Daring Do and the Mystery of the lost city

Chapters

Chapter 1 Mountain Tomb
Chapter 2 The Spear of Commander Hurricane
The City of Oasis
The lost soldier's tomb
Chapter 5 The three Brothers
Chapter 6 Betrayal

Chapter 1 Mountain Tomb

Daring Do

the mystery of the lost city

Chapter 1

Our hero, Daring Do is up high in the northern mountains of ice and snow. It is so cold, her body feels chilled to the bone and the winds make it it impossible to fly safely. Not wishing to injure her newly healed wing, she is climbing the side of the mountain, in a long slow cold accent. She was on the trail of the tomb of the yetis, which deep inside, legend told of the great eye of the yeti king. A diamond the size of a apple and worth a fortuned to the museum back in Pegasopolis if she brought it back. The climb was proving to be harder than she first thought, as the rock face became almost completely vertical. Her hoof suddenly slipped on a lose rock and she hung by one hoof to the rock face. She mustered all her strength to pull herself back to the rock and continued her climb.

She finally came to a large plateau just short of the summit, with the snow and the wind whirling around her hat. She fell to the snow completely exhausted from her climb. She fumbled into her backpack for a bottle of cider she had put in and on finding it she gulped down a few swigs. She started to feel he legs again and rose back to her feet. The blizzard was starting to clear and suddenly in front of her she saw it. A huge pair of doors carved out from the rock standing over 30 foot high. She trotted closer to see their was ancient Equestrian writing on the door with four large symbols underneath of, a Sword, a shield, a Hammer and a Axe. She pulled out a tatty book which she used to translate the words on the door. The door said “I am a weapon in times of war and I re-build when war has passed . What am I?

She pondered the riddles meaning. All of these were weapons but which one could re-build after war had passed. Then it suddenly came to her,
THE HAMMER! She exclaimed
Hammers can be used as a weapon but they are also used as a building tool, so she pressed her frozen hoof on to the symbol of the Hammer and slowly the symbol move back into the door. Then with a great amount of rumbling and creaking, the doors slowly began to open. The surrounding snow was falling with the movement of the doors and Daring Do moved back as snow came crashing down almost on top of her.

When she looked up, she could see the tomb was now open and a foul smell was coming from the opening. Suddenly their was pairs of red eyes coming from the darkness of the tomb and a low growling noise. Out of the dark came the wolves with dark grey coats and a look of hunger in their eyes as the gazed at Daring Do. She was glued to the spot in terror as the wolves charged towards her, but regaining her composure she turned and ran to the edge of the plateau with the wolves getting closer. Daring do reached the edge of the plateau and spread her wings wide, gliding up into the air, away from the edge. The lead wolf was not so lucky. He was running to fast to stop in time and the ice did not help. He skidded of the edge and fell to his demise. The others looked in horror at what had just happened to the leader and as Daring landed back on the ground they ran away with their tails between their legs.
That's right you better run puppy dogs! Shouted Daring Do and the disappearing shapes.

She trotted into dark and damp tomb with a cautious step. From the high celling hung huge icicles which dripped water onto Daring dos hat and in the walls were small recesses which held the bones
of huge creatures which Daring decided, must be the yetis. She continued down the tunnel till she came to a large cavernous room with a giant statue of a yeti which had a pair of shinning eyes. A light shone from somewhere in the roof onto the statue and gave it a mysterious aura.

But this wasn't going to stop our hero, as she spread her wings wide and took off towards the head of the statue. She hovered in mid flight looking at the yetis eyes to see which one was the diamond and noticed that one was a painted rock, so she looked to the other. Her eyes widened at what she saw in the socket. A jewel the size of a apple and more magnificent than she could ever imagine. She then noticed behind the eye was a symbol carved into the rock, of a pair of pegasi circling a hurricane with lightning coming out the top. She pulled out her notebook and made a rough drawing of the symbol and replaced the book.

With a tug of her hoof she pulled it free of the ice and quickly pushed it deep into he rucksack. She turned back toward the door she came through, when she heard a rumbling and a grating noise from behind and as she turned her head she saw a icy fist coming towards her. She swooped out of the way just in time to see the fist plough its self into the floor with a smash and she ducked again as the second fist smash into the side of the chamber. Daring Do could see now that the statue of the yeti had come to life and was intent on killing her. She was flying around the yeti avoiding its fists of ice and when she saw her opportunity and with all speed she went for the door. But the yeti was cunning and smashed both his fists into the rock above the door, causing rocks to fall and blocked her escape.

She looked up to the roof and saw that the light had been coming from a small hole just big enough for her to fit. She flapped her wings as hard as she could and just dodged another fist coming towards her. As she reached the hole she pulled her wings in as tight as she could and burst through into the open, spreading her wings wide to catch the air.

No tomb is big enough to hold me! She retorted
with that, Daring Do headed for home, a warm bath and a large beaker of cider.

Chapter 2 The Spear of Commander Hurricane

DARING DO
&
THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST CITY

Chapter 2
The sun was shinning brightly this morning over Pegasopolis . It was unusual for a Pegasi city as it was based on the ground far north of Cloudsdale. It was famous for it scholars and philosophers who were taught at the University. And inside one of the class rooms Daring Do was collecting the homework she had set on unicorn influence on modern architecture. Instead of her Hat And Jacket, she had her hair tide in a bun and was wearing an Cyan blue Blouse with neckerchief. Her class of teenage Fillies and colts were glad to have her back teaching and all were bright eyed waiting for class to begin.

Bring, Bring Bring, went the bell

“Would everypony take a seat and turn your text books to page 42 please.” The sound of pages turning filled the room

“Today we will be looking at the ancient Gryphon architecture and its role in history”

A bored sigh came from the majority of the class, but was quickly silenced by a loud cough from the Daring Do. The lesson seemed to go on forever for the Students but for Daring it went in a flash. By three o'clock the bell rang out for the end of the day and the last of the students were filing out her class.

“See you tomorrow Miss Do” Said a green colt as he dropped a apple on her desk

“I will. She chuckled. But don,t forget that homework assignment or their will be trouble!”

The classroom was now empty of all students and Daring was hard at work marking the test papers of her mornings exams. The time slowly ticked by as she worked but she raised her head when she herd the door open. She was pleased when she saw a silvery blue stallion in a tatty old suit come through her door.

“What time do you call this Doctor longitude” She joked
Sorry my dear, but my lecture carried on longer than expected and before I knew it, I was late.

As he came closer to Daring's desk, she put her hoof into her top draw and pulled out an item wrapped in cloth and placed it on the table. She untied it to reveal to the professor the eye of the yeti king and when the light from the window hit the cut surface the entire room was filled with a dazzling light show.

“You have done it again Daring Do! This will be a fine addition to the museum and would make you famous if you let me tell them you found it!” Every time she brought back treasure she refused to be named as the discoverer. When the Sapphire stone went on display at the museum their was mass debate to who had found it and every paper in Equestria had their own theory.

