Mount & Blade : the New World

Chapters

Prologue : Sand Hawk
Chapter 1 : Grim Throne
Chapter 2 : Frozen Curtain
Chapter 3 : Beachhead

Prologue : Sand Hawk

Prologue : The Sand Hawk

It's a raining day in Canterlot. Sophisticated ponies either avoided to getting wet or put their fancy-than-function umbrella on the street. The weather schedule made everypony in the town grumble as usual. Some ponies walked casually on the street, enjoyed an rainy evening air, some hurriedly ran through the rain or got in an awning, some argued about ponies blocking their shop, some were bored and stayed inside their house, and some hoped the Sapphire Shores' concert will be held at Canterlot sooner.

A train quickly broke in the usual scene of Canterlot. It arrived at the station and leaved as soon as all pony left the bogies. It should be normal, however, everypony at the station looked at somepony standing in the train station. Ponies showed various reaction. Most looked anxious, few excited. Everypony were looking at a tall figure in a hood beside a familiar pink-purple pony. Starlight smiled awkwardly. Her stylish hair and saddlebags were somewhat messed up.

"Well, em... how could I put this..." Starlight paused, then said. "Good evening everypony! It's nice to see you all here!" Starlight tried to act normal and tried to smile. "Here veside me is my friend. She is absolutely normal! Right! Misses- er-."

"Falcon." Starlight's friend said, coldly.

"Yes yes, Falcon!" Starlight said. She was worried. Starlight knew her friend isn't impressed. "I know she doesn't look like a falcon or anything, but we are in hurry and need to go right now. Can you pony make way for... Em, please don't gather around us, please?"

Ponies started to crowd around Falcon, but quickly stepped away when Falcon walked toward the exist. Some ponies were bumped by Falcon, but they got no apology. The coldness of newcomer questioned or offended everypony at the station. Starlight smiled embarrassingly when two ponies doubtfully looked at her. She quickly moved of from the awkward scene and accompanied with Falcon.

"You should at least say hello to them!" Starlight whispered, put on her umbrella.

"Not now" Falcon said. "We have a business to attend."

"What kind of a business you want to attend with our princesses?" Starlight questioned. "I know pony are hurry all the time, Twilight for example. She have to attend in numerous event and meeting around the Equestria, but luckily enough, the map didn't pressured her more and sent me instead. Well, it might be a bit too late when I found you there and you quite scared me. I thought you couldn't make it to the Manehattan hospital, but my goodness, you survived- oh, wait!"

Starlight walked faster to keep up with Falcon. Canterlot Ponies around the street eyed on them. The rain still continued to pour down. Ponies' reaction were mixing with excitement, curiousness, anxiousness and angry. Some pegasi hovered in the mid air to see the mysterious guest. Some ponies on the street discussed with each other quietly.

"Well, I know you may not in good mood, but, I have nothing better than you now." Starlight said. "I mean, I get quiet rusty and I still don't know what's the map want from me, so maybe you don't mind If I will be with you for awhile."

Falcon chuckled. Starlight frowned.

"I don't know what are you talking about." Falcon said.

Starlight slowly nodded. She didn't expect Falcon to understand her. The duo passed a couple of elite pony. They looked at Falcon from her head to toe. Falcon and Starlight looked back to the couple. The pupil tilted her head and frowned. The couple got smug on their face and chuckled at Falcon.

"I wouldn't call that a fashion." the mare whispered. "I think that thing is wearing an entire calamity on itself."

"Hey, cut it out!" Starlight scolded, but Falcon raised her hand to halt the former villain, indicated her to let them go. Falcon looked back to the couple. They walked away, didn't care what what they had insulted. Starlight frown, turned to Falcon.

"You shouldn't let them do that." Starlight said. "They are being mean."

Falcon didn't say anything, still headed toward the castle. Starlight felt bad for her friend. "You did have a hard time, didn't you?" Starlight said.

As usual, Falcon didn't answer.

The duo had gone through the city with a minor problem along the way. Some fillies and colts were curious about Falcon and got a close look. They caused a minor trouble to her, but their parents arrived and took them away afterward, scold them for running in the rain and being a trouble maker. The duo arrived at a gate. Castle guards opened the entrance for them. Guards saluted to the duo, then escorted them inside the castle.

The castle was elegant as usual. The white structure were quite appeal to Falcon. Starlight remembered Falcon's face when she had been in Manehattan for the first time, but she lied she wasn't amaze by the city. Falcon looked around castle. The guards stopped in front of the throne room. They stepped aside to let Starlight and Falcon in.

"Here we are, the throne room." Starlight said. "Behave yourself, okay?"

Falcon chuckled "You don't need to tell me that." Falcon said.

Starlight nodded. She's about to use telekinesis on the door, but quickly changed her mind and manually opened it. She smiled to brush off her mistake. Starlight indicated Falcon to go first. Instead of entered the throne room straight away, Falcon took off her hood and disarmed herself. She put her hood and sword to a maid pony who is waiting to keep Falcon's belonging, then Falcon showed to the guard she had no more weapon with her. The guards nodded. Falcon and Starlight walked in the throne room to meet the celestial princesses.

The throne room was crowded with elite ponies. A white magical pony was sitting on the throne at the end of the room. Other than princess Celestia, her dark blue sister were sitting beside her and looked a bit bored. Everypony was silent when Starlight and Falcon walked in. Starlight felt embarrassing when everypony eyed on her and her friend. The duo stood in front of the throne. Princess Celestia greeted her newcomer and stood up from her throne.

"Greeting, my honor guest." Celestia said. "My name is Celestia. Here is my sister Luna" Celestia introduced her sister. Luna slightly nodded. "Luna and I are a princess of this land. We're aware it took you two awhile to visit us here, but I hope your journey in Equestria is delightful so far."

