness, I have begun to read that history book that your adviser gave me, and I have a few questions that I wanted to ask.”

“Perhaps later this evening after supper, so that you have time to rest. Now then, I have my duties that are in need of my attention.” She turned around and began her way back to the palace when she called out, “Spirit, Moor, let us return to the throne room.” Her two advisers followed suit behind the Queen. Once they were out of earshot, she asked, “Tell me, both of you, what are your thoughts from that demonstration?”

“Now that you’ve mentioned it milady,” the younger adviser said. “I believe that there is hope for Your Majesty’s kingdom after all. Those unicorns by the pond might provide us some use.”

“I coincide with Walsingham,” Cecil nodded. “Not only were my assumptions were correct, but it may provide us an advantage over the Spanish invasion. Our secret weapon, as if it were.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Elizabeth agreed. “This makes befriending those unicorns a priority for the sake of England.” She smiled as a thought came to her, “Why, it almost as if we have our own Merlin at our court. Not a charlatan, but one who may use such powers for good.”

“That is…” began Walsingham, “That those two have the interest to be your friend. As great as an opportunity this is, I think at the same time we must be cautious as well. To have that wizard to befriend you would be wonderful, but to have as your enemy would be a death sentence. After all, we do not know the full extents of their powers are capable of, nor do we know to combat them if they turn against us.”

The Queen hummed in thought, “He’s right. We do need to convince them to be on our side. But just as important is to know of their capabilities,” she turned to the younger adviser. “Moor, set your spies to work, monitors the unicorn’s ways in what they do with their magic and have your findings to be reported to me.” Then she turned to the elder adviser, “Spirit, have the servants organized a welcoming feast for our special guests. Have the kitchens make as many different salads as they could think of along with any other food and drink that those ponies might be interested in. And sent forth entertainment, for we must give these wizards a proper, English welcome.”

IV: The Welcoming Banquet

Hours later, after the royal cooks labored over the meals for supper, the court musicians narrowed down their playing choices and even the Queen’s theater troupe had been called to Hampton Court, the palace felt confident in welcoming their official guests.

Of course, neither unicorn hadn’t any idea what to expect before they entered the Great Hall. Even before they could enter, they heard the whispering of a mandolin that grew louder. Once inside the warm glow of that chamber, the two ponies were greeted with tables of courtiers, waiting on them and the Queen. Both Star Swirl and Clover were escorted to the other end of the hall in which they are placed between the largest chair in the room.

“My Lords and Ladies!” the voice of a guard cried out. “May I present Her Majesty, Elizabeth, Queen of England, Wales and Ireland.”

Every courtier stood up as Elizabeth entered. They bowed as she passed by, up to the smallest table to which she went around to take her seat in the throne-like chair.

“Pardon me, Milady,” Clover began. “I was just wondering, how exactly are you planning on welcoming us to your court?”

“By holding a fest in your honor,” the Queen replied. “I had my chefs prepare for you every salad that they could think of. But tell me, do you eat anything besides the greens of the garden?”

“In a matter of fact, we do,” Star Swirl informed. “We also eat bread, nuts, berries, fruits, and honey. For drink, it doesn’t matter be it water, milk, cider, beer or wine on occasion.”

“Excellent, apart of myself, you two shall get the first pick of the feast in what shall be put on your plates. Take as much as you want and refuse what is unappetizing. Once everyone has their share, we’ll send forth entertainment.

Out into the Great Hall were servants who, one after another, carried a different dish that was first presented to the Queen, then to the unicorns. Elizabeth did take notice that the younger pony was scribbling underneath the table of a complete list of food that was shown to them. Both unicorns levitated rolls of bread, salads, cheeses, tarts, pumpkin pie, candied fruits, and something called hippocras. She also noticed how they grimaced at every piece of meat that was presented, even the humble soup that had bits of beef and potatoes in it was refused.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Clover spoke up as she placed a Spanish Pap at one corner of her silvery plate. “Out of curiosity, is there any sort of meat that you or your subjects won’t eat?”

“Fear not, pony and horse meat are not consumed among my subjects,” Elizabeth smiled. “Though I heard that in some parts of France, they sometimes do for a special occasion. But in the borders of my kingdom, such meat is not the first choice to be eaten. For in this country, equines are to assist with labor or transportation. However, if there is a slice of particular meat that is outlawed by my subjects, it is the swan.”

“The bird?”

“Quite,” she nodded. “Thanks to a law that had been passed years ago, only the royal family is allowed to dine on mute swans because that species of bird are owned and protected by the crown.”

“You protect a species of bird by eating them?” Star Swirl raised an eyebrow.

“They are meant for special occasions, usually, such as weddings or holidays. Anyone caught with one without our permission would face imprisonment. However, I do have the right to give away swans as I see fit. Although, I can safely assume that neither of you would be interested.”

The oldest unicorn shook his head. “We prefer not to. Eating meat for us ponies are considered taboo, though; I have heard stories of the Pegasi were trained to eat it in times of war.”

“You don’t say?”

“It’s true,” Clover nodded. “Do you remember that story that Commander Hurricane told about his training? I remember how that in his training, he told that his officers had taught his fellow soldiers to catch birds, how to cook and eat them.”

“Still, it is rather disturbing,” he muttered. Looking out to the courtiers, he took notice of the piles of meat that were on their plates and grimaced. “Forgive me, I know that this is obviously a custom in this part of the world, but I just can’t look at while they’re eating something from nose to tail.”

His student gave a confused look, “Really? You didn’t look that way when we’ve explored the Gryphon Kingdom.”

“Well yes, but if you can recall, I never touched a thing. It was difficult enough to keep a straight face without vomiting.”

Clover opened her mouth, but finding nothing to say, she shut it, “Good point… Can we change the subject?”

“Quite,” the wizard turned to the Queen. “Your Highness, if this is a welcome feast in our honor, then I presume that we now must live with your kingdom’s rules?”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“In every country that we run into, we have to accommodate to that nation’s laws and customs. It’s partly because we don’t want to get into trouble without knowing it, and partly to help us record all the knowledge in the world. So I think that from here on out, is there anything we need to know that wouldn’t offend you or this court?”

Elizabeth took one look at both of them, “For starters, I will pardon both of you for wearing cloaks.”

Both unicorns blinked, “What?”

“I have passed many laws, and one of them is that I have banned all cloaks from my court so that my courtiers can receive their swords quicker should anyone try to attack me.”

Student and master leaned forward from their seats, “She does know we don’t carry swords, right?” Clover whispered.

“Don’t be disrespectful,” Star Swirl whispered back. “If our hosts say no cloaks, then we won’t wear them.”

“But have you seen the weather?” his student deadpanned. “It’s unpredictable as a dragon’s temper.”

“You both realize that I can still hear you?” the Queen spoke aloud.

The old unicorn sighed, “Not to worry, we’ll put our cloaks away from now on. Is there anything else I need to know about?”

“Yes. I’ll have you know that it is the law to wear a woolly hat on Sundays.”

Clover raised her hoof, “Why?”

“It is to support the English wool trade. However, since it is not Sunday, I’ll be sure to have someone give you one when the day comes by.”

Star Swirl chuckled, “What’s next? Did you pass a law banning anypony wearing purple?”

“That is quite correct,” Elizabeth replied, much to the shock of the unicorns. “I have passed such a law in which only those who are Barons, Viscounts, or any other higher nobility should be the only ones to wear such a color – as well as any other cloth embodied with gold or silver. Although, I suppose that I should be surprised that you already knew that already.”

“I was joking!”

“Pardon me, Your Highness,” Clover spoke up, in hopes to change the subject. “But what was it you said about entertainment?”

“Ah, excellent that you reminded me,” Elizabeth called out to her servants to fetch them out. “I do plan to make this welcome marvelous, so I have summoned my favorite theater troupe in the land.”

“And what are they going to do? I mean, what is their specialty?”

“Asides of good acting, they can jest, play music, dance, recite poetry, or improvise on the spot. This one is the best, and they recently got a new actor with them. William… something-or-other. Still, I do hope that you’ll like them.”

Within less than a minute, a group of twelve men came into the Great Hall and bowed to the Queen. As both unicorns noticed, they ranged from different ages, hair color, and even clothing. The eldest of the group was the first to approach. “Most just and beautiful Majesty,” he bowed. “We’re honored by your presence to be with you once again.”

Clover, meanwhile, took notice of this man’s accent in how earthy and low it was before adding into her journal.

“And…” he looked up, spying the two ponies by the Queen. “ Are these creatures yours?”

“They are my guests.”

The old man, along with the rest of the troupe blinked. “That so?”

“She means to say that we’re on your side,” Star Swirl clarified.

“Indeed,” Elizabeth nodded. “Do not be alarmed, they will not attack unless provoked.”

“I do not attack,” the old wizard objected.

“I think you do,” Clover rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, we’re friendly. This Queen says that all of you are talented.”

“That we are,” the elderly thespian smiled. “So, what shall it be? A comedy? Mystery? One with song and dance?”

“Do you do histories?” the Queen inquired.

The theater troupe looked at one another. “That all depends,” the old man confessed, “Over what exactly?”

“If I may suggest,” Star Swirl began. “I do think it would be interesting to learn how this modern dynasty began. Or at least, some explanation of how this came to be.”

“Tell the story of my family’s reign,” Elizabeth commanded. “And give a quick explanation of the War of the Roses, which should be sufficient.”

