The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds

Early the following morning Arc awakens and looks to the clock next to his bed. Sighing, he sits up and stretches as Cherry calls out to him.

“You slept well.”

“After all that we went through the other day, yes.”

Cherry giggles. “A rousing success too, I might add.”

Arc heads for the bathroom. “That it was.”

Turning on the shower, he continues.

“This is going to feel good.”

“It has been a bit since your last shower.”

Arc nods as he steps into the water. “At my parent’s house before we returned to Equestria I might add. So I’m glad we got the hot water running over here.”

“In any case, how do you think today’s mission is going to go?”

“Hopefully everything goes as well as yesterday did. But at the same time, I don’t exactly know what I’m going to use for leverage in order to secure those building materials.”

“First you have to make sure they actually have such things I would imagine.”

“There’s that too. After all, there’s really no point in trotting out the song and dance if they don’t have what we need.”

“Well, if not there’s always Manehattan.”

“Very true. But I’m hoping to deal with Duke Carleon in Baltimare over a leader in Manehattan that I don’t actually know.”

“You don’t really know the Duke Carleon of this world though.”

Arc shrugs. “I guess that’s true. However, I do know that he’ll be fair with me like ours was.”

“Then again, he might not be. After all, this is a whole different world with its own problems and alternate set of circumstances.”

Arc turns off the water. “One way to find out though.”

Stepping out of the shower, Arc dries himself and quickly dresses. Leaving his quarters, he heads for the cafeteria. Spotting Tempest and Spitfire sitting at a table nearby he gets some food and heads over to them.

“Is this seat taken?”

Spitfire shakes her head. “Nope. Have at it, sir.”

Tempest takes a drink as he does so. “You’re up early.”

Arc nods as he sits down. “I just wanted to get this thing on the road.”

Tempest grunts. “As do I.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“I’m coming with you to Baltimare.”

“Not that I mind the company or aid, but why?”

“Just to help make sure you get the job done.”

Spitfire shrugs. “It’s best if you have a guide with you. That and it’s always good to have somepony to watch your back if things go sideways.”

Arc chuckles. “Yes, well… then I welcome your help, Tempest.”

Tempest points to his plate. “Then eat up and let’s get moving.”

Sometime later they all finish eating and stand. As the trio heads for the door, Arc looks around before speaking.

“Is Cherry around? We should probably tell her that we’re leaving.”

Tempest shrugs. “She’s probably going over our supply manifests in the office, or something.”

Spitfire nods. “Right. I told her I’d help with that after breakfast.”

Turning to Arc, she continues.

“But the Hero of Light doesn’t really have to tell anypony what they’re doing. Her included.”

Arc chuckles. “Just trying to be a team player here.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Yeah, that always works out.”

Spitfire groans. “Not this again.”

Arc appears confused. “Huh?”

Tempest gestures to Spitfire. “The colonel and I have an ongoing… discussion regarding the merits of working solo.”

Spitfire nods. “I say that it’s a bad idea for the most part.”

Tempest continues. “While I believe it to be the best course of action generally speaking.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… there are pros and cons to both arguments admittedly.”

Spitfire smirks. “Interesting.”

Tempest scoffs. “I’ll say.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “How so?”

Spitfire gestures to him. “The Hero of Light is generally seen more or less as a lone wolf. Doing what needs to be done quickly, quietly, and most importantly… alone.”

Tempest smirks. “And I’m assuming that you have, since I’d never heard of you before a day or so ago.”

Arc sighs. “That’s… a bit more complicated than you know. But we should probably get moving.

Spitfire waves as they turn to walk away. “Good luck you two.”

Arc and Tempest head for the Main Hall together. Arriving, they walk over to the stallion at the desk. He salutes to them respectfully as he speaks.

“Destination?”

Tempest points to a spot on the map. “Right here. But be sure that we appear outside the city this time.”

Arc turns to her. “Why’s that?”

“Last time I appeared inside the city limits I was jumped by every nearby guard.”

“You alright?”

“I’m fine. But they cumulatively suffered a couple dozen broken bones amongst the lot of them.”

Arc groans. “Yeah… I probably should have seen that coming.”

Tempest looks to the stallion. “Make it a standing order that anypony heading to Baltimare knows that they need to enter via the western gate. There’s a processing station there where newcomers need to check in and be screened before being allowed into the city.”

The stallion makes a note on a piece of paper. “Yes ma’am. Please step onto the pad and I’ll start the process.”

Arc turns to Tempest as they approach the teleporter pad. “So… do you think we’ll have any trouble… signing in over there? Or whatever it is we need to do.”

“I won’t, no. You on the other hoof are a different story entirely.”

Arc sighs. “Great.”

Taking their places on the pad, Tempest looks to the stallion and silently nods. Pressing a few buttons on a nearby console, both she and Arc vanish and reappear on a grassy hill overlooking Baltimare. Tempest gestures to it with a hoof.

“As you can see, they’ve finished their wall.”

Arc frowns. “Not a sight I thought I’d ever see here in Equestria.”

Tempest shrugs as they begin walking forward. “They have to maintain their security though. Know who’s coming into the city, and all that.”

“Yeah, I get that. But I don’t have to like it.”

“What’s not to like? It’s for safety.”

Arc sighs as he follows her. “Equestria always felt so much different before this happened. So… so open and free. Walls just don’t feel proper in a land like this.”

“Think what you want of them then. In any case, the border checkpoint is this way.”

Making their way toward the city, Tempest leads Arc to a heavily guarded border checkpoint and a stallion sitting inside a small booth. He looks up from his paperwork as they approach. Narrowing his eyes, he looks to Tempest angrily.

“You again?!”

Tempest sneers. “Yes, me again!”

“What do you want now?!”

Tempest gestures to Arc with a hoof. “The Hero of Light wanted to come here to do some trading.”

The guard looks to Arc skeptically. “The Hero of Light?”

Arc holds up a gauntlet. “Hello.”

Frowning, the guard turns to Tempest again. “Is this supposed to be some kind of sick joke?!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Canterlot falls, the entire land is dark, and we’re besieged by soldiers that are supposed to be on our side!”

He points to Arc with a hoof before continuing.

“And you’re trying to tell me that Hero of Light shows up NOW of all times?!”

Arc puts a gauntlet on the counter as he speaks. “Admittedly, it’s a long story. But as you can clearly see, I am here now. And I’m just trying to figure out ways to make this mess better for the citizens while working on the bigger picture.”

Rolling his eyes, the guard scoffs. “Yes, I’m sure you are.”