Elite ponies in the throne room whispered to each other, but quickly shut it when Falcon said. "It's my honor to hear your good will, my princess, but I'm not here for a vocation. I'm here to deliver a message."

Celestia nodded. She noticed Falcon carry a scroll with her. Falcon rolled the scroll down and reveal what's inside.

Everyone but Celestia were shocked. The scroll turned out to be a ragged dirty yellow hawk banner. Falcon put it on the floor. Elite ponies were talking again. Princess Luna walked down from her throne and got a close look on the banner. Starlight was scared. She knew the ragged banner always mean bad new.

"I am the last sultana of Sarranid Sultanate." Falcon announced. "My sultanate had fallen. This is my only banner I can save."

Princess Celestia was quite shocked. Falcon continued. "And this realm... may end the same way..."

Elite ponies quickly made a fuss out of it. Princess Luna had looked sadly at the destroyed banner before she was alarmed when Falcon said her warning. Starlight froze. She hadn't known before her friend was a sultana.

"How did you know this land will be in danger?" Celestia said. Grim was clouding inside her.

Falcon shook her head. "the Calradia empress, she's a mixture of fox and lion." Falcon said. She walked around her banner. "How soon is the empress will know The existence of this land, is a matter of time. I can't tell you for sure if she will leave this land along, or invade it. However, it would be wiser to prepare something for her arrival, orelse, you may be sorry when she shows up with her army..."

Elite ponies were worry. They're talking about the Calradia empress and trying to guess her power. Princess Celestia thought and frowned. Princess Luna walked to her sister and nudged.

"Sister, what should we do!" Luna said. "I've never thought our honorable act will be such a big deal. Should we send them away immediately!?"

"No, we won't." Celestia said. "If we send them away, it will make the situation worse. We will find truths in our honored guest, then find a way to learn her enemy." Celestia paused and cleared her throat. "However, Falcon is my guest, I can't let anything happen to her, and I will take her under my wings."

Falcon nodded. Everypony in the throne room was silent. Starlight tried to keep up at what's happen.

"I would like to end our meeting right here. Everypony, you may leave now." Celestia said.

Elite ponies went out the throne room. They muttered about everything they heard moment ago. Starlight heard one of the ponies complaining he want to eat some donuts, but the shop didn't open today. Everypony had left. Princesses, Starlight and Falcon were only ponies an a human in the room. Princess Celestia looked at falcon closely, she noticed her guest somewhat resembles to Tirek, but with two legs and brown skin.

"So," Celestia said. "Who is the Calradia empress?"

"My old friend." Falcon said. "She used to help me, but not anymore..."

Princess Celestia nodded. She looked at her sister and comforted Luna with her wing.

"I know it must be a hard time for you, Falcon. But with my protection, you will be save here." Celestia said. "Starlight, could you help our guest relax in our house. As she's a royalty as mine, she deserves a well hospitality."

"Yes, my princess" Starlight nodded. Falcon was a bit shy to be called as 'royalty'.

"I must beg my leave. Here, make yourself at home." Celestia said and smiled. She left the throne room with her sister.

Starlight smiled and indicated Falcon to followed her out the throne room. When they walked in the corridor, the duo saw castle guards through windows. They tried to shield journalist out of the castle. Starlight was a bit upset. She smiled to Falcon when her friend stared at her. The former villain saw a royal guard captain being interview while she led her friend to a bedroom.

Finally, they arrived at a guest bedroom, enough for two. Starlight had been worried the bed is too small for her guest, but it's turned out the castle has a spare bed for a tall guest. The maid pony had put Falcon's belongings beside her bed. Starlight told Falcon to take a bath first. The former sultana smiled warmly toward Starlight before left the room. Starlight waved her hoof to Falcon and felt relief the day ended quite well.

Starlight turned to a dancing Twilight music box. She had looked around, before she talked to the music box.

"Twilight." Starlight whispered. "Twilight!"

"Oh, hi." the Twilight's music box replied. "Sorry, I'm busy. But, is everything okay?"

"Sort of." Starlight whispered. "Falcon had reached the Canterlot. But again, she's human, right?"

"I guess." the music box said. "But, I'm glad you made it well, Starlight. Also, did she say anything this time?"

"Yes, she told the princesses about a 'mean empress' has taken her -well- realm and said empress will go after the Equestria." Starlight said. "She warned us about a potential war."

"My goodness!" the music box said. "Are you kidding me?"

"No, Twilight, I know all 'evil empress' things sound like a story for foals, but there is a possibility." Starlight said.

"Of course, it is!" the music box said. Starlight shocked. "It was few days ago we discovered the village and helped the survivors. It wasn't a big deal until now."

"... I know" Starlight said. "In other hand, Falcon said she is a... sultana? Twilight, what's sultana?."

"Sultana?" the music box said. "You mean, she's a royalty somewhere near Saddle Arabia? That's kinda new. I need to take note about this and find anything relate to it."

"If you find anything useful in your research, please let me know." Starlight said.

"I will." the music box said. "Well, I need to research anything about an 'evil empress'. Starlight, keep your eyes on Flacon, okay?"

"Of course." Starlight said.

"Okay, see ya!" the music box said.

Starlight sighed. She knew there is a lot of paperwork she need to do tomorrow. Starlight put on a towel and headed to the door. After she had got herself in a cold raining day and escorted her friend, she wanted to take a hot bath and relax for awhile.

"Oh, Starlight, wait!" the music box said.

"What?" Starlight said, tuned back.

"The map," Twilight said. "It still want you there."

Chapter 1 : Grim Throne

The wind blew in a cold Dhirim court through a small window, softly lifted a young maiden's hair. She worn a male clothes and a chain mail. The maiden silently sat on a stone step, fiddled with her short bow. Calradian knew her as 'Ariel' - the name that strikes in a heart of all mortals.