“As you wish,” the troupe replied with a bow. They talked among themselves for a few moments until they cleared the space, leaving the youngest man to remain. He stood by the fire that separated between them.

“Henry the fifth was dead. The crown was to go towards his boy, who was but a babe. From then on, the war of bloody conflict between the houses of York and Lancaster, to which, many lives had perished. Yet, from the house of the red rose, our tale began with a Royal boy that was a fugitive, and a prisoner.”

For the next several hours, both unicorns watched these actors with no costumes, scenery, and had little props, acted out the rise of the Tudor dynasty. Using little to nothing but words, they painted out a story of a prince trying to survive his uncle, Richard III, to his ascent to the throne. From then, Henry VII and his queen gave birth to his sons, one of which became the next king: Henry VIII. A man who divorced his first wife before creating a church of his own; beheaded the second; his third gave birth to a prince before dying; divorced his fourth because she was too ugly; beheaded his fifth for being unfaithful, and his sixth was with him until he died. After that, in the next act, the troupe described Edward VI, the boy king and Elizabeth’s half-sister, “Bloody” Mary Tudor, and her terrifying rule. Finally, it showed the rise of Elizabeth, in which the performance ended.

Needless to say, while the ponies watched with intrigue, the court cheered, booed, and raised their mugs, for they were as lively as the actors in the middle of the hall.

When it was over, Clover the Clever went up to the troupe, her journal in her aura. “Excuse me,” she said, “I just wanted to say that what you all did was enlightening.”

“Ah,” the oldest actor inquired, “but were you entertained?”

“Oh yes! I have never seen anypony put on a play that was completely improvised before… although, I was wondering about something.”

“Aye?”

The mare asked sheepishly, “Would it be of any trouble if you could… write it all down?” They blinked. “Yes, I know what I’m asking is a lot and very difficult. But could it be possible if I had a copy of it, written down on parchment?”

It was an embarrassing question and she knew it. More than anything, it was rather a Herculean task that as soon she asked it, did she realize that it was too much.

The old man, however, laughed. “Why, I do think that if anyone could do that, it’ll be Will! Why he’s a bit of a poet himself, and quite a decent one at that!”

“I don’t know,” the youngest actor began. “Writing does take up so much time until it is perfect; pray tell, young unicorn, how long do you expect to be in Britain?”

“I confess that neither I nor my master knows. However, I can safely say that we won’t be leaving anytime soon.”

“If you could give me a month, perhaps two, I can see what I could come up with.”

“Again,” the unicorn said, “I’m not going anywhere. Though, I have to ask,” she opened her journal. “To what name shall I be taking note, so that I’ll be expected this copy from?”

“William Shakespeare.”

She looked up sheepishly. “And how do you spell that?” He told her, and after jotting down the name, she smiled and told him, “Thank you, sir. I’ll be looking forward to seeing the history in great detail.”

V: Questions for the Queen

Elizabeth and the court knew that they would be moving again. If anything, preparations are being made to be moved towards the South of her kingdom. Even with the country getting ready for the Spanish to come, the Queen felt it necessary to be with her troops as the judgment hour was drawing closer.

At the moment, she was in her private chambers, looking through the report that Walsingham’s spies have observed of the two unicorns for the past few days. So far, it told of little things that the ponies had been observed with their magic: from levitation to making fires without the use of flint stones, speeding up the growth of flowers, even removing stains that were spilled. Yet, as the report testified, there was no whispering of incantations, no renouncing of God or swearing allegiance to the Devil. If anything, when they perform their spells, they were always silent.

She looked up from her table when there was a knock on the door, “Your Majesty, Star Swirl is seeking an audience with you.”

Nodding to a guard at her door, he opened it for the elderly pony to walk right in. As promised, he entered without his starry cloak but did keep his hat on as it wasn’t Sunday. With a respectful nod to the Queen, he said, “Good Evening ma’am, how are you at present?”

“Doing quite well,” she responded as she set aside the report face down. “I’m overlooking the list for the move tomorrow.”

“Towards the East, as I’ve heard. Do you have another residence to where we’re going?”

“The crown has many palaces throughout the land. Even when there isn’t one, a fellow noble would be more than willing to take us in until we see fit to move onward. Is there a reason why you’ve come before I retire to bed?”

“I have some questions to ask that I think only you could answer.” He gestured his hoof towards the burning hearth, “Care to join me by the fire?” Elizabeth waved a hand for her chair to be moved, as well as to have a cushion be placed on the floor. Once that was done, and the two of them seated, the old wizard began, “My first inquiry has to deal with this unexpected move: Why are we doing this?”

“Partly to get away from this dreary place.”

“And the other?”

Elizabeth looked at the crackling soft flames, “Have you heard of what is about to happen in my kingdom?” Star Swirl told her that she didn’t know what she was referring to. “The truth is, my kingdom is preparing for war.”

There was a pause before the old unicorn asked, “Are we in danger?”

“Perhaps… Perhaps not. If, (God willing,) that if our campaign to drive away the Spanish Armada is successful, then, in theory, we would have peace. I’ll have you know, that I am not the one that desires war with other nations, even when they hate my very existence. I did try to do all I can to avoid war as much as I could. However, the Spanish have declared that they would commit themselves to overthrow me with the use of their Navy.”

“Why are they doing this?”

She sighed, “It is a complicated matter. As in the cases of all wars, I suppose. Yet, from what I can tell you quickly, is that to the kingdoms of the continent, not only am I seen as a heretic for not believing in the same interpenetration as I and my subjects do – but I signed the death warrant of a fellow Queen. A cousin of mine that I did hesitate to sign, and do, believe me, I was talked into doing such a thing. To this day, it is a black mark upon my past. So at least on my part I gave her a proper tomb, and to prepare my subjects for the consequences.”

The wizard hummed in thought. “Are we moving southward towards the conflict, or away?”

“I prefer to be with my troops.”

This surprised the pony, “Really now? A Queen like you is…” he stopped when Elizabeth was giving a cold glare.

“A Queen like me is, what?”

“Forgive me, I almost spoke out of turn-”

“What were you going to say?”

Star Swirl hesitated, “Do you really want to hear it?”

“Yes,” she replied sternly.

With a sigh, he said, “I didn’t think that Queens were even… (Oh how do I say this…?) That you were capable of bravery towards the battlefield.”

“Do not mistake me, sir. I may be a woman, but I am one that has been scorned. You don’t know of the many times I have to have the courage to protect myself from my enemies. I have sworn to defend and serve my subjects to the best of my judgment. Do not think that I am a coward, or unwilling to take up arms to fight alongside my army.”

“It’s just for me; this is something that is unheard of. Not even Princess Platinum would do anything that you’re preparing to do. If I didn’t know it, I would say that you may have the body of a female, but have the heart of an honorable king.”

“Quite,” Elizabeth returned her gaze towards the fire. “What other inquiries do you have for me?”

“Ah yes,” the old wizard cleared his throat. “Would it be possible that we could go outside of the court?”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“For the past few days, my student and I have been recording about the culture, workings, and habits of the palace. But never once have we been granted to go outside of it, not even towards that river nearby. Clover is getting anxious and, frankly, so am I of being cooped up here – as if we were prisoners. But surely, we’re not, are we?”

“And why would you want to go outside of the court?”

“We want to know how your subjects live.”

She folded her arms, “I’m afraid it can’t be done.” The old wizard asked her why not, to which, she responded: “As I think I’ve stated before, you and your student are the first, real unicorns that any man had sat eyes on for the first time in ages. I cannot risk either of you of being harmed by my subjects when they find such rare creatures to be carried away or to remove your horns. Not to mention that I’ve officially made you two my guests in my court, so the responsibility of your safety falls upon me.”

“Especially when war is coming this way?”

The Queen nodded, “Now that the Spanish are approaching, if they succeed, then I give you my word that the Crown will do everything in its power to keep the both of you out of harm's way. That is if it comes to it. However, if by the Grace of God that a victory can be secured, then I might allow it with an armed escort.”

“Sounds fair,” he muttered.

“Can I ask you a question, sir?” Star Swirl told her that she could. “This magic you unicorns possess, do you use it for self-defense from those who try to harm you?”

The old unicorn pulled off his hat and held it in his hoof. “We can, us Unicorns have been known to be powerful in times of war. However, we’re not like the Pegasi that have a tradition in combat, yet, if provoked we can be proven deadly. What you must understand ma’am is that every unicorn, including myself and my student, is given an oath before we are taught magic is to do no harm. And to use our skills as self-defense when there is no other alternative. When all other options are extinguished, only then we fight to protect ourselves and those we care for. Why do you ask?”

Elizabeth interlocked her fingers in her hands. “Truth be told, my Kingdom is indeed at great risk. We are doing everything we can to build ships and recruit troops, but we are still short of what the Spanish have. My spies have done everything they can to buy us time, which is running out. I did hope to ask you on a later date, but with what you stated, you have earned the truth.” She looked at him solemnly. “Can I convince you into fighting for England?”

The gray stallion stood up in surprise, “What! Ma’am, with all due respect, we are scholars, not warriors.”

“Yet, I have seen my court being disarmed and their weapons being turned against their owners, and manipulate water itself. Good Sir, you have the one advantage that no one in the world has: magic that isn’t trickery. What is an army or a navy against a pony that possesses the will of a god?”

“Stop, right, there,” Star Swirl hold a hoof out. “I can sense where this is going, but I’m going to go into a fight when it isn’t our own. Ma’am, we are innocent, we have no quarrel with Spain or England. We were sent out into the world to gather knowledge, not flung ourselves into battle.”

