The Dragon Extinction

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1. The Dragon Researcher
Chapter 2. The Dragon Whisperer
Chapter 3. The Dragon Sanctuary
Chapter 4. The Dragon Lightwarden

Prologue

My name is Star Swirl, I live in the great white city called Equinox and I carried this book with me while travelling around the Unicorn Kingdom and many other dangerous lands. throughout the ages some of the pages have faded or torn. I apologize for this. I also apologize for my plain writing style, I am not a writer after all.

The information I have recorded within here however, needs no apology. I made the effort to record my travels as I discovered facts and advice that every pony can depend upon in the future. I am proud to trust my discoveries in the hooves of King Bullion, this book was given to me by him, in which to write my findings about the missing dragons. He asked that upon my return from my journey and an official library copy had been made, the original should be given to his daughter and heir of the Unicorn Kingdom, Princess Platinum.

This journey was a great honor for me and a pleasure too. Princess Platinum and I rarely see each other now, sadly, I am encumbered with tasks from King Bullion on creating new spells. When we were young, we often spent time together, as the Head Wizard I was tasked with training the princess in various magic.

King Bullion's request of me presented many problems for other countries too, after all, when the dragons first started disappearing, the Pegasus Tribes were quick to accuse the Earth pony Tribes. The King predicts that unless the Unicorn Kingdom can make peace with the Earth ponies and the Pegasi, another war could be on the horizon. The King's head advisor, Faint Memory, had a solution that he refused to share with me; he requested that I write only in lead. It is true that the secrets held in this book could ruin entire empires overnight. Magical inscription or ink can not be reverted, however, Faint Memory is able to make 'changes' as he sees fit, in order to protect the other countries, should they discover the original findings in this book I have written.

It is for the best, it is very unlikely that Princess Platinum will be able to make any sense of my poor writing either. It is blurry shapes compared to the fine palace script that she is used to.

As you can see from my introduction, I agreed to take this journey, I had no choice. An opportunity to explore the kingdom and go in search of dragons? Any other pony would be mad to take on such a task. Everything I have learned on my journey led me back here, however I truly believe that the secrets contained within this book you are now reading should be shared. That is why before I complete my journey across the Unicorn Kingdom, I turned to my dear long life friend, Leather Binding. Page by page, he rewrote all of my findings. Nothing changed unless I requested it. And truth be told, there were a few small alterations to be made with every chapter.

Thanks to Leather Binding, this book is now a fitting gift for Princess Platinum, even with her recent disdain for reading. But I prey she will take to heart the importance of the secrets kept within, even if Princess Platinum never reads this book's full text, I'm sure she will enjoy the Poetry of the Dragon Tongue, taught to me by dragons themselves. They are unique to this book, as I am one of the only two living unicorns with the knowledge of the dragon language.

Princess Platinum is a very intelligent, thoughtful mare. I remember teaching her at a young age, I remember the word games and magic puzzles we enjoyed together. I'm sure she will show great interest in learning the secrets contained within this book's pages. She has a great destiny set in her future.

In faith,

Star Swirl
Head Wizard in the time of King Bullion.

Author's Note

July 13, 2024 - Revision
July 28, 2024 - Final Revision(cause I'm paranoid)

Chapter 1. The Dragon Researcher

KiNZON, KOD, ViiNG
YOL NUiLE
KOS DOVAH ROT.

When King Bullion first tasked me with this journey, my first thought was to decline. I was the High Mage of Equinox, not some prancing explorer. But my mind shortly changed that one faithful day.

I remember waking up, it was dawn. The previous day, the King's advisor Faint Memory informed me that the King requested an audience with, it was such an honor. I frantically paced around my chambers mentally searching my brain for what the King could possibly want from me, had I made a mistake or was it a social call? Suddenly there was a loud knock at the door. It felt like my heart stopped, I quickly looked at my reflection in my dressing mirror. I wouldn't call myself the most handsome stallion by far, like most Unicorns, my face was clean shaven and my coat of fur was a boring grey color that matched my very plain icy white mane and tail. My mark was a dead give-away of my name, it was a swirling pattern of stars and in the center was a large five-point star.

"Star Swirl? Are you ready to see the King?" I knew the voice straight away, it was Faint Memory.

I exhaled at my reflection one last time, "Yes head advisor, I am ready." I trotted over to the wooden door and opened it using the magic of my horn, a simple spell really.

"Excellent, his Highness is ready to see you, I will take you to him." he walked and I followed, he was taking me to the grand hall, where King Bullion spent most of his time sat on his throne. The palace was built by some of the best masonries from one of the larger Earth pony cities to the far south, a gift to the Unicorn Kingdom for providing the four seasons of the year. I'm sure in the future, a more grand palace will be built.

We soon arrived, the grand hall, there were ten guardsponies on each side of the long luxurious red carpet, lined up with spears. King Bullion sat on his immaculately wood carved throne, we approached, Faith Memory stood by the King's side as I kneeled.

"Rise Star Swirl," I did as I was told and rose. "I have a great task for you. If you accept this quest, stories of your heroism will be told for centuries to come."

"What is it you ask my King?" I asked him.

"I want you to find dragons." I couldn't believe it at the time, my mind instantly filled with questions and I needed answers.

"I'm sorry my King, did you say dragons?"

"Yes, Faint Memory has given me evidence to believe that dragons are dying out or maybe even being hunted to extinction. I know we have settled our quarrels with the dragon kin. However that does not explain their disappearance, I fear if the Pegasus and Earth Tribes discover this, they will likely blame each other or us." he stood and walked up to me. "That is why I want you to journey to the known breeding grounds, once you are there I want you to study the dragons and their behavior. It might explain just what is going on." he walked back to his throne, his horn glowed as he lifted a large wooden box to me.

It was carved out of the finest oak I had ever seen, the embossed jewels shined brightly. "I want you to take this," What was inside was even more valuable, a large book, it smelled of fresh parchment. "record all your findings in this book. I am asking you to do this because I fear by the time you return from your journey, my strength will have faded and my daughter, young as she is, will take my place on the throne."

"Don't wish yourself ill my King." I spoke.

"No, I don't. But I want my daughter to know of your findings regardless." he walked back to his throne and sat down. "When are you able to leave Star Swirl?" It was so sudden, I had to decide. Did I really want to go on this journey?

"I can leave tomorrow if you can organize the supplies I might need, equipment, rations and such." I said nervously. "I'll do a bit of research in the library during my downtime."

"Excellent! Faint Memory, please provide Star Swirl with anything he requests." he stood again and looked right at me. "Tonight we shall have a feast to celebrate your heroism, send out invitations to the royal guests." he barked to a nearby guard.

"Yes my King." The guardspony nodded his head and galloped away.

"And you! Find my daughter, I must talk with her." he yelled to another guard, then he turned back to me. "Star Swirl, do as you please until then, I will send my advisor to find you when it is time."

"Thank you my King." I bowed my head once more and took my leave.

That evening, I stood in front of my mirror just like I did that morning. I wasn't fussy about my appearance, but to dine with royalty was a rare privilege. I picked out a scarlet red bow-tie and slipped it on, that particular bow-tie was a gift given to me by Princess Platinum in celebration of me reaching the age of twenty. It is one of my favorites.

