A kobold in Canterlot

Zikkar the Confused

Zikkar hadn't felt this sore since he had set off his clan-mate's boulder trap. Luck alone had saved his scales that day. Well, most of his scales. The last thing he'd remembered had been his master's flames before him as he'd finished his incantation...and then nothing. Had he failed? Was he dead?

Upon opening his eyes, Zikkar immediately closed them again. Too bright! Far too bright! Where were his goggles? Oh right...if he was dead, he doubted they'd be with him. So he was to be punished by bright light for his transgression against his master?

He started to rant, his draconic language reaching the ears of nearby ponies.

"Xsio wer mitne! Svaklar re sia lenses?" [Damn the light! Where are my lenses? ]

One of the guards immediately sparked the magic of his horn to signal the Princess that her recent intruder was awake, and not a moment later, with a sound akin to a whip crack, Celestia appeared before the door.

"You are certain he is awa..."

"Kiri itmen, KIRI ITMEN!!!" [ Too bright, TOO BRIGHT!!!]

The voice reached through the door, answering her question before it was finished, to which she responded by opening the double doors to one of the guest bedrooms of Canterlot Castle.

Zikkar heard the opening of the doors, and opened his eyes just slightly, hoping to block out some of the light so he could see what was going on. Unfortunately, it was still far to bright in the room, and even squinting hurt. But he didn't need to see at this moment. No...he could feel it. Behind him, where he'd heard the door and then movement, he felt it. A power so great that his master would have been like Zikkar in comparison. Nothing of consequence. So this was what it was like in the presence of one of the gods? He truly was dead then.

"Si kiwieg wux, tangis sjek si nomag ti ocuir wux, jennu ir. Re wux tenpiswo ekess deyhurr ve?" [I feel you, even if I may not see you, great one. Are you here to punish me?]

Hearing him speak, Celestia cocked her head, never having heard his language before. This creature was beyond her travels without a doubt. She just hoped that wasn't his only language.

"Can you understand me, little one?"

Zikkar tilted his head, turning himself to face the speaker, though he kept his eyes closed still.

"Zikkar understands. Zikkar is ready to be punished for his misdeeds against his master. Even in death, Zikkar understands he must pay."

The kobold sighed internally. He'd gone too far, and now must pay the price. Fearful he may be, but he would take his punishment without complaint. It seemed it had been his place to be lowly after all.

"Punished? In death? I am sorry, little one, but I think you misunderstand. I am not here to punish you, and you most certainly are not dead. Your belt and goggles may have been a little singed, but my healing spell took care of your personal burns."

"Zikkar is not dead? Great one healed Zikkar? Would...would great one allow Zikkar to see? Zikkar is blind in such brightness."

Celestia looked over to the open balcony, the rising sun shining directly through the open windows and curtains. With a flick of her magic, the glass closed and the curtains were drawn.

"My apologies, little one. I did not know you were sensitive to sunlight."

Zikkar slowly opened his eyes, the more gentle light from the closed curtains nowhere near as painful as when they had been open. However, when he looked upon that which held such great power, the little kobold nearly lost his mind. Where on Krynn was he for there to be an equine that held such power? Surely his master would have spoken about it, for there to be such a 'puny' creature to hold greater strength than himself. So he asked the most obvious question.

"Zikkar is unsure where he is. Zikkar does not recognize great one. Where is Zikkar?"

Celestia took a moment of thought, wondering how this little creature managed to zap himself right into her face without knowing where he was at least trying to go.

"I do apologize, Zikkar, for not welcoming you properly. I am Princess Celestia of Equestria, and you are within Canterlot Castle, my home."

The kobold's eyes widened. He had never heard of such a place or of this princess. But if she was the Princess...

"Zikkar must ask...who rules over such a powerful being such that Great Celestia is but Princess?"

Zikkar nearly melted when the Princess graced him with her light chuckle.

"None rule over me. I myself am the leader. My title as Princess is the highest there is."

The little kobold mulled this over. He had no idea where on Krynn he was, or if he even was on Krynn. He'd used the star piece as his focus, after all. He'd angered his master...but perhaps he could have a new one. While he had respected his master, he hadn't liked him much. Too much gloating when he rarely left his own cave, and he put most effort upon his clan of kobolds rather than doing anything himself. Weak...but a dragon nonetheless, and Zikkar's clan had been beholden to him a long time. For a moment, Zikkar felt longing for his clan-mates, but it didn't last. Not when the onslaught of potential to learn more magic became apparent. If this being before him was truly the ruler, perhaps he would have a new master after all. And this one seemed nicer already. Much easier to trick nice creatures into teaching Zikkar new spells!

"Zikkar has request of Princess of Equestria. Zikkar would like Princess to be Zikkar's new master. Old master was not nice. Not even give Zikkar chance to learn new magic, so Zikkar escape before get burn death."

He bowed to Celestia after standing upon the bed, even then barely reaching the height of her muzzle, which currently bore an expression of shock and empathy.

"May Zikkar stay with Princess and seek new magic?"

As he sneered internally, he didn't see the barest hint of suspicion pass across Celestia's face.

"I am afraid not, little one."

He nearly lost his composure for keeping the bow, thinking she'd already figured out he just wanted the magic he felt her wield, but she spoke again before he could try to spin another attempt.

"I am afraid our magic would be impossible for you, little one. Those of my kingdom are born into the magic they posses, and hone it throughout their lives. It is not something that can be taught. However..."

He gave the barest look up, seeing her tap her chin with a hoof. Zikkar questioned his sanity for a moment, since he knew most quadrupeds could not maneuver their forelegs like that. Then he reminded himself that there were far stranger things among the planes, even if he hadn't seen them himself.

Celestia, meanwhile, was working her own little magic within her mind. Plans, hopes, small nudges in the right direction. Zikkar might just be what she needed. She could tell just from how he acted that he was seeking power for the sake of power. But put him in the right place, and he might see a better reason to get that same power, and use it well. She just needed him to do one thing.

"Would you be remiss in learning from my student, little one? While I myself may not have time to teach you, my student often has far too much time on her hooves. Perhaps you may even surprise us and learn our magic after all? However, in return, you must share your own magic with us. Do you find this agreeable?"

The kobold froze for a moment, realizing this meant he would have to share to receive. He'd always managed to get by simply by stealing into towers and homes and taking the books that were there. But if what this Princess said was true, what he knew wasn't going to work this time. But that went both ways. Anything he shared, they wouldn't understand anyways. He simply had to make sure he didn't share all of it, and they'd never figure out his magic, whereas he could easily learn all of their basics, and steal their spells for himself! He could be the most powerful spell caster in this land, with his own tower and study!

"Zikkar agrees, and is honored to have such a benevolent master."

He wasn't lying, at least. This would be a walk in the den, and then, he'd be able to take his time to master this new magic. Preferably somewhere quiet and secluded. Maybe deep in a desert, or a mountaintop tower? Nothing says 'go away' like being surrounded by a wasteland.

With a nod, Celestia turned to leave the small sorcerer, but with a backwards glance and her usual warm smile, she gave him one last thing to think about.

"I hope you become good friends with my student. I'm sure Sunset Shimmer will make for an excellent teacher."