A Slave From Ponnheim

Chapters

Police Reports
Leaving Germaneigh
Getting to Canterlot
Rough First Days
Interesing Times at the Castle
Surviving Until the Big Day
Final Entry

Police Reports

Incident Report 1 by Officer Stahl Huf

Officers were called to the house of famous businesspony Schnellverkauf. His human slave displayed magic. It was seen when Schnellverkauf observed it catching a multitude of books with a levitation spell when said books fell off a high shelf. The slave was restrained by his master with standard In Skin Obedience Runes(or ISORs as they’re commonly referred to in previous reports). Despite attempted interference from the daughter of the slave’s owner, the human was handed over to Ponnheim Police. The ISORs were used to order the human to cease use of its magic unless permitted. It was then interrogated for the origin of his magical ability. Despite the use of ISORs during the interrogation, I couldn’t get the slave to answer my questions. The ISORs activated their pain-induction until it fell unconscious. It was placed in a holding cell until further orders are given.

Incident Report 2 by Officer Stahl Huf

The anomalous slave was visited by Sternenblick, the daughter of Schnellverkauf. I noticed the slave show genuine excitement at the sound of her voice. To the shock of numerous officers, she entered his cell without any incident. He showed total docile behavior in her presence, despite her not using the ISORs in any capacity. Its upper half rested on her forelegs and held a calm conversation for almost an hour. When I later asked of the docile behavior, Sternenblick said her father used the ISORs on Nebel constantly(Nebel is the unofficial name she gave the slave). She never used them in the five years they owned the slave. She also said she treated the human like a friend rather than something she owned. Chief Hoofstead is unsure of what the next step will be and has contacted Prinz Fiesling.

Incident Report 3 by Officer Stahl Huf

The mayor of Ponnheim came to the police department with a surprise announcement. The professors at Ponnheim University’s primatology department would be taking the human to study it. There was protest from some, but a majority of officers were glad to be rid of it. It is suspected that Sternenblick used her influence at the university to make the transfer happen. While no crime is being broken, the Germaneigh prinz wants an officer keeping a close watch on the human. I volunteered for this duty. According to reports from guards assigned to the human, Sternenblick had been telling it about Equestria. One of the only countries on Equus where enslavement of humans is illegal. The prinz was concerned, as escaped slaves can be granted asylum in that country by Princess Celestia. A magic-wielding slave loose on the world was far too dangerous according to the prinz.

Incident Report 4 by Officer Stahl Huf

I have been observing the anomalous slave for a week now. I have been working out of uniform as not to raise suspicion among the university staff or students. The slave is living in an abandoned indoor hoofball stadium. The human has been practicing his magic there, and the professors are noting every aspect of it. It is only a theory, but I suspect Sternenblick had previously trained the human to master its magic. Its finite control is on level with a unicorn graduated from magic school. I have overheard her express the difficulty in teaching it new spells. It seems to have only learned and mastered levitation for now. Prinz Fiesling is inquiring daily updates on the situation. While he could simply take the human by force, he doesn’t want word to get out about a slave knowing magic. He says he will be taking a subtle approach soon.

Incident Report 5 by Officer Stahl Huf

Prinz Fiesling came to the university today. He visited the primatology department. He told the professors he knew of the magic-wielding human they have been harboring. Rather than get upset, he had asked how their work was progressing. They took him to the stadium where the human resided. Sternenblick was too busy with her work in the astrology department at the time to be there. The human had grown relaxed around the professors, so it was calm when approached. They said this was a rare opportunity to test a hypothesis in front of the prinz. The human was asked to levitate a small rock. Something I had seen it do over and over. However, it could barely keep it in the air for more than a few seconds. The professors had a theory. They believed his magic was born out of his friendship with Sternenblick. With the mare not there, his reason for using magic was gone as well. Even from my hiding place, I could see the wheels turning in the prinz’s head. If befriending a slave was all it took for them to get magic, how many more magic humans are out there?

Incident Report 6 by Officer Stahl Huf

I was discovered by the human. I made a rookie mistake. I had gotten too comfortable and used the same viewing position multiple times. Sternenblick had left to get lunch, and the human levitated me out of my hiding spot. It used a bind of magic around my mouth to prevent me using the ISORs. I was kept in that position until the mare returned. It told her I had been watching them since it had been there. The human knew, but only chose to act now? Not a question I could ponder for too long. Sternenblick asked the human to release me, and it complied. She asked why I was there. I told her the truth: the prinz asked the Ponnheim Police to quietly monitor the anomalous human and to update him if anything happens. It was a unicorn and a magic-wielding human versus a single earth pony. The truth sufficed for them, as I was then invited to join them for lunch. Sternenblick and I split a hayburger and a pear. The human had a fish and vegetables. She noticed me staring at it. She hated seeing it eat slave feed apparently. She thought it was demeaning. I was asked to join them for lunch tomorrow. This is not the most subtle approach, but it could yield more accurate reports on the human’s activities.

Incident Report 7 by Officer Stahl Huf

The past few days have been calm. I’ve been buying the daily lunches for Sternenblick and the human slave. While buying cooked fish more than passerby griffons has earned me some odd stares at the market, the trust I have gained from the human is worth every bit. Just today the mare left me alone with it when she had to tend to at the astrology department. I decided to take another chance at asking it questions about the origins of the magic it wields. The only issue now was taking the conversation slow, as humans tended to have limited vocabulary. I asked about the earliest memory of its magic. I was told about a year ago, when Sternenblick took him out for a walk through Schauriger Wald. The forest was known for runaway slaves in hiding. Slave catchers often patrolled the forest for an easy bounty or two. While walking, two runaway slaves ambushed them and attacked her. Her unicorn instincts kicked in, and she created a shield around herself. She refused to use the ISORs, as that would’ve meant hurting Nebel as well. The slave felt terrified for his friend in a way he never felt before. The thought of losing her. He remembered his hands glowing, and a flash of green. Sternenblick came back before he could finish the rest of the story, but I could fill in the blanks. So his magic was born out of a desire to save his friend. Friendship magic granting power to a non-magical creature? The prinz had admitted to me that he had been considering a law against befriending humans. While no other anomalous humans have appeared, the seeds of doubt were long since planted.

Incident Report 8 by Officer Stahl Huf

The past few days have seen a record number of slaves trying to escape their owners. It’s no surprise to me. Summer is usually the time they try more desperate measures. Ponnheim now has more slave catchers on patrol than police officers. Ponies left and right are having to use ISORs almost nonstop. Sternenblick is terrified to leave Nebel alone in the old stadium. She feared a stray slave catcher would find him. The primatology professors assured her over and over that he is safe here. I found myself giving her the same assurances. At some point in the conversation, Sternenblick considered taking Nebel and running away to Equestria. I brought up her work at the university to steer her away from that thinking. The laws against helping runaway slaves are strict. I myself have seen ponies sent to prison for life for the crime. Sternenblick is not Nebel’s legal owner, her father Schnellverkauf is. In our conversations, Sternenblick tells me her father replaced Nebel the day after the human’s arrest. The two have rarely talked, since she moved out after the arrest as well. Prinz Fiesling is now considering charging her with conspiracy to assist an escaping slave. However, I reminded him this would expose the existence of a magic-wielding human. I’m not sure what the prinz’s plans are for the human. Between Sternenblick’s desire to protect Nebel and the prinz’s desire to squash out humans with magic, I do not see this ending well.