During the spare time I had left I decided to make and attempt to complete some spells I was working on, the spell in question was my own creation, I had started scripting it only five years prior to taking my journey and it is still far from completion. Suddenly there was I knock at my door, that could only Faint Memory I thought. Oh how wrong I was.

There she was, a mare with beautiful green eyes standing at my door. She wore a lovely purple velvet cloak. No guards in sight, which was an odd thing. "Princess Platinum?" I asked.

"Good evening Star Swirl." she said with a smile.

"Are the guests ready to arrive?" I asked her. She shifted in place, she looked uncomfortable, which was strange since we spent many hours together training magic most of her nineteen years of her life.

"Um... Actually no, I was wonderin- I mean, I wanted to know if you-" She wasn't just uncomfortable, she was shy, one of her many attractive traits.

"Is there something wrong Princess?" I asked.

"Star Swirl?" she paused again, "Would you do me the honor of escorting me to dinner!?" she shouted more than spoke. Naturally I was shocked, she wanted me to be her dinner date? A great honor I would never deny, of course I would accept her invitation.

"I would like that," I said as I stepped out of my chambers and closed the door behind myself. "shall we?"

She was strangely affectionate, still filled with a nervous mixture of fear and shyness I suspected. She pressed up against my side, her soft silky white fur was warm against mine.

A short time later we arrived at the grand dining hall, some unicorns had already arrived. The long table carved out of the finest wood held many plates of food as well as several dozen crystal glasses already filled with wine. The King had a great interest in anything to do with crystals and jewels given how rare they were.

When the Princess and myself arrived side by side, the room full of unicorn fell silent as they stared at us. I wasn't sure if I did something wrong or not. "Star Swirl, please come. Sit." the King spoke up from the very end of the table, "You too, my daughter." We walked up to him and I took my seat next to his left and the Princess sat to my left. "Would you like some wine friend?" he asked.

"Thank you my King." I replied politely. He clopped his hooves together and a servant was there instantly.

"King? Pssh... Bother not with the formalities. Just call me- uh- Hmmm, Okay King is appropriate I guess." he chuckled deeply. The servant unicorn poured wine into my crystal glass, I thanked him as he moved to pour the Princess her glass of wine. "I'm really proud of you Star Swirl, our country really needs this." he was quick to change the topic.

"Well, I'm not one for exploring. But I would do anything to help find what you seek my King."

"I hope so. To be the one to investigate this strange happening is an honor," he flared his horn and lifted his glass, "and our alliance with the dragons will surely strengthen. I'd be content to not have to resort to another war amongst ponies. " he chuckled lightly and took a deep drink of his wine.

It's fair to say that the dinner went successfully, we had many drinks and plenty of food too. A Unicorn played a harp low in the background as every pony socialized with each other, the king and I talked about my journey, while the princess only worried about my safety.

By that evening, I had returned to my sleeping quarters, belly full of food and feeling slightly intoxicated. I collapsed onto my bed, curled up and wrapped my quilt around myself to gather warmth. With what energy I had left I flared my horn and zapped the music box that was positioned on the night stand by my bed, the music box was not my creation, but my spell was. I designed the spell specifically to wake myself up when I needed. In the morning the music box would come to life and wake me up.

The next morning as the music box zapped into life and began playing it's melodic tune, warm rays of light peered into my room through the curtains. Right on time. I stretched and yawned as I shifted out of my bed. Today was the day, the day I leave the palace and start my journey. Who knows what I will encounter out there, I could meet powerful dragons! Or they could eat me in one quick gulp, but I'm willing to take on the risks this journey might hold for me.

And as if on cue, there was a knock at my door. "Just a moment!" I announced. After quickly searching my brain for anything I might have forgotten, I turned to the door and took one last look at what was my home for the last twenty-odd years. I dearly missed that room while I was on my journey, I still do to this day.

"Yes advisor?" I asked as I answered my door.

"High Mage, are you ready?" he said.

"As I will ever be," I looked back at my living quarters one last time. "lead the way." I said as I closed the door for the last time ever.

"Excellent, the King is waiting for you in his throne room."

We made haste and soon enough found ourselves inside the King's throne room, there he was, sitting as he did most of the time, his ever-beautiful daughter was by his side.

"Welcome Star Swirl, I expect you are ready?" he said.

"Yes King Bullion. Once I collect my supplies I can leave within the hour." It was starting to sink in now.

"Excellent my boy! Ponykind across all of Lumoria will thank you for your noble decision." he got up from where he sat and walked over to me. "Stay safe, my friend." he wrapped his hooves around me and hugged tightly.

"Thank you King Bullion." he stepped away and returned to his throne.

The princess approached me and brought forth a shimmering crystal amulet, she and her father always did have a strange fascination with crystals and jewels. "Star Swirl, I know your magic is of the highest level, but I want you to take this with you on your journey." she placed the amulet around my neck.

"It is enchanted with a dream spell, if you ever get homesick or just want to check if everything is safe here in the palace. All you have to do is drink from water that has been touched by the crystal, whatever or whoever you picture in your mind, you will visit in spirit when you next sleep."

"Remarkable." I replied, this was truly magic I had never seen before. The King was right when he said crystals had amazing magical properties. "How did you come across this?" I asked.

"Some secrets are best left a secret." The princess smiled and kissed me on the cheek, I couldn't help but blush slightly.

And so, there I was, standing on the outskirts of Equinox that evening with only my saddlebags full of supplies, this was it. No turning back now. I struggled to take that first step, I wished I could turn around and run back to the palace. But something inside me argued otherwise, before I knew it all my hooves started to move on their own and took a step forward and wouldn't stop.

To be continued.

Author's Note

August 2, 2024 - Revised

Chapter 2. The Dragon Whisperer

SHUL DiDRO
WUNDUN BEGiNNE
ALLiDRO SiiV

After a fair bit of travelling I stopped and looked back at the horizon. There it was, the silhouette of the mighty Silvermane Palace, my home. If I'm lucky I might see it again one day, although I suppose if you are reading this, then my mission had succeeded and I have made it safely back home to the city of Equinox to write my book, for that I am glad.

I retrieved my map from my satchel and checked how close I was to the town of Greenvale, my first destination and about halfway between Equinox and the Drakebark Forest breeding grounds. At my current speed, I should make it to Greenvale before the sun starts to set. Hopefully I can find lodgings at an Inn, if I don't make it there before it gets too dark, I always have my camping equipment but may not need it as Greenvale is known for its Nightlife scene.

Eventually the palace in the distance faded altogether and all I could see was the sparse forest in all directions now, the sun hung low and shadows from the tops of the trees began to cast on the path ahead. I picked up my pace as I did not fancy having to set up my tent in an area I was not familiar with, the task at hoof wandered in my mind. The King's worries mirrored that of my own, diplomacy-wise I didn't know how dragons would affect the Kingdom, but my journey ahead was filled with uncertainty no matter what I discovered.

