The Shadow Veil

Chapters

Chapter 1: The Job
Chapter 2: The Investigation
Chapter 3: The Wilderness

Chapter 1: The Job

Twilight rolled her shoulders as she dropped her pack on the table of the Dancing Flames inn in the capital city of The Silverspire Republic, Prismara City, supposedly named after the Republic’s Founder’s late wife though Twilight had not delved that far into it as she was just here due to a job that was now done.

She had a decent amount from escorting a merchant caravan and much to her enjoyment no one had attacked it. Either no threats were on the road or they didn't want to chance fighting the group of guards around the merchants, either way worked for her.

Twilight secured the gold coins in a metal box that was one of the main reasons the pack was so heavy but it prevented thieves as not only did it lock but it also had an enchantment on it that alerted her if anyone else besides her touched it.

With the gold she was paid safely secured and tucked back in her pack she made her way down to the main room of the Inn finding most of the other mercs from the job having found their way here already spending their gold on drink.

Twilight raised her hood making sure it covered her head before making her way to one of the few empty tables. Unlike the other mercs who wore armor and visible weapons all Twilight wore was a simple cloak and traveling clothes, looking at her one could be forgiven for thinking her a traveling scholar or scribe rather then a soldier of fortune though if one paid close attention to her cloak they would realize it was enchanted to provide protection acting as her armor while still allowing her to move easily.

She raised a hoof to signal a barmaid that she'd like to order and within moments one came over with a smile on her face. “What can I get you darlin’?” She asked in a rural accent that reminded Twilight of someone she knew, an annoying someone.

“Water and whatever meal is available.” Twilight said, setting some silver on the tabletop.

“Water? Huh…..surprising, coming right up.” The mare said before scooping up the silver in her own magic and left as Twilight sat back and watched the room as the other mercs were half way through their first rounds and already getting loud.

After a few minutes a plate of food and glass of water was placed before her by the barmaid. “Thank you.” Twilight said and tossed a couple silver to her as a tip.

The barmaid smiled. “You're welcome darlin’” She said before moving off towards another table signaling for her.

With the barmaid gone Twilight began to eat her meal in the noise filled room. Her ear swiveled as she heard somewhat unsteady hooves approach her.

“Hey there love, whatcha doing eating all by yourself?” An Earth Pony stallion slurred at her. “Why don’t you celebrate a job done well with the rest of us?” She said and Twilight felt a hoof on her flank.

She reacted almost without thought as her horn glowed and seized the errant hoof, twisting it off her flank and sending it straight into the stallion’s own face.

He yelped as his hoof connected and he stumbled back and he started cursing as he got his hooves under him rising to his full height. “Oi, what was that for bitch!” She said reaching for a sword on his side only to find it being drawn before he got to it wrapped in a faint purple glow as the blade pressed to his neck, twilight having paused in ehr eating now watching him out of the corner of her eye looking calm as could be.

He put his hooves up. “Alright alright…easy…no need to get up in arms….:He said in the now quiet room as everyone watched the scene. Twilight held the blade there for a few seconds before flinging it into the far corner of the room with precision so it didn't hit anyone but did slide under a booth.

The stallion scrambled after it muttering under his breath as twilight picked up her plate of food and water and walked towards the stairs, tossing a gold piece to the barmaid as she walked by as an apology for causing a scene and she was soon in her room closing the door.

The lock clicked and Twilight let out a breath she had been holding as she set the plate of food on her bed. “Ohmygoshohmygosh!” she said as she paced rapidly in the small room trying to get her breathing under control. “Gah stupid Twilight, all you had to do is say you weren't interested! Why did you escalate it! If he had escalated it then that would have been fine to do that but nooooooo you had to be the one to escalate, stupid mare!” she said as she paced trying to burn off the adrenaline running through her veins. Despite the time she had been on the road taking jobs she had perfected her “hardened merc” façade based off books she had read but it was just that, a façade, She was only out here because her family needed the money when she'd rather be back home curled up with a good book reading about adventures not living them!

She stopped and sat on her haunches placing a hoof to her chest she took a deep breath and moved her hoof away as she breathed out imagining she was pushing all the anxiety and fear away from her in a breathing technique she had read about once in a book about the Crystal Goddess.

After doing it a couple of times twilight felt calmer, still antsy but she wasn't panicking which was the point.

With that freak-out handled she sat on her bed and began to eat the rest of her meal in the quiet of her room with only some of the sound from downstairs coming through the door showing things had returned to normal downstairs.

As she finished her meal a knock came to her door and she frozen mind racing with thoughts that the stallion had come up here to confront her, or maybe his buddies, or what if it was the innkeeper throwing her out for the scene? Or what if the Keepers of Law were there to arrest her for breaking some law in that scene? Was she about to spend her days in a dungeon? Or hard labor? Or hard labor in a dungeon?!

Twilight closed her eyes, took a deep breath and when she opened them the Merc façade was back in place as she walked to the door and opened it a crack just so she could peek out.

What stood outside wasn't the Keepers of Law but a dark blue stallion in a fine cloak and finer clothes under it with a slicked back black mane. “Forgive the intrusion Mrs. I know you are trying to enjoy your meal after that unpleasantness with the brutish stallion but I was wondering if I might discuss a job offer with you?” He asked in an accent that hinted at education but not too much, it was the typo of accents twilight had heard from those who worked closely with the upper class.

She weighed things in her head, on one hand she just got off a job, on the other those in the upper class paid well for her type of services.

She opened the door and gave a small smirk. “Please come in.” She said, stepping to the side. “Forgive the mess, I wasn't expecting visitors.” She said as the stallion entered, not even looking around.

“It is quite alright, I know this was an unexpected visit.” The stallion said, bowing his head. “I am Astral Spark and I work for MP Amber Hardhoof.”