Tempest glares at the guard. “Look, if you don’t want to do your job and vet us, we could always just teleport inside like I did earlier!”

Smirking, the guard leans back in his chair and chuckles. “Yeah?! And how well did that work out for you?!”

Tempest leans across the counter. “Just fine. Not so much for your forces though from what I recall.”

Arc reaches into his ring and removes something. “In any case, might I be allowed to talk to Duke Carleon?”

He sets a chocolate bar on the desk and pushes it toward the guard before continuing.

“I’m sure you can understand my need for a meeting with him.”

The guard nods as he deftly sweeps the candy into a drawer with a hoof and picks up his phone.

“Fine then. No promises though. Anything to be rid of you two.”

Speaking into his receiver, the stallion asks to be connected to his superior officer. Explaining the situation to him he listens before hanging up and looking to the pair again.

“It’s going through the chain of command now.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “And that will take several hours.”

Arc shrugs. “Like you said before, Tempest. Security and all that.”

Tempest scoffs as she turns to walk away. “Yeah, yeah.”

Arc looks to the guard. “Thank you for your help.”

“Don’t thank me yet. Nopony has authorized anypony outside of our own forces to enter in quite some time.”

“I see. How long do you think before we’ll have an answer?”

The guard shrugs. “An hour or so probably. Maybe longer. So I understand if you two don’t want to sit around waiting.”

“It’s fine.”

Walking over to Tempest as she scans the horizon, Arc turns to her.

“What do you think our chances are?”

“Very low.”

“Agreed.”

Tempest turns to him, confused. “Then why were you so polite to that guard?”

“Because he’s just doing his job.”

“And?”

“That’s all.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “You do realize that this whole thing is a waste of time, right?”

“So what do you suggest we do then?”

Tempest lowers her voice. “Sneak in like I tried to do last time.”

Arc scoffs. “Yes, I’m sure doing such a thing will make them want to trade with us all the more.”

Tempest grunts as she sits down on her haunches. “Well, it’s either that or we’re not getting into the city.”

“Let’s just play this one by ear. After all, we can always escalate things. It’s the de-escalation that’s the tricky part.”

Sometime later the guard’s phone rings. After a short exchange with someone on the other end, he turns to Arc and calls out.

“Surprisingly enough it would appear that Duke Carleon would like to see you, sir.”

Arc turns around. “Good.”

Tempest follows him to the gate. “It’s about time.”

The guard points a hoof at Tempest. “You can wait out here though.”

Tempest glares at him. “WHAT?!”

“The duke’s orders state that only the Hero of Light and any guards accompanying him are to be admitted.”

Arc gestures to Tempest. “Which she is.”

The guard raises an eyebrow. “Come again, sir?”

“Special Agent Tempest is currently acting as my aide and personal bodyguard while I’m here.”

Tempest grimaces. “That I am… sir.”

Arc lays a couple more candy bars on the desk. “And as such, I require her by my side at all times.”

The guard picks up his phone as he again sweeps the candy into a drawer. “Very well. I’ll see what I can do for you, sir.”

After being connected, the guard talks to someone for a few moments before hanging up and looking to Arc again.

“I’ve explained the situation” and have been told that both you and your… aide will be allowed entrance to the city.

“Good.”

“That is, assuming that you’re willing to take full responsibility for her actions while you two are here.”

Arc nods. “Very well. Tempest will not act without explicit orders from me. Right?”

Tempest frowns. “Yes sir.”

“Then please step toward the gate.”

Pressing a button on the console in front of him, the gates open. Arc and Tempest step inside as they close behind them. Tempest turns to Arc and frowns.

“Let’s get one thing straight here. I am NOT your aide!”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “No arguments there.”

“What possessed you to tell him that though?!”

“To get us both inside.”

“But I could have…!”

Arc interrupts her. “Did you really want to sneak into this city that badly?”

“Not really, no.”

“Then just play your part like I’m playing mine.”

Tempest scoffs. “Fine.”

As the gates behind them finish closing, the one’s in front of them slowly open to reveal the city of Baltimare. An officer and his contingent of soldiers are waiting for them on the other side. He salutes stoically as Arc and Tempest approach.

“Good day, Hero of Light. I’m here to bring you and your entourage to our town hall to meet with Duke Carleon.”

He looks to Tempest momentarily before continuing.

“I trust there will be no… complications.”

Arc steps forward as he speaks. “None. Lead the way.”

Nodding, he motions for Arc to follow him. Falling into step behind the officer, Arc and Tempest are immediately surrounded by the other guards as they begin their walk down the way. Looking around, Arc sees that the streets are significantly less clean than he remembers them being back in him home Equestria with piles of trash piled high at every street corner. Street lamps glow weakly from candles burning within them in lieu of the normal light bulbs. And the buildings themselves appear significantly more run down as well, with peeling paint and a general sense of decay hangs in the air. Turning to the officer, Arc speaks.

“Things look kinda bad here.”

The officer nods. “Yes, I suppose they do.”

“Why though?”

“My orders are to bring you to Duke Carleon, sir. He will decide what you will and will not be told.”

Tempest glares at the officer. “That is the Hero of Light you are talking to!”

Arc holds up a hand. “It’s fine, Tempest. I’ll hold my questions for the moment.”

Sometime later the group arrives at the Baltimare Town Hall. Entering the building they head for the office on the top floor. As the guards open the doors for them Arc and Tempest see Duke Carleon at his desk going over a myriad of papers. He looks at Arc’s insignia as they approach and stands.

“Good day to you, Hero of Light.”

Arc nods. “Likewise, sir.”

“To what do I owe this visit?”

“I’m looking to trade with your city.”

Carleon raises an eyebrow. “My apologies. Trade?”

Arc nods. “For some building materials.”

“Constructing a military base, are you?”

Arc shakes his head. “No, we already have the base. Just looking to construct some… outbuildings.”

“And this is for Canterlot, I assume?”

“For the ponies that have sought refuge.”

Tempest nods. “The Hero of Light plans to build facilities to grow food at our base.”

Carleon appears confused. “Without sunlight?”

Arc chuckles. “We’ve already solved that problem.”

Tempest shrugs. “Strange as it may sound.”

Carleon sighs as he leans back in his chair. “I’m almost afraid to ask this, but where is the a fore mentioned base located?”

Arc gestures toward the window. “On the moon.”

Tempest nods. “The only place where the sun still shines.”

Carleon turns and looks outside. “I had heard rumors that some ponies had found a way up there. But I thought such things to be simply idle chatter amongst the public.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “We would be willing to trade food for our other needs in the future as well.”

