Chapter IV: Twilight the Student, Sparkle the Educator

\--------------------

“Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!” Twilight gleefully hopped about her little circuit in the foyer. She did not realize that she was alone until she heard the loud shutting of the balcony doors above. At once, she stopped her bouncing and ended her mirth, replacing it with attentive silence. “Clegmane?” She wondered aloud. When did he get up there? She called to him again and he did not answer. Instead, she heard his heavy hooves slowly dragging across the hardwood above her. Tepidly, Twilight made toward the staircase and glanced up toward the second floor. There he is, Twilight sighed. She watched him slowly walk past her. His ears were drooped and his hind leg hesitated with each step. His lips were flat and that same leg trembled. Her curiosity replaced itself with concern. “Clegmane, what’s wrong?”

No reply. Twilight frowned.

“Clegmane, please. Talk to me!” Twilight winced at how desperate that sounded. He stopped and turned his head to look at her, but did not speak. She smiled weakly when he did, but lost it when she met his good eye. She could see that in the amber depths of that eye, there was naught but sadness, distance and… pain. The rings under his eyes only seemed heavier and far more noticeable than before. Quickly, she ascended the rest of the stairs and brought herself close to him. He did not move when she brought her nose to his. Her ears dropped sympathetically and her voice wavered. “What’s wrong?” She all but whispered. Clegmane gave a low grumble and looked away. He tried to continue his on his way down the hallway before him. Twilight raised a hoof across his chest. She felt his coat and the muscles that tensed beneath it. It lingered there, enough to gently stay him, though he did not look at her. She whispered, “Please! Tell me what’s bothering you? I want to help!” She could not stay the threat of looming tears. His distance was cutting her. I know he’s not trying to hurt me, she reasoned with herself. But, Sisters, I can’t stand to see him like this. She brought her hoof down and reached out to him with the other. She felt him lightly shudder but continued to look ahead as she ran it along his strong jaw line toward his chin. The small tuft of his beard tickled the frog of her hoof as she gently coaxed his visage to face hers. His amber eye met her set of deep lavender and she felt her chest flutter. He’s so close, her mind scrambled. Do you think he’ll—no! Focus, Twilight! He needs you… and not in that way! It was when she felt his cheek rub slightly against her hoof that her blood ran cold, her eyes widening. He closed his eye and inhaled. Her hoof froze in place for the whole second that he did this.

Suddenly, he stopped and looked his fellow Protector in the eye, saying, “Goodnight, Twilight.” With blinding speed, Clegmane leaned forward and softly placed his lips on the tip of Twilight’s nose, kissing it lightly. Twilight lowered her hoof as a wave of heat overtook her face. Clegmane’s lips tugged into one of his rare private smiles before he brushed past her and into the hallway toward his waiting room. This time, she did not stop him.

It was the soft clicking of his door, now closed, that snapped Twilight out of her stupor. The tip of her nose still tingled and she rubbed it with a shaking hoof. “Wow,” was all she could say. Her hooves carried her down that same hallway, two doors down and toward the left, a dim light fought the darkness beneath the threshold. Clegmane’s room. Twilight halted before it and merely stood. Never in all my years—which, granted, are relatively few compared to most—did I ever think that I could be standing outside his door, hesitating to knock. Her mind raced.

Should I knock?

What would I say if he answered?

What of he doesn’t answer?

What would I do if he let me in?

Would I let myself in?

What are you, crazy?

He’s only your fillyhood crush that you’ve kept hidden from everyone you’ve ever known, with the exception of maybe Spike or Celestia. Sisters know that you should look for someone… younger? More cheerful? She thought about his eye—whole? The smell of sweet onions pervaded the hallway. She ignited the torch spell that sprang from her horn. Her eyes began drifting to the nearby portrait of a young, beautiful white mare with green eyes and an onion cutie mark. Undamaged? She hated herself for thinking about that. Sadly, she withdrew into her own room across the hall from Clegmane’s.

