Chapters Quest for the Crown of Saddle Arabia
“Nairad...” A voice called out to the sleeping Pegasus from the edges of his mind. “Nairad, rise… Go…” Her sweet, soothing voice echoed in his thoughts. “Get up Nairad, you can do it! Save me… Save me before its too late!” The once pleasant voice changed so abruptly that his heart jumped and he was forcefully awakened.
“Ugh.” The young colt groaned as he shook his head. “Same dream, different day I guess.” While the dream and its meaning did worried Nairad tremendously, he knew that he had other things that needed his attention today, greater and more wonderful things to distract him and dazzle him all at once. He threw off the covers and trotted over to his bathroom where he straightened his mane with his hoof… Well, at least attempted to. Nairad spent the next few minutes tidying up his house, eating his breakfast, and rearranging his saddle bag for his trip to the capital.
Nairad hadn’t been this excited since his first trip to Canterlot two summers ago. And he loved the magic he had seen during his stay there. Of course he browsed through the exotic shops and partook of the delicacies that Canterlot had to offer, but he was much more interested in the Great Library. Nairad loved to read and study, he would even write from time to time. And though nothing he ever wrote had been published, he still enjoyed it nonetheless. And in the Magical Archives of that library where he met who would soon be the most important pony in his young life.
Nairad placed his hoof on the poster above his dresser and smiled. “Princess Luna…” Warmth filled his heart as he thought of the promise Luna to him in the archives. Her promise to take him under her wing and to teach me all she knows. Most ponies would have seen me as a lost cause. A Pegasus with a love of magic was not only unusual, but completely illogical. Very few Non-Unicorns had any magical aptitude at all. But, the Princess saw something in Nairad. She saw potential. And today was the day that he would go on his first field test for her.
With a smile on his face, Nairad darted out of the front door. The dry, warm air of the Saddle Arabian autumn breezed through his light brown feathers as he took flight. The sand and bits of grit brushed through his black and red mane making his skin tingle. Nairad rose higher into the sky, above the dusty air and felt the full warm glow of the sun on his wings. He stretched them out further and glided higher and higher into the midday sky where he could see only a fraction of the great expanse of the desert below. He did spins, flips and dives as he enjoyed the wonderful gift of flight. The sweet warm air filled his lungs and warmed his body. He was both figuratively and quite possibly literally on top of the world.
Then, on the horizon, Nairad saw the sight he would never get used to seeing. The beautiful city of Flyadh came into view. Teeming with life, purpose and opportunity the bustling city had been the capital of Saddle Arabia for only a century. And though he knew it would always be there, Nairad could help but remember that this would be his last day here. After getting his assignment from Princess Luna, he was to complete it and report promptly to Canterlot. He flew in low for a landing and came to a stop in front of the Palace of the Kings. He admired the statues which adorned its gate of the Founding Kings Four, standing guard to forever protect the citizens of Saddle Arabia. Shaduf, the King of the North, brought the water from the sea to refresh the land. Aanduf, the King of the West, brought forth cool breezes to refresh the our hearts and soothe us. Farnaduf, The King of the South, brought brought for the mighty expanse of sand and the wall of sand to protect us from dangers in the desert. And Grennduf, the King of the East, brought us magic and knowledge from Princess Celestia herself. The Founding Kings Four have long been gone but still protect all of Saddle Arabia. They are still the only rulers of these lands, even in absense. Nopony else felt worthy enough to take up the throne.
He wondered from time to time whatever happened to the Founding Kings Four. The Flyadh library was limited on what happened after the building of Saddle Arabia, no doubt due to the buildings lost to the great storms. But, Nairad couldn’t focus on that now. He needed to devote all of his focus on the regal Princess of the Night that waited for him inside. With that, he trotted up the stairs anxious to greet his new mentor and friend. He galloped through the halls of the immense Palace, eager to get his assignment.
Nairad soon found himself flat on his back, having bumped into somepony in his haste. "Oh, sorry about that. I didn't see you there! I'm so sorry..." The purple maned filly got to her hooves and pulled on her saddle pack. "Oh, it's alright. I'm in a bit of a rush too. I figured no one would be on this side of the palace. I'm about to be late as it is..." Nairad's blood went cold. His mind froze. He couldn't think. Couldn't process what he was experiencing. He spoke in a barely audible whisper, "You... Your voice..."
Quest for the Crown of Saddle Arabia
The violet mare frantically picked up her things and pulled on her saddlebag. She hadn't heard Nairad's soft exclamation, but she couldn't help but notice his distressed stare. She smiled at him nervously. "Hi, my name's Twilight Sparkle", she spoke softly as not to frighten him, "What's your name?"
Nairad took a few deep breaths to calm himself before he answered. "I'm Nairad Strider of Flyadh. It's... A pleasure to meet you..."
Twilight's grinned warmed. As she spotted something familiar on the glossy marbled tile a few feet away. "Umm, is that 'Conjurations and Illusions VII' by Starswirl The Bearded?! I've been looking for this volume for years! May I see it?"
He couldn't deny the adorable little mare's request and nodded his consent. Twilight Sparkle pulled the book to her with magic and excitedly started to read. Nairad, seeing this as an opportunity to escape his waking nightmare, backed away slowly and rose from the ground silently. "Well, I'll see you around Ms. Sparkle..."
She took her eyes off the book long enough to see him fly up the corridor. "Wait!" With a sparkle she teleported in front of him and once again they collided. Nairad crashed into one of the stone pillars that adorned the hall and his saddlebag exploded. His books, scrolls, and notes went every which way and before he could recover from his impact Twilight was already apologizing.