Incident Report 9 by Officer Stahl Huf

This is the shortest time between reports. After writing up the previous report yesterday afternoon, I found myself returning to the human. I happened to be walking home when crossing paths with Sternenblick. She was out resupplying Nebel’s food. The fear of a slave catcher taking him while she was gone was very prevalent. She pondered spending the night with him. I told her a young mare needed her sleep. I offered to spend the night with the human. Admittedly, the words fell out. Before I could take them back, she thanked me over and over. So I went back to the stadium and told the human I would be spending the night with him so Sternenblick could sleep soundly. He was skeptical, but accepted it when she told him. Our night wasn’t very eventful. Nebel and I talked a lot. He told me about being born into slavery. He was told his parents were forced to conceive him. His father being sold off before he was even born. Being ripped away from his mother when he was ten. Having ISORs put on him when he was eleven. I never knew we put ISORs on them so young. Nebel told me he’s seen it done as early as birth. Depended on what breeder you were raised under. I listened to him tell me about four years of going market to market. Most slave owners never had a use for young slaves. Schnellverkauf only bought him because Sternenblick begged him for a slave her age. Now here he was five years later. A twenty year old human who only knew enslavement. I let him sleep on me for a pillow that night. Better than the stuffed sack he had been using.

Incident Report 10 by Officer Stahl Huf

I found myself rewriting this report so many times. I struggled to find the words to describe what I felt. Disgust? Anger? Rage? They failed to satisfy what I wanted to express. The morning after my impromptu night with Nebel, he asked a question he wanted to ask last night. He asked me if I knew my father. I did. I came from a long line of officers on the Ponnheim Police force. I told him about trying to wear my father’s uniform as a colt. It never fit. He told me he wished he could of heard his father’s voice at least once. To see his face once. He would never tell Sternenblick, but he was envious of her. She had a father in her life. Even though she hated him with all her heart, he was still there. He told me how nice it would be to have somepony to call ‘dad’. Even if it was a stallion instead of a human. Sternenblick came with breakfast shortly after that, and I had to excuse myself to cry. I realized in that moment, what monsters we were. Nebel is not a slave, or an it. At one point, he was a little boy who had everything taken from him. His mother. His father. His freedom. We took it all from him and for what? Nebel is twenty, and has to spend every day wondering if somepony’s going to take him away. I have a nephew his age, and his biggest worry is what pickup line to use on the cute mare he sees at the university library. I can no longer in good faith live with the life I have lived. I looked at Nebel and I still saw the little boy who needed a father in his eyes.

With this report I announce my resignation as an officer of the law for the city of Ponnheim. My uniform is on my desk.

Leaving Germaneigh

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 1

I’m not sure why I chose to write in a journal. Perhaps all those incident reports I had to write on Nebel are to blame. It’s fair to say that the reports were a place to collect my thoughts. This writing tool for non-unicorns was a good purchase to continue my efforts. A new officer has already been assigned to spy on Nebel and Sternenblick. I suspect he was ordered to watch me as well. Some of the officers claimed I was becoming pro-human the day I left the police force. Perhaps they are right. I’m still spending my spare time with them in the hoofball stadium. I have plenty of bits saved up to cover my bills until I need to find a new job. I have it easy right now. Today, Sternenblick told me that her father has been trying to talk to her as of late. He has tried to convince her to bring Nebel back to their house. Apparently, Prinz Fiesling is interested in buying Nebel from his legal owner. Without me, his highness seems more intent than ever at containing the human he deems a threat.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 2

I visited my parent’s grave today. Hadn’t been there in awhile. Not since this whole business with Nebel started at least. It was probably for the best at the time. Only now do I realize the xenophobic rhetoric I was raised around. As a foal, my grandfather would tell me stories of the police joining the slave catchers when it was legal for police to do both jobs. As an adolescent, I would overhear my father complain about anti-slavery activists taking away what he called his fun. That was around the time a police officer could no longer be a slave catcher. My mother would take me to the local slave auctions, hoping for a bargain on a slave to foalsit me when I was younger. Even after they died in the house fire, I carried those negative thoughts with me. Only after spending time with a human half my age did I understand how wrong I was. Nebel never had a father to teach him right from wrong, yet I was the one who needed to learn. Never had a mother to watch over him, but Sternenblick filled that role well. I wonder if fate itself is giving me a chance to do something right. My gut says to have my saddlebags packed.

StahlHuf Journal Entry 3

There were guests at the stadium today. Sternenblick was talking with some ponies I never met. I asked Nebel what was going on. Apparently they’re apple growers from Flankfurt. They have cousins all over Equestria. They were sending a massive batch of Ebbelwoi overseas tomorrow. The three of us were welcomed to stow away on the ship. I pulled Sternenblick aside and asked her if she was serious about this. One doesn’t just leave their whole life behind on a whim. She told me the thought of what Prinz Fiesling would do to Nebel outweighed the fear of leaving. The thought scared me too. There was no telling what he would do to the human he disgusted. The others said they were taking the train to their ship tomorrow morning. It was so sudden, but there was no denying it was important. The officer spying on us was certainly reporting this to the captain. I told her if she was serious, to pack a saddlebag whatever she could carry. We would stay in the hoofball stadium for the night, then leave at first light. I need to go get my saddlebags, and go to my parents’ grave to say what will probably be my last goodbye for a while.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 4

Getting to the ship was eventful. We each had an apple for a quick breakfast. We knew we would have to be fast, so Nebel was levitated onto my back. One of the few times I was thankful humans were small enough to carry. Nebel was scared a pony would order him to speak on where we were going and expose us. I told Sternenblick that his Rune of Silence might have to be used. She loathed that thought of using the ISORs, but we all agreed it was the best for now. She activated it, and ordered him to only speak when she or I permitted it until we were on the ship. His neck rune glowed, and that was that. The walk to the train was going well. Crossing paths with Chief Hoofstead was interesting. He said he would delay announcing the warrants out for our arrests to give us an hour’s head start. He has no control over the slave catchers, but it’s one less issue to deal with. He thanked me for my years of service, then we parted ways. The only part that was challenging was when Schnellverkauf approached us at the train station. Nebel was sat between Sternenblick and I. He was absolutely shaking as his legal owner came up to us. He tried to give an order for the human to stand up, but the businesspony’s daughter already blocked Nebel’s hearing with magic. It was a bit discomforting to hear a father say he wasn’t above putting a bounty on his own slave and daughter. How much did Prinz Fiesling offer to make him act like this? Thankfully, he left as our Ebbelwoi shippers walked up. No further incidents at the train station. We all got our tickets, and Nebel was taken to the slave cart with the other humans. Sternenblick hated the idea of him there, but keeping him with us in the normal train carts would draw attention. The two hour ride to the docks was mildly stressful for her. Once we got to our stop, we had to be quick. The docks were always crawling with slave catchers. We got questioned a bit, but they got called to a group of slaves attempting to steal a ship. We got to our Ebbelwoi-filled vessel. They plan to cast off once the last of the barrels are loaded. I asked them how long it would take to get us to our destination. It would be tricky when we get there. While slavery is illegal in Equestria’s borders, slave catching is perfectly legal. A negotiation that Princess Celestia had to make to continue trading with the rest of Equus. The shippers told me it would take two days of travel before docking at Baltimare. That’s if sailing conditions are perfect. I just hope we can get to our destination before a bounty gets to the ears of Equestrian slave catchers.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 5

Not that far out to sea when we saw it. Prinz Fiesling’s airship flying above us. The three of us were already heading below deck luckily. It was an intense few moments as they flew past. A pegasus had flown down from the airship to buy a bottle of Ebbelwoi for the prinz. A sale was made, and the pegasus flew off. I know why the prinz is flying in the same direction we are sailing. I wonder how large the bounty will be for Nebel. No sense worrying about it now. He’s enjoying the sight of the open water through the window below deck. Sternenblick and I are going over a map of Equestria. We’re trying to figure out the best route to Canterlot. Our first option is to take a train from Baltimare, straight to Canterlot. Although that runs the risk of encountering slave catchers. They stick to port cities mostly to catch runaways like Nebel. Option two is to follow the river west, and then north to Canterlot. We would have to stock up in Baltimare. Nebel would have to hide out if a bounty was out on him. It would be a walk taking a few days. It was most likely that the prinz would have a hefty bounty out before we got there. Neither of us liked it, but it would have to be option two. A chat with the ship’s captain gave some relief. He agreed to let Nebel stay on the ship while they unloaded. He told us of a port market, which would save us some time. While I’m sure a young mare like Sternenblick could make the walk quite easily, I’m not in the same shape I was twenty years ago. I’ll power through. For him.

