Incarnate: Book Two of the Nexus

After a visit to the market to gather fresh food and a stop in town to get a few more supplies, they returned to Brickhouse the smith to pick up their armor. He gave them a half off discount, checked the fit, made a few adjustments to the straps, and sent Sky and Cobalt on their way.

The dragon scale vest had been scrubbed clean, polished until the dark green scales sparkled in the sun, and the slits for Sky's wings had been smoothed out and cut properly.

With new straps and buckles, the vest fit Sky better than before. He felt no chafing at all walking around with it on, and a warm quilted tunic beneath it would help absorb impacts. Where the vest had been damaged and scales pried off, gleaming rings of metal had been sewn on.

Both Sky and Cobalt's metal armor pieces had been cleaned, polished, repaired of dents and scratches, fit with fresh quilted padding, and adjusted to fit them snugly.

Their weapons had received equivalent care. Sky took a moment to appreciate the polished, balanced, honed hunter's knife. Even the jagged edge on the spine of the knife had been carefully sharpened with a file, so that he could cut firewood with it.

Cobalt took her heavy falchion in both talons, reared onto her hind legs, and swung it in an arc.

She sheathed it across her back and dropped back down to all fours. She said, “Dude, thank you so much! The quality is incredible. Once I can fly again I've got to give this sword more use against monsters.”

In their battles, she had been more prone to use magic or talons. A good chance had not yet arisen to try out the sword she had gotten from the rural town of Cornhills.

It, and the armor she wore, was a gift of sorts. A going away present from the guards, in return for Sky and Cobalt staying away.

While it didn't seem entirely fair treatment for their effort in handling a dangerous monster bounty, they had caused a few problems in that town.

Sky and Cobalt walked towards the train station, getting compliments and jealous stares now for their gleaming armor. They bought tickets, sat on the wooden bench, and talked with other curious ponies who also waited for the train.

It arrived shortly. Sky and Cobalt boarded, presented their tickets to a frightened unicorn, and took their seats on one of the benches.

Back at Canterlot Castle, on the fourth floor, the two princesses waved a fond goodbye to the ponies whom they had invited. Maud was the last to leave. She asked if she could borrow several books, and was allowed to.

Luna and Celestia watched them disperse. When they were alone, Celestia cast a spell at the stairwell and blockaded it with a wall of magic.

The two sisters had a seat at the dining lounge table, and looked out the window. For a time, they were quiet.

Princess Celestia spoke, “While I rarely visit the Dreamspace, is it not true that pockets of it are usually foggy and abstract? Like a dream ought to be?”

Luna nodded while staring at hummingbirds outside the glass. She spoke,

“Several regions are quite realistic and clear. That I know of, this is true for the most vital areas.”

“It follows logically that the volcano dream was vital.”

“Yes, and Sombra had taken extensive control over it. I know.”

“What of the dragon, dear Luna? Have you ever encountered that Dreamspace creature before?”

Luna shook her head no, “I fear it may be worse than that. Through my experience I know how to tell a creature of dreams from a real creature. That dragon, Celestia? That dragon was real.”

“It cannot be! I recall it fleeing to another pocket of Dreamspace. Further, what of its crystals, were those not dream objects?”

“It is true the crystals were impervious in reality,” spoke Luna in a quiet tone, “It is also a correct statement that very few entities may cross into Dreamspace. Finally, it is true that, in managing and defending our own kingdom, our knowledge of the Dragonlands is sparse.”

Celestia chewed on her lip as she pondered, “And yet, this perfectly clear route to investigate the region which would leave us away from Canterlot while Harmony is broken... it feels like a trap, sister.”

Luna nodded, “Hmm, I agree. It would be more prudent to await Twilight's return. We haven't reason to doubt her success.”

“Very well,” conceded Celestia, “answers shall wait. For today, I will manage the various affairs and documents that need my attention.”

The princesses walked downstairs to the second floor, where meeting rooms, courts, and political offices were kept.

Celestia offered a deep sigh as she stood at the entrance to a courtroom. She spoke, “Oh the joy. It is time to observe the trial of one Raindancer and accomplices.”

Luna used a left wing to pat Celestia on the back. She spoke, “It is rather past my usual bedtime. I will be late for my patrol of Dreamspace at this rate.”

They parted ways now. Celestia entered the court majestically.

She passed the jury and took a seat in the front row. A badly overweight judge pony began walking sedately towards his booth, glowing with dark gray magic as he did so.

The majority of ponies in this room also began to glow dark gray. Guards, diplomats, members of the jury all revealed themselves as changelings.

