War Mages & False Prophets

Chapter 10

Making Connections Part II

In the twilight before the rise of the sun, the lunar guard and the celestial guard readied for the change of shift.

Still bleary-eyed after being rousted by reveille, Vintenar Scarlet Star ran her hand absentmindedly over her short-cropped black mane, sensing today was going to be a long day, and it hadn’t even started yet. Scuttlebutt was rampant that morning. She had barely pulled herself out of bed before learning from other soldiers that Ponyville had suffered an attack during the night, dealt with by Luna herself. There was also talk of a strange creature involved—coming off duty, Princess Luna’s two chatty-catties couldn’t shut up about him. Of course, what was fact and what was fiction by the time the day shift got briefed was about as reliable as a cart with square wheels.

Sighing, she made her way out of the muster room in her padded gambeson to her office to find new dispatch orders waiting for her on her desk. She was relieved to see some good news as a note in an elegant script read: ‘The Songs are back in action! See you on the next patrol, Vintenar.’ Thank Celestia, she mused, happy to digest a bit of good news... only to find a second, far more unwelcome note under the first—her orders for the day.

She rubbed her eyes as she read it, wondering what she’d done to anger her higher-ups. A noble, Countess Ebony Moon, had volunteered Scarlet Star to foalsit her daughter, Mystic Diamond, and two of the countess’s new subordinates. Fresh from the Academy Of Nobility, going with them out on the first patrol. Worse, she would not be commanding them but ‘advising’ them, forced to obey the orders of a neophyte noble officer who likely knew little of leadership or combat. Upon finishing the note, she looked skyward, closing her eyes and groaning as she leaned upon her desk and read her formal orders, detailing exactly what the new ‘Vintenar’ had outlined for the day.

The orders boiled down to the most inane and obtuse assignment that she had the privilege of receiving in this mare’s army. “Search the ‘common roads’ for highwaymares and stations selling unlicensed goods yet to receive an entry tariff into Celestia's grand city,” were her instructions. “Translation from bureaucrat-speak: ‘buck around all day with a noblemare while she is looking for a stallion or two to plough,’“ she muttered to herself, half-wishing that whatever attacked Ponyville came after them so she could at least demonstrate to the noble newbies what a real warrior was. Sighing one last time before making her way to the armory to suit up for a massive waste of time, she reflected that there were days she hated her job. But such was the price of service to Celestia.

The sun rose over the sleeping pair of Braxton and Lyra Heartstrings, still wrapped in Braxton’s cloak of Elvenkind while they lay upon The Crown Jewel Of The Desert.

As an early riser, Braxton had been awake for well over an hour. But he had not wanted to wake Lyra, who he knew had precious few restful nights in recent weeks. He stayed still until Lyra did at last stir from sleep, opening her eyes and recognizing him. Braxton greeted Lyra in return with a warm smile. Slowly coming out of her slumber, Lyra leaned forward as if in a warm bed and kissed Braxton softly, snuggling up tighter against him. She gave a happy moan as she did so, unable to remember the last time she felt so safe and content, wishing the dream she was in would never end… only to abruptly realize it wasn’t a dream and she had just kissed the real Braxton like he was her lover!

“Well, pleasant good morning to you too, Lyra,” Braxton said playfully. He watched the mare gain a deep red tinge under her aqua colored fur, going to the tips of her ears.

Unheard by Lyra, Klynn Ka' Tar was howling with laughter. “Oh, brother!...out of the frying pan and smack into the fire!”

“I am so sorry, Braxton... I thought I was dreaming, and...” Lyra stammered as she tried to disappear within the folds of Braxton's cloak.

Braxton gave a warm laugh as he moved the cloak aside that had been acting as a cover for the two of them. “I am flattered that I am the object of your dreams, then. Do you want any breakfast, Miss Lyra?” he asked the still-blushing mare.

“Yes, thank you…” Lyra shook her head to clear it but still couldn't look at Braxton, embarrassed beyond belief. What was it about this human male that did this to her? Shouldn't she be the one trying to make him turn red? But then again, Lyra couldn't say she was practiced in such charms given that she spent a good deal of her time studying or tracking down clues to creatures that most of her peers didn't even believe existed. That left her little for stallions and the few she did have over the years had either used her or dumped her, leaving a bitter taste in the mare's mouth.

One dated her only on a dare, another tried to steer her away from her life’s work, and the last had wanted to court her into a very large herd with the lead mare's permission. What hurt most was she found out later the stallion had done this as a test of loyalty given by the lead mare herself for her amusement. She had no desire to expand her herd with a ‘low born house noble’ as she explained. The threats of being beaten and impressed into the herd, driving her status in the herd's eyes to just above a servant, was just a sick game for the lead mare.

“You’ll forgive me if I decline to cook for now, as I wish to be on our way quickly. We can eat better later, but for now, I hope you’ll find my provisions to your liking.” Braxton then moved to a pouch on his pack, opened it, and pulled a one-by-four-inch bar from the pouch, and broke it in half. Passing the slightly larger half to Lyra, she was about to bite down on the curious foodstuff when Braxton spoke again. “Don't bite down on it straight away, Miss Lyra. It’s very tough and chewy, so let your saliva soften it up first.” Before Braxton closed up the pouch, he pulled out another flat stick that had a reddish hue. But Braxton didn't give any of this to Lyra. The taste when it was soft enough to chew was quite delicious, the raisins, dates, and a couple of fruits that Lyra couldn’t identify mixed flawlessly with several different types of exotic nuts as well as grains and honey.

