Knights of Autumnby Daniel ReauxChaptersPrologue - SurpriseChapter 1 - The MarchChapter 2 - Restless NightsPrologue - SurpriseThe darkened, grey clouds scattered across the sky, keeping the sun’s presence locked away behind a shroud of cotton. The forests were especially beautiful during this season; specifically the woods surrounding the magnificent kingdom of Autumnfall. The snow carpeting the floors of the woods was so abstract to the rest of the colours of the trees. The amber and maple, red and orange colours of the trees were so breath-taking to pony eyes. It added flavour to the dark and dreary times of the country. The sound of trotting and galloping could be heard from afar, but there was a particular trot that was nearing the edge of the Autumnfall Woods. An dark-yellow coated mare wearing silver-plated armour. Her mane was a bright red colour, resembling that of a glowing and juicy apple, and her eyes were a blazing amber. “Ah, there are the walls of safety I know and love.” The orange earth pony stated with much relief as the towering aged and teal walls of the kingdom touched the sky and peaked over even the tallest trees in Autumnfall Woods. The kingdom of Autumnfall was the largest and most notorious kingdom in all of Harmonium. Its quick expansion and flawless economics were the reasons for its popularity. The only problem was that it was mostly only a kingdom of Unicorns and for Unicorns – of course anypony but a Pegasus was allowed to visit or live there, given they had the wealth and status. The orange pony trotted along the path through the woods, nearing the walls of Autumnfall. The teal stone that constructed the walls she was approaching was a special kind of material. Ironically, it resisted magic and was strong enough to withstand a beating. It was rather astonishing to see an entire kingdom surrounded by such a rare stone, but it was the benefit of having a princess of the Belle dynasty. The princess of Autumnfall was known as Princess Belle, and her name echoed across the entire country. All the ponies – and even the dragons and griffons – knew the name Belle. Only a select few ponies, however, knew her real name was Sugar Belle, and that she was close with her military commander and leader of their secret organisation. They’ve been best friends since fillyhood. The mysterious pony trotting nonchalantly toward the walls of Autumnfall was none other than Knight-Commander Applesmith, commander of the Autumnfallian military. She was also one of the best friends of Sugar Belle, and was on her way to see her fillyhood friend. ~~~~~ Applesmith approached the gate, guarded by two grey stallions; both were Unicorns. They were equipped with shining bronze and amber armour, the breastplate bejewelled with an amber gemstone resembling an embossed triangle, almost like a slightly raised pyramid. Their manes pushed through the top of the helm and their tails did the same through the back of the body armour, which also veiled their cutie marks. They wore bronze, metal shoes on their hooves with a simple design. “Hail guardscolts!” Applesmith greeted them as she approached. “Hail, Knight-Commander. Here to visit thine princess, I assume?” The guard to her right inquired. “Aye, sir. 'Tis been too long since I’ve seen my friend. I bet she's in a sea of papers, nonetheless!” Applesmith rolled her eyes and laughed. She always hated this charade of formality she had to put on for guards. The guards elicited a laugh as well as the same guard spoke, “And not just important paperwork either. That mare hath a passion for the written arts!” “Always has she.” Applesmith smiled. The guards opened the gates for Applesmith, “Have a fine afternoon, Knight-Commander.” “You too, guardscolts!” Applesmith spoke as she trotted through to the other side of the walls. The gates closed behind her as she emerged into a vast kingdom. The voices of many crowds of ponies could be heard all about the city, and the crunching of snow under their hooves came from all directions. The hustle and bustle of the great kingdom felt welcoming for the Knight-Commander. "Ugh. Thank the stars that's over with." Applesmith drooped her head in frustration, then raised her head to look around. There were buildings everywhere, some breaching the skies and others just big enough for a small family of ponies. While the sky was gloomy and colours lacking, the kingdom was rather bright and beautiful. The ponies were all laughing and smiling, and no poverty in sight. The Chapel, the largest building in Autumnfall, is where the princess would be. And conveniently, it could be spotted from anywhere in the kingdom, due to its towering size. Although the Chapel was simple to find, Applesmith could find it blindfolded; she knew the kingdom like the back of her hoof. Before Applesmith had much of a chance to start what she had hoped to be a simple trip, a Unicorn mare strolled up to her with a posh demeanour and unimpressed look on her face. She had a chestnut mane and a bronze coat colour. “Well, well, it seems a soldier has come to visit this fair kingdom.” The pony flicked her mane to the side as she spoke. Applesmith hesitate a moment,“Euh, yeah. I am here to visit the princess,” she replied with brevity. “The princess, you say? My, what an important pony you are,” the Unicorn replied with yet another brash comment, but with slightly more severity. "And just why are you so special?" Applesmith couldn’t help but recoil slightly at the comment this time. “Well, firstly, I am Knight-Commander Applesmith, and secondly, Princess Belle happens to be a dear friend of mine.” The Unicorn simply scoffed. “Hah! Knight-Commander Applesmith you say? Shouldn’t you be on the front, then?” Applesmith raised a brow and returned the unimpressed looks. “Normally, I should be, but we are on the verge of victory and I am on a break while my second in command takes over in my absence.” “Yes, but the war isn’t over yet. Haven’t you heard?” The Unicorn questioned with confidence. “A new threat is on the horizon. She threatens to take all of Harmonium.” Applesmith only laughed. “Just another vigilante with a head full of air, my friend. I’m sure she will easily be brought to justice once we clear things up.” “Oh no, it’s much more than that, Commander. She’s already made assaults on small villages, and she has an army behind her.” The Unicorn mare informed boldly. “You’d best make this visit brief and get back to the front before she is on our doorstep.” “I assure you that it’s nothing, but it sounds urgent enough for my attention.” Applesmith said calmly. “Now if you’ll excuse me, kind mare, I have a friend to visit.” Applesmith smiled and turned away, trotting off toward the Chapel tower. Applesmith tried not to think about what she had just heard too much. It was likely just some crazy pony thinking they can take on the world. Still, it annoyed her that she seemed to never be able to get a break. It didn’t matter though, she was behind the safety of the walls of Autumnfall and that’s what did matter. ~~~~~ Upon approaching the Chapel, Applesmith began to feel a bit uneasy. She wasn’t sure why, but the scenario seemed off. She tried to shake it, but it seemed that what the Unicorn said earlier was tearing away at her. “I have to stop letting that get to me,” Applesmith mumbled to herself. “Everything is going to be fine.” She strolled carefully into the Chapel, where she spotted the throne at the far end of the room; however it was missing a princess. “Pfft. Figures,” The Knight-Commander said as she rolled her eyes. On either side of the throne was a room. The doorways into the rooms lacked a door, and were more like carved openings. From the door to the left of the throne emerged a white face; a Unicorn with a white coat and violet hair. “Applesmith!” The white mare yelled gleefully as she pranced out of the room. “Oh my goodness it’s so good to know you’re okay!” Applesmith smiled and trotted over to her friend, where they met with a hug. “It’s good to see you too, Sugar.” “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be on the front defending against the new anonymous threat?” Sugar asked with a concerned look. “The front has been clear for days. What is this new threat I keep hearing about?” Applesmith asked, as an uneasy feeling formed in the pit of her stomach. “I thought for sure you'd have seen her by now. She was bound for Autumnfall, and that front line you control is the only way here.” The princess informed. “That citizen wasn't lying...” Applesmith said in a hushed tone. “There really is a new