Tempest taps the desk with a hoof. “If nothing changes around here, it’s only a matter of time before all of the settlements start running out of food.”

Carleon frowns. “It’s still quite the risk for us to give up any supplies right now. As you no doubt saw on your walk over to the Town Hall, we aren’t exactly doing too well around here.”

Arc sighs. “I’m not asking you to just give the supplies to us though.”

Tempest nods. “Right. Like we said before, we’re looking to trade other items for them.”

Carleon puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Well… I suppose we could trade some of what building materials we do have on hoof. That is, if there was a way to replace what we gave you.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “I’m afraid that I don’t understand your meaning, sir.”

Duke Carleon stands and walks over to a window. Gazing outside, he gestures with a hoof for Arc and Tempest to join him before speaking.

“Look down at the city below and tell me what you see.”

Arc squints. “Not much admittedly.”

Tempest shrugs. “It’s too dark to see much more than the candles in the street lamps.”

Carleon turns to them. “Exactly.”

Arc sighs. “No power, I’m guessing.”

Tempest looks to Duke Carleon. “Dare I ask why not?”

“Because of trouble at the power plant supposedly.”

Arc frowns. “I’m assuming that you aren’t able to get the parts to make repairs.”

Carleon shakes his head. “Not quite. In truth, the real problem is that we can’t get inside to see what needs to be done.”

Tempest narrows her eyes. “I’m guessing this isn’t just a simple matter of some misplaced keys either.”

Carleon nods. “You would be correct. As it stands, I’ve sent three groups to secure the power plant and ascertain the damage to the building in the past. And thus far nopony has returned.”

Tempest looks out the window again. “Have you tried sending out a recon team to figure out what happened to them?”

Carleon nods. “Yes, I did. The first was a group of engineers which were accompanied by a few guards for safety. When they didn’t come back, I sent out a platoon of guards to see what had happened. And after they failed to report back I sent out a few scouts. As I said, nopony came back.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “So you want us to find out what happened to them?”

“That I do. If you can secure the facility and take care of whomever is taking my workers, I can send in a team to repair things and get the lights back on.”

Tempest frowns. “And what would we get in return for this harrowing mission?”

“The building materials we’ve kept in reserve.”

He opens his desk drawer and pulls out a paper. Setting it on the desk, the duke pushes it toward the pair as he continues.

“Here’s an itemized list of what we have.”

Tempest looks it over. “That’s not nearly as much as I’d hoped.”

Arc shrugs. “It’s enough to build a single decent sized greenhouse, I’d wager.”

He looks back to Duke Carleon before continuing.

“But one thing about this agreement confuses me. If you need these materials so desperately, why offer to give them to us?”

“Simple. With the power restored to the city, we’ll be able to bring the factories that make such things back online and replace them in no time. That and it will be a boon to morale around here.”

Tempest looks to Arc. “Basic needs not being met during times of trouble have a tendency to make the public nervous.”

“Very well. I’ll look into it. Just tell me where this facility is and I’ll head over there now.”

Carleon walks over to a map on the wall. “It’s about a mile south of the city. Here.”

He taps a spot on it with a hoof as Tempest frowns.

“Kinda remote, isn’t it?”

Carleon nods. “Intentionally, yes. It’s so that the citizens don’t have to listen to the noise such a facility makes.”

Arc shrugs. “Makes sense, I guess.”

Tempest sighs. “Anything else you can tell us about this place?”

“Nothing more than I’ve already said, no. If you can secure it, I’ll send some guards to make sure it stays safe while our technicians get to work making repairs.”

Arc nods. “We’ll certainly give it a shot. Thank you for your time, sir.”

Duke Carleon nods as Arc and Tempest turn and leave the office. Making their way back to the street together, they stop as Tempest frowns.

“Very shrewd of him.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “The duke?”

Tempest nods. “Sending us in lieu of going himself.”

“Well, as far as I know he isn’t a warrior. So it would make sense for him to send someone whom is.”

“That and if we’re never heard from again, he won’t have lost anything of value.”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Glad to see that you think so highly of our chances, Tempest.”

Tempest grins wickedly as she puts a hoof on her weapon. “Oh, believe me. Whomever is causing this is going to pay dearly for it.”

“So should we head over there right now?”

Tempest shrugs. “I guess. That is, unless you want to head back to base and get some backup?”

“Half of me would like to, yes.”

“And what does the other half think?”

Arc shakes his head. “That enough ponies have good missing over this.”

Tempest turns to walk away. “Fine. Let’s get moving then.”

Arc calls out after her. “Hey, um…”

Tempest looks over her shoulder to him. “What is it now?”

“What kind of weapons do you have?”

Tempest gestures to her belt. “My knives mostly. Usually I prefer to just use my hooves.”

“Got anything… bigger than a standard blade?”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Uh… no. Why would I lug anything larger around when I’m already more than enough?”

“Just asking.”

As the pair walk down the street together, Cherry calls out to Arc telepathically.

“It doesn’t sound like she has Light’s Bane in this world.”

Arc sighs inwardly. “I was kinda hoping she did. Then Tempest would be immortal too.”

“Do you think she just said ‘no’ to the Dark One’s offer?”

“Either that or he never made it in the first place.”

“So what’s your plan here then, Arc?”

“Scout the place out from a distance before approaching mostly.”

“That doesn’t sound very safe though, Arc.”

“We’ll be careful. Whomever is doing this will probably be looking for a large force to come for them at this point. Not two lone individuals at this point.”

Cherry groans. “I sure hope you’re right.”

“Me too.”

They leave the city via the front gates and start walking. Sometime later, the pair climb a hill on their bellies and look out over the crest to see their target. Arc frowns as he speaks.

“There it is.”

Tempest nods. “The power plant.”

“Somehow I thought it would be bigger.”

“Things like this are built mostly underground both for safety and natural cooling.”

“Ah!”

Tempest turns to him. “So, do you have a plan for this? I mean other than just us barging in there, kicking flank, and taking names?”

Arc nods. “Yes.”

“Care to let me in on it?”

Arc pulls something out of his ring. “It starts with this.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “A magic cloak?”

“Something wrong with that?”

Tempest frowns. “Our tax bits at work, I guess. At least that helps you, I suppose.”

Arc removes another cloak from his ring. “I have one that should fit you as well.”

Tempest scowls as she accepts the cloak. “How many of those things do you have in there?!”

“Half a dozen. Why?”

“You’re the reason the budget’s all screwed up then!”