Getting to Canterlot

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 6

I had a terrible nightmare last night. My father and grandfather were carrying Nebel away in a cage. Prinz Fiesling simply stared at me with a cruel smile as I begged my family to release the human. I woke up to shouting coming from above. I heard the crew talking of Baltimare being on the tip of the horizon. Sternenblick packed our stuff back into saddlebags while I talked to Nebel. I reminded him that he had to stay hidden on the ship while Sternenblick and I shopped for supplies. His freedom was a few days away. He told me he waited his whole life to be free, and that a few more days would be fine.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 7

Our first day in Equestria was no walk in the park. Getting our supplies in the Baltimare port market was easy enough. Getting back to the ship? Not so much. Sternenblick decided to check a wanted poster wall to see what Nebel’s bounty was. We tried our best to hide our shock. The poster covered the entire wall, plastered over the other posters. The bounty was five hundred thousand bits. We overheard some slave catchers talking about posters of Nebel’s accomplices being distributed in an hour or two. We hurried to the ship. I could feel a few of them staring at us. We were on a time crunch now. Getting out of Baltimare was now priority number one. Accomplices to a bounty often have bounties of their own. We were in Horseshoe Bay, which connected to the river we needed to follow. Following the ridge line of the bay was the best bet at the moment. Most of the slave catchers were waiting for our pictures to be added to the poster wall.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 8

In our haste to get out of the city, a couple curious slave catchers stopped us. One of them recognized Nebel. It was bad. A stroke of luck came upon us though. Three changelings came out of seemingly nowhere, and scared off the slave catchers. The three of us were nervous at first. They changed their tone quickly. They asked us if we were okay. They were mostly concerned about Nebel. A strange notion. At least until I remembered that changelings had been scooping up runaways for the past few decades. The split seconds of fear made me a tad forgetful. They asked Nebel if he wanted to come with them. They had a massive village by their hive. All humans. Never having to obey a pony’s orders ever again. They even promised to protect him from any slave catchers that would try to take him away. Nebel looked at us, then told them he wanted to see Princess Celestia first. He didn’t fully understand what asylum was, but he knew we all needed it. The changelings were upset at him denying their offer, but would respect it. He told them he would consider it after seeing Princess Celestia. They then offered to help us get out of the city after hearing that. The lead changeling carried Nebel on his back as we walked. He would tell him about the human village, and how every human had a house of their own. Sounded like a real salespony. I was grateful to finally reach the outskirts. All three changelings had spent the entire walk talking to Nebel. They pretty much forgot Sternenblick and I existed. They told him they would come with us, but they had to get back to the docks. They had changelings at the base of the mountain below Canterlot, so Nebel had a way to accept their offer later. We finally parted ways when we made our goodbyes.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 9

We ended up walking for another hour yesterday. We followed the river for a bit before we had set up camp. Oats and veggies for supper. The tent I had was made for two ponies. Once again, I was grateful for Nebel’s small size. He had slept between us. Although I saw him cuddled up to Sternenblick the next morning. A habit she told me she was partly at blame for. Her room back home was terribly drafty, so Nebel would cuddle up for warmth. Not the worst habit to have. We had packed up, and were back on the road to freedom. According to the map, the river would take us to the southern edge of the Everfree Forest by the end of the day. After that, we had to decide to either go around or through the forest. Going through the forest was dangerous, but would cut out an entire day of walking. A few hours through the forest, the rest of that day to the base of the mountain. I read that getting up the mountain was a day’s walk. I’m glad we’re walking at Nebel’s pace.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 10

So even the edge of the Everfree Forest wasn’t entirely safe. We had a pack of timberwolves ambush us. It happened as soon as we got to the southern edge. A few blasts from Sternenblick, and they all ran off. It was hard for me to sleep. So I went out on patrol around our campsite. One of the few things I could be useful for. Seems Nebel was as sleepless as I was, as I saw him not long after I left the tent. I asked him if he was okay. Seems he was nervous. He was scared of what would happen when Princess Celestia saw his magic. A part of him wondered if he would be experimented on, hidden away from the world, or worse. As we sat by the dying coals, I found myself pulling him close to me with a foreleg. I promised him that no matter what happened, I would protect him. Even if the princess herself could no longer be trusted, I would take him on my back and run as fast as my legs could take me. I also told him that Sternenblick would do the same. That seemed to be what he needed to hear. We shared a hug, and he went back to bed. As I write this entry by the dim coals, his concern makes me think more. Our plan was built on the idea of Princess Celestia granting us asylum. Getting Nebel’s magic seen by her has a lot of implications we didn’t think of. What if she thinks the effect his existence would have on the world is too extreme? No. I can’t let these negative thoughts cloud my mind. I have to remember that she’s ruled over Equestria for countless centuries. Her experience far surpasses my own. She was the first to denounce slavery after allowing it to happen for too long. Nebel could be the thing she was looking for in terms of freeing humans. Global emancipation. A wonderful thought to sleep to.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 11

We were just about finished getting camp packed away when they came. For once, it wasn’t timberwolves or changelings. It was a small family. They introduced themselves as the Smith family. Seed Smith, and his wife Fuji. Their foals, Granny Smith, Macintosh, and Seedling. We introduced ourselves. After hearing a bit of an accent slip from his wife, I asked Seed Smith if they knew any Ebbelwoi shippers in Germaneigh. Fuji just happened to be related to the same apple growers from Flankfurt that helped us. Small world. Seems they’re seed collectors, and Canterlot is their next destination on their pilgrimage. We told them we’re from Ponnheim, and we were taking Nebel to Princess Celestia so he can be granted asylum. We told them we were taking the quicker route through the forest. Seed was nervous for us, as the reputation for the Everfree was not to be taken lightly. The family chose to join us, as they wanted to get to Canterlot as quickly as we did. I helped Seed pull the carriage. Sternenblick and Nebel sat close to the front. A couple timberwolves, and a few blasts from Sternenblick were about all the excitement we got. It seemed her and I had a silent agreement to keep Nebel’s magic to ourselves for the moment. Not that we didn’t trust the Smith family. It was more a matter of “need to know” information. I guess that massive bounty on Nebel has given me trust issues. We got out of the forest a little after noon. We’re taking a break for lunch. The Smith family was running low on food, so we shared ours. They were thankful as could be. Seed shared with me his desire to find a place to settle down the family. A place to call home. I asked him if he wanted to come with us to see Princess Celestia. Surely she could spare a bit of her vast land. Since they had to travel up the mountain anyways, he agreed. Seedling and Macintosh volunteered for the next shift of pulling the carriage. I’m glad they did. If it wasn’t for old-fashioned Earth pony strength, I think I would be sore all over from pulling this carriage. They plan to camp at the mountain base tonight, then it was up to Canterlot in the morning.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 12