threat on the horizon isn’t there?” Sugar Belle opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted as a crash and rumble made her lose her balance. Sugar fell to her side, scrambling to get back to her hooves. Pieces of the ceiling of the Chapel fell and the whole place quaked. “What’s going on?!” Sugar finally managed to yell, looking at her friend. “I don’t know!” Applesmith tried to stand up, but the constant rumbling and quaking caused her to fall over again. “Applesmith! Look out!” The princess quickly shouted to Applesmith. Before she had a chance to turn around, Applesmith felt a sharp pain strike the back of her head; everything went black. Chapter 1 - The MarchApplesmith awoke and groaned slightly. She rubbed a hoof against the back of her head. She sat up slowly, letting pieces of her red mane fall in front of her face. She focused her eyes on her surroundings, noticing the beautiful sunlight pouring through the tree leaves and onto her delicate coat. Applesmith tried to remember what happened, shaking her head, but only remembering blackness and waking up in a strange, green forest. “I don’t seem to be in The Autumn Retreat anymore. It’s too warm,” whispered Applesmith as she tried to remember the past events leading up to this moment. The world seemed fuzzy through her flaming, amber eyes; her head was pounding at a constant beat, like the ticking of a clock in the silence of a dark and dusty room. “That’s because you’re not,” replied a strangely familiar voice, “you’re in the Everfree Woods. It’s safe here.” Applesmith quickly turned and stared at the mare resting by a tree a distance from her. She shook her head and commented back, “Grim? Grim Feather? Is that you?” Her voice quivered slightly from the shock of looking at her other dearest friend. The mare, wearing a black, hooded cloak, got up and turned toward Applesmith, her silver mane falling away from her eye patch and revealing her cocky smile. She had a sleek and tall figure, but not that of small and weak. She seemed swift, nimble, and fleet, as though no trickery or deceit could slide past her vigilant wits. “Listen, Applesmith” – Grim walked over to Applesmith quickly – “I’d love to sit here and catch up forever, but we’re running out of time.” “Can you at least explain to me what’s going on?” Applesmith asked while still trying to maintain her balance. Grim squinted her eyes unnoticeably at her friend, spotting blood slightly trickling down Applesmith’s head, “Come on, we’ll make for the Frozen Refuge; I’ll explain more there.” “But, Grim,” Applesmith started, “you’re a Pegasus. They’ll gut you if they see your wings.” “Have you forgotten that you’re the Knight-Commander working with one of the most cunning and daring Pegasi in Harmonium?” “That’s true… I’m sorry, I can’t really think straight.” Applesmith rubbed the back of her head once more. Grim Feather turned and made her way to her leather satchel that was laid against a tree. She attached it to her belt under her cloak, and turned back toward Applesmith. “Let’s hurry. We need to get there before nightfall,” Grim said, walking to her friend and grabbing her front leg lightly. “There’s much we must discuss.” Applesmith nodded as she stumbled around a bit, leaning against a tree to achieve balance. She shook her head and sat there a moment before pushing off the tree and staggering over to Grim. She silently panicked as they set off to the North toward Autumnfall territory again. ~~~~~ The Frozen Refuge was a cave, concealed by many boulders and rocks. The entrance to the bar inside was an iron plated door with a large piece of cut stone attached to the outside of it. It was considered a safe haven for a while, until it became a warm home for thugs, mercenaries, and bandits. “Nightveil Sparkle?” Applebloom repeated Grim. Grim Feather nodded as if to assure Applesmith she heard correct. “No one knows who this mare is. She just showed up and started terrorising villages, then towns, and then entire kingdoms.” Grim looked around carefully, making sure no one was listening. “She’s no joke or rumour, Applesmith. She has a damned army at her side.” Applesmith was a bit shocked. How was she not aware of this sooner? She is the Knight-Commander of the strongest and most elite military in the land after all. “So what do we do?” she asked quietly. Grim simply shook her head and thought a moment. “I really have no idea. We have no lead on her. All we have is a name; no background and no idea what she’s really planning.” Applesmith opened her mouth to say something but was quickly interrupted by a stallion with a blonde coat and mane, and brown eyes. “Excuse me, ladies,” he said quietly, “but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.” Grim didn’t turn her head or even look fazed. “So you were eavesdropping, eh?” Grim remarked in an almost agitated tone. “Oh, m-my apologies. Being the bartender, I hear a lot of news and rumours.” The stallion leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Nightveil. She’s a nasty one, she is. I’ve heard stuff about her. If you want, I could tell you all I’ve heard.” “What’s the catch, Bartender?” Applesmith asked. The bartender sat down. “If you are who say you are, Knight-Commander, then my only request is that you take her life and put an end to her march. I’d like to be able to rest without fear of waking up to her plucking out my eyes and incinerating me alive.” Applesmith looked over at Grim for a moment, then down at the table. Grim sat there like a statue, as though she were frozen in time and space. “Tell us everything you know, Bartender.” Applesmith said. “My name is Aurius Refinum.” He nodded and cleared his throat. “I don’t know where Nightveil came from; I don’t think anyone really knows. As you both know, she just showed up. But I have heard” – Aurius leaned forward and began to whisper – “that she’s after the artefacts.” “The artefacts?!” Applesmith shouted quietly, trying to whisper a scream. Her muzzle was nearly touching his. “Shhh.” Aurius looked around and nodded. “They’re supposed to be a myth. A legend. But Nightveil is certain they’re very real and plans to use their power to dominate and rule Harmonium.” “How does someone just appear out of nowhere, start burning villages, and announce they’re going to take over the largest country in the world?” Grim asked suddenly. Aurius shook his head and looked at the table. “I don’t know. I can’t believe it, myself.” Applesmith rubbed her head and groaned, “None of this makes sense. But one thing is clear: we must get rid of this ‘Nightveil Sparkle’.” Aurius got up from his seat. “That’s all I really know, right now. I apologise I couldn’t be of much greater use, but I hope my information was of some use.” Applesmith nodded and replied, “It answered a few questions, for sure.” She rubbed her head again. Aurius looked over at Grim a moment with a quizzical look, who looked over at him as well, then flicked his eyes back to Applesmith. “You’re hurt, aren’t you, Earth Pony?” Applesmith rubbed her head again. She had too much pride to quickly admit she was injured, but it was true. She could barely walk; she had to prop against Grim the whole journey there, she felt dizzy, and her head has been hurting. “Perhaps only a bit.” She managed to say. “I think you need some rest.” Aurius told her. “You can stay here as long you like; I’ll pay for your rooms.” “N-no I couldn’t possibly let you-” “Please. I want to be of as much use to you as I can be. And you’re injured and need rest for a while.” Aurius started to walk back behind the bar counter. “Wait.” Applesmith demanded. “My name is Applesmith, and this is Grim. Thank you very much for your kindness.” Aurius simply turned his head and smiled at them, then made his way back to his station, where his assistant had been carrying out orders. “You’re putting a lot of trust in him, Applesmith.” Grim said quietly. Applesmith rubbed her head slightly. “There’s something about him that seems sincere.” Grim Feather looked down, replaying all that she had heard today. “Come on, let’s go get a key for a room and get some sleep. We still need to find Sugar and figure out how to stop this.” Applesmith nodded, holding her hoof to her aching head. ~~~~~ The candlelight burned away the white wax as Applesmith stared into it, hypnotised. Her mind was racing which only made her head feel worse. For the first time in a decade, she felt terrified. Her mesmerisation was broken by a sudden knocking on the door. Grim, who was propped against the wall across from the wooden door, became