The day began with the rising sun as it always did, the unicorn guardians of the night retiring to sleep the daylight hours away. Those who had slept during the night now rose to gather their strength and go about the day’s work and studies. Among them were Cantor and Serena, as well as their young foals Stella and Nova. This day marked the foals’ first day of tutelage under the old wizard Starswirl the Bearded and they met the occasion with a mix of anticipation and nerves.
‘Do you really think we need tutelage Mom?’ Stella asked, trotting up beside her mother and looking up at the mare with a curious and concerned look on her face. They followed the pathway to the wizard’s tower alone, it being too early to account for any of the day’s usual traffic in the area.
‘No dear, it’s not that you need it.’ Serena explained, leaning down to nuzzle Stella gingerly. ‘But your father and I thought that it was better for you to learn from an accomplished wizard, and Starswirl only teaches the best students he can find.’
Behind them, Nova and Cantor exchanged a glance, the father doing his best not to convey any of the unease he felt. Instead he smiled warmly and ushered the filly on ahead. As Nova began trotting at an increased pace she met eyes with Stella. It took only the slightest prompt for the two to break into a full gallop as they raced the final leg towards the tower. By the merest fraction, Nova reached the creaky old door first and beamed with a grin.
‘Do we... knock?’ Stella asked. She glanced back as Cantor and Serena increased their pace to catch up with them.
‘I guess so.’ Nova said. Just as she raised a hoof to knock on the old wooden door it started to open, creaking loudly and eliciting a startled gasp from both of the foals.
‘Go on in.’ Cantor said. He smiled and nodded when they looked back in confusion.
‘Aren’t you coming in with us?’ Nova asked timidly.
‘I’ll be right behind you.’ Serena nodded. ‘But Starswirl wants to teach you remember? Not us. Go and introduce yourselves properly.’ She smiled warmly and nodded again as Stella took the first few cautious steps. Nova followed close behind.
Behind them, Cantor leaned in close so his whispers would not be overheard by the two fillies. Serena narrowed her eyes as the stallion gave his warning. ‘Stay with them as long as Starswirl will allow it. If anything seems untoward, let me know as soon as you can.’
‘I will.’ She replied to him. ‘Go on now. Don’t keep Captain Skystriker waiting.’
Cantor nuzzled her gingerly with a smile before turning and trotting at a brisk pace towards the centre of the Unicorn settlement. Though currently this place was the province solely of the unicorn tribe, liaisons had been dispatched in the interest of continuing the spirit of unity between all ponies. Cantor was to meet with an officer of the Pegasus tribe and assist in the negotiation of a substantial military presence. Serena was fortunately bereft of duties on this day, allowing her to stay with the foals as they learned.
‘How high do you suppose this tower is?’ Stella asked. Though it seemed long, she knew it was their own slow pace that was making the stair climb seem higher than it was.
‘It didn’t look too high...’ Nova answered. ‘At least... not from outside.’
‘Let’s hurry.’ Stella whispered. ‘This is creeping me out.’
‘Me too.’ Nova whispered even quieter. They increased their pace by a few trots, then swiftly Stella broke into a canter with a giggle. As was the way with children the contest escalated to become a race within moments and the giggles became the cacophony of childish laughter. Stella was the first to reach the doorway at the top of the staircase by two paces and crashed into the heavy timber with a dull thud.
‘Are you okay?’ Nova asked, still snickering.
‘Yea, I just-‘ Stella’s reply was cut short by the creak of the doors. A magic field of deep blue surrounded them as they opened and revealed the way inside. The two sisters peeked inside slowly, step by step as they walked with held breaths.
‘Hello?’ Stella called. The room was like a study that they had visited in the royal palace several times. It was round, the walls were all lined with bookshelves save for where the door lay behind them and the small window opposing it. In the centre of the room was a large desk of solid stained timber upon which was a scroll and an inkpot.
‘Hello children.’ A voice called. The two girls looked around in confusion, unable to tell from where the voice came. Moments later a flash of light filled the room and when it faded the elder unicorn stood before them.
‘Master Starswirl!’ Stella greeted in surprise, falling awkwardly on one knee in respect. Nova did likewise, but her eyes reflected more tangible fear than simple shock.