I remember when we were told that changelings were at the base of the mountain. I didn’t see any when we camped last night. Although I swear I saw some bug eyes watching us. They managed to make a morning appearance when we were all eating breakfast. Almost a dozen. Just like the ones in Baltimare though, they were only focused on Nebel. A couple snarls at the group, then immediately to asking him if he was okay. They asked if he wanted to go with them to get away from us. He told them no, because we were all going to see Princess Celestia. They tried to steer his line of thinking at first. They told him that Princess Celestia was so busy, that seeing one human might not be possible for her. Sternenblick stepped forward, and told them we needed to get Nebel to her highness quickly. Nebel had a massive bounty on his head, and we didn’t know how much time we had before slave catchers caught up. They waved it off, as bounties on runaways and their accomplices was common. When she spoke of his bounty, all went silent. It was a gamble to tell those around us that he was worth half a million bits. It paid off, as they finally backed down. They were about to leave, when it happened. A small boulder from higher up on the mountain fell towards us. Nebel levitated the boulder without hesitation when it was just above our heads. He tossed it a safe distance. After some curious stares, the changelings left. The Smith family also had curiously stared at Nebel. Sternenblick and I agreed to fill them in after they were finished getting packed up. Today’s walk up is gonna be a long one.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 13

Seed and his family were beyond skeptical of what they had seen back down there. While his sons were pulling the cart, Sternenblick and I did our best to explain while a nervous Nebel sat between us. Fuji thought it was fascinating that a human could have magic at all. Seed commented that a magical human with slave runes could be dangerous in the wrong hooves. It was something that neither of us considered before. What if there were more like Nebel out there? It was something to keep in the back of our minds. Despite my previous nerves, the Smith family seemed to take it well. I was glad they agreed to keep the secret. We weren’t too sure about sharing the origin of his powers. I don’t think they fully believed us. The idea of a non-magical species suddenly getting magic because a friend was in danger, sounded a little ridiculous out loud. All that matters however, is that Nebel’s secret is safe again. Although I can’t say the same about the changelings. Given their desire to scoop up every human they can to feed on their love, the looks they gave him made me worry. Changelings have always been gentle towards humans, but I wonder what thoughts they have concerning him. I will have to speak to Princess Celestia about our changeling encounter. We’re halfway up the mountain, and the young boys need a break. We should make it to Canterlot by nightfall.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 14

We made decent time, and got to the Canterlot outskirts around sunset. Our meal consisted of the last of our food supplies. We would have to buy our breakfast tomorrow. We still had a few bits between our two groups. As we all sat around the fire, I could see a few curious faces in the distance. I had instinctively wrapped a foreleg around Nebel when they approached. We had the luck of not encountering any bounty hunters on our trip so far. Turned out to just be some of the locals that wanted to make sure we weren’t bounty hunters ourselves. They had runaways in town they were looking after. Both former slaves and some of their pony accomplices lived in Canterlot. Sternenblick and I carefully brought up our need to seek asylum, along with Nebel. Our visitors told us that Princess Celestia would come by tomorrow morning for her weekly check-in on any new runaways. A huge relief. They also offered to give us some food in the morning for breakfast. The Smith family slept fine, and the three of us would sleep less stressfully for the first time. As I write this entry under the shining moon, I want to be hopeful that our journey is nearly over. Deep down however, I know that not to be true. Once Nebel is seen by the princess, he’ll quickly become public knowledge. Under international law, you can’t enslave a magic-capable species. With Nebel being the only thing standing between the world and the status quo, I don’t see the immediate future being kind to us.

Rough First Days

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 15

True to their word, the locals got us some breakfast. Their kindness was something we were grateful for. As we all packed up, I could see Nebel was still nervous. He told me he wasn’t sure what he should do to prove to the princess that he has magic. I told him that levitating something everypony would see would accomplish that. In retrospect, I should’ve been far more specific. We all made our way to the market. Princess Celestia made her weekly check-in for runaways there. Seed said they would show off their seed collection, and see if they could sell some of their extras for a few more bits. I was content with Nebel relaxing on my back. It was nice to actually relax for once. No need to keep an eye out for slave catchers, or changelings. Sternenblick and Nebel chatted about their dream home. The biggest detail? Him having a massive bed. The talk was cut short, as the princess could be seen in the sky. Her Royal Guard pulling a small carriage. Her subjects excitedly surrounded her. I figured we could wait for the crowd to die down before approaching. Before I could relay my thought, I heard the familiar glow. Given he still had his ISORs, I could’ve ordered him to not do it. I was too shocked in the moment when I saw Princess Celestia levitate over to us in a green glow I knew too well. She scanned the crowd for the source, and I don’t think I ever saw eyes go that wide before. Stunned silence. Not just from the princess, but everypony else. Only the rushing wind. He quietly apologized, then introduced himself. She regained her composure, then greeted him. Sternenblick blurted out an attempted explanation about the three of us needed asylum, and how Nebel had magic. The princess got closer, and asked Nebel for his hands. He held them out, and a golden glow surrounded them. Her eyes widened again as she realized the magic was truly his. The crowd started to shift towards us. The first magical human. I told the princess that getting the three of us to the castle would be prudent. She snapped out of her shock, and now it was our turn to be levitated. The three of us were put onto the carriage. She told the crowd she would be back later. We were flown back to the castle, and now I’m just writing as Sternenblick gives a far more detailed explanation.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 16

The morning went well. After our situation was properly explained, Princess Celestia granted us asylum with no hesitation. She had then excused herself to tend to the subjects waiting at the market. I had the forethought to mention the Smith family, and Seed’s desire for a place to settle his family. Seed helped make the last leg of our trip far more bearable, so it was the least I could do. A shame I never got to give him a proper farewell. While we waited for the princess to return, we were approached by a number of ponies in white cloaks with golden outlines. Unicorns. The Royal Mages. One approached us. A red stallion with a bushy mustache. Older. He went by Casteer. Princess Celestia gave him a brief explanation, but he wanted to see for himself. Nebel had nervous written all over when the mages encircled us. It’s easy to forget that humans are smaller than ponies. His perspective was likely not a comfortable one. I told them that he didn’t feel comfortable performing magic until his slave runes were removed. Casteer understood, and told the other mages to step back. While I had never seen ISORs being implanted, I knew it wasn’t a pleasant experience for humans. Seeing Nebel’s eyes light up was wonderful. He had simply stared at his wrists as the ink dissipated into the air. His smile appeared, and it got so wide. Sternenblick and I couldn’t help ourselves. We both wrapped our forelegs around him. For the first time, Nebel was free.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 17

Nebel was levitating one of the other mages for Casteer to watch when Princess Celestia returned an hour or so later. She couldn’t help but chuckle as her head mage had the look of a foal that saw their first rainbow. As they were preoccupied, I asked the princess what her plans were for Nebel. She told me she had a simple plan. She had already sent word to the world leaders to call for an emergency meeting. All she told them was that a new magic-capable species had been found. Once they saw that it was a human, every law ever written in regards to human enslavement would be undone. Equus had very few international laws. One of them was that you could not enslave a magic-capable species. Emergency meetings take about a week or so for all members to arrive. In that time, she would have the Royal Mages test Nebel’s magic to learn as much as they could. I brought up the bounties all three of us had, especially Nebel’s half-million bits bounty. She let me know that as long as we weren’t dragged onto a Germaneigh airship, she could protect us. Foreign airships of world leaders are considered their legal territory. She would also make sure Nebel had a guard with him at all times. I asked why she had brought up an airship specifically. It turned out that Prinz Fiesling was in Canterlot. A clearing on the northern end was being used as an airship dock. He claimed to be on vacation, taking in the sights. She would restrict his castle visitation to official legal matters only. It meant he would have to schedule his visits at least. I had more questions about Nebel’s bodyguard, but they could wait. We had guestrooms to get to, and baths to take.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 18