cautiously alert. “You may enter.” Applesmith said toward the door. It creaked open and Aurius poked his head in. “My sincerest apologies, friends, for the disturbance,” he began, “but I fear I must inform you: Nightveil has attacked and taken Earthenvale.” Applesmith felt her heart stop for a moment. Earthenvale was the second largest kingdom in Harmonium. And it was also her hometown, where her mother still lived. “Th-thank you for the information.” Aurius nodded and left, closing the creaky door behind him. Applesmith felt tears welling up, but she pushed them back as hard as she could. She rolled over in her bed. Grim remained propped against the wall on the floor, looking up at her friend. “I’m sure she’s alright, Smith. She’s a tough pony, just like you.” Applesmith rolled back over, facing Grim, looking at her face in the dim candlelight. “I sure hope you’re right.” She blew out the candle and closed her eyes, trying to avoid the thought of her hometown, Earthenvale. But all she could think about was how to kill Nightveil. ~~~~~ The air was cold, the trees were rustling, and the moon was illuminating the world. It seemed almost as if all life had fallen into a deep sleep. Sugar Belle rested against a large rock, staring up at the moon and the stars. Her expression was somewhat blank, but almost pensive. “I wonder if they’re watching us.” She murmured to herself. Sugar was always the optimist. Even after her kingdom had fallen, her mind was set on other things. She was certain she and her friends could end Nightveil’s tyranny in time. But it was nothing she should let bring her mood down. “I like this rock.” She spoke aloud. She climbed atop the small boulder, curled up, and fell asleep. Chapter 2 - Restless NightsSugar awoke to the sound of nearby galloping. She lifted her head and looked off in the distance with a drowsy expression. Her vision was slightly blurry and she felt unbalanced. “What the Pegasus feathers is going on?” She saw a stallion – an Earth pony – who appeared to have a brown coat running in a panic down the path that led her way. And two armed ponies were following him, dressed in brown cloaks, Marauders’ cloaks. They were cackling and laughing as they were slowly catching up to him. “Help! Anyone!” He shouted. Sugar knew those two armed ponies had no good intentions. “Gut him good, Icarus.” One of the bandits laughed. The one called Icarus was clearly faster than the fleeing stallion. He lunged forward and tackled him. “No! Please don’t!” The fleeing stallion shouted. “You’re out mugging defenceless ponies while there’s a war going on? Now that’s just not very nice.” Sugar appeared beside Icarus in a white flash and shoved him off. “An’ who’s dis whore mare?” Icarus snapped in a rage. “Ichor, don’t jus’ stand there! Kill ‘er!” Sugar sighed, “I’m missing out on dream time because of you fruit pies.” She turned her head and quickly bucked Ichor in the jaw, which sent his body tumbling back and left him unconscious. “Talk about not very nice. Oo’ are you?” Icarus asked, irritated. Sugar shook and hung her head at his thick accent, Marauders. “I’m the whore mare, remember? Perhaps you should simply gather your companion and retreat.” Sugar Belle giggled and smiled at the stallion before her. “I ain’t runnin’ from no fight, and I ain’t takin’ no advice from some prissy Unicorn.” “Then let’s dance, shall we?” “My pleasure.” Icarus removed his cloak, throwing it aside, and unfolded his wings. Using his wings, he lunged forward swiftly, and Sugar had little time to react. A Pegasus, eh? Sugar thought as she ducked under Icarus’s first strike. She moved forward and turned, bucking at Icarus. Icarus moved under her hind legs and ram into her from underneath, making her tumble onto her back. “I ain’t as weak as Ichor.” Icarus took his dagger in his mouth and struck down toward Sugar, aiming for her neck. “Not quick enough, handsome!” Sugar said cheerfully as she vanished. “All you Unicorns are weak an’ cowardice! Why can’t you just die like the rest o’ ya?” Icarus shouted, looking around frantically. “Peek-a-boo.” Sugar teasingly said behind her opponent. She rammed him and pushed him to the ground, knocking his weapon away and quickly getting on top of him. “I win.” She announced, giggling and smiling. “Let me up! I’ll ‘ave yer ‘ead!” Icarus struggled to get up, but to his surprise, Sugar was unmoved and stronger than he was. “Please don’t make me really hurt you…” Sugar said sadly. She pinned his front legs down and stared him in the eyes. Through Icarus’s violent expression, she could see the pain of defeat in those glossed over eyes of his. He eventually stopped struggling and shifted his eyes to the side. “Just kill me already, ya crazy whore.” “Kill you? Oh, no, I couldn’t! That’s such an awful thing to do to someone.” Sugar frowned and her eyes became glassy. “Everyone has someone who cares about them. If I killed someone, someone else would surely feel terrible.” Icarus laughed loudly for a few seconds. “Listen, nobody ever cared about me. Why do ya think I do what I do? To give back t’ the world what it gave t’ me.” “I care about you. I care about everybody. I hate wars, and death, and pain.” Sugar put her hooves on Icarus’s cheeks and pushed on them playfully. “I can tell you hate losing. But I can tell you that hurting other ponies because you’re angry at the world is not going to solve anything.” “Just shut up already. I get it. I’m a bad pony.” Icarus pushed Sugar off of him. “I’m sorry, but I’m not noble an’ good like you.” He walked over to Ichor and scooped him up onto his back. Sugar backed up beside the stallion who was on the ground in terror. She bumped him softly with her hoof. The stallion looked up at the pony with the pure ivory coat and oceanic blue eyes, and saw her smiling down at him. Icarus threw on his cloak, turned to look at Sugar a moment, and then galloped away into the night. He quickly vanished into the mist. “Th-thank you for saving me. I owe you my life.” The stallion said to Sugar. “Pfft don’t worry about it.” Sugar said, holding her hoof out to help him up. Her eyes met his immediately and noticed his blue eyes; almost the same shade as hers. “My name is Sugar Belle. What may I call you, Sir?” “You may call me Joseph. Farmer Joseph.” He replied as he nodded. Sugar grinned and trotted off toward the rock she had been sleeping on. “Come on Joseph, stay with me a while.” Joseph followed behind her slowly. When Sugar reached the small boulder she was at moments ago, she quickly hopped onto it. “Ya see this rock?” she asked Joseph with a quaint smile. “Uh, yes?” Joseph answered, a bit confused. “Isn’t it a nice rock?” Joseph scanned the boulder. It just seemed like an ordinary boulder to him, “I suppose…” He rubbed his head and looked at her, who only looked back at him with a gentle expression. “So where were you going?” She finally asked. She laid herself sprawled across the top of the boulder. She propped her head up on her hooves as she awaited the answer. “Well, I was making my way to Earthenvale from a little village to the west called Spring Hills.” He sat down and continued his story. “But when I arrived to Earthenvale, it had been destroyed! There was no sign of life to be found. By the time I had arrived it was almost nightfall. When night came, I was halfway home, and then those bandits ambushed me and chased me into you, who so valiantly saved my life.” “Aww, it was nothing really. I don’t like seeing ponies get hurt, and I knew those nasty bandits were going to do terrible things to you,” Sugar sighed. “I simply had to intervene.” The two ponies sat around for quite a while and conversed about many different things. They talked about the stars. They talked about the trees. They even talked about each other and themselves. Sugar just simply wanted the poor stallion to feel at ease again. “It’s getting really late. Would like for me to walk you home, Joseph?” Sugar hopped down off the boulder and leaned toward him, tilting her head. “Wouldn’t want you to get hurt.” Joseph smiled and replied, “That would be very generous of you. Are you sure it isn’t too much trouble?” Sugar Belle put a hoof up. “It’s no trouble at all, Friend.” She began down the road and looked behind her at Joseph following her. “Make haste. You need rest, and you’re not getting home any faster by being a turtle.” Joseph laughed. If there was anything he had learned from their meeting, it’s that his new Unicorn friend was a bit eccentric. But he had also never experienced kindness from another pony as grand as hers. He tailed