Arc sighs as he puts on his cloak. “We can talk about fiscal responsibility later. Right now we have a job to do.”

“If we’re both invisible, how are we supposed to stick together though?!”

Arc points to his head. “There’s a Truesight Enchantment on my helmet that will allow me to see you even when cloaked.”

“Good for you. But what about me?”

“Then I guess you’ll be taking point then.”

Tempest grunts. “Lucky me.”

Cloaking, Tempest stands and begins walking toward the power plant. As Arc falls into step behind her, she stops and turns to where she presumes he is.

“Wait a minute. If I see something I can point to it. But what are you supposed to do to get my attention without making a sound?”

“How about this?”

Holding out a hand, he casts a weak Telekinesis Spell to tap Tempest’s back as he continues talking.

“Three taps means stop. I’ll get closer so I can whisper to you if I have to.”

“Not exactly the high-tech solution I was expecting.”

Arc shrugs. “Should work though.”

“I suppose.”

“Shall we be off then?”

“Fine. Follow me.”

Continuing on their way, the pair approach the building. Looking around, Arc lowers his voice as he speaks.

“Nothing suspicious out here.”

“Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security though. The real danger starts once we go inside.”

Arc nods soberly. “Then let’s do that and get this over with.”

Seeing an ajar door some distance ahead, Arc and Tempest head for it together. Entering the facility, they are met with an unimaginable stench. Frowning, Tempest calls out softly.

“Rotting flesh.”

Arc frowns. “Look over there in the corner.”

He turns her head with a Telekinesis Spell. Tempest spies a number of dead ponies strewn around. Some of them are wearing heavy armor while others have on technician’s outfits. A few toolboxes and their contents on the ground nearby confirm their former occupation. Gritting his teeth, Arc kneels down close to Tempest as he continues speaking.

“Normally I’d say we should take a look at them. But that smell is rather… telling.”

Tempest grits her teeth. “They’ve been there a while, yes.”

“What do you think? A couple weeks?”

Tempest shakes her head. “Over a month. But the wounds don’t look like they were made with traditional weapons.”

“Oh?”

“Look at the soldiers. Their armor appears to have been torn open rather than just pierced with blades or bludgeoned with something heavy.”

Arc nods. “Kinda like what a can opener does when in use.”

Tempest grunts. “Nice analogy.”

“Thanks. But it doesn’t bring us any closer to figuring out this mess.”

“One thing’s for sure though. Whomever did this purposely allowed those stallions to enter the facility before killing them. Which means they’ll be waiting for their next set of victims.”

Arc stands. “Then let’s not keep them waiting.”

The pair walk deeper into the facility together. However, as they step around a large machine, the sound of footsteps in front of them rings out. A large creature growls menacingly as it takes up a battle-ready stance. Tempest takes a step back as she calls out.

“Stealth isn’t going to fool this thing!”

Arc frowns. “Decloak then!”

Reappearing, the pair toss aside their magic cloaks and draw their weapons. Tempest charges forward and slashes at the beast with her knife. However, it’s hide more or less deflects the blow. Holding out a gauntlet, Arc pulls her back with a Telekinesis Spell as the creature attempts to take a piece out of her with a mighty swing of its claws. Landing on four hooves next to him she grits her teeth.

“It’s like trying to cut through a tree!”

Arc grins. “Let’s try something a bit more brute force then!”

Running at the creature, Arc uses his spear like a baseball bat and hits the beast in the skull with it. Slamming its head against a wall, the beast cries out but sounds more angry than in pain. Arc Blinks back to Tempest’s side as she turns to him.

“Any more bright ideas?!”

“Just one.”

Looking to one side, he spies a number of large crates stacked up against a wall. Pulling them over, they crash down on top of the beast. It gasps and cries out for a moment before going silent. Tempest breathes a sigh of relief as she sheathes her weapon.

“Glad that’s over with.”

“As am I. Now then, are you alright?”

Tempest appears confused. “Fine. Why do you ask?”

Arc points “Because you’re bleeding.”

Tempest puts a hoof to her fetlock. “It’s nothing.”

“Well, you should probably treat that wound before it gets infected.”

“After we’re done here, I will.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “And if we’re attacked again?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“You want to potentially go into battle with open wounds?”

Tempest groans. “Fine. I’ll wrap a cloth around it, if only to shut you up.”

Arc reaches for his ring. “I can do you one better.”

Removing a med kit from his ring, Arc opens it and pulls out a bandage. Tempest takes it and quickly begins wrapping her wound. Holding up an alcohol pad, he speaks.

“Don’t you want to clean that first?”

Tempest shakes her head as she works. “No time. We could be attacked again at any moment.”

Arc looks to the crates. “I don’t think it’s getting up though.”

“Maybe not. But it may have friends.”

“I suppose that’s true, yes.”

Tempest finishes dressing her wound and moves her fetlock around to get acclimated for a few moments. Hopping around, she makes a few stretching movements before turning back to Arc.

“Looks like it won’t hinder my ability to fight.”

“Good. Now then, let’s see if you’re right about there being more of these…”

He is interrupted by a low growl nearby. Looking to the crates, Arc and Tempest see a new but equally ugly creature jump over the crates and bare its teeth. Looking around, Arc points to a door at the end of the corridor.

“Tempest, go open that door and wait!”

“If you think that you can handle that thing by yourself, sure!”

Quickly making her way down the corridor, Tempest does as she is told as Arc locks eyes with the creature and slowly backs toward the door. Keeping his spear leveled at the beast, Arc stops and carefully removes a small bag from his ring. Opening it, he takes a deep breath and tosses his spear away. Seeing him defenseless, the monster lunges toward Arc. Blinking off to one side, he allows the creature to pass him before tossing the contents of the bag of marbles in front of it. Landing on the floor, it slides haphazardly toward the door and into the room. As it does so, Arc looks to Tempest and calls out.

“NOW!”

Tempest slams the door shut and bolts the lock. The sounds of the creature lunging against it rings out weakly against the heavy steel as she returns to his side. Arc puts a gauntlet on his hip as he muses aloud.

“I wonder if that was its mate.”

Tempest rolls her eyes. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I didn’t get a close enough look at its backside to know for sure.”

“Well, in any case, let’s see if we can find the control room. From there we can check the security cameras and make sure we got them all.”

“Good idea.”

Picking up their cloaks and Arc’s spear the pair make their way down a number of corridors, checking every door they see. Arc and Tempest eventually come to one that is locked. Smirking, Arc jerks a thumb towards it.