It’s no surprise to me that Nebel chose to room with Sternenblick. A lot of new stuff happened in a short period. He probably wants at least one thing familiar. With Casteer’s upcoming ideas, I fear it will be the tests back at Ponnheim University all over again. The added stress of being the only one that can free all humans does not help him. I’m glad that our guestrooms are across from each other. I told him he was welcome to talk to me whenever he needed it. At first I thought that as soon as I got him to Canterlot, my part would’ve been played. Although now that I’m here, I feel different. I think that my part in this journey is far from over. Despite the wealth of knowledge and experience around him, I still feel that he needs me in some way or another. I can’t say parental instinct, but I do feel a need to watch over him. Perhaps it’s the guilt I feel over my fellow ponies taking his parents away before he had a chance to truly know them. Maybe by filling that missing role, I can wash away that guilt. At least I hope it does.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 19

I never thought I would have dinner with the princess of Equestria before. I never expected to experience it in my lifetime. Yet, there I was. Nebel had a cooked fish. We had rose salads. I used dinner to bring up our run-ins with changelings. Princess Celestia looked annoyed at what I said. She said that she lost a lot of humans to them. The temptation for a quicker path to freedom was far too alluring to humans. She didn’t blame them, as most were exhausted enough from a lifetime of slavery to take the first chance at freedom they could find. She relented that as long as the humans were as safe as the changelings claimed they were, she could find some solace in the situation. Some of her military leaders saw it as the changelings creating a shield of innocent humans to hide behind in case of violent acts against the crown. She knew it was nothing more than them wanting a simpler source of love to feed on. Although a magic-wielding human could be seen as beneficial to their queen. She told us she would make sure the castle guards would be on the lookout for changeling activity. I was grateful for her assurances. I don’t know what changelings would want with a magical human, and I don’t want to find out.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 20

Last night was probably the first time since this whole thing began that I had a full night’s sleep. Knowing that the castle guards were on patrol had put me at ease. I got to meet Nebel’s bodyguard after breakfast. A pegasus by the name of Winger. One of the princess’ fastest fliers I was told. He’s one of the younger guards. Finished his training only a year ago. He seems content with carrying Nebel on his back wherever they go. The saddle on his armor seems to fit Nebel well enough. He came off as quite the positive type. I asked more about him. His parents had helped a baby human that was going to be sold, despite it being a year old. The human’s mother was already sold off. Winger’s mother was pregnant with him at the time. They pretty much cloud-hopped all the way from Prance over the ocean. His parents chose to adopt the human after getting to Equestria. Barely a week after getting asylum granted, was he born. He told me that he loved having a human for a big brother. His parents had raised him to believe that ponies and humans were equals. Even if they were smaller and weaker, it made no difference in that they should be treated the same as anypony else. I think Princess Celestia definitely made the right choice in our bodyguard. I’m liking this Winger a lot.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 20

I’m feeling deja vu. The Royal Mages are going through the same tests the primatologists were back at Ponnheim University. Levitate small objects, ask questions he’s not educated enough to understand, repeat to my silent annoyance. At least they believe Sternenblick’s story about Nebel’s magic. They seemed to have a theory about why he hasn’t learned new spells. They believe that his first use of magic was in response to a traumatic event. Thinking you’re about to lose the only friend you ever had would certainly meet that description. They hypothesized that different events of similar emotional trauma would potentially unlock more spells. Both Sternenblick and I immediately objected to any possible tests with that thinking. Casteer gently reminded us that the distance between hypothesis and experimentation was vast. He told us while they would theorize on things like inducing trauma, they would actually never go that far. Since Nebel could well be the only magical human in the world, they had to handle him carefully. This could be the only chance they had to study magic in humans for all they knew. I’m glad he listened to our concerns.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 21

So we had a minor incident after the testing resumed post-lunch break. We had been testing in a windowless room about all day. While a new levitation test was being put together, Nebel told me how he wished the tests could happen outside. I was going to tell him that we could go for a walk after the test, but I didn’t have the chance. In a flash of green light, Nebel was gone. I don’t think I ever shouted his name so loudly before. Winger had immediately realized the human on his back was gone. Casteer heard my shout, and the guards scrambled shortly after. Both the Royal Mages and Sternenblick sensed it was teleportation, and that Nebel didn’t go far. Nearly every guardspony was running about the castle grounds. The next five minutes felt like hours. Imagine my relief when he was spotted in the castle courtyard, unconscious. Winger flew out the door. Sternenblick and I galloped as fast as our hooves would carry us. There he was. Right in the center of the courtyard. He had started to stir, and looked extremely disoriented. Casteer told us a first time teleportation is rough for a pony. We couldn’t imagine how Nebel was feeling. Casteer suspended testing for the day, and had a mage levitate Nebel to his room. Sternenblick and I stayed right by his side. I did my best to explain to Casteer what happened. He was unsure how boredom related to activating teleportation. Although he decided that testing outside would hopefully prevent future incidents.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 22

Princess Celestia told us she heard about the teleportation incident as we ate dinner. She was glad Nebel was alright. Sternenblick shared her confusion that she and Casteer had over it. His magic was initially triggered by trauma, but the teleportation was triggered by boredom. Princess Celestia agreed it was quite the conundrum, and that Casteer had his work cut out for him. I agreed, and hoped Nebel would be able to get his magic better understood before the world leaders met. Princess Celestia wasn’t worried, as all Nebel had to do was show any form of magic for slavery of humans to be undone. While she was right, I still had my fears. Half a million bits is a lot. Enough to make anypony desperate. I’m scared how desperate some of these ponies might become over the next six days.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 23

Morning wasn’t too rough. Although we were given a heads up by Princess Celestia that Prinz Fiesling was coming today. He had requested a meeting shortly after we arrived yesterday. I fear he knows about us. Although Princess Celestia quickly reminded us that we were granted asylum, and were under her protection. Nebel and Sternenblick are scared. I feel just as terrified. The thought of him being so close to us. It does not settle with me. Although I have to keep a brave face. I can’t and won’t let Prinz Fiesling see us intimidated. I know how desperate he was to snuff out Nebel’s existence back in Ponnheim. Knowing that Nebel is all that stands between him and the status quo of human enslavement, Nebel’s safety is top priority.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 24

It was right before our lunch break when I saw him. Nebel was levitating a few small rocks when Prinz Fiesling entered the castle courtyard. Winger saw him as well, and quietly stepped between us. I whispered over to Sternenblick, and her horn sparked for a moment at the sight of him. I told her that we did not want to give him the pleasure of a violent reaction. Nebel froze up at the sound of his voice. I watched the rocks tumble to the ground. He looked at us with a smug grin as he greeted us. Nebel cowered behind me. While we had Winger, Prinz Fiesling had a slew of guards with him. He asked Sternenblick and I if we were ready to hoof over Nebel. He even offered us full pardons in exchange for him. I knew I shouldn’t have asked, but I had to hear him say it. I asked what he would do with Nebel if we did. Prinz Fiesling stared Nebel down as he answered: end him. As he walked away, Casteer reminded us that we had an entire castle’s worth of ponies at the ready to protect all three of us. It was reassuring in such a stressful moment.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 25

The remainder of my day was spent in Sternenblick’s room with Nebel. Our encounter with Prinz Fiesling had him far too scared to leave the room besides for meals. Princess Celestia was told of what happened after her lunch meeting with Prinz Fiesling. She was furious, and made the decision to ban him from the castle until the emergency meeting. She assured Nebel several times at dinner that he would be safe. I think hearing it from royalty helped him. I don’t know if he’ll be ready to get back to practice tomorrow. I regret asking Prinz Fiesling what he would do with Nebel. I can’t change the past. I just have to protect Nebel to ensure a better future.