With a force of will, every candle in the open space flickered to life, casting a warm glow about the room. Twilight relaxed her spell and her horn quenched its light. She cast a glance about her temporary living space: modest, clean—save the strewn notes and lecture material that she compiled for her syllabus. The class tomorrow… Twilight sighed, suddenly feeling quite tired. A gust of wind intruded through the open window, blowing out some of the candles, but also lapping the tip of her nose, which ran cold where Clegmane had kissed her. She could not help but smile as she willed the window shut and relit the accosted candles. Quietly, she levitated the pile of notes and arrayed them according to priority and scheduled sequence. Before long, sleep had all but conquered Twilight as she struggled to keep her eyes open and her bed from seeming all the more comfortable. Alas, its welcoming sheets and plush pillows became all too enticing. Notes can wait until tomorrow, she argued. Sleep first, panic later. With a satisfied sigh, Twilight resigned herself to the bed’s warmth and extinguished the candles.

“Miss Sparkle…” the voice caught Twilight off guard. “Run.”

“Clegmane?” She asked, unsure of where his voice was coming from. It was dark, but overwhelmingly hot.

“Don’t tarry here, Twilight! Run!” Yes, it was Clegmane and his voice was coming from behind her. Quickly, she turned and immediately regretting in doing so.

His leg was torn, ripped open and flowing. His shield and spear were nowhere to be seen. Half of his armour, that beautiful gleaming carapace that she had once so admired, was twisted and broken. A deep gouge replaced the chest plate and Twilight could see that he was not breathing well. From beneath his golden helm, she could see the fire in his amber eye, the other being veiled by the patch. He was staring hard at her, a frown upon his lips. All else was darkness. Suddenly, the sky behind him erupted into a shower of blue and red fire, falling from parts unknown. Twilight shrank before the display, but Clegmane did not. His gaze was still affixed upon her as the fire fell behind him. The heat grew as a distant shadow approached. She could not fully perceive it, but she knew, somehow, that it was heading malevolently toward them.

“Damn it, Twilight! I said run!” Clegmane urged with a backward glance toward that same menacing presence.

“What about you?” She begged.

“We both knew this was a one-way trip for me, remember?” He smiled softly at her.

“No… No! No, I didn’t! When did we discuss that?” She screamed at him.

“No time, Twilight. I’m sorry it has to be this way…” he said as sadness overtook his hardness. “I can at least buy you some time.”

“But—”

“Run. NOW!” She ran. She ran away from Clegmane as the shadow bore down upon him. She ran away. She knew not where, but she ran as fast as her hooves could carry her. The scream, guttural and warlike shook her very bones.

It was the screaming that woke her up. It was the screaming that forced Twilight from her bed, into the hallway and to Clegmane’s door. Her heart pounded in her throat, her ears rang, but the screams were still just as horrible. And they only got louder, more pained.

“Clegmane!” Twilight shouted, though the screams continued. “Clegmane! Can you hear me?” No answer. “I’m coming in!” She then lined her horn up with the doorway and charged it. The blast threw the door free from its hinges and back into the dark room. Twilight ran in and her eyes turned to the bed. Beneath the covers, thrashing and writhing was Clegmane, his patch removed and both eyes wide with agony. These screams were not of fear, but of pain. “Clegmane!” screamed Twilight as she ran to his side. She placed a shaking hoof upon his brow.

Electricity shot through her then. From her hoof to her brain, the sharp sensation overcame her and a searing pain gnawed at her hind leg, as if a talon was running through it, slowly and without mercy.

That was not the worst of it, for a dark voice, dripping with malice rang through her mind.

I have left my mark upon you, valiant pony;

One who defied the might of my kin.

Your blood by my claws serves only—

—to grant me privilege to your agony!

None may defy the Will of Kàndelthylt

and live to see peace again!

Tears formed in Twilight’s eyes as the voice continued to torment. Was this the dragon? She wondered through clenched teeth. How can he do this? I’ve never known dragons to use telepathy before.

That is because, Twilight Sparkle, there are few that can truly understand the nature of the dragon, save that this dragon is unnatural.

Who—Twilight recognized that voice. It was soft, caring and yet, majestic and wise beyond years. The moon shone all the brighter and the gentle voice spoke once more:

Thou art mistaken, Lord Wyrm, outcast—faithless!

“Princess Luna?” Twilight shakily whispered, her tears clouding her vision. She listened as the voice of this… Kàndelthyltresponded:

The Ruler of Night? The player of foul

tricks when you and your sister cannot

break the back of our siege?

Aye, and those tricks hath cost thee thine war, O Ambitious One! mocked Luna. Thou canst not hope to achieve the greatness of thine Lord and High Clan Royum through these petty means! Begone with thee and leave the honourable to their most deservéd peace!

