The Knights Trinity

Chapter Nineteen: Into The Deep

The next morning the six all met for breakfast before grabbing their gear and heading out to the train station. While the train droned down the tracks Twilight and Anthony worked their way through a new book of spells Celestia had sent them. Adrian and Apple Jack discussed the progress being made on the house and training camps. But, Dustin and Rainbow Dash just sat quietly together hoof in hand staring into each others eyes..

“Earth to Dustin. Hello??” repeated Adrian throwing a wadded up piece of paper at the couple.

Dustin’s head jerked around trying to figure out who it was that had been talking to him.

“Over here lover colt.” said Apple Jack with a grin.

“Sorry bout that, what were you saying?”

“I said why don’t you come over here for a minute so I can talk to you.” replied Adrian.
Dustin stood up and walked over as Apple Jack trotted over taking his seat next to Rainbow Dash. As Dustin sat down Adrian pulled out a small flask from his bag. He placed his finger against his lips as he handed it over.

“Don’t tell Rainbow Dash.” was all he said.

Dustin unscrewed the lid and raised the flask to his nose. The sweet delicious smell of fresh apples wafted out of the small container. When he tipped the flask back the cold apple cider filled his mouth. It was better than anything he’d ever tasted. He swallowed and immediately tipped the flask again. Adrian reached out and snatched it away, screwing the lid back into place.

“Apple Jack’s Family makes the cider and sells it. I have a load I’m letting ferment, I think it will be the best apple cider wine ever.” he whispered tucking the flask back into pack. “So how’d your night with Dash go? From the looks of things you got a little bit of stress relief.”

“I suppose you could call it that. That’s probably what those two are talkin about right now. Anyway got any guesses on what were gonna find under the castle?”

“My guess is either a trap or a whole lot of nothing. Think about it, they said those caverns haven’t really been used in over a thousand years. Even if there is something down there it won’t be worth anything.”

“I don’t know about that. Look what they pulled out of King Tuts tomb in Egypt. That stuff was worth an awful lot, and it was down there over a thousand years. I’d blow this whole thing off but eventually our curiosity would get the better of all of us, so we just as well get it over with now.”

Dustin looked over at the two mares and noticed this time it was Apple Jack’s turn to blush. He leaned over and nudged Adrian.

“From the looks of things you maybe having a fun night tonight. If all goes well that is.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Just trust me on this on.”

They all stood up and gathered their things as the train slowed, pulling into the Canterlot station. Much to Anthony’s surprise there was no one there to greet them this time. As they walked through the city towards the castle they all noticed the increase in guard patrols. It seemed there was at least a two pony team on every other street.

“Looks like Princess Celestia has taken your recommendations seriously Anthony.” said Twilight with a smile.

“That, or Sword Dancer did when he got back yesterday.”

Along the way Rainbow Dash wanted to stop and check out the new uniforms one of the designers was working on at Rarity’s Canterlot boutique. She and Apple Jack promised to catch up as the turned down a side street. As the others arrived at the castle the guards opened the gate. The three humans felt a strange sensation as they passed though it.

“What was that?” asked Adrian looking over to Twilight.

“Just a barrier spell, if a Changeling passes through that field its disguise will fade away. Then the guards can deal with it accordingly. It’s a vary basic version of the Hard Shield spell my brother does.”

Sword Dancer offered a salute as he met them in the castle reception hall.

“Princess Celestia would like to be with you all when you meet the war counsel. She is currently in court but will call for you all when she is finished. In the meantime feel free to wait in your rooms or grab a bite to eat. Also, I took the liberty of placing a guard at each of your rooms so you can feel comfortable leaving your effects behind safely.”

“Thanks Sword Dancer, I’m glad to see you taking a real tactical mindset here.” replied Anthony. “Twilight would you show me to the castle library while we wait.”

“Of course.” she said leading the way down the hall.

“I’m going to put my stuff in my room Adrian. I’ll catch ya later.” remarked Dustin as he too headed off.