As Braxton and Lyra ate, a Royal Guard patrol came up the road and saw the pair camped by the roadside. Spotting them, the group of four uniformed ponies made their way over to the odd couple, eyeing Braxton somewhat suspiciously. Approaching them, the patrol leader took a few strides ahead of her troops, an emblem of the sun adorning the left breast of her breastplate.

“Hail, citizen! I am Mythic Diamond of the Royal Guard. Where are you and your exotic pet off to this morning?” said the patrol leader, an earth pony mare who wore the insignia of a Vintenar. Braxton said nothing as the patrol drew closer, resting on his left side to keep Klynn Ka' Tar out of sight.

Lyra's mouth dropped open. “Pet?!” she exclaimed, “What in all of Equestria makes you think he is my pet?”

Ignoring the slight and Lyra’s sudden surge of temper, Braxton began to look over the four soldiers standing before him. Two earth pony guards, a mare, and a stallion were armed with guisarmes—and the way they held them as well as their condition spoke volumes. Some signs of wear with only minimal maintenance told him that these two had the rudimentary understanding of their weapons. They used them more to lean on and didn't keep them at the ready—a fatal mistake if Braxton was any threat. Were he of the mind to, he could cut them both down before they could raise their weapons.

For her part, the patrol leader mare seemed new to her sword as well, which carried a peace knot still tied to the sheath. She outright ignored Braxton, focusing on Lyra exclusively. The fourth member of the troupe, in contrast, was a unicorn mare who wore a long sword upon her hip. Unlike the others, her sword was in flawless condition and looked well-maintained; her hand rested upon the hilt while her opposite arm bore a shield. At any given moment she was but a half-second away from bringing both to bear.

So she, then, was the real leader of the group and the only true warrior within it. Braxton wondered if this was a common tactic, to draw attention away from the real threat. If so, it would only fool average brigands, not seasoned soldiers like himself.

From behind Mythic Diamond, Scarlet Star used her shield to keep the other two rookies behind her as she took stock of the scene, starting with the mare who seemed to behave much like any civilian. Her companion was another matter, however-- an unknown bipedal creature that gave her pause.

He was not armed that she could see, but he was armored. His protective gear was unfamiliar but rather intricate—it must have cost him a pretty bit, and was flawlessly maintained. Further, his entire relaxed manner gave her pause. Even just the way he moved to recline on his equally impressive carpet. Watching him was like watching a tide move—there was no wasted motion or energy with him, and she could tell this creature was sizing up the patrol as sure as she was sizing him up.

Whoever or whatever he was, he was not to be trifled with, Scarlet Star quickly realized. Scarlet Star rested her hand on the hilt of her sword as his mare companion and Mythic Diamond began to argue over him being a pet. But then again, while something seemed dangerous about him, she was no slouch herself, and she had no doubt he knew it.

“Well, speaking noblemare to noblemare...” Mythic Diamond said, drawing closer to Lyra as she got to her hooves. “As he is so richly dressed, he must be your favorite beast of burden to carry all your packs and this magnificent rug. You simply must tell me where you came by this as I've never seen a rug of such beauty. I might be interested in buying it off you,” she patted at it with her hoof. “Also, if you’re headed into the city, I must advise you to pick up a collar and a leash for your pet, as they are not allowed to run fr-”

Lyra reacted before she could stop herself. To the surprise of Braxton and the rest of the patrol, she punched the other mare squarely in the muzzle, knocking her flat upon her back. The noblemare was so surprised that she failed to immediately register the hit until she found herself lying on the ground with a throbbing jaw and staring up at Lyra in stunned shock. It was enough to give Lyra a chance to speak her mind.

Lyra's voice came out dripping with venom. “Don't... you… ever! Call... my... Braxton... a ...PET!” She stomped her hoof hard and ignited her horn, threatening the use of magic right then and there.

The two rookies could only laugh at the noblemare who bought her way to the station she was appointed. The remaining mare moved her shield to show Lyra that her hand was upon her sword. “My good mare, you are in but mild trouble at the moment. Though your actions are understandable, I strongly suggest you do not make this worse for yourself.”

Lyra froze as the authoritative mare checked her. Not only had she had just punched one of Celestia's Guardsmares, but she couldn't believe she had said that in front of Braxton!

Braxton remained poker-faced as events unfolded before him, but that did not preclude Klynn Ka' tar from giggling softly in Braxton's mind. “Memo to you, old friend: don't piss this mare off!” she warned him. Braxton could only somewhat ruefully agree.

Overcoming her shock and the pain of her throbbing jaw, Mystic Diamond hopped to her hooves, angry that a noblemare would stoop to hitting another of noble blood over what was said about a pet, especially when she was trying to be complimentary about her possessions! She tried to draw her sword only to realize it was held fast. “Sister, why did you tie this sword with a peace knot?” she asked as she began fiddling with the knot, trying to undo it. “As soon as I get this sword free, you will pay, noblemare! You act as if your property has feelings. Or intelligence, for that matter. I highly doubt that furless and flat-faced creature can talk.”

The two rookies were trying unsuccessfully to stifle their giggles as they watched their ‘leader’ embarrass herself further. Deciding things were starting to get out of hand, Braxton slowly began to pull a scroll case from his pack only to be spotted instantly by Scarlet Star.

“Whatever you are doing, cease immediately, creature. Or weapons will be drawn.”