“NO thanks doc. I couldn't stand all those awful dinners and lectures I would have to do. Just do the same as last time, you keep it for the museum and pay my tab at the broken horseshoe”
It was Daring do's favourite pub in Pegasopolis but she had the habit of maxing out her tab and being chucked out when she promised to pay another day. She also would drink a bit too much apple cider and make herself a little tipsy.

“Fine, fine. I was only making a suggestion”

“By the way doc, I found this, behind the eye”
She pulled out her notebook and showed the professor the marking she had copied down.

“Hmm looks familiar. Come with me to the museum archives and lets see what we can find”

The basement was stacked high with books and draws full of maps. They found themselves a table to sit at and the doctor disappeared down a row of books in search of what he needed.

“This is it” He said dropping a large dusty book onto the table with a thump. They dust thrown up made Daring sneeze several times but when she finally stopped Doctor latitude started turning over pages looking for the right section.

“Ah haa. Here we go. He turned the book around and showed Daring the page”
“That's the symbol! she exclaimed”

“That is the Banner of Commander Hurricane” Longitude said in a proud tone. It was during one of the darkest times in Equestrian history. Four years after the founding of Equestria, we were invaded by the Barbican Horses from the East. Their army was beyond measure and ours was small in comparison. Our armies were defeated at each engagement till only Canterlot was Left. Longitude told her the story of the battle for Canterlot over a thousand years ago.

The ragged remains of the Equestrian army marched grudgingly through the gates of the new city of Canterlot. They had marched for two days strait from Trottingham, which now in the hands of the Barbican horde and their hired mercenaries. They had put up a diligent defence but the sheer mass of the hundred thousand strong horde was just too much for the defenders, who fled when the walls were breached. The Barbican had hired two large bands of mercenaries to fight on their side with the promise of gold and territory. The Firebrands were griffin outcasts who were banished from the griffin kingdom due to their savage nature. The second was two and half thousand Changeling, who only wanted ponies and had no care for land. They swept through Equestria with a violence never before seen. The burnt and pillaged many of the towns and small villages taking the ponies they captured as slaves.

Princess Platinum, Chancellor Puddinghead and Commander Hurricane, worked fast to raise an army to fight this new threat and ex spell them from their home. At the first battle Puddinghead was taken prisoner and his army massacred. Commander Hurricane had fought off an attack on his city and brought less than half of his troops to Canterlot. His seventeen thousand pegasi brought the total number of fighting fit ponies up to thirty two thousand. Canterlot was the last city left in Equestria and the Barbicans knew this. So they had mustered every pony, Changeling, Griffin and troll, for this deciding battle which would see Equestria finally trampled under hoof. Commander Hurricane looked out over the balcony, into the city below which was full of refugees and Soldiers trying to keep warm in the wintry conditions. Princess Platinum walked up and stood beside him.
"what's you plan for tomorrow Hurricane? We still have no word from the Crystal ponies, weather they will send us re-enforcements." they had sent a pegasus to the Crystal kingdom, pleading for help in their time of need. They told them that if they do not help, they would be the Next ones to suffer the Barbicans wrath.
"we have no choice! We have to fight them to what ever end. The unicorns will man the wall's and the Earth ponies and Pegasi will face them head on"
"that's suicide! Why not just join us on the walls? I don't want to lose you" she started to blush as Hurricane stood closer to her.
"we can't allow them to breach the city. If we face them outside then we can buy the others time to escape through the mountain pass".

Morning came and the sounds of bugles and horns fill the early morning air as ponies pulled on their armour and sharpened their weapons for the up coming battle. Commander Hurricane stood at the front of the line with his golden spear in hoof. This gift from the gods was said to bring victory to any army which was behind it. Hurricane prayed that the legend was true as in front of him all he could see was the the Terrifying Barbican horde in their black armour with their allies in the air and on the ground. The Trolls that were with them were nearly ten feet tall and green. They horde was intimidating to the Equestrians as the earth beneath them shook from the sheer mass of marching hooves that was coming towards them.

Hurricane turned and look at his forces. He could see fear in their eyes and he knew what he had to do. He lifted into the air and took a deep breath.
"silence! Silence please. I know that most of you are scared of what is to come in the next few hours. Some of you would rather flee for your lives. But if you run you will abandon all those who look to you for their protection. Generations to come will talk of the day when all bonds of friendship were broken and we allowed chaos and tyranny to rule. Do you want to be remembered for this!"

"NO!" Was the reply

"Then follow me to legend and glory. For peace, for freedom, FOR EQUESTRIA! CHARGE!!!!"

"CHARGE!" and every pony cheered as they moved toward the enemy.
Captain pansy took command of the pegasi in the air whilst Hurricane would lead the ground force. They all started to trot strait at the enemy. The trot became a canter, which soon turned to a full gallop. Spears and swords alike were levelled for the impact that was coming. The Barbican horses and equestrian ponies collided with the sound of breaking staffs, clashing swords. Commander hurricanes spear had pierced strait through the armour of the horse in front and was pulled free with great ease, just to be rammed into the next horse in front. All over the fighting was raging between the two sides swords and spears were finding their marks and high above the Pegasus Elite guard who were led by captain Pansy Were having a hard time against the griffins with their powerful talons. The Captain was using every trick he knew to try and lose the two behind him. He twisted and cork screwed but it was no use, suddenly a talon came close to his head! He yelled orders at one of his lieutenants, who acknowledge with a nod and flew back towards Canterlot. Pansy did the same and at full speed he started to doge and weave through the cities tower. Some of the Griffins were smashing into walls or injuring their wings. As they fell into the city, they were set apon by the town guard who showed them no mercy. Pansy now had over ten Griffins chasing him, all with the wish to rip him to pieces. He flew around a tower and went strait over the city walls shouting "NOW". The Unicorns turned around and filled the sky with bolts of magic. The Griffins were much to big to miss and many of them fell from the sky hitting buildings and the wall.
"well done there"called out princess Platinum to the troops. Just as a huge piece of rock smashed into the wall sending unicorns and wall tumbling into the city behind. The huge trolls were now now close enough to throw their rocks at the city and cause chaos for the defenders. Quickly the unicorns started to throw up magical shields to stop the bombardment, but there were too many to stop and the wall was falling. Earth ponies and unicorns alike were crushed as the wall started to fall. Hurricane was still fighting hard and the dead were piling up around him. He just lifted his spear for the next attack when he felt a blow to the side of his helmet which sent him falling to the ground with a ringing in his ears. In a daze he looked around at the fight all around him. One pony was being held to the ground as a changeling was digging his fangs into his neck. Another was trying to pull himself free from the pile of dead but his leg was trapped as a Barbican walked up with his spear. He felt the blackness starting to fill his head and thought to him self

"Is this the end for me? Have I failed Equestria?"
"don't give up just yet my little pony" the soft voice spoke to him.
He looked up to see the outline of a tall pony surrounded by blinding light.
"You must not give up yet Hurricane. Help is on the way but you must hold on for a bit longer"
" who are you and how do you know my name?." he was still very confuse about what was going on.
"I am a future ruler of Equestria. But if you don't getup now I'll never exist. Now GET UP!"