Adrian looked at Sword Dancer and shrugged.

“You got anything goin on? Maybe you could show me where you train palace guards.”

“You bet. I’ve been wanting to show one of you some of the new training ideas I have.”

Dustin walked into his room and dropped his gear before crossing the hall to Luna’s room. He quietly opened the door and slipped inside finding Princess Luna asleep on the bed. As he stood next to her he couldn’t help but admire her beauty. Her tail and mane seemed to flow constantly, even in her sleep. He reached out his hand, running it through the length of her ethereal mane. Although he could feel it on his fingers it was like running his hand through the cloud the day before. Very carefully he eased himself into the bed next to the slumbering mare letting his arm drape softly across her neck. Before long Luna sensed she was not alone causing her eyes to shoot open in near panic.

“Good morning beautiful.” said Dustin calmly. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Tis alright. I merely rested here in anticipation of thy return.”

“Wow, I really must have flustered you. I got the royal language.” he replied with a light hearted grin.

Luna had to think for a moment about what he had said before it dawned on her.

“Sorry, some habits are harder to break then others.”

“I was hoping to find you here.” he said before giving her a passion filled kiss. “I’ve missed you.”

“Rainbow Dash has not let you get lonely I am sure.”

“Princess Luna! Is that a hint of jealousy I hear in your voice?”

“I would not call it jealousy, it is simply a desire to be with you more my love.”

“Whatever you say Luna.”

Dustin wrapped the mare of the moon in his arms and hugged her tightly. Luna sighed with content as she settled in against his chest. They laid there for sometime before Rainbow Dash poked her head in, looking around the darkened room..

“Curling up without me huh?” came a familiar voice from the doorway.

“Of course not.” replied Luna with a smile. “You are more than welcome to join us if you wish.”

Rainbow Dash zipped through the air and settled onto the bed against Dustin’s back. She wrapped her hooves around his waste and leaned in against him.

Dustin awoke sometime later to the sound of someone knocking on the door. He worked his way out from between his beautiful mares, careful not to wake them. He stuck his head out of the door and looked down at the guard pony in the hallway.

“Sir Dustin, Princess Celestia and the council will see you now, they are waiting in the conference room.”

“Could you wait just a second, I’d like you to show me how to get there after I clean up real quick, if you could.”

“Yes sir. I’ll be here in the hallway whenever you are ready.”

Dustin closed the door and walked into the bathroom to get washed up. When he finished and walked into the hall he found the guard waiting patiently as promised. They worked their way through the corridors and hallways Dustin tried his hardest to take note of anything that would help him remember the way. Every hallway they walked down seemed identical to the one before it, they could have been walking in circles and he wouldn’t even realize it. Finally they arrived, the only thing different about the door they stopped at was a golden engraved plate labeled Conference Room. He stepped up to the door and immediately heard the distinct voice of Adrian over the other murmuring voices in the room. He turned the knob and walked inside.

“Ah! Dustin, nice to see you up and about. I hope your injuries have healed well.” said Celestia with a smile.

“I can’t complain, it doesn’t hurt when I cough or sneeze anymore.”

“Good, now if you will take your seat we shall begin.”

Dustin pulled up a chair between Adrian and Anthony and sat down. Celestia introduced the nine ponies in the room and got straight down to business.

They discussed funding, building progress, supply acquisition, and security needs. The meeting seemed to drag on for hours without a break. Finally it boiled down to idle chatter and Dustin took the time to excuse himself. He hurried out into the hallway and found himself standing nose to nose with Luna.

“Is your meeting going well my love?” she asked with a kiss.

“As well as you could expect. I’m a soldier, I make my decisions on the battlefield, not in the boardroom.” “I agreed to train and lead, but I’ll leave the logistics stuff to Anthony.”

Luna put her hoof around his neck and pulled him in close.

“Worry not, I shall help see to things here in Canterlot.”