“This must be it.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “What makes you so sure?”

Arc points to several cable trays overhead. “That’s an awful lot of wires going into a single area for it not to be the control room.”

“Fair assessment.”

“So now the only question left is should we go in quietly or with brute force?”

Tempest smirks. “Not to worry. I have a key.”

She walks toward the door, turns, and bucks it hard. The door flies open as it is ripped from its hinges. Arc facepalms as he speaks.

“I was thinking more along the lines of just Blinking us inside.”

Tempest shrugs. “You do what you want. But I’m tired of doing things the nice way here.”

Arc steps through the doorway. “Well, at least I was right about it being the control room.”

Tempest nods as she looks around. “Not that it’s going to do us much good though.”

Arc frowns. “Agreed. This place is pretty messed up.”

“How though? I mean, the door was locked.”

A low growl is heard nearby. Arc and Tempest turn to see a half dozen or so of the beasts from earlier stepping out from behind panels and other furniture. However, instead of attacking they simply stare at the pair. A few moments later the sound of hoof steps approaching them rings out as a pony in a black cloak enters from a side room.

“Now then… what do we have here?”

Arc tilts his head to one side. “Uh… is that you, Trixie?”

Groaning, the pony pushes their hood back to expose their face.

“How did you know that I was the great and powerful Trixie?!”

“Your voice gave you away.”

Trixie looks to him smugly. “Ah! A fan then!”

“Not… exactly.”

“Feel free to bask in my glory to your hearts content!”

Tempest frowns. “Yeah, whatever. Look, we should probably get out of here before these beasts get hungry and attack us again.”

Trixie giggles. “That isn’t a problem.”

Arc sighs. “You’re controlling them, aren’t you?”

Trixie groans. “Again, how did you know that?!”

“Lucky guess.”

Tempest frowns. “How though?!”

Trixie steps forward. “Well, it’s actually quite a long story. You see, a while back the great and powerful Trixie was…”

Arc cuts her off. “…in the aqueducts under Vanhoover. You found the ogre tribe that lives down there and learned how to control all manner of beasts from them. After gaining enough skill in this new school of magic you used the beasts to subjugate the ogres and take their tribe over.”

Trixie seethes. “Trixie does not believe that you understand the need for a show pony to keep some things to themselves.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Are they alright at least? The ogres, I mean.”

Trixie smiles wickedly. “Not anymore, no. You see, the king tried to retake control of the beasts from Trixie.”

Tempest frowns. “So you killed him?”

“Trixie had no choice! It was either him or Trixie! But it kinda worked out in the end.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest plate. “How so?”

“The beasts were having trouble finding enough food and were rather… peckish at the time. So Trixie told them that he was food and let them take care of the problem.”

Arc clenches a fist. “And what about the rest of the tribe?!”

Trixie grimaces. “Let Trixie just say that when these creatures start a feeding frenzy it’s really hard to try and get them to stop before they’re full.”

Tempest gestures to their surroundings with a hoof. “But this place is on the other side of the country from Vanhoover. Why come here?”

“Trixie and the beasts have been on the move to find new audiences since then. But there’s a lot less towns with ponies in them since the sun stopped shining. We had to keep moving in order to find enough food for them to eat.”

Arc nods. “Then you found this place.”

“At first Trixie wanted to use this spot as a warm up performance before entering Baltimare. But it had been a long and hard walk since we had last found them food.”

Tempest grunts. “So they ate the staff?”

Trixie shrugs. “More or less.”

Arc gestures out the door. “And all three of the groups that were sent here from Baltimare to figure out why the power plant shut down too.”

Tempest points a hoof at Trixie. “They were just food for your beasts!”

“Believe me, that wasn’t Trixie’s original plan. But it was getting to the point where Trixie was having trouble keeping them from eating her.”

Arc frowns. “Well, so much for that.”

Trixie giggles darkly. “Yes, Trixie saw what you did to her sentries outside. But they were taken on one on one and with great effort. Trixie doesn’t think the current odds favor you two.”

Tempest narrows her eyes as she draws her blade. “Maybe we should test that.”

“Oh, go ahead. Trixie knows that these beasts are ready for feeding time.”

Arc holds out an arm beckoning Tempest to stay back. “Now, now… let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.”

Trixie smiles smugly. “Glad to see that at least one of you understands the situation here.”

“I just wanted to ask you something, Trixie.”

“Oh?”

“What exactly was your plan? Long term, I mean?”

Trixie appears confused. “Trixie’s plan?”

Arc nods. “Walking across the country with beasts whom could end your life in a moment isn’t exactly something that one does on a whim without having some kind of end game.”

“Originally, the great and powerful Trixie planned to incorporate them into her act.”

She puts a hoof on the side of the largest beast next to her before continuing.

“However, Trixie realized that she would be giving up a valuable opportunity in doing so.”

Tempest scoffs. “Bigger plans, eh?”

“After all, why settle for paltry numbers of bits when Trixie can have it all?”

“All? Like taking over towns?”

Trixie shakes her head. “Nothing quite so grandiose, no. Trixie realizes that doing so is a big risk. She’d have to subject herself to potential personal harm to take over. Then maintain her hold on the city which would do everything it could to oust her at some point.”

Arc looks around. “So what then? You settled for taking over a power plant why exactly?”

Trixie pulls a scroll from a nearby table. “For this?”

Tempest appears confused. “Huh?”

Trixie smirks. “It’s a letter to Duke Carleon of Baltimare demanding ten thousand bits and a number of supplies we need in return for us vacating this place.”

Arc frowns. “And you allowed the first three expedition member’s disappearances to weigh on the city while you waited for the right time to make you demands.”

Trixie nods approvingly. “Very smart of you. Trixie thinks somepony like you would make a valuable addition to her little troupe.”

“Thanks, but I already have a job.”

Pulling his spear from his ring, Arc points it at her before continuing.

“And right now, that’s securing this place so that it can be brought back online.”

Trixie waves a hoof dismissively. ”Oh, believe that Trixie is fully willing to allow such a thing. As soon as she’s been given what she wants in return, that is.”

Tempest snarls angrily. “Oh, we’ll give you something alright.”

Trixie smiles wickedly as her horn glows. “You would be lunch for Trixie’s pets then.”

Arc taps his Crest of Light with a gauntlet. “Believe me when I say that we’re more than capable of stopping you.”

Trixie frowns. “The Hero of Light here? Now? Trixie is skeptical of the validity of such a thing.”

“Do you really want to find out then?”

“It is more than likely that you’re an imposter and will be eaten at Trixie’s command. But you could still be useful to her.”