Despite for Ariel who was a solely and only queen of united kingdom of Calradia, she found the floor more comfortable than her throne. She touched the bowstrings. The queen and her companions had been taking a day off. It's had been awhile since they've reunited Calradia. The empress and her followers met their success. They nearly had everything and anything - money, glory, renown... anything they could imagine In Calradia.

However, Some of them wasn't...

Many days ago, The empress and her cavalry had visited the Firentis' brother grave. Firentis never forgot what did he do to his brother. Ariel understood, empathized with his pain, for she was the one who suffers the most.

The end of senseless war had brought the greatest renown and honor toward the young maiden, but it costed her dearly. Many of her men she had put on the line, her friends and good people she had met during her journey, benevolent lords she had known and her most beloved friend...

They're all gone...

Ariel messed her head. She had told the guard to go out the count, so she can stay alone. However, staying in the room alone made her feel worse. She sighed. Ariel looked aimlessly on a lifeless ceiling. A burden of Calradia and her past was crushing her alive. Ariel took a deep breath and dropped her head. the count's door was opened. Ymira stepped in the room. She looked at her liege and slowly closed the door.

"Ma'am?" Ymira said. She walked to her liege. "Are you okay?"

"Not really." Ariel said, messed her hair.

"Ma'am, are you feel sick?" Ymira said. "You look ill."

Ariel shook her head. Ymira wasn't convincing.

"What's happen, ma'am?" Ymira said. "You've change a lot since I've met you."

The empress sighed. She dusted off her clothes and roughly combed her hair. Ymira sat beside Ariel. The empress looked around the room, then stared at her bow.

"Ymira."

"Yes, ma'am."

Ariel briefly looked at her bow, then put it away. "The war is over," Ariel said. "but, is that worth it?"

Ymira paused, then slowly nodded. "Ma'am, Calradia can't be any better." Ymira said. "We've liberated this land from a senseless bloodshed. People are free now."

Ariel sighed. she felt empty. "I know." Ariel said. "Anyone would say the same as you, Ymira, but I'm aware it's a lie."

Ymira was silent, tried not to say anything further. The door was opened again and five men entered the throne room. They quickly noticed something wrong with Ariel. They looked at each other. Bunduk, an ace knight and Ariel's right-hand man, spoke to his liege first.

"Sister, what's the matter?" Bunduk asked.

"What's wrong with our boss?" Borcha said. "Probably a food poison, you need me to bring some medicines?"

"It's fine." Ariel said. "I'm just a bit upset."

Yrima indicated the men to sit down on stone steps. They complied, talked quietly.

"Silence." Ariel commanded.

Everyone talked no more. Ymira was scared a bit. Ariel stood up and tidied her clothes.

"I know it's our break, but I'm afraid it's over." Ariel said.

Everyone nodded. Ariel sat back on the stone step. The empress looked at one of her followers, Marnid.

"Marnid." Ariel called.

"Aye, ma'am." Marnid replied.

"I know the economy inside Calradia has gone plummet lately." Ariel said. "You know the root of its problem?"

"Of course, ma'am." Marnid replied. "Our realm has been known for a long savage war within and become a bandit's heaven and merchant's hell. Merchants outside the realm have avoided to get in our territory to evade Nordic pirates and Khergit raiders. Establishing patrol and cutting down tariff is the best way to solve the problem in short term, but I would recommend to build a good trading reputation within our nation and find an uncharted land to built a colony. Both solution will restore this country to its former glory."

"I see..." Ariel said. "I've already found my patrol regiments to watch out brigands and cut down tax. But, how a trading reputation is formed within our nation and where should I build my first colony?"

Marnid nodded. "Recently, I've known the Nordic merchants have found an entire continent at the far north sea" Marnid said. "We should make our own explorer's fleet and found our colony there. The northern sea is known to be harsh and dangerous, but the new land is very promising. In case the exploration is failing, being the first empire exploring the norther sea will bring us a great reputation. Otherwise, we will kill two birds with one stone."

Ariel nodded. Marnid continued. "I've my longships back in Sargoth. We can buy or build more. As I've some experience in the northern sea, I can provide you some help in this exploration."

"I can help, too." Borcha said.

"What's about our horses?" Ariel said.

"We can assemble the fleet and the caravan to move along on the coastline. With both of them, we can explore outside the Calradia on land and sea. In my calculation, we've enough supplies to find an uncharted land within a month." Marnid said.

Ariel nodded "So be it, then." Ariel said. "I will spread my words to my vassals. For you two - Bunduk, Firentis, I appoint you in a position of colonist's field commander. Artimenner, Marnid, Borcha, make sure the fleet and caravan are ready."

"As your command, sister." Bunduk and Firentis said.

"Your wish is my command, boss." Borcha said.

"As your wish, Captain." Artimenner said.

"Aye, ma'am." Marnid said.

"Then, let's move out," Ariel said.

Ariel's companions nodded, then left the room. Ariel indicated Ymira to follow her.

Ariel and her companions put on their armor and got on their Charger battle horse. The empress and her companions worn a red coat of plates, gauntlets, Swadian plated boots and winged great helmet. Only Marnid worn a red mail with surcoat, gauntlets, mail chausses and spiked helmet. Ariel assigned one of her man to carry her order to Sargoth, then set off with Swadian Knights, her companions and her men. The cavalry were decorated with Ariel's banners and flag, knew to be a banner that united Calradia - unstoppable and frightful. The black lion on red banner and flag was swayed along a peaceful breeze, like a beast's playing with their prey. The cavalcade was elegant and lordly, however, they stayed humble. Townsmen occasionally greeted their mistress and Ariel always greeted them back. Before their left city gate, a young child ran toward the empress and gave her a wild flower. Ariel stopped. She took off her helm, bowed herself down and received the flower. She smiled to the child and put it in her quiver.