Soon enough, I saw the twinkle of lit torches in the distance, this was it, I had found my way to Greenvale just as the sun had set. With a new energetic step in my canter, I made my way into town. There were hundreds of ponies walking around doing some late-night shopping, market stalls were set up on both sides of the main road that went through the middle of town. I would have to come back to Greenvale when time allowed, it looked like there were some pretty amazing items for sale.

"Excuse me, sir? Do you know where I can find an Inn to stay for the night?" I asked a grizzled merchant that was sat behind his market stall.

He shuffled forward and looked at me. "You're not from around here, are you?"

"Good guess. How did you know?" I replied.

"Just a feeling." he smirked as he sat back in his seat. "You've got some choices for staying the night, go further into town and stick to your left, you'll see a building with red roofing. That's the closest one."

"Thank you sir, enjoy your evening." I nodded my head.

"I'd enjoy it a lot more if I could sell some of this pottery." he cleared his throat. "Hoof-made."

My new hoof-made teacup and myself stepped through the door to the Inn with the red roof, it was a warm cozy tavern setup, some ponies were sitting at one of the tables drinking ale with empty plates in front of them and another table there were some stallions playing a game of cards. Behind the bar was a Pegasus using her wingtips to clean empty glasses with a drying cloth. She saw me approaching and set the cleaned glass down on the counter.

"What can I get'cha?" she asked cheerfully.

"Good evening, I just need a room for the night if you have any available." I said.

"Certainly do, it's five silver pieces for a night, eight pieces'll get'cha food and ale included with that."

"Very well, a one night stay and the food and drink included please." I flared my horn and floated a gold coin out of my coin pouch onto the counter between us, she swiped it away with the tip of her wing and dropped two silver pieces in it's place with her other wing. The coins clinked together as I floated them into my coin pouch.

"Alright sir, you'll be in room seven. it's up the staircase and left, down the corridor. Name?" she said as she lifted out a book and picked up a quill with her right wing.

"Star Swirl. Thank you, I appreciate that. Would it be okay to sit down here while I catch up on some writing?" I asked her.

"Yeah. No worries, pick anywhere to sit. Just let me know if you need anything." she smiled and scribbled into her book.

I walked over to a nearby table, sat down in a chair and placed my saddlebags next to me on the floor. I flared my horn and retrieved my map, 'plan ahead or not at all' Princess Platinum always said to me. My eyes darted around the map again like they had already done so many times before, maybe it was just myself being paranoid, but I thought there had to be some sort of pattern that everypony was missing. I now know that there was no such thing.

"Ha, read 'em and weep, colts. I win!" I heard another pony shout and looked over to the table where the four stallions were playing a hearty game of cards. The winner was a hooded Unicorn with a green coat and green mane that sported a yellow streak down the right side. His horn was glowing as his cards floated around. "I knew my luck would turn around eventually." The jackpot of winnings in the middle of the table glowed and moved towards the green Unicorn.

"Dang it, that's done me in. I was really hoping to sell that egg. There's supposed to be somepony who buys exotic stuff like this for a lot of gold." I saw the other three stallions each leave the table and exit the Inn, leaving just the two of us and the barpony remaining. My jaw just about dropped to the floor when I saw what the green Unicorn had won in his game of cards. There it was, atop a few inches of stacked copper and silver coins, a glittering jade green egg with bright gold diamond shapes scattered about it's surface. This pony had just won a dragon's egg.

In a game of cards.

I waited for the three other stallions to leave the Inn completely before I got out of my seat and walked over to the green Unicorn. "This is unbelievable. Excuse me young colt, do you know what you have there?" I pointed a hoof at the egg.

He chuckled and scooped up all the coins into his coin pouch. "Yeah, pretty cool, huh? I knew I had to save it."

"Save it?" I asked as I sat down at his table.

"Yeah, I've been following that guy most of the day. He was going to sell it to some shady pony, and the egg wanted my help." he replied.

"The egg asked you to help it?" I was a bit confused, at the time I maybe thought the colt was troubled in the mind.

"I don't know how, but this egg can talk to me, it's like I can hear it's voice in my mind." as if on cue, the egg he was holding began to glow. "Whoa. Not out the woods yet, I suppose."

"Is it speaking?" I asked. This was fascinating.

"It just said 'Please protect me'. You sound like you must be familiar with dragons. Have you seen glowing eggs before?" he said as he pulled down his brown hood with magic.

"Not really, I have studied dragons a little and am actually heading to one of the breeding grounds to investigate why they are disappearing. We know they are not dying, otherwise ponies all over would be finding their corpses." I said.

"Maybe they are just all hibernating?" he suggested.

"I doubt it's that simple, this pattern has only started to happed in the last 5 years, or at least that's what King Bullion's current notes say." I informed him.

"King Bullion? You've met the Unicorn King?" he sounded impressed at the idea that I was acquainted with the King.

"I actually live in Silvermane Palace and I'm the head magician. I would like to hold the egg for a moment. if it's okay?" I asked. The egg glowed again momentarily.

The Unicorn hesitated at first, but whatever the egg said must have reassured him as he floated the egg towards me and placed it down gently. I lit up my horn, closed my eyes and concentrated on the egg. Instantly I could feel it's magic, a flicker of power that was both ancient and new.

We had introduced ourselves to each other. Clover was his name and he was seventeen years old, both of his parents had died when he was just a colt, he taught himself just enough magic to survive on the streets. He had potential, talent that was raw and untamed, but undeniably present.

Over the next hour he told me his story of what led up to him coming into possession of the green and gold dragon egg. Discovering the egg and describing the telepathic communication he had experienced with it. I listened intently, nodding as Clover recounted the details of this Shady pony or ponies also interested in the egg. "Clover, you have to protect this egg." I sat forward. "It could very well be one of the last in existence if the reports I've read have any truth to them."

The egg glowed again and Clover nodded as he listened to it. "It says that I need to leave before 'The Order' come for it."

"The Order?" The name rang a bell, but I didn't remember where from. I floated one of my books out of my saddle bags and started flipping through its pages. "I think I've heard of that name before, let's see; Serpent Masters? No." I flipped through more pages. "The Acolytes of Zephyr? No, that's not it." I flipped through some more and finally landed on the page I was searching for. "Ah-ha! Here it is, I know I had heard it somewhere before, The Order of Adamant Scales."

"The Order of Adamant Scales?" Clover echoed, "That sounds menacing."

"There's not much information on them, according to tales told by other ponies. There was a group of renegade Unicorns that traveled to the far south near Mount Everhoof in search of something, but nopony has said what it was. It could have been just for their own land, or maybe something magical that they were after." I closed the book and floated it back into my satchel. "Did the egg say why The Order are after it? Is this Order in the town already?" I asked.

The egg glowed again, it was clear the egg could hear what I was saying, I just couldn't hear what it was saying when it lit up. "Hide." Clover said in haste.

The next moment, the door to the Inn slammed open and two ponies cloaked in dark green hoods walked in and over to Clover and myself. "Hand over the egg and nopony get's hurt!" one of them shouted at us. "You don't know the power you're dealing with."