Tempest scowls. “We’re not joining up with you if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Trixie shakes her head. “No, no. Trixie understands that part just fine. But you could make her plan that much easier.”

Arc frowns. “How so?”

“By delivering this scroll to Duke Carleon in Baltimare. And telling him that this will resolve the matter peacefully.”

Tempest scoffs. “For a time.”

Trixie tilts her head to one side, confused. “Trixie does not understand what you mean. She fully intends to abide by the terms set forth in the scroll.”

Arc nods. “Now anyways. But what about later?”

“Later?”

“When your supplies again run out and your beasts are again hungry, I mean. What’s stopping you from marching right back here, murdering the staff of the power plant yet again, and repeating this process?”

Tempest nods. “If it works once, it would work again.”

“Trixie and her creatures will be far away by that time though.”

Arc clenches a fist. “Then you’ll go after another city or town for more supplies.”

Tempest stomps a hoof. “Which are becoming more scarce by the day, I might add.”

Arc nods. “Right. And when they have nothing more to give you, that’s when the subjugation starts.”

Tempest points at Trixie. “You won’t give up your power over the beasts as you’ll be too used to having that sway over ponies. So you’ll do whatever it takes to keep them fed and loyal to you.”

“Even if that means that you start demanding ponies to be given to you as food for them.”

Trixie gasps. “Trixie would never go that far!”

Arc points a finger at her. “Then stop this madness here and now. Surrender to us peacefully and I’ll see to it that you’re given a fair trial in Baltimare.”

Trixie grits her teeth. “A trial?! For what?!”

Tempest motions to the door with a hoof. “All those dead stallions out there, for starters.”

“Trixie would never see freedom again then!”

Arc sighs. “Maybe not. But you’d still have your life. However, should you forgo my offer of allowing you to stand trial I can’t make any assurances that you’ll survive this encounter with us.”

Trixie laughs wickedly. “Trixie has the advantage in numbers here though!”

Tempest sneers. “We’re more resourceful than you think.”

Trixie licks her lips. “Then let us see for ourselves whom comes out on top.”

Pointing a hoof at Arc and Tempest, Trixie motions for her beasts to attack. Five of them begin walking toward the pair as the sixth is held next to Trixie as a last line of defense. Tempest turns to Arc and grimaces.

“I sure hope you have a plan here.”

“More or less.”

“What is it?”

“How far can you throw a rock?”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Uh… pretty far.”

Arc points. “How about that far wall?”

“Easily.”

Arc reaches into his ring and pulls out a grenade. “Then throw this at it!”

Tempest frowns. “You mean throw it at these monsters, right?!”

“Just do what I said!”

Taking the grenade in her hooves, Tempest pulls the pin, winds up, and lobs the grenade over Trixie’s head. It lands and skitters across the floor to rest near the far wall. As it explodes, taking a rather large chunk of the outer wall along with it, Trixie is knocked off balance which momentarily breaks her spell’s concentration. Taking the provided opportunity to act, Arc casts a powerful Telekinesis Spell to push the five creatures through the hole. They fall unceremoniously to the ground below and roar out angrily as they land in the dirt. The sixth looks to Trixie angrily and swings at her, hitting the mare in the head and shattering her horn. Opening his maw, he grabs her in by the throat causing her to scream out in pain as she is shaken for a few moments before being thrown violently against a far wall. Tempest calls out to Arc.

“Now’s our chance!”

Lunging toward the more or less distracted beast as it walks toward Trixie, Tempest slams into it, knocking the beast down. Arc runs forward and draws his magic blade from his ring. Channeling his magic into it as he leaps high overhead, he plunges the blade deep into the beast’s skull, killing it instantly. It falls to the floor with Arc on top of it. Pulling his blade from the creature, Arc stows it away quickly as he rushes over to Trixie. Removing a med kit from his ring, he opens it and pulls out gauze in an effort to slow the violent bleeding from her neck. Tempest shakes her head as she walks over.

“You’re wasting your time there. With a wound like that, she done for.”

Trixie looks over and reaches for her forehead with a hoof in vain. “My… my horn.”

Arc shakes his head. “Sh! Don’t try to talk!”

Tempest picks up the remains of the horn. “Here.”

Trixie takes the horn, which is little more than shards at this point. Holding them to her chest, she looks up at Arc.

“I… I’m sorry. All I ever wanted… was to make my parents… proud of me.”

Arc nods as he changes out the blood-soaked gauze. “They are, I’m sure.”

Trixie shakes her head weakly. “No… they’re not. I’m a… a failure. Always… was.”

She coughs up a mouthful of blood before continuing.

“So… cold.”

Arc removes a blanket from his ring and covers her up. She smiles up at him weakly and tries her best to talk through blood-soaked lips.

“Tell them… I’m sorry.”

Reaching out with her other hoof to him, Arc takes her fetlock and holds it in his gauntlet as she again speaks.

“Don’t… leave… me… here… alone.”

“I won’t. Promise.”

With a final smile, Trixie’s head falls to one side as her hooves go limp. Shards of her horn slide down her chest and onto the floor below. Sighing, Arc removes a gauntlet and puts two fingers to her neck.

“She’s gone.”

Tempest shrugs. “I figured as much. In fact, I was surprised that she held out as long as she did. Wounds like that tend to make one a corpse fairly quick.”

She gestures to the hole in the side of the building before continuing.

“Sounds like those beasts ran off.”

Arc sighs. “Probably. After all, with Trixie gone there’s no one to control them.”

“We should probably notify Baltimare of the dangers out here.”

Arc groans as he begins wrapping Trixie’s body up in the blanket. “Yeah, we’ll do that.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Um… what are you doing?”

“Getting Trixie ready for transport.”

“We’re taking her with us?”

Arc nods as he covers her face with the blanket. “Yes, we are.”

“Just leave her for the clean-up crew. Or better yet, toss her outside. Those beasts will smell the meat and come running.”

Arc shakes his head. “No, Tempest. I promised Trixie that I wouldn’t leave her alone. And I’m a man of my word.”

Standing with the bloody bundle in his arms, Arc turns and heads for the opening in the wall. Hopping down, he slows his descent with a Telekinesis Spell. As he and Tempest land next to one another, they turn and begin walking toward Baltimare. Tempest looks to him as she speaks.

“Sounds to me like you know this mare. Well… knew, I suppose.”

“Kinda. Let’s just say that I’ve… done a bit more than just read her file.”