The cavalcade moved out from the city and went through a grassland. Bunbuk looked at Dhirim, then turned back to his captain. She wasn't changed a bit since they had met in a tavern - strong and humble. The right-hand man rode his horse beside his captain and spoke.

"Townsmen are familiar with you, sister." Bunduk said. His voice echoed in his helm. "Too familiar, maybe."

"Hold your tongue, Bunduk!" Ymira said. "A liege supposes to be close with their subject."

"But, lady. Our captain are an empress." Artimenner said. "She should keeps some distance."

"Maybe we shouldn't talk about this..." Borcha said.

"It's fine." Ariel's companions turned to their mistress. "I expect my people to relax when I'm around." Ariel continued. "Most tenant in Dhirim knows me as a famous tournament champion. I've won the competition there many time. It's not strange that townsmen recognize me. A velvet enterprise there is mine as well and a guild master is my acquaintance."

Ariel looked at a small patch of flower beside and chuckled. "I was nervous when I sat on the throne of Calradia for the first time. You may not know, my friend, it's rather a burden than a reward... However, this land need an one solely leader. If I abandoned my duty, this land will be shattering."

The empress sighed. "I would rather be called as a 'princeps' (first citizen) of Calradia, but still, an united kingdom need to be ruled by an emperor or empress, not a first citizen. However, despite from my political status, people still treat me like the first day I'd become a mercenary captain. They make me feel alive."

The empress chuckled and rode her horse forward. Her companions looked at each other and sped their horse up.

The cavalcade reached Sargoth next few days. Ariel sent her companions to prepare a fleet and caravan. She overseen the preparation by herself. With an excel trader and engineer, the fleet and caravan were organized within a week. A news of exploration campaign was spread in Calradia like a wildfire. The campaign quickly occupied every topic in taverns and households. Many people decided to join the quest. Some merchant donated their denars and tools to assist the campaign. Some farmer volunteered to follow the caravan in order to assist the exploration.

The preparation continued steadily, Ariel looked from a Nordic castle at her fleet and caravan. Soon, the exploration will begin.

A candle inside a dim room was swayed along a breeze from a castle window. A servant brought a plate of fruits and placed it on a wooden table. The servant bowed to lords, then left the room. A lord on a chair picked an apple and sighed.

"I know Ariel is pretty bold." the noble said. "But 'reckless' would be fitted her more."

"But her plan is decent." another lord said. "The colony will bring us wealth."

"She's a dead man as soon as she's stepped out Calradia." the third lord said. "Or I would say, a dead lady."

"Calradia need a strong male leader like her. But, unfortunately, there is none." the first lord said. "The empress need to stay in her empire and keep it safe, but she's chose to leave it. Well... to be fair, she's not even a royalty or Calradian to begin with. A Swadian army just simply put her in the throne. Too bad, Ariel's army wouldn't listen to anyone but her."

"We don't have much sane people nowadays." the second lord said.

"I see." the third lord said. "But, the empress' nature is also a good omen."

A strong wind blew in the room and put out the candle. The third lord walked to pick up the candle. He lit it with a lantern nearby and put it back. Other lords talked quietly about their political and patrician business.

"May heaven safe the queen..." the third lord said.

The third lord chuckled and left. The wind blew in again and put off both lantern and candle. A smoke floated up toward an Ariel's banner above.

Starlight had made a tour for Falcon around Canterlot castle. Everything should had went smooth and harmless if some pony didn't get involve in the tour, especially with their magic. Starlight put everything she has in order to make the tour under control. After the tour had been done, She had been preparing a schedule for tomorrow. Twilight will switch with her while she'll be going on a journey next day.

Since their first met, Starlight found Falcon to be a very interesting human. Falcon was smart, elegant and strong, similar to royalty. Starlight's pretty sure Falcon didn't lied about her origin, but the human's intention still had been bugging Starlight. The sultana had warned about 'Calradia invasion', but Starlight wasn't sure how it's possible.

Starlight packed her saddlepacks, prepared for her next travel. She looked at a Twilight dancing music box. She didn't say anything this time. Starlight guessed Twilight probably makes herself ready for the next day. The former villain glanced at Falcon. She had been studying the Unicorn glyph on her desk. Starlight was glad to see somepony, who isn't a pony, has interested in the pony culture. The former villain knew Twilight will get along with Falcon well.

Checked her belonging for the last time, Starlight was ready to travel back to where she'd found Falcon.

Chapter 2 : Frozen Curtain

Chapter 2 : Pearl One

Princess Twilight had arrived at the Canterlot castle. She had been requested to take care of Falcon, a sultana from a fallen sultanate, by her friend - Starlight. The sultana's warning had alarmed the forth princess to put on a heavy research about Equestrian record last night. Twilight feared the sultana's words might be more than a forecast, but an actual fact.

However, a behavior of Cutie map and the sultana had been bugging Twilight a lot. First, why did the map summon and insist Starlight to go back to where she found Falcon. Second, why did Falcon choose to come to Equestria and warn the princesses about the Calradia empress? How did she survive from such a ruthless leader accord to Falcon's claim? Twilight lost herself in her questions, but quickly shook her head and warned herself what will she do today. She checked her saddlebags, focused her mind and headed to where her guest lives. She had been looking for awhile, before she found the room. The princess cleared her throat and knocked the door. Short moment later, the door was opened by a dark skin human. It's true Twilight had seen Falcon before since Starlight had sent a photo of the sultana. She admitted she hadn't ever seen any human has an appearance like Falcon.

"Greeting, my friend." Twilight greeted. She felt a bit nervous. "My name is princess Twilight Sparkle. I guess you're Falcon, the former sultana of Sarranid, right?"

The human nodded. She tiled her head and frowned. "How did you know who am I?" Falcon said.