“I am trying to gather as much assistance as I could since I have no other allies to help my country. My subjects are counting on me to keep them safe, to protect their beliefs and well-being from other Princely powers that threaten their very lives. Why, if we have but one of your unicorns, the Spanish Armada won’t have a prayer-”

“But you don’t know what you’re asking,” he objected. “You are asking us to break that vow we’ve sworn to do no harm. Why, if I use my magic to fight like this, it would bring unimaginable dishonor upon me. We don’t kill what we are given. If Princess Platinum found out that I have drowned a whole Navy in a fight that we shouldn’t have any business in, I’ll be labeled as a murder. And do you know what ponies do to murders?”

Elizabeth, still in her seat, hummed in thought. “What if you didn’t have to take a soul?”

Star Swirl blinked, “Come again?”

“Let us pretend for a moment, that you were not required to harm the Spanish at all. My troops will do all the fighting, of course, but what if you were able to give our enemy a disadvantage of some sort? Such as moving their ships in inconvenient ways, or have them being blown back out to sea, or have them scatter in the winds. Do you think that could be possible for either of you to accomplish?”

The old wizard paused, “I… I suppose it’s, probably. Wind spells are easy to cast and making waves from the sea are foals play… But, how do I know that I won’t be responsible for hurting anypony?”

“If the Spanish are pushed back from the battle, then how can they harm? Or have the very heavens turned against them, would they not flee in fear?”

Sighing in his hooves, Star Swirl placed his hat back on his head. “I… I don’t know about this.”

“How about I make a deal with you? If you or your student could at least push our enemies back, to disorganized their lines and confuse them, thereby giving us a victory, I shall let you two have full access to anywhere in my Kingdom with your own personal guards. Any place you visit, the nobility would be obligated in giving the both of you hospitality because you two would be welcomed as heroes.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then, nothing shall come out of nothing,” she stood up from her chair. “We still have until the end of July before the Spanish arrived. Until then, you are granted time to consider what I have offered. Unless you have any other questions, I like to retire to bed.”

Putting a hoof to his chin, Star Swirl said, “Yes, I have one more to ask: Has there at any time, not in British history, but in all the world, that a pony like myself has suddenly appeared out of nowhere?”

The Queen walked towards a bookshelf to read before going to bed. “At present, I do not quite know. Although, if I do happen upon a piece of information, what would you do with it?”

“It may help us figure out where we are, and more importantly, how to get back to Equestria.”

“I see. Now I bid you Goodnight. But before you go, and since I’m beginning to like you, I think you shall be given a nickname to be called by.”

Star Swirl tilted his head, “A nickname?”

“All my favorite courtiers that I like have names that I have given them when they are in my favor. For you, since you arrived with a cloak and hat of stars and can do wondrous magic, for now on, you shall be called Merlin.”

“As in the Wizard from your legends?”

She nodded. “Tis so. You do have his beard after all. Now leave, I like to have some reading before I sleep. Goodnight sir.”

Star Swirl bowed and exited the room. Elizabeth placed the book on one of the nightstands, were in the light of a still flame of candlelight. She called for her servants to help her out of her jeweled dress and makeup so that she dawns her nightgown. Once she was able to lie down, she picked up the book to flip to the first page and title of the tome:

The Histories: Book the Fifth by Publius Cornelius Tacitus.

VI: The River Thames

After it took all morning for the court to board the boats nearby the palace, they set sailed down the river. The royal vessels glide down with rowers to push them forward, towards the weak point of England as the unicorns were told. All the while, both ponies took the opportunity to examine both sides of the watery way. Clover, in particular, was jotting down as much as she could from what she saw from landscape to the condition and architecture of the buildings, the pattern of farmlands, and even the people that took notice of them as they passed by.

“What are you doing little one?” Clover looked up to the voice that addressed to her. She found it to be the Queen’s adviser, Cecil.

“Trying to record what I see,” she replied. “There is so much to write down and draw that I could barely keep up.”

“Do you often do this on your travels?”

She nodded, “Of course. Princess Platinum did want illustrations so that when she reads all the knowledge in the world, she would have the context of what we are talking about.” Glancing up at the swaying trees along the river, she added. “This is a lovely looking country.”

“I don’t know how your opinion would change once we get to London,” he said. “All the majesty of nature is cut off once we pass by its borders.”

“Oh… I’ll keep that in mind.” She then got an idea, “I just realized something: I don’t know much about you.”

“How so?”

“Well… I don’t know how you became an adviser to the Queen over there,” she pointed a hoof towards a throne that was shaded by a golden canopy. “Nor do I know about how this sort of government works, or where you play your part in all of this.”

“My duty, young lady, is to Her Majesty the Queen. I have been guiding her since the beginning of her rule. She trusts me to give her my honest thoughts on any given subject to determine what is good for the country and her subjects. If anything, I am one of the few to disagree with her when there is a reason to do so.”

As she scribbled it down, Clover asked, “Did you?”

“What?”

“Disagreed with her on something?”

He sighed, glancing his old eyes towards Elizabeth. “Oh yes. There have been times that such a thing had occurred. More times than not, she did get rather upset at the things I said, even if it turned out that I was right. A sovereign needs a conscious, one with sound judgment and to present a side of an argument, even when they don’t want to hear it.”

“Sounds very similar to when I was an adviser to Princess Platinum.”

“You were an adviser?”

She nodded, “Oh yes. I too had a duty to offer advice and judgment to her. Yet, I can tell that your Queen is completely different. The one I served was a little… how do I say this? Quick to judge and wouldn’t do anything dirty with a mile long pole. Yours, however, she’s much more… mature? (If that’s the right word for it,) This Elizabeth has a dedication to her country, even going out to see her troops are inspiring.”

The adviser was surprised, “How did you know we were going towards the troops?”

“My master informed me this morning before we left. He said that he and the Queen spoke, telling him that there was a war coming.” She glanced over towards the head of the boat where Star Swirl only looked forward towards the current of the river. “Although, I have a feeling that there’s more to it,” Cecil inquired what she meant by that. “Master Star Swirl seemed distant since this morning. As if he has something important to think about. He wouldn’t tell me what it is, but I can tell.”

The elderly man put a hand underneath his chin, “You are a curious pony indeed. Pray tell, how did you go from being an adviser to a Princess, to a student of his?”

Clover stopped writing. Glancing to her teacher once more, she began. “It was my calling. To tell you the truth, before him, I did think that I was the cleverest pony in the land. I have read many scrolls of philosophers, wise advice from elders, and studied any subject from whatever I could find it. In a way, that was why Princess Platinum has made me her adviser, to begin with. For a while, I had pride that I was the smartest of the smarties, the wisest of the wise. Until he came. Came up to the castle one day, looking for a job, and when the princess asked for qualifications… He demonstrated magic that made me realize that I have been looking at through a key-hole. The things he did make me realized of how little I actually knew.”

“So you asked him to teach you?”

“Several times. But for a long time, he refused to do so because he didn’t want anypony to steal his secrets. It wasn’t until the princess ordered him to do so, did he give in. And after that, she sent us on this quest for knowledge.”

“I take it that he’s reluctant to teach you?”

She shook her head, “Not anymore. He’s teaching me some more advanced lessons when the occasion is right for it. Today, however, is a rest day, and I’m using it to record what I see.” She resumed scribbling. “Still, you haven’t told me much about how you became her adviser. How did you anyway?”

“Simply put, she chose me because of my experience of serving the past few royals that she deemed me worthy as one of her Privy Council. Although, part of me thinks that it is because she and I are Protestants.”

Clover looked up at him confused, “What is a Protestant?”

“The one true faith over the Catholics.”

The mare blinked, “Alright then, what is a Catholic?” From what the unicorn to make out, the very moment she asked that follow up question, the only expression that she could make out from Cecil was bewilderment at its purist. He did try to speak, but for a long time, he just couldn’t find the words to use as it kept opening and closing like a fish. “Sir, are you alright?”

“Do you even know what a Christian is?”

She shook her head. “Never heard of it, is it some kind of tribe?”

“Great Lord above!” he muttered. “You have no knowledge of it? None?”

Clover shrugged, “Never heard of the name until now. Still, I’m more than willing to learn to be put into the book. Again, are you alright?”

“Forgive me if I seem shocked, truth be told, you’re the first… creature to tell me that they are ignorant of our religion. At the same time, it shouldn’t since you unicorns come from a different world.”

“But why would you be shocked at all?”

The old adviser sat on the railings of the boat. “Little one, this identity and practice of belief run deep within not just this country, but to all of Europe. Depending on where you are, simply declaring what you are could get you killed. If anything, this war with the Spanish is a strong reason why it has been created in the first place. Perhaps, consider yourself fortunate that you and your teacher have come to England since both of you are considered innocents. Her Majesty has a tolerance for both Protestant and Catholic alike that follow the rule of law. Such liberty is not easy to come by, which is why this Island of Britain must fight. If the invasion is successful, such luxury of belief would fall.”

“And thus,” added Clover, “A loss of knowledge,” Cecil nodded. “Is there anything to be done?”

“If what you told me about the Queen and your master, I think that he would already know.”

Closing her book, the mare thanked him and went up to the head of the boat where Star Swirl blankly looks ahead of the river. “Sir? Are you alright?”

“Hm?” he snapped his attention towards her, giving her a natural expression. “Oh yes, everything is well.”