Starswirl smiled at them with the kind eyes of a sage. The wizard wore a cape of deep blue darker even than his own coat, and a hat of a similar shade adorned with moons and stars. His mane and beard were tied back and his horn was concealed by the crock of his slightly tilted headgear. As the wizard approached from his position before the desk, the two fillies rose to their feet and awaited some kind of instruction.
‘So formal.’ Starswirl commented. ‘So disciplined. And I can sense the raw power flowing through you and between you. The bond of sisterhood. Sibling unity. A rare trait that will doubtless serve you both well.’ He circled them both, seeming to read their magical strengths and weaknesses as well as noting their physical conditions.
‘Th-thank you Master.’ Nova answered nervously.
‘There is nothing to thank me for, young Nova.’ Starswirl said with a smile. ‘For it is your own gifts that have gotten you this far. Tell me, have you been eating well?’ He stopped by his desk as he asked the question.
‘We try to.’ Stella replied. ‘But sometimes the harvests are low so we don’t get as much as we would like... or as much as we should... I guess?’
‘Teething problems of a fledgling nation.’ Starswirl nodded. ‘It will hopefully not be a concern for too much longer. Now then, would you two be interested in giving me a run down of what you have learned so far?’
And so the two sisters regaled the wizard with the stories of their lessons past, their focus on developing power first and focus second, as well as the various forms of combative magic they had been practicing. When asked why they had practiced for combat, Stella had answered that it was their father’s wish. Throughout all of this Starswirl stood at his desk and took notes of what they were capable of and what they struggled with. After a period of ten minutes, the fillies had done explaining and Starswirl gave a nod, seemingly satisfied with their level of skill.
‘Well then, shall we go?’ He asked, the scroll he had been using rolling into its cover and levitating to an empty place on one of the nearby bookshelves.
‘Go?’ Nova asked curiously.
‘You don’t intend to practice such powerful magic in this small study do you?’ The wizard chuckled. ‘No, we will go to the plains near the wilds, there is room to do as much damage as we need to there.’
‘Damage?’ Stella asked as the two sisters began following the bearded stallion back down the stairs. ‘What are you planning for us to do?’
Starswirl waited until the heavy doors had creaked shut behind them before answering. ‘I want to see a demonstration of your raw ability, and once I have a firmer grasp of your power levels, we can decide upon a reasonable starting point.’ The sisters exchanged a glance but continued to follow without slowing down.
Serena met the trio at the entrance to the tower, stifling a troubles look as she turned to face them with a smile. ‘Lord Starswirl, an honour to see you once more this fine morning.’
‘You as well, Serena.’ The wizard answered. ‘Would you like to stand in for the girls’ first lesson, or will you attending to your own matters today?’
Serena hesitated, it was clear that she wanted to watch them train, but deep down she knew that she would likely pose a distraction to her daughters rather than a help. Cantor had always said she was too soft as a teacher despite the fillies’ considerable talents.
‘There is no pressure for either course.’ Starswirl assured her.
‘Oh, I’m sure there isn’t.’ Serena blushed. ‘I’m sorry Lord, as much as I would love to see your teaching methods first hand, I think it would benefit the children more if they were with you and you alone to begin with. If things go well, might I observe a later lesson?’
‘But of course.’ Starswirl nodded curtly. Serena returned the nod before offering a brief goodbye and departing. As she turned and cantered towards the main unicorn palace in the eastern distance, Starswirl focused his attention on the mountainous paths that led to the site of Equestria’s future capital.
‘Where are we going Master?’ Nova asked, following the wizard’s gaze.
‘We are going to train among the rocks of Canterlot Mountain.’ He replied. ‘At the peak, far above where the city is being built. There is ample room and we are free to cause as much damage as we need to.’
‘But Master, how are we to get all the way up there?’ Nova asked.
‘Magic.’ Starswirl grinned. Before either of the fillies could ask further, a blinding flash burst forth from his eyes and the horn beneath his crooked hat. Squinting through the blinding flash, Stella and Nova felt a moment of weightlessness before the ground became solid beneath their hooves once more. They were atop the mesa that formed the snowy peak of this great edifice in the earth.
