Chapters Lost in the Tides - A For Honor Tale
Prologue - Stars in the Sky
Equestria, Ponyville
Castle of Friendship, Around 11 PM
Twilight Sparkle adjusted the stance of her desk lamp and continued to write, her pen moving quickly across the paper in front of her. She looked over her finished proposal with a smile and wiped some beads of sweat away from her brow.
"And that's that." she smiled, placing the proposal in her desk drawer, then noticing her clock. "Who would've thought it'd take this long?"
Twilight huffed in satisfaction, and hopped out of her chair, preparing to enter her bedroom, when she stopped and peered out the window at the stars. Inside the typical horizon full of white flecks and inky black sky, four blue lights were visible near the moon. In fact, it almost seemed that the stars were doing homage or swearing allegiance to the icon of the night.
Twilight let her breath fall away as she watched the blue stars flicker, then disappear.
"Hmm." she mumbled. "I wonder if Princess Luna scheduled those stars to appear…"
She yawned at that moment, and deciding she could write to the Princess of the NIght in the morning, she entered her bedroom and was soon asleep. However, if she had looked out the window one last time, she would have seen the four stars appear once again, brighter than before.
====
Around the same time
Normally at this time, the trio of Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo would be fast asleep at their respective homes. However, they were awake at this hour, preparing for their next adventure.
They had secretly coordinated a sleepover without the knowledge of their siblings. This normally wouldn't be a problem, but their particular destination would have been a big problem, or cause for concern.
They wanted and had planned to follow the stone path in the Everfree to the old Sister's Castle, and sleep in the courtyard. They had a map to their destination, food, everything they needed to be safe and sound.
Now the only thing they needed to do was sneak out and get into the Everfree without being noticed.
"Come on!" Sweetie Belle whispered. "What's taking you so long, Applebloom?"
"Sorry!" Applebloom whispered back. "My bag wouldn't close. Okay, all set!""
"Great!" Scootaloo grinned. "Let's get moving!"
As the three of them quietly descended from their treehouse and into the path that led to the castle, they didn't notice four blue stars shining in the sky begin to fall towards the Everfree.
====
Inside the Everfree, near the old castle
There was quiet. The night's gentle breeze stirred the old stones of the Castle. Then, there was the sound of faint breathing. Lying unconscious in the main hall were four bipeds, three males and one female.
The first was clad in plate armor with a mail undercoat, and he wore cloth banners colored blue and black, patterned like the waves of the ocean. The sigil of a sea serpent rested on his banners and the face of his Loran helmet. A longsword made for combat, not ceremony, rested at his side, the leather grip dyed black on the battle-worn steel guard.
The second wore a full set of plate armor, fitted to be thicker and broader. A sigil of the sea serpent on a chain medallion rested on his chest. He, like the first, wore a waist-sash colored blue and black. On top of his chest was a massive halberd, with a shaft of battle-scarred oak, its once-dark composition now fading.
The third wore leather and mail, and wore no plate armor. The only female of the group, her frame suited her equipment, made for swiftness of the blade and quick movement. A blue scarf bearing the sigil of the serpent rested on her neck. Twin blades, a shortsword and parrying blade, rested at her side.
The last one wore mail and leather, but with some plate on his chest. His banners and sash bore the serpent sigil, and a gauntlet made from iron chain rested on his wrist. A flail and shield lay to his side, colored blue and black. His helmet bore a visor shaped like a ship's prow.
As the four beings lay there, the first slowly moved his hand and moved upwards, using his sword for support. As he slowly removed his helmet, his face became visible. The man was around thirty years of age, with dark brown hair and storm-gray eyes. A stubble beard lay on his cheeks and mouth, and light scars ran along his face.
As he groaned, struggling to stand up, the one in heavy armor stirred as well. The two of them looked at each other, then nodded in recognition.
"Andrew?" the second one asked. "What has happened? Where are we?"
"I do not know." Andrew replied, finally managing to stand up without suffering a bit of vertigo. "The last thing I remember was Apollyon cutting my throat, and then now. I can't say where we are now, Samuel."
"Brilliant." Samuel replied. "What about Turris? Leah? Are they okay?"
"Yeah, never better." the one called Turris, who wielded the flail and shield, groaned as he helped the leather-clad one to her feet. "So, I guess it goes without saying that Apollyon killed you all?"
"Yeah." Samuel replied. "She tore us apart. And as far as I know, we're all dead. Dead as one can be. So, that leads us to the inevitable question of…"
"Where are we?" Andrew replied. "I cannot say. I can say that I presume we are no longer in Ashfeld. The constellations do not match the ones from home, and this is certainly not the Sea-fort we used to inhabit."