Interesing Times at the Castle

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 26

Despite how nervous he was, Nebel was willing to go back to testing. Casteer was excited. With no Prinz Fiesling in sight, he hoped we could go back to observing his levitation. With four days until the emergency meeting, there isn’t much they can learn in that time. I know their true desire was to observe Nebel’s teleportation. I don’t blame him. It’s an extremely advanced spell. It’s unpredictable. The fact that he was able to use it with zero training is impressive. It makes me question the limit of his abilities. Although such a question is best answered by the professionals. The best thing I can do now is emotional support. Despite being a unicorn, Sternenblick finds herself doing the same. The future of humans is in Nebel’s hooves. Well, hands.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 27

There are moments where I regret opening my mouth in any capacity. This was one of them. Nebel was sitting alongside me and Winger while Casteer was putting together a test for maintaining multiple levitation spells. He asked me if I had heard from the Smith family. I told him that we hadn’t spoken since we parted ways. Princess Celestia had granted them some land between the Everfree Forest and the mountain. I was saddened, since I never got to properly thank them or say my farewells. While I wished I could, I knew that it would have to wait until we were safe. We were suddenly enveloped in light. The three of us were floating in a white void. As quickly as it happened, we were in the physical world once more. We were no longer in the castle courtyard. It was a forested area. I didn’t have much time to take in my surroundings. Nebel collapsed. I heard a familiar voice call out to us. It was Seed. We had teleported right by where they were building their new home. His family was out collecting supplies while he watched the home. The two of us quickly got Nebel out of sight within the mostly-built house. I told Seed that Nebel had collapsed from a teleportation spell. Winger wanted to stay by Nebel, but I told him that getting word of our location to her highness was just as important. He agreed, and flew off. Seed was worried that a Royal Guard would bring unwanted attention. I agreed, and will stay out of sight until help arrives.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 28

The unwanted attention did make an appearance. A few minutes after Winger left, a group of ponies emerged from the woods. There was a small hole in the wood I could peek through. Given the gear they were carrying, they were definitely slave catchers. A mix of unicorns and pegasi. A unicorn mare was in charge. Seed approached her, and they introduced each other. Her name was Erra. She asked if they had seen any humans running around the past couple days. Seed said yes, but they were already taken by changelings. Erra found that interesting. She commented that the changeling encampment at the mountain’s base was cleared out two days ago. She told him that there was a particular human in the area by the name of Nebel, with a half million bounty on them. His two accomplices also had bounties of a hundred thousand bits a piece. It was enough bits for her entire crew to retire on, and she really wanted it. Seed wished her good luck on her search. Erra said she wasn’t leaving yet. I saw her crew of slave catchers begin to encircle our hiding place. Nebel had yet to awaken. I took a moment to hold him close to me. I didn’t care what price I would pay, I refused to lose him. I readied myself to attack the first pony to show its face in the home. As a hoof was pressed to the door, there was a flash. I looked out the hole once more. It was Princess Celestia. She gave Erra a cold stare, and told her to leave. After the coast was clear, I brought out Nebel. I thanked Seed for all of his help. I wanted to say more, but her highness wanted to get us back to the safety of the castle. Now I sit by a resting Nebel. I write this entry as I wait for Casteer to get his parchment and quill. He wants a detailed report on the teleportation.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 29

Given the distance he teleported, Casteer said estimated that Nebel would be asleep until morning. Nebel’s exhaustion from using the spell didn’t surprise him in the slightest. For unicorns, their bodies have to adapt to processing magic. It takes a few years, and the case was most likely the same for Nebel. Although it seems my report on the teleportation might of confirmed a theory the mages had worked on. They believe they had figured out the source of how Nebel casts spells. It was based on his ability to [THE REMAINDER OF THE ENTRY HAS BEEN REDACTED BY ORDER OF PRINCESS CELESTIA!]

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 30

The sunrise marked the days remaining down to three. Casteer wanted to test yesterday’s theory. Given how sound it was, Princess Celestia permitted it. Now I got to watch Nebel teleport short distances. There were airships that would fly overhead throughout the morning. I would overhear what countries they would be. The king of Saddle Arabia was one of the first. I wondered how many slaves he had brought with him. I remember ten years ago when the king had visited Ponnheim. Had slaves that would carry him everywhere, and do everything for him. Even if the king had brought slaves, he wasn’t letting them off the airship. He was arrogant and racist, but not an idiot. He most likely gave them orders to never set foot on the soil. Given they would be freed the moment they did, I expect as much from all the foreign airships. The impromptu airship port was getting quite full. Winger told me that guards had observed Prinz Fiesling speaking to numerous dignitaries. I don’t know what he’s planning, but I fear the worst. More ponies of influence learning about Nebel was bad. I had served Ponnheim Police long enough to know the lengths everyday ponies will go to keep their hold over humans. I don’t know how far royalty of any country would go, and that terrifies me.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 31

Had a surprise at lunch. Princess Celestia told us that Prinz Fiesling had invited her to dinner on his airship for some authentic Germaneigh cuisine. Apparently, I was invited to join her. Sternenblick immediately objected. She expressed concern that I would be taken prisoner as soon as I set hoof on the airship. Princess Celestia told me that if Prinz Fiesling tried such a thing, she would teleport me to safety. She gave her word she would protect me the whole time we were there. I elected to go. I thought of it as a chance to gauge how desperate he was becoming when it came to Nebel. If anypony were to cross lines in the case of Nebel, it would be him.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 32

I had found it hard to write all day. The dinner had kept in my mind. I knew I would be safe, but I worried about what would happen. It was a concern I continued to have as the Royal Guard escorted the princess and myself to the temporary airship dock. Some of the airships had more windows than others. I could see dignitaries of numerous countries eating dinner. Their slaves carrying liquor bottles half their size. Two or three of them having to work together to pour a glass for their owners. I watched with disgust as they would be laughed at by their pony masters for their struggle. The only thing keeping myself contained, was the thought of their smug faces being wrought with shock as their hold over humans slipped away in just a few days. Prinz Fiesling had greeted us at the entrance to his airship. As we entered, I had felt every guard from the homeland stare at me. They all still saw me as a traitor. I would be lying if I said I felt no fear. I just had to remember that Princess Celestia gave me her word I would be safe. I hate saying it, but the food was pleasant. I severely disliked being served by his enslaved humans. Seeing ISORs again up close was something Prinz Fiesling wanted me to go through. Princess Celestia tried her best to keep the conversation on the excellent Germaneigh cuisine. His desire to push my buttons was too strong to be distracted. The subject was quickly shifted to Nebel. He asked if any parts of the castle had blown up yet. When he got a no, he looked at me with a smile. He asked the princess if the human’s little mind had broken yet. He was asked to elaborate. Princess Celestia shared my shock when Prinz Fiesling had told us the answer. The primatologists back at Ponnheim University had continued their experiments on some of his own slaves. Although he had them use far more extreme measures to induce magic through trauma. The process had unlocked their full magic, at the cost of their sanity. They had to be chained up with nullstone because of it. The primatologists hypothesized the same fate awaited Nebel. Prinz Fiesling asked her if she was ready to punish Nebel with such a fate. He looked at me. He spoke of how humans were given purpose because of ponies. If it wasn’t for us enslaving them, they would just be naked creatures running about the wild. Serving us was their true and only purpose, and it would be monstrous to deprive them of that. Princess Celestia told him he was wrong about everything. Humans were intelligent creatures. Being smaller made no difference in being equal. As for Nebel, the Royal Mages had no measured limit to his magic. I was unaware of how truthful this was, but the look of frustration from Prinz Fiesling was worth it. Though she might have slipped up when she brought up the good work the Royal Mages had put into Nebel’s mastery of his power. He quickly asked if the mages would be sharing their findings with the public. As the two delved into a more political conversation, a thought ripped through my mind. He had slaves with magic, and he asked for information on the understanding of magic in humans. An enslaved human with magic, and the ISORs that forced them to obey any command given. Was Prinz Fiesling weaponizing humans?

