The Marrow of the Spirit Book One: Ashes Against the Grain

The cool, night air brushed against his exposed face, while he sat on a bench facing one of the strangest buildings he ever seen in his life. Sugarcube Corner, they called; a place filled with sweets and all manners of goodies. The building, itself, looked edible. Yet, to Agalloch, not very tasty looking. He never really cared for sweets, and that's all that seemed to be in the party that was inside the building across from him. A party....He still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that the town threw him and Cherry a welcoming party.

He thought that he would be shunned by his appearance (most Equestrian ponies were not very trusting to creatures outside their species, especially ones that were seen rarely by them) at the most, or mildly avoided at the least, and for the most part, some of the ponies at the party avoided him to an extent. But, a majority of them openly greeted him and his sister in friendly conversation, asking him about his life before the "tragedy" (or so he called it) that befell the two siblings, even about where he came from, what his home village was like.

For once, things felt normal, like he was at home celebrating one of Snowhoof's festivals, where there would be food, drink, laughter and mirth. Goddess, he missed Arkon, his old life, his friends. He sighed at the negative thoughts that infiltrated his brain. He shouldn't be sad now. There's a party going on in full swing, in his honor, no less, and he felt that he should enjoy himself, if not for tonight, at least.

He had already made the acquaintance of several ponies already, one of them being a slightly over bearing unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle. She had asked a question after question after  question, and it not only annoyed Agalloch, but began to upset him, as well.  Luckily, though, she sensed his discomfort, and put her one on one questionnaire on a hiatus, proceeding, instead, to introduce her to her friends. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie (the mayor was right about her) and lastly, the pegasus that had hugged him and Cherry, Rainbow Dash. He had noticed her staring at him at various times throughout the party, and at first it really unnerved him. He hated being staring at, almost as much as he hated the Minotauri. But after awhile, he had grown used to it when he noticed she wasn't staring at him in disgust or maliciously, but with intrigue and curiosity. He caught her eye once, and attempted to smile before she quickly turned her head, blushing faintly. He had a feeling that he would be seeing more of her later tonight.

But in all, those six were so different from each other, he couldn't really understand how they could all be the best of friends. Then again, Gryden and him had strikingly different personalities, Gryden being brash and brave, while Agalloch being more clam, and significantly more humble that his counterpart. The two friends balanced each other finely, and when they tackled a problem or opponent together, very few stood a chance.  Gryden, I wonder if he's still alive right now......

"Nice night, huh?"

Agalloch stirred from his thoughts, and turned to the voice that had in interrupted him. On his right stood a large, dark green earth pony, with a choppy brown mane and tail. He curiously looked over Agalloch, awaiting a reply from him.

"Yeah, I guess it is." Agalloch leaned back into the bench, sighing loudly while turning his gaze to the night sky.

"Is this seat taken?" asked the pony, motioning towards the spot next to Agalloch.

"Nah," he replied "be my guest if you want to sit down."

"Thanks, lad," the brown pony said "I wouldn't expect any less manners from an Arkonian Ranger."

What? Agalloch sat straight up and whirled around to face the pony next to him.

"H-How did you know what I am?! Who are you?!" he exclaimed. Suspicions began to flow through his mind on who this pony was. Was it a Minotauri assassin sent here to finish off the last of the order? An agent sent from the Prince to deal punishment for abandoning Arkon? He could be a number of things that could harm him or Cherry, who was safe and sound inside enjoying the fun the party. Or was she safe? Agalloch had already began to unsheathe his sword when the pony spoke again.

"Easy, lad," the pony said, soothingly "I ain't your enemy. There's no need for that blade o' yours." He motioned to the long sword that was now fully drawn, and it's wielder now standing up right.

"If you' re not my enemy, than who are you," Agalloch retorted.

The stallion hopped off the bench, slowly and carefully, before bowing his head slightly and saying:

"The name's Hawthorne, Hawthorne Gates, at your service. It's a great honor to make the acquaintance of one of Steele's children, though I haven't introduced myself to your little sister yet."

Agalloch began to lower his sword slightly at the sound of the familiar name.

"Steele....You...you know my father?" he asked with slight hesitation. The stallion nodded his head in agreement.

"Yes, lad, I knew Bright Steele a long while ago, before you came along. And I know who you are, Agalloch Alcest Ja'Kruil Steele, Wilder-Land Ranger of Arkon. Please, let me tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Bright Steele was a good stallion, and it hurts to know that he fell in such a barbaric way."

"You know how he died? How?! How do you know that?! How do you know him?!"

"Keep it down, boy!" Hawthorne hissed "lest prying ears hear us. Come, let's take a quick stroll and I'll tell you what you want to know. I might have an offer that would possibly intrigue you." The stallion stared at the Ranger, awaiting his response.