"Damn." Turris said, winding the chain of his flail around his wrist. "So, any ideas as to where we go from here?"
"We go to find shelter, food, and water." Andrew said, placing his helmet back on. "And then, we find whoever lives in this realm. Are you with me?"
"Always." Leah replied, the others affirming the statement. Andrew nodded and motioned towards the exit of the courtyard, and they began to walk out of the ruined castle.
====
As they exited the castle, Andrew kept a hand on his longsword while they entered the forest. The stars above provided some illumination, but the path was dark and it was hard to see.
That was proven when Samuel nearly fell after stepping on a tree root, with Turris steadying him at the last minute.
"We can't progress any further until at least we are able to see, Andrew." Leah said. "Any ideas?"
"Matter of fact, yes." Andrew said, using his longsword to cut a branch off a nearby tree. As he wrapped some vines around the tip, he motioned for Turris to come forward.
"What is it?" Turris asked.
"I need your gauntlet for a moment." Andrew replied. "I should be able to make us a torch if I can get this wood burning somehow."
Turris nodded and unraveled his gauntlet, handing the chain to Andrew. With a few attempts, some sparks flew and the vines caught fire, beginning to burn brightly.
"Nice job." Samuel said. "Where'd you learn to make that?"
"An old book I found in the sea-fort, written by a Samurai who lived there before us." Andrew said. "One of its teachings was how to make a torch should you have the proper materials."
"Huh, who would've thought Samurai texts would come to be useful." Turris shrugged. Andrew rolled his eyes as he stood up, and beckoned the way forward. As the four Knights followed the light of the torch, they didn't notice three small figures draw back from the ridgeline above them.
Author's Note
Yeah. I like this concept so much better than the conquest story.
Next time - The CMC meet the Tidal Legion, and promptly get shown why you never mess with Knights. (Timberwolf attack.)
Lost in the Tides - A For Honor Tale
Chapter 1 - Blood upon Steel
Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo could only watch in silence as the creatures lit a torch and proceeded along the path towards Ponyville. Once they were out of earshot and far away that the torch's light was faded, they burst into conversation.
"Did you see that?" Sweetie Belle gasped. "Did you?"
"We did." Applebloom replied. "I've never seen anything like that before!"
"I don't think anypony has." Scootaloo said. "They sort of looked like Royal Guards, only they're...not ponies."
"Should we go get Twilight?" Sweetie Belle asked hurriedly. "She might know what to do."
"i don't think that's a good idea." Scootaloo said. "We'll have to tell her that we were in the Everfree, alone, and at night! We'll be in big trouble!"
"Right." the other two fillies groaned. As they considered their options, Applebloom got an idea.
"Let's just sleep in the clubhouse tonight, and tell Twilight that we saw them in the morning." she whispered. "But we should get moving, I don't like being here."
As the three fillies nodded and found the stone path that would take them back to Sweet Apple Acres, they didn't notice the light of a torch growing closer to them.
====
"You hear that?" Turris said, the Conqueror spinning around and attracting the attention of the other Knights. "I heard voices."
"Who is it? Vikings? Samurai?" Samuel asked.
"No, it was different. The voices sounded young, but scared." Turris replied. "Should we check it out?"
"i'm not sure." Andrew replied, the Warden motioning forward. "It would be better to find shelter before going off somewhere."
"True." Leah replied. "But maybe whoever it is could show us the way out of this forest, and potentially give us aid. It'd be better than our current situation."
The Warden turned to Samuel, who shrugged.
"Alright, let's go." Andrew said as the four of them began to retrace their steps. "Stay close, and keep your weapons ready."
The other Knights nodded, and Turris loosed his Flail in expectation of battle. As they turned and began to venture deeper into the forest, they didn't notice several sets of glowing eyes watching them.
====
As the three fillies returned to the path, they could hear heavy footsteps coming towards them, thought they were still a ways off.
"What was that?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Oh, I don't like this!"
"We'll be fine." Apple Bloom did her best to reassure her friend. "We're almost home, just keep it together!"
As Scootaloo nodded and tried her best to keep pace, she couldn't help but shudder at the footsteps growing closer and closer towards them.
Then, a primal roar came from their proximity, and a Timberwolf pack surrounded the three of them, growling hungrily. The three fillies went silent, daring not to move lest they be attacked. The Timberwolves started to circle them, snapping their jaws in anticipation.
"Should we run?" Sweetie Belle whispered.
"I don't think we can run from this one." Scootaloo replied. "One thing left that we can do."
"Scream for help?" Apple Bloom said. The three fillies then screamed as loud as they could, startling the Timberwolves and sending some nocturnal birds to the sky.
"HELP!"