Twilight bowed in return though hers was more awkward due to now being used to it. “Twilight Sparkle. Mercenary.” She said as she returned to standing up.

“Yes I am aware, and a far better class compared to the brutes downstairs.” He said. “My employer has a job that could use someone of your skills,” he said.

“What's the job?”

“Providing extra security at an event she will be hosting tomorrow night, while the Keepers and ehr own guards will be there there have been a few threats against some of the guests and my Employer would feel at ease with a little extra security.” He said.

Twilight thought about it for a moment before nodding her head. “I can do that, for the right price.”

“2000 gold at the end of the night,” Astral said.

Twilight facade barely stayed intact at the mention of that amount, she knew from books that the upper class paid well but she hadn't realized they paid that well.

“Very well i’ll take the job.” She said, “Just tell me where and when.”

“At Blackhoof Manor on the edge of town, the party starts at 7pm and the only request is that you try to blend in as the party will be hosting everyone who's anyone in the city and MP Amber doesn't want her guests to feel uncomfortable.” Astral said seriously.

Twilight nodded. “That’s fine, I don't have much with me.” She said making a note to have her clothes cleaned and cloak.

“Very well, enter through the rear gate, the guard there will be informed to expect you.” Astral said and bowed. “If there is nothing else?”

“No, I have what I need, I will arrive on time tomorrow.” She said,

With that Astral nodded and left.

Twilight relocked the door and then when she was sure no one was outside the room she gave a squeeze and pranced in place. “Yes Yes Yes yes!” she said, starting to bounce around the room, that was the most gold she had ever been offered and if she does her job well maybe a little extra as well as her name being out there with the upper class of this nation meaning other high paying jobs will come her way!

It had been 3 years since she left home and finally things were looking up as she was going to make a name for herself.

To celebrate she hopped into bed and pulled out a book starting to read.

Twilight walked the streets as the sun was going down, she had spend the day cleaning her robes and clothes as well as making sure her coat was washed well and mane having spent some of the last jobs money on slightly expenses soaps and shampoos just to make sure she looked presentable, she now smelled of lavender and her coat was so soft.

She had her merc façade up as she walked the path she was told to get to Blackhoof Manor and soon saw the large manor and took a side street to get behind it spotting the small gate with the lone guard standing there looking bored.

She took a deep breath and then approached. “Twilight sparkle, i was told to enter through this gate.” She said.

The guard jumped a bit when she spoke having been lost in his own mind it seemed so hadn't noticed her. “Uh….right right, Twilight I was told to let you through….so….uh….go through…” He said, stepping to the side to let her pass.

“Thank you.” she said she walked through the unlocked gate, her eye catching the lock appeared to be slightly damaged and she paused. “Are you aware the lock on the gate is damaged?” She looked back.

“Hm? Yeah I reported it to Astral and he said it will be fixed and to just make sure I stand guard.” The guard said. “Everything’s okay, Steady is on duty.” He said smiling clearly indicating his name was Steady.

She nodded and turned to head for the back door of the manor where she was met by Astral. He smiled at her. “A good Twilight you made it, just in time.” He said

She only nodded her head.

He didn't seem offended by her lack of answer. “Just as soon as the other extra security arrives we can get to work…”He said as Twilight ear swiveled as she heard talking behind her and looking back she saw a group of 5 other ponies through her eyes locked on a familiar prismatic mane and she frowned as she knew it all to well.

“Well well if it isn't the egghead.” The cyan mare said with that cocky smirk.

“What are you doing here Dash?” Twilight said annoyed.

“I got a job, what are you doing here?” Dash asked, while her light armor was polished her mane and tail was its usual unkempt mess.

“Ah you two know each other, excellent.” Astral said, seeming to miss the tension between the two mares.

“You could say that.” Twilight said glaring at the pegasus.

“Well anyways come with me I need to brief you on things.” He said turning to head for the back door.

Twilight took her eyes off Dash to follow him already having to formulate a plan around the pegasus’ hotheadedness, if not for her speed Twilight could have easily handled her the times they have been on opposite sides of a job but her speed made it had for Twilight to handle her though she has won a few times.

For now much to her annoyance they were on the same side though maybe her brashness will get her tossed out of the party and when Twilight makes a great impression she won't ever need to see the cyan mare again as there was no way she’d ever reach that level.

Twilight and Dash as well as the other random mercs followed Astral, Twilight had already looked them over and noted their weapons and how they carried themselves and it was clear Dash was the best out of all of them, something she’d never tell the mare.

They entered a room where a mare in a nice dress sat talking to an old pegasus stallion in robes. “I must say this is a wonderful party Mrs. Amber, quite a showing of the Silverspire Republics best.” The stallion said, sipping wine from a goblet.

“Yes I am pleased you are enjoying yourself Ambassador.” The tan earth pony mare with a dark brown mane said smiling at him. “Now I think it's time to return to the party. If you will follow Astral.” She waved a hoof towards the stallion in question.

“Ah yes suppose you are right, i will see you later to continue our discussion MP Amber.” The Ambassador said turning to walk past the group of mercs though he did pause and bow to them. “Greetings, I am Lunaire, Ambassador for Solemn Soluna Realm. Pleased to meet you.” he said before leaving.

The Twilight turned to the mare still in the room who was smiling at them. “So you must be the extra security Astral tracked down for me, it is good to meet you all, I am Parliament Member Amber Hardhoof, representative of the northern Mountain regions of our fair Republic here.” She said, “Please tell me your names.” She said,

One by one the group introduced themselves. Twilight stood in a preferential manner she learned from her years as a clerk and Dash stood at full attention twilight noted hinting at some sort of military background if she hazard a guess, the others tried to look formal but they were well out of their depth.