‘Whoa...’ Nova was awestruck by the sight before them. All of Equestria was visible from the peak of this mountain, clouds and earth alike. The awe was quickly overshadowed however by the cold of this altitude. Out of nowhere, a chill breeze cropped up and set the young ponies’ teeth chattering.
‘Cold are we?’ Starswirl chuckled. Dressed as he was in his robe and sporting a thick beard, the cold held little sway over him while the children were clearly in a state of discomfort. ‘Then use your magic. Make a fire in this patch of ground.’ He pointed to where the vegetation and snow cleared to form a patch of barren ground.
‘But Master...’ Nova protested. ‘There’s no fuel for the fire. We’d have to keep powering it with magic.’
‘Wait, is that what this is for?’ Stella enquired. ‘You want to see how much magic we can make at a time?’
‘Hm.’ Starswirl chuckled. ‘Indeed, I can see not much gets past you Stella. Now, show me what you can do. Both of you.’ He gestured with one hoof for them to continue.
‘Alright.’ Stella said enthused. ‘Ready Nova? Let’s light this place up!’
‘Right sis!’ Nova beamed. Together, the two young unicorns created a ball of fire on the ground between them. The warmth was instant and relieving, offset only slightly by the energy expenditure. Starswirl watched with interest as the girls shared the burden, one picking up when the other weakened slightly, only for the positions to shift when the tide of energy turned.
It was an impressive sight. The two sisters were definitely in sync with one another. However, such a bond would only get them so far on their own. As instructed, Stella and Nova maintained the spell for as long as they were able to, remaining silent to preserve their focus.
As powerful as they were however, they had their limits. Inevitably Nova lost her concentration and her energy reserves, dropping to one knee before collapsing into a panting heap. Stella lasted mere moments more, before the fire went out and she too dropped to the ground as her legs gave out. Both of them began shivering once more as the cold returned, turning to Starswirl with apologetic faces.
‘Very impressive.’ Starswirl remarked, smiling and walking to stand between them. He blinked, a bubble of energy emitting from the tip of his horn and expanding to surround them in an area that encompassed the mesa itself. The cold was instantly gone and the chill breeze was kept outside the field.
‘That’s... amazing.’ Stella breathed, pushing herself upright.
‘Rest children.’ The wizard said to them. ‘When you are ready, we will try again.’
Chapter One: The Wizard's Plot
‘One... Two... Three!’ Serena called. At that the two younger ponies burst into running towards the husk of a tree that marked the finish line. This would make the fourth consecutive race, but fun was scarce and the children would take what entertainment they could get. Their mother watched with a smile, her ears twitching as she heard the sounds of hooves clipping the ground behind her. She turned to see the girl’s father Cantor approach.
‘What are they doing?’ He demanded, his voice gruff but still carried with an air of superiority.
‘They’re having fun.’ She answered. ‘It’s what children do.’
‘You shouldn’t be teaching them to waste time.’ He said. His deep blue mane rippled as he straightened up and he caught the young ponies’ attention with a flash from his horn. Both of the girls turned to see and instantly knew they were in trouble. Their mother could only protect them so much, but their father was adamant that they should devote their lives to the study of magic.
‘Dad.’ The elder said, slinking closer. ‘We’re sorry. Her violet mane obscured her eyes and horn as she kept herself low. Her sister followed close behind, a mauve pony with her father’s blue mane.
‘You should be.’ He replied sternly. ‘You are unicorns, and the future depends on your abilities. Why aren’t you practicing your magic?’
‘We got bored.’ The elder replied. ‘I’m real sorry Dad.’ She looked up at him with her large golden eyes and his heart softened if only slightly.
‘Well, get back to it.’ He said. ‘Your mother and I will be back shortly.’ And with that, the two of them left their children in the barren clearing where they had been playing.
‘Okay.’ Stella said. ‘I’ll try offensive, you do defence right?’
‘Why do I always have to defend?’ Nova protested. ‘You always hit me too hard.’
‘That’s how you get strong!’ Stella said, grinding her hoof on the ground. ‘Remember what dad said? We need to be strong for when we grow up, or in case...’ She trailed off, unwilling to complete the sentence.
‘Just let me go first this time. Please?’ Nova begged. Stella sighed and rolled her eyes.