Tempest scoffs. “Sounds like a colossal waste of time to me. From what I could see back there, she was just a small-time con artist whom made the mistake of getting in way over her head.”

Sometime later, the pair return to the gates of Baltimare. After being admitted by the guard on duty, they quickly make their way to the hospital. Entering, they walk over to the nurse on duty whose workstation is lit by candlelight. Looking up quizzically at the odd pair before her, she eventually speaks.

“Can I… help you two?”

Arc looks down at the bundle in his arms. “I, uh… have a body that needs to be placed in the morgue.”

The nurse nods as she waves over a couple orderlies. “Very well.”

A gurney is brought over and Arc lays Trixie’s body on it. Removing the blanket, the staff quickly cover her completely with a sheet before walking away. The nurse pulls out a form and looks to the pair as she continues.

“The victim’s name?”

Arc groans. “Trixie. Trixie Lulumoon.”

“Cause of death?”

Arc sighs. “It’s… kinda complicated.”

Tempest steps forward. “Lacerations to the neck resulting in death due to blood loss.”

The nurse nods as she writes. “Time and location of death?”

Arc frowns as he looks up at the clock. “About an hour ago inside the power plant.”

Nodding, the nurse the finishing touches on the report. “I’ll send this over to City Hall. They’ll start an investigation as soon as possible.”

Tempest taps a hoof on the desk. “We’ll be reporting our findings to Duke Carleon. Send the report directly to him.”

“Very well.”

The pair turn around and leave the building together. Arc sighs and shakes his head as he mutters.

“It didn’t have to end that way.”

Tempest shrugs. “That mare made her choices though. We can’t be responsible for the actions of criminals, after all.”

“Yeah, I suppose not. But her formative years weren’t exactly the best.”

“Oh?”

“Trixie’s parents had wanted her to go to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. But before she could even have her interview, she was upstaged by another mare ahead of her whom was gifted beyond imagination.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “So, she didn’t get in?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nope. And her life just kinda went downhill from there.”

“Yeah, I kinda get that much. Having a hard foalhood, I mean.”

“You do, don’t you?”

Tempest nods and looks away. “Things… weren’t exactly easy for me growing up either. That and I had a little sister to take care of too.”

“Cerulean Skies.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “How do you know about that?”

“The Hero of Light needs to know a little bit about a lot of different things. I pick information up as I go.”

“So do you know how I got into the military then?”

Arc nods. “A stallion named ‘Decimus’ found you and vouched for you.”

“I haven’t had time to see her in so long. Really hope she’s doing well.”

Looking to him hopefully, Tempest continues.

“In any case, I don’t suppose you know where she is these days?”

“Last I knew she had a job as the secretary for High Justice Hawthorne.”

Tempest raises an eyebrow. “Hawthorne? But he’s in Baltimare.”

Arc nods. “That he is.”

Tempest grins. “So she’s safely within this city then?!”

“As far as I know, yes.”

“I’ll have to head over to the courthouse then! See if I can find out if she’s doing okay!”

“She’d like that, I’m sure.”

“Why don’t you go report to Duke Carleon while I do that?”

“Alright. Um… should we meet back at base then?”

“Yeah. Tell the others not to worry if I don’t come back right away too.”

Arc smiles. “Want to do some catching up, eh?”

“If I can, yes. Heck, I’d even be willing to help her with work if it means we can spend some time together.”

“Well, have fun then.”

“See you back at base at some point.”

The pair part and go their separate ways. Making his way back to City Hall, Arc is ushered up to Duke Carleon’s office. Entering, he finds him looking out the window. Joining him there, Arc speaks.

“It is done.”

Carleon turns to face him. “The power plant is now secure?”

Arc nods. “More or less.”

“Elaborate.”

“There were a number of great beasts there whom had attacked the crews you sent out. However, they were being controlled by a mare by the name of Trixie Lulumoon.”

Carleon groans. “Her again?!”

“You know of her?”

“She’s been petitioning me for a few years now to allow her to perform her act in our largest theater!”

“And you didn’t let her?”

Carleon shakes his head. “The acts put on there are done by the best of the best. One must first prove themselves to be of great skill to be invited to do so.”

“Can I assume that you explained all that to her in the past?”

“That I did. But her response was something to the effect of somepony of her caliber should start at the top.”

Arc sighs. “Admittedly that does sound like something she would say.”

“Can I assume you were able to take her into custody?”

Arc shakes his head. “Sadly, no. She was attacked by one of the beasts when she momentarily lost control of them during the battle.”

“I see. And where is she now?”

“The hospital morgue pending a written report.”

Carleon heads for his desk. “Just let me call the hospital and tell them to send it over as soon as it’s completed.”

“No need to do that, sir.”

“Oh?”

“My… companion already asked the nurse to do that.”

“Good. And where is she at the moment?”

“On a trip to the courthouse.”

Carleon frowns. “And you are responsible for her actions.”

“I still am. She wished to speak to one of the staff members regarding a very… personal matter.”

“Very well. However, should she cause any trouble…”

Sighing, the duke breaks off his sentence before beginning a new one.

“In any case, what of the beasts that Trixie controlled?”

“Two were killed, another was locked in a room, and a half dozen others fled the facility after the battle.”

“I shall have to send out another team equipped with the proper tools to deal with large animals.”

“Tell them to bring out the big guns, as these things have the toughest hide ever seen.”

“Very well. Thank you for your service, Hero of Light.”

Arc shrugs. “Just doing what I said I would.”

“And to that end, I shall hold up my end of the bargain. You wanted building materials, I believe.”

Arc nods as he pulls a piece of paper from his ring. “Here’s a tentative list of what we need to build our specialized greenhouse.”

Carleon accepts it. “I’ll have these things brought together and ready for you to pick up by tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“But might I have a few more moments of your time, sir?”

“What is it?”

Carleon grimaces. “I… was wondering what the status of Canterlot was.”

Arc sighs. “Sadly, I don’t think I know any more on that subject than you do.”

Carleon turns and looks out a window to the west. “It just doesn’t make any sense to me. The capital is enshrouded by an impermeable barrier, all contact with everypony inside of it has been lost, and the sun no longer rises.”

“We believe it to be due to Nightmare Moon bringing about a so-called eternal night.”

Carleon nods. “That is what the citizenry is saying, yes. I was merely hopeful that you may have had some insider information.”

“I don’t. At the moment I’m just trying to stabilize the land’s most basic needs. Starting with the food issue which shall become more scarce as time goes on.”

“It is good to know that somepony is. Please keep this to yourself, but our city’s stores are down to less than twenty five percent at the moment.”

