Chapter 1 - Burnished Silver
Chapter 1 - Burnished Silver
Twilight broke on the horizon, the sun peeking above tree tops and mountains as it rose. Small rays of light drifted through Twilight Sparkle’s bedroom, falling upon her face. As slowly as possible, she opened her eyes and rubbed the sleep from them. Rousing herself, Twilight slipped out of the downy bed that had always seemed much too large for her, and walked to the window to gaze out at the land. It seemed surreal to her, the ruling Lady of Canterlot.
Why me? she wondered, as was her daily tradition. Why did everypony choose me? I never asked for this... this... Rainbow Dash had always told her it was an honor, but she could never bring herself to believe that. Twilight looked out the window, nearly all of Equestria in sight. The land she had been chosen to rule and to protect, and the land that was divided and torn apart.
Twilight turned from the window with a sigh. Walking across the massive room—formerly Princess Celestia’s private chambers—Twilight tried to force the thoughts of war from her mind, there would be plenty of time for that later. Her hooves padded over the soft rug, still emblazoned with Celestia’s sun insignia, another reminder of how she didn’t belong. She shook her head and looked at the one thing that was truly hers in the room, her crown. It was a small affair, a simple band of polished gold with a few amethyst stones set above her brow.
She levitated the crown off its pedestal and donned it. Glancing at the mirror, large enough for the princess, Twilight ran a brush through her mane quickly. For a moment, she let herself smile. The crown really was beautiful, and accented her coat nicely. The slight glint of purple from the dark stones seemed to reflect her eyes, and the polished silver stood out against her slate-blue mane. The moment ended and her smile fell away.
The oaken doors to her room opened, and Twilight strode out of them, holding her head high. Guards scrambled to collect themselves, righting their golden armor and holding spears at attention. The four of them saluted her as she walked past and closed the doors. She didn’t pay them any attention, still upset that they were posted outside her room anyway. At the end of the hallway, she turned towards the dining room.
The sound of her hooves on the stone floor was joined by another, walking slightly behind her but with a lighter step. “Good morning, Rainbow Dash.”
Rainbow Dash grumbled, “You should really be kinder to your guards Twi. They’re there to protect you.”
“From what?” Twilight asked, blowing a lock of her mane out of her face..
Rainbow sighed. “Twilight, you know as well as I do that you have enemies. Ponies who would love to see you disappear. There are a lot of ponies that want to rule in your stead. We’re nearly at war Twilight, and Equestria needs you. It needs its queen, and it’s my—“
“Yes, it’s your job to protect me,” Twilight said, waving a hoof. “You know I don’t relish this, and I don’t want all the extravagancies that come with being in charge.”
“I’m sorry Twi, I really am. But we need you. You’re the only one who could even come close to ruling Equestria now that...” Rainbow trailed off, staring at the ground in front of her.
“Now that the princesses are gone,” Twilight finished for her. “I know Rainbow. I won’t let Equestria down... but I don’t want everypony bowing down, praising, and lavishing me.”
Rainbow chuckled and cuffed her on the shoulder. “Don’t worry Twi, I’m only looking out for your safety. You’ll always be an egghead to me.”
Twilight chuckled, her laughter echoing off the high stone ceiling. “Thanks Rainbow.” She opened the door to the kitchen and ducked inside. Rainbow Dash sighed and followed after her. They weaved through the kitchen, moving in and out of aisles with Twilight filching the occasional piece of fruit. Rainbow followed in her wake, struggling to keep the sword at her side from hitting any passing chefs. Finally, they emerged into the royal dining room, and Twilight sat in the closest chair. Rainbow sat next to her, shaking her head.
“I don’t see why we have to make a trip through the kitchen every morning. They’d be happy to bring you your breakfast in here. It would make everything much easier.”
Twilight rolled her eyes. “You’re just upset because you can’t walk through there with your sword. Just try not wearing it one day. Really, you don’t have to worry so much.”
“Twilight, remember all the ponies who would like to see you dead or missing? I have to be prepared. Rarity may be our friend, but she is also challenging your throne. Lightning Strike holds Cloudsdale, and most of the pegasi cities. I’m still not sure if Quicksilver is insane, or brilliant, but either way he has several thousand believers that will follow him. Iron Hoof has a good position in Stalliongrad. Ambrosia is out there doing who knows what. And those are just the ones who I think are openly against your reign Twilight. Snow Field says he’ll remain loyal to you, but with Ambrosia cutting us off, and Iron Hoof bearing down on him, he may be forced to surrender. Twilight, you’re the only one who can bring them together. I won’t let that be jeopardized.”
Twilight sighed. “Rainbow, how many guards do you have in the castle alone?”
Rainbow thought for a moment before answering. “A bit over four hundred strictly guards.”
“And in the city?”
She looked at Twilight, raising an eyebrow in interest. “Around a thousand guards on the walls, and another three thousand in the barracks.”