Suddenly the world came back to him and he looked up at a Troll getting ready to bring down a rock on his head. He twisted away and thrust his spear under the Trolls chin. Making it fall backwards to the ground. Hurricane stood back up and pulled on his dented helmet and fell back into the fray. Princess Platinum was in the remains of the wall helping to free trapped ponies when she heard the sound of a bugle horn in the distance. It's crystal clear sound echoed over the battlefield. Pony, Barbican, Griffin and Changeling looked the west, to sounds source. On the hill was a Crystal pony in Diamond armour and slowly the hill was filling with more and more ponies until the entire hillside was covered in them. Prince jade and princess Rubeus looked onto the plains below them. The black shapes of the Barbicans filled the plain and the lower level of Canterlot were either on fire or demolished.
"The Equestrians have suffered this day. Let us show them they don't have to stand alone. Get ready for the charge!"
Jousting lances were levelled and the Crystal ponies started their attack. They picked up speed till they were at full gallop.

A black Hooded figure looked out at the sight of these new enemies and smashed his armoured hoof to the Ground.
"Form rank you filth! Form rank! Horses in front. Trolls behind. The Barbicans formed a line to face the attack and all along spears were levelled and shields raised. The trolls began to throw rocks at the crystal ponies and some found their mark but didn't slow them down. A roar came from the ponies as they smashed into the enemy sending them falling back from the force of the impact. The Crystal ponies were some of the best jousters in the world and it showed. The Barbicans were starting to run for their lives heading for the river and safety. The hooded figure was shouting madly at forces.
"stand your ground you pieces of filth! Deserters will suffer death." with that blasts of magic were vaporising Barbicans as they retreated. Prince Jade found commander Hurricane and the remains of his forces and told them that the Barbicans were running for the river.
" we must stop them at all costs! If they escape they will come back worse than ever."
"there are still a lot of Barbicans fighting! I we move now we will leave Canterlot an open target. Lets mop up these ones first and then we go for the river." Prince Jade suggested.
"leave this to me! I'll take care of them!" with that commander Hurricane took to the sky and with a sonic boom flew for the river.

He hovered above the Barbican camp where he could see ships taking on troops and making ready to sail. He knew of only one way to stop them. Commander hurricane closed his eye's and concentrated. Oh Lord Chronos. Forger of time and space, heed my call in my time of need. Help me stop these horses from ever threatening the peace and harmony of Equestria. Lend me your strength. He lifted the spear into the sky and bolts of golden lightning started to leap from the tip. The sky filled with dark clouds and the wind began to whip up into a gale. The ships were starting to bob up and down as the river started to become aggressive! A ship's anchor cable snapped causing it to drift away. It drew closer to another ship and with smash the two ships collided spending timber and Barbicans tumbling into the river. One by one the ships lost control and were being force onto the shore or were sinking at their moorings. When the storm clouds finally disappeared the river was a tangled mess of sunken ships, rope and Horses. The majority of the Barbicans were still on the bank, but the sight they had just witnessed had struck some of them dumb with fear. Hurricane landed in front of them and planted the butt of his spear into the soil.
" It's over! Surrender now and you can go home. Refuse and you will be my prisoners. What say you." they were all silent.
"we will never surrender to the likes of you!" a voice came from the black hooded figure walked forward to stand in front of Commander Hurricane. His cloak disappeared into dusk to reveal al dark purple Alicorn in blacked spiked armour. His mane was black and blue and seemed to flow like water. His golden eye's did not move from Hurricane and on his right leg was a sword. Hurricane recognised those eyes! They belonged to one of the first four Alicorns who created the first lands. He had killed his brother and sisters and had been exiled from this land, his name was knightshade. Bringer of darkness and shadow.

"You were a foal to come here alone my little pony!"
"don't call me that!" hurricane spat at Knightshade.
"then die now!" the sword whistled through the air and missed Hurricane by a hair. It smashed into the ground and only half the blade was visible. But with no effort it was pulled free and was lunged at Hurricane who parried with his spear. His spear was swung around towards Knightshade who leapt back, avoiding the razor sharp blade. The fight was surprisingly even, between them, but the wounds the Hurricane had revived earlier were starting to slow him down. He heard the sound of hoofs behind him and then the voice of princess Rubeus who was bringing up the remnants of the equestrian/ crystal army to finish the job.
Hurricane suddenly heard the sound of Knightshades blade again and tried to dodge but he was just too slow. He felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder and felt the warm trickle of blood running down his leg. It was agony for him to stand on that leg, he loss balance and fell on his side still clutching his spear. Knightshade stood over him with a look of pleasure on his face. "your time is up my little pony. Time to die!" his horn started to glow yellow and was being pointed at Hurricane head. He saw his chance and made his move. He swung his spear with all his strength at knightshade. The spear hit his horn with a crack and a smash, sending fragments of horn and magic in every direction. Knightshade fell back is shock and pain!

He hit the floor with a loud crashing of metal . Blood poured from the shattered stump as Hurricane finally got back to his feet. A call came from the crowd of ponies around him. "finish him off Hurricane! Do it now!" The rest of the Barbicans were now being rounded up and put under guard and knightshade looked towards Hurricane walking towards him. From under his breastplate he pulled out a dagger and hid it under his hoof. "please show mercy Hurricane. I beg you!"
"you who enslaved hundreds of ponies and burnt towns to the ground, now beg for mercy! I thought you were made of stronger stuff".

Suddenly a yellow pegasi leapt out from the crowd. She had seen the dagger and was going to stop him from using it. " No you don't you monster!"
"Out of the way Cloudswirl!" exclaimed Hurricane. she tried to knock it out of his hoof but he was too quick. He was back of his hoofs and had the Pegasi locked under his arm as he threw the dagger at Hurricane where it planted it self into he chest strait down to the hilt. Commander Hurricane once again fell on his side. He wasn't moving but he was breathing. Knightshade threw Cloudswirl into the nearby crown and looked down at Commander Hurricane. "I haven't had this much fun since I killed the sisters! It's over My Little Pony!"
Their was a coughing and a spluttering from Commander Hurricane as he tried to breath. "I said. Don't call me that!" In a flash the spear sped towards Knightshade. And with a sound of crumpling metal, the spear pierce his neck and stuck in his spine. Knightshade reared up flapping his wing's frantically, but to no avail. As he fell backwards stone dead, the spear shaft protruding from his neck. "It's *caught* over" Commander Hurricane's head fell to the ground.