Dustin let out a sigh as he returned the hug.

“I love you Luna.”

“So what is this Rainbow Dash was saying about you all exploring the caverns under the castle?”

“Yes we are, apparently there is something important down there. We just don’t know what or where it is.”

“Be safe, there are a great many dangers in the caverns. That is why we chose to have the castle built over them. My sister though it would be best to protect the ponies and ourselves from what dwells bellow with our magic. That is what keeps these things contained.”

“So the two of you have been down there then?”

“I set out to explore the caverns once in my youth. I encountered a strange and powerful magic unlike anything I have ever sensed before. I do not know where it came from and I did not linger about to locate its source either.”

“That’s not very encouraging.”

“You all shall be fine. Together I believe you can overcome any conflict you are presented with.”

“Thanks Luna.” replied Dustin hugging her once again.

Luna pulled away as she heard the door behind them starting to open. She lowered her head slightly as the council ponies walked by.

“Man, I didn’t think we were ever going to get out of there.” said Adrian as he stretched his stiff back. “Looks like you had more pressing matters to attend to.”

“Oh uh, I was on my way back and I ran into Luna and we got talking about the caverns.”

“Right, I’m sure that’s exactly how it happened.”

“When would you like to enter the caverns my knights?” asked Celestia smoothly. I will accompany you to the gate. Only alicorn magic will open it. I can teach Twilight the spell so she can let you all back out.”

“We need to grab our gear and get a bite to eat first. I say give us about an hour and a half to get ready and grab the girls.” replied Anthony.

“Very well assemble in the throne room when you all are ready and we will set out from there.”Celestia bowed her head to the group and started off down the hall.

“Alright you heard her, be in the throne room in an hour and a half. I’ll see you all there.” stated Anthony.

“What about me? My body armor got demolished when Chrysalis hit me, got any suggestions?”

“Don’t get hit.” chuckled Anthony as he turned and walked away.

Adrian walked over and smacked Dustin’s shoulder.

“You can always hide behind me if you get to scared.”

“I expect you to shoot faster this time, remember.”

“You worry to much, how dangerous can some old abandon mines really be.”

Adrian, Dustin, and Luna headed off to the dining hall, with Luna leading the way of coarse.

A little more then a hour later, the seven met Celestia in the throne room and started their way through the castle. After who knows how many hallways and over a dozen flights of stairs they found themselves standing before a pair of large gold crested marble doors. Celestia’s horn glowed brightly covering one of the doors in a golden aura. Slowly it slid open with a groan, allowing a blast of cold dry air out of the now open doorway.

“Alright LETS DO THIS!” stated Rainbow Dash confidently flying towards the door.

“Woah there sugarcube.” replied Apple Jack as she bit hold of the pegasus’ rainbow tail.
“We best not be rushing inta things. We don even know whats in there.”

“Apple Jack is correct Rainbow Dash the caverns are vast and confusing. A pony could easily become lost and several creatures are believed to wander about the labyrinth of tunnels. It would be best to stay together as a group.” added Luna as a final warning.

Dustin gave Luna a reassuring smile before turning back towards the entry way. The three humans formed a defensive formation around the ponies and they started into the caverns together. When Dustin glanced back at Luna he saw a look of true concern on her face as the door closed behind them.

Twilight’s horn lite the way its glow reflecting off the crystals that lined the walls.

“Good thing Rarity didn’t tag along we’d never get outta here.” remarked Adrian with a chuckle.

“Actually she’s been down here before. She was kinda ponynapped by Diamond Dogs. They where using her talent to find precious jewels. But, we don’t have to worry about them.” replied Twilight.

“So any idea where we need to head or are we just gonna wander around down here and hope for the best.” asked Rainbow Dash impatiently. “We don’t even know what we’re looking for.”

“There aren’t any maps of these caves. But I have a feeling we’ll know what we’re looking for when we see it.” said Twilight optimistically.