Twilight smiled a knowing smile, the smile that always bothered Rainbow. “So, there are fourteen hundred guards, plus the army, all behind the four thick walls of Canterlot. That is, if they can scale the mountain while we harry their flanks and drop boulders on their camps. And if somepony manages to get through all of that, you seem to have forgotten the reason I was chosen to rule. I was Princess Celestia’s private student. I think I can handle myself.” She popped a slice of watermelon in her mouth, revealing in her victory.
“I still feel better with it at my side,” Rainbow Dash grumbled, stealing a strawberry from Twilight’s plate.
Twilight giggled. “Stealing from the Queen now, are we? I think several ponies would have your head for that, Rainbow,” she teased. “Perhaps I should call them. I’m sure Eagle Eye would like a promotion to head of my personal guard.”
Rainbow Dash blanched. “Come on Twilight... don’t play around like that. We’ve been friends for years, and I’ve always been there for you.”
Twilight laughed. “I’m just pulling your leg. Relax, I know you wouldn’t actually betray me. Besides, Eagle Eye is a drunken idiot. I wouldn’t trust him to guard a rock, much less myself.” She stood, eating the last of the fruit. “Now come on. Even with tensions so high, I must hold court today. Who knows, maybe Rarity will come and renounce her claim?”
Rainbow laughed, following on Twilight’s heels. Her eyes cast around, searching the room for anything she had neglected earlier. They made their way to the throne room slowly. Twilight always hated holding court, but she had been to enough of Celestia’s courts to know it was a necessary evil. Still, the thought never made her happy as she sat on the silver throne, Rainbow Dash stopping off to the side and a bit behind her.
The throne room was remarkably unchanged from her foalhood. Sure, the tapestries bore her cutie mark instead of Celestia’s and she had commissioned her own throne, but in construction, and in the heart of the stones, it would never be her castle. The smiths and squires had balked when she had ordered a new throne, many complaining that she could just use one of the ones left by the princesses. But none of them were hers, and as Queen, she needed every ounce of intimidation and authority to be hers and hers alone. Luna’s onyx throne was no good, everypony knew whose it was, and using it would only discredit her. Cadance’s maroon throne was out of the question, it hadn’t been used much anyway. Celestia’s golden throne was generic enough so that she conceivably could have used it, but there were too many memories that it brought up.
Twilight smiled at the polished silver metal, able to make out a vague reflection. Her memories were cut short as a young colt bellowed from the far end of the room, “Presenting the Lady of Night’s End, the Baron of the far West, defender of the Moon Spring, Lady Trixie Lulamoon.”
“The Great and Powerful Trixie!” she snapped in the colt’s face, sending him scurrying to the side of the room where he took shelter behind a large armoured stallion. Trixie composed herself and strode the rest of the way, stopping at the steps to the throne.
Twilight rolled her eyes, but kept an even tone. “Welcome, Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon, to Canterlot, seat of the Queen of Equestria. What brings you this far from Night’s End?” Twilight remembered the city from her war studies. The city had sprung up around a spring of silver water, that some said came from the lakes of the moon itself. They’re fierce fighters too, Twilight thought.
Trixie bent her forelegs, the slate crown a stark contrast to her silver mane. “The Great and Powerful Trixie comes to pledge the support of Night’s End to the true Queen of Equestria. We of the Moon Spring do not forsake the good of the realm for the empty promises of false prophets.”
Twilight rose and walked down to Trixie, who drew an obsidian long sword. The blade was dull black in the sunlight, but in the moonlight it would glitter as if inlaid with stars. Rainbow Dash took a step forward, unsheathing her own blade, ready to rush to Twilight’s aid should anything happen. But Trixie only laid it at Twilight’s hooves.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie pledges the support of Night’s End in any conflict, big or small, to uphold all the laws of the realm, to aid the Queen in anything she can. She swears to protect her highness, Queen Twilight Sparkle, with her life,” Trixie intoned.
“Thank you, Trixie.” Twilight lifted the sword, presenting it to her. “You shall retain all of your titles and lands befitting your position. Rise Trixie, for now you are my vassal and I am your liege. Rise, and take back your sword... I fear you may need it in the coming months.”
Trixie did as she was told, sheathing her sword at her side as she stood and retreated to the wings, fading into the shadows. Twilight climbed the stairs back to her throne, the metal cool against her coat. The rest of the court passed uneventfully. Ponies brought their problems to her, whether great or small, asking for advice or action. She heard cases of farmers who claimed the same fields, shopkeepers who would swear that some mangy colt or filly had stolen from them, unsubstantiated reports of guard brutality, pleas for a truce from families split by the conflict, she even had to judge a few criminals, mostly petty thieves though. But most of all, she heard cries for food.
Finally she rose from her seat and started out of the throne room, effectively ending the day’s court. Some of the ponies outside screamed in protest, but the heavy doors slid shut and cut them off. Twilight waved a hoof, motioning for Rainbow and several others to follow her.
