Cold. The snow, vast and white across the hills, chilled my hooves. The wind was strong and whipped my muzzle as I continued up the hill. Why had The Master given me these orders? What could I possibly find in some deserted old shack on the top of a desolate hill? Still, he had told me to go there and pick up a package. A "Dead Drop" he called it. I finally reached the summit, and opened the shack door. Large cracks decorated the walls, the winter wind sneaking through. A small box, engraved with the symbol of the order, lay in the center of the shack. It was instantly recognizable. Its ornate craftsmanship, and an engraved picture of a horseshoe with a crescent moon in the center told me that it was the dead drop. I hoofed it open, and examined the contents. Inside was a small metal token and a note. I quickly grabbed the small trinket and looked it over. It was the Assassin's Order symbol, with a small clip on the back so it could stick to my saddlebags. I attached it to my outfit, and then grabbed the note:
"Good job, Midnight Shadow. You have successfully retrieved the dead drop. I am proud to see such a courageous initiate finally become a full-fledged assassin. Furthermore, You will now have to fulfill contracts, and help fight the Templars. But first, you have an important task. The Templars are a strong force, large in numbers and influence, and to defeat them you will need one of the most important things:Friends. I have recently received information that a certain buccaneer named "Bronze Cannon" was spotted at an inn called "The Winters Peak Pub" in Ponyville. He may be a little rough around the edges, but he's a brave warrior and a trustworthy companion. Find him, and convince him to assist him in your task. More information later."
Friends? Why would I need friends? I was always a loner with the other initiates, always sticking to myself. If I was really in need of any assistance, wouldn't I know it myself? Either way, Master gave me an order, and I had to obey. Ponyville was only a days trot from here. I would set off immediately.