Celestia ran towards the door, turned to face the threat, and observed a gathering of changelings all advancing towards her.

She slowly backed towards the door, watching for one of them to attack. A portal opened in the ground behind her. She fell in with a short scream.

Raindancer was the first pony to gain her composure. She prepared several magic spells, and launched red energy at the creatures.

All of her red magic was drawn towards the ceiling. A chandelier made of dark stones with glowing runes absorbed it.

Several other unicorns tried to fight back, and the same thing happened to their magic.

The pegasi in the room tried to flee, but the changelings could also fly. The pegasi were corralled back to the ground.

Princess Luna continued upstairs towards her private bedroom. Lost in thought, very tired and ready to hit the hay, she turned a corner and reacted too slowly as the furnishings all began to glow dark gray.

She flew towards a balcony, while shooting spells down. Suddenly, a portal above her swallowed her.

Luna attempted to dive back out of it, but it closed, and she made a rough landing on rocky ground instead.

“Not you too,” came a voice, and her sister helped her back up.

They looked around. Just a dark, empty space.

“Where are we?” asked a groggy Luna.

Celestia appraised the area as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. She said,

“This looks like a throne room, in a stone structure, perhaps a castle. Outside would offer a better vantage.”

Her horn glimmered yellow and the air began to ripple. Suddenly, the yellow magic turned to smoke.

Luna's attention was on the stone throne. She stared at it and said, “No, it cannot be.”

The train arrived by night in the town of Appleloosa. It paused here for a half hour, waiting on passengers and freight. Hefty farm ponies disembarked, heading for the taverns and cafes.

Sky gave a disgusted look at the town. He spoke, “They call this place the seat of Southern Equestria, center of farming and trade. Really though? It's just a haven for outlaws.”

Cobalt asked, “What, they don't have guards this far out?”

“They have a town sheriff and guards on patrol, but they can only do so much."

“I'm hungry,” said Cobalt, “let's find a cafe and get one of your pony herbivore meals.”

They stopped in at the 'Rusty Wagon Bar'. The interior appeared to match the name. The bar did have cold beer and good hot bean soup though, and a roaring fire kept the occupants warm.

A senile and crazed looking earth-pony sat in a rocking chair by the fireplace. His speech was peppered with wheezing coughs. In spite of this condition, he both drank and smoked a pipe.

He beckoned Sky and Cobalt over. Sky took the rocking chair next to him, while Cobalt sat on the floor facing them.

A couple other patrons walked over to get a look at the armored griffon. They nodded in interest, and walked back to their tables.

The elderly earth-pony had a wild look in his eyes as he spoke, “They tell me I'm crazy, but I've seen it! In the mines, deep down far as we dug. One of 'em cockatrice critters.”

Cobalt spoke in a dubious tone, “Uh, those are forest creatures. They don't live in deserts.”

“I've seen it I tell ya!”

Sky had a drink of beer and said, “If one did wander out here, it probably went into the mines to get out of the heat.”

Cobalt agreed, and spoke to the old miner, “We here are monster hunters. We don't just handle monsters for nothing.”

“I can give you gold ore, just get rid of the thing! Don't want the mines to be full o' frozen ponies.”

They shook on the deal. Sky said, “The train leaves in thirty minutes. We don't wanna go buying another ticket for the morning one.”

The miner began yelling across the room, “Hey, Cornstalk! Get o'er here!”

A skinny unicorn pony walked over with an unhappy expression. He spoke,

“What is it now, you crazy old pony?”

The miner replied, “These fine folk here wanna smash the cockatrice in the mine. You reckon you can set them up fer a free train ride after?”

“I told you already Goldwater, there ain't no bird down there.”

“I've seen it! It's gonna get us!”

The unicorn named Cornstalk rolled his eyes and talked to Sky and Cobalt,

“Y'all don't mind the ol coot. He's out of his mind. Train's leaving soon, you better hurry up.”

Sky objected, “What if there is a cockatrice? It could turn the miners to stone. We should at least check.”

“The miners are tough enough to handle a small monster. Mind yer own business. You got any reason to be here in Appleloosa?”

“Well, no, but...”

“Then get out.”

“What's that, you jackass?”

Cobalt budged in and pushed the two ponies apart. She spoke,

“Okay, enough of this. Sky, didn't your momma raise you better than using a word like that? Let's just go. This whole town sucks.”

The two finished their beers and stormed out of the bar. Two other rough looking ponies followed them, one a pegasus, the other an earth-pony.