====
As the four Knights heard the echoing scream pierce the still air, they nodded as one before taking off in a sprint towards the source. Then, as they entered a clearing, they could see three small equines being menaced by several larger creatures, and judging by the teeth, they weren't herbivores.
"NO SUPERSTES!" Samuel roared as the Knights entered the fray. The large creatures immediately turned and began to attack, jaws snapping and claws slashing. Timberwolf claws are made of an unknown rock-like substance, a contrast from their wooden bodies. However, they are still strong, capable of shredding iron.
Iron, but not steel. Especially Legion-forged, battle-hardened metal capable of shrugging off blows from Viking Long axes or Samurai kanabos. As the creatures' claws bounced off their adversaries' plate armor, the Knights went on the attack.
Andrew's longsword landed two light hits to one's chest, before he skillfully dodged a lunge and pierced its throat, killing it. Leah entered her prime environment, landing slashes and thrusts that were not enough to kill alone, but would slow the creatures down and tire them.
Turris's flail smashed through the head of whatever creature challenged them, sending splinters in all directions. Every so often, he would use a shield bash to disorient them before Andrew or Leah would finish them off.
Samuel was a unrelenting warrior, and his Poleaxe smashed through the legs of the pack leader, before he cleaved out the beast's throat with a powerful slash and pull. The creatures were soon defeated, leaving their carcasses as nothing more than fragments of wood and amber. As the Knights regrouped, the three fillies they had just saved huddled together near the light of the discarded torch.
"Not bad, not bad at all." Turris said, rewinding his flail. "What were those things?"
"Search me." Samuel replied. "They were like wolves of the old age, but made of wood and vine. What kind of forsaken place is this?"
"I do not know." Andrew said, then his gaze turned to the three stunned fillies. "But I believe they might."
The Knights approached, lowering their weapons slowly and assuredly. The three little ones still seemed scared, but Leah came forward and gently removed her hood and mask.
Leah's face was worn, and a scar lay on her cheek from a blow long forgotten, but her composition and her appearance made the fillies relax.
"Are you okay? Can you understand me?" Leah asked.
To the surprise of all four Knights, the three of them nodded slowly, with fear present in their eyes.
"Good." Leah said. "We need to get moving, it is not safe here. What are your names, little ones?"
"I'm Apple Bloom, that's Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo." one with a yellow coat and red hair said. "Who are you?"
"We are Knights, hailing from the land of Ashfeld." Andrew said, coming forward. "I am Andrew, Warden and Commander of the Tidal Legion. This is Turris, our Conqueror, Samuel, our Lawbringer, and Leah, our Peacekeeper. Let us move to safety, you three. Those things will be back, and in greater numbers to avenge their dead."
The three fillies nodded, and they set out beside the Knights back along a worn stone path. As they finally exited the forest, they could see the light of torches and lanterns in front of them, guarding a small village made from timber, brick, and thatch.
The source was soon revealed to be the town's equine population, and they were unarmed except for their sources of light. They were apparently intently focused on another one of their kind. Their leader seemed to be one with a purple coat, a set of wings, and a horn.
"Alright, we all know what to do!" she cried, her back to the knights. "Let's go and…"
As the ponies turned to the left and froze at the sight of the three fillies and the four Knights, Apple Bloom and her friends came forward.
"Uh, hi?" Sweetie Belle asked. "We're okay, thanks to them."
"Sweetie Belle!" said an indignant voice as a unicorn with an alabaster coat came forward, huffing angrily. "Do you have any idea of the panic you caused when we heard you shouting for help in the middle of the night?"
"We wanted to sleep out." Apple Bloom said. "We were attacked by timberwolves."
"I'd say you should've expected that to happen!" another said with an accented voice. This one wore a rustic-looking, ornamental hat. "You all should know better than sneaking out into the Everfree at night for Celestia's sake!"
Andrew made a mental reminder to ask who "Celestia" was and why they would use its name like they did in that moment. As they watched the three young ones argue with their presumed caretakers, Andrew decided that enough was enough, and he came forward.
And everypony there froze. The leader with the purple coat came forward, and Andrew thrust his sword into the ground before kneeling.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"I am Andrew, Warden and Commander of the Tidal Legion." he said. "These are my lieutenants, Turris, a Conqueror, Samuel, a Lawbringer, and Leah, a Peacekeeper. We are friends, who have traveled long and far from our home, and we are in need of rest."
The pony raised an eyebrow before sighing.
"Then come with me." she said. "I do have questions for you, however."
"And we will answer them as best we can." Andrew said, as the Knights came forward. "Lead the way, miss…"
"Twilight, Twilight Sparkle." the pony replied as the five of them headed to her Castle, while the other ponies dispersed and returned to their homes.