"And why can't we talk here?" Agalloch asked.

"The nature of our discussion is rather....sensitive...if you get my meaning. And I'm sure, you wouldn't want others knowing what you are, judging by how you are constantly avoiding subjects about your previous occupation and homeland. All though many in this town don't know, there's many a pony in Equestria that is familiar with ol' Arkon, lad. Me being one of them. But no more talking here. Come, walk with me, and I'll explain some rather.... interesting things." With that, Hawthorne turned and walked into the dark.

Agalloch's common sense told him that this was to shady, that something must be wrong, but something else inside told him that he could trust his stallion. So, sheathing his sword, he turned on his heel and followed the stallion as they made their way into the dark streets of Ponyville, while a silent figure followed close behind in the shadows.

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"Jeez, Dash, stare any longer, your eyes will fall out."

"Huh, what?" Dash gave her head a quick shake while her friends giggled at her expense.

She stared daggers at them before reaching out to the cold mug of cider before her and downing it with a gulp.

"Oh, can it you guys. I wasn't staring at 'em."

"Ah believe that you were, sugracube." And she was.

The whole party so far, she had watched them, watched him. And she couldn't help it either. Something about his foreign, dangerous looking appearance, yet meek and humble manner when confronted by others at the party intrigued her. She knew by the look of him that he was no simple villager; the sword and clothing he wore was a dead giveaway. Maybe he was soldier, or a mercenary. Maybe even an assassin, for with the black cloak, he surely looked the part. She wanted to know more about him, to see what he looked like without the cloak, but, for some reason, she felt nervous about talking to him. She still didn't know why she had hugged him earlier today, why she felt so nervous around this creature, and that pissed her off. She's Rainbow Bucking Dash, fastest pegasus in Equestria, whose afraid of nothing and nopony, so why should be afraid to ask him a few things.

She knew he was hiding something. Throughout the party, he would avoid answering questions pertaining to what his job was, what kingdom he hailed from (he would simple reply that he's from the Far North), and most importantly, what tragedy befell his homeland. His actions so far seemed sketchy, yet, he felt....safe....to be around. This Agalloch was a mystery wrapped an enigma, which Dash would uncover. Though, she had to admit, he had very lovely eyes.....

"Uh, Dash, your, um, staring again."

"Whose a what now?" She replied, turning back to her friends, who gave her curious looks.

"Why don't you just go over thar an' talk to that feller, RD?" Applejack asked, "Ya seem to be starin' at 'em nonstop, anyhow."

"I-I don't know what you're talking about, but I wasn't staring at him!" Dash shouted a little to highly, causing several ponies in the area to cast glances at their table before resuming their business. Dash chuckled nervously, while her friends shook their heads.

"Yes, you were staring, Rainbow Dash," Twilight chimed in, "I know he seems, um, interesting, but you won't find out much if you just sit here and watch him. Goo over there and talk to him."

"I doubt he would want to talk," Dash grumbled in reply, "you saw how uncomfortable he seemed when you tried to ask him things. And  what if he's dangerous, and annoying him with questions just makes him go berserk or somethin'? THAT, I don't want to be responsible for."

"Well, that surely didn't stop you from hugging him earlier, darling," Rarity said with a sly smile.

Dash blushed in response, a scowl adorning her face.

"It was a moment of weakness, okay? I just felt sorry for him, is all. And here you guys go making a big deal about nothin"

"Don't look now, but he's staring right at you, Dashie!" Pinkie exclaimed, why pointing a hoof towards the figure in the far corner.

"REALLY?!" She exclaimed, once again, a little too loudly.

Dash quickly turned her head, and met the amber of eyes of Agalloch for the briefest of moments, before turning  away and blushing again. Agalloch cocked his head to the side, before arising from his seat. Once again, her friends giggled at her expense.

"How many times am I going to have to tell you girls to shut up today!?"

"As many times as you keep starin' at that Agalloch feller, RD" snickered Applejack.

Dash pouted, before resuming her vigil over the strange creature.

She noticed Agalloch address his little sister, sharing quiet words, before shuffling outside. A few minutes later, she noticed the local woodspony, Hawthorne, or whatever his name was, follow him right out the door as well. Very suspicious. She turned to friends once more.

"Hey guys, I'm, uh, gonna go outside and get some air."

"Don't take too long, darling, it's dreadfully cold out there."

Dash nodded in reply, while her friends engaged in a discussion of their own. One thing she also noticed that night was that that Hawthorne fella also was keeping an eye on the pair of siblings. Something was up, and she was going to find out. So, she quickly trotted out the door, catching the two just in time to see them leave towards Ponyville park. Once again, very suspicious indeed.