The council room she led them to was not very large, and much of the room was taken up by the large mahogany table in the center. Twilight strode to her seat at the head of the table and the assorted lords and ladies sat at their customary places. On her right sat Rainbow Dash, her lead counsel, but the seat on her left was reserved for a select pony that she chose to treat with her personally. Twilight smiled, looking out at the small council. Star Dust, the new head of the Academy for Gifted Unicorns, sat at the far end. Flanking him were General Spear Tip, a grizzled veteran of the border wars that had plagued Equestria for years, and Magister Silver Lining, who Twilight thought a relic of the modern bureaucracy, but the others insisted that he was invaluable to the country.
Clinging to the edges of the room, Trixie shuffled her hooves and glanced towards the exit. Twilight smiled and waved her over, motioning for her to sit in the unoccupied chair. Trixie walked over, glancing at each pony around the table suspiciously. After a long moment, she sat down and looked at the table. Laid out across the dark mahogany was a detailed map of Equestria, with both cities, factions, and neighboring countries highlighted against the physical terrain.
“What is all this?” Trixie asked, pointing to the map. “This room... this council... this map. What are you planning Twilight Sparkle?”
Spear Tip rose from his seat, growling in his throat. “You will address the Queen by her title or ‘Your Majesty’! Anything else is a disgrace and slander against the Queen of the realm!”
Twilight laughed and waved him back into his seat. “It is fine, General. In here, you are to speak to me plainly, on all matters.”
The battle-hardened unicorn sat down, grumbling to himself. He took a moment to compose himself, holding his nose in the air to seem dignified before speaking. “Lady Lulamoon, this is the Queen’s war council. We are her—“
“Enough,” Twilight cut in. “This is no war council, General Spear Tip. We are not at war with anyone, pony or otherwise. I suggest you remember that.” She paused, glaring at him for a minute before softening her gaze and turning to Trixie. “This is my general council.” She went around the room, introducing each of her advisors in turn. “These are the ponies that help me in governing Equestria. Their input helps me to understand policies, actions, and declarations that I make or do not make.”
Trixie looked around the room, her eyes meeting each of the other advisors. Finally, she nodded and leaned over to look at the map. Twilight smiled.
“We need to talk. In private,” Rainbow Dash whispered in her ear. Twilight frowned for a moment, her happiness broken. Rainbow led her to a far corner shrouded in dim torchlight. “Are you crazy, Twilight?”
Twilight scowled, lowering her voice so that the others couldn’t hear. “What do you mean, ‘am I crazy?’”
“Bringing Trixie in like this. Last time we saw her, she was a lying showmare who wouldn’t stick around to apologize for bringing an Ursa Major to Ponyville!” Rainbow hissed, her voice barely above a whisper. “She lost everything in that attack, and yet somehow made it all the way to the northern mountains? And now she’s the ruling lady of Night’s End? Then she just shows up in Canterlot, unannounced, and pledges fealty to you? I understand we need all the allies we can get, but this doesn’t seem right, Twi. We shouldn’t have her in our meetings.”
“Rainbow, you should know better than to assume things like that,” Twilight shot back. “First of all, it was an Ursa Minor and she didn’t bring it to town, Snips and Snails did.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that she lied about fighting one and would have let it destroy the town if you hadn’t been there.” Rainbow leaned forward, but was rebuffed by a cold stare from Twilight.
“Secondly, it has been years since that incident and we could easily have galloped to Night’s End and back at least ten times ourselves. Lastly, Night’s End has never had a true ruler since Princess Luna moved her seat to Canterlot over a thousand years ago. They choose somepony to act in the interests of the city during times of distress, and Trixie must have done something to impress them. She wasn’t swearing her fealty to me Rainbow, she was swearing the entire town’s fealty. Night’s End has always been loyal to the throne, no matter who sat on it. That is why we can trust her, because she doesn’t act on her desires, but those of the town she represents.”
Rainbow Dash sighed in defeat. “Fine... but I still don’t fully trust her.”
Twilight smiled. “Good, keep an eye on her. And while you’re at it, keep eyes on Star Dust, Spear Tip, and Silver Lining. I want to know their schedules, their families, their families’ schedules, what they eat for breakfast. Everything. I fear that even in my own council some wish to rule through me.”
Rainbow Dash nodded, turning back to the table and taking her seat again. Twilight made her way back too, meandering around the table and listening to the conversation. It droned on, General Spear Tip inquiring as to Night’s End’s military strength, and what they could lend to the army and Minister Silver Lining tried to weasel what she could about the other factions. But to her credit, Trixie danced around their questions deftly, neither confirming nor denying their guesses. Twilight let them interrogate her for a while, idly walking the room and surveying the intricate paneling.
Finally, she settled into her seat. The conversation died off as they turned to look at her, and after only a minute silence rung through the room. “I trust we are all acquainted with our new associate?” Twilight looked around, everyone nodding. “Good. Now, Silver what is the status with the negotiations?”
