The Lost Girls

Dear Princess Celestia

Forgive this old pony for writing to you in your twilight years of retirement. Old habits die hard, I'm afraid. Just like these old bones.

I want to make it clear upfront that I do not, in any way, necessarily distrust your protege, but She is the Princess of Friendship, and you? You're an ancient alicorn privy to certain, shall we say, less than friendly secrets of our lands. While you may rest, and well deserved I might add, evil does not rest. For as long as it does not, neither shall I.

I wish I could say my years have been as relaxing as yours. I suppose, in a way, I could say that. I haven't found as many cases to work on. At least, not the kind of cases old ponies, such as us, need to keep in the dark for the greater good of Equestria. But, as you know all too well, there are things that go bump in the night. By necessity, there are old forces, like me, who must, indeed, bump back.

While my general time has been more relaxing and sometimes even indulgent, I recently stumbled upon a new Brood that is in desperate need of retirement of their own, and yes, I did say “is”. They very much are on the prowl now at their usual time. After centuries of being hunted, those who have lasted this long can be subtle. Regardless, due to the secret nature of my, shall we say, less than public profession, I am concerned with how I might not be replaced with an apprentice. Makes me wonder which side will outlast the other.

In any case, the reason this letter finds you, Your Majesty, is to give some explanation in case I won't be given the opportunity to write you another. Such is the nature of my profession. As skilled as I might be, there's always a chance that this could be my last case . . . one way or another.

But I am not a cold or a heartless pony. As much as that could have been useful, it still breaks my heart whenever I have to report news such as this, for you are the Radiant Sun. You are the Light of Equestria. You are the source of strength I draw upon to deal the final blow on these wicked Children of the Night. The abhorrent spawn of Nightmare.

I still don't know if you have given any of this information to your beloved sister. I think I wouldn't know what to tell her in your place. As always, Your Majesty, I defer to your most benevolent and wise judgment, though I do not envy you for your burdens. I never have. That's why I have labored my whole life lightening some of that burden for you as much as these old bones possibly could.

For when I witness the rise of your radiant dawns, I always long to imagine that your smile rises with it just as brightly.

I say this unto you with all due sincerity, Your Majesty, Light and Love of the Radiant Dawn, please be well. Let your worries and burdens ever remain in retirement as much as it can be. While you do, I'll take care of that which yet lurks in the Darkness of the Night.

Ever your Beloved and Humble Servant

Doctor Van Horseling