“Is it?” she sat down on her haunches. “You are not like yourself, Master. You have been that way since this morning, and the Queen’s adviser that you had a talk with her.” The bearded unicorn didn’t respond. “And I also know that a war is coming this way.”

“Did that Cecil tell you about what Queen Elizabeth wants?”

Clover thought for a moment, “I’m afraid that part was left out… Is it serious?”

He nodded. “Very,” he said, “She has made a deal that I’m hesitant in accepting.”

“About what?”

“Our freedom to explore outside of the court.”

Clover raised an eyebrow. “As fantastic of news as that is, I assume there’s more to it?”

“She wants to use our magic as a weapon against the invasion.” He saw his student pail. “And before you say anything else, she offered that same magic should be used to push them back to sea. In theory, it shouldn’t kill anypony, but still-”

“Don’t tell me that you spent all morning considering this,” Clover interrupted.

Star Swirl held up a hoof, glancing over to the Queen that was looking at them. “In a way, but I’m not exactly sold on the idea myself,” he admitted it softly. “I will not pretend that there isn’t some risk that someone could get hurt. She’s asking to manipulate the wind and the sea to push them out. Considering that there’s going to be a battle, there’s a high chance that someone is going to get hurt.”

“That, and we have nothing to do with this fight.” She quietly argued. “Master, we can’t do such a thing, after that oath we took.”

“But that Queen is not asking either of us to kill. Rather, to simply push them out of the way. Still, doing so would take somepony of my skill to separate both armies from further hurting each other. At the same time, I’ll have to try preventing drownings, fires and such, and they do push the invader as far away as possible while startling them enough to never come back. However, the upside is that once this is done, we are given the key to anywhere in this country we chose, and record the common life. We would be free to piece together what is going on.”

“But how can you promise me that you can’t hurt anyone?” Clover questioned him.

“That’s the very question that has plagued me since last night,” her teacher muttered. “The biggest problem is how would I be able to know what I’m doing? Going by boat is obviously out of the question. And I’m sure I can’t see everything from such a distance, I probably would need some way to see far ahead without being there.”

“Pardon me,” both unicorns looked behind them to see a servant holding a tray of glass chalices with a picture of red wine in them. It too was made out of glass. “Would you like to have a drink?”

“I think I’m going to need it,” Star Swirl levitated his glass over while his student picked up the other. After downing some of it, he resumed. “I mean, if I could be able to do that without inventing a new spell for it, I would gladly take up the offer with the guarantee that I could see what I’m doing.”

Clover pondered over this problem, staring at her glass of wine. She was about to place it on the railing when she noticed how the wood through the glass had magnified when held it up close. Star Swirl could tell that the gears were turning in her head. And before he could ask what she was doing, she set her glass aside and lit up her horn to raise three orbs of water out from the river. Even though it caught the attention of the courtiers, she ignored them as she lined the three identical orbs in the air.

Cecil was the first to come up to them, “What is she doing?”

“Thinking by the looks of it,” Star Swirl replied. “Though I wonder what she is thinking about.”

The mare held the orbs right in front of her in a straight line and peered through them. After giving it some thought, she allowed one of them to shrink a little and held it close to her eye while moving the middle one between the other balls of water. When she wasn’t satisfied, she slowly shrunk the middle one, still moving it from side to side until it was the size of the one she stopped. “Master,” she said. “I think you need to look at this.”

Taking the orbs into his own magic, the wizard peered through. His eyes widened as he looked between what was in front of them, and what the water was showing. “It’s like I can see that patch of trees up close, only…” He turned to his student. “How did you come up with this?”

“Do you notice how often objects tend to magnify in a glass or in a ball like these? I had this thought of what would happen if you held several of these in a row and peered through them. Of course, I have to adjust the water, but I think that I have found a way to magnify objects from afar.”

“What are you doing?” The unicorns turned to the voice of the Queen, who was now walking up to them.

Star Swirl looked through the magnified image through the watery orbs before turning his full attention towards Elizabeth. “Your Highness, I think I found something to make it easier to take up your offer after all.”

VII: The Spanish Armada

Author's Note

To begin with, I apologize in advance for not only for the long wait, but for the quality of this particular chapter. For I don’t know if the pacing is wrong, or the battle scene is off, or the historical actions is incorrect or what. So if there’s any constructive advise on how to improve this, please don’t be afraid to let me know.

VII: The Spanish Armada

Weeks later, the very fears that every Englishman has dreaded came true as warning beacons were lit all the way to London. The call to arms was ringed out to Elizabeth’s subjects, but even with the grim air that choked the country, the Queen knew that the unicorns were prepared. It was agreed by the court that the most powerful unicorn should be sent to the cliffs of Dover while his student to be with the Queen for the sake of security. Both unicorns left the British capital with each carrying three polished glass orbs, or as Clover dubbed it as “Spy Glasses.”

The old wizard wasn’t sent over to the shores of Dover alone. Along with the carriage with the swiftest horses in the kingdom, he was sent with an entourage of soldiers and one of the Queen’s advisers. Sir Walsingham, as Star Swirl had noticed, seemed rather nervous as days went by, and getting nearer to the shoreline.

On the night before they arrived, the party made camp for the night. The old unicorn could practically smell the salty air of the sea, but at the same time, he also smelled something that he didn’t recognize. It was a smoky, burned smell that polluted the evening sky of their camp that overpowered that of the fires being burned for light and cooking that was irritating to Star Swirl’s head that was giving him a headache.

“Are you alright?” the old stallion looked up from the bonfire in the center of camp. He found Walsingham standing next to him.

He waved his hoof, “Never mind me. This air is irritating to the senses that is aching my head. If only that disgusting smell would go away.”

The black-bearded adviser cocked his head to the side. “You never smelled gunpowder before?”

“Is that what it is?” Star Swirl clenched his eyes shut. “It’s awful. Where is it coming from?”

Walsingham looked over towards the direction of the sea. “Must be the battle, if it indicates anything, they have been fighting ever since we left London. I hope that our ships have slowed them down until we get to shore.” He then returned his attention to the unicorn. “What did the Queen told you to do once we get there?”

“First of all, I’m on this mission to break up the armada to get away from England. Hopefully, if it goes right, I shouldn’t be able to harm anypony.”

“And how are you planning on accomplishing that?”

Star Swirl coughed, “First by scaring them, and then try to push them away as gently as possible.” The adviser inquired what he meant by “scaring” the Spanish. “I have been pondering ever since I volunteer to go on this mission. A way to uphold the oath to do no harm when there’s a battle going on. Well, I thought that the best way to do so safely is to scare them. Though, I do have a rather important question to ask.”

“What is that?”

After whipping his eyes from the smoke, he looked up and ask, “What does the Spanish God look like?”

Before the bearded wizard was the sea. And on the waters were more ships then he had ever seen in his life. A forest of masts, sails, wood, and burning smoke reached across the ocean. The air was peppered with thunder that came from the ships like a ferocious thunderstorm. Using the three orbs, he magnified not only the battle that was going on before him but noticed that there was land on the other side of the sea.

As far as he could see, there were two kinds of ships: the tall sailed boats that looked like floating fortresses; the others were shorter, quicker ships that repeatedly spit out fire at the other. The taller ships were at the moment disorganized and were trying to regroup while the smaller ones circled about them in lines.

“Those smaller ships are English,” Walsingham informed him. By the looks of it, victory could be at hand but the Spanish still needs to be driven out.” He looked down at him, “What are your requirements at this point?”

“Concentration,” Star Swirl replied. “Now I must gather my magic to use it with precision. Which means, I need distance from distraction from any of you, so please, go far enough so I won’t be able to hear you while I work.”

“We do have to keep an eye on you.”

He nodded, “Of course, now please, let me be.”

The escort walked away out of earshot, leaving the unicorn on the edge of the white cliff, sitting there looking out to sea. Star Swirl stared through the orbs that he held up with his magic. Glancing at the sky, he closed his eyes and his horn glow bright like a beacon at night. Walsingham could feel all around that the air itself felt different as the winds blew skyward. Strange clouds of white and dark formed over the sea, growing larger, covering miles upon miles forming a threatening storm.

Then, out of the clouds, like a painter brushing the sky, the escort saw lines being formed from the sky. Dark over light, gray circles over white curves drew out for several minutes until they and both fleets saw above the image of a face. One that had a flowing beard that tumbled and twisted like a waterfall. Then from the beard, a mouth, cheeks, nose, closed eyes, forehead, and long flowing hair emerged. There was almost a collective gasp as the clouds and Star Swirl’s eyes opened, revealing the bright blue sky behind them. It was as if God himself showed his face, and the expression wasn’t a pleased one.

For a moment, neither side knows how to react. Star Swirl looked through his spy glasses in hopes that it would work. However, when both sides resumed fighting, spitting fire more than ever before, the wizard thought that this time, he must push both of them back by force. He raised his forelegs, holding them straight forward before bringing them to his withers as he inhaled. Above, the cloud puppet’s cheeks puffed out before, at the same time as the master, blew out.

Almost instantly, the ships immediately began to turn as Star Swirl commanded the waves to nudge both armies away from one another. On land, the entourage could feel the hurricane winds that nearly knocked them over, but watched as both the English fleet and the Spanish Armada were separated in surprise with the enemy being dragged further away from the island coast. Meanwhile, the bearded stallion looked on through his spy glasses, keeping an eye on the Spanish ships to make sure they don’t capsize or sink them as he pushed them towards France.