They staggered a little, both incredibly drunk. The pegasus one slurred, “Y'all messin' with grandpa Corn?”

Both drunk ponies moved in as though to kick them. Sky and Cobalt easily avoided them, took flight, and launched off towards the train station. The inebriated pegasus could not maintain flight.

Cobalt and Sky boarded the train, moved to the far back car, and waited for the whistle.

Sky was simmering with anger, but when he noticed Cobalt he calmed down.

The griffon was clutching her side, a grimace on her face and tears in her eyes. The short flight must have been agonizing.

Sky moved over to her bench, lie on his side, and leaned right up against her.

Cobalt offered a grim smile, and put a wing over Sky's back. She spoke in a very weak voice, “Don't worry about me, you little feathery bastard.”

The train steamed on into the night towards Dodge Junction as they slept.

They were nudged awake by a conductor, who said, “Time to get up now, we've arrived.”

The unicorn conductor took a blanket off of them and walked back towards the caboose carrying it in his mouth.

Sky and Cobalt got up and stretched. They helped each other equip their saddle bags. They walked through the train cars and stepped out into Dodge Junction.

Cobalt sat down on the worn and broken platform and looked over the collection of disheveled buildings. “This town sucks too,” she said.

Sky had to agree with her. He spoke, “Let's stop in at the general store and get a couple more canteens. It's a day's hike through the desert to reach the farming valley.”

Inside the general store, it was cool and dusty. A ceiling fan kept a gentle breeze going. Various sundry goods were held on sagging shelves. Aside from the shopkeeper, there were only a couple other ponies here.

One of them was Sky's brother, Hayseed Haycart. He had dark brown fur like his father, but his mane and tail were a darker gray. He was an earth-pony.

Hayseed set down the basket he was carrying, trotted over, and gave Sky a hug. He gave an appreciative look at the griffon.

Hayseed spoke, his voice lighter and softer than his brother's but with the same country accent, “Mighty fine armor, Skyblazer. You two are looking real professional there. Howdy, griffon, the name's Hayseed.”

Cobalt extended her front talons and shook the pony's hoof. She said, “Cobalt, like my feathers. Good to meet you.”

“Glad y'all could stop by,” continued Hayseed, “Folks could use the help with the harvest. I was just about to head on down myself.”

Sky took a cursory glance at his brother. Much less coal dust on him than usual, and much more energy. He wore a hard hat and saddlebags with rigging to hold mining tools.

Skyblazer asked his brother, “You look like your about to start your shift. What's with the mining gear? Aren't you going to the farm today?"

“Ah, you didn't hear did ya? Nah, reckon you two were off in Canterlot talking with the princesses. Sounds boring.”

Cobalt noted, “It wasn't.”

Hayseed spoke with a broad grin, “I'm the mine manager now! Old madam Dillweed finally retired.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Sky, “Congratulations, Hayseed. That's great.”

“I've been making some changes and making life a bit better for the miners.”

“Do you have time to help with harvest?”

“I'm in charge, Sky. I work when I want. Now then, before we leave let's hit up the bar and visit the mines.”

They did so. The tavern patrons were rather surprised to see a couple hearty, armored fighters stride in along with Hayseed, but they mostly ignored them and went back to their smoke and drink.

At one table sat several unicorns as old as the hills. They were playing poker. One wrinkly mare lowered her cards to give a sideways glance at the armored griffon and pegasus.

She asked, “Hayseed, be there some manner of trouble round here? Figure if there were a monster nearby we'd have heard of it.”

Hayseed gave her a warm smile and said, “No trouble ma'am, but they are monster hunters. You ain't gotta worry about any varmint with them around.”

They walked to the bar and had their seats. Cobalt squinted and waited for a repeat of yesterday.

The atmosphere in this tavern was different. All the old ponies preferred to mind their own business and simply ignore the strangers.

After the bartender brought their beers—paid for by Hayseed—Cobalt spoke quietly, “Much better than Appleloosa.”

Hayseed closed one eye, tipped his glass back for a drink, and said, “Folks think all the rural towns are full of southern hospitality. Truth is, some of em are colder by far than the big ol' cities.”

Cobalt, now curious, asked, “Is that so?”

“Folks o'er yonder don't trust outsiders. If you ain't from Appleloosa, you're suspicious. Visiting at night? They keep their muzzles by their scabbards. Add in a couple armored badass looking folk, one of em a griffon? They be prepared for a fight.”

“Has the town been attacked?” asked Cobalt, thinking of poor Ponyville.