Clover and myself stood up and backed away from our table, I saw Clover quickly slide the egg into his satchel. "How about the both of you leave and tell whoever sent you after the egg to mind their own business." I retorted. "We have no intention of ever giving this egg to you."

Both ponies lowered their hoods, the pony on the left was a Unicorn with a brown coat of fur and a scar that ran along his cheek. The pony on the left was also a Unicorn but with a coat of blue fur, she had a very thin face that looked like her skin stretched over bone.

"I'm afraid we can't do that." The scarred Unicorn sneered at us. His horn flared bright and whip made of magical energy began waving in the air coming closer to us. I concentrated my own horn and created a magical barrier to deflect it from reaching us. The whip made of energy lashed at my shield, I waited for an opening to retaliate with my own barrage of spells, when from out of nowhere I saw the barpony throw a glass bottle full of clear liquid at them. It smashed and the clear liquid within soaked both of the cloaks that hung around their necks.

"Hit 'em with fire Star Swirl!" The Pegasus shouted as she ducked behind the bar.

"Clover. Can you cast a fire spell? I have to hold this shield." I said.

"Of course." Clover replied. In an instant, a stream of fire shot out from the tip of his horn, landing on the two ponies. The flame caught and ignited the clear liquid that had soaked into their cloaks and the puddle on the tiles they stood. I heard them both start to scream and then they began to dance in place trying to extinguish the flames. After a moment the floating whip made of magic had faded.

"Okay, I think they have the point now." I said as I lowered my magic shield and it faded. I casted another spell and a stream of water splashed all over the two panicking Unicorns and extinguished the flames. "Alright, now I suggest you both leave town and tell whoever it is you work for not to bother us."

"Or any dragon eggs, for that matter." Clover added.

"You haven't seen the last of us. The Order will have the power of the jade dragon, it has been foretold!" the male Unicorn shouted dramatically as he and his cohort left the Inn and galloped into the darkness of night. I ran over to the door, bolted it closed and casted a lock spell on it so that it wouldn't open.

"Miss? You can come out now, they are gone." I turned to the bar and saw the Pegasus raise her head above the counter. "Very sorry about the floor, I'll have those scorch marks gone in a moment." I aimed my horn at the tile floor where the fire spread and zapped it, the scorch marks vanished.

"Thank you Star Swirl." she flapped her wings and hopped over the counter. "Who were those ponies?"

"I think they are from a cult of renegade mages called The Order of Adamant Scales. I'm not one hundred percent sure what they want with the dragon egg in Clover's possession, but if they are sending goons after it, then it must be pretty important. I promise both of us will be gone by the morning, we will bring no further worry to you or your Inn." I turned to Clover. "I suggest you and I travel together to the Drakebark Forest."

"The Drakebark Forest?" Clover repeated. "But that's where dragons live."

"I know. If any creature knows about dragon eggs it will be other dragons, I mentioned I was travelling there, I think my mission and this Order might be related somehow. I suggest you stay here tonight and in the morning, we can leave with the egg in safety when the sun has risen. I fear there are forces at work here that are far beyond what I know from my research. The Order of Adamant Scales might stop at nothing to possess that egg." I pointed a hoof at Clover's satchel.

"Okay, I understand." Clover said as he glanced nervously at the bolted door, half expecting the hooded Unicorns to return.

"Don't worry about the door, I've cast a locking spell, it won't open until morning when I cast the counter-spell."

Clover nodded with a mixed look of fear and excitement on his face.

"Miss. Would it be okay for Clover to stay in my room tonight?" I asked.

"Yes, not a problem. I'd feel safer having two Unicorns here in case those thugs return." she said.

Moments later Clover and myself were upstairs in my rented room. The day had been long and filled with unexpected dangers at the end of the night, but I was finally able to rest. Clover laid by the fireplace, the dragon egg nestled safely beside him. I lit my horn, placed my saddlebags on my bed, and lifted the crystal pendant that hung around my neck in front of me where it shimmered with ethereal light.

"What's that?" Clover asked with piqued curiosity.

"A gift from Princess Platinum, a very special and very rare crystal that allows me to visit somepony in spirit while I sleep. All I have to do is dip it into some water and then drink." I informed him.

Clover's eyes widened. "That sounds incredible. Are you going to use it to visit her in the palace?"

"I want to, but maybe another time." I paused as her beautiful face flashed into my mind. "For now, I need to find out what those goons are up to, I can use it to learn more information about The Order and their plans for the egg. Maybe even reveal if they are connected to the dragons disappearing."

There was a metal jug filled with water set out on the small table in my room, I walked over and poured myself a glass. I lifted the pedant with my magic and dipped it into the cup of water like a teabag, the water inside shimmered and glowed before returning to normal. I downed the entire glass of water and placed the pendant back around my neck, after organizing my satchel and setting them aside I laid down on my bed.

"See you in the morning, Clover." I said.

A sense of calm washed over me as I fell asleep almost instantly.

The dark nothingness of sleep slowly faded and swirled between different colors in front of me. I focused my mind on the scarred Unicorn from the attack earlier and my vision shimmered, I could see his blurred face but not where he was, there were muffled voices and light from lit torches that flickered on and off. I relaxed and focused again. Now I was able to see a much clearer picture of the scar faced pony and the environment around him, as if I was standing in the room with him, it was dark, dank room with stone walls lit by torches and possibly underground going by the walls which were covered in slime and moss.

"Brick! You foolish colt! That egg is crucial to my plans. I need it for the ritual!" a furious voice echoed.

"Please. Master. I beg you understand, it was a pair of Unicorns that interfered with our mission to obtain the egg." the scarred pony whimpered. "They are skilled mages."

"I was not prepared for this, I need to harness its power." The shrouded pony's green eyes glowed as they pierced through the darkness under the hood they were wearing. "In the morning, you and Picket will track down these mages and get that egg, kill them if you have to." he snarled. "And do not return until you have that egg!"

"Yes Master." Brick bowed and left the dimly lit room

The shrouded pony sat back in his chair. "Why did Star Swirl have to get involved in this? He underestimates the lengths that I am willing to go," he spoke to himself. "and just who in Tartarus is this Clover?"

Suddenly my vision blurred and turned dark, I awoke and my body darted upright. "He knows me." I said.

"What was that?" Clover woke and stretched. The fireplace he and the egg were laying next to had died down to a small hot glow. Bright sunlight peered in through a gap in the drawn curtains.

"The pony leading The Order knows who I am," I said to Clover as I got out of bed. "but it seemed as if he really knew who I was, as if we were old friends at some point."

"Did you see what he looked like?" Clover asked.

"No, he wore a hood, like the other members of The Order." I answered.

Clover and I ate our breakfast downstairs as I wrote in my journal. After we finished eating, we mapped out and prepared for our journey to Drakebark Forest, if we could just get to the breeding grounds where the dragons lived before The Order could accost us again, we might just save the life of the unhatched dragon in our possession.

To be continued.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading the newest chapter in over 10 years, I wanted to start writing again after I listened to a podcast, it was a Harry Potter fan fiction podcast of all things, called Harry Potter and The Boys. I've been playing a metric ton of dragon related videogames also. It got to a point were I was dreaming about writing chapters for this book. I was meaning to release this chapter on my birthday (september 4th), but I was reading it one last time before hitting publish and found a few mistakes that escaped me.

