Ogres and Oubliettes: The Gathering

by GoebelTron

Rating: teen
Tags: Death, Human, Anthro, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Other, Romance, Sex, Spike, Comedy, Main 7 (EqG), Adventure, Violence
Length: 5212

A young boy accompanies seven girls on a quest to defeat an evil warlock king

This story follows Spike Pendragon, a young boy from a large village, who dreams of becoming a legendary hero of Canterlot. But his dream is about to come true as he forms a dysfunctional adventuring party with a group of seven hot girls on a quest to find and defeat an evil king who plots to conquer the world with eternal darkness.

Published 2022-11-30 19:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2023-02-15 20:52:19 UTC

The Story of King Sombra’s Ring

The world has changed.

I feel it in the water.

I feel it in the earth.

I smell it in the air.

Much that once was, is lost. For none now live who remember it.

It all began thousands of years ago when there was peace and harmony among all others, and when the Royal Sisters and the Six Pillars came together and formed a fellowship to protect their land from any threat that would seek to destroy them.

One princess, who was as beautiful, majestic and powerful as the sun, kindhearted to her subjects as they enjoyed her dreams of peace and prosperity for everyone, and her sister, wise and determined as the shining moon, protecting her subjects’ dreams from nefarious nightmares, as terrifying as the shadows of the moon at night, filling people’s dreams to brim with fright.

Soon, a crystal seed was formed, which grew into a force of light magic, gifted with the ability to sustain and preserve life throughout the lands, a Tree of Harmony. For within the roots and every seed of this sacred tree was bound the strength and will to govern each and every part of the land.

But they were all of them deceived, as sometimes, others will soon learned that they wanted more. However, one did.

For a powerful ring was made. Deep in the lands of Infernal Kingdom, in the fires of the volcanic depths of Death Mountain, King Sombra, the dark lord, whose heart was black as night, forged in secret a Ring, to control all others around him. And into this Ring he poured his cruelty, his malice, and his will to dominate all life.

One Ring to rule them all, before he began to ravage the world, in an event known as the Great Calamity. One by one, the free lands of the mystical world fell to the power of the Ring, with many villagers and their guards struggling to stay alive as they are attacked by the wickedness Sombra’s Ring brought upon them, and enslaving all men and women alike. Darkness fell as the subjects of every known region beg their princesses, the Royal Sisters and their magical friends to save them. A group led by a noble sorcerer known only as the Grand Wizard Starswirl the Bearded, and his followers, the Pillars: Somnambula, Rockhoof, Mage Meadowbrook, Flash Magnus, and Mistmane.

For a thousand years, the battle has been waged, with only the bravery of the Royal Sisters and the Pillars to protect all of their followers. But even though their magic was undeniably powerful when formed together, the dark lord’s armies continued their attacks. They had no chance against the king’s dark magic, as he began to seek taking control over the Tree of Harmony in his will. But the tides of war were soon to change, as Sombra’s power continued to raise a calamitous level against those who resisted his rule.

And on the slopes of Death Mountain, they fought for the freedom of the mystical world. Victory was near. But the power of the Ring, could not be undone.

It was in this moment, when all hope had faded, that Celestia and Luna took up their chances. In order to save the kingdoms, the two sisters used a huge amount of magic to conjure up a mystic spell seal. Sombra, the enemy of the free people of the mystical world, was defeated.

He was ultimately overthrown, turned into shadow, and banished to the depths of the underworld for eternity, never to be heard from again.

But not before he was able to put a curse upon his ring. A curse that caused it to carry his spirit and power.

The Ring however passed to a young paladin named Stygian, who had this one chance to destroy evil forever. But the hearts of many, are easily corrupted. And the Ring of Power has a will of its own. It betrayed him to his sorrow and guilt, but sometimes those of many can be forgiven, even if they never meant to harm anyone, but wanted their respect. And some things that should not have been forgotten, were lost forever. History became legend, legend became myth. And for two and a half hundred years, the Ring passed out of all knowledge.

One hundred years later, a prophecy warned of the return of Sombra. Hoping to prepare in the same fashion as they once did, the royal sisters and the pillars began working to locate and excavate the Tree of Harmony. However, another legend spoke of seven legendary champions from each of the mystical world’s regions who were chosen to form together as a new order, and help keep the world safe. Meanwhile, Princess Celestia was determined to awaken her and her sister’s power and prayed at the three springs of the goddess of the magical world, but their efforts were met with failure. Minutes after she and Luna had finished praying at the Spring of Wisdom, Sombra broke the seal that kept him dormant.