Nay shall I leave thee and thine at peace,

so long as you breathe free air,

my campaign shall not see rest!

It is pitiable how fervently thou believest in thine rights to vengeance, Lord Wyrm. It shall be thine undoing. Release my little ponies of thine blood agony or feel the chill of mine sacred Night!

Peace has died, sovereign pony.

Your seaside city shall be

the first to announce it.

When my breath returns.

Regardless, thine torment ends now. Face thine challenges directly, coward, for I shall not allow this to persist. Not in mine realm.

At once, the pain ended. Twilight collapsed and Clegmane settled into an easy slumber. She blinked once, twice, and then noticed that the room had changed. For, a tall, dark and beautiful presence had overtaken it. Long, slender legs supported the lithe frame. An ever-billowing starscape mane framed a narrow visage with luminous blue eyes.

“Princess Luna!” Twilight stood up. With wobbly legs, she ran toward the Princess of the Night and wrapped her forehooves around Luna’s long neck. The sovereign did not appear all to comfortable with the unexpected contact, but Twilight smiled all the same. “Thank you! Thank you! You saved him!” She cast a worried glance over to the gentle rise and fall of Clegmane’s chest.

Luna nodded and said, “It is only temporary, Twilight Sparkle. I was not expecting this particular dragon to be this… problematic.”

Is she speaking in commons? Twilight tilted her head and asked, “How come, Princess?”

“This dragon—Kàndelthylt—is unusual as far as dragons are concerned.”

“May I ask why, Princess? Ponies know so little about dragons as it is!” Twilight asked.

“Indeed,” Luna nodded. “Even my Sister and I have had limited experiences, though the dragons we did meet over a thousand years ago were far unlike the dragons we know today. This black-scaled dragon was not among them. He is from elsewhere and the only one I’ve ever seen that can form blood connections.”

“Blood connections?” Twilight wondered. Her legs felt all the weaker at the thought of blood. It is an internal fluid for a reason! It’s meant to remain internal!

“Yes,” Luna confirmed as she walked toward the sleeping Clegmane. “I have only ever read of it myself, but the evidence is clear, judging by the nature of Sir Clegmane’s wound and the pain you felt in your own leg, even though you did not suffer the same injury.”

Wait, what? “Princess, how did you—”

“Know?” Luna allowed a grin to tug at the corner of her mouth. “Because when I enter a pony’s dreams, I can feel what they feel, even if it is indirect.”

“So that means…” Twilight trailed off, disturbed by the thought.

“You are correct, Twilight Sparkle. I can feel the pain, anger, joy… pleasure of other ponies when they dream, which is why it is my duty to aide them whenever possible. It is an endless task for an endless life.” Luna almost sounded bitter, though Twilight felt she knew better than to question it.

“Do we know of any other dragons or creatures that can perform this kind of magic?” Asked Twilight, trying to remain on-task.

“Not unless it emerged from the chaotic depths of Tartarus itself,” was Luna’s reply.

“Is that where you think Kàndelthylt is from?”

“It is quite possible, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna sighed, “There is no way that he is a part of the Royumi Clan. Why they would allow the likes of Kàndelthylt in their ranks certainly raises questions in my mind.” Luna glowered.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Princess… may I ask why you know so much about Spike’s family clan, yet knowledge on dragons is so limited?”

Luna hesitated for a moment, but then straightened up, saying, “I think it is best that both my sister and I explain that story another day, suffice to say that Clan Royum are a unique spectacle amongst dragons. They are far from the dangerous, selfish hoarders that we know them as today. Spike has an incredible lineage that redefines what we ought to know about dragons.”

Great, huffed Twilight. Now I’m even more interested. But, the look on Luna’s face convinced her to drop the subject entirely. Both of them then looked down to Clegmane, still peaceful in his sleeping. Gently, she levitated his eyepatch and slid it back onto his face, covering the wound.

After a long moment, Luna spoke, “For his age, he is quite handsome.” Twilight blushed as Luna continued, “But, from this angle, however, he is positively adorable.” Twilight tried to stifle the unexpected giggle that rose up her throat.

“I can see why you adore him, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna declared.

Twilight’s veins turned to ice and the butterflies took flight. “Is—is it really that obvious?” Luna smiled and winked.

“Stand by him,” said Luna. “You may find that he will see you in due time. Good night, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna slowly began to turn and walk away toward the window.