Canterlot was strangely quiet that knight all over equestrians and crystal ponies alike were being treated for their wounds. Some would make it but others were not so lucky. Out of the thirty two thousand. Six thousand were dead, eleven thousand seriously wounded. Many would not last the night. For one of them up in one of the Castle room's, his time was nearly at an end. Commander Hurricanes was lying on the bed with a nurse looking at the wound in his chest. She shook he head and turned to the ponies surrounding him. " I'm afraid their is nothing we can do. The wound is fatal."
The ponies drew closer to the bed.
"Do not Grieve for me friends. We have secured the future for Equestria today." It was hard but he turned his head to look at captain Pansy. "Pansy old friend. I am promoting you to Commander. Take care of the others for me. " But Hurricane I'm just a soldier. I'm not ready"
Hurricane smiled lightly at him " neither was I. But you caring and kind nature is what we need now. You'll be fine." He looked over a Princess Platinum who had Tears in her eye's at her close friend who she cared for more than any pony really know. "You should let the Barbicans go home sweet princess. They will not bother us again. Without a leader they will not pose a threat." she gently nodded her agreement.” Tears were Streaming down her face. “ last of all my final request. Take my body back to my city. Let me watch over the people I care for." He started to splutter and cough again as his gave his last word. "Thank Equestria I did my Duty" with that he closed his eyes and gave out a soft breath. Commander Hurricane. The hero of all Equestria, the defeater of darkness was now at peace. His Body was placed in a magical glass coffin which would protect him for all time and his armour and spear were both placed in the Tomb with him.

“His Tomb was in city of the pegasi! But when Discord came to Equestria he threw the city far off over the horizon. Discord placed clues all around Equestria as a game for his own amusement. The ponies he force to play were never heard from again apart form one.”According to this, he was found adrift in the southern ocean. He was very dehydrated and died shortly after being rescued buy a Gryphon called Hornbeak, who brought the ponies body to city of oasis for burial in the temple.”

“I think if you want to find Commander hurricanes spear you will have to find the city. looks like you will have to travel to oasis and search for the temple. I can give you the name of an expert who lives their. He could help you find his resting place”

“Oh boy I cant wait.” Said an excited Daring Do who to sped to the door

“Hold you horses! You need to rest first. Go home and sleep. The train going south, won't leave till tomorrow morning”

“Fine. I'll see you in the morning at the train station” She took to the evening sky and headed for her home on the outskirts of the city. She landed outside a small house with a un-kept lawn and A mail box full to bursting. For some reason their was a muffin in with the post. She took a bite and found it was blueberry flavour. “mmm. Tasty” She turned the key in the lock of her front door and switch on the light in the front room. She looked around at all the trinkets she had collected on her travels and gave a warm smile at the photo on the fireplace. “Hi mum, Hi Dad” Both of her parents had Disappeared on a Archaeology dig out in the west, when she was just a small filly. Their assistant Duster had came back with the bad news and gave the little Daring Do, Her father's hat, which was found in the sand. She cried so hard that day and no pony was able to break her out of her sorrow. But on the second day she looked at the hat on the mantelpiece, picked it up in her hoofs and placed it on her head.

“I Promise you Mum and Dad, I am going to make you proud and be an explorer just like you” It was at that moment her cutie Mark had appeared. She knew, that very moment what her destiny was.

She was soon in her bed and letting her tiredness finally take over. She drifted into a deep sleep, dreaming of the adventure and treasure that awaited her.

The City of Oasis

Daring Do
and
The Mystery of the lost city

chapter 3

It had been almost three days since Daring do had seen any sign of civilisation. She had taken the train all the way to Appaloosa and after stocking on food and drink she had to fly, for the rest of her journey as the train didn't go into the Gryphon Kingdom. The desert was drying her throat and making her pack and clothes feel hot and sticky. As she looked around all she could see was sand, sand and more sand. On the second day she saw a Camel train crossing the desert and decided to ask the Camels for directions. They pointed to the south saying she was half a day away from Oasis.

The sun was high in the desert sky as Daring Do soared towards the city. Even travelling at speed the heat was getting to Daring Do and sweat was pouring down her face.
“Come on wings, don't fail me now”
She saw below the layout of the griffon city with all its temples, churches and other buildings spreading far around. She suddenly saw in the centre of the city the reason for its name. It was a huge blue lake surrounded by palm trees and thick grass and without a second thought she went strait into a nosedive heading strait for the middle of the lake.

“PEEGGAASSUUSS BOOMB” she said with a giant splash into the water, sending a small wave in all directions.

It was a couple of seconds before her head broke the surface and gave a sigh of relief as she was finally able to cool down from her long flight across the desert. She swam to the shore and shook herself till she was dry, then made her way into the streets. She had never seen this many gryphon's in one place before they were all larger than her and their wings were huge in comparison.
Doctor latitude had told her that Charter could be found in the eastern side of the city at the cartographers Guild. She walked down the wide streets with their shops and stalls andwas amazed at the number of fountains and squares, with their beautiful marble statues of Dragons, Griffins and Seaponies.

After asking for directions from a Gryphon who was selling pet Parasprites in the market place, she was directed to a street with tall wooden buildings which seemed to loom over Daring Do and block out suns light. She looked at the signs which hung from the buildings and was surprised at what some of them were saying.

“Stone Guild, Thieves Guild, Mythology Guild and Guild of Guilds?????”

she was starting to get confused at the signs, but finally she came to the one she was looking for. Cartographers Guild, with the symbol of a sextant and a compass hanging next to the door. She pushed it open and walked into a room filled with Gryphon's sitting at desks drawing out maps of the world. She walked to the closest one and gave him a slight nudge on the shoulder. He pretended not to notice her, until she coughed loudly. He turned around with a un impressed look on his face.

"Pardon me. Which one of you guys is Charter?" The Gryphon looked back down at his work and spoke.
“Ohh him, he's up the stairs, first office on the left”. He pointed to the back of the room with a taloned claw.

As she went up the stairs she herd voices coming from the office with a nameplate which “Charter”.

“Look buddy. We will ask you this for the last time to give us a map of the cities underground tunnels and we will be on our way.”

“And I've told you, I won't give you that without written authority from the Chancellor. They have delicate information on them!”

“We have permission. it here.”

“You think I'm stupid enough to take a Bribe! Get the hell out, before I send for the town guard and have you arrested”

With that the door swung open and Daring Do was knocked aside as two large Gryphon's walked out of the office. One was grey with light brown feathers whilst the other was completely Black with steel tipped talons.

“Watch where your going pony!” Said the Grey Griffin
“Your the one who should be careful feather Brain” She retorted

The Black one stepped forward with a raised talon ready to strike, but the claw of the other stopped him.

“this is not the time or place for this. Lets go” The pair turned away and went down the stairs

Daring Do dusted her self off, straitened her hat and knocked on the door.

“Come in!”

She walked into the room and was surprised to see a Blue Pegasus wearing a red bow-tie sitting at the desk which was covered in partchments.

“Can I help you at all Miss?”

“Do, Daring Do." she replied

“Please take a seat Miss Do. Now what can I do for you?” Daring sat in the opposite chair and looked at Charter with a smile.

“ I was told by Doctor Longitude, that you were the one to speak to about finding where sompony would be buried here over a thousand years ago.

“Hang on! did you just say a pony? Buried here in Oasis?”