Only this did when Walsingham rushes up to object, “Sir! Don’t maroon them over there?”

The wizard snapped his head around, although he was sweating heavily, his horn did not fade. “What for?”

“There are Spanish soldiers on the other side! If those ships reach there, they are certainly guaranteed to come back!”

Glancing through the floating orbs, he told them, “It looks like they’re getting closer, where do you want them to go to?”

“Northward! Drive the armada towards the North East! That way, they’ll have to head back to Spain as they are driven completely off course!”

After carefully studying the forest of masts that were driven further and further away, Star Swirl’s horn glowed brighter than ever before, as he reached out his front hooves towards the fleet and brought them towards his left. His magic reached across miles of the sea as if desperately trying to grab the Spanish before they get marooned upon the shallow waters. Then, to his relief, the sea gave in and the armada was redirected away.

His horn dimmed as he let go of the clouds, wind, and sea, leaving only the three glass balls in his aura. The old wizard was breathing heavily as he made one last glance at the British navy, seeing no signs of distress. Turning towards his armed entourage, he told them, “I think… that should do it…” before he collapsed on the ground.

“Sir!” Walsingham and the armed guards rushed over. “Sir? Are you alright?”

Star Swirl wheezed, “I’ve used too much of my magic… I need to sleep.”

The adviser summoned for a cushion for the unicorn to lay on, once that was brought, the guards lifted the pony onto the pillow, in which he thanked them before sleep overtook him.

“Let us return to London,” Walsingham advised. “Her Majesty should be notified that England is safe.”

Miles away, in the mouth of the River Thames, in a place called Tilbury, Elizabeth was being put into armor. War was still on her and her soldier’s minds as news were yet to reach them. She knew very well of the tension outside of her tent as they waited for the chance that the English fleet to fail. From the fortress to the coastline, the army was sharpening their swords, pikes, and arrows while the expensive cannons aimed towards the sea. Her servants helped her into the armor breastplate over her white velvet gown.

By the time she exited the tent, the stone fortress was in full motion with soldiers going about this way and that. Clover the Clever, who spotted her, went up to her with the spy glasses in her aura.

“Any sighting of the Spanish?” Elizabeth inquired.

The mare shook her head. “Nothing as far as I could see, although I can speak on behalf of everyone that we’re all nervous about what’s to come. I too am worried over many things, including what became of my master.”

“This is only a precaution little one,” the Queen told her as she walked forward towards her generals. “I do have faith that our navy shall outwit the enemy before they could attempt to come ashore.”

“And if they couldn’t?” questioned Clover, “Even with the efforts of my Master?”

“Then we shall fight,” by now, she reached her generals. “My Lords, is the army prepared?”

They bowed. “All waiting to be given the word to attack milady,” said one of the generals in which he added, “Although, at the same time, we are concerned.”

“No need for that, I have confidence that we shall succeed a victory.”

After glancing at one another, the same general spoke up, “That is not what I meant, Your Majesty. Our concern isn’t the impending battle itself, rather, the very fact that you are here and that you are surrounded by armed men that, if the Spanish gain the upper hand that they may turn against you.”

Elizabeth frowned, “What are you implying?”

“That it ought to be wise for you to either remain in the fortress or to be taken to some place of safety for the chance that you need to flee, so perhaps you may have your bodyguards-”

“No!” she objected in a way that was so sudden that Clover was forced to step back from the sudden burst of anger. “We did not come all this way so that our people to watch us flee before the nightmare of the Armada! I for one find your lack of confidence in this army’s loyalty unnerving.”

“This is for your own safety ma’am,” another general told her. “As much as you are the Queen of England, you are still by all accounts a woman.”

Elizabeth’s hand clenched as she suddenly turned towards the entrance of the fortress. “Dugley! Sir John Norreys! Robert Devereux! Thomas Butler with your Page! And Clover the Clever with me! Bring my steed at once!”

“Excuse me, Your Highness,” the unicorn mare asked as she followed her behind. “But what are you doing?”

“I’m going to face my troops, whether my generals like it or not,” Clover questioned what that meant but she ignored her. Elizabeth climbed on a white horse and was given a gold and silver spear with the other men she called gathered around her. Together they headed out of the fortress to the military camp flanking the shoreline. Soldiers that were facing the sea with unease soon turned away when word came that the Queen was in their midst. Many gathered around them, forming a tight right where Clover saw Elizabeth rode into the middle of the space, turning the horse around all the while.

“My loving people,” she began. “We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit ourselves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you, I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear. I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects. And therefore, I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honor and my blood, even in the dust.”

She raised her spear in the air and said with conviction: “I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king! And of a king of England too! And think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonor shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms! I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.

“I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and We do assure you, in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid. In the meantime, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom no prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valor in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over these enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people!”

“God save the Queen!” a soldier shouted, and the army shouted the same prayer as they raise their weapons in unity. “GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!”

Later that same day, a lone horseman was galloping furiously across the land towards Tilbury with a message. He rode straight for the fortress, demanding for the Queen to read the report from Dover. The same messenger was let in and was presented to Elizabeth with a sealed letter from Walsingham.

When she had dismissed the messenger and read the letter, she summoned Clover into her tent. The mare bowed when she entered. “Is there something you need Your Highness?”

“I have news for you,” she began with a smile. “Wonderful news indeed, for the Spanish have been defeated at sea thanks to your teacher’s efforts.”

Clover sighed in relief, “Oh good… Do you know what has happened to him?”

“As this report tells, he managed to drive away the enemy not only away from England, but from France in which Spanish Troops were waiting. In doing so, what remains of the Armada has been swept northwards, forcing them to head back to Spain. With that being said, it also spoke of when this heroic task was done; he collapsed and immediately fell asleep.”

“He must have used up a good deal of his magic.” Clover looked concerned, putting a hoof underneath her muzzle. “I should have gone with him, using that much of his strength must have weakened him.”

“Clover, we have talked this over,” the Queen reminded. “My bodyguards agreed that having one of you to protect me would be necessary in case the efforts to slow the Spanish failed. While I do pray for your Master’s recovery, he is now, at this moment, a hero to our Kingdom. I dare say that as soon as we return to London, he shall be rewarded as such for his efforts and valor.”

“I see…” the unicorn mare nodded. “One last thing: are you going to uphold your end of the agreement? To let us see your Kingdom freely to study its inhabitants?”

“As part of the reward, it shall be. Now go sleep, tonight England shall rest with peace on its mind.”

VIII: The Road to Bath

Celebratory relief was in every corner of the country. There was hardly a single subject that hasn’t heard of the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Church bells rang blessings while the drunks have something to drink about. Feasts from the wealthy to dances of the poor brought forth a rhapsody in knowing that their country was saved by a miracle. All the while in nearly the same breath of their thanksgiving to God, they too gave praise to their Queen.

It was this sort of atmosphere that Star Swirl the Bearded awoke to. While his eyelids felt heavy, he did feel that he was in a bed with pillows and soft padding with sheets and a blanket. His ears heard the murmuring crackle of a fireplace while a ghost of dancing music sounded off somewhere. By the time he managed to open them, although still feeling tired, he was able to see that he was now in a bedroom. His mind swarmed with questions as he slumped out of bed, “Where am I?” he muttered.

The windows provided him a vital clue as they showed the river Thames with the thatched roofs of the city that he realized in a moment that he was in London once more. Judging by the light in the sky, it looked to be almost evening as it was near bright orange. He turned his attention towards the door that leads out to the corridor and was committed to finding out where that music was coming from.

It didn’t take long to find that in the great hall of Whitehall, musicians were playing while courtiers danced. To the long end, sides of the hall were tables that still had leftover rich foods that the wizard made a note to snack on a few before returning to bed. But on the far end of the room was Elizabeth with her student. The queen herself was in her finest clothing of white, pearls, bows, red silks and rubies beneath her snow-white collar and a headdress of pearls.

She held up a hand and the hall became still, “My Lords and Ladies,” Elizabeth announced. “Our hero of our island has finally awakened from his slumber.”

Star Swirl heard applause as he walked between the nobles and servants until he was near enough to the Queen. “I have two concerning questions to ask,” he began. “What happened and how long was I asleep for?”

“I’m glad you are awake Master,” Clover got out from her cushioned seat to hug him. “You have been sleeping for nearly two weeks and I was worried that you wouldn’t wake up.”

“Truth be told,” he rubbed his eyes, “I’m still tired. Still, neither of you have answered my first question.”

“The Spanish Armada is no more,” the Queen informed him. “They have been indeed been blown away, forcing themselves to sail back to Spain. Although, not to say that some of those said ships have been ruined as some of them have crashed upon the shores of my kingdom, Scotland and Ireland, nevertheless, those that did the locals have taken care of them. And the Spanish have signed a treaty with us, so the threat of war has been avoided.”

Star Swirl blinked, “That is… good to hear, I suppose.”

“More than good sir,” Elizabeth stood up. “You have saved England from destruction, and my subjects are rejoicing because of your courage. The crown, my nobles, and even Parliament have agreed that such efforts you made ought to be rewarded.”

“So, are you going to allow us to explore your Kingdom?”

“More than that, we do wish for you to be knighted for your valor in the field of battle – to bestow you an official title for this court.”

“Oh no ma’am,” Star Swirl shook his head. “I’m not a warrior at all. We have already told you that we’re merely scholars looking for the truth of the world.”