“Luna said she sensed a strange magic unlike anything she had ever felt before. Maybe we’ll find it.”

“Hello?” yelled Dustin as loud as he could. His call seemed to echo from everywhere in that cavern at once.

“That would certainly complicate things if we got separated wouldn’t it.” added Anthony as the echo subsided in the distance.

“So how are we gonna find our way outta here anyway.” asked Rainbow Dash as they entered a cavern with multiple caves leading out of it.

Anthony started searching though the pockets of his vest until he pulled out a small green metal tube.

“We’ll use my camo face paint to mark our route. Then we’ll just follow the marks back.” replied Anthony as he wrote EXIT on the path the had just came from.

“Good thinking Anthony.”said Twilight with a smile. “So which way do we try first?”

“That way!” said Anthony point to a smaller cave on the left.

“Why that one?”

“Just go with it. Anthony follows his gut and its worked out for us so far.” replied Dustin as he and Rainbow Dash started toward the opening.

They formed back up and continued on following the twists and turns of the passage way.

........

Aura pulled down his goggles and tightened his scarf as the weather of the frozen north set in upon him. The snow started out light and slowly grew in intensity. Before long it had gotten so thick he could hardly see through it. As the weather worsened he stumbled into a nearby cave and dropped his saddlebags. He had been working his way through the valley’s and canyons of the Crystal Mountains for days, but the weather continuously slowed or stopped his progress. It was as if some unseen force was controlling the weather to prevent him from completing his mission. He started a small fire and settled in next to it. The heat quickly melted the snow and ice off his frozen fur. The shadows caused by the flames seemed to dance around the walls of his stone and crystal shelter.

Aura shook his head, bringing himself out of the shadows hypnotic trance. He could sense something. He tried to shake the feeling away, blaming it on the confines of the cave, but it wouldn’t let go. He felt tired and worn down from the weather. The shadows of the mountains and the constant snow made it nearly impossible to tell what time of day it was as well. He pulled a small package of food and some water out of his bags and prepared to eat before getting some rest. Without warning Aura summoned the shield spell just seconds before the green burst of magic pierced the blowing snow The eerie blast split in to smaller beams as it arced around the protective barrier. He dropped the shield and fired a blue blast back through the caves entrance. A howl of pain called out over the steady moan of the wind, as Aura prepared a fight.

Three changelings charged into the cave, their horns glowing to attack. Aura dove behind a large outcrop of rock near the cave wall as a green bolt struck the ground he had just been occupying. He grabbed his saddlebags with his magic and launched them at one of the changelings before raising a shield once again. He quickly surveyed the cave and fired a a beam towards the ceiling. The blast ricocheted off a mass of crystal striking one of the assailants. A crack started to form across the hanging crystal and it broke away, crashing down on the other two. Aura ran over to the pile prepared to finish the fight but he found his attackers were dead. By the look of their lite armor and lack of gear he figured the trio must have been a patrol or scouting party. But, what were changelings doing in the frozen north. Quickly he recovered and repack his saddlebags before stamping out the fire. He needed answers and he wasn’t going to find them waiting for the weather to clear. Wrapping his scarf over his muzzle and pulling down his goggles he headed back out into the raging winter storm. Aura found the changelings hoof prints showing the direction they had come from. With a sigh he pushed on through the blowing snow.

After nearly an hour of walking the storm began to clear. For the first time in several days the sky seemed to open up as the sun rested on the horizon. Aura’s mouth hung open in disbelief at the army of changeling drones encircling a near by mountain top. Suddenly he saw a patrol headed his way so he dove between a rock and a snowbank for cover. His heart pounded in his chest as the small group passed over head.

“Just find the fortress he said, I’m asking as a friend he said. What the hell did I get myself into the middle of.” thought Aura as he poked his head out around the rock.

The changelings began to strategically place themselves under somepony’s careful instruction and that’s when Aura saw HER. Queen Chrysalis rose high above her subjects yelling out orders. Once all her minions were in place a bright green glow enveloped her horn. On her order all of them blasted at the crystal mountain top at the same time.