Arc frowns. “And I can’t imagine the rest of the land is doing much better in that regard.”

“The last major holdouts here in Equestria are Baltimare, Manehattan, and Las Pegasus. We’re doing alright as is Manehattan.”

“And Las Pegasus?”

“Ironically, much better than either of us are.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Aren’t they off the beaten path though in terms of supply lines though?”

“That they are. Which is why the head of city, an Earth Pony named Gladmane, always insisted on buying supplies in bulk whenever possible. That and his resort is well known for always having exactly what a guest wants.”

“So he’s always sure to have things in storage within reach.”

Carleon nods. “Right. It’s said that his warehouse is so big that it spans the entire city perimeter!”

Arc appears confused. “The entire city?”

“Under it, really. According to Gladstone, it helps keep things fresher longer as well as make managing the security of it easier.”

“I may have to pay him a visit at some point.”

“If your idea to put greenhouses on the moon doesn’t pan out, he’ll be the last pony with food in this country.”

Arc sighs as he looks out the window. “But such would only delay the inevitable. No storage house, no matter how large, is bottomless after all.”

“Then it would seem as if Equestria may survive or fall based on your success with this plan.”

Arc nods. “Yes. Which is why we can’t fail in this. Assuming I can’t find a way to end whatever is happening soon, we may all be in for the long haul.”

Carleon sits back down at his desk. “If you are able to get this source of food going, the population will be able to continue on. However, it still does nothing to address the root of the problem at hoof.”

“Canterlot.”

Carleon frowns as he leans back in his chair. “And the princesses too.”

“Well, one of them anyways.”

“I can only surmise that Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance are prisoners somewhere in the capital. If you could free them, I would imagine that the three of you could stand against Nightmare Moon and put this matter to bed… permanently.”

“That is most likely true, yes. However, first I’ll need to find a way into Canterlot.”

Carleon gestures in the direction of the capital. “Yes, it’s quite the quandary. Frankly, I’m not really sure how they’re making due over there.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve had scouts watch the city pretty much since it was closed off. From a safe distance, of course. To date, they’ve yet to bring in much in the line of supplies.”

“Then how are they making due over there?”

Carleon shrugs as he leans back in his chair. “I have some theories, but little concrete evidence.”

“Tell me anyways.”

“Very well.”

He leans forward on his desk before continuing.

“It is very likely that, since it’s the capital, there are a number of very large storage facilities strategically placed around Canterlot. Princess Celestia would have made preparations for every possible contingency for her city. And that’s in addition to the large stores that the nobility each keep in their own manor’s larders and cellars.”

“But this mess has been going on for almost a year now, hasn’t it? Even if the princesses had stored large amounts of goods, it’s unlikely that they would have enough to feel all the citizens and the military within the city for that long.”

“Possibly, yes. However, I’m sure that they are capable of bringing things in as needed. My scouts have reported that there are guards whom can come and go as they please.”

“Can they now?”

Carleon nods. “We’re not sure how they do it though. The train now stops outside the station prior to where the barrier stops it. Anypony whom gets off can easily pass through. But at the same time, nothing else can.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. My scouts have ascertained that fact due to seeing a number of animals smacking into the barrier and appearing confused why they cannot advance.”

“How about from the air?”

“They reported the same for birds. No penetration.”

Arc sighs. “Great. Any additions to their armor? Enchantments, sigils… anything like that?”

“I didn’t order them to try and figure that out. After all, their survival rests on them staying as far away as possible.”

Arc looks out the window. “In any case, now I know for a fact that there is a way to get through the barrier.”

“That may be true. However, there’s no information on what lies inside the city now in terms of military forces. And my scouts tell of a great many of them coming and going on a regular basis.”

“Where to though?”

“In all directions via flight generally. My scouts say that they see hundreds of guards every day. And that they seem to be going in all directions.”

Arc folds his arms over his chest. “Sounds like they’re looking for something.”

“Supplies perhaps?”

“Maybe.”

“We haven’t seen anypony wearing armor around here recently though.”

Arc shrugs. “They might just be keeping a large distance between themselves and your sentries.”

“As my scouts are doing to Canterlot.”

“They watch you as you watch them. “

“Do you believe that they’re sizing us up for an attack, sir?”

Arc shakes his head. “Probably not. That and it would certainly be easier for them to take what they need from abandoned towns than try to hit a bigger target like Baltimare.”

“There have been no sightings of any large crates or other packages of note entering Canterlot though. So if they indeed are out and about looking for supplies, they aren’t bringing them back to the capital city.”

“Then perhaps they’re searching for something and not finding it.”

“Something special, eh?”

“It’s the only other logical reason for sending military forces in every direction, after all.”

Carleon puts a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “You do have a point there, sir. But that doesn’t really lead anywhere.”

“Any idea what they’ve brought to Canterlot thus far?”

“From what the scouts have seen, they appear to mostly be bringing in paperwork.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Paperwork?”

Carleon nods. “Presumably they’re field reports from those stationed elsewhere.”

“So even now they insist on a paper trail.”

“Most likely to communicate with whomever is running things over there on the status of their search.”

“On the upside, if they’re still searching even now, then they haven’t found whatever it is that they’re looking for.”

“But that could also be a bad thing. For all we know, they could be searching for something with which to solve this problem.”

“Part of me thinks I should try to intercept some of those reports.”

“Such a thing could undermine their investigations should they be on the level though. That and it’s not likely you’d be able to get close enough to do so anyways, as the couriers are heavily guarded when they return.”

“Maybe I could grab some orders off of one of them leaving Canterlot.”

“I thought the same and sent a team to do just that. They returned to report that they found nothing of interest on the messenger.”

“So they’re only bringing messages back to Canterlot then.”

“Either that or they’re being ordered to memorize whatever the outgoing message is to avoid interception by us.”

“Were you able to get it out of the messenger back then?”

Carleon shakes his head. “Sadly, no. When facing capture, he quickly swallowed something and fell to the ground. My forces were unable to revive him.”

“A suicide pill.”

“It’s rather unnerving the levels that our opponent will go to in order to keep their movements a secret.”

Arc shrugs. “Well, it’s just become something new that I have to figure out now. But at the moment I should probably get back to my base.”

Carleon stands. “Very well. As I said earlier, your building supplies will be ready for pickup in the morning.”

The pair shake hands/hooves as Arc again speaks.

“Thank you for your help, Duke Carleon. But as it stands, I’m going to need one more thing in order to make this project work.”

“I’m listening, sir.”