‘Fine. You go first.’ Stella conceded, before walking a dozen paces and turning around. She braced her hooves into the ground and looked back at Nova with a daring look in her eyes.
‘Okay...’ Nova breathed deep before mimicking Stella’s pose and channelling energy into her horn. ‘I hope you’re ready for this!’ She added as much to the charge as she could before unleashing the ball of raw magic energy towards where her sister stood ready to defend.
The blast seared the air and ground beneath as it travelled, covering the distance between the two young fillies in less than a second. Stella caught the blast with an outburst of energy from her own horn before promptly dispelling it.
‘Go again!’ Stella called, panting slightly from the effort but still able to continue.
‘Right!’ Nova nodded, once more bringing to bear as much magic energy as she could. Once more Stella managed to dispel the attack.
‘One more!’ Stella called, the strain evident in her voice. ‘Give it everything you’ve got!’
‘Here it comes!’ Nova replied. She began to tense with the concentration, breaking into a roar of focus as she unleashed the most powerful blast she could muster. Instantly Stella knew she would never be able to dispel the attack and instead simply focused on deflecting it. The blazing fireball of magic energy was redirected into the sky, where it fizzled for a few minutes before being lost from view.
Stella was unable to keep her feet, dropping to her knee and looking back at her younger sister. Nova had been exhausted in the exertion of such energy and fallen to the ground. ‘Nova!’ Stella struggled to rise and trotted over to where her sister lay struggling for breath. ‘Are you okay?’
‘I’ll be okay.’ Nova panted. ‘Just let me... catch my breath...’
She had barely uttered the words before her fatigue overcame her and she fell into a deep sleep. Stella laughed softly and settled down beside her.
* * *
‘Are you ready?’ Serena asked. The gathered unicorns turned to her and she lowered her head apologetically for interrupting.
‘Of course!’ Cantor whispered tersely. The two of them took their place at the rear of the palace’s audience chamber, before dropping tot their knees and beginning to concentrate. In the centre of the chamber was the unicorn queen, and it was she who formed the focal point for the spell. It was a full ten minutes of focus before the spell reached its climax and the light faded from the room.
With a small speech of thanks, the queen dismissed her gathered subjects and retired to her bedchamber with her closest aide. As Cantor and Serena made to leave, they were approached by a unicorn of blue coat and grey mane. His features spoke of age and wisdom and his mane flowed into a beard that drooped almost to the floor.
‘Good... Evening, Lord Starswirl.’ Cantor greeted the elder nervously. Serena offered a curt bow but remained silent.
‘Good evening to you both.’ Starswirl smiled warmly. ‘Might I make a request of you? I have a matter of import that I must see to, and I believe you to be the most adequate ones to render assistance.’
‘Of course Lord.’ Cantor replied, shuffling slightly as a group of unicorns moved past him to exit the building.
‘Excellent.’ Starswirl nodded. ‘Then I will ask that you meet me in my tower in an hour and a half’s time.’ With that the venerable old wizard turned and left, allowing the parents to return to their two young foals.
‘What do you suppose the old wizard wants?’ Serena asked.
‘I wouldn’t know.’ Cantor replied. The two of them slowly approached the place where the fillies had been left to train, both smiling softly at the sight of the two sisters asleep together. ‘But I am always willing to help him. He’s been nothing but good to us all.’
‘True.’ Serena answered.
As the two of them approached the entrance to the tower that served as the wizard’s residence and observatory, they were both struck by the same feeling of awe that accompanied every visit. They stopped short at the tower doorway and waited. There was no need to knock, somehow Starswirl always knew when he had visitors. As was expected it was a matter of moments before the door swung open seemingly of its own accord and the two entered.
Before them was an antechamber preceding a spiral staircase leading to the upper chambers of the tower. Cantor had once asked the old pony why he insisted on dwelling so elevated, to which Starswirl had replied it was better to observe the skies from as high a vantage point as possible. As the two climbed, they kept silent, not wishing to speak in this place out of some kind of eerie unexplainable fear.
When at last they reached the top, they entered into the wizard’s main laboratory where the bearded equine was taking notes on star patterns. The quill lowered to the pot as the unicorn’s horn ceased glowing and he greeted the two visitors with a warm smile.