Silver Lining stood, shuffling her wings as everyone turned to look at her. “The emissary to Stalliongrad came back last night. From what he said, Iron Hoof is massing a large army and using the factories to supply it. I’m afraid that’s all he learned though. The day after he arrived, some ponies told him to leave, saying that they were from Iron Hoof. Ink Well didn’t even get the chance to talk to him. I sent the letter to Ambrosia to Fillydelphia. It’s the closest city to where ever he is, but I doubt he’ll get it.”
She sighed, looking down at the parchment in front of her. “I fear that the emissary to Quicksilver has disappeared. I told him to send word of his progress every day, but it’s been three days since his last letter.” Her wings fluttered at her side.
“We’re all worried for him Silver, but we can’t act with anger. I promise that he’ll be okay. Not even Quicksilver is crazy enough to treat someone who comes to negotiate peace badly. You have my word as Queen, Silver,” Twilight said, her voice ringing with authority.
Silver Lining nodded, returning to her report. “We received replies from the others, though they are not exactly favorable.”
Twilight smiled. “Favorable or not, I want to hear them.”
“Rarity replied that either we can bend our knees, and swear oaths to serve her and the pieces of the nobility that follow her, or we can meet with her a week from now, in Ponyville to talk face to face. I doubt she’ll move much though, the nobility is pressing her to usurp your throne. If we want to avoid fighting them, we’ll have to make concessions. Serious concessions.”
Twilight only nodded, her eyes fixed on the Magister. Spear Tip stood, a determined look in his eye. “Then we’ll meet them and our swords and spears will win us their allegiance.”
“We are not going to war if I can help it. Rarity is a friend of mine, and I’m sure that with time we can come to an appropriate agreement. I would remind you that our goal here is peace. I will not tear Equestria apart, not even with a war to keep it together.” Twilight glared at him, forcing him back down. “Carry on, Silver.”
“The other is a... slightly more reasonable offer from Lightning Flash,” Silver Lining said with a grimace. “He said that Cloudsdale shouldn’t be ruled by a unicorn, so he asked that you marry a pegasus. Specifically, he asked that you marry him.”
Twilight looked at her hooves and opened her mouth, ready to agree, but Rainbow beat her to it. “There’s no way we can give in to that!” Rainbow brought her hoof down on the table, causing it to shake.
Twilight looked up at her, a light blush rising in her cheeks. “What do you mean Rainbow?”
Rainbow Dash looked around, and, seeing everyone staring at her, sat back in her chair. “It’s just that... I knew him back in flight camp. He’s mean and a bully. Besides, he’s never been down from his little cloud, so he doesn’t exactly think much of non-pegasi,” she explained, looking at her hooves. “It’s just a bad idea.”
Twilight smiled and nodded. “Perhaps I can appease him by appointing more pegasi? Regardless, we shall keep the... marriage as a reserve option.” She paused, glancing at the embarrassed Rainbow Dash before changing the subject. “Where do we stand on the other races?”
Minister Silver Lining lit up, her mouth twisting into a smile. “The griffons aren’t outwardly hostile, which is unusual for them. So, we can take that as a good sign. They’ve also stopped all the border raids for the first time in a hundred years. And we got a letter from the ambassador to Zebrica saying that they would support you. He’s staying to negotiate exactly what kind of support they’re promising.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow and spoke, barely able to keep her tone flat. “And what happened to the ambassador to the deer folk?”
Silver Lining bit her lip and looked to Star Dust. “W-well... you see, Your Majesty, the deer folk haven’t been seen in hundreds of years. They... might not even exist. The last ponies that went into that forest never came back out. I-I didn’t send anyone to them... because it seemed useless.”
Twilight’s brow furrowed as she glared at the Magister. “Did I ask your opinion on the matter? No, I didn’t. If you had such issues with sending somepony to try and contact the deer folk, who were great friends with my predecessor, then you should have brought them up when we discussed it. As of now, I expect to have a report from an envoy within the week.”
Silver Lining nodded, her eyes as big as platters.
Sighing, Twilight took a moment to compose herself, letting her anger fade away. “I’m sorry Silver, I shouldn’t have snapped like that. But please, at least try and contact them. We need all the help we can get...” she trailed off, smiling at the quivering pegasus. “Now, General Tip, what is the status of our military?”
General Spear Tip rolled his eyes and stood, holding himself perfectly straight and rigid. “The same as ever, m’lady. We have several thousand unicorns and earth ponies ready to move, and nearly a thousand pegasi. That is not including the units that were sent to watch the borders. May I speak candidly, Your Majesty?”
Twilight nodded, watching the old veteran carefully.
“If we were allowed to recruit some trainers from the guard, m’lady, it would let us train the new recruits better, and more effectively. We need ponies who have seen combat, and there are almost none of those left under my command.” The General sat down, not waiting for an answer.