In a move unanticipated by the Royal Sisters and the Pillars, as Sombra’s revival grew nearer, the number of monsters found throughout the lands increased. After the dark lord’s revival, many signs if darkness crept back into the forests of the world. Rumor grew of a shadow in the East, whispers of a nameless sight of fear. And as the Ring of Power perceived, its time had now come. But something happened then the Ring did not intend. It was picked up by the most unlikely person imaginable.

“What’s this?”

A young traveler, Bertram Pendragon of the Golden Oaks Shire.

“A ring.”

For many years, it was held in possession of the traveler. As long as the ring still exists, Sombra’s darkness will never fade unless, if one uses hope and love over the darkness of hatred and fear, those things are reflected across all of the mystical world. And on that dark day, there may be no hope for anyone, and no one to save us, since the greatest battle is about to begin.

Spike meets Star Swirl Again

On a nice sunny day, many cottages lay spread out on the big hillside where the sun shines above them all, and have enough space for farming, but one house in particular appeared to be like some kind of hut underneath the roots of a dark oak tree. This was the village of Wildebrook. And inside the house of Golden Oaks, was an old man with gray-white hair, brown eyes, and wearing a white shirt with a green scarf and a brown vest, and matching pants writing his book.

His house was stocked full of books, a telescope and a globe, a small kitchen, a dining table, three bedrooms, and a big door.

“To Where, Therefore and Back Again: A Traveler’s Tale. By Bertram-Patrick Pendragon.” Bertram then stopped writing for a moment, and with a puff from his pipe, he began puzzling about what to write next. “Now where to begin? Ah, yes.” He then picked his quill and after one quick drop of black ink, he began writing, “‘Concerning Oneself with the World of the Unexpected: Differences between the good people and the mysterious creatures.’”

Bertram then continued writing his novel. “Hmm, let’s see…”

For starters, many people in our village have been living and farming in the four farthings of these hills for many hundreds of years, like how normal villagers help out in society through the lands. Quite content to mostly ignore and be ignored by the outside world of adventurous or magical folk. The world being, after all, full of many strange creatures beyond count, but for most folks however, they must seem of little importance being neither renowned as great warriors nor counted among the very wise.

Bertram then chuckled before suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

“Spike! Someone at the door.” Bertram hollered as he continued writing.

In fact, it has been remarked by some that mostly everyone have other important interests in life, such as a hobbit’s passion for food, but some have dreams of poetry, adventure, and other valuable skills or talented traits. But where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good, tilled earth. For all creatures and peoples of the mystical world share a love of things that grow, no matter what or how things attempt to change. And, yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem very quaint. But today of all days, it is brought home to me: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.

There was suddenly another knock at the door, as Bertram grew impatient, “Spike, the door!” There was more knocking at the door again. “Sticklebacks. Where is that boy? Spike!”

Near an apple tree in a enclosed area, a young boy with green hair, green eyes and wearing a white shirt with grey sleeves, and a pair of dark bluish gray trousers, and brown shoes. His name was Spike Pendragon, Bertram’s nephew. He lived with his uncle ever since the day his parents died. But he was happy that his uncle took him in and gave him a proper place to live in. Today, he was laying by the tree reading a book, before he began to hear the sound of someone humming, and another sound of hooves and wagon wheels on the ground. Spike suddenly smiled as he knew what that sound was, so he got up and went to go check it out.

The one that was humming was a man with a light gray beard and long hair and dark violetish gray eyes wearing a few light gray robes underneath a light grayish blue cloak and a matching pointed hat decorated with yellow stars and moons, dark gray pants, and purplish blue shoes. He was riding his wagon full of fireworks and other objects while humming and singing a song as his horse pulled it. This old man was none other than the Grand Wizard, Star Swirl the Bearded.

Down from the door where it began

And I must follow if I can

The road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began

Now far ahead the road has gone

And I must follow if I can

Spike then stopped as he could see the old man riding by, and crossed his arms. “You’re late,” Spike said.

The old man looked towards Spike and spoke, “A wizard is never late, Spike Pendragon. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.”

Spike and Star Swirl then stared at each other for a few seconds, before breaking into laughter of joy.