“That's right. He was found out in the middle of the ocean and his body was brought to this city for a proper burial in the temple over a thousand years ago.” Charters brow furrowed as he got up and walked over to a filing cabinet. He opened a drawer and pulled out a thick book labled Oasis Temple' and churches. A refrence guide. He dropped on his desk with a thud and started flicking through the pages. He stopped at one page and his face lit up in triumph.

“There was only one place the Gryphon's buried people back then. The Temple of Grypguard the Great, there are deep catacombs which run for miles underground.”

“so what are we waiting for then. Lets go and find him! She said rushing to her hoofs and the door.

“Theirs a problem. We don't know where the entrance is any more. It was lost hundreds of years ago”

“Oh that won't stop me. Come on!” Surprised at the confidence of this visitor, Charter Quickly followed and told a Gryphon downstairs he was having the rest of the day off.

The two set off through the streets till soon they were standing in front of one of the largest temples in the city. Its huge dome was covered in silver plate which shone brightly in the sunlight and the columns at the front stood over forty foot tall. As they walked through the doors they were met with statues which showed all the different Gryphon deities. In the centre was the largest statue of all. Grypguard the Great who founded the city when his people had been exiled from their homeland and force into the desert. All around the walls were covered in murals and stain-glass windows which filled the place with multicoloured light.

“this place is amazing” Exclaimed Daring Do in a excited voice. She was like a child in a sweet shop. Desperate to touch and look into everything

“it gets me every time” smiled Charter.

They walked around the temple looking for some sign of a door or passage that might lead to the catacombs. But after an hour of searching they had found nothing! they sat in front of Grypguards statue and sighed.

“There is something were missing” Daring Do said to Charter.

She looked around at the statues and had a sudden burst of inspiration.

Charter, What do these smaller Statues represent?

He looked around. “Well that one is justice, she is inspiration, he's agriculture and she's wisdom.”

Daring looked at the statue of wisdom and noticed the the Griyphon's hand was pointing towards a mural painted onto the wall. The mural had something written in Gryphon tongue at the top. But Daring Couldn't read it. she had Flunked Gryphon languages whilst in school.

“what's this say Charter?”

He looked over the words and gave Daring Do a confused look.

“For those who wish to walk in the steps of the dead, must first search for the light to lead the way. What do you suppose that means?”

Daring was looking over the mural, thinking about the riddle.
“search for the Light. Light. LIGHT!”
With that she pressed her hoof onto the symbol of the sun and found it sunk into the wall with a sharp click. Their was a rumbling noise and when they turned around the saw the Statue of wisdom was turning on its base to reveal a hole in the floor with a flight of steps going into the blackness.

“Wow. You are good Miss Do” smiled Charter”

“Now the fun really begins. You coming Charter. Its more exciting than making maps every day and I could do with a partner to come with me.”

“Are you kidding! Of course I'm coming, this is the most fun I've had in ages.

With that the two ponies headed into the catacombs and suddenly the Statue moved again closing the entrance on our intrepid heroes, sealing them down with the dead.

End of chapter 3

The lost soldier's tomb

Daring Do
&
The Mystery Of The Lost City

Chapter 4

Daring Do and Charter headed down the steps into catacombs, pushing the cobwebs out of their way. Charter stumbled placing his hoof onto a step which started to sink into the ground with a sharp click. They both turned around just in time to see the statue at the entrance slide back into place and plunge them into complete darkness. He yelped in fear and started to tremble.

“Daring, what the hell are we going to do! That was the only exit and now were trapped down here!”

Daring Do pulled out a torch and fixed it onto her hat, she passed another to Charter and they switched them on illuminating the Narrow tunnel.

“First of all were not going to panic! Second were going to find the ponies resting place and thirdly we will find a way out. I've never met a dungeon I can't escape from before”

“But what if we can't get out! What if we we are stuck down here forever!”

“look calm down! When ever they build catacombs like this they always put in multiple exits in case of collapse.”

With those words, Charter finally calmed down and the two pegasi headed down the steps into the catacombs. The sides of the catacombs had dark tunnels which went off into the blackness and recesses which were filled with the bones of what Daring and Charter assumed must be the remains of Gryphons. As they passed into a small room, they suddenly started to hear a crunching noise beneath their hoofs. Daring Do looked down and quickly her head snapped up. Her face had gone pale. "Charter. Whatever you do. Don't look down." she wished she had not said that. For Charter looked at his hoofs to see they were walking over a floor covered in bones and skulls.
For a few seconds he said nothing. His pupils got small and his face screwed up. He started to tremble and finally he snapped. "waaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhh!" he ran pass Daring Do and dissapeared down the passage. After a while he calmed down and they continued down the catacombes.

As time went on, Daring decided that she better lighten the mood and try and cheer up Charter who was looking pale.
“So, Charter, How dose a pegasus pony like you end up all the way in the middle of the Gryphon Kingdom?” Charter was surprised at the question. In all his time at the Guild none of them had even bothered to ask him why he had come to work there. “Well I suppose it's because of my family really. My parents are in charge of the weather co-ordination in Cloudsdale. They make maps for the weather Pegasi, when they create weather patterns for Equestria. But I have no head for weather but I have a talent for maps and history. So when I heard about a job at the cartographers guild in Oasis I leapt at the chance and made preparations to leave Cloudsdale. My parents weren't to fond of the idea and told me that Ponies were unpopular in the Gryphon kingdom, but I wasn't going to let that stop me” Daring Do was impressed with the story, as she liked ponies with a sense of adventure.

They continued talking till the reached a large domed chamber which was filled with stone coffins and lots of paintings on the walls. Daring swung her light around to illuminate the paintings. They showed paintings of gryphons in battle, others of Gryphons at study and one more unusual one showed a painting of a blue box with a Brown and a grey pony standing in front whilst surronded but lots of golden pepper pot shaped things. She frowned at the sight of more ponies in a Gryphon catacombs, but quickly moved on. The searched the room for another passage but I seemed that it was a dead end.
“I thought you said their was all-ways an second exit!” The fear had returned to Charters voice again.

“Their must be! Just keep looking” Even Daring Do was confused at this turn of events. But she knew she was right. she had to be!