“Shit! She found it first, I have to warn Shining Armor!” said Aura aloud.

He spun around and charged back the way he had come as fast as his hooves could carry him.

.....

Anthony lead the group down yet another dark corridor as Adrian marked the direction on the wall.

“Seven dead ends, four tunnels that lead us back to where we started, and two shrunk so narrow we couldn’t get through. Do you think maybe this Discord sent us down here to simply get us out of the way for something?” asked Dustin as he started running his hand along the wall.

“If he wanted you out of the way for some nefarious reason he could have used his magic and sent you to far worse places then this.” replied Twilight.

The group came to a T intersection and paused for a moment.

“Well I’ve been choosing the way so far. I’m open for another opinion.” said Anthony

“I say we go left.” said Rainbow Dash. “The last two times we turned right, so lets mix it up a little.”

“Any objects?” asked Anthony as he looked over his companions. “Okay left it is.”

They turned and started down the tunnel.

About two hundred feet along Dustin ran his hand back against the wall. Unlike the walls in the other tunnel ways this one felt as smooth as polish glass. He jerk his hand back and looked around.

“Somethings not right. We need to go back!” he shouted to be sure everybody could hear him.

“Why? This paths not any different then the rest of em.” said Rainbow Dash with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

“The other tunnel walls were course and jagged to the touch, these are different. It’s like something came though with a lot of force and wore these walls down as smooth as glass.”

“You know Dustin if a signifigant amount of water flowed through this tunnel it could have had that affect. Further more the water supply could have dried up years ago so I really don’t think that....” started Twilight before she was silenced by a hoof in her mouth.

“Hold on. Do ya’ll hear that.”

The group stood silently straining to identify the odd noise which slowly grew louder. Twilight focused causing the glow from her horn to intensify. The chamber lite up as the soft drone slowly became a building roar.

“What the hell is that?” yelled Dustin over the noise.

“Everypony RUN!!!” screamed Twilight in response.

What could only be described as a tornado came charging down the passageway. The group sprinted through the tunnel trying to escape the cyclone closing in behind them.

“WHERE IN THE HAY ARE WE RUNNIN TO?” yelled Apple Jack as she took the lead.

“Who cares! Just keep going!” replied Adrian falling in behind her.

The group charged head long through the twists and turns as the tornado closed in on them.

Whoa, Whoa, WHOA!!!” yelled Apple Jack as she dropped her butt to the floor and started to slide. Everyone crashed into her and together they tumbled into the hole she was trying to avoid. They slid down a few hundred feet and crashed into the ground with a thud.

“Is everypony okay?” asked Twilight untangling herself from the pile and straightening her wings.

She was met by moans and groans as they all got back up.

“How the hell did a tornado end up underground?” questioned Anthony while readjusting his gear.

“The air shafts in the caves must have converged perfectly into that one tunnel causing a vortex. Naturally it had to go somewhere so it simply followed the tunnel.”

“That’s great egghead, but whats up with the mirror?” remarked Rainbow Dash pointing behind Twilight.

“Do you feel that?” said Twilight as she turned and walked closer to investigate.

“Feel what sugar cube?”

Apple Jack walked up next to Twilight and was immediately hit with a wave of nausea.

“Stay back everypony there is some serious magic here. This must have been what Princess Luna felt.”

“What mirror?” asked Dustin trying to figure out what the ponies were talking about. All he could see were three doorways, Each door had a symbol for a different pony type above it.

“Ya really don see this? I c’n see yer reflection too.”

“I just see three more corridors.”replied Adrian.

“So then whats all this strange scribbling on the wall over here?” asked Rainbow Dash.

Anthony walked over to check it out.

Be’est did warn, three shalt ent'r but may not leaveth, unless hath tried and did test those gents shalt beest. if 't be true their hearts art just and intentions pure then gifts and knowledge shalt be’est bestow'd to thee.