“It’s wonderful to see you, Star Swirl!” Spike then jumped towards Star Swirl for a hug, as the wizard hugged him back.

“You didn’t think I’d miss your Uncle Bertram’s birthday?“ he asked, before he chuckled.

Later on, as Spike joined Star Swirl’s ride to the village, they just sat down and talked.

“So, how is the old rascal? I hear it’s going to be a party of special magnificence.” Star Swirl asked.

“You know Uncle Bertram. He’s already got the whole place in an uproar,” Spike said.

Star Swirl then chuckled, “Well, that should please him.”

“You said it,” Spike said. “Besides that, half the entire town’s been invited. And the rest of them are turning up anyway.“

They both laughed as they saw a few ladies mowing the fields of wheat.

“And so life in Wildebrook goes on very as it has this past Age full of its own comings and goings, with change coming slowly. If it comes at all. For things are made to endure in the passing from one generation to the next. There’s always been any one of the family living here in the Golden Oaks Library.” Bertram paused momentarily looking up and muttered to himself. “And there always will be.”

“To tell you the truth, Uncle Bertram’s been a bit odd lately. I mean, more than usual,” Spike said, as Star Swirl listened intensively, his face looking concerned and full of thought. “He’s mostly taken to locking himself in his study. He like spends hours and hours pouring over old maps whenever he thinks I’m not looking.”

Bertram set the map down and sighed. He tensed all of the sudden and started to check his pockets looking for something. His breathing started to get shallow as he turned out empty pockets. His eyes then searched the room frantically.

“Where’s it gone?” Bertram asked himself.

He started to search everything in the room in a panic frenzy, picking things up to just through them down when he found out they are not holding what he was seeking. He started to get angrier and angrier when his hand brushed his vest pocket. He felt them and placed his hand in it and pulled something out. Sighing deeply, he opened his hand slightly and reveals that he was holding the Ring in his hand. He closed his eyes in relief, having a silent moment.

“He’s up to something,” Spike said, until he suspiciously turned his head to look at Star Swirl. “All right, then. Keep your secrets.”

“What?” Star Swirl asked.

“But I know you have something to do with it,” Spike said.

“Good gracious me,” Star Swirl said.

“Before you came along, we the family of Pendragon were very well thought of,” Spike said,

“Indeed,” Star Swirl replied.

“Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected,” Spike said.

“If you’re referring to the incident with the dragon in that smoking mountain, I believe you should know that I was barely involved. All I ever did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door,” Star Swirl replied.

“Whatever it was you did, you’ve been officially labeled a disturber of the peace,” Spike said.

“Oh, really?” Star Swirl asked.

They drove past a cottage with a grumpy man working in the garden. He looked at Star Swirl, turning even more grumpier. Suddenly, a group of little children ran after the carriage as soon as they spotted it.

“Star Swirl! Star Swirl!” they exclaimed happily, giggling.

Some more children ran down the grassy hills towards the carriage.

“Fireworks, Star Swirl! Star Swirl! Fireworks, Star Swirl!”

They looked at him in disappointment as he drove along, pretending not to notice them.

“Awwwww…”

Suddenly, a blast of fireworks went off from the carriage. The children clapped their hands and cheer. The grumpy man man laughed, until a grumpy woman came out and gave him a disapproving look and he got the sour look on his face again. Star Swirl chuckled.

“Star Swirl? I’m really glad you’re back,” Spike said.

“So am I, dear boy!” the bearded wizard said, before he thoughtfully said to himself, “So am I.”

Spike jumped off the carriage and waved at Star Swirl.

He then drove up to the Golden Oaks Library and stopped in front of the gate which had a sign that says ‘No Admittance. Exception Party Business’. He walked up to the door and knocked it with his staff.

A voice is heard from inside, “No thank you! We don’t want any more visitors, well-wishers or distant relations!”

“And what about very old friends?” Star Swirl asked.

The door opened and Bertram stared at Star Swirl in disbelief. “Star Swirl?”

“Bertram-Patrick Pendragon!” the old wizard said.

“My dear Star Swirl!” Bertram said happily, as they gave each other a big hug.

“Good to see you, my old friend. Already 88 years old! Who would believe it?” Star Swirl said, as he took a closer look at Bertram. “You almost look like that you haven’t aged a day.”

Bertram ran inside, beckoning Star Swirl in and holding the door open for him, “Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome! Oh, here we are.”