With scroll case in hand, Braxton made no other movement but decided it was time to bring this to a close. He looked to Scarlet Star, the most seasoned guardsmare of the four and spoke. “Then perhaps, good Guardsmare, we might engage in civilized parlay rather than pursue this fracas to its final stupidity?” His tone gained steel despite the bored look. “For if your weapon becomes involved, so too, sadly, must my own. And though I recognize your skill, I don't believe you wish to enter a melee with three millstones around your neck, young warrior.”

“You speak?!” squawked Mystic Diamond as she gave a slight step back in surprise. But her sword became tangled up in her legs and sent her tripping over her weapon and onto her butt once more. “Damn cumbersome thing,” Mystic Diamond huffed as she cast the sword to the side of the road near Braxton, going for her crossbow instead. She fumbled with the latch as she tried to load it.

“I agree...” Scarlet Star said, looking at Braxton as she weighed all her options and knew this creature was right. Whatever he was, his eyes and quiet confidence spoke volumes to the seasoned mare. He carried himself precisely like her grandfather; she remembered his strength and skill well from his long time in the Celestial Service. His example was what made Scarlet Star want to join the Guard herself, and a saying she had always heard her grandfather tell her. It came ringing to the forefront of her mind, and it chilled her to the core:

'Thus an expert in battle moves the enemy and is not moved by them.'

She had to admit this creature had made his assessment of the four and knew the only real threat was her. Whoever he was, his skill was considerable, and though so was her own, she did not wish to test it. Especially when she knew nothing about who he was or how he fought--the folly of entering battle without proper intelligence was another lesson her grandfather had drummed into her over the many long hours he trained her. Deciding the choice to de-escalate was hers, she moved her hand from her sword and then watched as the creature seemed to relax across his shoulders in turn, surprising her. She had thought him relaxed, but in fact, he was coiled and ready to strike. She let go of the breath she was holding. While Braxton's voice was warm and polite, she got the distinct impression the calmness he spoke with was like the stillness before a thunderstorm.

“Permit me to introduce ourselves, good guardsmare. This is my envoy Lyra Heartstrings, and I am Ambassador Braxton Zeddmore. I have a writ of passage from Princess Twilight Sparkle to see Princess Celestia. Princess Twilight's seal should tell you I speak the truth.” Braxton sat up to present the scroll box a second time, revealing Klynn Ka' tar on his back as well. The guardsmare tensed at the presence of the weapon, realizing that if he had jumped up, he would have had that magnificent blade at his disposal instantly. Had it come to swordplay, it was very likely neither she nor the other guards would walk away...

Fortunately, combat appeared to be the furthest thing from the stranger’s mind as he offered her the scroll, ignoring the others entirely. Mastering her nerves, Scarlet Star took the scroll to examine the seal as Braxton adjusted the baldric of his sword, stood up to his impressive full height and strode over to the sword that Mystic Diamond had thrown away.

“Good Ambassador Zeddmore, you will forgive me, but I must be suspicious of this document given the goings-on of the previous nights,” Scarlet Star said flatly.

“Of course. You would not be a good Guardsmare if you were not,” he replied evenly as he stopped near the blade. The four guards tensed, thinking Braxton was going to pick it up and even they were starting to understand how dreadfully overmatched they were by the tall stranger. But instead of bending down to pick it up, he used his foot in a way they had never seen as he seemed to kick the sword up into his left hand all the while keeping an eye on the four guards, holding the blade by its sheath. “Please feel free to escort us to the castle, and it would more than likely expedite things.” Braxton looked at Scarlet Star as he walked over to her, offering the sword to Scarlet Star hilt first.

“Please see to it, good mare, that this sword is returned to one that truly honors it and does not throw it away. Do not return it to the one who obviously bought their rank and station,” he said with a mildly contemptuous glance at Mystic Diamond, who for the first time that entire day had done something smart by remaining silent.

While all this was happening, Lyra could only watch, feeling useless as well as unhappy that Braxton always seemed to have the deck stacked against him. She wanted to be a better mare than to have him be doing all the heavy lifting, protecting, tending and even providing for both of them. She gave a small sigh, and Braxton seemed to pick up on it as the scroll came back into his hands as the four guards agreed to return with them, Mystic Diamond accepting the ‘suggestion’ from Scarlet Star that they did so.

“Keep your chin up Lyra. We will talk later, okay?” Braxton whispered, locking eyes with her and offering up a warm smile that could make her melt as he picked up his pack.

Lyra bit her lip and nodded, still feeling superfluous and unworthy. How could he always do that to her? With but a single word and glance, he could silence her inner storms and seemed to have the patience of a saint. Picking up her duffel bag she asked “Thank you, Braxton. But what about The Jewel Of The Desert?” She glanced back at the carpet they had slept on as they spoke.

“Fear not, Mare Lyra. The rug comes with us.” This caused all the guards and Lyra to watch as Braxton extended his hand over the massive carpet and whispered “Subtraxerim utilium.”

At his spoken spell, the carpet shrank back the size of a handkerchief, leaving four gobsmacked Guardsponies wondering what they had just witnessed. Enjoying their reaction, Lyra smiled softly at the sense of wonder that Braxton always seemed to instill not only in her but others as well, watching him return it to the pocket he’d drawn it from just the day before. Their camp struck, they began to walk toward Canterlot under armed guard.

Celestia Alcyone held day court with a troubled brow as she listened to the plights of her subjects.

The Solar Diarch listened patiently as she always did to the unending line of petitioners seeking redress for some real or imagined wrong. Some had lost kin to monsters, while others only wanted cheaper taxes, more lands, and more significant ways to carve Equestria up more for themselves. These nobles were directed to the office of Timely Manner—a steel trap when it came to the laws of paperwork, but also a real expert in bureaucracy to keep these nobles out of her mane for months at a time.