“You can read that.?” asked Twilight as she looked over the odd lines and curves.

“Yeah this is Old English. Humans haven’t used this in hundreds of years though. Its not much different then reading one of your books Twilight.”

“I’ve been over a lot of old books and I’ve never seen writing like this.”

“What do you mean its written the same as your books just the words are a little different.”

“Maybe to you. My books are written in Equestrian not english. The oracle must have made you capable of reading and understanding our language. So what does this writing mean then?”

“In modern english it basically says, Be warned, Three shall enter but may not leave, unless tried and tested they shall be. If their hearts are just and intentions pure the gifts and knowledge shall be bestowed to thee.”

“So maybe this is a place only humans can enter. That would explain why we can’t see the doors. They’re hidden from ponykind by this powerful spell.” replied Twilight.

“So whats all this bout bein tried and tested. I don like the sound ah that one bit.”stated Apple Jack bluntly.

“I’ll bet this is what Discord sent us down here for. We’ve come this far so there’s no point in stopping now.” replied Adrian.

“Now just a cotton pickin minute. We don’t know where in the hay we are er how we’re gettin outta here. Now ya wanna go somewhere we can’t follow? What are ya thinkin? Ya said it yerself this could all be a trap and I don wanna lose ya.”

“Apple Jack I’m sorry but we have to do this. I don’t know why, I just know we have to.”

Rainbow Dash tried to stop Dustin as he ran into his own reflection. Twilight quickly grabbed her by the tail and pulled her back away.

“Dustin you jerk. You better come back in one piece or I’m gonna clobber you.” She yelled slumping down against the floor.

“Well ya can’t let im go in there alone. It said three so get a goin you two.” said Apple Jack to Adrian and Anthony. “Just be careful.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be here when you come back.” added Twilight with a weak smile.
.....

“So a door for each of us obviously. Here’s the plan, we all go at the same time if you get in trouble fire two rounds, wait a few minutes and fire another. That will give the other two a chance to get back and figure out who fired.” instructed Anthony as he stepped up to the doorway marked with the unicorn symbol.

“What if shit hits the fan for all of us?” asked Dustin

“Then fall back to here and we can regroup and fight together. That way Twilight can help us out with her magic.” “Are you guys ready?”

“Lets do it!” replied Adrian as he charged his rifle.

Dustin gave a simple nod as he glanced down wishing he had his body armor.

With that the three knights walked ahead into the unknown.

.....

“I can’t believe he just did that without saying something or letting me give him a kiss for good luck.” fumed Rainbow Dash as she paced back and forth staring at her reflection. “How long is this gonna take?”

Twilight snickered at Rainbow Dash’s quiet rant, causing her to stop abruptly when she realized what she was saying.

“Not like I really care.” added Rainbow Dash with a huff, staring at her reflection.

Then the image in the mirror smiled and winked at her.

Rainbow Dash waved her hoof and the reflection copied her movement. She shook her head and put her hoof on the floor. When she looked back at the reflection it was still waving. The wave turned into a motion beckoning Rainbow Dash into the mirror.

“Hey you two, something weird’s goin on.” she said to the others and she stretched her hoof out to meet that of her mirror image.

“DON”T !!” yelled Twilight.

She watched Rainbow Dash’s hoof touched the mirror causing a rippling affect to spread across its surface. She tried to jerk her hoof back but it was stuck firm to the mirror. She found herself slowly being pulled into her own reflection.

“What gives?” she exclaimed trying to pull her hoof back again and again.

“Hang on sugercube.” replied Apple Jack.

She and Twilight grabbed a hold of their friend and pulled with all they had. The mirror refused to let go and Rainbow Dash started sliding in faster.

“Pull Harder!” she cried as her nose was about to touch her reflection.”

Twilight and Apple Jack gave a mighty jerk, and with that the mirror jerked back pulling all three into it.