Author's Note
Update!
Next chapter - The Knights tell the Main 6 of Ashfeld, Apollyon, and their origins.
Lost in the Tides - A For Honor Tale
Chapter 2 - The Tidal Legion
As the Knights followed Twilight Sparkle through the town, the citizens got their first proper looks at their newest visitors. The Knights took notice, for they could hear the whispers, the hushed words that were spoken.
"Andrew…" Samuel growled. "Won't you say anything?"
"Not yet." Andrew replied. "They are in fear for themselves, I can see it in them. To act now would make this worse."
"Agreed." Leah nodded. "However, I cannot shake the feeling of their eyes upon us."
"It shouldn't be much longer." Turris said as he looked ahead at Twilight. "She said she lives here, so where might that be?"
"Right here." Twilight said, motioning to a building that left the Knights spellbound. It was a crystalline tree, made from palest blue gems and trimmed with yellow and pink marble.
"Huh, not what I was expecting." Turris shrugged. "In we go, I suppose."
As they entered and sat down on the floor, Twilight raised an eyebrow at them.
"Why are you on the floor?" she asked. "Wouldn't the couch be more comfortable for you, seeing as you're wearing all that armor?"
"It is no matter." Andrew said, removing his Loran helmet. "We thank you for your hospitality. Anyway, what name is this realm known by?"
"Equestria." Twilight said. "Specifically, in the realm of Equis. Where are you from?"
"Ashfeld." Andrew said. "The home of the Knight Legions, such as our own Tidal Legion."
"How many are there?" Twilight asked.
"There are some prominent ones." Turris said. "The Iron, Sun, Royal...they've mostly been taken over by the Blackstones, thought."
"Blackstones?" Twilight cocked an eyebrow. "Are they friends of yours?"
"The Blackstone Legion are not allies of ours." Andrew said. "They are led by the Warmonger Apollyon. She is...the reason we came to this realm."
"What happened?" Twilight asked, fetching paper and writing instruments.
"That'll take a while." Leah said. "But I suppose we can tell you."
"It began many hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago." Andrew said. "Ashfeld once knew peace in those times. We were not warriors, but merchants, artisans, men of peace. A great cataclysm came, and tore our land and the lands of our neighbors apart. Every volcano sent out fire, the water turned black...this turned all our kind to the ways of war."
"The Knights, Samurai, and Vikings began to fight each other." Samuel continued. "And thus began one thousand years of war. Except for us, that is. We safeguarded what remained of peace inside a sea-fort near the borders of Samurai land."
"There, we would wait." Turris said. "The Samurai who used to inhabit the fort didn't really need it anymore, and seeing as we did them a favor, they gave us the fort in return."
"What did you do?" Twilight asked.
"Their leader, a Kensei, was gravely ill from a disease the Samurai healers had never treated before." Andrew said. "I came to them under a flag of truce to give them the medicine they needed. The Kensei, Shoutarou, recovered and gave us an old sea-fort once used as an outpost as thanks. Then, the Samurai returned to the Myre, leaving us for good."
"We knew it was only a matter of time before the other Legions would find us." Leah said. "So we isolated ourselves, waiting for the right time to emerge. Fate had other plans."
Twilight nodded, silently asking them to continue as she wrote in a pad of paper.
"Years later, the Warmonger Apollyon came to us." Andrew said. "She asked us to join her Legion, the Blackstones. They were Knights who believed in Apollyon's message of everlasting war. We...declined."
"Two days later, she besieged us." Samuel sighed. "Soon, the four of us were at that was left to defend the sea-fort. On the third day, we challenged Apollyon to a trial by combat. She accepted, but she wanted to fight all four of us."
"Did you...win?" Twilight asked.
"No." Andrew said. "One by one, she ended our lives. The last thing I saw of Ashfeld was her Legion burning the sea-fort before we woke up in this realm. We were journeying to find shelter when we encountered the three young ones we would save. The rest I believe you know."
Twilight stopped writing, and looked away.
"Well, I'm sorry for my initial welcome." she said. "Can I introduce myself properly? I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, Alicorn of Friendship and Magic."
"Well met, Princess. I am Andrew, Leader and Warden of the Tidal Legion." Andrew replied, though he was surprised at Twilight's title. "My lieutenants, Turris, Samuel, and Leah."
"Nice to meet you all." Twilight said. "I'll let you stay here in my Castle for now, or at least until we figure out what to do going forward. I will need to alert Celestia that you're all here, though."
"Who is that?" Leah asked.
"Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna are the rulers of Equestria." Twilight said with some pride. "She's also my mentor. With luck, she'll know what to do."
"Our thanks, Princess." Leah nodded. "Now, shall we find a place to rest for the night?"