“Ah yes wonderful, i need to go speak to my guard captain to confirm where he wants you and then we can discuss where you all will be for tonight.” She said before heading to a side door and leaving.

Twilight relaxed some and looked around the room noting the decoration had a distinct theme related to stone as well as searching her memory on the Northern Mountain Region as she had studied the palace before taking the guard job as she liked knowing where she was going, according to that research the Northern Mountain Region was one of the poorer regions in the Republic do to the nature of mining though they were important for the raw materials that came from that region there wasn't anything else there due to the rough terrain.

“Anything seem off about that mare to you?” Dash’s raspy voice said in her ear making twilight jump and frown at her.

“What?” Twilight asked. As Dash was looking around the room as well, standing more relaxed.

She looked back at Twilight. “I’m asking you, if anything seemed off about Amber, don’t know why but i got a weird vibe from her.”

Twilight frowned. “That's our client.” She said firmly though…now that dash mentioned it something had seemed off about that smile, it didn't feel like a genuine smile or the sort of smile she saw merchants use, it was…..the smile like a wolf looking at sheep.

There was a crash in the room next door and Twilight and Dash both went on alert, Dash flexing her wings, the light catching her wingblades. Twilight watched the wall frowning.

“Should we check that out?” Dash asked.

“We were hired for security…might be an intruder…”Twilight said as the two mares headed for the door as the rest of the group stayed put though they clearly were ready for trouble now as well.

Twilight and Dash made their way to the room next door and opened a crack to see a well lit room and slowly opened the door more to see Ambassador Lunaire lying on the ground in a growing pull of blood beside a smashed end table clutching at his chest and gasping for air as blood ran down his robes.

Twilight and Dash entered, twilight running towards the dying Ambassador searching her mind for relevant medical information and as she got to him she caught a flash of light from the corner of her eye and her magic barley caught a bloody dagger that had been thrown at her.

She looked back the way it had come and saw Astral standing in an open door smirking before he took a deep breath. “GUARDS! GUARDS ASSASSIN HAVE KILLED THE AMBASSADOR!” He yelled taking off out the door before Twilight mind could keep up,, in seconds bells began to sound as the alarm went up.

Moments later manor guards burst in and Twilight barley got her shield spell up to block the two crossbow bolts fired at her as she dropped the bloody dagger.

“Hey stop, we didn't do this!” Dash said and barely dodged a third crossbow bolt fired at her and growled. “Will you listen to us?!” She yelled as the door behind them burst open with more guards and she yelped as Twilight yanked her out of the way of a sword swing.

She fired a spell at the guards in front of her knocking them back as she turned and fired the same spell at the guard behind them and ran for the door.

Outside was the sound of fighting as she saw the other mercs were engaged with the manor guards and saw Keepers in the mix, several guards and at least one merc were dead as it was clear they all were labeled assassins and the guards were trying to kill them.

This wasn't good as they had to get out of here.

She snapped a shield up just untie to avoid a sword to the neck and bucked into the guard behind her sending him squealing.

“We have to get out of here.” Twilight yelled over the sound of fighting as more guards were showing up and another merc went down quickly followed by the other.

“Alright, stay right on my tail!” Dash said and charged at speed towards some newly arrived guards and slammed into them at speed sending all of them sprawling as twilight galloped after her firing a sleep spell behind her.

She turned a corner to see Dash fighting a guard her wing blade lashed out and cut the earth ponies legs and he cried out as he collapsed, he’d live but he was out of the fight as twilight leapt over him following the rainbow contrail as it burst out the back door.

Twilight burst out to see Keepers entering through the open back gate as more manor guards closing in on either side of them. Twilight snapped a shield around them both blocking crossbow bolts but it wouldn't last much longer with the assault.

And it popped with some magic feed back and they were closing in. “SPIKE!” Twilight yelped and there was a green flash beside her.

“You call woah!” A younger voice said before the sound of a deep breath being taken and then the backyard was lit by green fire as the small dragon let forth a jet of flame as she turned around them setting fire to the grass and causing the guards and keeper to dive for cover to avoid the fire.

“Hold one.” Dash said, grabbing twilight around the barrel.

“huh what arEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE” Twilight screamed as Dash shot straight up carrying Twilight who screamed and flailed her legs as the mare took off dodging pegasus crossbows taking off away from the manor as there a flash of Light as her familiar Spike vanished back where he came and the two mare took off out of the city into the wilderness leaving the pursuing pegasus behind as alarms were going off through the city.

Author's Note

Hello my dear Reader, i hope the first chapter of the first book in The Chronicles of the Fractured Era was as enjoyable for you all as it was for me to write.

I am looking forward to delving further into this new world i have crafted and i hope you enjoy exploring it along with me.

Anyways, not much to say here since things just started off but i hope it started off with a good bang.

Chapter 2: The Investigation

The scene at Blackhoof Manor was one of controlled chaos as Keepers of Law had cordoned off the area around the manor and detailed the guests as well as the manor guards much to the displeasure of many of the very important guests, many trying to threaten the Keepers with their status.

It was this quiet chaos that Chief Inquisitor Gold Shield walked into as he stepped past the keepers keeping the gathered crowd away, followed closely by a griffin wearing the same armor and badge as Gold Shield, though the griffin’s badge indicated they were a Senior Inquisitor.

The unicorn stallion walked to the main gate of the Manor where a First Watcher was speaking to two other Keepers who quickly moved off to carry out orders given by the First. Upon seeing Gold Shield the First snapped to a clean salute. “Chief Inquisitor, we didn't expect to see someone of your rank out in the field.” The First said. “Had I known I’d have had someone escort you.”

“At ease.” Gold said. “Normally I wouldn't be out here either but given the…..nature of this scene Lawmaster Cuff thought someone of higher rank should oversee things.” Gold said, while he didn't need to explain things he felt doing so helped move things along since it prevented people from talking. “Who’s in charge here?”