July 26, 2024 - Rough Draft Complete.
August 2, 2024 - Proof read & Revision.

Chapter 3. The Dragon Sanctuary

YOLOS LOK KRiiVAH
KENDOV MUL
BRUNiiK NAHGAHDiNOK LO

After I used the counterspell on the locked door to the Inn, I opened it and Clover and I stepped out. The air outside was crisp and cool, the light of dawn streamed through the buildings where it lit up parts of the cobblestone road. With Clover next to me and the dragon egg safely nestled in his satchel we set hoof out on our journey to the Drakebark Forest.

The cobblestone path that left town slowly turned into gravel and then dirt as we travelled further and further away from the town of Greenvale. It felt like a few hours of walking, but by mid-morning we had reached the outer tree line of the Drakebark Forest, this would be the point at which any sane pony of sound mind would stop and gallop back home.

But not us, we had a mission.

The path we were following didn't really go into the forest, it somewhat just stopped at the very edge of the tree line.

"Okay, this is it. There's probably no turning back from this Clover, we'll need to have each others back from here on out." I said as I looked at his face.

"It's okay Star Swirl. I knew what I signed up for when I agreed to this." he wiped his brow with a hoof.

About an hour or so passed as the both of us travelled side by side in silence through the forest, following my compass south. I didn't know the exact location of the dragon's nest within the forest itself, so I would stop occasionally to examine the area around us for any sign of activity that could lead us to what we sought. In truth, my survival skills are shocking.

During my next attempt to survey the land and trees around us, I could smell something different. The air was thicker and had a faint scent of smoke. I looked ahead and saw trees in front of us that were beginning to darken near the trunks, with one last deep inhale, I knew we had arrived at the dragon's nest. In urgency, I galloped ahead of Clover and reached the crest of the hill with darkened trees.

What I saw, I couldn't believe.

"Clover, you better come see this." I shouted down to him.

Clover sprang into a gallop and soon enough was standing next to me looking at the terrible sight before us. The ground was black with charcoal and ash, few trees remained standing although terribly burned at the base of their trunks. We left hoofprints behind as we ventured further into the center of the devastation before us, burned stone buildings and charred remains of dragons poked out from the ground

"Oh my goodness, this is terrible." Clover gasped.

My mind raced as I tried to piece together what transpired here, clearly there was some sort of fire, but fire was nothing new to dragons. If my research was correct, most, if not all dragons were immune to fire and all forms of magic.

"Indeed it is. Something isn't adding up. From what I've read, dragons are immune to fire due to their thick magical scales, I've read that some of them even bathe in volcanic lava. But then I look upon this and clearly a fire has ravished this dragon nest." I clopped at the ground beneath my hooves and revealed green grass under the thick layer of black ash. "The grass remains unharmed. Ordinary fire wasn't responsible for this, whatever happened here is something different."

We spent the next few minutes searching the area, I had learned that the charred area was a perfect circle, it was a controlled fire. I sparked up my horn and picked up a glittering ruby red dragon scale poking out from a layer of ash and inspected it.

"I think the dragons were defending themselves from something powerful." I shouted across to Clover.

"What's more powerful than a dragon?" Clover's expression was grim.

"I suspect it might have been The Order of the Adamant Scales." I thought back to my spiritual eavesdropping. "When I saw those goons in my sleep, their leader said he needed the jade egg for a ritual. I would bet a bag of gold pieces he may have come here looking for an egg for his twisted ritual." I let the ruby scale in my magical grip drop to the floor and I continued to search for clues, navigating through the charred land that was once a thriving dragon community.

"Star Swirl!" I heard Clover shout. "I found something."

I galloped over to him, kicking up black dust behind me.

"Look at this." Clover said as he tilted his horn toward a wall partially obscured by burnt debris. Unlike the rest of the scorched area, this section of wall seemed to be new as the day it was built and on its surface were intricate gold symbols I did not recognize. "Have you ever seen anything like this?" Clover asked.

"No, I've never seen symbols like this." I lit my horn and retrieved a book from my satchel and began flipping through pages, glancing at paragraphs.

"It's a language." Cover said.

I paused and looked at him. "A language? Are you sure? I don't know how a pony would pronounce these symbols."

Clover's body jerked and then he lit his horn. The egg in his satchel floated out and it pulsed with light, it was clear to me that the egg was speaking to Clover. I felt a strange sensation as the egg continued to glow, this was different than before, the egg was radiating warmth. Clover closed his eyes and the egg floated back into his satchel.

"Clover?" I said as suddenly; his eyes opened again and were no longer the normal shade of green. They were glowing the same golden color I just saw from the egg. "Did the egg say what the symbols are?"

He nodded at me as his glowing eyes slowly faded back to his original green. "It a secret language used by the dragons, if I speak the words written, a hidden passage will reveal itself."

"If you speak?" I didn't believe what he just said.

"VOD. BEX. FAHDON!" Clover spoke. The words he used were otherworldly, nothing like I've ever heard before. The ancient language of the dragons. Flat rocks that made up the wall began to grind against one another as they slid from the center outwards and revealed a hidden dark passage leading down into the ground.

"Just what in Tartarus was that?" I asked astounded.

"What do you mean? I just told the passage to open to its friends." he answered.

"Incredible. It sounded so draconian. I have to write this down, you may be the first in all ponykind to hold knowledge of the ancient language dragons use."

"Neat." Clover replied nonchalantly.

With only the light from our horns to guide us, the two of us descended deeper into the underground tunnel, the air around us cooled as we travelled deeper into the earth and rock. It was silent and the smell of dirt was strong, occasionally we would pass glowing fungi that oozed with blue sap.

"What do you think is down here?" said Clover.

"I don't know to be sure, but I'm hoping answers as to what happened up on the surface." I replied.

The passageway opened up into a vast cave with thousands more glowing mushrooms lightning up the walls. In the center of the cavern were slabs of stone arranged in a way that was not natural, they almost looked like the buildings on the surface. We turned off the light emanating from our horns and walked cautiously towards the center.

"HOKORON."

The both of us froze in out steps. "SLEN?" The voice sounded deep and grizzled, I lit my horn again in an effort to see what it was that just spoke. I turned around and my eyes widened, a massive dragon emerged from the darkness behind us. It's scales were deep blue like an ocean and it was easily four ponies tall, small puffs of smoke curled out of its nostrils as it lowered its head closer to us.

"Intruders..." the dragon's voice rumbled. "How did you discover our hidden sanctuary?" It demanded.

"We mean you no harm," I stammered. "we came to your flight's nest in search of answers about this dragon egg that speaks to my friend using thought." I gestured to Clover and he unclasped his satchel, revealing the shining egg within.

"Cheap tricks unicorn!" the dragon said. "You are spies! Allies of The Order who seeks to destroy us!"

"No. Please. We are not with The Order of Adamant Scales." I swallowed. "Are they the ones responsible for what happened on the surface?" I asked.

Clover took a cautious step forward and lifted the egg with magic towards the large dragon in front of us.

"REVAK GORAAN." Clover said.

"TiNVAAK DOVAH?" the dragon sounded impressed.

"Yes, ever since the egg spoke to me and showed me how to unlock the hidden entrance to this cave." Clover said.

"Incredible. Not even most of our younglings know the ancient language dragon speak." the Dragon said. It's gaze turned to the egg."

"We encountered members from The Order in Greenvale, they attacked us and tried to take the egg but we managed to scare them off for now. But they are still looking for us." I said to the dragon.

"Very well." the dragon's growled face softened. "If what you claim is true, then you need to speak with our leader. His name is Amethyst. My name is Kyanite."

"Thank you Kyanite for understanding. My name is Star Swirl, High Mage of Equinox." I gestured at Clover.

"My name is Clover, uh- the Streetwise Mage of Greenvale." he looked at me and winked. I facehoofed.

"'the Streetwise'? hahaha, that is very clever." the dragon chuckled.

"Sorry, I don't have a fancy title like Star Swirl, I'm just a colt who's learned how to be resourceful." Clover said.

"It matters not with titles. What matters is where your loyalties lie while this Order is still about." the dragon walked forwards past us towards the center of the cavern where the light from glowing mushroom was the brightest.

We both followed behind the dragon and kept quiet unless we were spoken to. After a few minutes of walking, we had reached near the center where the mushroom's light grew much larger. "the camp is still on high alert, so no sudden moves. Take out the egg." Kyanite said.

Clover obeyed and lifted the egg out of his satchel once more.

We walked and felt I felt a strange feeling of sand over my body that sunk into my coat. It was some sort of magical barrier, we were now inside a large chamber. A group of lounging dragons to our left gasped as they saw Clover and myself, we only made eye contact as we both followed Kyanite.

"Don't take any strange looks personally. Many of us had never seen unicorns before, until the attack on the surface that is." Kyanite said.

Finally, we reached the center when a larger dragon than Kyanite sat. It had shiny sparkling purple scales, this had to be Amethyst.

"Kyanite. Why do you bring ponies to our sanctuary?" his eyes regarded us with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

"Amethyst. These ponies are Star Swirl and Clover," Kyanite motioned to each of us "they claim to be friendly."

"Where did you get this egg green pony?" Amethyst demanded, looking at Clover.

"I rescued it from someone who was going to sell it, to The Order, we suspect." Clover said.

"Is that right? Many would say anything to gain my trust, but I must confess, you do have an intact dragon egg with you. You must be either desperate or incredibly naive to come seeking dragons." Amethyst shifted in place.

"The Order of Adamant Scales is responsible for the attack on the surface, their leader possess power that I have never seen before. Somehow, they managed to raise a dragon's corpse from a grave with dark necromancy. Then they used it as a weapon to attack us. If it weren't for our secret sanctuary underneath, out flight might have gone extinct." Amethyst said with sorrow.

"How long has this been happening? The Order attacking dragon flights, I mean." I asked.

"For us, we've always managed to hold our own against any attacks from wayward foes. But the unicorn who leads them, he was different, it wasn't just a dragon under his control, he was able to pierce our scales with magic I've never seen before." Amethyst said.

"So that answers why the dragon flights all over the country are dying out. The leader must be using dragon eggs in some sort of ritual to give himself power to kill dragons and then raise them." I said aloud.

"Clover the egg you carry is different, dragon eggs do not normally glow like this one," Kyanite said as he tapped the floating green egg with the tip of his talon. "And they certainly don't speak to ponies, or dragons for that matter."

"What should we do? The Order is desperate to have it and use it in their dark ritual." I asked.

"We can't let that happen." Clover said.

Amethyst grunted and began drawing in the dirt with a the tip of his wing. "That is a dragon egg of immense power, eggs such as this have not been laid in many generations of dragon kind. If this Order harnesses its ancient power, they could annihilate all of us with types of magic our scales are not immune to."

"So what do we do?" I asked again as Amethyst continued to draw lines and shapes.

"There is hope yet. There is a crystal lighthouse to the east, on the coast. Its keeper hoards ancient knowledge of dragons and magic." Amethyst stopped drawing and revealed a crudely drawn map in the dirt. "Kyanite. Will you fly them to the lighthouse? With your help, they could be there in a matter of hours and not have to travel for days."

Kyanite nodded to Amethyst. "I'd love a chance to truly stretch my wings."

"Farewell Star Swirl and Clover. Have a safe journey, I hope you find answers on how to stop The Order of Adamant Scales."

"Thank you Amethyst, your guidance of what we should do next has been invaluable." I said.

"I guess now you know what is happening to all the dragons Star Swirl." Clover said to me as we peered into the rays of sunlight at the sanctuary tunnel entrance. "What a terrible fate."

"I know Clover, if I get my hooves on his neck, I'll make him wish he had never cast a spell in his life." I was furious with the Order's leader.

"Bring him to me and I'll char him alive." grunted Kyanite as he stretched his wings high into the open air.

"Thank you for flying us Kyanite. I've actually always thought of creating a flying spell myself hilariously enough." I said.

Kyanite walked over to some foliage that the fire had not burned, picked up a long thick tree vine and tied a knot in it.

"So you don't fall off." he said as he threw it over his head and slid one arm through. "Climb onto my back and hold on tightly."

And so, Clover and myself shambled up and onto the scaly back of Kyanite and each grabbed the vine. I marveled at the smoothness of his blue scales and the warmth that they radiated.

The layer of ash around us blew away in a dark cloud as Kyanite beat his massive wings and launched us into the air, the ground below fell away rapidly, we soared up higher and higher into the open sky. I felt a rush of exhilaration take over my body, the wind whipped through my mane.

"This is incredible." I heard Clover shout with excitement.

"I don't think I like flying." I shouted back over the roaring wind. My heart was beating fast with a mix of fear and excitement, I had travelled by carriage pulled by Pegasi before, but nothing compared to the sensation of riding a dragon. The rush of air, the adrenaline pumping through my body. I looked down, I could no longer the desolated dragon ruins hidden inside the Drakebark forest as the landscape below us transformed into a combination of green fields and rocky cliffs.

I did not know how long it had been since we left the Drakebark forest, I was too afraid to let a single hoof go of the vine and check my watch stashed in my saddlebags, but the sun had moved quite a fair bit across the sky, before long I could see the vast east coast and the sparkling reflection of the sun on the water that stretched out across the horizon.

Kyanite's flying was a smooth journey, as we neared closer to the coastline he began to descend and before long I could see the lighthouse Amethyst had mentioned. Our destination shined with light, it was as if the entire building was one big pillar of light.

"Is that the lighthouse? It's so bright!" I shouted with excitement.

"Yes, the top is made of crystal. Legend says there are only five crystal lighthouses left in existence, but this is the only one my flight knows to be real." Kyanite replied.

We circled the crystal lighthouse gracefully before landing on a flat stretch of grass nearby, the lighthouse stood tall and proud on the jagged promontory of land, easily ten stories tall, and at the very top was the large crystal dome that was bright with warm light.

"And here we are." said Kyanite. He folded his wings and tilted his body for Clover and I to climb off.

"Thank you, Kyanite, I said with gratitude. "This has been and experience like no other, I'll never forget this."

"Hopefully when all of this danger is over, we can come visit you," Clover smiled and checked on the egg inside his satchel. "with good news. Haha."

Kyanite inclined his head. "I'd like that. It was a pleasure to meet the two of you, stay safe and protect that egg at all costs." with a final nod at us, he took to the sky once more.

I took a deep breath.

"Alright, Clover, let's see what we can uncover in this lighthouse."

To be continued.

Chapter 4. The Dragon Lightwarden

DEiN KLO DOVAH
KUN FUS SPAAN
VOKUL TAHROViN

"Alright, Clover, let's see what we can uncover in this lighthouse."

We stood before the imposing structure, I had seen lighthouses before, but nothing this tall or this extravagant. The stone wall on the side facing the ocean was weathered from years of exposure to the salty sea air.

"It's open." Clover said motioning to a tall wooden door that was cracked open.

"Be on your guard, with the Order on our tails, we can't be too careful." I said to him and stepped forward to the large heavy door and peered through the opening into a dimly lit room.

KNOCK! KNOCK! I knocked on the door with a hoof and it echoed throughout the room as it swung open on it's hinges. The room inside was a welcoming, a stark contrast to the rocky cliff and roaring ocean outside, there was a fireplace in the center of the room that crackle with life, comfortable looking armchairs sat nearby with a stack of books left on a small table beside it.

"The smell is intoxicating." I said as I inhaled the scent of parchment mixed with salty sea air.

"Fire. Where do you think the keeper is?" Clover asked.

"I'm not sure, whoever they are, they sure do enjoy reading."

I walked over to a corner where table cluttered with seas shells and polished stones, it was plain to me the lighthouse keeper was a collector. Above the table was a map of the coastline with far off islands marked with notes and symbols of the sun and the moon.

"Welcome!"

I jumped in fright and then turned around to see who had spoke. It was a bespectacled dragon with gleaming orange scales, two ponies tall.

"You're a dragon?" I said.

She looked herself over. "Last time I scoped it out, for sure." she chuckled.

"I apologize, when Amethyst said we should come here, I had no idea the lighthouse keeper would be another dragon." I said sheepishly.

"Yo, name's Jasper, but you can call me the Warden of the lighthouse. A lightwarden if you will." she said.

"And I am Star Swirl," I bowed my head, "High Mage of Equinox. Clover and I are here for information on necromantic rituals we think might be in your possession. A dragon named Amethyst said you might be able to help us out."

"Necromancy!?" her eyes widened.

"For a good cause." Clover interjected.

Jasper looked at Clover and her expression softened when she saw that Clover's satchel was glowing.

"Equinox, huh? Radical, I've always wanted to visit the great white city to the north." she replied. "And you found that egg in Equinox?"

"No, I found it in Greenvale." Clover realized the egg was glowing and flared his horn to retrieve it. "I think somepony was trying to sell it to a group called The Order of Adamant Scales, we think they are using necromancy to kill and then raise dragons as living corpses."

"I think I know why Amethyst sent you here. I've totally done lots of research on magic in the last forty years." she winked at Clover. "Come upstairs, I think I have a book that might elaborate on necromancy. "This lighthouse has stood for centuries, way before dragons or ponies set hoof here, I am its keeper, I'm also guarding the epic knowledge stashed here."

Jasper walked towards the spiral staircase with her tail swaying behind her and began to climb the steps that were smooth from centuries of use, Clover and I followed her, I ran my hoof across the metal railing, it was polished like a mirror that I could see my face in, every few steps a lantern with a small flickering flame dancing inside hung above.

"And this is the seventh floor, the library." Jasper said cheerfully.

Clover and I were exhausted from the climb and Jasper had already talked my ears off during it, we knew the lighthouse was tall, but I didn't think there would be so many floors.

"Oh wow, I've never seen so many books." Clover said in awe.

The seventh floor was the lighthouse's library, and it was a big one. There were tall bookshelves on every wall filled with countless books, volumes, and scrolls. A mighty treasure trove of knowledge that might outclass the Silverman Palace library I spent so many countless hours in.

"You mentioned some sort of cult is using necromancy," Jasper motioned for us to sit down at a large wooden table in the middle of the room that held several open books and a map of the coast. "sit down for a spell and I'll get the book that might have some helpful information."

"Are you looking for something, Jasper?" I looked at the map.

"Sort of. I'm currently researching Alicorn magic, I know it's connected to the sun and the moon." she grabbed two books off a shelf and walked over to another shelf to grab a third book. "Have you heard of Skyros?"

"Skyros? Only as myth, a tale to tell foals." I replied.

Jasper walked back over, sat down at the table with us and placed the three books down.

"I think Skyros is real and I think it's located somewhere far to the east, across the ocean." she opened a book and started reading. "Don't worry, I'll explain everything I've read."

"Unicorns posses innate magic, their horns draw on the power of the vast and timeless cosmos. They are skilled in vision and truth and are generally regarded as the most intelligent pony species. Some Unicorns are capable of reading the stars to predict the future and tap into the infinite knowledge of the universe to create and weave their own spells."

"Have you ever created a spell Star Swirl?" Jasper asked.

"I have, quite a few in fact." I replied.

"Righteous." she held out her fist to me, expectantly. I don't know why.

"I knew we Unicorns were powerful when it came to magic, but I didn't realize it was on a cosmic scale." Clover added.

"Eh... kind of. It's more a cosmos within your own mind. Your brain is a muscle, the more you exercise it, the more powerful it becomes." Jasper said. I didn't want to correct her in saying the brain is actually an organ, so I let her continue reading. "Okay. Pegasus magic is up next, don't worry, we'll get to necromancy soon enough."

"Pegasus magic draws on the vast open skies, the energy and movement of the wind. The Pegasi are proud, they are fast in the sky and at times a little hot-headed, but they are also clever and caring. The magic they hold is different from that of a Unicorn or Earth pony, they can harness it to control clouds, and ride the currents of the wind using their wings."

"Do dragons have the same magic as the Pegasi do? You can fly." I asked Jasper after she finished reading.

"I've never seen a dragon explicitly use magic of any type, but I have my suspicions." Jasper said and turned to a new page. "Our scales protect us from fire, magic, and even lava. Okay, here we go, Earth and Sea ponies."

"Earth ponies draw their magic from the energy of the land itself. They are easy-going, care-free ponies, sometimes stubborn but they care deeply about the history and natural balance of the world. Many Earth ponies are skillful in farming the land by encouraging plant life to grow, they are grounded in stability and make excellent builders."

"It's no secret that Earth ponies have a strong bond with nature." Clover said.

"Speak for yourself, I've met the leader of the Earth pony tribe, Chancellor Puddinghead is very— eccentric."

"Puddinghead?" Jasper looked amused.

"He's a good pony at heart, if a bit of an oddball, he was well known the the guards at the palace for barking at trees." I said.

"Haha, no kidding?" Jasper laughed. "Okay, I think this part is particularly fascinating."