“Yet, you have assisted my realm when it needed it the most Merlin. While I do appreciate your modesty, it would be unfair for not giving you some reward to fit the good deed you have done.”

The old wizard yawned, “Let me think it over, for now, I must return to bed. The magic that I have used up still needs time to come back before I can properly function once more.”

Elizabeth bid him go to sleep, watching the bearded unicorn to return to his room. The music started back up once more as she and Clover returned to their seats, “So little one, where exactly do you wish to go to our kingdom?”

“Oh I’m not sure as of yet,” Clover confessed. “There is so much ground to cover with areas to have a closer look at that I’m not entirely sure where to begin. Perhaps a look around London would be a good place to start.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure on that,” Elizabeth hummed in thought. “The city is indeed a busy one, yes. With its merchants and craftsmen going about, but at the same time, I fear that you and your Master would be overwhelmed by people who would want to see real unicorns in the streets. That alone where the stench of waste being poured from chamber pots and is crawling with criminals in certain areas. If I were to suggest a good place to start, it would be in the town of Bath.”

“Where’s that?”

“It is towards the west, where there remains an old Roman bathhouse, whose waters, as I am told, can cure many illnesses and rejuvenate oneself to bathe and drink from its springs. It is also home to the famous golden church as well among its green hills.”

Clover thought it over for a moment, “That would be a good idea, especially for the case of my Master. Using up as much magic as he did would take some good amount of recovery. Maybe the waters there may help him in that regard. What about you? What are you going to do when we’re going over there?”

“I do wish to stay here at Whitehall. My subjects are celebrating our marvelous victory, and I wish to celebrate with them. Still, I do wish to reward your master.” She thought for a moment as she sipped from her chalice. “Suppose I offer you unicorns dual citizenship?”

This got Clover’s attention, “You mean, you want us to become part of the tribe?”

“In a sense, as long as the both of you swear allegiance to me, to follow the laws and customs – although, you two wouldn’t be considered complete subjects. As I was told that neither of you has heard of Christianity.”

“As I said to your chief adviser, we are students learning as much as we could about the world. Especially with the… (What were the names called…?) Catholics and Protestants, for the sake of the book we are putting together, I would like to know the history of both groups and their customs as well.”

“Perhaps it may be sensible of gifting you a bible in English. The holy scriptures outline perfectly of what we believe to be true in the common language. As for history, I would have to fetch someone to find a book on such a subject.”

“Thank you so much,” Clover smiled. “I can’t wait to learn more.”

Days later, Star Swirl and Clover the Clever were in carriages traveling over the hills and fields of the British countryside. Surrounded on all sides were their own armed escorts, eight men on horseback carrying knives, swords, pikes and muskets – plus their driver pulling four horses across the golden fields of wheat, sheep, and through pastures of trees here and there. The bearded unicorn was lying down with a thin blanket to cover him, a curtain was drawn to block out the sunlight from one end of the carriage. His student meanwhile had the other open to the blue sky, holding up a bible that the Queen had given her and scribbling notes into her journal at the same time.

As much as her teacher tried to sleep, the road dirt road was so bumpy that he found it impossible to sleep as his whole body shook with the wooden carriage that he eventually opened his eyes and craned his neck over to see his student. “What are you doing?”

“Do you remember that book Queen Elizabeth had given us? I’m taking down notes of their belief system from their mythology. And while I’ve gone through several chapters already, I’m somewhat concerned as it is.”

“How so?”

“Well, apparently the God without a name hasn’t learned what forgiveness is at this point, because I’ve read a story where he had a grudge on the world that he decides to flood it all. That means he drowned out everypony including the animals to start again from scratch with a man with his family, a pair of each animal and a boat.”

Star Swirl blinked, “What did the animals do?”

She shrugged as she flipped the pages back, “It doesn’t say. It just mentions that mankind was wicked, but doesn’t go into detail about why. Now, I know that I’m starting to read this, but already I don’t like this God character. So far he doesn’t forgive for anything, gets angry at things in which, as a creator deity he could have easily prevented in the first place, then again, maybe he might improve later on.”

“Why does it concern you about what character their God is Clover?”

She looked up from her books. “Because, most cultures we’ve encountered so far, they tend to worship their gods from the same values as they have. At the moment, I’m just hoping that this is a story about how his behavior improves over time.”

Star Swirl sat up, rubbing his eyes, “Do you have any idea as to where we are?” His student confessed that she had no idea so the old wizard stuck his head out the rocking carriage window towards the driver. “Excuse me, sir, where are we?”

“We passed the town of Amesbury.”

The stallion looked around to see the rolling hills that stretched out in all directions for miles. Here and there huts would stand as shepherds watched over herds of sheep grazing. Before he drew his head back in, he spotted in the distance some odd, gray shapes. “What’s that over there?”

A nearby guard rode up to him, “What are you looking at sir?”

“That over there,” he pointed with a hoof. “By that patch of trees there, I see something gray right over yonder. Do you see it?”

The guard looked, “I do. And I do think that it may be the Merlin stones.”

“The what?”

“Merlin stones. Some say that the great wizard himself had transported these stones from faraway lands as they are said to be used for healing. If you ask me, I don’t think anyone knows where they came from or why they were set up.”

Star Swirl stared at the stones in thought, “Can we get nearer to them? I would like to see them up close.”

It was indeed a puzzling sight. On a hill, far from any farmland where wild grass grows stands a peculiar structure that both unicorns gazed on, puzzled by it. It was crude. That was a fact. It was made out of stone and formed a circular shape as if they were the remaining beams of a building. Of course, some of the gray boulders have fallen over eons ago, but the basic structure still stood. They found that it was made out of rings: an outer ring that was made out of mound earth, a center ring where stones here and there were embedded in a circle, a center ring made out of heavy stones that stood high while near the very center were three rocks.

“Do you think it was once a temple?” asked Clover.

Star Swirl shook his head, “If that were true, where is the altar? Every temple has an altar of some sort. To me, this looks like a rushed structure that was made in a hurry. Otherwise, where are all the carvings? Or the obvious sign to show what kind of god it’s dedicated to?”

“Sir Star Swirl,” the ponies turned to the guards behind them. “I think we ought to set up camp for the night.”

“You all do that,” the old pony waved a hoof, “My student and I are going to further investigate this mysterious structure.”

As the sun was beginning to set, the guards set up tents and prepared a fire, while the unicorns scanned this henge of stone.

IX: A Study in Stone

Night descended upon the land, overhead the camp the stairs were on display as well as the weak light of the ghostly moon. Clover looked away from the campfire and had her attention towards the mysterious stone structure. In her mind’s eye, she tried to come up with all sorts of explanation as to the purpose of this ring of stones.

“Are you going to go to bed?” the voice of her teacher snapped the mare out of her thoughts, a quick turn of her head found that he was just sitting down next to her. “Or are you still pondering about the formation of rocks over there.”

“I can’t get it out of my mind Master,” she responded. “Don’t you think it’s rather strange that there is this crude circle of heavy stones, which looks like it was made on purpose, and yet there’s no village nearby it?”

“What’s unusual about it?” her teacher questioned. “After all, towns can be abandoned if the land or its neighbors have disagreements with those that try to settle there. Do consider that we don’t know how old this thing is, for all we know, it could predate the English Kingdom give-or-take.”

“You mean some ancient tribes constructed this?”

Star Swirl shrugged before yawning, “It’s possible,” he said. “Tribes have built structures before, look at the three pony tribes before the unification.”

“I know that, but I’ve been pondering as to why anypony would want to build something like this in the middle of nowhere. You would reason that no one would take all the trouble to do it for no reason.”

Another yawn escaped his muzzle, “While you are pondering at this riddle, I’m going to sleep.” Star Swirl got up and turned to the circle of tents before disappearing into one of them.

Clover lit her horn until a mage light lit her way towards the structure but stopped when she got to the mound that encompassed the stones. She began to walk around on top of the grassy ring, in which noticed twice that it collapsed to ground level. After pausing for a moment, she asked herself, “Why to make a ring like a mound if you don’t complete the circle?”

“Milady?” the unicorn mare nearly jumped as she turned to find one of the guards holding a torch. “Pardon me, ma’am, we couldn’t help notice the light. May I ask what are you doing wandering about the stones?” he said as he reached out to touch the mage light, only for his hand to pass through.

“Sorry, was I keeping you up?”

He shook his head, “We didn’t know what spell you were casting, nor know why you wonder among these ruins at this time of night.”

“If you must know…” Clover blinked, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I caught your name.”

“Benjamin ma’am.”

She looked at him in thought, “Ben… ja-men?” He nodded, “Fascinating name. Anyway, Benjamin, I'm looking around because this place doesn’t make any sense to me.”

“These ruins?”

“Yes. Nothing about this place… have you ever come across a place that you know shouldn’t exist, but it does?”

The guard shrugged, “I can’t say if I have.”

“I mean, look around you, nothing about this place makes any sense. If it was a temple then there should have been at least a village nearby for worshipers. Nor is it some ancient palace or a place of healing for the same reason. Look around you, who exactly would benefit from having this thing placed here in the middle of nowhere?”

Benjamin glanced around at the evening fields of crops. “Maybe some farmers used this at one point?”

Clover raised an eyebrow, “Even so, why? What exactly…” she paused as she looked up at the moon which was overhead of the ruins. Her hooves, as if they were compelling her to walk forward. “What if I’m looking at this the wrong way?”

The guard followed behind her, “How so milady?”