He then closed the door behind Star Swirl and took his hat and staff.

“Tea? Or maybe something a little stronger? I’ve got a few bottles of the Old Winyard left. 1296. Very good year. Almost as old as I am! Hahaha! It was laid down by my father. What say we open one, eh?”

“Just tea, thank you,” Star Swirl said.

Bertram ran around the entire library, as Star Swirl walked into Bertram’s study. He looked at the papers on the desk, a map of The Lonely Mountain among them. Bertram then continued to talk to him about what there was to eat, “I was honestly expecting you sometime last week. Not that it matters. You come and go as you please. Always have done and always will. You caught me a bit unprepared, I’m afraid. We’ve got cold chicken and a bit of pickle… there’s some cheese here. Oh no, it won’t do. We’ve got raspberry jam, an apple tart… But not much for afters – Oh, no, we’re all right. I’ve just found some sponge cake.” He entered the study, looking for Star Swirl, who has already left. “I could make you some eggs if you’d like- Oh. Star Swirl?”

Star Swirl peered into the study from the kitchen behind Bertram.

“Just tea, thank you.”

“Oh, right. You don’t mind if I eat, do you?” Bertram asked, stuffing some food into his mouth.

Star Swirl then replied, sitting down at the table, “No, not at all.”

A sharp knock was then heard on the door and a woman’s voice is heard, as Bertram threw himself towards the wall, choking on his food, in a desperate attempt to hide.

“Bertram! Bertram Pendragon!”

Then he turned to Star Swirl, whispering, “I’m not at home!”

He tiptoed over to the window in the study, taking a peek at who is outside.

“Oh, confound it! It’s those pompous Sackville-Pendragon relatives!”

“I know you’re in there!”

“They’re after the house,” Bertram said, turning around and quietly entering the kitchen again, still whispering. “They’ve never forgiven me for living this long.” He went over to the little round window in the kitchen and looks out. “I’ve got to get away from these confounded relatives of mine hanging on the bell all day. They never give me a moment’s peace! I want to see mountains again. Mountains, Star Swirl! And then find somewhere to have peace and quiet and where I can finish my book. Oh, tea!”

Bertram took the tea off the fire with a towel, as he heard it whistling.

“So you mean to go through with your plan, then,” Star Swirl said.

“Yes, yes. It’s all in hand. All the arrangements are made,” Bertram said, as Star Swirl opened the lid on the pot. “Oh, thank you.”

“Your nephew, Spike suspects something of you,” Star Swirl said.

“Of course he does. He’s a Pendragon! Not some block-headed Beauregarde from Haven,” Bertram said.

“You will tell him, won’t you?” Star Swirl asked.

“Yes, yes,” Bertram replied.

“He’s very fond of you,” Star Swirl said.

Bertram sighed, “I know. He’d probably come with me if I asked him. I think in his heart, that boy’s still in love with the environment of our village. The woods, the fields. Little rivers. I am old, Star Swirl. I know I don’t look it that much, but I’m beginning to feel it in my heart.” He then started to finger the Ring in his pocket. Star Swirl noticed this but keeps silent. Bertram then sat down and joined Star Swirl at the table. “I feel thin. Sort of stretched like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday. A very long holiday. And I don’t expect I shall return. In fact, I mean not to.”

Bertram’s Birthday

Later, as night approached, Star Swirl and Bertram sit outside Golden Oaks, each with a pipe in their mouth, looking at the field where the party was to be held, the tents were set up and lanterns were lit.

“Ahh… Old Toby. One of the finest weed in the Southeastern fields,” Bertram said.

He blew a ring of smoke. Star Swirl smiled and blew a ship of smoke, sailing through the smoke ring that Bertram made.

“Star Swirl, my old friend. This will be a night to remember,” Bertram said.

A huge firework exploded over the party field below, showering the crowd in sparks, which disappeared right before they hit the villagers, while a group carried a large cake to a safer spot in order to avoid being splattered to crumbs. A lot of people were dancing, eating from the buffets, drinking and talking with each other.

Bertram was greeting his guests at the entrance, “Hello, hello. Lovely to see you! Welcome, welcome!”

Spike was dancing with the crowd, as Star Swirl let another set of fireworks off, which took the form of arrows flying through the air.

Meanwhile, Bertram was sitting in front of a group of little children, telling one of his stories of his adventures. The children listened in apprehension.