“Wait, Princess!”

“It’ll be time to wake up soon. No need to keep the class waiting.”

“Princess Luna!”

“Time to wake up now, Miss Sparkle.”

Twilight opened her eyes and Luna was gone, replaced instead by the rays of the rising sun. She yawned loudly and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She was then able see clearly as her vision slid into focus. Strange, she thought. I could have sworn my window was on the left. She glanced down to the floor and saw that the door rested upon it whereas the hallway was now visible through the threshold. This isn’t my room. A stirring to her left caught her attention and Twilight gasped as Clegmane’s tussled mane and peacefully smiling face emerged from beneath the covers, still happily breathing away. Twilight narrowed her eyes at the window. Princess Luna… she found herself crossing the line between angrily grinding her teeth and joyfully hugging the Night Princess once more. Now to slowly get out of here and fix that door so he can be none the wiser. She exchanged glances between Clegmane and the door, but found her gaze lingering on the former captain for much longer. Maybe if I—No! None of that! Shame on you! Twilight scolded herself before sliding quietly out of Clegmane’s bed and took one last look at him laying there, so peacefully unaware of the young mare that had spent the night with him. Mostly due to the mischief of a certain Moonbearer, but that is beyond the point, Twilight shrugged.

Okay, just one kiss, if only to pay him back for that little peck on the nose. Twilight steeled herself and bent low, closing her eyes, squeezing her unpracticed lips together and bringing her face nearer to his. Just a little closer and I can finally—

“Hello! Is anyone home?” A familiar, masculine voice called from downstairs. Twilight’s eyes shot open to too see a shimmering pool of amber staring right back.

“Er, um. Good morning, sleepyhead!” Twilight stammered as she slowly inched her reddening face away from Clegmane’s own, nigh unreadable.

“Up here, Gen D’Arme,” called Clegmane as Twilight backed away, nearly stumbling over the fallen door. Clegmane lifted his head and noticed that the noise Twilight produced was none other than his bedroom door laying flat on the floor, blown clearly off its hinges from the threshold. It was through that threshold that the young, smiling face of Gen D’Arme shifted from jubilant to shock, then awe. The colt, suited in his freshly polished armour, helm levitated at his side, traded glances with Twilight, Clegmane and the broken door.

He blinked twice, then asked, “Am I interrupting?”

“No, private,” responded Clegmane.

“Yes,” mumbled Twilight under her breath.

“Okay,” shrugged Gen D’Arme. “I’ve come to inform both of you, whatever circumstances you may find yourselves in, that The Royal Pony Sisters shall be expecting you within the next few hours at the Seasaddle Pintocific University collegiate off Nickerson Street.”

“Nickerson,” repeated Clegmane.

“Got it,” confirmed Twilight.

“And I am to escort both of you there,” Gen D’Arme finished.

“Thank you, Gene. We’ll be right down.” Twilight offered a flushed smile before quickly slipping through the door, brushing past the younger guardspony, and disappearing into her room to gather her things.

The longest, most awkwardly silent promenade in Twilight’s life existed as the journey from the Downs toward the collegiate where her new institution waited. The only one who spoke was Gene, being conversational, or at least attempting to be. Clegmane was not one to answer, though Twilight tried her best.

“So, it turns out, sir, that I am going to be your assistant for the physical training.”

“I requested no assistance.” Clegmane stated firmly. Twilight gave him a hard glance and could see that Gene was visibly hurt by the response.

“Clegmane, Gene helped you with the dragon! His experience is at least worth consideration.” Gene offered a thankful smile, which Twilight returned.

“I’m not entirely sure if he can handle training a bunch of greenhorns, let alone advanced spell-wielders who were not meant to be soldiers.” Clegmane huffed.

“Um, I’m right here, sir…” Gene frowned again.

“Did I say otherwise?”

“No sir.”

Twilight halted and said, angrily, “Sir Clegmane the Steadfast, Gen D’Arme has been assigned to you for the physical training part of my institution, so you will accept his help or we shall have words with the Princess!” Clegmane halted, but did not look back to Twilight.

“Miss Sparkle,” grumbled Clegmane, “I appreciate your concern for Gen D’Arme’s assignment and your appraisal of his combat skills, but—”

“But nothing! You are accepting his help.”