slightly behind her, watching her steps, her joyous trot, the way her hair bounced. Was this pony mad? Was she psychotic? Or perhaps, as he thought earlier, she was just a bit eccentric. These thoughts raced through his mind as he reflected back on her point earlier. There’s a war going on, and many ponies are losing their homes, getting separated from family, seeing loved ones die, or dying themselves. The whispers being passed like terse love notes between students only became louder with each passing day. Most ponies are terrified and praying to their gods. But Sugar Belle? She struts along smiling and spreading strange metaphors. Was she mad? Was she psychotic? No, it wasn’t that. Perhaps she was confident in a victory against Nightveil’s tyranny. Or maybe she was just so optimistic that she never felt fear or sorrow. “You sure are quiet all of a sudden.” Sugar broke the silence. “Oh, er, my apologies,” Joseph said quickly, “I guess I’m just tired and thinking.” Sugar nodded and smiled, “It’s okay. Are you feeling any better?” Joseph continued walking behind her, watching her steps, her joyous trot, the way her hair bounces. Then, his eyes met with hers; she had come to a halt so suddenly. Though, her smile never faded. “Yes,” Joseph said, grinning wider than ever before, “I feel so much better.” And he did. He felt more comfortable and safe than he ever had. And it was all thanks to Sugar, even if she was a bit strange. ~~~~~ Applesmith tossed and turned in her bed, unable to fall asleep. Her mind was racing, and her thoughts were rampant. She was thinking about a lot, and it kept her awake. Applesmith was worrying about Sugar Belle, about her mother, about her home in Earthenvale. She had planned to visit her mother in Earthenvale after her visit in Autumnfall; however, she did not expect to wake up in the woods and go to sleep in a shady inn of thugs and refugees. I really need some fresh air, Applesmith thought as she sat up in her bed quietly, but I don’t want Grim worried about me if she awakens. Applesmith squinted her eyes in the darkness, the void that stole the light from her begging eyes. She looked in Grim’s direction and could barely make out her shape. She wondered if Grim’s as restless this night as she was. Applesmith slid herself to the edge of the old wooden bed. She sat upright and moved her hind legs over the side, being as careful and quiet as she could possibly be. In her head, she laughed. It was ironic that she was attempting to be stealthier than the master of assassins. She touched her hooves to the wooden floorboards quietly, making soft clack. She lowered her upper half slowly, and touched one of her front hooves down first. Then she lowered the other. Applesmith walked cautiously and silently toward the door, putting more and more distance between her and Grim. Her heart was pounding harder and louder as she drew closer to the door, each step met with a tiny click and a clack. She had almost considered lying on her back and pulling herself to the door with her teeth. Applesmith finally bumped her muzzle into the door. She grabbed the handle and pulled it open. As it began to open, it let out the most ear wrenching and howling creak she had ever heard. She quickly turned her head and looked in Grim’s direction. She could still hear soft snores. The door was half open now, a space just big enough for her to slip through. Applesmith pushed her head through the gap and slipped the rest of her body through like a snake. She reached back and closed the door shut quietly. “Whew!” She sighed as she made her way downstairs. Many stallions, mares, griffons, and even dragons were downstairs, playing drinking games and gambling. Aurius was still behind the bar, but with a new assistant. Applesmith assumed the one from before had gone home. Aurius noticed Applesmith, made a gesture to his assistant, and walked over to her. “Hello, again.” “Hello, Aurius.” Applesmith replied, looking over at him. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping? It’s only been about three hours.” Aurius gave Applesmith a concerned look. “How is your head?” “It actually feels much better. At least compared to earlier.” “Why exactly did you come down?” “I couldn’t sleep. I have too much on my mind,” Applesmith said as she sat down at a nearby table and propped her head up on her hoof. “Would you like a drink?” Aurius came to her side. “I would love one, but I’m afraid I lost my saddle bag when Autumnfall was assaulted.” Applesmith’s eyes dropped and pinned the table. “Skydust!” Aurius called back in the direction of his assistant, who quickly turned to the name being called. “I need a Harmonium Honey Dew brew over here.” Applesmith lifted her head and perked her ears. “But I–” “It’s on me, Knight-Commander,” Aurius said. “Harmonium Honey Dew is one of the finest drinks in the country. It’ll have you feeling better in no time.” Skydust came over with a tray in her mouth, carrying the glass filled with the amber coloured liquid. It had thick foam over the top of it, which, upon being laid on the table, quickly began to dissolve and soon was gone completely. Applesmith slipped her hoof in the handle on the side of the wooden mug. She brought it to her lips and took a sip of it. She quickly bit her bottom lip and shivered at the bitter taste of alcohol, but melted at the sweet, succulent flavour of what she thought tasted like honey. Soon she was taking bigger sips. The cringes at the bitterness became less and less as she got used to it. It wasn’t long before the mug was completely empty. “I really needed that,” Applesmith told Aurius in a delighted tone. “It’s been some time since I was privileged to relax to some spirits.” Aurius had been sitting there the whole time watching Applesmith drink down such an alcoholic beverage at such an alarming rate. To his surprise, she didn’t even appear tipsy. She was, however, relaxed. “I’m glad you’re feeling better, Applesmith. I’m actually quite shocked you’re not even a little wobbly,” Aurius laughed. Applesmith giggled and got up from her chair. “I’m going to step outside for a bit. I need some fresh air.” Aurius nodded. “Don’t be out too long. You need your rest.” Applesmith trotted over to the door and stepped outside. She walked forward to a tall, pointed rock by the entrance of the bar. She stayed relatively well hidden behind it. It was chilly out, the breeze was soft, and the moon was a luminescent, ivory coin in the night sky. A night like that was so rare to come by since all the wars broke loose twenty years ago. Applesmith looked out across from the Frozen Refuge, where a road and some woods were. She didn’t notice at first, but at a second glance, she saw the silhouettes of two ponies walking along the road. One was a Unicorn and the other was an Earth pony. She tried looking closer, but all she could make out was the Unicorn’s white coat and the Earth pony’s darker, brown coat. She rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Probably just a couple of lovers taking a stroll,” she said, half-awake. She turned and went back inside as they passed by. ~~~~~ I wonder, Grim thought as she sat against the wall of the room she was staying in, if we’re ready… Applesmith didn’t know it, but Grim had been pretending to be asleep. She had been thinking rather hard on the task before them. Grim was never one to doubt herself and her abilities, but then again, she was never faced with something that she felt she couldn’t handle. It had been only a short amount of time since Applesmith had been gone. Grim wasn’t about to go looking for her just yet. Applesmith could handle herself for a while, but any longer than a “while” was the cue for reinforcement. Grim simply sat there, propped against the corner of the wall, wrapped up like a cocoon in her cloak, watching the door beneath the shroud of shadows. How long would she have to wait? Her patience was strong, but would she have to leave and rescue her friend? She felt it was about time to set out on a quest. Grim shuffled around in her cloak, preparing to get up. But, the door opened, creaked ajar actually, and Grim stopped moving. Applesmith stumbled in sleepily, closing the door with her back leg as she entered. She soon crashed on the bed and comfortably wrapped herself in the blankets. Grim Feather was almost irritated. But relieved her friend was safe. Damn. I was looking forward to a late night adventure, Grim thought. Maybe I’ll dream of one. ~~~~~ “Rise and shine, ladies!” The door to Grim and Applesmith’s room flew open and banged loudly against the wall. Aurius stepped in, “We have trouble.”