‘Welcome Sir Cantor, Lady Serena. Does the night treat you well?’ Starswirl asked, approaching the two.
‘As always, Sir Starswirl.’ Serena answered. ‘The days of the Windigoes plague us no more.’
‘Ah yes, peace has come between the tribes.’ Starswirl mused. ‘The fledgling nation of Equestria is growing, but she is still vulnerable to threats from within and without. The internal threats we can resolve, but what of the dangers that are beyond our control?’
‘You’re speaking of dragons, hydras and the like correct?’ Cantor asked. ‘Creatures that the pegasi would not be able to reliably fight back against?’
‘Indeed.’ The wizard answered. ‘We require a more reliable defence. Something that can defeat the forces of disorder and bring about harmony. So I ask the two of you, what embodies harmony?’
The two unicorns were silent for a time. The elder wizard Starswirl waited patiently as the two lost themselves deep in thought, trying their hardest to find the most adequate term to define what harmony actually was.
‘It is a very difficult question.’ Cantor spoke at last. ‘I would say there’s no specific trait that wholly embodies harmony. Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity. All of these I would say are required.’
‘Don’t forget Kindness.’ Serena interjected. ‘I would also add Laughter. All these things mean little in a world without joy.’
‘Very true.’ Starswirl nodded, smiling triumphantly. ‘You have given me exactly the information I needed. However, there is something further I must ask of you.’
Serena and Cantor exchanged a confused glance before turning back and slowly nodding to his request.
‘I wish to become the tutor of your young daughters.’ Starswirl said simply.
The two parents were speechless for a few moments. Serena’s jaw dropped in surprise before she composed herself and managed to ask the most prominent question. ‘Why? Don’t get me wrong Lord, I am flattered but I can’t help but ask why you are so interested in Stella and Nova?’
‘The future belongs to the young.’ Starswirl responded. ‘While the pegasi will train their warriors and the earth ponies will build their cities and farms, ultimately the balance of the world itself, the night and the day, falls to the unicorns. Such is a heavy burden, and I would like to know for sure that the unicorns of tomorrow are up to the task. These five elements of Harmony you just described. Who better to instil them within than the children correct?’
Cantor stepped forward with a look of suspicion on his face. ‘I can understand your logic, elder. But do not think me so naive as to not see that you have more reason than this. Why is it Stella and Nova specifically they you are interested in?’
‘Very well.’ Starswirl nodded. ‘I will tell you. As you both know, it is my task to ensure the strength of the royal lineage. While I’m sure we all have faith in Queen Platinum, it is a sad truth few will acknowledge the lack of virtue her son has come to possess.’
Cantor held his tongue at this but Serena nodded softly. It was not a great secret that the young prince was unusually lacking in magical ability despite having come of age.
‘While I have tutored the lad, indeed studied him as well to try and divine the cause for his weakness, it also falls to me to ensure our future is entrusted to an individual strong enough.’ The wizard explained. ‘To that end, I wish to train both of your daughters and select the stronger of them to inherit the throne.’
‘Is our fair Queen Platinum aware of this?’ Cantor demanded.
‘Our fair queen is aware of little these days.’ Starswirl replied bluntly. ‘As much as I would love to breach the topic of loyalty, my first priority must be to the wellbeing of the tribe, and by extension the wellbeing of Equestria itself!’
Serena and Cantor once more looked at each other with concerned expressions. What the wizard was proposing could be construed as treason and though the whole of Equestria would not think too harshly on them, those still loyal solely to the Queen of Unicorns would likely seek retribution. All three present knew that if they went ahead with this, they would be in grave danger.
‘Please understand.’ Starswirl began. ‘I would not suggest this if I wasn’t convinced that it was our only option. Stella or Nova, I have no doubt either of them would be a powerful and wise ruler. But for this, they must be thoroughly prepared. I will take full responsibility for this, all I ask in return is that you allow me to take the chance.’
Again there was a pause. This time however it was Cantor who broke the silence. With the same small nod from Serena, Cantor nodded in return before meeting the elder unicorn’s gaze. ‘We will agree to your plan Starswirl. May the gods have you in their favour.’