“Miss—”

“As the Fancy say: pointe finale!” And that was that. Twilight brushed past both stallions. What a stubborn ass… no offense to mules. Ugh! Why do I even bother!

All three rounded the next corner and had arrived before the collegiate building. There, Celestia awaited and greeted them. “Welcome, Twilight!”

“It’s good to see you again, Princess!” Twilight gleefully embraced her mentor.

“It’s good to see you too, my faithful student. Greetings to you too, Captain. And you, brave Gen D’Arme.”

“Ma’am!” Both stallions bowed low, though Twilight noticed that Clegmane had a little trouble with his hind leg again.

The Princess returned her attention to Twilight. “Are you ready for today?”

“I’m not sure,” mumbled the unicorn as she rubbed a free hoof against the strap of her saddlebag. It was heavy with notes and the contents of her syllabus.

“Just breathe easily,” whispered Celestia. Twilight huffed and puffed, forcing air in and out of her lungs. A gentle hoof came to rest upon her shaking shoulder and the unicorn turned to look at who had placed it there. It was Clegmane, who actually smiled from behind heavy eyelids.

“Yes, Princess.” Twilight straightened her posture and faced the heavy wooden doors of the collegiate. “I can do this! For Seasaddle and for the future of Equestia!”

With a magical flare, she forced the doors open and stepped into cavernous halls of her new institution. Oh, this is so exciting, Twilight thought to herself. My very own class! Then, she slowly came to realize that the halls were bare. But, that’s perhaps because the classes did not start until noon. That has to be it, she reasoned. But, just to be sure… the first page of the syllabus flew out of her loosened saddlebag and her violet eyes poured over the document. Yes, there it is! Introduction to Magical Theory—twelve PM until two, room 101—simple enough, easy to transition into practical magics. Where are we now?

“Good afternoon. I am Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight announced to the floor. No, doesn’t sound official enough.

Room 95

Okay, keep walking. Should I have left out the Starswirl Alchemy manifesto? “Salutations, class. My name is Twilight Sparkle.” No, to formal.

Room 96

No, they don’t need to know alchemy… “Hello, everyone! Call me Twilight Sparkle!” Okay—too informal.

Room 97

…this is fire-resistant magic, not fire-enhancing magic!

Room 98

Although a basic understanding of the concepts behind enhanced fire could serve to benefit their collective trains of thought. “Good afternoon. I am Twilight Sparkle.”

Room 99

Did I bring enough syllabi? Is it comprehensive enough? “Good afternoon. I am Twilight Sparkle.”

Room 100

Will my teaching methods be effective? Ah! I was prepared for this, wasn’t I! “Good bloody afternoon. I am Twilight bloody Sparkle!”

Room 101

Twilight gulped, for she now stood frozen before the main entrance to the auditorium. She glanced toward the hallway clock, which ticked at 11:30 in the morning. She was half an hour early for her class, which she figured would give her ample time to prepare and gather her thoughts in order to best instr—oh, Sisters, half of them are already here. Time to panic! Oh no, oh no, oh no!

“Don’t worry, Twilight,” Gen D’arme said, “We’re right behind you, all the way.” Twilight had almost completely forgotten about the pair of warriors that were helping her for the next few weeks, who had stridden so quietly behind her this entire time.

“Thanks, Gene.” Twilight sighed and closed her eyes and took more deep breaths. She felt Clegmane’s presence near her then.

“Look them in the eye, Miss Sparkle,” whispered the elder warrior. “They will respect you.” She glanced up at him, looking into his sole remaining eye and saw a strange softness in it. He meant what he said. Twilight nodded dutifully and magically opened the door. Twenty unicorns turned to look in her direction, each seated in a mosaic of many coloured coats and shining, eager eyes. The classroom auditorium could seat at least sixty ponies. How did all these students get selected, anyway? I guess it doesn’t matter, since I trust the Princess’ judgments. Like I have a choice.

Despite her students tracking her ever move, Twilight strode confidently toward her waiting desk. Inwardly, she giggled, my own desk! How exciting! With a twist of her will, the saddlebags were levitated free of her back and placed firmly onto the bare desktop. As soon as Twilight relinquished her hold on the bags, however, they promptly fell over, spilling their weighty contents all about the floor. A deep, embarrassed frown overtook Twilight’s face as she scampered about to gather her fleeing syllabi amidst the giggles of her attentive students. Thank Celestia for staplers! Twilight’s mind echoed as she levitated package after package, arranging them into cohesive piles. Still, several lay strewn. That was until they were caught up in a soft blue aura, lifted from the ground and stacked neatly upon the pre-formed piles. That same blue aura then produced a large ripe and shining apple, much like those of Apple Family fare, from a nearby saddlebag. Twilight accepted the apple, then looked for the one responsible.