“That would be Lieutenant Raven sir, she’s inside trying to…..calm the guests.” The First said, sounding nervous. “Many of them are high ranking members of the government including several MPs and foreign dignitaries.” He warned.

Gold nodded understanding the First’s concern as any one of the guests could destroy a career if given enough reason too, well the career of a low ranking Keeper such as The First. Gold was seeing why the Lawmaster wanted him down here.

“Don’t worry First, just keep the civilians back and everything will be fine.” He said as he walked past The First towards the Manor door.

The First licked his lips and saluted one more before going off to give orders.

“My, it seems we get to rub shoulders with the power players.” The griffin beside Gold said with a chuckle before snapping his beak.

“Behave yourself Gryphus, remember we need these people to talk to us, not bury us in bureaucracy.” Gold warned.

“Oh, don't worry, I'll be on my best behavior, The Protectors Honor.” Gryphus said, raising a talon.

“Best behavior for a griffin or a pony?”

“Oh, you always ruin my fun. Fine pony.” The Griffin hugged.

Gold nodded and smirked, having headed off any possible problems from the griffin, though there was always going to be some effects with having a predator among prey playing off ancient instincts.

The two Inquisitors entered through the doors and found that an incident was already taking place based on the yelling coming from the ballroom.

“UNHOOF ME THIS INSTANT!” Someone shouted. “I’LL HAVE YOUR BADGE FOR THIS!”

Gold sighed and picked up the pace entering the ballroom to find a black furred earth pony mare with a pegasus stallion dressed in some very fine clothes pinned to the wall, a fore leg behind him.

“Go ahead and try, and my report will reflect how you attempted to flee an active crime scene before you were questioned in clear violation of Article 12, section 3, paragraph 3 of Republic laws regarding the handling of crime scenes, and i am sure a MP doesn't think the law doesn't apply to him.” She said,

“Are you threatening me, Keeper?” The MP said with controlled anger.

“No, just reminding you of the laws of the nation you help govern.” The Mare said, sounding as if she was speaking to a child.

Gold approached and cleared his throat. “Lieutenant if you would be so kind as to let the good Member of Parliament go please?” He said in a calm tone.

The mare looked back and blew a dark gray strand of mane from her face and frowned upon seeing his badge. “Very well Chief Inquisitor.” She said and released the pegasus stepping back as the stallion adjusted his clothes and glared at her.

“See that this mare is properly disciplined.” He spat.

“Forgive me MP but exactly what would I be disciplining her for? Surely not for enforcing the law she swore to uphold? Is there some other event I didn't witness?”

The MP sputtered, turning his glare to Gold who maintained his calm demeanor. “What did you say? Do you have any idea who I am?” The stallion demanded.

“Member of Parliament Greywing, representative of the Galinao Region.” Gold said simply.

“And you don’t think she should be disciplined for manhandling me the way she did?!” He spat, the rage clearly building.

“That depends, were you trying to leave an active crime scene before I could question you?”

“I am a member of parliament and I have other obligations besides answering your questions!” Greywing nearly yelled.

It was here that Gold shield felt a presence behind him and knew Gryphus had walked up behind him standing at his full height, Gold knew this because much of the air left Greywing's sails though he did keep from taking a step back as most would do ke kept flicking his eyes between Gold and the griffin standing behind him.

He regained his composure and snorted before turning. “I will be speaking to the Lawmaster after this.” he said as he walked back towards the crowd of other parliament members.

“That is your right.” Gold said before turning to the Lieutenant and gesturing for her to follow as he walked back towards the door to the entry area.

Once outside he looked at her, opening his mouth to speak.

“I won't be apologizing.” She said first and firmly.

“Report, Lieutenant.” he said what he was going to say, more firmly than he was planning to before.

She had the decency to put her ears slightly back at the unsaid scolding for interrupting him before he spoke. “Approximately half an hour ago a group of what we believe to be mercenaries broken into the manor through the back gate with a mission to assassinate Ambassador Lunaire, Ambassador for Solemn Soluna Realm, he unfortunately didn't survive the attack, we found a manor guard by the name of Steady in the bushes near the forced open rear gate apparently having been surprised while guarding the rear gate as he never even drew his weapon.”

Gold frowned as he listened to the report of what the first responding Keepers had found. “Show me the rear gate.”

Raven nodded, turning to head for the backdoor and the rear courtyard where there were more Keepers keeping watch and Gold noted some of the grass was scorched. “What happened there?”

“Hm?” Raved looked in the direction he was.

“Apparently one of the mercs had a familiar she called, a small dragon based on eye witnesses and it burned the ring into the grass so she and one other could escape.” Raven reported.

“Two of them escaped?” Gold asked and his frown deepened when Raven nodded.

“A cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane and a lavender unicorn in a cloak. According to the primary witness, they were the two who carried out the attack, the others apparently meant to cover their escape.”

Gold snorted. “Not surprised that ilk would abandon their own to save their hides.” He said practically spitting at the end, he didnt of course as he was at a crime scene. He moved to the year gate and inspected it seeing what Raven had meant as the lock had clearly been forced open from the outside and his eyes followed the blood trail to some bushes beside the gate where a body lay under a white sheet.

“Show me the suspects' bodies.” He ordered and Raven nodded heading for the back door once more as Glyphus went towards the burned ring.

Inside they turned down the hall where it was a scene of carnage as there was blood across the floor and walls from the battle with more bodies under sheets. Raven weaving between the blood till she reached 4 sheets that were separate from the rest pulling back the sheets to show 3 earth ponies and a unicorn in random assortments of armor.

Gold frowned at the bodies, they were clearly mercs and based on how well dressed they were of a higher quality then the standard of their kind so someone wanted quality for this hit though the fact they didn't make it out suggested poor planning on their part….which didn't match the quality of their gear.