Twilight could only sigh. “Be that as it may, the guard is in place for a reason, General. They are to protect the city, not to attack. They will be no part of your plans, unless your plans involve getting all of them to attack us here, which as Queen I won’t allow.” General Spear Tip stood to protest, but Twilight cut him off. “I know what would happen, General. It would be a siege, and they would starve us until I was forced to surrender for the good of my subjects.” He sat down again, grumbling under his breath.
Twilight stood, her face drawn tight and her mouth set in a hard line. “This meeting is dismissed. I have some other matters to attend to.” Turning, she strode out of the door with Rainbow Dash in tow. She trotted through the halls and up flight after flight of stairs. As they wound their way up, the purple banners disappeared, replaced by old sun and moon banners that had never been taken down. Twilight led the way down a hall full of dust and cobwebs, coming to a stop at a pair of dull bronze doors several stories high.
Staring up at them, Rainbow Dash backed away. “Where are we Twilight? I... I’ve never been here before.”
Twilight sighed. “This is a place I never thought I’d come again. Rainbow, this is in the very upper reaches of the castle. I’m sorry I never told you about this entrance, but the only things that could come in here wouldn’t dare. They... don’t want to set foot in the castle.”
Rainbow Dash took another step back, the imposing doors looming in front of her. “It’s okay Twi... let’s just go back downstairs...”
Twilight smiled, but the pain etched on her face was obvious. “No, I have to do this Rainbow.”
Taking a deep breath, Rainbow puffed out her chest and stepped up next to Twilight. “Then we’ll do it together.”
A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked at her friend. “Thank you Rainbow, really, it means a lot to me, but I have to do this alone.” Twilight pulled the doors open enough for a single pony to walk through. Looking back, she saw Dash’s bravado disappear and fear taking root. “I’ll be fine, Rainbow. There is no danger through here, not for me. I’ll be back.”
A tear fell on the carpet even as Rainbow’s lips forced themselves into a smile. “You better,” she said, her voice cracking.
And with that, Twilight disappeared and the doors slammed shut.
Twilight shivered as the doors swung closed behind her with a thud. The frigid mountain wind whipped against her, sending daggers of icy pain through her coat. Wincing, she lowered her head and trudged forward. Snow crunched under her hooves as she pushed forward through the gale, freezing her hooves until the feeling went from them. Wind-blown snow lashed against her coat and mane, clinging to her.
Ahead loomed a series of switchbacks leading to the summit. Twilight sighed and lit her horn, a light purple sphere surrounding her and blocking out the violent wind. I should have brought a cloak, she thought, shivering as the cold permeated the shield. Still, she forced her hooves to move, and started up the rocky trail. “This better be worth it,” she muttered, trudging upwards despite her worries. As she climbed, the path narrowed until she was forced to press herself against the mountain face and slowly shuffle along.
She kept her eyes trained on the path ahead, knowing what view awaited her if she looked down. Breathing deeply, she took a moment to compose herself. Don’t look down, she told herself. Whatever you do, don’t look down. Her quivering hoof reached out, meeting the stone of the path and she smiled. Each step came easier, and soon she found herself halfway across the ledge.
Twilight's hoof came down on a patch of loose earth, falling through as the rock gave out and tumbled down the mountain side. Twilight yelped and hopped back, staring at the jagged edge where the path had been. Why did it have to be up here of all places? There are several places in the castle just as secluded that would be much easier to deal with, she thought, kicking a loose stone off the edge and watching it bounce away into the gray oblivion below. She took a deep breath, refocusing on the destination, and stepped over the hole. Once she was across, she shuffled as fast as she could to the landing.
Panting, she looked back down the steep mountain side, her eyes lingering on the large bronze doors before sweeping over the horizon. Around the mountain the blizzard raged, but father out thick gray clouds hung over most of the world, as they had for months. But far to the west, she could make out the shimmering of the ocean, and in the east, she could see the tan sand of the Sandtrap Desert. In the north, she could see the white peaks of the Iron Mountains rising above the clouds, but her view of the southern shore was still obscured by the clouds.
With a sigh, Twilight turned her gaze to the one building on the otherwise flat peak. The small stone house stood proudly, its walls and roof shielding it from the wind and snow. Even as she felt a rush of strength renew her tired muscles, the cold permeated her coat and she shivered violently. As she trudged forward, the wind buffeted her, waves of cold breaking against her coat. It lashed out at Twilight, and slowly, she felt the warmth go from her body, replaced by an unfeeling numbness. Grimacing, she redoubled the sphere around her, blocking out the wind, though not the creeping frost.
After what seemed like an eternity, she reached the door. She raised her hoof, barely feeling it as she knocked on the door. She waited for a moment, the gale continuing to beat at her, but when no answer came, she knocked harder, hearing it echo through the house. Again she waited for a minute, and again no answer came.