Standing before her was a young pale orange unicorn mare, not much younger than Twilight herself. Her mane was a luminous indigo and her eyes, a sharp icy blue. She wore a small, shy smile and her blue aura vanished. Without a word, she simply nodded, then turned about, returning to her seat near the front of the class.

“Th-thank you!” stuttered Twilight with a grateful grin.

“Hazel Drift,” replied the orange mare. “And, no thanks required, Professor. If anything, we all owe you a debt of thanks.”

“Well, it wasn’t entirely me,” said Twilight with a soft shuffling of her hooves. “Sir Clegmane and Gene-er-Gen D’arme had a large part to play in that as well.”

“Yeah!” interrupted another student, a white-coated stallion in the middle row. “I heard that Sir Clegmane gouged that wyrm a hundred times!”

“No, dummy, it was obviously over a thousand!” the purple stallion next to him argued.

“Nuh-uh!” retorted the first. “My dad saw it, bro. He saw the whole thing.”

“Hard to watch something when you’re running for your life.”

“Hey!”

The orange mare simply rolled her eyes and Twilight bit her lip. Great, now what? The argument became more and more heated until Twilight hatched a plan.

“Alright, you two: zip it up!” With a flash of her horn, Twilight replaced the two stallions’ lips with zippers, which were swiftly closed and locked.

“Ooh!” The remainder of the class stared in awe at the spell. Twilight allowed a grin to tug at the corner of her lips. Cocky? Maybe. Effective? Undoubtedly.

“I’m sure Sir Clegmane will be more than willing to answer all of your questions when you begin your physical training with him this evening. If you get the chance to ask him, however. Until then, you are here to learn and ask questions relevant to the subject matter. Do I make myself clear?” Hurried nods were her reply.

“Good!” said Twilight cheekily as she snapped the air with the charge of her horn and dissolved the zippers of the once unruly stallions.

The time neared noon and the class had near filled to capacity. Twilight’s heart beat all the more as the seconds that swiftly passed. When the hands became aligned, nearly sixty students of all colours and sizes, mares and stallions sat, chatting idly amongst themselves. Most awaited their new professor’s direction. When the final seconds ticked by, it came.

With a deep, steadying breath, Twilight stepped forward with sixty pairs of eyes following her every tepid step. She cleared her throat.

“Good afternoon. I am Twilight Sparkle and today, we begin our classes on theoretical and practical magics. The uses of this magic will pertain specifically to the quenching of enchanted fires and dealings with mystical and powerful beasts—specifically, dragons.”

Magical Theory had passed by without much incident, Twilight concluded. Although, she could have sworn that the material seemed a little too easy for her students who began to doze off after the first hour. Did they already have a strong base or did they need a little motivation? Motivation, she decided, was the best medicine. At that, Twilight decided to end the foundational class forty-five minutes early—crassly overlooking Sections 27 through 68 and lead straight into procurement magic, specifically, water forming. That break in the schedule allowed the students to stretch, relax and process all they had learned. Many also took this opportunity to eat and restore their energy. Then, it was back to the books, for they were to look at water.

Hydrodynamics were not a field entirely unfamiliar to Twilight, but the mustering of the moisture in the air to form a pool of water seemed all the motivation the class needed in order to wake up and participate. They had actually impressed her with their eagerness o learn and strive. That helpful pale orange mare, Hazel Drift, had been particularly impressive in her ability to harness the moisture, though nearly all of her students had grasped it by class’s end. As a project, Twilight had devised for the students to pair up and grab a bucket from the stack that she had arranged outside in the collegiate courtyard. Each pair was to study the contents of their literature assigned and help one another to fill their buckets with conjured water by the conclusion of the next class.

It was nearly five o’clock by the time the last bucket was replaced. The encroaching evening cast a chilling wind that swept Twilight’s mane aside. She turned to see her students standing, waiting for her final dismissal. Their eyes remained bright, despite the volumes of information and the drain that magical casting often took upon unicorns. Many of them smiled, eagerly waiting for me. A few chatted and laughed amongst themselves. They seemed pleased, and indeed, Twilight was pleased with them. But, would it be enough? Will any of this be enough if Kàndelthylt returns?