While not ignoring the problems at court, Celestia's mind was on the matter of the guest that was to arrive today. Luna had already briefed Celestia on the events that led to two of her little ponies coming to harm, but when hearing the entire story from all sources involved in the matter—as well as the activities in the bell tower—it shook her to the core. According to the letter, Lyra Heartstrings and Braxton Zeddmore left Ponyville after the last train and didn't return. This left her faithful student exasperated and more than likely pacing a trench in the floor till she heard from Celestia, but she had no news yet to share. Waiting for these two was like watching a pot boil. The effect it was having on Celestia was not to the nobility or the common pony. Her aides would have told you a different story however, for something was on the princesses mind. An almost nervous energy in organizing her thoughts as well as trying to usher plans into motion.

For Lyra, the journey into Canterlot was nothing short of the most awkward thing that had ever happened to her in her life.

Four armed guards were walking in a box formation around Lyra and Braxton, escorting them as they walked down the wide city streets, making Lyra feel like a common criminal on her way to the dungeons… or worse, the gallows. Braxton, on the other hoof, either didn't care or didn't show it. Most ponies parted the road in the wake of the strange tall creature in the center of the guard's formation, some pointing and whispering, others shielding their foals from him. Rumors began to circulate that he was either a criminal or noble from a distant land. There was even a wild rumor that he was a suitor for the princesses themselves.

As the group made their way to the castle, two young ones—a filly and colt no more than Applebloom's age—came up to the group. Braxton saw that the two looked very hungry, each encouraging the other to go on and greet the stranger and the pony that walked by his side, perhaps guessing from his finery that he was quite wealthy. Mystic Diamond looked scornfully at the two young ones as she raised her hand to swat them out of the way. “Out of our way you filthy urchins!”

The two children recoiled as Mystic Diamond's hand flew toward the two foals, but it was stopped as Braxton grabbed Mystic Diamond’s wrist. His eyes were cold, and his voice just above a whisper. “It seems you are a force to reckon with against children… care to try that with me?”

The crowd was dead silent all activity around them ceased as a stallion had stopped a mare. Mystic Diamond had to look away from Braxton as she was terrified to the core just from his gaze looking not at her, but through her. She wisely shook her head no.

Braxton let the spoiled brat of a mare go. He then took a knee to get down on even level with the two children and looked them over. One was an earth pony with white fur, brown patches and dirty clothes; the other a snow-white unicorn whose clothes were as dirty as her friend’s but stood out even more for against her brighter coat for it. Her white aqua eyes told Braxton all he needed to know of the little filly and he motioned to the two, his voice again gentle and warm. “Have no fear. Come, children, I won't harm you and nor shall the guards. What can this humble man do for you?”

The colt wrung his hands in nervousness, but answered. “Well sir...my friend wanted to meet you... since the city seems to be...abuzz with you...” he said with a thick cockney accent, still a little unsure he should be talking to this massive visitor who could cow nobleponies and guardsmares alike.

“Then meet me, you have. Might I ask who the two of you are, children?” Braxton gently inquired. “Tell me your names.”

“Well I'm Pipsqueak..sir... and this is my friend Ice Lily,” Pip said, still nervous around the guards.

“A true pleasure to meet the two of you, my young gentlecolt and little filly. My name is Braxton Zeddmore,” Braxton said to the pair.

“Um...Mr. Zeddmore...can I touch your face?” Ice Lily asked, biting her lip and wringing her hands nervously. She hoped Braxton didn't say no.

Braxton chuckled warmly and leaned in, saying, “Of course you can, little filly. For isn't that how the blind truly see?”

Ice Lily gave one happy sob and then started with Braxton's hair “Your hair is so soft not coarse.” Ice Lily then moved to explore his face. “You don't have a muzzle, your face is softer than your hair, but you feel like you were carved out of stone.” She could feel Braxton chuckle again. “So strong,” Ice Lily said as she trailed down his shoulder and right arm. “Hands are so different. You’re like no pony I’ve ever met. What are you?”

Even unable to see as she was, Ice Lily couldn’t help but look up into Braxton's face as he answered: “I am a human, little filly.”

Ice Lily began to grip harder on Braxton's right hand. Her white aqua eyes seemed to clear for a moment as she looked right through Braxton. Ice Lily's voice loud enough for only Braxton to hear. “There will be three whom lead that follow the smile of one. The hounds shall pursue the fox turning the tables upon the vipers. The assistant shall become the master's student, and with the Master's keys, the student shall unlock all the doors to his kingdom. Bridging the gap between light and dark.” Ice Lily's eyes once more clouded over as she turned her head from Braxton and said softly, “I am sorry.”

“Braxton was that...?” Klynn Ka' Tar asked sounding quite nervous

“Yes it was, my sister...don't echo it...that was a prophecy,” Braxton thinking in a flat tone, realizing his visit to Equestria had just acquired an as-yet unknown importance.

“Don't fret about it little one. You and Pip take care now.” Braxton gave each a gentle pat on the head, and a warm smile. “Before the two of you leave... here, take these.” Braxton shuffled his pack off his back for a moment and opened one of the belt pouches giving each of the foals a pair of the same bars he and Lyra had this morning.

“What are these, Mr. Zeddmore?” Pip asked, eyeing the bar curiously.

“They smell good!” Ice Lily said softly, sniffing the air in front of them.