“Nope, and they wanna keep it that way. Lots of tough monsters out in the desert. Been rumors of somethin' that can change how it looks, like you don't know what's real.”

Skyblazer spoke up, “Uh, that sounds very similar to rumors we've been hearing.”

He told Hayseed about the changelings, both the real ones and ones he had seen in a dream. Hayseed nodded as he drank his beer.

Cobalt said, “I can't blame em for being suspicious of strangers in that case.”

The three of them left the tavern and trod through the soft dirt out of town, towards the canyon country. A rough trail was here, worn down by hoof prints and wagon ruts.

It didn't take long to reach the mines. Cobalt and Sky waited on the surface while Hayseed ventured into a tunnel.

When Hayseed came back, he was hitched to a cart and no longer carrying his mining tools. A magic light of some kind glared on his helmet. He knocked a hoof against it and it went out.

It was still early morning, the autumn air cold and crisp and full of birdsong. They began the hike towards the distant blue mountains. The desert hike was much more bearable in the cold.

During the hike, Sky and Cobalt talked about their adventures together. Hayseed seemed incredulous about the dream world and their new elements. His doubts vanished when Sky and Cobalt demonstrated what their elements could do.

They ran into a large salamander at one point. This was a fire-breathing lizard as big as a domestic dog. It seemed lethargic and slow in the cold, and it wasn't hard to avoid.

Cobalt mentioned, “I can't eat those, the meat is no good. Got sick once before.”

Hayseed was rather uncomfortable with the topic, and Cobalt apologized.

Skyblazer alternated between walking to chat and flying to stretch his wings and scout ahead. Cobalt grimaced in pain just from the long hike, but seemed able to tough it out.

The scenery slowly changed from desert to forested foothills. The slope became steep, the trail rugged, and they reached the river valley as the sun set.

In the last fading light of day, they arrived at the farm. A few other farmers hauling heavy carts of produce passed them but didn't say anything.

A gate was opened. Over it was a finely carved wooden sign with fresh white paint which read, “Haycart Farm and Granary”. The fencing, too, was painted and well maintained.

Sky and Hayseed found their folks out in the grain fields, setting several empty carts out for the next morning.

Barley Haycart, a hefty earth-pony with dirty dark brown fur and a platinum mane and tail, was smoking a pipe and getting the cart equipage off his back. This was an impressive feat for an earth pony with no real dexterity.

His wife, Lightning Ridge Haycart, wore a cloak which covered up most of her golden fur. She was busy pulling a few weeds out from the ground.

Both of them noticed the three approaching.

They shook the dust out of their fur and walked over to meet them. Lightning gave Skyblazer a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She then walked over to Cobalt and did the same. Cobalt wore a look of surprise.

Barley, who was for a rare occasion sober, spoke up in his smoky bass voice, “Didn't think I'd see you at all during harvest season.”

Sky tried to smile but wound up with more of a scowl. He spoke, “We're actually here to help. I mean, if you don't want the help we can leave.”

“In that case, uh, Sky, why don't ya come in the house for dinner?” said Barley, “The griffon stays outside.”

Skyblazer was livid now, and about to say something sharp. He heard the shrill and gravely voice of Cobalt in his mind, It's fine. I can handle the cold, but you need to chill.

“What in tarnation are you up to with that?” asked Barley, as he noticed the ring Cobalt wore begin to glow.

Sky quickly spoke up, “Just trying to keep warm with magic. She's part bird, you know, doesn't do so well in the cold.”

Lightning Ridge gave her husband an unhappy stare. Barley chewed on his pipe and kicked the ground a few times. He then spoke, “Fine, the griffon can come inside. Any trouble from ya', and the both of y'all can get off the property.”

Cobalt managed to keep her voice polite and calm, even though Sky could feel the anger simmering in her mind. She said, “Yes sir. I'm just here to be helpful, I'm mighty strong too. I can pull carts, cut grain, whatever you need.”

Sky observed, “There ain't any unicorns in the family, dad. She has her talons, she can take care of things y'all have trouble with.”

Barley trudged back towards the farmhouse, not looking back at them. The others followed along behind and talked.

Lightning noticed bandages wrapped beneath Cobalt's saddlebags and a few serious cuts on Sky that had scabbed over. She spoke in a concerned voice, “Every time I've seen you two, you've gotten yourselves hurt. Really Cobalt, you should be resting, not working.”

Cobalt countered, “It's gonna be moons til I can fly again. Not gonna let my body lose strength until then.”