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 33

Before the two of us went to bed, I shared my concerns with Princess Celestia. The thought of humans being turned into weapons against their will was concerning. She told me that Germaineigh would be investigated after humans were freed. Once the laws made humans our equals legally, she would have the legal grounds to launch investigations of that variety. Such an answer made sleeping much easier. Sternenblick and I had a chat before breakfast. I shared the conversation I had with Prinz Fiesling last night. I could see her concern for Nebel going mad, and told her we could discuss things with Casteer later. Though all she did during breakfast was talk to Princess Celestia about plans for Nebel after the meeting of the world leaders. Her highness admitted that she wanted to keep Nebel guarded in the castle. Although she told us where we wanted to go was our choice. It was a sufficient answer for us. We elected to go for a walk after breakfast. The castle had a nice royal garden, and we thought it would be nice to visit. Winger told me that the captain of the guard would catch the occasional castle staff member sneaking a nap in the garden. I can see why. It’s so peaceful out here. A nap in this grass sounds wonderful.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 34

That was unpleasant. I found myself yanked awake by Nebel when he pulled me with his magic. It was a surprise attack. Assassins. Masked. Sternenblick tried to make a bubble shield big enough for the four of us, but the assassins were too quick. One arrow had already grazed her, which left a deep gash. Three pegasi with crossbows. One of their arrows had struck were I slept. Now they were shooting as many as they could at the shield. Every single one of them was focused on Nebel. One of the assassins had pulled something out of their saddlebag. A thick black crystal. Nullstone. The shield dissipated as soon as the crystal touched it. Without hesitation, I jumped in front of Nebel. Winger put his speed to the test. He shot into the air above us, and blitzed one of the assassins. They dropped to the ground. However, the other two were quick to respond. They shot at him in retaliation. One arrow bounced off his armor. The other did not. Winger dropped out of the sky. He was crying out in pain, as the arrow had been shot with enough force to penetrate his armor, and him. I saw two blasts of green rush by my head. The other two assassins were knocked unconscious from the force of the blast sending them into the castle wall. The garden was suddenly filled with Royal Guard. One of them shouted for a healer. Both Nebel and I ran over to Winger. He was trying to keep a brave face, but it was clear he was in pain. I looked to Nebel, and I tried to think of ways to comfort him. However, he was distracted. His hands were glowing their magical green. It was different this time. It was like he was listening to them. As if his magic was telling him something. With a wave of his left hand, the arrow was gone. Disintegrated before our eyes. With his right hand, Nebel pressed it over the wound. The glow intensified. Most of us had to look away from it. When we looked back, all was quiet. Winger’s injury was gone. Even the hole in his armor was gone. Nebel had healed him. Nebel stumbled back, and I caught him with my forelegs. He was extremely disoriented, and passed out. From the stares of the guards, I already knew. Two days until the world leaders meet, and it would all probably be filled with Casteer wanting every little detail.

Surviving Until the Big Day

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 35

The rest of the day went as predicted. Winger, Nebel and myself were pestered by Casteer about the event as soon as he got there. He wanted to know every detail. We tried our best. However, my focus wasn’t on the event. It was on the aftermath. The masked assassins were revealed. I recognized their accents. Eastern Germaneigh. They hurled insults at Sternenblick and I in the native tongue. We both elected to not translate. All they needed to know, was that they were hateful and vitriolic. The assassins were taken to holding cells to be interrogated further. Despite being healed, Winger was taken to the infirmary for an official checkup. Sternenblick and I took Nebel to their room to rest. Princess Celestia was filled in. Much to Casteer’s dismay, she ordered the testing to cease. It was clear that there were others that knew of Nebel. Others that were willing to cross that line. I knew it was Prinz Fiesling’s doing. I wanted to march to his airship, and strike him with all of my earth pony strength. My anger could wait. It had to. Nebel needed me.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 36

The day was long, and I wanted to rest. I was just about to sleep when I had heard guards conversating outside my room. Which was strange, because I had kept a mental note of the guards’ schedule. They were far too early to be patrolling our area of the castle. I poked my head out to see two unicorn guards. The guards assigned to my door and Sternenblick’s weren’t there.. Winger was gone as well. Something was off about these two guards in their place. Far too relaxed in their statures. The guards around here have been on high alert since the assassination attempt on Nebel. When they went into Sternenblick’s room, that’s when I knew something was wrong. I should’ve ran for help. I should’ve done anything other than follow them. My concern for Nebel overtook my common sense. I couldn’t believe my eyes. They weren’t guards at all! Changelings! They approached the foot of the bed where Nebel was sleeping. I immediately charged at them. I headbutted them pretty hard, and next we were all on the floor. The tussle woke up Sternenblick and Nebel. The three of us had them cornered. I demanded to know why they were here. The changelings told us they were here to bring the magic-wielding human to their queen. She wanted him to join her. I could see in their eyes that there was more than what they were telling. Before they could talk more, guards burst in. They secured them, and took them away. A groggy Princess Celestia came in after the changelings were taken away. She was glad we were alright. Apparently I caused quite a ruckus when I charged them. The guards we were supposed to have were knocked out and dragged off to a closet. Winger was among them. I explained what happened. Queen Chrysalis getting guards into the castle, wanting a single magical human to join her? The princess told us she would make sure to find out everything they knew. For now, she wanted us all to rest up for tomorrow. Nebel and Sternenblick were shaken up. All three of us are sharing a bed for tonight.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 37

The sunrise marked the last day before the meeting of the world leaders. We survived slave catchers, three changeling encounters, and assassins. All to get Nebel here. As he ate breakfast, I felt the pride my father felt when I had graduated the police academy. Princess Celestia was still quite nervous. Fears of another assassination attempt. Sternenblick and I had the some concerns. Winger was still protecting Nebel. We had a castle full of guards. After last night, the guard captain did a full sweep of the Royal Guard. Every last one was checked. No other changelings within the castle walls, besides the ones being interrogated. Her highness told us they refused to talk. She had considered having the meeting cancelled over security concerns. Both Sternenblick and I reminded her the importance that laid ahead. Freeing every human in the world from the clutches of slavery. I suggested that we alert the other world leaders to the changeling problem. They all had their own guards, and the more eyes watching for changelings, the better. She agreed. As much as I dislike them, the world leaders deserved to know about a potential changeling threat.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 38

Given the past week, I have welcomed the boredom of the past few hours. Sternenblick, Nebel and I were simply relaxing in the same bed we had just shared last night. Winger was stationed at our door, and numerous guards were outside of it. We even had a number of pegasi on our balcony. Princess Celestia was taking zero chances with Nebel’s safety. We were summoned to the throne room. The three of us had a slew of guards surround us as we were escorted there. There was a brief moment I felt like royalty. The throne room’s conversion was total. If not for her throne, I never would’ve suspected this was the place where Princess Celestia commanded her kingdom. Chairs and tables, labeled for each country. All perfectly organized to encircle her throne. She wanted to practice her speech, and show Nebel what he had to do. I spent the time chatting up Winger. I asked if there was anything of interest had happened at the airship dock. He told me that things were oddly quiet. Next to no hoof traffic since last night. Oddly concerning. I wondered if it was connected to Nebel’s abduction attempt last night. While we both agreed it was a coincidence, we couldn’t prove anything beyond it. Although it lined up a little too well for my taste. I wish tomorrow will be a quick day. The faster we can put slavery in the history books, the better.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 39