“All these hours, my master and I have been looking at this place from the ground. What if it’s meant to be observed not from the earth – but towards the sky?”

Intrigued, the guard followed the mare towards the center of the ring of stones. This time, the unicorn observed the heavens above as they slowly turned. She took notice of the position of the moon, the weirdly placed dips in the ringed mound, and the dark hills looking straight ahead. Turning to the guard, she asked, “Benjamin, what sort of people live around these parts?”

“Most farmers,” he answered.

“Then let me ask you a question if you were a farmer, how would you know when to sow and reap your crops?”

“By calendar or timepiece, I suppose.” He tilted his head. “Why would you ask?”

“Hear me out,” she walked towards the three stones and looked through across, towards the camp. “But what if you lived in a place where such tools were unknown to you, yet you still want to make sure your harvest goes right. Then what else can you use to figure out what’s the right season to plant your seeds?”

The guard pondered this puzzle for a few minutes, looking around until he turned his attention toward the sky. “Perhaps… use the heavens to…” then an idea came to both he and Clover the Clever. “Ma’am, are you suggesting that this place-”

“It’s a calendar!” she exclaimed. “Now it makes sense! Because look at the direction of these stones, it is towards the East – where the sun comes up. And if this world is anything like the one I know, the sun’s morning shadow only falls on the same place twice a year. Ergo, these stones are actually a primitive timepiece where all these stones mark a specific occasion!” She squeed as she galloped back to camp while the guard followed behind her. The guards who were still awake were confused as an excitable mare rushed through and went directly towards a specific tent. “Master! Master! Wake up!”

The guards heard a commotion of several things being knocked over and crashing. This was followed by Star Swirl’s annoyed voice, “What? What’s going on? It’s not morning already is it?”

“Master, I think I know what the stones are!”

While groggy, Star Swirl examined the shadows of the stones in the early hours of the morning. In the August sun, the light cast long, circular shades in the inner circle. He noted the three stones were in darkness while the sunbeam went passed it. Looking between the crooked lining of the rising orb and the silhouettes of the surrounding mound and structure, he turned to his escort of guards. “Do you have sundials in this world?”

“Of course we do,” Benjamin replied as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small sundial that he held out with his hand. “Mine comes with a compass that helps tell the time.”

“So does it work with the same principle here?” Clover inquired as her Master looked out towards the east, particularly towards a stone straight ahead.

“Perhaps, maybe not to tell the hours whenever the sun is out, rather signal particular days. Your theory of being a farmer’s timepiece seems plausible; only one part doesn’t make sense.”

“And what is that?”

He pointed to the other dip in the ringed mound, “If that’s true, then what is that for? Surely if this is some ancient sundial where the sun moves by a certain degree from east to west, then why place this when it’s not in the sun’s path?”

“What if it is not just for the sun?” Benjamin inquired. “After all, it’s not the only heavenly orb in the sky.”

In that same instant, both unicorns looked directly upward towards the sky and simultaneously facehoof. “Why didn’t I think of that,” they said.

“Great,” Clover sighed in frustration, “that only complicates things even further – considering we don’t know the astrology of this world.”

With a groan, Star Swirl stepped out of the stone monument with the others following behind. ‘Let’s just hope that there is one in Bath.’

Miles away in London, Cecil and Walsingham were in a hurry. The Queen had summoned them both in the early hours of the morning, but there was no expiration given as to why. Knowing Elizabeth as long as they did, it was rather unusual that Her Majesty would seek an audience with them this early in the day. For either man could guess, they were being summoned for reasons that were vital to the kingdom’s security.

They were lead through the palace, given confirmation from one ring of guards to the next until they were at the heart of the palace: the Queen’s bedchamber. A knock and answering who was at her door later, they were let into the small room where Elizabeth stood with a book in hand.

“Your Majesty,” they bowed before her.

Elizabeth’s oldest adviser inquired if there was a reason for this unexpected audience. “There is indeed,” she answered. “It is something that I wish to speak both of you about in private that I need guidance on.”

“Do, pray tell, what troubles Your Majesty at this hour?” Walsingham asked.

The Queen flipped open to a part of the book in which, as she did so, her advisers saw the title of it:

The Histories: Book the Fifth by Publius Cornelius Tacitus.

“How much do you know of Roman history?” Elizabeth inquired.

Both men looked at one another in confusion, to which Cecil said, “I’m afraid we don’t quite understand what is being asked, ma’am.”

“I’m referring to the reign of Emperor Titus. Did you know what made his time so unusual?”

The younger adviser scratched his head, “All I know was he was one of the good Emperors of Rome. I confess that I do not know much about it nor remember much what I was taught from history.”

“Then listen to this, I’m quite sure all of you would find this both fascinating and alarming at the same time,” Elizabeth held out a finger, letting it run down the old pages over the words and paragraphs until she found what she was looking for. From there, she quoted the passage, “‘Yet, out of all the peculiarities, unfortunate incidences, and wondrous happenings during the reign of Titus, perhaps none have surpassed then the time that, as Romans say, the Gods Jupiter and Mars had come to the capital. On a stormy evening, while purple clouds hung overhead with its furious lightning and thunder, a creature in the form of an armored pegasus descended from the heavens and crashed in the Forum Augustum, into a vegetable cart. When this creature was taken to the Emperor, he and his court were astonished that a pony that had an image of a lightning bolt and olive branches, as well as processing the power of speech. Soon after, they declared to be the embodiment of Jupiter himself, while the pony denied of having such an identity…’” She looked up from her book. “Does it sound familiar?”

“I’m afraid that I do not see what you are referring to,” Cecil told her.

“There’s more,” she continued. “Further down, it mentions this: ‘Days after the fire, the God Mars came into the city unexpectedly from the sea. The sailors had found a red armored unicorn from the Island of Crete in which they intended to sale the pony in Rome. When the creature was able to break free, however, did it show its power. When its horn glowed like a torch, it was seen to lift the object in the air, transport himself in any given positions within a blink of an eye, and tossed beams of light that were able to knock down any man that stood in its way. Like Jupiter, Mars too show the powers of speech, while holding true to its equine form.’ That, right there, sounds to me an awfully a lot like our Merlin, does it not?”

Walsingham was the first to figure out what Elizabeth was getting at. “Are you saying that this sort of thing has happened before?”

“Unicorns in the form of ponies arrive by an unusual storm? Indeed it is. I have read further into this book, and it tells how those two ponies in Rome were able to convince its government to send out an expedition Legion into Germania to seek out the same cloud they entered from. Along the way, the found a white mare that acted as the healer to the savage tribes for four years, and while they were successful of returning back to where they came from by getting struck by its lightning, only a few of the original Legionnaires were able to return back to Rome alive.

“With that in mind, can you see why I brought you two up here?”

They nodded, “I do Your Majesty,” Cecil nodded. “If that book is correct, then that means that there may be a chance those two would return to whatever world they came from if that cloud returns in four years time.”

“That is correct Spirit,” Elizabeth nodded as she tossed the book onto her bed, “Which brings to the utmost important matter.”

“And that is?” Walsingham raised an eyebrow.

“Shall the crown and parliament do everything it can to help our unicorns with their quest for home, or to prevent them and make them stay for England’s benefit?”

X: In a Town Called Bath

The first thing that the two unicorns noticed as they entered into the town apart from its lush, rolling green hills, was that the buildings there were mostly made out of yellow stone. Nearly everything from the cobblestones in the street to the church seemed to be made out of that golden stone. From their bridges to the grand homes, there was hardly a spot that wasn’t tranquil among its prosperity. It was also a lively place where commoners were selling their goods, and every so often, they would spot an aristocrat strolling by in their finest.

But what caught their attention, however, was that in this golden city, there is a specific building that seems to be out of place given the architecture of the town. Near to the church where the nobility seems to flock towards, was a building that on first glance seemed rather… familiar. From the columns to the way the window is framed, the arched roofs, even the little statues that stuck out, it was as if the Pegasi tribe had come by to carve this place out of stone. This, as they were told, is the location of the famous Baths that were built by the Romans.

It was agreed upon that while Clover seeks out for an astrologist so to gain some idea about the purpose of the ancient stone calendar, Star Swirl would regain his strength in the baths. Of course, as soon as the bearded stallion walked in, he was greeted with stares by everyone from the nobility to the staff. They were taken aback as soon as he asked which way the springs was were. If it weren’t for the Queen’s guards present, they no doubt would have tossed him out. But he was indeed shown to one of the pools, the largest and oldest part of the baths. It was partly in ruins but still well preserved, as it opened up to the sky, but it was surrounded by a tall wall with columns and ancient statues that have been eroded over centuries. And the spring water was so warm that Star Swirl could see steam coming out of the turquoise green water.

“Almost remind me of the Hot Springs of the Kirren’s.” He remarked after he trusted a guard with his hat and cloak before gingerly getting into the water. At first, he winced as his hooves came in contact with the hot water. But he waits it out until he felt comfortable enough to sink more and more in. Eventually, all except for the upper part of his neck and head was submerged, letting the water work its magic. Perhaps it was the warmth or the minerals in the water, but he could feel his joints and aches melt as he sat in one corner of the pool.

He sighed. “I needed this. I can’t recall the last time I stopped to relax.”

While relief set in, slowly letting the hot spring rejuvenate him, the old wizard let his eyes wander about the pool. His mind too wondered about. ‘How old could this bath be? This place, if I’m not mistaken, is ancient. Given how eroded those statues above are, this place must have been around for centuries. Even the architecture is unique here as if they were constructed by some else.’