“I know you’re in there!” she screamed, banging on the door with what little energy she had left. “Damn it! Let me in, it’s freezing out here!” Twilight continued to scream, but before long she lost her voice and it turned to painful rasps. Soon after, she slumped against the door, too tired to move. Damn him, she thought, a warm haze coming over her mind. Her eyes started to droop, and she smiled as the warmth spread through her body. Grinning like a fool, Twilight propped herself against the door and fell asleep.
***
Sunlight streamed in through the pair of skylights and the wall of glass. Trixie squinted against the harsh light as she listened to the hoofsteps behind her recede and the door close. The room was so unlike her room in Night’s End. This one was a long oval, with one side made of glass. Past the glass was a small terrace overlooking the city, with a view stretching nearly to the sea. Inside, the room was sparsely adorned, but Trixie could make out where tapestries and banners had once decorated the now white stone walls.
Trixie lay down on the bed with a sigh, the dark blue sheets silky against her coat. Humph. Night’s End, what a bizarre place. Trixie should be thankful to be back in more... civilized lands. She relaxed on the bed, her black traveling cloak removing itself and hanging on a hook near the door. Yawning, she stretched out and let the soft sheets cradle her sore legs. “Damn castles and their towers,” she muttered.
Aside from the painful climb up to her quarters, the day had gone as well as she could have hoped. The queen hadn’t had her killed on the spot, and had even stopped the rainbow pegasus from attacking her. The General was a fool, and his questions had been easy to avoid. Trixie snorted, knowing that he’d press for more details later, but Silver Lining had forced Trixie to tell her some of the minor details.
Trixie lifted herself from the bed, her legs aching in protest as she strode out onto the balcony. A crisp breeze brushed against her coat, soothing her legs. Stretched out below her was the city, streets radiating from the palace in rings of perfect semi-circles. Close to the castle walls, houses took up entire squares, but as she looked out to the outer walls of the city, the buildings were crammed together and leaned on each other for support.
Sighing, she turned away from the city and looked at the door, the gold handle almost garish against the dark zebrawood. Walking over, she pushed it open enough to allow Snowdrop, the attendant assigned to her, to enter.
“What can I do for you, Great and Powerful Trixie?” Snowdrop asked, putting on a smile.
Trixie stared her down for a minute. She was a unicorn no taller than Trixie herself, with a light blue coat and an icy blue mane, mirroring her snow cloud cutie mark. Whenever she entered the room, Trixie felt the temperature drop, as if the air around Snowdrop chilled everything she got close to.
“Trixie would like to see the city of Canterlot in its fullness, and she will require a knowledgeable guide.” She took a few steps towards the door, suppressing a small shiver.
Snowdrop’s eyes sparkled as her smile broke into a wider, more genuine one. “It would be my pleasure. I have lived in Canterlot for my entire life, and know it better than anyone. Would you like to bring along a guard as an escort as well?”
Trixie snorted. “Why would the Great and Powerful Trixie need a guard? This is Canterlot, the last refuge of the true ruler of Equestria. Surely, there is no safer place.”
Snowdrop sighed and her eyes flitted towards the ground. “I’m sorry to say, but these are dangerous times. I doubt we’ll run into anything we can’t handle though.”
Trixie smiled and picked up her sword from its place on the desk, strapping it to her side. “Better safe than sorry, but Trixie can protect herself.”
Snowdrop nodded, her mouth set in a hard line for the shortest of moments before curving into a smile again. “Alright then. I guess we should start with the castle. This is one of several towers that rise from the main keep of Canterlot Castle. In particular, this one was favored by Princess Luna for her stargazing and was often used as her personal quarters. The others had similar purposes, though none so distinguished.” Snowdrop giggled and looked around the brightly lit room. “Some even say that Princess Luna was assassinated in this very room, and that her ghost still haunts it at night,” she said, her voice a poor imitation of a scary story.
Trixie raised an eyebrow, taking a step to the door. “B-but those are just rumors right? Nopony knows what happened to the princesses.”
Snowdrop shrugged. “It’s one of many, though personally, I don’t care for it.” Trixie nodded, and started to follow after as Snowdrop started down the stairs. “I suggest you bring your cloak,” Snowdrop called, “you wouldn’t want everypony seeing that pretty little sword of yours, would you?”
Trixie nodded and donned the cloak, leaving the hood down. Descending the winding stairwell, she couldn’t help but hope that the story was an old mare’s tale. Snowdrop was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, smiling as ever.
Snowdrop winked at her. “Good choice. I know it gets a bit chilly around me.” Turning, she led the way back down a large hallway to the main hold, chatting all the way. “Canterlot Castle has roughly thirty floors at the highest, but some of the towers go up higher than the actual floors. Unfortunately, the towers haven’t been used since... well, since the princesses disappeared. That is, until you moved into the Star Tower, that’s what it’s called officially, you know, if you ever get lost.”
“Lovely,” Trixie spat, following along next to her guide.