“Those are called trail bars. They have a mix of fruits, nuts, and grains all pressed into them very tightly. They are quite hard, so don’t bite into them straight away or they may chip your teeth. Instead, suck on them like a piece of hard candy until they are soft, and then you can eat them. Each of those bars will last a day. It was good to meet you both, but I regret I cannot stay. If you two fine foals will excuse my party, we have to go see the princesses,” Braxton said as he stood back up.

Each of the guardsmares and the lone guardstallion watched as Braxton knelt and conversed with the two foals on their level. Their biggest question in their minds was why this stallion was taking the time to do this for these two, and it unnerved the mares when such filthy foals placed their hands upon him as though they knew him well. In the exchange, a lone Thestral mare landed near the rear of the guards stopping only to watch the exchange before making her way up to Scarlet Star.

“Hi, Scarlet Star,” Twinkle Diamond whispered to the mare as she folded her bat-like wings against her back.

“Twinkle Diamond? I am surprised to see you. You are out late today,” Scarlet Star whispered back. She watched Mystic Diamond flinch as she caught sight of the Thestral mare.

“I have tonight off so I can afford to. A fortunate fate of the duty roster since it looks like that stud has come to town,” Twinkle Diamond said, waggling her eyebrows at her friend.

“You know him?” Scarlet Star asked in a whisper.

Twinkle Diamond nodded. “Met him a couple of nights ago with Princess Luna, under rather curious circumstances. Have to say, she got pretty tight lipped about that stallion—at least for us asking about him.”

“So he did meet the Princess. That means he might not have been lying…” Scarlet Star whispered, growing nervous. “Everything he said might be true...and if it is we may want to reassign your sister somewhere else... fast.” she warned.

Twinkle Diamond was surprised at that. “Reassign my sister? What did she do?”

Scarlet Star would have been amused by recounting the events of that morning were she not so alarmed. “Let’s see here; there was humiliating a possible ambassador by calling him a pet to the noble mare at his side, she then embarrassed herself and humiliated the guards she was leading by throwing a tantrum when she couldn't untie a peace knot and then threw her sword away in disgust, and finally, there was raising her hand to strike two poor young foals who came close to our human charge,” Scarlet Star whispered to Twinkle Diamond, passing said sword to her.

“Threw her sword away? That is my sword!” Twinkle Diamond hissed softly as she took the treasured item, her professionalism beginning to slide in favor of venom. To say Twinkle Diamond was livid was an understatement. Her sister had taken her sword and more than likely used her herd mother’s rank and station to weasel herself onto a patrol, all so she could order and boss around others. By Luna, could Mystic Diamond screw the pooch when she tried! Twinkle Diamond buckled the sword to her belt, resolving to have some unpleasant words with her sister later..

Lyra for her part was caught listening between two different conversations, her attention shifting between the guards and what was going on with Braxton with the colt and filly. Lyra looked to Braxton quizzically before Braxton mouthed 'later' to her and gave his customary reassuring smile. As the two foals departed, the guards surrounding them reformed the box and walked them toward the castle which loomed ever larger as they got closer.

Pipsqueak and Ice Lily Followed Braxton's orders about the trail bars and found that they were delicious as well as very filling. Each foal had a happy smile on their face as they made their way down a side street. After a few bites, Ice Lily turned to Pipsqueak. “Pip we need to go back to the orphanage.”

Pipsqueak swallowed his food before looking to Ice Lily in shock. “The orphanage? But I thought you hated that place, Lily, and found any excuse to get outside?”

Ice Lily's smile never dimmed, in fact, it seemed to get brighter. “I do hate that place...But if we aren't there soon, we will miss something wonderful.”

Pipsqueak's eyebrows knitted for a moment before saying, “Something wonderful?”

Ice Lily’s excitement grew as she said, “Yes, Pip. So please, let’s go back quickly… we have to pack, we are moving.”

Pipsqueak still didn’t know what she was talking about, but several unlikely experiences had taught him that he could trust Ice Lily's judgment. She had this knack for being right about certain things, and could somehow see without seeing. “Okay, Lily. If you say something good will happen, I believe you. Let’s go back to the orphanage,” he agreed, guiding her lightly by the arm.

Walking up to the castle under the escort of five armed guards tended to draw attention, and this time was no different as a large crowd had gathered as word got around of the strange outsider’s arrival. While Lyra tried to appear stoic under the gaze of so many ponies, Braxton looked like this was just another day for him, looking around at the massive castle and assembled crowd with only mild interest.

Lyra was once again amazed by seeming comfort in an unfamiliar place and situation. “How can you be so calm in the face of all this?” she turned to him and asked quietly.

Braxton answered in an equally low voice. “If it helps, I am barely keeping my cool here. I detest court and royalty with a passion.”

“Why is that, if I may ask?” Lyra asked in a low tone.

“Always a bad experience whenever I've attended. I can't stand ignoble royals who insulate themselves from the very subjects they’re supposed to serve and the passive-aggressive two faced sycophants that attend them. Because I speak my mind and the truth it made me a bit of a court pariah,” Braxton replied back softly.

Lyra giggled. “I don't know about the rest of the nobles at court, but at least give Princess Luna and Princess Celestia a fair chance. They are our beloved rulers.”

“Of course, Mare Lyra. Princess Luna strikes me as a fair mare, and ‘tis a rare one indeed who is willing to get her hands dirty; to mingle with and protect commoners as she did. Let us see if her sister is on par with her,” Braxton finished, as they neared a pair of guards and a door ward.

