Book 1: Blackened Stars
Prologue
Two thousand years ago, when Discord, the Lord of Chaos, began his conquest over the kingdom of Equestria he created five generals from the twisted shadows of the Everfree to lead his vast army of primordial beasts.
The first he created was Talick, an enormous living ruby with the ability to change its form into that of an eagle, pony, wolf, or eel.
Second was Landis, a humanoid feline with the horns of a ram, spines of a porcupine down her back, the rear legs of a horse, and an eel like tail. She controlled vegetation and could rot anything she touched with her massive spear.
Next was Gale Force, a living cloud of ash and smoke that commonly took the form of a phoenix with the legs of a lion. He could turn things around him to ash and absorb anything he touches.
Terra Firma was the next to emerge from the shadows. He was a goblin with control over fire and the ability to turn into an alicorn look alike. His alicorn form was a green pony with vines for a tail and mane and wings of dust. His second form gave him control over the earth.
Last was Daluic, the leader of Discord’s generals. He had a human torso and giant horns curling over his head. From the waist down he was a monstrous black bull. He was covered in grey tribal markings and wielded a massive pole axe that could turn into a scythe. He had the power to manipulate the dreams of others and cause pain to anything he touched.
After finishing his work Discord set his army against Equestria. The princesses of the land and their forces fought valiantly but were soon defeated and Discord ruled the land in utter chaos for a thousand years.
Discord grew lax in his rule after a thousand years in power. He had suppressed every rebellion yet, but when they all fought back in a massive uprising, the returning princesses leading them, he knew his rule would not last.
Discord gathered his generals and sealed them deep within the forest from which they were formed and headed towards his final battle.
“After reclaiming their kingdom, the sisters discovered the relic in which the five were sealed and made me a guardian over it,” the shadowy alicorn continued. “And placed wards over the obelisk to prevent their return.”
“And then you scattered the gems they used to seal it so they couldn’t be found by anyone but you,” the small foal in front of the shade finished.
“That is correct Click,” she said while bending down to fix the cloak covering Click’s insect-like wings. “Come now little one. It is time for you to sleep.”
“Yes Lady Umbra.”
The two trotted towards the hut at the edge of the meadow. Just as they reached the entrance the ground underneath them shook. Suddenly a loud crack was heard followed by deep, resonating laughter. Umbra quickly spun around. The large black pillar in the center of their clearing was pulsing with a green light. Four shadowy figures stood around the base of the obelisk. When they noticed the alicorn they fled into the dark forest surrounding them.
Umbra stood looking at the towering mass of black stone covered in runes and glyphs. Her mind at a loss for words said the first thing that came to it. “Oh ****.”