"Oh..." Twilight'd forgotten she's never met Falcon before. "Well, I asked a guard before I come here!" Twilight nervously laughed. "Is that alright?"

Falcon slowly nodded. "Aye then, princess Twilight. Your friend, Starlight, had told me a lot about you. Good to see you make an acquaintance." Falcon stepped away. "Please come in, your highness. I'm glad to see you today."

Twilight smiled. She walked in the bedroom. Falcon closed the door behind and prepared a cushion for the forth princess. Twilight put her saddlebags beside and sat on the cushion. The sultana brought tea and snacks and placed them on a tea table near Twilight.

"Wow, that looks really good!" Twilight complimented.

"I'm glad to hear that." Falcon said. "I made them myself."

"You made them?" Twilight said. "That's very impressive."

Falcon smiled. Twilight cast a levitation spell but quickly ceased it. Twilight smiled, hoped it can brush off her mistake.

"It's fine, my highness." Falcon said. "Please perform your witchery. I would like to know a lot about it, too."

"Oh, okay." Twilight said, uneasily laughed. She levitated an Arabic dessert and tasted it. "This' really good... I think Mr. and Mrs. Cake would like to ask you a recipe when they taste one."

Falcon chuckled. "My pleasure." She said.

"Oh, almost forgot." Twilight said. "This is 'Levitation' spell. A very simple spell every unicorns can learn. It need some practice to levitate a heavier object or perform a trick." Twilight looked at Falcon. "I heard from other pony you don't get along with magics very well. What's the matter, Ms. Falcon?"

Falcon nodded. "This may be embarrassing, but I had never seen any witchcraft with my own eyes in my entire life." Twilight nodded. Falcon continued. "It's complicated. But, my people would be scared or angry if they see you're associated with a sorcery, too. We believe witchcraft brings a sinister."

"I see." Twilight said. "Technically, there is a... not very good magic here in Equestria." Twilight noticed Falcon is a bit sweating. She quickly explained. "B-but, it rarely do harm. We know how to dispel almost of them. Canterlot library here also contains many things about dispelling magic, too." Falcon nodded. Twilight continued. "Curses are very easy to notice, too. I can cast a diagnosis spell, well, if you wish, maybe?"

"Please do." Falcon said.

Twilight felt relief. She cast a diagnosing spell on Falcon proficiently. The sultana looked at herself while the magic scanned for a curse. The diagnosis ended. Twilight smiled. She filled each tea cups with tea and offered one to Falcon.

"Okay, I found nothing. Here, we can talk and discuss." Twilight said. "I brought many interesting book from my house at Ponyville. I think you may enjoy it."

"Aye, princess." Falcon said. "Which one we should start first? A history?"

"Sure!" Twilight said. The forth princess brought a brief Equestria history to her human friend. The princess and sultana discussed about the book peacefully, similar to the Canterlot today.

Starlight had stepped out from the Manehattan a long time ago. She brought many stuffs in her saddlebags and on her back, mostly for her journey. She's a bit scare to be alone in her quest. She looked in her map, made sure she didn't lose and looked around at a snowy landscape. She tidied her scarf when it started to loose up from a long travel. The coldness wasn't a trouble, but an isolated region beyond the Yaket was.

Feared to be lost in a snowy region, Starlight looked in her map again. The map was made by herself when the Cutie Map had chose her to go at the northern unknown land. Starlight beamed when she know she wasn't too faraway now. Starlight stepped up her paces and her destination was soon revealed in front of her below. The former villain slid down a snowy ledge and galloped toward a humble fishing village.

Straightly, the village was heavily lacked of maintenance. There was snowy shady six cottages, one was in a badly shape, and a makeshift harbor. Every humans here worn a very thick clothes and robe. They were very eerie with hiding face. Starlight had a somewhat ill memory with this place, but the duty called her to endure it. Some human looked at Starlight and greeted her. Starlight nodded and smiled back.

Starlight galloped to a cottage near the harbor. She knocked the door. It was opened by a shady old male human inside the cottage. He had looked around confusedly before the old man looked down and found the pony.

"Starlight!" the old male human greeted. Starlight remembered him as an elder of this humble community. His voice strongly reminded Starlight a master fisherpony.

"Hi, Mr. Beini." Starlight greeted. "I'm sorry I have to bother you again, but, the map has called me here again. Can I stay here for one or two night while I'm looking for my quest?"

"No need fer' apology, my child! You're always welcome here!" Beini said. "I know yer' might came here again. Make yer'self at home, young one. My wife would be happy to see yer' again."

The male human made way for the former villain. He said. "Oh, dear. yer' walked for miles to this cursed land. You don't need to force yer'self yer' might catch cold. Freezing air o' northern sea isn't a joke to anyone." The old male human chuckled.

Starlight smiled awkwardly. Every humans here was friendly, despite for a shady appearance. The former villain walked in the cottage. Beini's wife prepared a cushion and meal for her. The old couple smiled warmly to Starlight, through their old age and harsh environment made their smile a bit crooked. Starlight sat on a cushion near a fireplace and put her belongings beside her. The cushion was ragged and uncomfortable, but it's the only fluffy thing in the cottage and it might be rude if she refuses the old couple's hospitality.

"Hello, Starlight." The old human granny greeted.

"Hi, Ms. Emma." Starlight said.

"Oh dear, you look tired. I should went out my cottage to take you from there." granny Emma said and offered Starlight a bowl of soup. "Here, I'd made an algae soup since morning. Don't worry, it's edible for you."

Starlight took the bowl of soup, smiled to the granny. She looked at the soup and amazed how the granny can make a wonderful soup in such an inhabitable place. Even Yaks wouldn't dare to set their hooves here. Starlight ate the soup and felt a coldness on her coat is evaporated away.