Prologue - SurpriseThe darkened, grey clouds scattered across the sky, keeping the sun’s presence locked away behind a shroud of cotton. The forests were especially beautiful during this season; specifically the woods surrounding the magnificent kingdom of Autumnfall. The snow carpeting the floors of the woods was so abstract to the rest of the colours of the trees. The amber and maple, red and orange colours of the trees were so breath-taking to pony eyes. It added flavour to the dark and dreary times of the country. The sound of trotting and galloping could be heard from afar, but there was a particular trot that was nearing the edge of the Autumnfall Woods. An dark-yellow coated mare wearing silver-plated armour. Her mane was a bright red colour, resembling that of a glowing and juicy apple, and her eyes were a blazing amber. “Ah, there are the walls of safety I know and love.” The orange earth pony stated with much relief as the towering aged and teal walls of the kingdom touched the sky and peaked over even the tallest trees in Autumnfall Woods. The kingdom of Autumnfall was the largest and most notorious kingdom in all of Harmonium. Its quick expansion and flawless economics were the reasons for its popularity. The only problem was that it was mostly only a kingdom of Unicorns and for Unicorns – of course anypony but a Pegasus was allowed to visit or live there, given they had the wealth and status. The orange pony trotted along the path through the woods, nearing the walls of Autumnfall. The teal stone that constructed the walls she was approaching was a special kind of material. Ironically, it resisted magic and was strong enough to withstand a beating. It was rather astonishing to see an entire kingdom surrounded by such a rare stone, but it was the benefit of having a princess of the Belle dynasty. The princess of Autumnfall was known as Princess Belle, and her name echoed across the entire country. All the ponies – and even the dragons and griffons – knew the name Belle. Only a select few ponies, however, knew her real name was Sugar Belle, and that she was close with her military commander and leader of their secret organisation. They’ve been best friends since fillyhood. The mysterious pony trotting nonchalantly toward the walls of Autumnfall was none other than Knight-Commander Applesmith, commander of the Autumnfallian military. She was also one of the best friends of Sugar Belle, and was on her way to see her fillyhood friend. ~~~~~ Applesmith approached the gate, guarded by two grey stallions; both were Unicorns. They were equipped with shining bronze and amber armour, the breastplate bejewelled with an amber gemstone resembling an embossed triangle, almost like a slightly raised pyramid. Their manes pushed through the top of the helm and their tails did the same through the back of the body armour, which also veiled their cutie marks. They wore bronze, metal shoes on their hooves with a simple design. “Hail guardscolts!” Applesmith greeted them as she approached. “Hail, Knight-Commander. Here to visit thine princess, I assume?” The guard to her right inquired. “Aye, sir. 'Tis been too long since I’ve seen my friend. I bet she's in a sea of papers, nonetheless!” Applesmith rolled her eyes and laughed. She always hated this charade of formality she had to put on for guards. The guards elicited a laugh as well as the same guard spoke, “And not just important paperwork either. That mare hath a passion for the written arts!” “Always has she.” Applesmith smiled. The guards opened the gates for Applesmith, “Have a fine afternoon, Knight-Commander.” “You too, guardscolts!” Applesmith spoke as she trotted through to the other side of the walls. The gates closed behind her as she emerged into a vast kingdom. The voices of many crowds of ponies could be heard all about the city, and the crunching of snow under their hooves came from all directions. The hustle and bustle of the great kingdom felt welcoming for the Knight-Commander. "Ugh. Thank the stars that's over with." Applesmith drooped her head in frustration, then raised her head to look around. There were buildings everywhere, some breaching the skies and others just big enough for a small family of ponies. While the sky was gloomy and colours lacking, the kingdom was rather bright and beautiful. The ponies were all laughing and smiling, and no poverty in sight. The Chapel, the largest building in Autumnfall, is where the princess would be. And conveniently, it could be spotted from anywhere in the kingdom, due to its towering size. Although the Chapel was simple to find, Applesmith could find it blindfolded; she knew the kingdom like the back of her hoof. Before Applesmith had much of a chance to start what she had hoped to be a simple trip, a Unicorn mare strolled up to her with a posh demeanour and unimpressed look on her face. She had a chestnut mane and a bronze coat colour. “Well, well, it seems a soldier has come to visit this fair kingdom.” The pony flicked her mane to the side as she spoke. Applesmith hesitate a moment,“Euh, yeah. I am here to visit the princess,” she replied with brevity. “The princess, you say? My, what an important pony you are,” the Unicorn replied with yet another brash comment, but with slightly more severity. "And just why are you so special?" Applesmith couldn’t help but recoil slightly at the comment this time. “Well, firstly, I am Knight-Commander Applesmith, and secondly, Princess Belle happens to be a dear friend of mine.” The Unicorn simply scoffed. “Hah! Knight-Commander Applesmith you say? Shouldn’t you be on the front, then?” Applesmith raised a brow and returned the unimpressed looks. “Normally, I should be, but we are on the verge of victory and I am on a break while my second in command takes over in my absence.” “Yes, but the war isn’t over yet. Haven’t you heard?” The Unicorn questioned with confidence. “A new threat is on the horizon. She threatens to take all of Harmonium.” Applesmith only laughed. “Just another vigilante with a head full of air, my friend. I’m sure she will easily be brought to justice once we clear things up.” “Oh no, it’s much more than that, Commander. She’s already made assaults on small villages, and she has an army behind her.” The Unicorn mare informed boldly. “You’d best make this visit brief and get back to the front before she is on our doorstep.” “I assure you that it’s nothing, but it sounds urgent enough for my attention.” Applesmith said calmly. “Now if you’ll excuse me, kind mare, I have a friend to visit.” Applesmith smiled and turned away, trotting off toward the Chapel tower. Applesmith tried not to think about what she had just heard too much. It was likely just some crazy pony thinking they can take on the world. Still, it annoyed her that she seemed to never be able to get a break. It didn’t matter though, she was behind the safety of the walls of Autumnfall and that’s what did matter. ~~~~~ Upon approaching the Chapel, Applesmith began to feel a bit uneasy. She wasn’t sure why, but the scenario seemed off. She tried to shake it, but it seemed that what the Unicorn said earlier was tearing away at her. “I have to stop letting that get to me,” Applesmith mumbled to herself. “Everything is going to be fine.” She strolled carefully into the Chapel, where she spotted the throne at the far end of the room; however it was missing a princess. “Pfft. Figures,” The Knight-Commander said as she rolled her eyes. On either side of the throne was a room. The doorways into the rooms lacked a door, and were more like carved openings. From the door to the left of the throne emerged a white face; a Unicorn with a white coat and violet hair. “Applesmith!” The white mare yelled gleefully as she pranced out of the room. “Oh my goodness it’s so good to know you’re okay!” Applesmith smiled and trotted over to her friend, where they met with a hug. “It’s good to see you too, Sugar.” “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be on the front defending against the new anonymous threat?” Sugar asked with a concerned look. “The front has been clear for days. What is this new threat I keep hearing about?” Applesmith asked, as an uneasy feeling formed in the pit of her stomach. “I thought for sure you'd have seen her by now. She was bound for Autumnfall, and that front line you control is the only way here.” The princess informed. “That citizen wasn't lying...” Applesmith said in a hushed tone. “There really is a new threat on the horizon isn’t there?” Sugar Belle opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted as a crash and rumble made her lose her balance. Sugar fell to her side, scrambling to get back to her hooves. Pieces of the ceiling of the Chapel fell and the whole place quaked. “What’s going on?!” Sugar finally managed to yell, looking at her friend. “I don’t know!” Applesmith tried to stand up, but the constant rumbling and quaking caused her to fall over again. “Applesmith! Look out!” The princess quickly shouted to Applesmith. Before she had a chance to turn around, Applesmith felt a sharp pain strike the back of her head; everything went black.