“One guard did survive the initial battle in the manor and we got some info out of him.” Raven said and Gold looked at her.

“Show me.” He ordered as she nodded and led him to a side room where a manor guard had his front legs bandaged waiting for a healer and clearly in pain as Gold walked up to him.

“How did you survive the initial attack?” He asked.

“I…I’m not sure…..i blocked the halls to the back door and the pegasus mare confronted me, i missed my strike and….she cut my legs and flung my sword away from me before jumping over me along with that mare in the clock as they headed for the back door.” The guard said.

Gold tilted his head. “Raven, how many guards were killed outside?”

“Um ... .none that we saw, besides the gate guard, all the deaths were in the hallway.” Ravens aid.

“I see…..Can you show me to the primary witness?” He asked, thinking.

Raven nodded and headed for the door taking him to a well decorated room where a unicorn stallion stood besides an earth pony Member of Parliament, Amber Hardhoof if Gold was correct.

“I am Chief Inquisitor Gold Shield. Which one of you witnessed the assassination?”

“That would be me.” The stallion said, stepping forward. “Astral Spark is my name, MP Ambers Chief of Staff and I didn't witness the attack, I arrived after it but I think I saw enough.” He said.

“Can you walk me through it? Leave no details out no matter how small you think it is.” Gold said, taking out a notebook from his saddle bag.

“Well Ambassador Lunaire had said he needed somewhere to rest a bit. I assumed it was due to his age and so I showed him to one of the sitting rooms. I came back a bit later to check on him when I saw that dreadful mare standing over him, that blood covered dagger in her magic….I don’t think she expected anyone to come by as I had enough time to slam the door and run raising the alarm.” he said taking out a handkerchief and shakingly wiping his brow.

After raising the alarm I found Mrs. Amber and got her to a safe area in case they came after her too but our guards were able to deal with them.” he said.

Gold nodded. “Well almost, two of them escaped so it was good you got her to safety.” Gold said.

Astral’s eyes went wide as did Ambers who hoof went to her mouth. “You mean two of those terrible ponies escaped justice?” MP Amber asked and the look of shock plastered on her face.

“No, two escaped the manner, but they will be tracked down and brought to justice as Justice always will be served.” He said reassuringly.

Amber nodded. “I trust you Chief Inquisitor, these terrible ponies must be brought to the hangman's gallows.” She said, “Whatever you need you’ll have.”

“Thank you MP but The Keepers can handle this if Astral remembered enough about what he saw to give a description?”

“Oh uh…yes ... .one was a unicorn, I think purple…the other was a blue pegasus with a wild colored mane.” Astral said, further dabbing his forehead.

Gold wrote that down. “Thank you, I may be in touch later if any follow up questions come up, will you be in town?”

“Yes, I am in the city for the week though I may stay longer if this assassination causes any problems.” Amber said.

Gold nodded once more. “Then by your leave.” he said bowing before he turned to head for the door.

Raven followed behind him and once outside. “Take me to the crime scene.”

Dutifully Raven did so, it wasn't far and easily found as it had two Keepers outside and near where the carnage in the hall began.

Entering there was another body under a sheet, a single wing peeking out from under it and Gold walked over lifting it to get a look at the body.

It was a clean strike, no hesitation and clearly by a skilled attacker as it hit square in the old stallion heart leaving little chance of survival if any though the odd thing was the bloody dagger laying beside the body.

“Odd…”Gold said.

“What is?” Raven asked, stepping up beside him. “Never known mercs to abandon their weapons.”

“Maybe the alarm being raised surprised them and they dropped it in the ensuing fight? The guards did enter the room to also see the two mares standing over the body.” Raven said.

“You mean after the alarm was raised the two stayed here?” Gold asked, looking at her.

“Well, not entirely, the guard responded quickly as the party wasn't very far so they didn't have much time to react.” Raven said.

Gold frowned before heading for the door and back out to the hall where he looked where the blood shed began, it started around another door that was open. Gold went to the door and looked in to see another sitting room just like the one the attack took place in.

“Hmm…..what is it?” Raven asked.

“Hmm…may be nothing, what do you make of the blood shed from the group of mercs starting here?”

“Hm? Well clearly it was where the mercs got confronted by the guards as they tried to make their escape.” The Lieutenant said.

“And the open door?”

“Tried to escape through it or perhaps reach the party to take a hostage.”

“Perhaps……Perhaps….”Gold said looking at the blood soaked hall before him. “Perhaps….”

Far outside of the city high in the sky Twilight was nearly strangling Dash as she clung to her eyes squeezed shut as she felt the wind rushing past her, squeezing tighter as she felt the angle shift and her stomach rising into her throat.

“Ack! HEY! Watch it, it's hard enough to fly with you clinging to me, I don’t need you to try and strangle me too as we land.” Dash said with annoyance.

Twilight forced herself to loosen her grip though she kept her eyes closed, any thought of putting up her façade was far from her mind, drowned out by the fear and confusion about what was going on.

All at once the wind stopped. “Hey….you can let go….we are on the ground.” Dash said in her ear.

Twilight cracked an eye and saw the ground right below her and her legs became jelly causing her to fall on her back with an oof and puff of dust causing Dash to laugh as she stepped back.

“Look at that, the big bad egghead is afraid of heights.” She said, smirking.

Twilight sat up and frowned, part of her façade back in place though not completely. “I would say it's pretty normal for non-flying ponies to be afraid of their hooves being off the ground.” She said and snorted….causing dust to be sucked into her nose resulting in a sneezing fit.

This only produced further laughter from Dash who had to sit on her haunches to hold her sides as she laughed so hard.