"Emma's soup surely always does trick, right?." the old human grandpa said. "I have to take some if I'm out fer a big haul. I can last long in a cursing sea fer day with her soup!"

Emma chuckled and said. "That's too exaggerated, Beini."

Beini laughed an said. "Anyway, my dear. What's brin' yer' here today?"

Starlight gasped. She nearly forgot about her quest. "Oh, right." Starlight said. "I've found out my friend, Falcon, isn't the main reason the Cutie Map called me here. I've returned to find out what's happen or hidden in this community."

Beini nodded. He said. "Oh... I'm not sure what' 'bout 'Cutie Map', but yer' have yer' job to do here, right?"

"Of course," Starlight said. "So, did you see or find anything suspicious here, Mr. Beini? Like, an evil army, an invasion, a vile empress?"

Beini laughed. "That's nonsense, my child. No sane liege would send their man through the Golden Rift. But, what's the 'evil army' yer' want to know about, dear? I maybe old, but I can remember anythin' I'd heard very well."

Starlight tiled her head, frowned. She said. "Well, anything recently should do, sir."

Beini chuckled. "If yer' said so." He said. "Well, as you said 'a vile empress', I believe there is only one I've heard about."

"You know her!?" Starlight said. The pony stood up by excitement.

"Aye, I know." Beini said. "She is the solely queen of all Calradian."

'Solely queen of Calradian? that probably is!' Starlight thought. "Please tell me more."

"Calradia empress" Beini said. He frowned. "She's... no good."

"No good?" Starlight repeated.

"Aye, I mean, she's no bad either." Beini said. "It's depend on yer' perspective. Calradia empress is the first lady who has become an empress by her own, at least that's what what I have heard." Starlight nodded. Beini continued. "However, despite of many people aware of the Calradia empress, but not many people know exactly what's her name or what's she look like."

"But, you know, right?" Starlight said.

Beini was thinking. "Well, people didn't tell the empress' appearance the same..." Beini said. "Mostly agree she is some sort of a monster or an inhuman being. Calradia is known to be wild and ruthless. It was shattered into six kingdoms wish nothing more than a destruction o' each other. Calradia had slowly turned into a hell on earth as the war continued."

Beini coughed. Starlight took a cup of warm water from granny Emma and took a sip. The former villain realized she had to take note about Beini's statement. She put the cup down, levitated paper and quill out from her saddlebags and noted everything she had heard.

"With such violent and cruel land, how did the empress ascend to her power?" Starlight said.

"With more violence, my dear." Beini said. "The divided Calradia could be bad..." Beini took a sip from a cup of warm water from Emma. He continued. "But, the new united Calradia is known to be the worst. So, everyone know the Calradia empress as "the empress o' evil" and start to spread rumors about her origin..."

Starlight sweated. Beini chuckled and said. "Among the rumors, I believe the empress is a head o' Centaur army."

"Centaur!?" Starlight said. Twilight had told her about one in Tartarus. The centaur had broken out from the prison once and nearly destroyed Equestria. Starlight couldn't imagine what is going to happen when an army of centaurs are shown up in Equestria. She made a mental note to warn princesses.

"So, the shattered Calradia was united by an army of centaur?" Starlight asked.

"I'm afraid so." Beini said. "Centaurs are known to be fierce and barbaric. An army o' them sound like a myth, but conquered six powerful factions in Calradia within a year is utterly impossible for a mere mortal. So, a centaur conquest do make more sense."

Starlight nodded. 'The rumor might hold a grain of truth. What what Falcon did warn us could be deadlier than I'd expected. I need to tell Twilight about this.' She thought. "Did you know anything more?" Starlight asked.

Beini smiled. "I'm afraid that's all o' it." Beini said. Starlight flatted her ears, felt a bit down. "But don't worry, dear. Even they're Centaur, they have to go through us first. As long as I'm still breathing, they will not step on a soil of this land." Beini laughed. He pet on Starlight's head. "Beside, Centaur are not magical. They're just a bunch of brute and not very smart. They probably got the best of Calradians by luck. But yer'all know how to use spell. You have an advantage over them."

'What? Centaur can't use magic?' Starlight thought. She made a mental note about it.

"Well, I have to go now, dear." Beini said. "Make yer'self at home, my child... Emma, take care of our child well when I'm goin' to find somethin' in the curse sea."

"Aye." Emma replied.

The grandpa stood up. He took his fishing equipment and left the cottage. Starlight dug in her thought, tried to figure out what what the Cutie map want her to do. After a dozen of time, she gave up. Starlight took and put her notes in her saddlebags, decided to do something else more than thinking then she looked at Emma, who was cleaning a kitchen.

The fleet and caravan had set off from Sargoth. The colonists had at least five hundred people in total. They were excited about a journey to a new land at the north unknown land. Bunduk and Firentis leaded the the colonists, provided them protection with an experienced Khergit Lancers. Marnid and Artimenner guided the fleet of Nordic longships at a coastal line. The colonists and fleet communicated with torches and flags. The signals were designed by Marnid and Artimenner themselves to assist the exploration campaign. The colonists' first challenge was they had to wait at Ruvar village while the fleet was going around Wercheg. They had to work synchronously, or the caravan and the fleet will lose each other. Their first solution was they will send Khergit scouts accompanies with the fleet, in case the longships found a problem along the way.

Ariel was riding her armored horse. She worn her signature armor. The empress was satisfied in her fleet and caravan. She had a command over Swadian knights at the center of colonists. She expected to face a harsh environment of the northern sea, so she told colonists and her knights to bring warm clothes. Ariel had three thick clothes, in case of emergency. She had five horses to pull wagons. They were filled with high ladies' belongings. Beside complaining, She expected an expensive upkeep in this exploration. Ariel had lied her men that her chests are contained with her clothes and few personal belongings, but in fact, her personal belongings are nothing more than a mountain of denars and golds. Even the treasures meant nearly nothing to Ariel it wasn't possible for her treasures to be stolen, but everything is possible for the empress and she was aware her denars can hire her men's loyalty. One of the reason Ariel loved the campaign is she has found a way to spend her overflowing treasures wisely. Through, she had spent her treasure in developing Calradia, but found it completely unsatisfied.