The guards made a gesture for the box formation to halt, noticing Braxton wore a sword upon his back and spreading out to flank them. One of the royal guards stepped forward in her plate mail armor that bore the look of a dress uniform; highly polished and well maintained. The mare moved as though she had spent many hours in that suit of armor, carrying it with ease

“Halt, noblemare. Pets and weapons are not allowed in the throne room.” The guardsmare then saw Scarlet Star stepping forward, snapping herself to attention with a salute before the royal guard, her hand going to her heart in a closed fist.

“Vintenar Scarlet Star bringing two subjects to Princess Celestia to verify a matter of grave importance. His sword will have a peace knot. He will also be cut down if he leaves the guard box,” Scarlet Star said, not looking to the two within the guard box.

Lyra couldn't believe her ears. The guards of the court were never this paranoid. Nor were they ever so quick to move to violence. What was going on? The two guards shifted behind Braxton and Lyra nervously; their weapons were a poor choice for close quarters fighting. New to their posts as they were, if the creature started a melee, they knew they would be of little help. While their bought Vintenar would be of no help at all.

Twinkle Diamond fiddled with the strand of leather that made up her peace knot and untied it from her blade with gentle ease. She then moved up to Braxton's right side. Noticing his eyes catch her movement, she smiled softly at him and offered the leather strand to him. “Use this, stud.”

Lyra's ears flattened against her skull for a moment while she watched the thestral mare. She was beginning to see what her best friend was talking about and wondered again what Braxton saw in her and what she could offer him that others couldn’t.

Braxton nodded in thanks wordlessly before tossing the strand of leather into the air and snapped his fingers. The piece of leather lace animated and tied itself in a peace knot, securing the sword on his back.

Everypony save Lyra stepped back almost a full step. This was an actual game changer. This creature had used magic, and everypony felt the icy shiver run up their spines as the magic gave no aura of color—just a quick pulse of energy they could sense but not see before fading off as the knot completed. The patrol guards looked to Braxton, trying to reevaluate him as a potential threat while the royal guards around them were doing the same thing.

“As requested, I have secured my sword, good guardsponies. May we enter now? We have journeyed far and have much to discuss with your princess,” he told them with a grin that was at once disarming and slightly roguish, his words causing almost as strong a stir as his magic.

Scarlet Star broke the silence that had descended over the group. “May we enter, sir?” she asked.

“You may…” the head guardspony answered, suddenly wondering if they would be able to deny him passage were they told to.

For the past ten minutes, Princess Celestia had been listening to the plight of a noble mare who was complaining about an orphanage near her herd’s home. The noble wished it moved to another place away from her herd's estate while the orphanage head begged her not to allow that. She was about to render her judgment when she felt a chilling wave of unfamiliar magic wash over the court.

Though most ponies dismissed it as a random chill in the air, Celestia knew better. Looking past the noble she saw her guards open the throne room doors to admit a box formation of patrol guards. Within the center, she saw another of her little ponies, Lyra Heartstrings, but she did not hold her interest as much as the figure standing near her. He was just as Luna and Twilight had described him, a bipedal and powerful figure from an unfamiliar race well over six feet tall; she knew at a glance that whoever he was and wherever he called home, he was a force to be reckoned with. How had they arrived? The first train had yet to leave on its early morning circuit. How had he and Lyra arrived?

The latter watched as the solar regent rose from her throne and began walking towards her. She smiled, thinking that the princess was coming to embrace her; so moved by her plight. But instead, the Princess stepped right past her, drawing her surprise and stifled chortles of laughter from the court stallions and open snickering from her fellow mares. As Celestia closed the distance, two elite solar guardsponies flanked her from their stations behind the white marble pillars that lined the grand hall of the court.

Braxton saw them coming first. His eyes locked on the three mares on the ground floor, and two crossbow guards aiming at the group, as Celestia made her way toward the pair in the grand hall second-floor balcony.

Overcoming her earlier embarrassment, Lyra dropped into a reverent bow as Celestia approached them. The patrol guards followed suit, the door warden took a knee, the door guards saluted, and finally Braxton gave a respectful sweeping bow to the princess as she stopped short of the small group.

“Princess Celestia. It is an honor that you would come to see us for we were on our way to see you,” Lyra spoke softly not looking up at the solar diarch.

“The honor is mine, Ms. Hearstrings. Arise, my little ponies and guest of our lands,” said Celestia motioning for all to stand. She then turned to the door warden, who took her cue.

“Advance and be recognized, Ms. Lyra Heartstrings of Canterlot and...” she arched an eyeridge at Braxton, inviting him to introduce himself.

“Braxton Zeddmore of Avawyvrenn, your highness,” Braxton said smoothly before dropping his voice to near a whisper so only the immediate circle could hear. “I have journeyed long to be here in the company of mare Lyra, who has very graciously agreed to be my guide and escort for my time in your domain. It is an honor to meet you, but I cannot help but note… Your elite guards are well trained but if I may be so bold to ask, are your crossbow guards always that jumpy?” he arched an eyeridge at her. “If so, they are more likely to cause combat than to prevent it.”

Celestia gave a small twitch of her wings as most of the patrol guards gasped, as did the door warden. The elite guardsmare to Celestia's right raised her eyebrows in surprise, stepping out to reveal themselves to their princess’ flanks while the crossbow guards stood firmly within the shadows. Only after a wing movement from Celestia did they move back, lowering their crossbows and returning bolts to quivers. Nodding slowly, Celestia herself made her way back to the throne to sit down.

The door warden, a unicorn mare took this as her cue she stood and rapped three times on the hard stone floor of the great hall with her knocking staff announcing loudly for all of the court to hear, “My Princess, may I present Ms. Lyra Heartstrings of Canterlot… And Braxton Zeddmore of Avawyvrenn.”