“So then there I was, at the mercy of three monstrous ogres! And they were all arguing amongst themselves about how they were going to cook us. Whether it be turned on a spit, like skewering a fat pig and roasting it for a rotisserie, or whether they should sit on us one by one and squash us into jelly. But actually it’s quite good on toast.”

Star Swirl was seen dancing with the citizens, sticking out like as sore thumb.

“They spent so much time arguing with the withertos and the whyfors, that without realizing it, the sun’s first light cracked over the top of the trees. . . poof!”

The children gasped and jumped a little.

“And turned them all to stone!”

Star Swirl got some more fireworks from his carriage, laughing and having a good time. A hobbit boy named Snips poked out from the otherside of the carriage and watched Star Swirl leave. He smacked the tent flap and another hobbit boy named Snails came out from behind a tent. They stopped beside the carriage.

“Quickly!” Snips said.

Snips gave Snails a boost onto the carriage, until he started searching for a good firework to use. Snips looked over his shoulder to see what Star Swirl was doing.

Star Swirl was unaware of what Snips and Snails were doing, until he let off some fireworks that looked like butterflies.

“Whoa! Up they go,” he said.

He laughed as he watched the children run after the butterflies, trying to catch them.

Snails showed a firework to Snips.

“No, the big one, big one,” Snips said.

Snails found one shaped as a large Chinese dragon in red and gold. Snips gasped and nodded. Snails jumped down from the carriage, and into the tent beside it. Snips took a bite from an apple trying to look inconspicuous and followed Snails into the tent.

Bertram shook more hands of people showing up at his party.

“Mr and Mrs. Cake, how nice to see you two this evening. Welcome, welcome. And congratulations on your twins, and thank you for the cake!”

Bertram watched as they passed by and looked surprised. As they move on, Bertram listened to the crowd. Until he suddenly felt a presence.

He whipped around in fear, when he saw Spike behind him. He pointed in the direction where he heard the relatives of his, and he and Spike ran away quickly to find a hiding place.

“Sackville-Pendragons! Quickly, hide!”

Two sour and grumpy looking people push their way through the crowd looking for Bertram. Bertram and Spike stop beside a tent and Bertram covered his face with his jacket. The couple appeared around the corner of the tent, yet do not see Bertram or Spike. They continue on, looking for Bertram.

Bertram then turned to Spike, “Thank you, my boy, You’re a good lad, Spike. I’m very selfish, you know. Yes, I am. Very selfish. I don’t know why I took you in after your mother and father died but it wasn’t out of charity. I think it was because of all my numerous relations you were the one Pendragon that showed real spirit.”

“Uncle Bertram, have you been at the town’s home brew?” Spike asked in concern.

Bertram looked confused, “No…well, yes, but that’s not the point. The point is, Spike… you’ll be all right.”

He then took a sip of his ale and Spike looked at him in confusion over what Bertram just said to him.

Inside a tent, Snips and Snails lit up the firework that they took.

Snails stood up after lighting the firework, “Done!”

“You’re supposed to stick it in the ground!” Snips said, as he pushed the firework onto Snails.

“It is in the ground,” Snails pushed it to Snips.

“Outside!” Snips pushed it back to Snails.

“It was your idea!” Snails started to push it back to Snips when the firework ignited and flew off. Everyone around turned towards the explosion and watched. Snips and Snails were knocked back onto the ground, their faces black from the explosion.

The firework got high into the sky and exploded into an array of sparks. The crowd starts to clap and cheer as they watch. The firework then turned into a colossal red dragon, and it flew down towards the party field. The people ran away in fright, screaming.

“Uncle Bertram? Uncle, look out for the dragon!” Spike shouted.

“Dragon? Nonsense! There hasn’t been a dragon in these parts for a thousand years,” Bertram said.

Spike pulled Bertram to the ground, as the dragon flew over them, barely making it over the field, before it exploded into a mass of colors. The people cheered and clapped, while Snips and Snails watched with stunned but satisfied faces.

“That was good!” Snips said.

“Let’s get another one,” Snails said.

Star Swirl came up behind them and grabbed them each by their ear. Snips and Snails looked up, wincing.

“Snips and Snails. I might’ve known,” Star Swirl said.

Star Swirl sat down puffing his pipe, watching Snips and Snails doing the dishes after having cake and buffet.

“Speech, Bertram! Speech!” a villager shouted.