Once under control Twilight got to her hooves and glared at her. “How can you be laughing at a time like this? That ambassador was killed, most likely by Astral and everyone clearly thinks we did it, meaning they are going to come after us to send us to the gallows!” Twilight scolded.

That got Dash to stop who frowned at her. “You don’t think I know that!” Dash said standing up and flaring her wings, the blades on them caching the moonlight. “I might not be an egghead like you but I know how to read a citation, trained for it even and if you had some real experience rather than books and the few jobs you've had you'd realize it was clear we've been framed by our client.” She shot back taking a step towards Twilight who stepped back

“What? Why would MP Amber frame us?”

“Isn't it obvious? We are expendable assets, and we’ve been expended.” Dash said, folding her wings. “We are mercs, our loyalty is to the highest bidder with no care for who that is.”

“What, I care who I work for!” Twilight said defensively.

“Yeah? Do you think anyone knows that? Did you seriously not know the reputation mercs have?” Dash said. “I am very selective about what jobs I take and people still treat me like I'd slit their throats for the right price.”

Twilight frowned as her ears went back a bit, her books hadn't mentioned that aspect.

“Face it, we are the perfect people to frame because everyone will assume we would do it and that's what is being counted on.” Dash said with a snort before walking towards some trees.

Twilight got to her hooves and scrambled after her. “Where are you going?”

“Getting out of this clearing, while I out flew those Keepers that doesn't mean they aren't still trying to follow and it's easy to spot someone in a clearing then it is trees.”

Twilight blinked as that was a good point and she followed till her head shot up as an alarm went off in her head.

“What is it?” Dash asked looking back.

“Someone just broke into my strong box….i left it back at the inn with an enchantment to alert me if someone else opens it ... .Someone broke into my room….”

“Probably cleaning up traces of us, nothing in the room means it was a temp stop and we didn't plan to come back……” Dash said before she resumed walking.

Twilight moved to follow. “So….what do we do?” Twilight asked, her façade only party hiding the note of fear in her voice.

“For now, we find somewhere to sleep, take turns keeping watch, no fire tonight as it can be spotted, then tomorrow we figure out what to do as I image by now our wanted posters are being printed dup and come morning will be all over the city and on there way to every other town and city as taking out an ambassador is no small crime, they will be coming for us with all they got.”

“How do you know?” Twilight asked.

“Because it's how we did it in the Border Patrol in The Alliance.”

“You were in the Border Patrol of the Alliance?”

“Yeah…It’s where I learned how to fight.”

“Why did you leave?” She asked still following.

“Because I wanted to, that's why.” She said firmly and Twilight recoiled a bit at the force behind it clearly having hit a nerve.

With that she didn't ask any other questions and they lapsed into silence as they walked through the dark forest.

Author's Note

The game is ahoof!

Will Chief Inquisitor Gold Shield and his band of Inquisitors succeed in hunting down the dastardly Assassins and bring them to justice?

Stay Tuned to Find out!

Key:
1st Watcher: Sergeant of the Patrolling Keepers
Chief Inquisitor: Law Enforcment Commander
Senior Inquisitor: Captain
Lawmaster: Police Chief

Chapter 3: The Wilderness

The morning sun shone through the leaves and by pure chance a beam went right into Twilight’s sleeping eyes waking her from the little sleep she had gotten. The sleep had not come easy for either mare given neither of them had a bedroll and their meal consisted of a single trail ration Twilight had left over from her last job they split on top of twice a pegasi had flow overhead in the night and they weren’t sure if it was as scout or just a random pegasus. Then there was the sound of nocturnal animals in the woods.

All this culminated in very poor sleep.

And so a single ray of light to the eye brought forth a groan from the mage as she rolled over to try and escape the beam, only to roll onto a rock making her grunt in pain a sit dug between two of her ribs.

With another groan she sat up opening her eyes to see Dash sitting against a tree not too far away sharpening one of her wingblades. “Morning egg head.”

“Morning…”Twilight said sleepily just before yawning wide and getting to her hooves to stretch feeling and hearing several pops from the poor sleeping and at least one former injury. “So, open to suggestions on what we should do, I don't exactly know this region.”

“Neither do I, I was only in the city a couple days before that bastard hired me.” Dash said before clipping her wingblade back into place. “But either way we wont last long out here without food and I don't know about you but my waterskin could use a refill.” She stood.

“Hmm ... .you're right, I know a bit about hunting.”

“Oh? Little mage actually knows about places outside of cities?”

Twilight frowned. “Yes, my father taught me a bit about things growing up for when work was thin.” She said annoyed.

“Fine, then we both can look for something to eat, if we are careful we should be able to have a small fire to cook with.” Dash said, walking in a random direction. “I’ll go this way and you go the other way, try not to get lost.” Dash's aid nonchalantly.

Twilight took a step towards the dash raising her head high. “We should stay close in case something happens and to prevent us from getting lost.”

“Egghead scared of being alone eh?” Dash smirked at her.

Twilight puffed her cheeks. “No, it's more we have no clue what is in these woods and don't know them and if we run into trouble the other can’t help. It is illogical for us to split up like you suggested.”

“Yeah yeah, you can follow me then.” She said in a tone that made it clear she didn’t change her mind at all, something that made Twilight’s annoyance grow as she followed the prismatic mare.

The two fugitives slowly made their ways through the woods looking for any signs of animals they could hunt or even edible plants.

The two moved through the forest as quietly as they could.

“Hey, I found some berries.” Dash said, picking a few and starting to toss them into her mouth.

Twilight’s magic barley caught them before the pegasus mouth chomped down on them and she blinked confused looking down at the small pink berries held in the lavender glow.

“What's the big idea, there’s plenty of them.” Dash said, frowning at Twilight.

“Those are Blushshade…..they are poisonous, eating them causes high fever and vivid hallucinations of a ... .ahem….personal nature….” She said tossing the berries back. “Not something we want out here.”