Chapter 1 - The MarchApplesmith awoke and groaned slightly. She rubbed a hoof against the back of her head. She sat up slowly, letting pieces of her red mane fall in front of her face. She focused her eyes on her surroundings, noticing the beautiful sunlight pouring through the tree leaves and onto her delicate coat. Applesmith tried to remember what happened, shaking her head, but only remembering blackness and waking up in a strange, green forest. “I don’t seem to be in The Autumn Retreat anymore. It’s too warm,” whispered Applesmith as she tried to remember the past events leading up to this moment. The world seemed fuzzy through her flaming, amber eyes; her head was pounding at a constant beat, like the ticking of a clock in the silence of a dark and dusty room. “That’s because you’re not,” replied a strangely familiar voice, “you’re in the Everfree Woods. It’s safe here.” Applesmith quickly turned and stared at the mare resting by a tree a distance from her. She shook her head and commented back, “Grim? Grim Feather? Is that you?” Her voice quivered slightly from the shock of looking at her other dearest friend. The mare, wearing a black, hooded cloak, got up and turned toward Applesmith, her silver mane falling away from her eye patch and revealing her cocky smile. She had a sleek and tall figure, but not that of small and weak. She seemed swift, nimble, and fleet, as though no trickery or deceit could slide past her vigilant wits. “Listen, Applesmith” – Grim walked over to Applesmith quickly – “I’d love to sit here and catch up forever, but we’re running out of time.” “Can you at least explain to me what’s going on?” Applesmith asked while still trying to maintain her balance. Grim squinted her eyes unnoticeably at her friend, spotting blood slightly trickling down Applesmith’s head, “Come on, we’ll make for the Frozen Refuge; I’ll explain more there.” “But, Grim,” Applesmith started, “you’re a Pegasus. They’ll gut you if they see your wings.” “Have you forgotten that you’re the Knight-Commander working with one of the most cunning and daring Pegasi in Harmonium?” “That’s true… I’m sorry, I can’t really think straight.” Applesmith rubbed the back of her head once more. Grim Feather turned and made her way to her leather satchel that was laid against a tree. She attached it to her belt under her cloak, and turned back toward Applesmith. “Let’s hurry. We need to get there before nightfall,” Grim said, walking to her friend and grabbing her front leg lightly. “There’s much we must discuss.” Applesmith nodded as she stumbled around a bit, leaning against a tree to achieve balance. She shook her head and sat there a moment before pushing off the tree and staggering over to Grim. She silently panicked as they set off to the North toward Autumnfall territory again. ~~~~~ The Frozen Refuge was a cave, concealed by many boulders and rocks. The entrance to the bar inside was an iron plated door with a large piece of cut stone attached to the outside of it. It was considered a safe haven for a while, until it became a warm home for thugs, mercenaries, and bandits. “Nightveil Sparkle?” Applebloom repeated Grim. Grim Feather nodded as if to assure Applesmith she heard correct. “No one knows who this mare is. She just showed up and started terrorising villages, then towns, and then entire kingdoms.” Grim looked around carefully, making sure no one was listening. “She’s no joke or rumour, Applesmith. She has a damned army at her side.” Applesmith was a bit shocked. How was she not aware of this sooner? She is the Knight-Commander of the strongest and most elite military in the land after all. “So what do we do?” she asked quietly. Grim simply shook her head and thought a moment. “I really have no idea. We have no lead on her. All we have is a name; no background and no idea what she’s really planning.” Applesmith opened her mouth to say something but was quickly interrupted by a stallion with a blonde coat and mane, and brown eyes. “Excuse me, ladies,” he said quietly, “but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.” Grim didn’t turn her head or even look fazed. “So you were eavesdropping, eh?” Grim remarked in an almost agitated tone. “Oh, m-my apologies. Being the bartender, I hear a lot of news and rumours.” The stallion leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Nightveil. She’s a nasty one, she is. I’ve heard stuff about her. If you want, I could tell you all I’ve heard.” “What’s the catch, Bartender?” Applesmith asked. The bartender sat down. “If you are who say you are, Knight-Commander, then my only request is that you take her life and put an end to her march. I’d like to be able to rest without fear of waking up to her plucking out my eyes and incinerating me alive.” Applesmith looked over at Grim for a moment, then down at the table. Grim sat there like a statue, as though she were frozen in time and space. “Tell us everything you know, Bartender.” Applesmith said. “My name is Aurius Refinum.” He nodded and cleared his throat. “I don’t know where Nightveil came from; I don’t think anyone really knows. As you both know, she just showed up. But I have heard” – Aurius leaned forward and began to whisper – “that she’s after the artefacts.” “The artefacts?!” Applesmith shouted quietly, trying to whisper a scream. Her muzzle was nearly touching his. “Shhh.” Aurius looked around and nodded. “They’re supposed to be a myth. A legend. But Nightveil is certain they’re very real and plans to use their power to dominate and rule Harmonium.” “How does someone just appear out of nowhere, start burning villages, and announce they’re going to take over the largest country in the world?” Grim asked suddenly. Aurius shook his head and looked at the table. “I don’t know. I can’t believe it, myself.” Applesmith rubbed her head and groaned, “None of this makes sense. But one thing is clear: we must get rid of this ‘Nightveil Sparkle’.” Aurius got up from his seat. “That’s all I really know, right now. I apologise I couldn’t be of much greater use, but I hope my information was of some use.” Applesmith nodded and replied, “It answered a few questions, for sure.” She rubbed her head again. Aurius looked over at Grim a moment with a quizzical look, who looked over at him as well, then flicked his eyes back to Applesmith. “You’re hurt, aren’t you, Earth Pony?” Applesmith rubbed her head again. She had too much pride to quickly admit she was injured, but it was true. She could barely walk; she had to prop against Grim the whole journey there, she felt dizzy, and her head has been hurting. “Perhaps only a bit.” She managed to say. “I think you need some rest.” Aurius told her. “You can stay here as long you like; I’ll pay for your rooms.” “N-no I couldn’t possibly let you-” “Please. I want to be of as much use to you as I can be. And you’re injured and need rest for a while.” Aurius started to walk back behind the bar counter. “Wait.” Applesmith demanded. “My name is Applesmith, and this is Grim. Thank you very much for your kindness.” Aurius simply turned his head and smiled at them, then made his way back to his station, where his assistant had been carrying out orders. “You’re putting a lot of trust in him, Applesmith.” Grim said quietly. Applesmith rubbed her head slightly. “There’s something about him that seems sincere.” Grim Feather looked down, replaying all that she had heard today. “Come on, let’s go get a key for a room and get some sleep. We still need to find Sugar and figure out how to stop this.” Applesmith nodded, holding her hoof to her aching head. ~~~~~ The candlelight burned away the white wax as Applesmith stared into it, hypnotised. Her mind was racing which only made her head feel worse. For the first time in a decade, she felt terrified. Her mesmerisation was broken by a sudden knocking on the door. Grim, who was propped against the wall across from the wooden door, became cautiously alert. “You may enter.” Applesmith said toward