While the empress looked around, enjoyed the campaign. Ymira rode a hose beside her. The assistant put her helmet up and said. "The fleet has arrived, ma'am. We can move out now."

"Good." Ariel said, turned to a knight beside her. "Spread words in the colonists and cavalries we will move out soon."

"Aye, my lady!" The knight replied and complied the empress command. Ariel's banners and flags in her cavalcade swayed along a coastal breeze. The cavalry contained sixty loyal Swadian knights, provided their mistress a protection and acted as her messengers. The knights were all selected by Ariel herself to assist her field campaign. They had been trained hardly by Ariel's companions, who also are a drill instructor.

"Will Calradia be under control without you, ma'am?" Ymira asked.

"Certainly." Ariel said. "I have appointed a minister in charge of administrator during my exploration. All my vassals are satisfied with their fiefs and won't be insane enough to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs through rebellion. Even they dare." the empress chuckled. "I will retake what's mine within a month."

Ymira nodded. "So, ma,am." Yrima said. "Will this' going to be a fruitful colonizing?"

Ariel looked at her colonists. They were heading toward the northern land. "Only heaven know, Ymira." Ariel said. "May heaven grant us success!"

Chapter 3 : Beachhead

Chapter 3 : Night in Unknown Land

Starlight put down her sleeping bag on a cold wooden floor of an old human couple's cottage. She felt guilty for messed Mrs. Emma's housework. The pupil had accidentally broken an old bowl while she rearranged a shelf, misunderstood some of old human couple's belongings as a junk and thrown them in a fire, broken Emma's broom by accident, and spilled Emma's soup. Starlight had realized her magic didn't work very well in a very small place. She didn't has much room to operate there.

However, the old couple hadn't minded Starlight's mistakes. They saw her mistake as cute and forgave her. Starlight had felt a bit shy when the old couple adored and treated her like a foal. The former villain looked at the cottage owners. They were sleeping on the floor without any pillow nor mattress. Starlight had brought spare pillows back from Twilight's castle to give them, but the old couple had refused and insisted her to keep the pillows. Starlight smiled warmly. She picked up her letters and lit them on fire. Letters' ashes flowed up and vanished. Starlight hoped her information will aid Twilight and princesses in the future when the centaur's army invaded Equestria.

Starlight focused her mind. She tidied her sleeping bag and went back to sleep. The former villain looked at a campfire at in the cottage. She remembered when the Cutie map had called her to the Unknown Land for the first time.

"What?" Starlight said. "The Unknown Land?"

Starlight looked at the cutie map. She quite disbelieved the map called her to a snowy unexplored area. Her six friends looked to the pupil, felt uncertain to let Starlight go on her quest. Princess Twilight looked at the destination, couldn't decide how to tell Starlight. The six friends wished they can help Starlight in some ways or another.

"I'm afraid so." Twilight said. "The map has chosen you in the mission. I know it's a duty call, but still..."

"Well, sugarcube." Applejack said. "To be honest, we don't want you to be alone in such freezing place."

"Yeah, Applejack's right." Rainbow Dash said. "Beside, going on an adventure without inviting me is so unfair!" Rainbow Dash groaned.

"But, Rainbow Dash, we shouldn't see this matter as fun, you know..." Fluttershy said.

"Yes, daring. The Unknown Land is known to be the worst!" Rarity said.

"Beside, that land is soo coldddd." Pinkie Pie said and shivered. "I know because I was there."

"Well, everypony." Starlight said. "I'm glad you're caring me, but," everypony nodded. Starlight continued. "I should be fine by myself. A good preparation will do tricks, right?" Starlight laughed worriedly.

Princess Twilight beamed and clopped her hooves. "Yeah, I have an idea!" Twilight said. "Everyone, let's do our best to help Starlight in her quest. We will do everything we can to support her in the Unknown Land."

"Yeah!" everypony cheered. Starlight filled with happiness to see the overwhelmed support. She thanked her friend and smiled broadly.

"Will everythin' gonna be alright?" Applejack said.

"Yes." Twilight said. "We have everything ready for her."

The mane six and Starlight stood on a border of Equestria. Starlight had everything she needed in her saddlebags and backpack. Applejack and Pinkie Pie had provided her with food supplies. She had many sweets and apple based foods for a week. Rarity had given her winter clothes. The outfit was too stylish to be an adventure outfit. The elegant pony had also given Starlight a scarf with the pupil's cutie mark. Fluttershy had given her some advice about snow creatures. At last, Twilight had given her a magical miniature statue of herself, so Starlight could communicate with the forth princess, and Rainbow Dash could find and rescue her if she was lost.

"Thank you girls for all this wonderful supports." Starlight said. Joys was filling her.

Twilight chuckled "No need to thank us, Starlight." Twilight said. "Good journey to you."

Starlight's friends had talked to the unicorn mare for the last time before she went on her journey. The pupil waved to her friends until they went off her sight. Starlight turned back to the snowy land, showed no sign of fear. She bravely headed toward the destination with her map at her side.

Another hour passed, Starlight had been walking alone in a snowy region. Snowstorm hindered the unicorn every steps and everywhere she went to. Starlight held her map tight. Her saddlebags and backpack started to cause a trouble on her back. Starlight was tired. She wanted to rest or drank some warm tea. Luckily, Rarity had given her a snow goggles to protect her eyes. Starlight looked back in her map again, feared to be lost. Without any warning, a gust blew her off balance. Starlight fell on the white snow and her map was blew away.