Dash backed away from the bush as if she expected it to attack her. “Yeah…right….” She said turning to walk on with twilight scrambling to keep up.

After walking for a bit longer they stumbled onto a small blueberry bush and after Twilight gave the go ahead the two mares picked some to eat, tossing the berries into their mouth ... .and immediately spitting them out.

“That is disgusting!” Dash said, sputtering and whipping her tongue with her hooves in a vain attempt to clean it.

“They are way over ripe, they rotted inside.’ Twilight said.

“Gee you think so egghead? I had no idea!” Dash said as she spat on the ground.

Twilight said nothing as she was dealing with her own issue with the taste but soon the worst of the taste was out of their mouths and only served to further remind them they hadn't eaten anything since before the job last night.

As they began to walk again, Dash stopped so abruptly twilight nearly walked into her. The unicorn opened her mouth to ask what was wrong but dash held up a hoof as her ears flicked around clearly hearing something.

Twilight strained her ears to hear as well and didn't hear anything but the normal forest sound but soon Dash turned to face the left, crouching low to the ground and moving as quietly as she could and twilight did the same to follow her.

Just as the confused Twilight was about to speak up to ask what was happening she saw it, a deer walking through brush as it grazed on some bushes.

Dash licked her lips and carefully spread her wings as Twilight eyed the deer as well, charging her horn with a spell to try and drop it on one hit, not going to rely on Dash to try and bring it down with her speed.

Just before Twilight could fire her spell Dash moved her wing up further and the sun glinted off the wing blades right into Twilight's eyes causing her to flush and her spell went wide striking a tree causing it to splinter and in an instant the deer was running and Dash was hitting the dirt because of the magic that missed her head by a hair’s breadth.

Twilight blinked away the spots just in time to see a cyan hoof stroke her face and send her stumbling back clutching her face.

“What in the name of Celestia were you doing!? Trying to attack me while my back was turned?!” Dash said wings spread ready to attack.

Twilight growled as she planted her hooves. “I was trying to hit the deer as my magic would be far more reliable then your stupid blades, but they reflected the sun into my eyes causing me to miss and breakfast to run off!” She yelled back her annoyance that had been growing from earlier let loose.

“Oh, my fault eh? Typical unicorn, it's never your fault huh? Always someone else's. If you ever took responsibility maybe you all could accomplish something really amazing.” Dash said.

Twilight’s hackles rose. “It. was. You. fault!” She said, charging her horn. “Maybe I should show you why my magic would have been better to handle the deer than your stupid blades?

Dash got ready to launch herself when there was the sound of a branch breaking and a roar and both mares barely rolled out of the way as something large landed between where they had been.

As both mercs came up they found themselves face to face with a manticore pulling its tail free from where Twilight had been standing as it righted itself from the swipe it had made where Dash had been when it landed.

“Crap.” Dash said.

“It must have been drawn by the yelling.” Twilight said as the monster turned to face them.

“Can you outrun it?” Dash asked.

“No.” Twilight said and before Dash could grab her like last night the Manticore lunged for them and Twilight snapped a shield up as Dash shot off into the air. The monster slammed into her shield and clawed at it several times making twilight wince before slamming its stinger into the shield, piercing it and causing it to shatter and sending pain down Twilight’s horn.

Before the Manticore could take advantage of the stunned mage’s predicament a rainbow blur shot past it and it roared in pain as a gash was left behind on its side.

This bought the time for Twilight to shake her head as she recovered and back peddle away preparing a spell as the beast turned to face the direction Dash had gone, it roared again when a firebolt struck it in the back.

Rather than turn around its stinger shot out back but luckily twilight was far enough away it struck only air as the blur shot past again and it roared in pain.

Twilight readied a second spell as the blur returned but this time the manticore was ready, they were smarter than most people thought…and a lot faster.

Its claws shot out and there was a yelp of pain as Dash was sent careening out of control and slamming into the tree hard.

“Dash!” Twilight yelled and fired another firebolt at the Manticore’s face causing it to stumble back as Twilight ran over to Dash, relieved to see her shaking her head as she started to get to her hooves though one of her wings was at an impossible angle.

“Look out!” Dash yelled and Twilight barley got her shield up for the beast to slam into it and quickly slashed at it and broke the shield again. This time though there was no fast pegasus in the air. “Twilight!” She faintly heard Dash yell through the pain in her head.

That pain was quickly forgotten as new pain bloomed in her side and she felt herself lifted off her hooves as she came back to full awareness finding herself lifted off the ground by the Manticore'ss stinger buried in her side and she screamed.

“No you don’t!” Dash said and charged forward her one good wing daring out and slashing the tail causing the beast to roar and throw twilight as its tail jerked, sending her crashing down into some bushes.

She gasped for air as she looked over and saw Dash between her and the monster, one wing hanging uselessly at her side as she tried to fend it off with her one wing though without being able to fly there wasn’t a lot she could do.

‘No you idiot, run! It’s going to kill you!’ Twilight thought as she tried to get to her hooves, the wound in her side screaming at her and making her see spots as the poison from that tail worked through her system.

Her head snapped up as she heard Dash cry out and saw the pegasus soaring through the air in a spray of blood as the bleeding manticore lowered its paw and readied to pounce the downed pegasus.

‘No, no, no!’ Twilight's mind raced and she fired off her magic without setting a spell in pace, just unleashing raw magic in a single burst that struck the manticore in the side causing it to roar louder than before in pain as the magic burned into its side.

Twilight magic burst ended and the Manticore side was nothing but blackened as it tried to run but only fell to the ground coughing once before succumbing to its wounds.