the door. It creaked open and Aurius poked his head in. “My sincerest apologies, friends, for the disturbance,” he began, “but I fear I must inform you: Nightveil has attacked and taken Earthenvale.” Applesmith felt her heart stop for a moment. Earthenvale was the second largest kingdom in Harmonium. And it was also her hometown, where her mother still lived. “Th-thank you for the information.” Aurius nodded and left, closing the creaky door behind him. Applesmith felt tears welling up, but she pushed them back as hard as she could. She rolled over in her bed. Grim remained propped against the wall on the floor, looking up at her friend. “I’m sure she’s alright, Smith. She’s a tough pony, just like you.” Applesmith rolled back over, facing Grim, looking at her face in the dim candlelight. “I sure hope you’re right.” She blew out the candle and closed her eyes, trying to avoid the thought of her hometown, Earthenvale. But all she could think about was how to kill Nightveil. ~~~~~ The air was cold, the trees were rustling, and the moon was illuminating the world. It seemed almost as if all life had fallen into a deep sleep. Sugar Belle rested against a large rock, staring up at the moon and the stars. Her expression was somewhat blank, but almost pensive. “I wonder if they’re watching us.” She murmured to herself. Sugar was always the optimist. Even after her kingdom had fallen, her mind was set on other things. She was certain she and her friends could end Nightveil’s tyranny in time. But it was nothing she should let bring her mood down. “I like this rock.” She spoke aloud. She climbed atop the small boulder, curled up, and fell asleep.
Chapter 2 - Restless NightsSugar awoke to the sound of nearby galloping. She lifted her head and looked off in the distance with a drowsy expression. Her vision was slightly blurry and she felt unbalanced. “What the Pegasus feathers is going on?” She saw a stallion – an Earth pony – who appeared to have a brown coat running in a panic down the path that led her way. And two armed ponies were following him, dressed in brown cloaks, Marauders’ cloaks. They were cackling and laughing as they were slowly catching up to him. “Help! Anyone!” He shouted. Sugar knew those two armed ponies had no good intentions. “Gut him good, Icarus.” One of the bandits laughed. The one called Icarus was clearly faster than the fleeing stallion. He lunged forward and tackled him. “No! Please don’t!” The fleeing stallion shouted. “You’re out mugging defenceless ponies while there’s a war going on? Now that’s just not very nice.” Sugar appeared beside Icarus in a white flash and shoved him off. “An’ who’s dis whore mare?” Icarus snapped in a rage. “Ichor, don’t jus’ stand there! Kill ‘er!” Sugar sighed, “I’m missing out on dream time because of you fruit pies.” She turned her head and quickly bucked Ichor in the jaw, which sent his body tumbling back and left him unconscious. “Talk about not very nice. Oo’ are you?” Icarus asked, irritated. Sugar shook and hung her head at his thick accent, Marauders. “I’m the whore mare, remember? Perhaps you should simply gather your companion and retreat.” Sugar Belle giggled and smiled at the stallion before her. “I ain’t runnin’ from no fight, and I ain’t takin’ no advice from some prissy Unicorn.” “Then let’s dance, shall we?” “My pleasure.” Icarus removed his cloak, throwing it aside, and unfolded his wings. Using his wings, he lunged forward swiftly, and Sugar had little time to react. A Pegasus, eh? Sugar thought as she ducked under Icarus’s first strike. She moved forward and turned, bucking at Icarus. Icarus moved under her hind legs and ram into her from underneath, making her tumble onto her back. “I ain’t as weak as Ichor.” Icarus took his dagger in his mouth and struck down toward Sugar, aiming for her neck. “Not quick enough, handsome!” Sugar said cheerfully as she vanished. “All you Unicorns are weak an’ cowardice! Why can’t you just die like the rest o’ ya?” Icarus shouted, looking around frantically. “Peek-a-boo.” Sugar teasingly said behind her opponent. She rammed him and pushed him to the ground, knocking his weapon away and quickly getting on top of him. “I win.” She announced, giggling and smiling. “Let me up! I’ll ‘ave yer ‘ead!” Icarus struggled to get up, but to his surprise, Sugar was unmoved and stronger than he was. “Please don’t make me really hurt you…” Sugar said sadly. She pinned his front legs down and stared him in the eyes. Through Icarus’s violent expression, she could see the pain of defeat in those glossed over eyes of his. He eventually stopped struggling and shifted his eyes to the side. “Just kill me already, ya crazy whore.” “Kill you? Oh, no, I couldn’t! That’s such an awful thing to do to someone.” Sugar frowned and her eyes became glassy. “Everyone has someone who cares about them. If I killed someone, someone else would surely feel terrible.” Icarus laughed loudly for a few seconds. “Listen, nobody ever cared about me. Why do ya think I do what I do? To give back t’ the world what it gave t’ me.” “I care about you. I care about everybody. I hate wars, and death, and pain.” Sugar put her hooves on Icarus’s cheeks and pushed on them playfully. “I can tell you hate losing. But I can tell you that hurting other ponies because you’re angry at the world is not going to solve anything.” “Just shut up already. I get it. I’m a bad pony.” Icarus pushed Sugar off of him. “I’m sorry, but I’m not noble an’ good like you.” He walked over to Ichor and scooped him up onto his back. Sugar backed up beside the stallion who was on the ground in terror. She bumped him softly with her hoof. The stallion looked up at the pony with the pure ivory coat and oceanic blue eyes, and saw her smiling down at him. Icarus threw on his cloak, turned to look at Sugar a moment, and then galloped away into the night. He quickly vanished into the mist. “Th-thank you for saving me. I owe you my life.” The stallion said to Sugar. “Pfft don’t worry about it.” Sugar said, holding her hoof out to help him up. Her eyes met his immediately and noticed his blue eyes; almost the same shade as hers. “My name is Sugar Belle. What may I call you, Sir?” “You may call me Joseph. Farmer Joseph.” He replied as he nodded. Sugar grinned and trotted off toward the rock she had been sleeping on. “Come on Joseph, stay with me a while.” Joseph followed behind her slowly. When Sugar reached the small boulder she was at moments ago, she quickly hopped onto it. “Ya see this rock?” she asked Joseph with a quaint smile. “Uh, yes?” Joseph answered, a bit confused. “Isn’t it a nice rock?” Joseph scanned the boulder. It just seemed like an ordinary boulder to him, “I suppose…” He rubbed his head and looked at her, who only looked back at him with a gentle expression. “So where were you going?” She finally asked. She laid herself sprawled across the top of the boulder. She propped her head up on her hooves as she awaited the answer. “Well, I was making my way to Earthenvale from a little village to the west called Spring Hills.” He sat down and continued his story. “But when I arrived to Earthenvale, it had been destroyed! There was no sign of life to be found. By the time I had arrived it was almost nightfall. When night came, I was halfway home, and then those bandits ambushed me and chased me into you, who so valiantly saved my life.” “Aww, it was nothing really. I don’t like seeing ponies get hurt, and I knew those nasty bandits were going to do terrible things to you,” Sugar sighed. “I simply had to intervene.” The two ponies sat around for quite a while and conversed about many different things. They talked about the stars. They talked about the trees. They even talked about each other and themselves. Sugar just simply wanted the poor stallion to feel at ease again. “It’s getting really late. Would like for me to walk you home, Joseph?” Sugar hopped down off the boulder and leaned toward him, tilting her head. “Wouldn’t want you to get hurt.” Joseph smiled and replied, “That would be very generous of you. Are you sure it isn’t too much trouble?” Sugar Belle put a hoof up. “It’s no trouble at all, Friend.” She began down the road and looked behind her at Joseph following her. “Make haste. You need rest, and you’re not getting home any faster by being a turtle.” Joseph laughed. If there was anything he had learned from their meeting, it’s that his new Unicorn friend was a bit eccentric. But he had also never experienced kindness from another pony as grand as hers. He tailed slightly behind her, watching her steps, her joyous