Looking over his shoulder towards one of the guards, he called him out to approach.

“Sir?”

“Before I ask anything, may I inquire first what your name is?”

“Benjamin, sir.”

“Then tell me, these baths, what do you know about them?”

“I… I confess I know very little.” Benjamin the guard replied. “After all, I only came from Lancaster.”

“But what do you know?” Star Swirl pressed on. “Even if you know little, it would still be helpful for me. After all, I and my student have been sent to gather all knowledge. So please share.”

He nodded, looking about the ruins. “As I said, I don’t know much. Only that this place is what remains of when Rome ruled Britain.”

“Rome?”

“It was the name of the Empire, that conquered Britain centuries ago. As a boy, I was told that few places in the Kingdom have the remains of Rome. This bath, for instance, and the Hadrian wall up north. But as to the Empire itself…? That I don’t know much either. It was at one time one of the largest in the world. At its height, it covered most of Christendom. But when it fell and fractured, these places are all that remained. This bath is still around because it uses the hot springs that say that can cure anything.”

While Star Swirl made a mental note to ask the Queen about this world’s history, he fell upon a corner of the ruins where it was covered in dirt. There wasn’t anything remarkable there, except he spotted the wall where he had to do a double-take. He swam over to the other end of the pool to try to get a closer look at what he was seeing. Underneath centuries of dirt, he thought he could see… a face… a pony’s face…

“Benjamin,” Star Swirl said, pointing at the wall. “Look there, what does that look like to you?”

The guard glanced over. “I see a dirty wall with a horse’s head.”

“Horse… or pony?” The wizard got out of the pool and used a spell to quickly dry himself before trotting over to get a closer look. He found that the image was made out of tiny, colorful stones in which he could barely make out the head of a unicorn with a traditional Pegasi helmet. With his horn aglow, he levitated a portion of the pool’s water and used it to clean a portion of the wall where he could see, to his astonishment, a unicorn pony. But the image’s hoof was extending as if to grab onto something.

“It can’t be…” Star Swirl whispered as he lit up his horn brighter to clear away more dirt and summon water to scrape away and clean out the wall. At the end, while it was an incomplete picture of something that was meant to be much bigger, the old wizard fell onto his hunches at what he was looking at. On the wall, a mosaic picture showing a unicorn, Pegasus and earth pony, all three holding a hoof to hold onto a golden staff with an eagle on top, as it was being struck by lightning from a massive purple cloud.

Benjamin turned to the wizard, “What troubles you?”

Star Swirl was shaking his head. “Ponies… we’ve been here before…”

It took a long time but it turns out, there is an astrologer in Bath. Clover had to ask many people around, especially those who lived in a town, but most of them had pointed towards a specific hill. It was the highest of them all that overlooked the town, but on it, there was a small tower. There, she will find the astrologer.

So up the dirt trail weaving through the trees, she spotted the tower made out of the same yellow stone as the town. When she and the guards that were accompanying her reached it, Clover knocked on the door where, a minute later, it was answered by a man who looked as if he just was woken up for the first time in his life. In the doorway, a fat-bellied, long-bearded, sickly looking, deshelled, barely living man with a bottle in hand stared back.

The man looked up at the sky. “Is it noon already?” Clover cleared her throat to get the man’s attention. He blinked, “Or am I still dreaming?”

“No sir, you are quite awake. I hope we’re not disturbing you, but we would like to have your assistance.”

The man rubbed his face. “A real unicorn at my door that talks. I have now seen everything.”

“Are you this town’s astrologer?”

After taking a swig of his bottle, he answered. “I am. My apologies for looking like… this. I just was woken up after studying last night and have fallen asleep as soon as the sun was visible.”

Clover inquired if it would be alright to come inside. The Astronomer allowed it, saying that he needs to go change into something more presentable. When they entered, they found a place that was filthy and cluttered by both garbage with rotting food and piles of charts and brass instruments to study the sky. Clover couldn’t help but notice the charts and diagrams that plotted out the movements of planets, stars and even detailed notes of the weather day to day.

“Normally, no one comes to see me.” The Astronomer said, walking down from a ladder, this time he looked modest enough in his clothes. “Least of all to ask about my field of study.”

“Are you a hermit, sir?”

“You may say that.” He nodded. “I am called John of the Hill.”

“Clover the Clever. I came because you were the only astronomer that is nearby. Tell me, how long have you been up here on these hills?”

“Oh…” He scratched his beard. “I would say about twelve years now since I took to study the heavens. These hills are a good spot as one can see on a clear night the majesty of the skies without interruption.”

The unicorn nodded. “That’s good because I wanted to ask you on a curiosity I have.” Her horn glowed and she cast a spell on the floor to replicate the circle of stones. John the Astronomer was taken back by seeing magic for the first time, that he cautiously tried to poke the stone replica with a nearby knife. Only to see that it went through.

“What magic is this?”

“It is a simple illusion spell,” Clover explained, “very useful to help illustrate a problem that I work with. What you see is a copy of a stone circle West from here. I have concluded that this might have been an ancient calendar. The problem, of course, is what the purpose of it is. Of course, I reasoned that it must have something to do with the sky, but I’m not sure of what it’s used for.”

John turned to his mess to gather his charts and instruments. “If these stones are a calendar,” he replied, “then they must have been made for something special in mind.”

“Meaning…?”

“If it were to be a sundial, one ought to think that it must need a stick with some stones in the earth to tell one hour from all other hours. But this is intriguing…” He pushed aside plates on a table, letting them crash onto the floor and unrolling his charts. “If such a structure is built, then it must have been made to mark certain days all year round. Such as the Spring or Autumn solace where both day and night are an equal hour from one another.”

Clover was in deep thought. “So in other words, the sun at any given time could cast a shadow on the same stone marker twice a year.”

“Exactly so. But…” He looked over his shoulder, “this structure is presenting itself a riddle. I could just figure out what these stones mean compare to the heavens.”

It was then that the unicorn got an idea. “Sir, may I see those charts?” After studying the charts of stars, the planets, how the sun and moon move across the sky at any given year and which way is north, she turned her attention towards her model of the stone circle. Her horn shot her magic up towards the ceiling in which a dome formed over the model where they can see the position of the stars and planets over the circle.

“As incredible as this demonstration of your powers is,” John said, marveling at what he was looking at, “what exactly are you trying to find with these stones and my charts?”

“Honestly? Hope to find some answers.” Clover told him. “You see sir, my Master and I have come from a different world, and all that connected us was an unusual purple stormy cloud that transported us here. Perhaps… I hope to see if there is some sort of connection between what happened about a month ago and this calendar. I wanted to see if this is just a one-time rare event or something that occurs regularly.”

John blinked, “You mean the violet storm?”

Clover paused. “You know about it?”

“It is an event that has always remained a mystery.” He explained. “Every four years, a great storm would come off from the continent where the clouds are of a deep purple and strike out violent lightning from it. And yet, every summer, once every four years, the storm would come by in which strange things happen.”

“What kind of strange things?” Clover asked, intrigued.

“I myself have only heard rumors. Sometimes people would go missing, while others, strange creatures, spirits, and demons would appear out from a bolt of lightning. Of course, these are just rumors as I have never seen such a thing myself.”

Now with this piece of information, Clover’s mind began to connect the pieces of this enigma. “Do you suppose,” she began, “that if this storm has occurred regularly, those from ancient times may have tried to mark that event in this calendar somehow?”

The Astronomer confessed that he too had wondered about that same prospect as well. It took several hours to move around the dome as accurately as possible, and even tried to align the position of the zodiac, the planets and even the moon on the night when the two unicorns had entered the world; as well as to move it ahead to see if any of that matches up to the stones that were marked. But after so much tedious work, it paid off. They found that the full moon did realign itself in the same place every four years that lined up with the alter stone.

This gave Clover the conclusion that this event wasn’t a freak accident. It was an event that regulated itself like clockwork.

“Master! I have figured it out!” Clover said as she galloped in Star Swirl’s tent.

Star Swirl sat up from his bed. Being late in the evening, it seemed that he was stirred awake. “Clover? You have been gone for a long time.”

“My apologies, Master, but I have some news that I think you should know.” He told her to explain what she meant. “That storm that brought us here, it was no accident. It is an event that happens once every four years. The stones we found was a calendar that foretells it by the full moon, which warns them ahead of time that people may vanish, or creatures may appear.”

“Ah,” Star Swirl rubbed his eyes, “it seems you’ve confirmed what I’ve suspected.”

“Master?”

“You remember that I went over to the Baths, correct? As it turns out, that place is one of the oldest built on this island. One that dates centuries old. And I found that on the walls, in the ruined part of the baths, there is a picture of Unicorn, Pegasus and Earth pony, holding up a rod towards a purple cloud. Do you know what this means?”

Clover’s eyes widened, “Ponies have been here before!”

“And I suspect, have gotten out.” His apprentice asked him how he came to that conclusion. “The picture gave me a clue. Why would three ponies hold onto a rod, most likely made out of gold or copper, in the middle of a thunderstorm? The answer, it was done on purpose. What if they concluded that if that storm had gotten them into this world then perhaps, it could also get them back home as well.”

“I see,” she nodded, “although that explains how we got here in the first place, how do we get out? I’m not sure if we could wait for four years.”

“True.” Star Swirl put a hoof to his thoughtful face, “But maybe… there might be a way to recreate that storm.”