The Lord of the Ponies: The Friendship of Equestria

Ch.16 The Spoiling of Isengard

Nightmare Moon's hoof meditated over the Palantír; the empty sphere was now a conduit of conversation between herself and her new master, the Dark Lord Sauron.

"The power of Isengard is at your command, Sauron, Lord of Equestria," whispered Nightmare Moon.

The Palantír suddenly glowed like hellfire, and the Eye of Sauron took form in the clouded sphere. Sauron whispered in the Black Speech, and like Twilight Sparkle, Nightmare Moon understood the Changeling language.

"Build me an army worthy of the Changelings," commanded The Eye.

"But how am I to do this? I may have magical abilities only second to yours, but I am still only one Alicorn. I would need many workers to accomplish such a task," stated Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon knew what was to come next, and she feared it. While serving The Dark Lord brought her satisfaction, her previous encounters with Changelings had unnerved her as to how repulsive they are.

"If you promise to build my army, I shall give you one," stated Sauron.

Nightmare Moon, despite her dislike of the Changelings, accepted his deal, "I promise to build you an army."

"Then an army you shall have!" declared the Dark Lord.

***

Nightmare Moon sat in her study, shivering by the fire. It was not the cold that made her body quiver, for there was no wind which swept through her fortress: it was fear. Nightmare Moon waited for the Changelings Sauron had sent her to arrive. She heard steps echoing from the next room, and she steeled herself for the encounter.

Changelings were an insectoid race, which in their true form, were a mocking reflection of Ponykind. Their chitin armor was as black as their hearts, and their wings buzzed like that of a wasp. Each Changeling had a horn, for all Changelings could conduct magic; specifically, a spell to take on the guise of anypony they chose.

Three Changelings stepped into her study, and one of them spoke, "What orders from the Unicorn Range, my queen? What does the Eye command?" Nightmare Moon heard every word from the Changeling Overseer, but her reaction was hindered by the repulsiveness of the creature's moving vampiric maw.

"We have work to do," stated Nightmare Moon.

***

The night air was pervaded by the buzz of flying Changelings. The numerous love-vampires pulled on ropes attached to the trees around the obsidian fortress of Orthanc, and one by one, they fell. Screams of joyous celebration arose as each tree met an unfortunate demise.

Twilight Sparkle lay unconscious on a cold obsidian floor. The sounds of ripping and tearing awoke the lavender Unicorn. She lifted her tortured frame onto her knees and then lifted her neck. Progressing to her hooves, Twilight finally realized she was stranded on the summit of Orthanc; marooned on the tiny, flat peak, the Unicorn was surrounded by a sheer 500 foot drop. Another whispering wail rendered the air with vocal claws, and drew the injured Unicorn towards the edge of Nightmare Moon's palace. Twilight Sparkle peered down in time to see one of the beautiful Isengard trees ripped from the ground by the Changeling horde. Upon observing the horrendous spectacle, Twilight felt the sudden urge to cry, but she didn't need to; the rain was enough to soak the helpless Unicorn.

***

Nightmare Moon strode across the grounds of Isengard. Everywhere she saw swarms of Changelings gouge the trees from their respective placements... by Celestia, it was beautiful.

"The trees are strong, my queen. Their roots go deep." The same Changeling who conversed with her earlier, now known as the Overseer, once again felt obliged to open its hideous maw in her royal presence. She would hear none of its complaining. She had promised Sauron an army, and by her royal oath, she would give him one.

"Rip them all down." Her command drew no retort from the Changeling, just a smile. Changelings were sadists by nature, and savored every moment they had for bringing carnage and misfortune to others.

***

Twilight Sparkle lounged against one of the four spires which protruded from Orthanc's roof. She felt so weak: weak from the pain, and because all she could do was sit and watch in helpless despair as Nighmare Moon ordered the destruction of the peaceful trees around her palace. Twilight itched her head, her hoof making contact with her horn. The stub which lay in its place only worsened her depression.

"Somepony, help me." Her request was heard by no one, not even herself, as the slaughter going on below drowned out any decibel of noise she could hope to create.

"Apple Bloom, Spike... I'm so sorry." Twilight dipped her head into her chest, and wrapped her hooves around herself.

This was going a cold and lonely night for the lavender Unicorn.