"Sure thing." Twilight waved her hood. "You can remove your armor if you want. Nopony here will attack you, you have my word."
"I would ask otherwise of you, but I thank you for your offer." Andrew said. "We'd like to keep our weapons and armor close at hand, though."
"I can take care of that easily." Twilight said. "Follow me."
As the four of them followed her to a spacious, empty room, Twilight conjured four sleeping bags and four large chests using her magic. As she set them down, Andrew came forward, the others were too stunned to speak.
"What sort of power was that?" he asked.
"It's called Magic." Twilight replied proudly. "Does your kind not use the magical arts?"
"Certainly not any kind that we know of." Turris replied. "Thanks again."
As Twilight left the room, the Knights began to remove their armor and place it in the chests, though they kept their weapons close by. As they soon laid down to rest, Andrew looked out a nearby window at the stars. He let the sight fill his eyes as he drifted off to sleep alongside his fellow Knights.
And in the distance, the sky began to lighten, signalling the coming of the dawn.
Author's Note
Update!
Next time - The first day in Ponyville, and further introductions.
Lost in the Tides - A For Honor Tale
Chapter 3 - A Realm of Peace
As the morning sun rose into the sky, the Knights of the Tidal Legion still slept. Knights in Ashfeld, regardless of their legion, trained to sleep with one eye open in case of ambush or battle, no matter their location.
Here, the Knights were fully asleep, both eyes shut and their breathing deep. Slowly, Andrew awoke and picked up his longsword from the floor next to him. Standing up and stretching his limbs, he gave off a sigh of relief.
Then, his stomach growled. Giving a quiet laugh, he began to explore the castle in search of food. As he entered the dining room, he saw a small lizard-like being in another room, tending to a metallic object that gave off a small flame.
"Greetings." Andrew said. The lizard jumped, turned, and sighed in relief.
"Did I disturb you?" Andrew asked again.
"Nah, you're fine." the lizard replied. "You're one of those Knights that Twilight told me about?"
"Yes." Andrew replied. "Who are you?"
"I'm Spike the Dragon!" Spike replied. "You hungry?"
"Considerably." he replied, as Spike led him to a smaller room where breakfast was sitting in platters. "Though you seem a bit too small to be a dragon that I would know of."
"I'm still young." Spike said, shrugging. "I can breathe fire, though. Wanna see?"
"That is not needed." Andrew said, sitting down. "You know of Princess Twilight?"
"I'm her number-one assistant!" was the reply. "She's still in bed, though."
"I see." Andrew replied, eyeing the breakfast items with a raised eyebrow. "Spike? I do not mean to be rude, but I cannot see anything that I can eat. Humans such as myself are omnivorous."
"Oh." Spike replied. "It's okay. I'll see what we have. Do you prefer eggs or fish?'
"Either option works."
Spike went out, and Andrew relaxed significantly, knowing that the hard part of mentioning his diet was over. Soon, Spike returned with some cooked fish, and Andrew ate.
"Is it okay?" the dragon asked.
"Yes, thank you." Andrew replied. "Turris, how long were you standing there?"
Turris laughed from the doorway and sat down.
"Eh, not too long." he said, taking some of the fish for himself. "How's breakfast?"
"Far better than the rations back in the Sea-Fort, that's a certainty." Andrew replied. "Where is Samuel and Leah?"
"Leah found a washroom, so she's cleaning herself up. Samuel's still coming." Turris said. "She was fascinated by a spout that gives endless water."
"You mean a faucet?" Spike raised an eyebrow. "Do you guys not have indoor plumbing?"
"Certainly not." Andrew said. "We had to use wells for our water, and it wasn't exactly as clean as the water here. What other marvels has this land made?'
"Well, that's a long story." Twilight said, coming in. "I see you found the fish, Spike. Good, I was going to tell you that humans have a different diet."
"We already let him know." Turris said. "Anyway, good morning Samuel, Leah."
The Lawbringer and the Peacekeeper entered the room, and breakfast truly began as the Knights ate as one.
"I have some business that needs done, so Spike can show you four around town." Twilight said. "Plus I need to write to Celestia to tell her of your presence. In retrospect, I should've done that last night, but I was exhausted."
"It is fine." Leah said. "When should we leave?"
"When breakfast is done." Twilight replied, pulling a sheet of paper over and reading it quietly. "Spike, can you handle this?"
"Yep." Spike replied. "You can count on me."
"Then we'll follow your lead, Spike." Andrew said, standing up. "Allow us time to put on our armor."
"Sure thing." Twilight said. "The chests should still be there."
====
As the Knights reassembled their armor and put it on, piece by piece, Andrew attached his Loran helmet to his leather belt and sheathed his longsword.