All action and talk within the great hall stopped as the doors to the great hall opened. Mares and stallions alike turned to see the newcomers enter the court. Lyra was looking very nervous to all of a sudden be the center of attention while Braxton was the picture of stoicism.

The court was abuzz as they walked in. There was an initial soft wave of mocking laughter given most knew of Lyra Heartstrings reputation, but those laughs soon died on the lips of those trying to stifle them as Braxton walked in next to her; a living, breathing example of the creature she had for so long claimed existed. Presented with this impossible evidence, the court seemed to react like a hive of whispers—some asking for information, some proclaiming to have been to Avawyvrenn not wishing to look the fool. No pony could miss that the new creature walked without hooves and had four fingers and an opposable thumb.

As Celestia sat down, she gave a message to her sister via telepathy. “Sister, he is as sharp as you claimed he would be.”

A reply returned as Celestia took in the court’s reaction to both Braxton and Lyra. “I take it he has arrived? I also take it he found the two elite guards we discussed to test him?”

Celestia nodded once at the pair approached, “He found all four. I put two extra on the balcony as my way of testing him… The fact that he looked up puts him in a class all by himself.”

Luna’s voice rippled back across Celestia's mind. “I am on my way, sister. I will join you as soon as I’m dresses. If I may ask, how is the court receiving this strange new stallion?”

“You will see when you arrive, sister,” Celestia said shortly turning to sit upon her throne and look over the court.

The day court was a real patchwork—some asking what they knew of the creature walking by the laughing stock of the academic community. Stallions and mares alike were appraising the alien from afar, to get an assessment of him, quickly forming different cliques of opinions about him.

The forward thinkers—a group of stallions no more than five—were whispering amongst themselves, asking each other if any knew of his politics given he was walking beside the mare and not behind her. To a pony, they agreed that he could be a valuable ally to their cause.

The far more numerous traditionalists, on the other hand, were more appalled that this stallion was walking beside a mare and that whatever strange manner of creature he was, he was not on a leash; they instantly questioned his intelligence and some even gave snickering whispers that they hoped he didn’t make a mess on the royal carpet.

The few non-nobleponies present wanted only to move away from this strange being given he carried a sword and was armored like a guard, looking more than a match for any of the guardsponies present

The guardponies themselves stationed around the room were wary of this newcomer and instantly recognized the potential threat he presented, but were loyal soldiers of Celestia first and foremost, and would be ready to act should he attempt or even threaten to harm the princess.

Only the elite guard on Celestia’s right—a five-foot-nine-inch pegasus mare with ebony black fur marked only by a single white stripe in her mane and tail--was unconcerned by the newcomer’s presence. Her lithe aerodynamic curves complimented her well-toned body. Her eyes of brilliant green jasper took in all of her surroundings, but her primary focus was on the strange creature walking next to the mare.

That he had spotted four of her sister mares of the elite guard while they were trying not to be seen was perturbing enough, but it was also clear his garb wasn’t just for show; his armor looked as though it was maintained daily. The blade he carried upon his back—while peace knotted—she felt in her gut it was still a threat. His alien magic had caused her wings to fluff up a little, but her mental control and discipline kept her wings tucked tight to her back with little more than a shiver. She continued to watch as his lapis lazuli eyes swept the room stopping almost imperceptibly at various points around the room. She counted fifteen shifts of his eyes, and the implications chilled her to the bone.

“He found all fifteen of us, Your Highness,” she informed Celestia. “I don’t know how, but he did it in a single sweep of his gaze,” whispered the mare quietly.

“And knowing that, what is your assessment of this stallion, Shade Dancer?” Celestia whispered.

“If I were a betting mare, this creature is more dangerous than a mother Ursa Major defending her cubs. Tread with extreme caution, highness,” whispered Shade Dancer just as as a flash of light announced a new arrival that quickly resolved into the figure of Princess Luna

The Lunar regent’s arrival to day court this sent the nobles into a sheer gossip frenzy as she strode forth to stand by her sister; both diarchs took an interest in this creature.

Celestia turned to face the crowd of murmuring ponies and clapped her hands. “Attention, everypony. I am calling a fifteen-minute court recess. The court will resume at that time. In the meantime, I ask that everypony please wait outside while I question our guest alone.”

Lyra became puzzled and nervously asked Braxton, “why is she clearing the court for us?”

Braxton waited till the last noble left the court before answering in a normal tone, locking eyes with the pair of Diarchs. “They see me as a potential threat, Mare Lyra. By removing everyone else from the scene, they can keep collateral damage down to a minimum in case there is an altercation.”

The pair of royal Diarchs had separate reactions. Celestia for her part flinched for but a moment, her eyes betraying a bare moment of shock. Shock that Braxton had not only spotted all her guards but seen right through her plan, while Luna merely raised an eyebrow that seemed to say ‘I told you so, sister.’ For her part, Lyra’s mouth dropped open in sheer shock that the court was being so aggressive towards a stallion that had risked his life for her and her best friend.

Braxton remained calm and made no movement his voice resolute but held a gentle tone. “Four crossbows on the upper floor, and eleven guards on the main level behind the pillars...” Braxton recited, then paused, taking a few brief sniffs in the air. “And one mare with a bad Nutmeg addiction more than likely taking it for her breathing problems.”

Lyra’s shock soon turned to anger, and she stepped protectively in front of Braxton, her voice holding an edge of excitement. “Princess?! Why are you treating this stallion with such open hostility?! I owe this human my life, as does my best friend. He is a hero, not a villain.”