“Even most of the upper floors aren’t used,” Snowdrop continued, seeming to ignore the sardonic comment. “It’s a shame really, but we could still house the entire population of Canterlot in the castle if we needed to.” She paused for a moment as they turned, following the path back to the throne room. “It was never official, but it is understood that the castle was divided between the princesses in their time. We just came from what was Princess Luna’s wing. Princess Celestia’s starts at the throne room and continues opposite Luna’s, and Princess Cadance was left the wing backing up to the mountain.”
Trixie rolled her eyes as Snowdrop bubbled on about the different wings and their contents. “Trixie has enough time to see the castle while she is here. She would like to spend what remains of the day seeing the city outside of the castle.”
Snowdrop faltered just a bit, the edge of her smile falling for a mere second. “Oh, if that is what the Lady wants,” she said, leading the way to the front of the castle. “I was just saying, we are in the central keep. Outside of this are the castle grounds, which are home to several large gardens and mostly open to the public. Years ago, there was always some musician playing in the gardens, and students at the Academy would come to do their homework, study, or just relax and listen to the music.”
The two of them came to the main gate, the ornate doors wrought of every metal Trixie could imagine. A gentle breeze blew through the open doors, and Trixie smiled. Outside she could see the grounds Snowdrop had spoken of. Between the wall and the castle were trees, flowers, and ponies laughing. A brook ran through the gardens as far as she could see.
Snowdrop giggled. “It is really quite a sight when you stop to look at it.”
Trixie allowed herself a smile. “Trixie must agree. It is beautiful.”
Snowdrop led her through the wall’s harsh, iron gate. Before them were several blocks of mansions, some bustling with activity but most deadly quiet and empty. While most of the mansions took up a single block, some of them were so large as to wrap over the street and join two blocks.
“This is the upper city, or what is left of it. The upper city is where the aristocracy of Equestria used to live, but I’m afraid only a few of them remain. It is said that Celestia—“
“What happened to the rest of them?” Trixie interrupted, staring at the empty mansions with her mouth agape.
Snowdrop sighed and hung her head. “A few days after Her Majesty was named queen, most of them defected and joined up with some mare named Rarity. Celestia always kept them close to the castle, under the impression that it was easier for her to keep them under control that way. But now... they’re gone and then ten or so that remain are only a shadow of what Canterlot is known for.”
Trixie sniffed and scanned the area, her eyes flitting from mansion to mansion, ending on the gate down the street. She paused for another moment, a dead silence filling the air around them. “Trixie would like to see the rest of the city. She was not allowed to stop on her way to the castle.”
Snowdrop nodded. “As you wish m’lady,” she said, turning and leading Trixie towards the gate. The dark mahogany gate loomed before them, nearly as thick as the stone wall around it, its golden fastenings shining in the weak torch light flickering on top of the wall. “We wish to pass into the lower city,” Snowdrop called up at the guardhouse.
Trixie tapped her hoof as the gate stood still, glowering at the top of the wall. “What is taking so long?” she snapped. “Trixie does not have all day.”
Snowdrop looked over, her mouth drawn thin and the radiance gone from her face. “Night or day, there is always somepony in the guardhouse. It is never supposed to be left unattended. This... this gate is the only way into and out of Upper Canterlot.”
The soft click of metal on stone echoed from behind them, and their heads snapped around to see a panting pegasus in full golden armor. “Ladies... you... back to the castle...”
Snowdrop stepped forward, her voice taking on an authoritative tone. “Sit down and rest for a moment Private. Now, what is going on over there and why are you back here?"
The guard stood at attention, his armor dented and his brow slick with sweat. “We were told to get everypony into the castle. If you would please follow me back to the—“
“Trixie is going to see the lower city, now open the gate for her,” Trixie growled.
The guard blinked, hesitating for a second. “Ma’am, there’s been a riot in the lower city. All travel through Lower Canterlot is cut off until we get everything under control.”
***
Warm feeling spread through her slowly, flowing into her sore muscles and driving the cold from her blood. Slowly, the feeling in her legs and body came back to her. She felt the heat of a nearby fire, the slick silk of the sheets wrapped around her, and the softness of the downy bed beneath her.
Opening her eyes, she found herself in a small bedroom that would have been empty but for the bed itself and a small nightstand. A large doorway stood on the other side of the room, the orange light of a fire filtering in from the other room, drawing her curiosity. Slowly, Twilight slid out of the bed. Her legs throbbed with dull soreness, but they held as she crept towards the open door. Peeking out, she saw that the room beyond was furnished with a simple pair of chairs around a crackling fireplace.
A white stallion sat in the far chair, sipping a cup of tea. “You can come out you know,” he said without lifting his eyes from the tea.
Twilight sniffled and strode into the room, the warmth of the fire driving the last frost from her bones. “What happened?” she asked, standing near the fire.
The stallion set his tea down with a sigh. “Hello to you too, Twilight. Have you forgotten your manners in the last year?”