"Are you not expecting trouble?" Leah asked.
"No." Andrew said. "The ponies here are not warriors. I haven't seen a single instrument of war here, not even a single sword. I doubt we'll need our helmets."
The other Knights nodded and removed their helmets, following Andrew back to the dining room, where Spike was waiting. As they proceeded outside, the other citizens began their morning routines. A few ponies whispered at them or flinched, but a brave few waved or smiled at the Knights, who returned the gesture.
"I can't believe that this realm is at peace." Turris said quietly. "It's...unsettling."
"How so?" Spike asked. "Is it that hard to believe?"
"Well, the Knights, Samurai, and Vikings have been fighting for over 1000 years, Spike." Andrew said. "To die and be brought to a realm where I presume there is no war...it has disturbed me and I dare believe my lieutenants as well."
"Oh, I think I get it." Spike said. "Culture shock, or whatever it is. You're still getting used to something new and strange."
"I guess so." Samuel replied. "Where to first, Spike? We will follow your lead."
===
The Knights and Spike wandered through town while being joined on occasion by some of Twilight's friends and the "Elements of Harmony", as they put it. Soon, they arrived at a schoolhouse that seemed a bit quaint in Andrew's opinion, at least compared to the colossal citadels the Knights built before the Age of Apollyon and the Cataclysm.
"They learn skills here?" Andrew asked Spike.
"Mostly basic stuff." Spike replied. "Math, reading, writing, it goes on from there. Did you guys not go to school?"
"No." Samuel said. "Such skills in Ashfeld were long lost by the time Apollyon came. Legion Scribes were the only ones that kept records on paper, but that was for weapons, supplies, and maps. Not for things like this."
As a bell rang, the young students filed out of the classroom for recess, two in particular laughing haughtily.
"Those two seem overconfident." Samuel said to Spike.
"Yeah, they're bullies." Spike said. "Not worth getting involved, though."
As the Knights turned to leave, Andrew shot one last look at the schoolhouse before leaving.
Author's Note
Update!
Lost in the Tides - A For Honor Tale
Chapter 4 - A Confrontation
As the Knights continued to walk alongside Spike through the town, Andrew took in a deep breath of air, letting it fill his lungs. Back in the land of Ashfeld, the air was always tinged with the smell of steel, blood, and decay. Here, it was...clean. There was no other word to describe it.
Andrew exhaled, turning and walking to catch up with the group, who were eyeing the Fountain with raised eyebrows.
"I've never seen so much clean water in my life." Leah said, dipping her waterskin into the fountain and filling it. Drinking deeply, she sighed in relief at the refreshing taste and sensation.
"So? What's the verdict?" Spike jested.
"This is probably the best drink I've had in some time." Leah smiled. "Shall we move on?"
As the five of them continued through town, Andrew listened to the birds chirping in the trees, the gentle wind against his face…now that they lived in a realm of peace, how could they return to Ashfeld?
"Andrew?" Turris asked. "You okay?"
"Yes, my friend." Andrew replied. "I was just thinking about...home. How our Legion brethren continue to wage war against the Vikings, Samurai, and themselves."
The Knights nodded gravely to each other, and Spike cleared his throat to gain their attention.
"Anyway, I think that's about everything." Spike said. "So…"
Then, shouts of anguish could be heard that the Knights recognized as the three fillies they had saved. Not only were they in distress, they were close.
The Knights hurried over to see the two haughty ones from the schoolhouse taunting them with a hair ribbon, held aloft by magic.
"Give it back!" Apple Bloom cried. "That's my mama's ribbon!"
"Why should I?" the pink-colored filly sneered. "I think it's my ribbon now! Ha-ha!"
Andrew then drew his longsword and placed it to the pink filly's neck, stopping her and her companion in their tracks. As the three fillies stared at them, Andrew spoke.
"Give it back, now." Andrew growled. "Or else I will use force."
"You're not the boss of me!" the Pink filly retorted. "especially not a big armored monkey like you!"
Then, all of the Knights' weapons were drawn in an instant.
"Listen and hear." Andrew spoke in a cold, grim tone that made both fillies freeze. "We are Knights of Ashfeld, of the race of humankind. We are not the animals you claim we are."
Andrew growled and took out a medallion with the crest of the Tidal Legion emblazoned upon it.
"Do you know what this means?" he asked.
The fillies shook their heads no.
"It means I am a Warden, one who is sworn by an oath to defend the weak." Andrew spoke. "For one whose kind has waged war for over one thousand years, I am a symbol of hope for the future amongst the Knight Legions."
"And yet, when I and my Legion come to this realm of peace, we are greeted by those who would remind us of home." he continued. "Those who take from others by force what they cannot gain by guile or words."