Luna’s lips curled into a smile, her gaze not leaving her shocked sister as she watched events unfold before her.

Celestia would typically hide under her regal mask, but in this case not only had Braxton found her best guards, he had them down to the exact number. With a clap of her hands, each guard revealed themselves. Each guard had an arbalest slung to their backs; they wore longswords upon their hips, wore highly polished full black plate mail decorated with a sun in the mark of a solar eclipse. The group was pegasus-heavy but also had unicorns.

Lyra couldn’t believe her eyes that Princess Celestia employed such formidable ponies.

Celestia spoke in a gentle and kind tone as she rose from her throne to near them both. “Forgive us, my little pony, but with strange creatures attacking the realm, security had to be tightened, and I had to bring these fine mares back to active duty. As for your champion, I knew of his heroism and meant to test him a little, but I admit I was unprepared for this.”

This seemed to placate Lyra somewhat for the moment, but as Celestia neared the pair, Lyra wanted to shrink away. Regardless, she stayed by Braxton’s side, afraid to leave him lest her presence being the only thing keeping potential violence at bay. Braxton didn’t flinch as the taller Celestia drew near and into his personal space. His eyes didn’t break from her gaze as the test of wills between the two continued.

The contest of wills between human warmage and immortal solar princess continued for the better part of a minute before Celestia finally stepped backwards and spoke. “Forgive me for testing you, Braxton Zeddmore, but the tales my sister told seemed too fanciful to be true. Your reputation preceded you, and yet I still find myself caught short. If you are willing to explain, might I ask as to how you came to gather the knowledge of my guards, ambassador Zeddmore?” Celestia asked.

“I’m curious as well, Braxton,” Lyra said.

He gave her a nod back. “Very well, my envoy Lyra and good Princess Celestia. I will start with the obvious and then work my way to the subtle.” Braxton paused for a moment in thought. “Let us treat this room like a clock. You, Princess Celestia, are at my twelve o’ clock.”

Celestia, Shade Dancer, Luna, and Lyra nodded in understanding. Braxton continued, “At the door, I saw two arbalists in the balcony. Given that this room is square it is a safe bet that if one seeks to maximize the ‘kill box’ there would be one arbalist per side of that square, So three bolts could hit a target anywhere in the room.”

Lyra looked up. Sure enough, there were three arbalists trained on Braxton. Her ears went flat against her head.

Braxton continued unfazed. “Then there are the tapestries and the pillars of the room. the tapestries hide secret passages, and the pillars break up the movement for the guards as they come and go.”

“While revealing that one of my number has a problem, I am not impressed yet, save that you are observant,” Shade Dancer said.

“What tipped you off to the guard's locations about the room, Braxton?” Luna asked, genuinely curious and beating her sister to the question... much to Celestia’s chagrin.

“The dead giveaway was the torches at eleven o’clock, seven o’clock, one o’clock, and lastly five o’clock. These torch sconces have pitch stains upon their marble finishes due to the flames dancing from the change of air direction coming and going, indicating shifts in air currents in the immediate vicinity of hidden passages. As for the number, the unit may move as one, function as one, but heartbeats are still individual.”

“Color me impressed,” Shade Dancer said.

“Braxton? That isn’t just bright; it is simply brilliant!” said Lyra, impressed beyond words at how he put it all together.

“Thank you, but in truth, it is simply a matter of experience, Lyra. Anypony can learn the same skill I used with the right training,” said Braxton humbly.

Celestia turned to look at Luna. This had a two-fold purpose—to hide the impressed look, as well as to speak to Luna telepathically. “I do not like him, sister. Something about this stallion feels very off. I can not put my finger on it, but my instincts tell me he is dangerous.”

Luna remained poker-faced, but continued using their mental link, allowing some amusement to slip into her thoughts. “Is that irritation I hear, my sister? Methinks you simply dislike him for not being able to intimidate him. I for one happen to like him. He is a handsome rogue to say nothing of a stallion with fortitude, possessing a will made of tempered steel.”

Celestia’s lips tightened at that. Nopony else but Luna would speak to her in such a manner, even telepathically, but sometimes, she granted, she needed to hear it. With that, the solar diarch turned back to face Braxton and Lyra, continuing the mental conversation with her sister. “I must agree with you there. Twilight seems just as taken with him, given she was practically gushing in her letter about his exotic magic, and his actions in defending the CMC.”

[/i]“I told you he was a sharp witted rogue. Twilight made him a knight and an ambassador, and you should know by now she does not do such things lightly. You saw the same memories I did, sister. How many ponies did he save last night?” Luna asked. “For that alone, you should honor her decision.”

Celestia considered that, then nodded. “Very well, Lulu, I have made up my mind,” she finished.

Lyra watched as Celestia became still while she thought. Braxton for his part gauged that Celestia was covering the pros and cons of him being in her Kingdom. It wasn’t exactly unexpected. He was, after all, a real unknown in the land.

“You are dismissed, my loyal guardsponies,” finally said Celestia in a calm voice. She opened her eyes, looking around the room. “Please leave us in peace and attend your regular duties elsewhere. If you are needed, be assured you will be summoned.”

The guards saluted and then vanished into the lines of the pillars. As Celestia made her way back to her throne and sat down regally, she turned to Shade Dancer and whispered something to the mare. Shade Dancer then saluted and also vanished into the pillars of the open room.

As Celestia looked over the two, she spoke from the raised dais equal to her sister. “The day court resumes in a few minutes.” Celestia then steepled her fingers as Luna smiled to the pair. “There are many things to discuss with you, honored ambassador and my little envoy..”