Supper was oddly tense. Not by tension of the princess. I feel the pressure of tomorrow was to blame. There wasn’t much said. A semi-quiet reminder to be up at sunrise. As we prepared for bed, I could see Nebel was still nervous. I asked him if he was alright. He told me he was worried about ponies refusing to give up their slaves. I reminded him that once the world learned about him, those with slaves would have no choice. Once Princess Celestia had the law on her side, humans would be free from a life of enslavement. No more slave runes. No more auctions. No more slave catchers. Nothing but freedom. It seemed to be the words he needed, as he gave me a hug before Sternenblick levitated him into the bed. Tomorrow will indeed be a stressful day, but I have faith that the tribulations will lead to a thousand tomorrows of freedom.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 40

The morning was a blur. Breakfast was quick, and the time up to the big event rushed by even quicker. Before we were to be escorted to the converted throne room, Princess Celestia had a gift for Nebel. Besides some birthday gifts from Sternenblick, he never received presents from another pony before. He excitedly opened the box. It was an outfit. An elegant outfit. It was an all white button up shirt, with sleek pants. She admitted she felt terrible for not doing it sooner. Having him walk around in his old slave rags for the past week. Nebel hugged her, and thanked her at least a dozen times. He ran into the bathroom, and shut the door to immediately change. He looked so excited when he came out. It was a good distraction for him as we were escorted to the meeting. A few dignitaries were already seated, with more on the way. Numerous whispers and glances towards the sight of Winger carrying Nebel. The four of us took our seats beside the throne. Not much longer now. One speech and a display of magic. It was all we needed for humans to finally gain their freedom.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 41

It seemed that fate had one final test for us. Things were going so well. Princess Celestia’s speech about the horrors of human enslavement and how she found the impossible human went off without a hitch. The reveal of Nebel was exciting. The sounds of shock when they saw his magic wasn’t a surprise. The grumbling of a certain front row Prinz Fiesling was enjoyable. His reaction when the country of Germaneigh was credited for discovering Nebel, is something I will remember forever. Everything was going as I was told it would go. Then, a massive crash. Every window in the converted throne room, shattered. So many changelings flew in, it was akin to a cloud of darkness. Half of the non-Equestrian guards in the room shapeshifted into changelings. It was all so fast. A group of them grabbed Sternenblick, Nebel, and myself. I saw Prinz Fiesling with us as well. He must’ve been grabbed alongside us. We were all far too high up to fight back. It wasn’t long before we were finally let go onto the ground. We were dropped off at the airship dock. With everypony at the meeting, it was devoid of life. Save for the enslaved humans on the decks of various airships. Queen Chrysalis stepped out from behind a bush. She thanked our captors, and ordered them to keep the other ponies busy. Prinz Fiesling started to yell at her. Shouting about how this wasn’t the plan at all. She retorted with how she didn’t need his bits. She had lied about following through on delivering Nebel to him, and planned to betray him anyways. I almost attacked the Prinz then and there. He betrayed us all. He was so desperate to keep the status quo, he sided with somepony as cruel and heartless as Queen Chrysalis. The queen went on about how having magical humans in her army would allow her to expand her territory. Not only conquering Equestria, but all of Equus. With Nebel’s help, she could take out all of the world leaders, and replace them with changelings loyal to her. She stepped towards Nebel. She asked him to join her. She loudly proclaimed that with her in control, she would free all humans, learn the secret to giving them all magic, and enslave all ponies. No more living in fear, or servitude. No more slave runes forced into the skin of little boys and girls. She shouted to the other humans on the airships if that’s what they wanted. I could see the desperation for freedom in their eyes as they all cheered her name over and over. She looked at him with a twisted smile. She held an outstretched hoof. There was a moment of doubt when he looked at Prinz Fiesling with anger in his eyes. The anger of a boy who went through twenty years of slavery and pain. The anger of a boy who had nothing in the world of Equus to call his own. Then he looked at Sternenblick. He saw the mare that treated him like a friend and an equal. A mare that taught him magic when the hooves of fate gave it to him. Finally, he looked at me. He saw the stallion twice his age that had looked out for him for a little over a week. A stallion that left generations of tradition behind for him. He brought out his smile once more before he looked back to Queen Chrysalis. He told her he would never betray his friends. Sternenblick practically jumped to his side. She said that this human stands by his friends no matter what. The queen’s face twisted into pure anger. She shouted that if she couldn’t have him, then nopony could. A sickly green blast of energy hurtled towards us. Sternenblick and Nebel put up a shield to protect all three of us. He pulled the Prinz in. Neither had taken on somepony as powerful as Queen Chrysalis, so their combined shield was breaking down fast. I was useless in that moment. Suddenly, a blast of magic struck the queen. I looked over to see Prinz Fiesling had attacked her. I hadn’t seen him use combat magic before in all the years I knew him. As the queen staggered, I could hear the combined buzzing and flapping of countless wings. The changelings were retreating, and the guards were chasing them out. I looked back at the queen, who was already flying away.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 42

The Royal Guard had their hooves full securing the dock, as well as seeing how many humans were snatched from the numerous airships. The changelings had scooped them up as they had retreated. As the heavily-guarded carriage moved along, I asked Prinz Fiesling what made him attack the queen. He had three reasons. The first was out of anger for being betrayed. The second was to repay Nebel for pulling him behind the shield that protected him from the queen’s attack. He never had a human selflessly put his life before their own. Nebel had done it without a second thought. He said the third was because Nebel’s selfless act made him realize something. In that moment he was pulled behind the shield, he realized how close he was to throwing away everything we knew had the queen not betrayed him. How horribly he himself had betrayed everypony. All to keep humans enslaved. He spoke of how blinded he was by his own bigotry. He said he knew asking for our forgiveness was as fruitless endeavor. He looked at Nebel, and swore on his crown that he would dismantle slavery in Germaneigh. He would order all Germaneigh-based bounties to be canceled. I had never seen a pony bow his head at a human before that moment.

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 43

After the other world leaders heard of what happened with Queen Chrysalis, the decision was almost unanimous. Saddle Arabia was still a holdout, arguing over economic collapse due their country thriving mostly on slave trade. Not that his holdout really mattered. Humans were recognized as a magic-capable species and thus, couldn’t be enslaved. Nebel dropped to his knees after Princess Celestia congratulated him. All the pressure that was on him. All the weight on his shoulders. It was all gone. He most likely would’ve fallen over had I not been there for him to hold onto. I saw tears coming down his face. Tears of joy. While I’m happy his kind are finally and truly free, it’s not over. Dismantling generations of enslavement would take time. There would certainly be resistance. Those who would refuse to give up the control they hold over their humans. Despite Prinz Fiesling’s sudden change of heart, there was still the concern of weaponized humans under his control. Now that our biggest obstacle was gone, we could tackle these issues. Tomorrow though. I’m starting to feel tired as well.

Final Entry

Stahl Huf Journal Entry 44

It is exciting to say that this is my last journal entry. I have spent the last few months, getting help translating it to Ponish. I have also sourced some of my old police reports on Nebel. A publisher from Baltimare wanted to turn my journal into a story. Many a pony around the world wanted to know about my little adventure. Safe to say, my retirement will be a comfortable one. Sternenblick, Nebel, and myself are all enjoying our new home. Nothing fancy. A nice house, not too far from the Seed family. Though usually I am by myself. Sternenblick and Nebel have taken to continuing the fight for equality around the world. Some countries had taken to segregating humans and ponies in public spaces. They still come by, but the house is mostly just me. I do not mind. The peace and quiet have given me time to focus on making my journal into a book. I hope whatever future generations reading this can be filled with hope. The hope that the world can change for the better, with the will of a single creature. I had a lot more inspiring words I wanted to write. To tell the truth: I am so very tired. I think I will rest for a bit. A nap without the threat of assassination sounds wonderful. I wish you all the best in the future.