“Come on, Uncle! At least give them a few words,” Spike said, encouraging his uncle.

Bertram got up and bowed to the beckonings. He stepped up on a barrel under the great tree and opened his arms welcomingly, “My dear friends of Wildebrook. Today is my 88th birthday!”

“Happy birthday!” the people said, cheering for him.

But alas, eighty eight years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable people. Even though I’ve hardly haven’t had time to know half of you one another, but I’ve been very grateful to have met you and offer you my sincere gratitude for everything you’ve done for me over the years.”

The people felt soft feelings in their hearts when he said those kind words, until Bertram pulled the ring out of his pocket and fingered it behind his back. Star Swirl watched closely, suspecting something. Spike watched, his smile slowly vanishing.

“But sadly, I, uh, I have things to do,” Bertram said, before whispering to himself. “I’ve put this off for far too long.” He then turned to the crowd, “I regret to announce this is the end! I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. Thank you all for coming this evening.” He then looked at Spike. “Goodbye.”

He put on the Ring and disappeared magically. The people gasped, not knowing what to think. They turned to each and start to whisper about Bertram disappearing. Spike watched in shock and Star Swirl took his pipe from his mouth with surprise.

There was a big commotion among the people as they looked around and whispered to each other. The door at the Golden Oaks opened, and once inside, Bertram took off the Ring, becoming visible. He walked into his study, laughing. He flipped the Ring in the air, then put it back in his pocket and patted it. He walked over and grabbed his walking stick. Suddenly, Star Swirl stood near a corner.

“I suppose you think that was terribly clever,” Star Swirl said.

“Come on, Star Swirl! Did you see their faces?” Bertram asked.

“There are many magic rings in this world, Bertram Pendragon, and none of them should be used lightly,” Star Swirl said.

“It was just a bit of fun! Oh, you’re probably right, as usual,” Bertram said, as he then started packing his stuff for the journey.

“I assume you’re going on another journey?” Star Swirl asked.

“Indeed. More sightseeing, and hopefully more time to think on how to finish up my book. And as for Spike, I’m leaving everything to him until I decide to return,” Bertram said.

“What about this Ring of yours, is that staying too?” Star Swirl asked.

“Yes, yes. It’s in an envelope over there on the mantelpiece,” Bertram replied, as Star Swirl went over to the mantelpiece looking for the envelope.

“No. Wait, it’s here in my pocket,” Bertram said, as he pulled out the Ring and looked at it. “Heh, isn’t that–? Isn’t that odd, now? Yet, after all, why not? Why shouldn’t I keep it?”

“I think you should leave the Ring behind, Bertram. Is that so hard?” Star Swirl asked.

Bertram then started getting greedy and angry, “Well no. And yes! Now it comes to it. I don’t feel like parting with it. It’s mine. I found it! It came to me!”

“There’s no need to get angry,” Star Swirl said.

Bertram turned towards Star Swirl with a furious look on his face, “Well, if I’m angry, it’s your fault!” He then looked back at the Ring. “It’s mine. My own.”

“What do you mean?” Star Swirl asked.

“Argh! What business is it of yours what I do with my own things!” Bertram said.

“I think you’ve had that Ring quite long enough,” Star Swirl said.

“You want it for yourself!” Bertram said.

Star Swirl took a step forward, and talked to Bertram with a dark, scary voice. The room grew dark around them, “Bertram Pendragon!” Bertram flung himself towards the wall behind him. “Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks. I am not trying to rob you.” The room got lighter again and Star Swirl softened his voice. “I’m trying to help you.”

Bertram rushed into Star Swirl’s arms, weeping, “All your long years, we’ve been friends. Trust me as you once did. Let it go.”

“You’re right, Star Swirl. The Ring must go to Spike. Yes, it is time,” Bertram said, but suddenly he felt a clutch in his chest, before he tumbled down on the floor, with Star Swirl catching him in his arms.

“Bertram. Bertram! Speak to me, old friend!” he said, until Bertram looked at him weakly. “I’ve thought of an ending for my book: “And he lived happily ever after to the end of his days”.”

“And I’m sure you will, my dear friend,” Star Swirl said.

Bertram weakly opened his hand, letting the Ring fall to the floor. It hit the floor with a heavy thud.

Author's Note

Uh-oh, looks like Bertram’s having health problems! Wonder why… :twilightoops::fluttercry::pinkiesick: