Mirror of the Moon

The winds of the heavy ocean pummeled the small wooden ship. Twisting and weaving, the waves harassing any chance of a peaceful voyage. The lone stallion aboard the ship doing his utter best to keep the ship afloat and heading straight. He had long since missed the icebergs of the North Luna Ocean, and the tremendous whirlpools the energy of the north wreaked upon him.

Charcoal Flame leapt up onto the mast and used his hoof to shield his eyes He was still some ways from land, but the cloudy darkness only increased his heart rate. He gazed down at his compass that had guided him this far. He practically threw it into his darkened robe and held tight, if the storm was to take him it would have to take the entire ship too.

“Princess Luna, guide me.” He said as he watched the horizon.

A glimmer of sunlight seemed to pierce the clouds. The long awaited sight appearing before his eyes. The ocean was ending, land had come. Luna Bay stood dead ahead, virtually unchanged from the ancient records he carried with him. A large bay opened up with forests and wooden docks, vessels moored belonging to the inhabitants, whoever they turned out to be.

He had come this far now, there was no turning back. He jumped down to the cold moist deck, his hooves splashing in the salty water of the ocean. The clouds began to clear. Finally safe. He reached for his silver blade and slid it into its sheath.

“Celestia, your end has come.” He said as his ship slowly inched toward shore.

Luna Bay was likely Equestria’s largest and most prosperous western ports. The wooden sail ships of countless colours were positioned here, alongside fishing vessels of other races that gathered from further east. The large expanse of water acted as a large natural harbour that protected most of the vessels from the rougher seas that existed this far north.

His own ship was smaller than most here and had taken moderate damage from the more heavier waves. Fortunately it was no longer needed, as he slowly came to a stop close enough to the dock, his horn glowed, a plank was lifted and inserted into place. His robed form easily crossed until his hooves stomped onto the wood of the port.

“You there.” A simple but gruff voice of an earth pony reached his ears.

Charcoal Flame contorted his head sideways, his eyes snapping to lock with the pony that was drawing his attention.
The earth pony was brown in colour with a tinge of blue on his mane, and a moustache that curled upwards. Judging by his cutie mark being an anchor, he assumed he was the harbour master.

“Greetings, I am Water Froth.” The stallion said reaching out a hoof in kindness.

Charcoal stood firm and defensive in the face of Celestia’s minion. “I have come from across the sea, that is all I expect you to know.”

The stallion pulled back his hoof as his face changed to one of annoyance. “You’re new here, this is Equestria.”

“I know where I am.” Charcoal informed him.

“Yes well, mind telling me which kingdom you are from? Let me guess, Griffonstone?” Water Froth appeared to be making a joke.

Charcoal sighed. “I am from a location that has not had communications with Equestria in a very long time.”

Water Froth raised an eyebrow. “Well in that case, perhaps you would like me to contact Canterlot?”

“Canterlot?” Charcoal asked, unfamiliar with the name.

“The capital?” Water Froth’s expression was one of surprise. “Surely you’ve heard of it.”

“Perhaps you could supply me with a map?” Charcoal kindly suggested.

“It would be my pleasure.” Water Froth said trotting off.

Charcoal Flame smirked, it seemed Equestria was going to be far more easier to infiltrate than he had ever hoped. The only difficulty, he knew, was going to be in ending the Sun Princess’s reign. He tapped the blade still tied to his body and followed after Water Froth.

“Here is the map you asked for.” Water Froth said passing over a map of Equestria and other nearby lands.

Charcoal examined it with the mental memory of his own map. What had once been a simple settlement known as Canterlot Mountain had now transformed into a clear and obvious new capital.

“The settlement is located on the mountain?” Charcoal asked curious as to what else the pony could tell him.

“More or less, perched about halfway up.” Water Froth replied. “It’s kind of a big deal to travel there.”

Charcoal grumbled and rolled the parchment up in his hooves carefully. “Thank you, you have been a big help.”

“If you are on your way to Canterlot, I’d suggest stopping by Tall Tale first, it will have all the supplies you might need for land travel, plus it’s pretty much the closest settlement.” Water Froth’s suggestions seemed intent on being helpful in nature.

“I will be on my way.” Charcoal said turning to leave the vicinity of the port,

“By the way.” Water Froth said holding up a hoof. “Your ship appears damaged, I can probably patch her up, for a price.”

Charcoal looked over at his ship. “I cannot currently pay you, but if you do the job, I will see to it that you are rewarded for your services.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” Water Froth said stern and serious,

Charcoal’s exit from Luna Bay was an interesting one. His observations told him that most ponies journeying to the harbour did so via vessel as opposed to walking the roads. It made sense logistically, since the majority were either traders or explorers, the road was slightly more unkempt, full of holes and the few groups of travellers he did pass appeared to be likely from the more local villages.

Charcoal eyed the community carefully, mostly earth ponies pulling wagons. Back at home much had been done likewise to ensure each type of pony were accomplished. The unicorns naturally formed the upper echelons, though the pegasi made for formidable warriors.

He began to approach the large town referred to as Tall Tale on his map. It was a well built population centre with tall chimneys bellowing smoke into the air as the sun fell. The cobbled streets were full of most,y earth ponies who appeared to be a mixture of farmers and miners. Many ponies began pulling out oil lanterns, the glimmers of light shining under the street lights,

Charcoal Flame surveyed around but it was difficult to get s good grasp of the town’s services after dark. He considered pushing onward but decided against it. He instead trotted toward a large building that appeared very old, made of thick stone and with a large wooden vacant sign outside,

He moved up the steps and opened the door, the room was extravagant with damask wallpaper on the walls and a large candle chandelier hanging from the ceiling. He approached the front counter and moved his hoof to a small bell sitting atop it,

A loud ding could then be heard echoing off of the red walls and then the silence returned, this time only far more noticeable. A stirring noise could then be heard as an older female earth pony with large black glasses shifted toward him.

“May I assist you?” The green pony with a red mane asked.

“”Am I correct in understanding that this building’s purpose is for accomodation?” Charcoal asked.

“That it is, will you require a room?” The pony asked.

“I will.” Charcoal spoke to the point,

“That will be twenty bits for tonight.” The mare said placing a log book down and opening it up to the day’s page.

Charcoal thought for a moment his options. “I do not possess bits, but tell me, is this an acceptable alternative?”

Charcoal opened a pouch and pulled from it a much older silver coin with a face of Princess Luna imprinted on the back. The coin itself he was most aware would be worth quite a bit for its pure weight in precious metal.

The pony’s eyes glazed over in amazement. “Which room would you like?”

The aged mare carried a key and an oil lantern with her up the stairs and along a long corridor before stopping at room sixteen. The door creaked open to reveal a simple yet old fashioned room, much like downstairs except with a bed and a bathroom included.

“This is for you.” The pony said handing him.a second brass key for coming and going.

“I hope that you enjoy your stay.” The pony said before closing the door and leaving him in the dark.

Charcoal Flame’s horn glowed as the candles on his own chandelier ignited, as well as the oil lantern on the desk. He then walked up to the window and looked out at the town below. He knew now that he was in the heart of enemy territory, he needed to get some rest from his long journey, but he wondered if he could sleep at all.