They arrived at the farmhouse, which was in much better condition than last time Sky had been here. Fresh paint, a new front porch, decorative flower beds which lie dormant as winter neared.

All the windows had glass panes now. While he was growing up, half of them were just boarded over. Smoke rose from a chimney. They had firewood and heat.

A welcome mat was at the door, and Lightning asked them to please wipe their hooves off. Or, in Cobalt's case, the lion paws on her back legs.

The house was immaculate, warm, and inviting. Lightning spoke, “Poor Violet is in just as rough shape as ever. She can't be in the cold for very long, but she wants to be helpful. Keeps the house nice.”

Cobalt noticed Barley leaning on a wall nearby, giving her an uncertain look, and so she spoke, “Well it certainly looks lovely, Mrs. Lightning! Smells great in here too, what is that, cookies?”

“Oatmeal raisin,” said Lightning.

Barley exhaled with a huff, and made a show of slowly walking over with an unhappy look on his face. He looked Cobalt in the eyes without fear, and then looked at her side. He spoke,

“Aight, tell us what happened. Y'all bite off more than you could chew going after a monster?”

Cobalt sat, took a moment, and then spoke, “No, Sky and me were ambushed by bandits. Had to fight them off.”

Sky added, “Turns out they had a bounty, we got the reward money. Speaking of which,” he walked into the living room, unhooked a pouch from his bags, and set it on the coffee table with a clunk and jingle.

Ten pieces of gold, amounting to a thousand bits, were portioned onto the table.

Barley trod over with heavy steps that shook the floorboards. He took a gold piece in his teeth, set it back on the table, and sat in disbelief.

Lightning sat next to Sky. She looked at her son and said in surprise, “Are you... sure, Sky? Our entire harvest won't be even half of this...”

Sky gave an arrogant nod, “Yes, it's for the farm. I told you I'd make money for the farm, before I left. Cobalt and I have been through hell and back and we have plenty more than that.”

“All legally obtained, I hope?” asked Lightning.

“Well, the gold pieces were from the bounty...” answered Sky.

Lightning interrupted him, “It's not important, what matters is we're together and a family,” Barley gave her an agitated glare, but she continued, “Yes, that includes Cobalt the mighty griffon. Cobalt, you're family here.”

Cobalt's cold eyes softened and she gave Lightning a warm and shocked smile. Barley began to object that this was too much, but Lightning said,

“Do I need to make good on my threat, Barley? All my things are packed.”

Barley seemed to recoil from her words. He took off his hat, holding it in the crook of his leg, and said in an angry mutter, “The damn griffon is part of the family here, if she gets some work done.”

Now Lightning asked, “So, you were ambushed by a couple of highway ponies?”

Cobalt continued her tale, “Not me, but Sky was. I was off, well, gathering some fish and rabbits. Sky was over getting water for the trip. He found a campsite in a clearing, and was attacked by three pegasi and a unicorn.”

Lightning spoke in an impressed voiced, “My son held off four against one, and three of them fliers?”

Cobalt nodded with an arrogant smirk, “Oh yeah he did. Fried one of em with weather magic. Knifed another. Used his element to set the third on fire.”

Sky spoke up, “I was scared, and I had to defend myself.”

Lightning understood, and simply said, “I see you two have become licensed bounty hunters. They've tightened the rules on that since my day. You didn't rough up the bandits too bad, did you?”

Sky shook his head no and said, “Nothing that won't heal, and it was a serious fight. They seemed ready and willing to kill for money. The pegasi had swords so I had to pull my blade and cut one of their wings,” he paused, looking at his mother.

Lightning asked, “How badly?”

Sky responded, “It can be healed with magic, just clipped the very bottom of his wing.”

“Good then,” said Lightning.

Cobalt resumed speaking, “I saw the unicorn using magic to try and shoot down Sky, so I ran over. She hit me with a bunch of magic missiles, but I was able to close in and fight.”

Lightning asked, “Is that what happened to your side?”

Cobalt placed a talon on the bandages, and said, “Yeah, broken rib. Hurts like hell.”

Barley was staring at Cobalt now with a strange look on his face. He put his straw hat back on, and said in an oddly quiet and shaky voice, “It's, well, it's getting late and I should hit the hay. Lots of work to do tomorrow. Night, y'all.”

When Barley had closed the door to his room, Cobalt asked, “What was that about?”

“I think I know,” said Lightning, “and we can talk about it later. Now Sky, that's ten gold pieces. We don't even need that many to get this place going strong.”