Dash, staying in the shadows, followed the two, in hopes of getting answers of her own. Safe feeling or not, she had to know if this creature could be trusted, or if there was a bipedal danger in her town.

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The snow crunched under his boots as Agalloch kept pace with Hawthorne. Their journey was silent, as the two wandered through the dark. From what he could see around him, Agalloch was sure he was in a park, judging by the amount of trees, benches, and the frost covered jungle gym that lay in the moonlight.

Another thing he could tell was that he was being followed. He caught glimpses from the corner of his eyes now and then of a what he knew was a mare. And not just any mare, but the rainbow haired one from earlier. He had to give it to her, for she was rather stealthy at times, and Agalloch was trained to detect even the most stealthiest of beasts or foes, but, even he had lost her a few times so far. But, he knew she was there, which at least made him feel comfortable that his senses and skill were still present.

Once again, his commonsense was telling him to lose or her something, to protect his secrets from eavesdroppers, but something about her made her feel.....trustworthy. He couldn't explain it, which annoyed him greatly, but like his trust in Hawthorne, he allowed some small benefit out the doubt. Maybe letting her follow them would put her curious mind at ease, and show that the folk here had nothing to fear by his presence. He would let her follow them. For now, at least.

"This here seem's  like a good spot," Hawthorne finally spoke up. Agalloch turned his attention away from their sneaky companion to the stallion at his left.

"Yeah, I think I'm about ready to here this explanation of yours, Mr. Gates."

"Hawthorne'll do, lad. And before I begin, I gotta tell you, this won't be a short story, but I'll tell it as quick as I can before we freeze to death out here."

Agalloch agreed with nod of his head.

"Please, Hawthorne, start from the beginning."

And, taking a deep breath, Hawthorne began his tale.

"You see lad, about 20 years back, when I was a much younger stallion, my family and I once called the kingdom of Arkon our home. I was born there, and, at the time, presumed that I would die there, with sons and daughters to take on my name and the family legacy. We lived in the northern town of Dawn, if you ever heard of it."

"Yeah, I've been there several times before. It was a beautiful town."

"Aye, that it was. The trees there grew large and tall, and the way the morning sun rose over the snow capped mountains and pines, well, it was no wonder the town was named such. Our family our woodcutters by trade, and for five generations it had been so. Well, until my brother became a blacksmith by trade, of course."

"Wait, your last name is Gates.....you're brother is Iron Gates, isn't he?! He was the Rangers weapon smith!" Agalloch exclaimed with wonder.

Hawthorne chuckled deeply, while nodding his head.

"Yes lad, I'm related to the very same. I was there the day he forged that sword that you wear. In his opinion, it was the finest that he had ever made, and gave it two a stallion of equal worth to it."

"My father........."

"The very same. I met your father through my brother, for I supplied most of the wood he used to craft swords with wooden hilts, or the shafts of spears or axes, or any manner of weapon that involved the finally cut timber, and your father wished to meet the providers of the source. He couldn't have come to expect out wares on a better day, too, for on that day, that stallion saved my life."

That had got Agalloch's attention.

"My father saved your life?"

Hawthorne nodded once more.

"Yes, indeed he did, lad. You see, the day that he came, I was nervous as nervous could be, and wasn't paying to much mind to my surroundings. I was stressed out, checking all the wares, making sure all the workers were busy doing what had to be done, that I didn't hear the cries of 'timber!' or the sound of the tree falling until it was too late, and one of the biggest pines in the grove toppled over and crashed onto my back legs."

Agalloch visibly cringed at that, and couldn't help but turn to look at the hind legs of the stallion.

"Don't worry none about that, lad,"Hawthorne said,"those wounds healed a long time ago. But, as I was saying, this mighty tree came down, and pinned most of my hind legs down to the ground. The three workers that were in the area rushed to my side to inspect my injuries, and immediately ran off to seek help, while I lay pressed against the forest floor. And that's when I saw it. It had to be the most evil looking wolf I had ever laid eyes upon, with fur mangy and black as midnight, and with eyes that seemed to hold all the horrors of hell. At that moment, I knew that my life was over. This foul creature, that looked as if it crawled forth from the mouth of Gaul's Underworld, would surely kill me any minute. I saw it lunge, and awaited for the anguish of death to take hold of me, yet, I didn't feel anything. Instead, I heard a yelp and a howl that would rattle the bones of the bravest creature, and heard a loud thud as if bag of flour had hit the ground. I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw as that sword, help by magic and stained with blood, before shifting my gaze to the corpse of the dead wolf. And who was holding that sword, but the Grand Master, himself, his cloak swaying in the cold afternoon breeze, standing before me. He sheathed his sword, told me that everything would be alright, that he was here to help. And I trusted him completely. The next thing I remembered was waking up in the hospital, with my family all around me, huggin' and cryin', even that oaf of a brother was there, too, but standin' in the doorway was ol' Bright Steele. And never have I seen a more gentle, yet commanding smile on any creature's face before or sense."