They continued to search the room for anything that might give clue to where the pony was buried and suddenly Charter called out.
“I think I've found something, look at this.
She walked over to Charter to see he was looking at a large painting of what seemed to be a Gryphon philosopher at a table reading a large book, whilst pointing at a clock with the symbol of knowledge on the side. Daring Do put her hoof to the clock and pushed down, but nothing moved or clicked. It was just a painting and nothing more.
“ARGH. Nothing, it doesn't do anything!” Daring was annoyed now.
“But look at the room. Don't you get it!” Charter was amused that she couldn't figure it out.

she shone her light around the room and all she saw were the paintings, the fourteen coffins in their circular pattern and the...
“Fourteen coffins! Twelve numbers and two hands. The room is a giant clock! But what time do we have to make it?”
“I'd say about a Quarter Past Five” a smug Charter replied”
“How in Equestria do you know that!” An irritated voice came back.
“it's here on the painting.” He pointed to the clock in on the table with his hoof.
“oh. I knew that, I was just erm.... testing you.” she replied in a haughty voice.
They started to move the coffins into position and they got the final one into place and still nothing happened.
“so now what now smarty-pants.”
“I don't know, I thought that was all we had to do”
“perhaps theirs something else” they looked over at the mural again.
suddenly it all became clear to Daring Do, who rolled her eyes and sighed in frustration.
“we are idiots, the pair of us. Look at the clock, it has a winding key”
with that the two ponies looked around till they found a block in the wall with a key carved in the face.
“give me a helping hoof”

With that the two of them turned the stone with a multiple set of clicks till it stopped and there came a tick, tick, tick, from somewhere in the room. Then the far wall began to sink down into the floor revealing another, much larger tunnel. As there torches illuminated the tunnel. They could see that this area must have been for much grander Gryphons. The walls had sealed recesses with inscriptions of the the Diffrent Gryphons who were behind them. As they continued on they saw another Doorway to their right. It had been bricked up but on the stones was commander Hurricanes Symbol. "This is it. He must be throught this wall. Charter, Give me a Hoof." The two pegasi turned around and kicked with their back legs as hard as they could. At first the wall only shivered, but on the next try it feel inwards with a loud crashing noise which echoed all around. As the Dust cleared Daring turned her light into the room. In the gloom she could see three coffins sitting in a row. They stepped into the room to look at them and to their surprise, two were blank whilst the middle one had a statue of a pony lying on top. He was wearing a suit of chain mail with a surcoat over the top. His shield was in one side and a sword lay down the length of the body.
“This is it I can't believe this! He is actually real. and look at his shield! It's the symbol of Equestria ” Charter was bouncing in excitement at the coffin.

“Relax Charter, we need to focus. Now give me a hoof to open this up.”
the two of them placed their hoofs on the side of the lid and gave a push, the lid was stiff at first but soon the upper torso was vissable inside The remains inside nothing but bone and rusted armour. But in his hoof was a leather bound book with the symbol of Commander Hurricane engraved on the cover. With at tug Daring Pulled the book free along with the hoof which fell onto Charters Face
“arggg, get it off! Get it off!” he was shaking his head from side to side and suddenly lost his footing and fell against the wall which crumbled at the impact.

Daring Do Pulled a dust covered Charter who rubbed his eyes and looked with delight at what he saw.
“stairs!” he exclaimed as Daring do's light illuminated a flight of stairs going almost vertical into the blackness.

Up in the street the Gryphons were all going about their business of buying and selling in the wide marketplace, until their was a thumping noise coming from one of the drain Covers. A Small Griffin child looked at the moving cover and ran I fright as the lid popped open revealing two pegasi, completely covered in cobwebs and dust. After being underground for so long the sunlight was blinding to Daring Do and Charter. But now they had the book of the unamed pony, they had their guide to finding the Lost city of the pegasi and the Spear of Commander Hurricane.

Chapter 5 The three Brothers

Chapter 5

The sun was going down in the western horizon of the great desert and Oasis was going to sleep. Restaurants and nightclubs were opening as usual. But far from the the hustle and bustle of the night-life the streets of the guilds were lit dimly by lamps which flickered on their posts. All of the buildings were dark and empty with their occupants at home with their families. But one stood apart from the rest as from the top floor a solitary light was on.

The light in Charters office was turned on as the two pegasi still covered in dust and cobwebs from
their adventure underground walked in. The clock on the wall chimed the late hour as Carter pulled out a bottle of orange and lemonade and poured two large glasses for them. Daring Do was already at the table looking through the book they had recovered and scribbling down lots of notes as she went along.

“so what dose the book say? Dose it tell us where the lost city is?” Daring took a sip from the glass as she poured over the pages of the book. She was scribbling down in her note book as she went along.
“Not yet. But the story goes like this.”

….....................

The year is 56 AC (After Celestia)

The lands of Equestria were ruled over by the God Discord who spreads fear and disharmony over all the free races. He destroyed all resistance from the Pegasi when he got rid of The Great City of the Pegasi. After a valiant resistance the city was thrown quite literally from it home in the sky and from Equestria causing the Army of the Pegasi to fall into disarray. So they could no longer stand up to Discord and his army of madness. Our beloved princesses and their unicorn army had left on a quest for the Mystical Elements of Harmony and had no choice but to leave the Earth ponies and the remnants of the Pegasi to fend for themselves.

Here is the account of Sword-Swift. Leader of the free Army

Time has passed in Equestria with no clear sign of the return of the Princesses and in desperation the Earth ponies raised an army to put a end to the tyranny of Discord. Many rallied to the cause and soon the ranks were swelled with raw recruits. This fifteen thousand strong army was commanded by Me and my two brothers. Our grandfather had stood with Commander Hurricane in the last great battle of the Barbican war. Archer and Lancer both are capable ponies but less than a quarter of our force have any kind of training. It wasn't long till Discord got word of this rebellion army and mustered his army of the fallen dreams and monsters of the impossible infinite guard. I gave order to break camp at fist light and head north.

We have been on the march for twenty days and nights. Our supplies are running thin and the men are growing sicker each day. The scouts tell us that Discord is now less than two days march behind us and he is gaining every day. We now know that his army now outnumbers us two for one, plus the fact they are fit and healthy. I fear that we are just delaying the inevitable defeat at this monsters hands. But I also know that we are also buying time for the Princesses to succeed in finding the elements, I pray they are swift in their return, or their will be no Equestria left for them.

We now have no choice but to turn and face him. The river ahead has no ford or bridges which we can use. The Melting snow has swelled it and made it into a natural barrier. As I walk through our camp, I see my men readying for the up coming battle. Rusty armour being cleaned. Swords, spears and arrow heads are sharpened after weeks of being blunt and unused. Many are sick and weak from the lack of food. Many I see running to the outside of the camp to empty their bowels. My brothers and I swear to lay down our lives for our cause and even if we all fall in battle, let it sow the seeds of Victory.

The battle was long a bloody. We tried our best to gain the advantage of Discords army but with a god on their side it was of no use. By the end we were all defeated . Me and my brothers were brought in-front of Him, He Stripped us each of our Pride by making us beg for mercy. He was willing to kill everyone if we refused.
He has exiled us out of Equestria and threatened to turn the world to ash if we return. But for some reason he told us that only Commander Hurricanes spear can kill him.

Why? Why tell us that?

We have set forth on a quest for the Spear of Commander Hurricane. We know that it lies with Commander Hurricane in his resting place in the Great City. Each of us will go our separate ways in hope of finding the city.
My brothers each chose their own path in the quest and I decided that the city must lie in the east
beyond the great mountains of snow.

Day 31
I have finally crossed the great mountains and I have found a sign that I am on the right course. The
head of a statue was found half buried in the snow nearly half way down the mountain. It could have only come from from the Great City and means that when the city was thrown, it must have partially fallen apart from the force. I will continue on my path for the Emerald Sea and pray that I do not have further to go.