“We're fine, mom. Keep them. Get those fruit trees you wanted.”

Lightning twisted back to unclasp her cloak, and pulled it off her body. She reared back to put the cloak on a rack by the door. Now, her missing left wing was glaringly obvious as she extended her right wing for balance.

They walked to the kitchen, where a pot of beans simmered on top of a wood stove and cookies baked in an oven compartment.

“Ah, beans again?” complained Sky, “We just had beans. Looks great though.”

Lightning Ridge, Hayseed, Skyblazer, Cobalt, Piney and Violet gathered at the table for dinner.

Hayseed wasn't feeling well and opted to skip dinner. He spoke while the others ate, “Now that I'm in charge, I might be able to do something to help Dodge Junction. I'm thinking, rustic tourism. Go for that homemade, country, southern kindness vibe that city folks would be looking for.”

Sky blew on his bowl of beans and said, “It could work. Lots of work to do fixing up the buildings.”

“I'm sure once I get started more townsfolk will help me out.”

Piney Haycart spoke up now. This earth pony had golden fur the same shade as Sky and Lightning. He was the son of Lightning and Barley, which made him Sky's only full brother.

Piney said, “You don't know how much it means to us to have you here, Sky. Thought this was going to be a rough harvest season. If ya'll can come back in the spring, too, that would be a big help. We're going to get the saplings planted, eventually it's gonna be an orchard.”

Skyblazer nodded. He said, “Dad seems so different. That was the big problem, you know pa doesn't like me.”

“That's not true!” yelled Piney, “He was just upset with you is all. You've gotta see his side of things.”

“Might help if he'd stop drinking and cussing at everypony.”

Little Violet haycart spoke up now from the corner of the table, “Guys, please don't. Let's just enjoy the food, okay? It's all good, right?”

“Very good,” said Sky.

“I'm glad,” said Violet with a weak smile, “I do all the cooking round here, got plenty of practice.”

Cobalt paused her meal, wiped her beak with a cloth napkin, and said, “You're Violet, right? I'm good friends with Zecora, she said she knows how to cure you. Almost has everything she needs.”

Violet wasn't so sure, “Pa says not to trust strangers, specially not no magic ones.”

Lightning, who had finished her beans and was starting on cornbread with honey, spoke now, “I promised my husband I'd never talk about this. But, things have been so fucking crazy... I'm sorry, wow, pardon my language.”

Sky knew what she meant, and said, “You mean that nonsense with the dream world, right? It's been repaired now. Luna fixed all of it and no more dream monsters can get out.”

Lightning asked Sky, “Is that what those things were, dream monsters? Can you explain that?”

Sky nodded, “Since dreams happen in a real place, the magic and monsters there are real. They can't get you if you're dreaming, but if Dreamspace ever broke then they might get out into the real world.”

Cobalt added, “And from what we've seen, dream stuff can't be affected by nothing in the real world. Except for our Elements of Conflict. Between Sky, me and Maud we can actually fight off dream stuff.”

“Also,” noted Sky, “Celestia and Luna can actually go inside the dream world. Maybe other creatures can too.”

The rural ponies at the table were blown away by this. Hayseed spoke up, “Well, I reckon it's gonna be hard to sleep tonight.”

Lightning hushed them all, closed her eyes, and spoke quietly, “It was long before I met Barley. Before any of you kids were around, back when he had just married his first wife... they were on vacation in Las Pegasus.”

Sky took out a map of the kingdom. Violet walked over to take his and Cobalt's empty dishes so there would be space on the table. Sky unrolled the map, and found Las Pegasus by the Western coast, far to the south and near the desert.

Lightning continued, “They had both been drinking a lot, weren't really paying attention. Somepony stepped out from a back alley. He doesn't know what happened next, just a green glimmer of magic and then a ton of pain. It almost killed him.”

Cobalt spoke in a muffled tone with a mouthful of cornbread, “That's awful.”

“His wife managed to defend him, apparently she was a unicorn and it was dark magic so she had to respond in kind... anyways, they never caught the robber. Barley wound up in the hospital, and his wife spent a moon in prison for using dark magic. He has had zero trust of magic since then.”

Skyblazer had never even known this about his own dad. Nor, for that matter, did the other children of Barley. Quiet enshrouded the table until the food was eaten and dishes were brought to a washbasin of hot soapy water.

It was Cobalt who broke the silence, “And the only pony who knows how to cure the old curse Violet was hit by is Zecora the zebra alchemist.”

Lightning nodded, and Cobalt understood.