By this time, Agalloch was sitting on the cold snow, enthralled by the stallion's story. He had heard many tales about his father's heroics and deeds, but to hear them from the mouth of someone he had saved was absolutely awe inspiring. He felt pride well up in his heart for being his son, and a tear escaped his eye, with a smile on his face.

"After that day, I promised your father a debt a gratitude for the preservation of my life. He would always tell me that I owed him nothing, that it was his duty to help and serve, but no matter what he said, I promised that if ever he or his kin needed me or my help, that I would show them the same kindness that he had shown me, which he humbly accepted. Well, the years went by, and the Minotaurs came nearer and nearer, pushing ever closer to the northern borders, which made me and family very nervous. When they finally attacked, and had destroyed the city just north of us-"

"Yeah, I remember when they destroyed Palingar. It was a magnificent city, full of-uh, um, oh, sorry, uh, continue, please"

"As I was sayin', after they destroyed Palingar, we knew that nothin' but trouble would follow. So, we packed up our things, and traveled to the Griffin Empire, and took the Great Southern Road to Equestria. None to soon either, for three days after we left, those bastards attacked Dawn, and razed it to the ground before building a fort there, named Rwake. We lived in Baltimare for about year, before moving here to Ponyville, and we've been here for the past three years, making a living and trying to rebuild what we lost. Don't get me wrong, this town is a wonderful town, full of the kindest folk, but Dawn will always be our true home, and nothing could ever replace the memories he had, or the lives that were lost. Steele, the King, the Rangers, even my brother didn't make it out. But, that's all past now, and the only way we should look is forward, not behind."

"I'm sorry, Hawthorne."

"Don't be sorry about whats happened, lad."

"Not that. I'm sorry for pulling my sword out on you earlier. You're a good stallion as well, and you have no idea how grateful I was to hear what you told me."

Agalloch extended his hand to the pony before him.

"Let me formally introduce myself, as a friend. Agalloch Alcest Ja' Kruil Steele, Principality Rank of the Wilder-Land Ranger's, at your service."

Hawthorne shook his hand with a smile, before speaking again.

"Now, about the offer I had in mind...."

"Oh yeah, I forgot you mentioned that."

"Hahahah, great attention span you have, eh lad? Ahem, anyway, I still hold to my promise that I made to your father, which compels me to ask, do you have a place stay here, bits to spend, ETC?"

Agalloch was about to speak before his mind went completely blank. He was so hellbent on getting Cherry to safety, that he didn't once think about shelter for the two of them. He could always scavenge from the wilderness and build an adequate shelter in the woods, but the point of coming here was to give Cherry a NORMAL life, not making them seem stranger than they already were.

"No, Hawthorne, I don't have anywhere to live, or money to buy things with."

"And have you talked with anypony about employment?"

".................no."

Hawthorne chuckled his deep chuckle before continuing.

"Well, to honor an old promise, me and the missus have a place towards the edge of Ponyville by the Everfree forest where we are starting another logging business. Since two of the kids have moved out, we have two extra rooms ready, effin' you and your sister want a roof over your heads. And, as for a job, you can help me with the wood cutting, and I'll pay you a fair wage. How does that sound?"

Agalloch was speechless. This had to have been one of the kindest things any creature had ever done for him. He was touched by this this stallions generosity, and willingness to settle an old debt. How could he refuse such a gift.

"If you will have me and my sister, Hawthorne, than we would be honored to stay with you."

"That's what I like to here, lad. Now come, let's get back to the party so we could gather your sister and my family and introduce each other. Before you ask, I have already run this offer by the missus, and she is fine with it as much as I am. Now let's go!"

With that, Hawthorne led the way back to the warmth of the party, a large smile upon his face. Agalloch, though, held back for moment. He turned to the shadows to his right and spoke.

"I know that you're there."

He was greeted with a small, yet audible gasp. Shaking his head slightly, he spoke again in a calm and soothing tone

"Please, keep what you heard a secret, and I'll tell you more another time, Miss Dash."

Adjusting his hood, he followed Hawthorne back to the warm festivities of the party, his spirits higher than they have been in ages, while a rainbow maned pegasus stood in the dark, watching him leave, processing what she had heard, before  making her own way to the sounds of the party from Sugarcube Corner.