trot, the way her hair bounced. Was this pony mad? Was she psychotic? Or perhaps, as he thought earlier, she was just a bit eccentric. These thoughts raced through his mind as he reflected back on her point earlier. There’s a war going on, and many ponies are losing their homes, getting separated from family, seeing loved ones die, or dying themselves. The whispers being passed like terse love notes between students only became louder with each passing day. Most ponies are terrified and praying to their gods. But Sugar Belle? She struts along smiling and spreading strange metaphors. Was she mad? Was she psychotic? No, it wasn’t that. Perhaps she was confident in a victory against Nightveil’s tyranny. Or maybe she was just so optimistic that she never felt fear or sorrow. “You sure are quiet all of a sudden.” Sugar broke the silence. “Oh, er, my apologies,” Joseph said quickly, “I guess I’m just tired and thinking.” Sugar nodded and smiled, “It’s okay. Are you feeling any better?” Joseph continued walking behind her, watching her steps, her joyous trot, the way her hair bounces. Then, his eyes met with hers; she had come to a halt so suddenly. Though, her smile never faded. “Yes,” Joseph said, grinning wider than ever before, “I feel so much better.” And he did. He felt more comfortable and safe than he ever had. And it was all thanks to Sugar, even if she was a bit strange. ~~~~~ Applesmith tossed and turned in her bed, unable to fall asleep. Her mind was racing, and her thoughts were rampant. She was thinking about a lot, and it kept her awake. Applesmith was worrying about Sugar Belle, about her mother, about her home in Earthenvale. She had planned to visit her mother in Earthenvale after her visit in Autumnfall; however, she did not expect to wake up in the woods and go to sleep in a shady inn of thugs and refugees. I really need some fresh air, Applesmith thought as she sat up in her bed quietly, but I don’t want Grim worried about me if she awakens. Applesmith squinted her eyes in the darkness, the void that stole the light from her begging eyes. She looked in Grim’s direction and could barely make out her shape. She wondered if Grim’s as restless this night as she was. Applesmith slid herself to the edge of the old wooden bed. She sat upright and moved her hind legs over the side, being as careful and quiet as she could possibly be. In her head, she laughed. It was ironic that she was attempting to be stealthier than the master of assassins. She touched her hooves to the wooden floorboards quietly, making soft clack. She lowered her upper half slowly, and touched one of her front hooves down first. Then she lowered the other. Applesmith walked cautiously and silently toward the door, putting more and more distance between her and Grim. Her heart was pounding harder and louder as she drew closer to the door, each step met with a tiny click and a clack. She had almost considered lying on her back and pulling herself to the door with her teeth. Applesmith finally bumped her muzzle into the door. She grabbed the handle and pulled it open. As it began to open, it let out the most ear wrenching and howling creak she had ever heard. She quickly turned her head and looked in Grim’s direction. She could still hear soft snores. The door was half open now, a space just big enough for her to slip through. Applesmith pushed her head through the gap and slipped the rest of her body through like a snake. She reached back and closed the door shut quietly. “Whew!” She sighed as she made her way downstairs. Many stallions, mares, griffons, and even dragons were downstairs, playing drinking games and gambling. Aurius was still behind the bar, but with a new assistant. Applesmith assumed the one from before had gone home. Aurius noticed Applesmith, made a gesture to his assistant, and walked over to her. “Hello, again.” “Hello, Aurius.” Applesmith replied, looking over at him. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping? It’s only been about three hours.” Aurius gave Applesmith a concerned look. “How is your head?” “It actually feels much better. At least compared to earlier.” “Why exactly did you come down?” “I couldn’t sleep. I have too much on my mind,” Applesmith said as she sat down at a nearby table and propped her head up on her hoof. “Would you like a drink?” Aurius came to her side. “I would love one, but I’m afraid I lost my saddle bag when Autumnfall was assaulted.” Applesmith’s eyes dropped and pinned the table. “Skydust!” Aurius called back in the direction of his assistant, who quickly turned to the name being called. “I need a Harmonium Honey Dew brew over here.” Applesmith lifted her head and perked her ears. “But I–” “It’s on me, Knight-Commander,” Aurius said. “Harmonium Honey Dew is one of the finest drinks in the country. It’ll have you feeling better in no time.” Skydust came over with a tray in her mouth, carrying the glass filled with the amber coloured liquid. It had thick foam over the top of it, which, upon being laid on the table, quickly began to dissolve and soon was gone completely. Applesmith slipped her hoof in the handle on the side of the wooden mug. She brought it to her lips and took a sip of it. She quickly bit her bottom lip and shivered at the bitter taste of alcohol, but melted at the sweet, succulent flavour of what she thought tasted like honey. Soon she was taking bigger sips. The cringes at the bitterness became less and less as she got used to it. It wasn’t long before the mug was completely empty. “I really needed that,” Applesmith told Aurius in a delighted tone. “It’s been some time since I was privileged to relax to some spirits.” Aurius had been sitting there the whole time watching Applesmith drink down such an alcoholic beverage at such an alarming rate. To his surprise, she didn’t even appear tipsy. She was, however, relaxed. “I’m glad you’re feeling better, Applesmith. I’m actually quite shocked you’re not even a little wobbly,” Aurius laughed. Applesmith giggled and got up from her chair. “I’m going to step outside for a bit. I need some fresh air.” Aurius nodded. “Don’t be out too long. You need your rest.” Applesmith trotted over to the door and stepped outside. She walked forward to a tall, pointed rock by the entrance of the bar. She stayed relatively well hidden behind it. It was chilly out, the breeze was soft, and the moon was a luminescent, ivory coin in the night sky. A night like that was so rare to come by since all the wars broke loose twenty years ago. Applesmith looked out across from the Frozen Refuge, where a road and some woods were. She didn’t notice at first, but at a second glance, she saw the silhouettes of two ponies walking along the road. One was a Unicorn and the other was an Earth pony. She tried looking closer, but all she could make out was the Unicorn’s white coat and the Earth pony’s darker, brown coat. She rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Probably just a couple of lovers taking a stroll,” she said, half-awake. She turned and went back inside as they passed by. ~~~~~ I wonder, Grim thought as she sat against the wall of the room she was staying in, if we’re ready… Applesmith didn’t know it, but Grim had been pretending to be asleep. She had been thinking rather hard on the task before them. Grim was never one to doubt herself and her abilities, but then again, she was never faced with something that she felt she couldn’t handle. It had been only a short amount of time since Applesmith had been gone. Grim wasn’t about to go looking for her just yet. Applesmith could handle herself for a while, but any longer than a “while” was the cue for reinforcement. Grim simply sat there, propped against the corner of the wall, wrapped up like a cocoon in her cloak, watching the door beneath the shroud of shadows. How long would she have to wait? Her patience was strong, but would she have to leave and rescue her friend? She felt it was about time to set out on a quest. Grim shuffled around in her cloak, preparing to get up. But, the door opened, creaked ajar actually, and Grim stopped moving. Applesmith stumbled in sleepily, closing the door with her back leg as she entered. She soon crashed on the bed and comfortably wrapped herself in the blankets. Grim Feather was almost irritated. But relieved her friend was safe. Damn. I was looking forward to a late night adventure, Grim thought. Maybe I’ll dream of one. ~~~~~ “Rise and shine, ladies!” The door to Grim and Applesmith’s room flew open and banged loudly against the wall. Aurius stepped in, “We have trouble.”