"So?" the pink one replied. "Why should we care?"
"Because I have had enough of this." Andrew spoke in such a tone that froze both fillies cold. "Return the ornament, or face the consequences of your actions. In Ashfeld, our home, if you were soldiers in my Tidal Legion, I would have you put in the stockade for three days without food or water. If you were one of my Lieutenants, however, I would kill you for disloyalty without a second thought."
The two ponies paled visibly, and the pink one hastily handed the ribbon back to Applebloom, who affixed the ornament in her mane with a breath of relief.
"Now, you two will leave them be from now on." Andrew spoke. "Go. This matter is settled."
The two fillies sprinted off, crying. Andrew and his Knights returned to Spike and lowered their weapons, Andrew giving a sigh.
"I am sorry you saw that, Spike." he said quietly. "You have my apologies for losing my temper."
"Oh, it's fine." said Applejack, as she, Rarity, and Rainbow came forward from the small crowd of onlookers. "Those two have been bullies for as long as I've known them. If anything, you did my sister and her friends a favor."
"That does not excuse how they acted." Samuel said. "How is it that they can steal from others of their kind and not be punished? In Ashfeld as Andrew said, they'd be a lot less fortunate.'
"Their parents are really important around here." Rarity sighed. "Mrs. Spoon is coming in for a dress fitting today, I can speak with her about what happened"
"And I'll speak with Mr. and Mrs. Rich." Applejack added. "They do business with our family, they'll listen to us."
"I hope so." Leah said. "Anyway, Spike? Shall we proceed forward?"
"Sure, let's go!" Spike said as the five of them, joined by Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow, Andrew sighed and slowly tightened his grip on his longsword.
===
By the time that the Knights returned to the Castle and Twilight had greeted them, it was past midday.
"You took your time." Twilight said to Andrew and Spike. "That's good, my business took longer than it normally does."
"It's fine." Andrew said. "Is there anything else we can do to pass the time here?"
"There is the library." Twilight said, bringing the Warden and his Knights to a large set of double doors. "Did you read any books back in Ashfeld?"
"Not really." Andrew said. "There weren't a lot of texts to go around after the Cataclysm, and one thousand years of battle got rid of more. Most were in the possession of the Samurai and the Dawn Empire, so we didn't really see much of them."
"But yes, we can read and write." Leah said. "Just not very well."
"Well, I can change that." Twilight said, opening the doors to her castle's colossal library, which stunned the Knights. Countless books lined the shelves, which were made of crystal like the castle. There were tables and chairs, small bag-like seats, sources of light on every stand…
The sight of it made the Knight's jaws drop.
"Spend as long as you want in here." Twilight said to the stunned Legion warriors. "As long as you keep it quiet and clean up when you're finished."
"We will, and our thanks." Andrew said as the Knights set down their weapons and began to browse. Andrew found several Equestrian historical records, Samuel retrieved a book full of ancient battle maneuvers, Leah began studying Equestrian technological development, and Turris found a Beginner's Guide to the Arcane Arts.
Soon, they were engrossed in their books, quiet as could be. As Twilight closed the doors, the Knights began to learn of the ways of peace.
Author's Note
Update!
Yeah, the Knights have a lot to learn about Equestria, seeing as most of their progress was made to warfare and developments regarding it.
Next time - A gang of armed troublemakers arrives in Ponyville, and the Knights defend their home. Meanwhile, Celestia receives Twilight's letter regarding the Knights and alerts Shining Armor...
Lost in the Tides - A For Honor Tale
Chapter 5 - In Defense of Peace
As the four Knights continued to read inside the Castle Library, Andrew found himself to be astonished at the sheer number of books he had read in the time they had spent. Andrew, like his fellow Knights, was not a scholar like some of Samurai, but he knew a little, precious amount of knowledge from Samurai texts in their former seaside home. They were burned with the Sea-fort when the Blackstones and Apollyon came, but now to the Warden, it was a small loss compared to now.
"Andrew?"
He turned to see Leah approach him and crossed her arms in expectation.
"What is it?" Andrew asked.
"It seems we are needed at the request of Twilight Sparkle." the Peacekeeper replied. "A gang of marauders has come to Ponyville and are causing mayhem. It seems We must send them away."
"Very well." Andrew replied, placing his helmet on and retrieving his longsword. "Where are Samuel and Turris?"
"Waiting for us." Leah replied as she pulled up her hood and placed her mask on her face. "Let's go."
As the four Knights soon came together and exited the castle and came into the afternoon sun, they could see several wagons in the plaza, occupied by ponies wearing leather and mail, and armed with iron-forged weapons. Princess Twilight Sparkle was currently speaking with their leader, who bore a great-axe.