“I-I... I didn’t mean,” Twilight stuttered. “I’m sorry Shining. It’s just... I need your help.”
Taking a sip of his tea, Shining Armor gestured towards the chair opposite him. “Sit down, and tell me what is bothering you so much that you disturbed my exile.”
Twilight sighed as she sat. “You’re not in any exile but your own. You’re the heir to the throne, or what’s left of it.”
Shining Armor set his empty cup down. “Twilight, you know I don’t want that and that I can’t be king. I just... I can’t. Besides, you look much better in a crown than I ever did.” He forced a smile but his ears twitched, betraying his façade.
Rolling her eyes, Twilight gave him a pity laugh. “Very funny.”
Shining Armor stood, his cup floating with him. “There’s a kettle of tea ready, would you like some? It’s earl grey, your favorite.”
“Weren’t we going to talk about what happened?” Twilight said, raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t worry, we will,” Shining Armor assured her. “But you’re still recovering and a bit of hot tea will do you a world of good.” A small cup floated from the kitchen, landing on a table near the fire next to his cup. The blue teapot simmered above the fire, a faint line of steam rising from its spout. Carefully, he levitated it and filled the cups. Twilight grabbed her cup and hovered it just in front of her.
As he sat back in his chair, Shining Armor took a sip of his tea. “Where were we? Oh, right. I was about to tell you what happened. It’s really not that interesting, Twilight. You pounded on the door for somewhere around five minutes, and then stopped. I figured that you’d gone back down to the castle, realizing how foolish it was to come up here in the first place. But when I looked outside, you’d fallen unconscious at the base of the door. So I brought you inside and let you warm up.” He paused, fixing her with a glare. “You would have died for your stupidity if I didn’t like you so much.”
Twilight flushed, her voice rising to barely below a shout. “I did what I had to. If you hadn’t secluded yourself up here, I wouldn’t have had to risk my life to get a little advice!”
Shining Armor sighed. “I might as well hear you out. What is bothering you so much that you would risk your life to come and see me?”
Twilight took a sip of her tea, using the delay to get her thoughts in order. “It’s just... I don’t know what to do. About anything. There’s ponies everywhere claiming that they should be king or queen or whatever they want to call themselves. Only Lord Snow in Maresaw and the ponies of Night’s End have stayed loyal to me.” She paused, hanging her head and staring at the tea. “They’re raising armies Shining. They mean to go to war. I... I had to call on what was left of the army, but if any of them attack... I don’t know what to do. I don’t want ponies to die just to keep me on that damned throne. They’re all ready for war... at least they say they are. But I... I don’t know if I can do it. I don’t know if I can lead them into battle... to die for nothing.”
Shining Armor stared into his tea for several minutes, a near silence filling the room. The fire cracked and popped and the wind lashed the sides of the house. Twilight shivered and took a long drink of her tea, letting it warm her from the inside.
“It isn’t for nothing Twily. It’s for you, and for the sake of Equestria. I know it’s hard and you don’t want it, but you’re the leader Equestria needs. Sometimes, what is best is not always what we want.” Shining Armor sighed, and looked in his tea. “I know what you’re feeling Twilight, I went through it long ago. We weren’t meant for this, any of this. War isn’t something we are used to Twilight. But I know that when you’re there, in the moment, you’ll know what to do. I have faith in you Twilight, and I know that you’ll do whatever is best for Equestria in the long run.”
Twilight sighed and stared into her tea. “But how will I know what that is?” she asked, her voice low as a whisper.
Shining Armor stood and put a hoof on her shoulder. “You will Twilight. You just need to believe in yourself like everypony else who believes in you,” he said, his mouth curling into a small smile.
Twilight sighed and finished her tea. “Thanks for everything. It’s just... everypony expects me to stay calm and handle everything without getting scared, angry, or... anything really.”
“Such is the life of a queen,” Shining Armor said, sitting back down. “You’re their rock in a storm, Twilight. If the common pony were to see you panicking, they would give up. You must be a driving force in times of danger and poverty, and cautious in times of wealth and peace.”
“I know... but sometimes it’s hard,” Twilight said with a sigh. “I should go back down there... I’m supposed to lecture for a class on advanced runic magic.”
“Then you slept through it, and most of today,” Shining Armor said, crossing his hooves.
“I what?” Twilight screamed, jumping to her hooves. “How could I sleep that long? Rainbow is probably calling in the guard and... and...” she trailed off.
“Relax Twilight, it’ll be fine,” he said, forcing a smile.
Twilight sighed and stood, glaring at the door. “Thanks for everything.” She paused, lingering by the fire. “Will... you come down with me? As my brother, not as a king.”
Shining Armor sighed and stared down at the thick carpet. “Twilight, you know I can’t, and you know why.”
Twilight bit her lip and started for the door. Opening and bracing herself as the cold wind stung through her coat.
“Twilight,” Shining Armor said as she in the doorway. “Be careful, Twilight. Winter is coming.”