Kàndelthylt…. Twilight shuddered. Despite what their city had endured at the claws of that dark drake, the youth of Seasaddle and their spirit had persevered. She dreaded to see that spirit broken under the dragon’s vengeful blaze.

“Kàndelthylt.” Twilight Sparkle declared amid the blowing breeze. Her statement was met with looks, both intrigued and perplexed.

“That is the name of the dragon: Kàndelthylt.”

Hazel Drift stepped forward, asking, “Professor Sparkle, how do you know this?”

Twilight sighed. “He has struck out against Equestria before, but was denied. He made himself known to us last night and he intends revenge.” Uncertain clamour rose amongst the crowd of students.

“The wyrm will be back? So soon?” Cried a student.

“The horror! The horror!” shouted another. Twilight tried to speak over the rising panic, but alas, could not.

“Quiet down. NOW!” A powerful voice echoed across the courtyard. Twilight glanced back and saw the form of Clegmane, clad in his armour and his eye blazing as he approached them all. Hushed talk and awe now replaced the deportment of Twilight’s class. Clegmane came to a stop next to Twilight. Gen D’arme then appeared and stood next to Clegmane. He too, was clad in his guardspony armour, though his expression was dour as he scanned each student carefully. Regardless, the students were silent and their discomfort stayed, if only for the moment.

“Thank you, Clegmane,” Twilight whispered. Clegmane said nothing, but kept his gaze hard upon the crowd. Twilight faced them once more and continued, saying, “Like I said, the dragon’s name is Kàndelthylt and yes, we expect him to return soon, though we pray that it’s not too soon.” Twilight stepped forward, sweeping her gaze across her class. “But, we can become prepared for his fire this time. What progress we’ve made today is remarkable and again, I say that I’m proud of all of you. Though, there is still a lot of work to be done, we must always keep in mind what the goals of this institution are: Educate and Protect. Water is our protection and water will always best fire—the oceans are far larger than any dragon we may ever face. Just know that if and when Kàndelthylt returns, his fire may rob the air of its moisture. Still, that should not stop us from trying, right?”

Murmurs and light nods were met her. Twilight was not entire sure of their convictions.

“We have all felt that heat, that oppressive smoke, that unquenchable fire. Yet, here we stand, alive and well, free of that smoke and witnesses to just how quenchable that fire really is.”

The murmurs grew, approving and enthusiastic.

Twilight continued, “Teach what you’ve learned here to your loved ones. Have them teach each other. Because, when that dragon comes back and this starts—” Twilight ignited her horn and set a nearby shrub on fire. It withered and cackled beneath the licking flames. All sixty students watched Twilight and saw the fire dance in their pupils. “—Each other is all we’re going to have. So be resourceful; know that there are other sources of water beyond the moisture in the air and the nearby ocean.”

The students nodded, their panic waylaid and eye focused on the burning bush. With a quick conjuration, Twilight gathered water and ice into the air before her and wrapped them both securely about the shrub. With a light hiss, the fire was out and the shrub mostly saved.

“Class dismissed,” said Twilight, finally.

The sun was setting in the midsummer sky while the steam from the suffocated fire rose to meet it. Twilight turned to Clegmane. With a grin, she winked and said, “All yours, big guy.” As she walked away, Twilight shook her head. What a terrible flirt you are. Maybe Rainbow Dash is right, I am too much of a bookworm. Her reverie was short lived, however, when she heard Clegmane’s ironclad hooves march into position before the mingling students. To her surprise, it was not Clegmane that began, but rather, Gene.

“Alright, recruits, form up!” barked the young stallion. The startled students eyed both him and the silent Clegmane and nervously shuffled about. Gen D’arme ground his teeth and barked once more, “I said move!” A pale blue flash of his horn and suddenly, the students found them bunched together, then forcibly positioned in a grid-like formation of six columns and ten. Wide-eyed and stricken with fear, the students could not, or would not speak. Twilight watched as Gene then paced about the first row of rigid, shaking stallions and mares, their eyes following him. This appeared to have displeased him as he lashed out at them once more.