Day 49
Alas it seems I will have to cross the Emerald Sea after all and I have been told that the crossing is
not for the faint of heart. The small fishing village I have reached have been very welcoming to me
and have treated me very well and given me plenty of food and drink for my long voyage. I have
named the ship Hope. Tomorrow I shall set sail to where the sun rises and hope for a safe voyage
to the lost city.

…...........................
Daring stopped reading and looked at Charter who was amazed at the story he had been told. “This chapter is incomplete. But it talks about his ship being caught in a unnatural storm close to a island. He goes on about gigantic waves, sea Twisters which swamped his boat and caused it to sink
beneath the waves.” She closed the book and to a deep breath. Charter stood next to her looking at the book.

“so now what do we do. Head for the Emerald sea?” Daring Do looked at him and saw that he was still covered in dust and cobwebs for their journey underground.
“First of all you and me need a shower and second do you have somewhere to sleep?” Charter's face was shocked for a second but he quickly returned to normal.
“Sure I have a apartment, a couple of streets away. Follow me.”

With that they left their things in the office till the morning, turned off the light and locked the door behind them. They stepped into the cool night air of the city. They flew up above the street and headed away. From the shadow of the ally opposite a figure watched the two Pegasi left the guild and disappeared out of sight. A smile crossed his face and a shinning talon glinted.

It was a short flight to Charters apartment. It small but looked out in to the courtyard with a small fountain in the middle. He turned his key in the lock and they walked into the front room. Daring Do was surprised at the number of maps and artefacts which were spread around the walls. The room reminded her of her own house far away in Pegasopolis. Carter walked into the kitchen and started to put together a light snack. He closed the pantry with his hoof holding a tray of sandwiches and walked back into an empty front room. He looked around stunned.

“Daring. Daring Do where are you?”He walked around the ground floor but their was no sign of her. He went upstairs and thought he could hear voices from the bathroom, which sounded like singing. He pushed the door open and
could hear the singing clearly and poked his head around the door. Daring was In the shower washing off the dirt from the tunnel.

“Let's finish our holiday cheer.....humm humm” At the sound of the door opening she turned around to see him standing with his jaw almost toughing the ground and his face bright red. This made her go bright red and in a fit of embarrassment she threw the shampoo bottle at full force at Charter's head. The bottle knocked him out cold and he dropped to the floor.

“Charter? Charter you alight” Came a distant voice. He opened crossed eyes and saw a blurred Daring Do with a towel wrapped around her head standing over him.

“mummy I don't want to be in Oasis any more” Daring grabbed the shower head and turned on the cold tap. I a cough and splutter he snapped out of his stupor.

“Was that really necessary? You have a mean throw and that was really cold.” Daring Do blushed again and turned her head away.
“What were you doing, being a peaking tom at me in the shower.”

He went red at this. “I'm sorry ok. I got some food for you downstairs. They ate the food and the clock on the mantle chimed midnight and the pair of them were tired. Charter yawned and looked at Daring. “Theirs a bed that folds out from that sofa and I will get you a pillow and blanket.”
The two ponies went to sleep and before they knew it, mornings light came through the curtains and the sunlight shinned on Daring Do face. They ate a breakfast of porridge and jam and quickly headed off to the guild.

As they flew closer they suddenly saw a number of Gryphons in uniforms standing outside the the
guild. They landed in the street and trotted over to the town guard at the door.
Charter was cross at their blocking their path “What's going on here sir? Why are you in the guild?”

The Gryphon stood rigid as he spoke “Break-in Sir! Somebody got in last night and raided the offices upstairs!” The two Pegasi looked at each-over with worried faces and quickly pushed past the guard, to get upstairs to Charters office. The got to the top of the landing and saw the door was hanging off the top hinge, with the rest of the door frame smashed. The room had been ransacked with the desk broken in to bits, every
cabinet was open and their contents were spread all over the floor. Daring was searching the floor
for book they had left behind. She found her bag but not the book. It was gone.

“They took the book!” She shouted angrily at Charter.
“But nobody knew it was here!” Charter pounded his hoof to the floor.
“Well somebody did. They must also know about the spear of Hurricane! If they find it, Celestria knows what they could do with it! Grab your things Charter! We have to head off back to Equestria
and start to follow the trail over the mountains to the Emerald sea.
Charter looked at her with shock on his face.“But my things! I have to get my pack form my house!” Her face was stern. “Five minutes max! We have to be quick if we want to find the city first.”

Five minutes later the two Pegasi took to the sky and quickly gained hight, bursting through the clouds into a bright blue sky. They were heading for Equestria to start their own quest.

Far ahead a group of cloaked figures were waiting for two others.
“I hate the desert. It too dry for my liking.” Said one from under his hood

“I like it in Equestria. Plenty of food” A bead of drool splashed to the sand.

“Be Quiet and get ready to greet our guests” Two griffins walked up to the figures and gave them a quick bow.
“Do you have it!” Came a voice from a hooded figure standing in front of them.

“It's here.” The brown Griffin smiled, pulling out the cloth covered book.

“Where's our reward!” the Black Griffin Grunted

“Here is your reward, filthy scum!” With that blasts of green light came from the hooded figures and the two Griffins fell to the Ground dead.

“Bury the bodies and lets get out of here! We have a weapon to bring to our Queen!”

Chapter 6 Betrayal

Celestia's sun was rising as Daring do and Charter came in to view of Cloudsdale on the horizon. It had been three day since they had left Oasis an flown non stop across the desert till they had reached Dodge Junction. After a very short stop for food and water, they had continued on for Cloudsdale. Now they came in for a soft landing on the clouds and at last they could rest their tired wings. But Daring Do was not going to waste any time. She looked over to Charter and told him what they needed to do.

“We are in need of food and warm clothing for the long crossing over the Great Mountains of Snow and plenty of food to get us to the Emerald Sea. He nodded in agreement.
“Right Daring. I can get us some warm clothes and a map. But we will need some pony to guide us over those mountains. They can be very dangerous this time of year.” Even though it was still hot out in the desert, the winter winds were starting to blow over Equestria bring the winter with them.
“ok. I'll leave it to you. I'm going to get all the food and drink we will need.” she pulled out some
gold coins and put them in Charter's Hoof to pay for the clothes.” They both went their separate and a short time passed. Daring Do returned with her backpack stuffed with food and two small barrels filled with Cider. As she looked around she noticed charter sitting outside a café with another blue pegasi and a large bundle of clothing . As she trotted over to them and they both stood up to greet
her.

“Daring Do, this is Windracer.” He stood up and gave Daring a curious nod “He is going to be our guide over the mountains. He is a friend of my Parents and one of the best guides in Cloudsdale.”
Windracer was a tall stallion and his coat was a sky blue as well as his mane an tale. He looked at the pair with a stern face.