Sea ponies are often misunderstood creatures and thought to be monsters hiding in the depths of the ocean, this is simply untrue, they are reclusive and seldom interact with surface ponies. Sea ponies have a strong awareness of their surroundings due to them being able to sense the currents and tides with unparalleled ease. They posses the power of transformation using a type of primal magic that draws on the power of the tides and the depths of the seas.

I saw Cover's eyes sparkle with curiosity.

"Sea ponies sound amazing, I've never met one, maybe one day they will reintegrate." he said.

"It's possible." Jasper said bluntly as she closed the book and reached for a second, I looked out of the window and saw the setting sun. "Alright, Alicorns next, there's two left, well technically three if you include necromancy."

"The long forgotten Alicorns of Skyros use the gift of magic provided by the energy of the sun and the moon. Alicorn magic can draw on the spirit of the moon, Alicorns connected to the moon are private and secretive, often preferring to work in the shadows. They have a natural aptitude for stealth, trickery, and concealment. Their magic can mask their presence, create illusions, and even influence dreams."

"Sun is the counterpart to moon. It draws from the heat of the sun. Alicorns born with a connection to the sun are often intense and charismatic, with a natural ability to lead. They can harness the power of the sun to create blinding light, generate heat, and inspire those around them. Their presence alone can be invigorating, filling allies with renewed strength and courage."

I looked over to the window and saw the sun beginning to set.

"Jasper, it's beginning to be late, I would love nothing more than to hear it all, just tell us about necromancy." I said to her.

"There is a century worth of information and theories on Alicorns here." she lifted the book to face towards me , there was an image of two Alicorns, one silver with its wings spread wide under a crescent moon and another with gold.

"Alicorns have never been seen, all of ponykind believes they died out eons ago." I said.

"Well, I think they are closer than anypony thinks, I have a theory they use their Alicorn magic to hide themselves, and that's why nopony has ever been able to find Skyros." Jasper said. "But we'll discuss that another time. You're here for necromancy." she said as she picked up the third book from the table.

"Millenia ago, a powerful and skilled Unicorn named Nachtar Elderguard once ruled Lumoria, he went insane after performing a ritual to make himself a god among Unicorns. Using necromancy and the heart of an ancient dragon, he absorbed its power and infused himself with a dark and twisted form of Unicorn magic. It steals the lifeforce of other creatures, and at its most extreme, necromancy is capable of resurrecting ponies."

"May I?" I asked to see the book and Jasper handed it to me with her claw.

Every page was full of information on necromantic spells and rituals. It was fascinating.

"Jasper would it be okay if Clover and I stayed at the lighthouse tonight? I'd like to read more about necromancy to better understand on how to stop The Order." I asked and placed the book down.

"Not a problem, Star Swirl, I have a guest room on the fifth floor. But first, I insist you both join me for dinner, I make a pretty gnarly baked potato." she said as we all began walking down the word spiral staircase. "The secret ingredient is dragon fire."

Four Months Later

Clover and I stayed at Jasper's crystal lighthouse for far longer than we had planned, days turned into a week and weeks turned into months. The lighthouse had become a sanctuary for Clover and myself, I was able to delve deep into my research. Everyday, every book that I had read, I was closer to finding a solution to stopping The Order of Adamant Scales' careless use of necromancy. My understanding of magic grew more profound with each passing day.

Clover is eighteen now, he has found a rhythm in his new lifestyle, no longer a homeless colt prowling the streets of Greenvale for his next meal. The dragon egg he carries is a constant source of wonder and mystery to us all, even with Jasper's knowledge of dragon clutches, we still don't have a single iota of when the egg will hatch, if at all.

With most of my days spent in the lighthouse library with my research, Clover spends his time helping Jasper with her Lightwarden duties, sometimes they would disappear for hours while out exploring the cliffs and beaches surrounding the lighthouse. The three of us had formed a bond of friendship over the months, although he is still young, Clover was a formidable spell caster, and despite her strange use of words not in my Equish vocabulary, it was nice to speak about the intellectual side of spell casting with Jasper, she has even agreed to teach me how to speak some words in the ancient dragon language.

The best thing about being at the lighthouse is the fact that I can get mail delivered here. Once a week, there is a Pegasus mail pony that comes to the lighthouse to collect Jasper's reports, his name is Comet Flash and he comes all they way from Pegasopolis to the east of Lumoria. I convinced him to make a stop at Equinox so I could write a letter to King Bullion about my discoveries so far and an incident report of what happened to the Drakebark breeding ground. It was a success as the next time I saw Comet, he had two letters for me, one from King Bullion and one from Princess Platinum.

Star Swirl

I hope this letter finds you well, Equinox remains ever watchful and much has changed since your departure. Father speaks often to me about your quest and I have heard whispers among the guardsponies. The path you trot is filled with peril and I cannot help but feel a deep concern for your safety.

I suppose it is rather silly of me to think such things, you are unparalleled in skill. Please, Star Swirl, take care of yourself and the young ward you have taken on. The kingdom needs you, but more importantly, so do all of us.

May the stars guide you back to me.

Yours, Princess Platinum.

I put my snout to the parchment and inhaled deeply, it still smelled of her, the perfume she wore everyday, she knew I liked the scent.

"Star Swirl! You have to check this out!" I heard Clover's voice shout and the sound of hooves rapidly clip-clopping on the staircase behind me. I reached over the table, stashed the letter from Princess Platinum away in my saddlebag and pretended to be writing something with a quill.

"What is it, Clover?" I asked.

He reached the top step and trotted over to me in haste. Held in the grasp of his magic was folded fabric.

"What's this? Something wash up on the beach again?" I asked.

"Jasper and I found it." he flipped it over and revealed the cloak, it was the same dark green cloak as the Unicorns that attacked us back in Greenvale. "You recognize it, don't you? I bet they've been spying on us."

"Where's Jasper?" I asked.

"She's flying around in the sky, looking for anything out of the ordinary." Clover said.

My brow furrowed and a chill ran down my spine, this cloak unmistakably belonged to somepony from The Order.

"Clover, The Order of Adamant Scales is coming, I don't know when, but it's clear to me they know our location." before I could continued, a gust of wind rushed though the open window as Jasper swooped in.

"I saw them. There are five Unicorns, one of them is riding the bones of a dead dragon! If they don't stop to rest tonight, they'll be here by morning" Jasper said

Clover's eyes widened. "What do we do?"

My mind was racing, I began running scenarios in my mind of our next action, the past few months have been so peaceful and tranquil. "We have to prepare for what is to come, I think I have a counter spell for the dragon, but they are coming for the egg, we must put its safety above all else."

Jasper nodded, "I can try to hold them off." her expression was fierce.

"No!" I shouted, "Sorry, what I mean to say is- you can't hold them off Jasper. While the Unicorn's spells might not be able to harm you, that dragon will be." I said calmly.

Outside, the light began to shift as the sun lowered. The three of us exchanged determined looks, ready to protect the egg and protect each other from the approaching threat of The Order of Adamant Scales.

To be continued.

Author's Note

Nov 29 2024 - last proof read before publish. (and I bet I've missed something, I always do)