“Do not eyeball me, recruits. I am not Professor Sparkle and I am not going to be as fair as she is. Keep your eyes forward until I say so. If not, then prepare to drop down and give me twenty!” Twilight could not tell if any of her students did actually break his rule, but it did not matter, for all sixty of them dropped to the ground on Gene’s order and gave him exactly what he wanted: twenty push-ups. Eventually. Part of Twilight wanted to run forward and reprimand Gen D’arme for his harsh treatment and how he could even fathom being so cruel, but a firm glance from silent Clegmane told her otherwise.

Okay, calm down, Twilight. He knows what he’s doing. Clegmane didn’t barge in on your lectures, don’t bother him in his. Still, she thought, this is a heavy lecture. Her students groaned and huffed as another twenty push-ups were ordered. Before long, Twilight found herself watching as Gen D’arme marched his new company of would-be soldiers about the courtyard in perfect formation. She had to admit, she was impressed. After thirty minutes of exertion and constant yelling, Gen D’arme relaxed a touch and said, “My name is Gen D’arme, guard of Canterlot and assistant to the Protectors of Seasaddle. You’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Protector Sparkle the Magnanimous and now I will formally introduce you to her fellow Protector—one who undoubtedly is not as easily impressed as I am, and I most assuredly am surely not—Sir Clegmane the Steadfast.”

Clegmane stepped forward and all eyes became fixed on him. Twilight watched as he walked up the front row of heavily breathing, fatigued youth. They dared not follow him with their eyes. Those who dared, corrected this when his cold amber stare met theirs. Twilight watched as his hind left, she freshly scarred, hesitated with each step. Am I the only one seeing this? His injury isn’t that obvious, is it? Clegmane wheeled around slowly and made his way to the centre of the platoon’s field of view. He waited in front of them for a long moment, not saying a word. Twilight saw how her students began to sway, with sweat dripping from their heavy brows. Many knees wobbled, either out of the cold, the fear or the exhaustion, maybe a combination of all three. Regardless, they dared not move more than that, for she was sure that the large Clegmane, to them, was far more intimidating than any dragon. He seemed pleased with their fear.

At last, he took a deep inhale through his nose and spoke, saying, “Smell that?” Twilight sniffed the air and caught a whiff of the steam that she produced from the quenched fire. “Does that smell familiar?” His good eye raked along the trembling ranks. “That is the smell that follows a dragon’s passing: burning wood and scorched earth. The smell of a dragon, however, is far worse. It is a putrid stench that can clear your stomach with one sniff and knock you over in two. The only thing that can make it go away is the smell of burning things around you, no matter how foul, they cannot match the stink of a wyrm.”

“In a blaze, you will find your energy sapped, just as it is now. Your body will sweat until it thirsts and then will not hesitate to dry you up entirely in an attempt to quench that thirst. As unicorns, we are gifted with peripheral telekinesis: we can carry many things: Spears, shields, water, gear. These are what you will learn to use and carry. Sergeant Gen D’arme and I are from the Royal Guard, where the most important pony is the one beside you in order to fulfill your duty and protect the Princesses. Here in Seasaddle, there is no difference. Now, for some reason, you lot have been chosen by the powers that be to act as one to defend this city against the wyrm, this Kàndelthylt. I have been charged with training you to prepare physically for the encounter. Sergeant Gen D’arme and I, as you know, have survived the previous encounter and have been requested to pass that knowledge and skill on to you. The Sergeant is in charge of your calisthenics and fitness—he answers to me and me alone. I am in charge of combat skills: I will teach you to fight, to survive and to win. Nothing less will do.” Clegmane’s eyes swept across the students’ faces as he tightened his jaw.

“Now I hope you enjoyed this little introduction to the weeks ahead, because the Sergeant and I, we’re going to love it!”

A rarity of a smile dared trace itself across Clegmane’s face, though Twilight could feel no worth emanating from it. The Steadfast was back in his element again and he was not complaining one bit. Stifling a hollow chuckle, only one thought crossed her mind as Gene ordered her students to the ground once more.

This is going to mess with their study schedules.

Author's Note

Here it is, at long last!
I've had to divide this chapter in two and re-write the other in Clegmane's perspective.

I am holding off on posting the beginnings of Book 2, with Spike and Applejack, as I wish to see where tomorrow's episode will go in regards to certain members of a certain apple-based family.

And yes, the rhyming dragonspeak is inspired by Smaug the Golden.