“So you two plan to cross the mountains do you. You were wise to hire me. Those mountains are very dangerous this time of year and you will quickly freeze to death if you get lost.” Neither of them like the sound of a slow cold death. But Daring looked brightly at him
“At least we'll have you to prevent that from happening then!” This made Windracer blush, but he quickly regained his composure. “We had best be off then” they divided up the supplies and took off
from the clouds. Soon Cloudsdale was far behind and they began to climb high though clouds. The three of them were now above the cloud cover and were beginning to relax into a cruise.

Daring Do decided that it was a golden opportunity for some fun.
“Hey Charter. Fancy a game of flying tag! I'll go easy on you.” Charter gave he a confident grin as Daring Dived in front of her.
“Oh it is on!” He dived into the clouds after Daring Do. He came out the other side with no pony in sight and suddenly realised that she must still be above him.
“TOO SLOW! Came a voice from above and Charter felt a tap on his flank as a grey blur whizzed
passed him. He pulled into a steep dive to gain and tried to catch her
“ok...Don't move.” she climbed fast. “Lost Her!” He herd her blowing a raspberry as she climbed away.

Windracer was watching the game and rolled his eyes at the two young Pegasi playing in the
midday sun and thought back to the days when he was a young colt playing tag with his friends.
The games soon finished and they got back to the journey across Equestria. Up Ahead they could see Canterlot getting closer and as they passed the great city they could see the damage caused by the invasion of the Changeling's which happened over three months ago. Their was an awful lot of damage and the repairs were still going on.
Soon Canterlot was far behind them and the shape of the Great mountains of snow were looming ahead of them. Daring Do felt the cold wind blow against her cheek and thought back to her adventure in those mountains and how she was lucky to escape with her life. It was starting to get dark and the wind was now blowing a gale, whipping the snow from the mountain to create a mighty blizzard!

Windracer called out to the others. “we can't keep going in this weather! Follow me and we will take shelter till this blows over.”He led them down onto the mountain side where they started to walk through the thick drifts of snow till they came to a dip in the mountain side. As they got closer a great wall appeared in front of them and as they were led along the side, till they came to a large stone keep with high. He pushed the mighty oak door open a crack. “Inside Quick!” Windracer ushered them through into large hall with a spiral staircase in the middle going up to the next floor.
Daring Do was looking at the place in wonder. She had never seen a castle like this in all her travels.

“What is this place Windracer?” A curious Charter asked.
“Long ago before the harmony of Equestria, the realm of the Unicorns held this region and were
having to fend off constant attacks from the Changeling's and the Eastern Hoards. So they built this
place in the Mountain pass to protect their land from invasion. When the three tribes joined
together, they abandoned these places for the ripe land of Equestria. So when ever the Weather ponies come to these mountains for the snow clouds, they use this place a a rest stop. He led them through a smaller door into a side room. The room had a fireplace on one side and a number of crates spread around the room.
Daring Do opened one of the boxes to find in was full of tinned food. Charter opened another to find it full of kindling for making a fire. Windracer grabbed a bundle and went to the fireplace get a fire going. As the fire began to take in the old fireplace, the room was warming up and they all
began to take off the coats and bags. They ate some of the food and each had a beaker of Daring Do's Cider. They felt a rush of warmth from the drink and soon they started settle down for the night.

In the early hours of the morning Charter was woken by a hoof rubbing his shoulder. He groaned at the disturbance but opened his eyes to look at Daring Do. “What's going on? Why did you wake me?”
“shhhhhh!” came a voice
“What's happening” Charter asked in a hushed tone.
“I've just heard the front door open and close again.” Daring Do replied
“We had better go and find them. They might be in trouble” Charter Suggested. With that, Daring and Charter went to search the rest of the castle whilst Windracer stayed by the fire refusing to waste his time. He was sure that it was just the wind blowing on the door making it rattle, the chances of their being other People up here on the mountain were astronomical.

He herd the door behind him open and the sound of hooves on the stone floor.
“I told you their was no-pony out their.” He turned around he to see a pair of rather beautiful Mares in the door way.
“well hello. What's a lovely pair of fillies like you doing in a place like this.” He gave them a
seductive looking smile as they walked closer to him. “We saw your fire from outside. We've been lost in these mountains for days and now you have save our lives.“ They got closer to Windracer and huddled up either side of him making him blush bright red. He looked into the eyes of the pony on his right and was shocked as her eyes became glaze blue!

“AAARRRRRRHHHHHHH”

Echoed around the castle making Daring Do and Charter jump out of their skins in complete fright!They ran back down stairs at full speed to the front room and as they pushed the door open they saw Windracer with his back to them.
“Are you all right Windracer? What in Equestria was that scream for? He turned around to show a
bandage wrapped around his leg.
“Sorry guys I accidentally burnt my leg whilst stoking the fire, but don't worry I've put a bandage
on and I will have it looked at when we reach Keeltown on the Emerald Shore.”

It was another Two days till the reached the Keeltown, with its sea of masts all along the shore
showing the sheer number of vessels that came to this place. They landed on the quay side and started to ask around for a ship to take them to search for the City. Everyone they tried refused their offer and told them that it was too dangerous at this time of the year. They continued for over a hour with no luck until Windracer appeared in front of them with a curious looking smile on his face.
“No luck finding a ship then.” they both nodded their heads. “I might be able to help. I know of a group who might be willing to help you in your journey.” He ushered them down a back alley where the sunlight was barley able to reach. They came to a dead end and Daring Do started to sense that something was not right . She could hear something moving behind her but she could not see any pony.
“What's your game Windracer! You said their were ponies who could offer us a ship! Windracer kept his back to them and suddenly began to speak in a much more high pitched voice.
“Who said they were ponies?” He turned around to reveal a pair of glazed blue eyes and razor sharp
Fangs! From behind came a number of Green Flashes of magic which knocked the two ponies out
cold.
“Good. We have them.”

When Daring Do came around she had a throbbing headache and suddenly noticed the floor under
her hoofs was pitching from side to side giving a creak each time. She tried to rise to her hoofs but found them to be shackled as well as her wings. They were attached to chains which kept her pinned to the ground. She look around in the dimness and could see no sign of Charter.
“Charter. CHARTER! WHERE ARE YOU!” She made the chains clank loudly as she tried to turn
over. But their was no reply . She suddenly herd a key turn in the lock of the door and a shape
stand in front of her. She became accustomed to the light and saw that it was a Changeling in
blue armour. He gave her a mocking grin as he stepped inside followed by two others.
“Glad to see your awake. I was afraid my private here had hit you you too hard. But to business, I'm
Captain Nestine and you are going to help use retrieve the Spear of Commander hurricane so we
can return it to Queen Chrysalis.” Daring Spat at the deck in front of him. Which was returned with a hoof to the side. She coughed in pain and spoke.
“Your Crazy if you think I'm going to help you. Go and boil you head slime ball” she spat again on the floor in front of the Captain.

“If you Don't! Your little blue friend will find himself at the bottom of the ocean strapped to a
cannon ! Is that a good incentive!”

Him and his friends began to laugh maniacally.