"Wait!" Starlight yelled. She swiftly got up.

Starlight followed her blowing map, feared it will disappear within a snowy mist. She ran after the map with all strength she had. Starlight focused and managed to catch her map with her magic. She felt relief to see her map is safe, until an avalanche proved it wrong. Starlight screamed out loud, couldn't and lost control of herself. Thank goodness, she wasn't falling too high. She landed hard on a snowy ground, but mostly unharmed. Starlight was dazing while she was tring to get up.

Within the snowstorm, Starlight shook her head and peered into the mist of harsh snowy land. She thought her eyes was deceiving her, but she jumped up with happiness when she found she has arrived at her destination. She looked in her map to make sure she didn't mistake it, then approached.

Starlight was caution. The cutie map appeared to send her to a hamlet. It looked like a small fishing village. She looked at an ill-maintained harbor. Starlight seldom heard a wooden creaking from cottages. She felt an evil presence, feared to be attacked by unknowns. Starlight approached the harbor, stared into the mist and tried to find a riverbank or a coast across the land. She peered around and noticed a light in the middle of a freezing water surface. The pupil noticed somepony is rowing a boat toward the harbor. Starlight watched the boat is getting closer, felt unsure to greet the rower.

The boat docked. Rower stood up and revealed a tally figure under a ragged hood and robe. The rower turned around, flinched upon noticed Starlight. The rower stared at Starlight. The unicorn stepped back, couldn't decide what should she do in the situation.

At least this thing is breathing. Maybe it's not hostile... I hope. Starlight thought.

The rower continued to stare at Starlight. Icy breath continually flowed out from a hidden face underneath a ragged hood. The rower's robe was somewhat elegant, but lacked of care and heavily damaged. Starlight stepped further away when the rower got on the harbor.

"Fear non, young unicorn." The rower said at last. She crouched down and put her hand toward Starlight. The former villain felt a chill down her spine after she had noticed the rower knows what she is. "I, the pearl one, offer you my humble soul. Your presence here show me I sill have a hope..."

Starlight was a bit confused. She had never expected meeting Falcon in the day is the start of everything.

Princess Twilight grinned. Her approaching toward Falcon had proven to be success this day. Twilight planned to continue her royal duty in Ponyville hospital with Falcon tomorrow, so she could watch over the sultana and followed her schedule at the same time. In order to prevent Spike from overwork, Twilight had asked Falcon to be her temporary assistant. Falcon had accepted and brought Twilight a joy.

The forth princess entered Falcon's bedroom after Twilight had taken a bath. She got in a short flight to the bed. Twilight glanced at the sultana on the next bed. She was reading one of Twilight's book quietly. Twilight smiled and was slightly satisfied. She tidied her pillow and turned to Falcon.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Falcon, but we should go to sleep now." Twilight said. "We have many thing to do together tomorrow. I think it's going to be great."

"Oh, sure." Falcon said, closed her book. "By the way, this book is really good. I've learned many thing today."

"Really? This book is my favorite, too!" Twilight said. She clopped her hooves and smiled. "Oh, adding to that. I'm so happy to have you by my side tomorrow. My number one assistant sure will have a helping hoof."

"I'm glad to be by your side, my princess." Falcon said. She slightly bowed to the princess.

"We need to fix your clothes in the next day, too." Twilight said, took a note on her what-to-do list. "I'm pretty sure Rarity and her assistant can help us... but too bad, we didn't have much time to visit Rarity's boutique today, but we still have your clothes washed and made you a makeshift clothes. However, Rarity will sure can do more about it."

Falcon nodded. She had been wearing a turmeric Toga, roughly made out off a cloth, since this evening.

"Here, and here..." Twilight said, checked her list. "Now, it's perfect!"

"You highness, you sure are very lively." Falcon said. "I've rarely seen a liege having an energetic character like you."

"Oh, really?" Twilight said. She blushed. "I, em, just do what I have to do as a princess. There is nothing special about it. Well, but, you appear to be a very strong and wise sultana, too, you know. I would like to have a pony like you around, if I can. You will surely be a good model Equestrian to follow!"

Falcon chuckled. Twilight dropped her smile when she saw Falcon looks away from her, and feels down.

"I mean, yeah, you're probably a good sultana before a mean Calradia empress took it from you." Twilight said. "But, don't worry. She will learn in a hard way when she's stepping in Equestria and returns your realm no matter what!"

Falcon slightly smiled, tidied her bed and went to sleep. Twilight looked at a clock and realized it's really late now. She turned of the light and slept. She hoped everything is going to be good tomorrow.

The exploration had been progressing at steady paces. A caravan of colonists and a fleet had had some trouble ventures in a harsh environment of the northern land. Lacking of warmth air and fertilized land was the main problem. They couldn't resupply by any mean more than trading and fishing. Good thing the fleet had enough fishermen and merchants to resupply the colonists.

However, something had distracted the empress Ariel from the colonizing.

She had heard a rumor from natives about a way to a spirit world. They had been talking about a rumor behind the recently phenomenon. Somebody told about an army of death. Somebody told about a sign of heaven. Not many people dared to find out the truth. However, Ariel had a different idea.

The empress had commanded to set a colony near a freezing coastal line. She put the colony on the northernmost point and the most suitable spot for colonists as much as possible. They needed to be close to fishing spots and other natives city, while conquered a title of great navigator for Calradia.

Ariel was quite disappointed. She hadn't expected her quest to be ended fairly quick, but agreed not to settle a city too far from resources. She had appointed one of her man to be an administrator of the colony, then called it a day after she had dealt with her miscellaneous duty. She planed for her 'personal' exploration with her companions and Swadian royal guards tomorrow within the freezing land, prompted to push her adventure a bit last long.

She will bring some of her treasures as well. Ariel will need them to hire some 'explorers'.