Twilight forced her legs under her. “D…Dash..'' She said to the unmoving prone form and stumbled towards it as the spots grew rapidly having burned away a lot of her magic and the adrenaline pumping the poise through her faster and faster.

She got within feet of Dash before her legs gave out and she collapsed, weakly reaching out to the mare who was bleeding out in front of her because she stayed behind to help twilight when she could have just flown away and saved herself.

“O-oh my…” A voice said somewhere, sounding distant as the spots covered Twilight’s vision and she saw a flash of pink as darkness claimed her.

Twilight lay curled up beside a fire reading a book she got from the local library in their little house on the edge of the city in the Thronecrest Dominion, it was one of the rare times Shining got leave and was close enough to visit from his mandatory military service. Well not officially mandatory but if you didn't have a good reason while a family member wasn’t in the military then you were rightly labeled a cowardly family.

He was sitting beside her making a model like he always did while she read as her parents worked on dinner. It was nice, it was peaceful and twilight didn't want to be anywhere else ever.

Twilight eyes snapped open; she halfway shot up as she woke up, only for her side to burn, resulting in her falling back down onto something soft as she was staring up at wooden beams of a room.

“Oh good you’re awake…” A voice said beside her.

Twilight head snapped over to see a butter colored pegasus with a pink mane wearing a cloak held together with a clasp with a symbol of a sun and moon.

Twilight blinked at it. “You're from the Church of the Two Sisters….”She said. “I didn't know there was a temple nearby…”

The mare shook her head. “There isn't ... .I'm on a pilgrimage…I was walking through the woods when I heard fighting ... ..when I went to see what was happening I found you and the other mare injured….”

“Dash! Is she okay?” Twilight asked, trying to sit up and hissing with the pain as she fell back.

“Shhh..she’s sleeping, don't wake her, she needs to rest before I can finish healing her…..you two were lucky….she had severe injuries and you did as well on top of the manticore poison….you've been asleep for a few hours….i treated the poison first and middle healing just to stop the bleeding on your other injuries but if you keep moving like that you're going to treat yourself open again.”

Twilight sighed in relief. “Alright……I’m twilight by the way.”

The mare bobbed her head. “Fluttershy, Cleric of the Two Sisters.” She said,

“Thank you…..without you…..”

The mare shook her head. “Don't think about it, it didn't happen so no need to dwell on it, just focus on resting.” She said,

Twilight looked around seeing the two beds in the room with a window, a wardrobe and nothing else. “Where are we? You temple?”

“No, as you said no temple here, we are at the Hopping Drake Inn in the town of Fairval, near where I found you two.” She said.

Twilight internally had her breath catch as she realized this mare brought them to a town where their posters most likely have been or will be distributed.

She tried to get up as they had to leave but a firm hoof went to her chest and forced her down with surprising strength as Fluttershy frowned at her. “If you keep doing that I will be forced to put you to sleep.” She said firmly.

Twilight laid back, the quiet mare clearly having more bite to her then her quiet voice would lead one to believe.

Twilight sighed and nodded, as long as she was here Twilight couldn't leave, and looking over at Dash she couldn't leave till the mare finished healing them anywhere as the pegasus was wrapped in bandages.

Seeing twilight wasn’t trying to get up anymore Fluttershy nodded in satisfaction removing her hoof. “Are you hungry? I didn't see any food with you…..oh…forgive me I went through your packs hoping for health potions or other useful items…..”

“It’s fine.” She said, “And yes…starving…..”

She nodded and went to a small table in the corner to get a plate of the food there. “Mr. Green let me have the food and room at a discount to help tend to you.” She explained as she came back. “So don't worry, eat as much as you want.”

Twilight nodded and started to eat, trying to be polite but her stomach felt like a void.

A groan from the other bed interrupted her gorging and she looked over to see Dash trying to sit up, only to be pushed back into the bed by Fluttershy who was by her bedside in an instant.

“Ooohhh ... .what dragon danced on me…” She asked.

“No dragon, just a manticore ... .you and twilight are lucky to be alive Dash.” Fluttershy said soothingly.

“How do you know my name….”Dash asked suspiciously.

“She called you that.” Fluttershy said stepping to the side so Dash could see Twilight who had a piece of bread halfway to her open mouth and looked like a deer in light spell.

“Well...glad to see you made it Egghead…..got any more of that food?” Dash asked prompting Fluttershy to get some of the food for her, While Twilight had tried to be polite Dash held no such inclination as she dove into the meal like a starving mare, which in a way she was.

As if a switch was flipped in Twilight seeing her doing it she abandoned all notion of politeness and dove in as well.

The meal was quickly gone and not even crumbs survived.

Both mares laid back in their beds and sighed contently as their stomachs no longer gnawed at them.

Fluttershy nodded and smiled. “Feel better?”

Both mares nodded, Dash going as far as to belch getting a glare from Twilight.

“What? It was good.” Dash said as she shrugged and wincing.

“Now then, if you two are up to it I'd like to do some more healing…if…that's okay…” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes...please..” Twilight said and Dash nodded.

Fluttershy smiled and closed her eyes, lips moving silently and when she opened her eyes they were filled with a golden light. “Mend flesh and knit bone, I call upon the divine light of Celestia to heal these two with your divine light.” She said and a warm golden light enveloped Dash and Twilight feeling like a warm summer day that settled where their injuries were.

The warmth was pleasant and the two mares did flinch as they felt their wounds start to close.

Before their wounds could fully close there was a commotion from outside the door, the sound of shouting voices and hooves and a crash Fluttershy to stop her channeling to look at the door a moment before it burst open as 5 ponies in armor with weapons drawn forced their way in.

“See boss, told you I saw them brought here, and look we got their coconspirator, bet we get more gold for her head too.” a unicorn stallion said smirking.

Fluttershy hid behind her mane. “I…I…um ... .hello?” She squeaked out.