"I will tell you again for the last time." she said, clearly exasperated. "We are not interested in sheltering your group here. Not only did you make a mess of Sugarcube Corner and several other establishments, you also washed yourselves in the fountain, and threatened several residents who told you to leave. I don't think your actions warrant any help from us. So leave, now."
"And why can't my crew and I have some fun and relax? Enjoy ourselves?" the lead marauder replied. "We can all afford to cut loose every once in a while, Princess."
"Does cutting loose involve vandalism and several other offenses that could get your arrested?" Twilight retorted. "Why can't you get it through your head that we are not interested or willing to shelter you?"
"Because it wasn't a request." the leader growled, pulling his greataxe out. "We're staying here. Not a thing you can do about it. So be quiet."
"If that is what you intend, bandit, then consider your lives forfeit if you do not listen." Andrew said, he and his Knights coming forward and making the marauders stop in their tracks, pale with fright. "You have been asked to leave, and you have been ordered to leave. Now…"
"You are being commanded to." Andrew continued, his longsword ready along with the poleaxe, flail, and dual blades of his fellow Knights. "Leave and never return."
"Or what?" the leader scoffed. "Whatcha gonna do if we don't?"
"Simple." Leah said, scowling under her mask. "We will kill you."
That sent a few ponies backwards in fright, but they soon rallied and readied their weapons in anticipation.
"You may either leave, or fight us." Samuel bellowed. "And the cost of fighting will be death if you persist."
The leader spat at the Knights in disgust, and his crew snarled at them with weapons ready.
"So be it." Andrew said, taking a battle stance. "Forward!"
As the marauders rushed Andrew and the Knights, the four of them easily parried their opening attacks and went on the offensive. These marauders were lean and worn out, and the Knights could tell they were operating on anger and desperation alone. Their skills with their weapons were severely lacking, and Andrew had to mentally remind himself not to kill any of them outright.
As Samuel's poleaxe swept a marauder's legs out, followed by the shaft smashing into his face, Leah expertly used the frustration of her foes to her advantage, weaving and dodging attacks with relative ease. Andrew took the point position as he battled the leader of the marauders, and Turris knocked several ponies out with one shield bash.
"Why did you come here?" Andrew questioned as he locked blades with his opponent. "And for what cause?"
"None of your business!" the leader replied, his axe held taunt against Andrew's longsword. "As if you'd care anyway!"
"This is our home now." Andrew said, smashing his armored foot into the leader's front leg, making him flinch and fall to the ground. "And we will fight to defend it and give our lives if needed. Now yield!"
As Andrew placed his blade to his opponent's throat, he growled and dropped his axe. The other Knights came forward, a score of defeated marauders left in their wake.
"I'm not sure we have a place to imprison this bastard." Turris growled. "What do we do with him?"
"I'll handle this." Twilight said as she came forward. "Andrew, Knights, return to my castle for now. I thank you for defending our home, however."
"You are welcome, Princess." Samuel nodded as the Knights departed. As Twilight and the other Elements began binding the marauders, while Spike sent a message to Celestia, they didn't notice a plume of smoke on the horizon, signalling an incoming train.
====
Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire, Twilight's brother, looked over the Crystal Guards he had brought with him, who were assembling their armor and preparing their weapons in case of battle.
Celestia had received a concerning letter from Twilight that detailed the arrival of four Knights from a land called Ashfeld, and how they had saved three fillies from a timberwolf attack.
However, Celestia had told Shining once she had relayed the message to him to be careful. She had been rather vague, though, about what danger they could pose. Thus, Shining had prepared two Crystal Guard teams, fully prepared for battle, and boarded a train to Ponyville to assess the situation and report back.
As the train arrived at the station, Shining was greeted by the Elements and a joyful but confused Twilight.
"Shining, what's going on?" she asked. "Is this about the Knights I wrote to Celestia about?"
"It is." he asked. "Celestia asked me to learn if they were a potential threat. She was really vague, but she's concerned about it. Where are they?"
"They're resting at my Castle, seeing as they just dispatched a group of bandits on their own." Twilight replied. "But before you get any ideas, the Knights didn't kill any of them. They defended us from those renegades."
Shining didn't reply to her. He motioned his Guards forward, and they proceeded to Twilight's Castle, the Elements following close behind. As they walked, Twilight sent up a prayer that everything would be resolved without further violence.
Author's Note
Update!
Next time - The Knights meet Shining Armor and later Princess Celestia, and Andrew speaks with Twilight Sparkle about concerns of his own as the Knights prepare for a journey to Canterlot.
Coming soon -Chapter 6 - The City on the Mountainside.