"I'm so sorry!" She spoke in a hushed soothing tone. "I just wanted to... I'm-" He put his hoof on her muzzle. "What are you even doing on this side of the palace? No one goes to the west wing!" Twilight looked struck and answered in a whisper, "I was told to come here. Princess Celestia told me t-" He cut her off again, this time with curiosity not anger. "Princess Celestia? As in the Celestia, Celestia..? The sister of Princess Luna?"
Twilight's sadness abated to her own curiosity. "Yes? Why?" Nairad shook his head, picked up his things, and turned his back to her. "It doesn't matter." He started his gallop away from her but she quickly trotted to his side.
Twilight walked beside him for a minute before speaking again. "I really am sorry about bumping into you... Twice." He didn't respond. The walked in silence for a bit longer and she tried again. "So... You don't have a cutie m-" She stopped herself before she finished, figuring it must have been a sensitive topic. To Nairad though, it wasn't. He stopped caring about getting his cutie mark years ago. He always figured that if he got it, it wasn't going to change who he was so why care so much.
"Don't you have to meet Celestia or whatever..." Nairad was getting nervous having her around him. He knew she was the mare from his dream, though he never actually saw her in them. Her voice was unmistakable. He remembered the urgency in her pleas and shut his eyes against the flood of emotions he felt in them. Fear. Pain. Confusion. And something more...
Twilight stopped at the hallway crossing, where she heard the sound of hoofsteps. A smile spread across her face. As her mentor and her little sister came into view. "Princess Luna! Princess Celestia!" The two princesses approached with such grace and regality that it was impossible to mistake their role in life of Equine. Celestia spoke first. "It's wonderful to see you again Twilight. How is my favorite student?" She then looked to Nairad who stared slack jaw at the exchange. He thought to himself,'No. No. No. No.... She can't be THAT Twilight Sparkle! The Element of Magic!'
Celestia greeted him with a smile. "And who is this young stallion?" Nairad snapped back to reality and bowed his head low. "I am Nairad Strider of Mlahdi... Well, the far out skirts of it. On the western edge across the Great Expanse your highness." He remained bowed.
Celestia looked from him to her student and back to him. "And what bring you to the west wing? Its not a place traveled often young one." Nairad was about to answer but Princess Luna cut in. "Actually, i requested him that he meet us here." Twilight and Celestia raised their eyebrows in surprise. Neither had known of Nairad's existence, let alone his friendship with Luna. She stepped in front of Nairad and put her wing over his shoulders. "'Tis our student. Thou heart is strong and thou potential great. We believe this one is more than capable to accompany Twilight Sparkle on her assignment."
Nairad bow his head low and whispered quietly. "My princess... You speak so kind of me. I won't let you down..." Celestia smiled at the two young ponies. "Well, my littles ponies, I'm sure you are wondering why you're here. So, let us begin."
Quest for the Crown of Saddle Arabia
Nairad and Twilight exchanged nervous glances as the green and blue illusionary light show disappeared. There was a long pause after the matter was explained but Twilight was the first to speak. "Umm, Princess isn't this a little... Dangerous?" Now, it was Luna and Celestia's turn to be worried. They knew the task was daunting but the reward was too great.
Nairad remained silent as the Princess of the Night spoke, listening intently to his new mentor. "We understand the danger. But, we believe that thou two are more than capable of handling this matter. Inquiry of this source of magical power is of the greatest importance."
Twilight was still very weary of h- their new assignment. A trek across the Great Expanse to discover the source of an unknown and very powerful magical source was more than she could handle. She knew little to nothing about Saddle Arabia and Nairad wasn't a unicorn.
Nairad cleared his throat and after a lot of thinking he decided that now was the time to speak. "Celestia, Princess Luna, I need to know something..." Both Princess were surprised by the seriousness of his voice. Celestia ruffled her feathers, obviously uncomfortable with his casual use of her name. "Well, what do you need to know?"
Nairad reached into his saddlebag and retrieved the book "Artifactuals and Relics of Reality" and a map of Saddle Arabia. The book was small and crudely written. Twilight read the title and laughed. "Hahaha, who wrote this?" Nairad huffed. "I did. It's a collection of notes based in research I've done over the past few years. And I think based on what the princesses have said my dear Ms. Sparkle, I know exactly what we are looking for and where we are going."
Luna smiled, proud of her astute student. Celestia nodded in approval. Even Twilight was impressed. Nairad unrolled the map and picked up a pencil with his mouth. On the map, the city of Flyadh was shown towards the north of Saddle Arabia with its south, west, and east sides bordered by the sands of the Great Expanse. In the desert area, Nairad circled already crossed out two locations. Nairad explained. "I have been looking for an... artifact of times past. Hidden somewhere in Saddle Arabia... Hopefully." He took a deep breath. "It's called the Crown of Dyranaf."
Celestia nostrils flared for a second. "The Crown of Dyranaf? I have not heard of such a thing. Sister?" Luna shook her head. "Nor have we sister. Please, Nairad, continue. Tell us more of what thou speak of." Nairad turned in his book and then turned his attention to his saddlebag again. He pulled out another book. The title was simple and to the point, "Founding Kings Four." Nairad turned to each of the kings and pointed to a different location on the map. He explained, "The kings were never left Saddle Arabia. Not there spirits. Legends say that they passed on from our realm and that their spirits remained here. They protect us to this day and they always will."
He paused again, letting the information sink in. And out of respect for the lives of the kings. He flipped the map over and instead of showing terrain and geological landmarks, it showed magic. Pulsations of magic in varying intensity. Twilight examined the map in awe, careful not to let a single detail escape her notice. Her face practically glowed in amazement. "How did you do this? I thought only Unicorns were could feel magic!"
Nairad dipped his head low. Luna couldn't help but take notice in him. She thought quietly to herself. 'He hadn't done this to impress us. He just wanted to inform us of his discovery. Nairad, there's something more to you. We can feel it.'
After letting the redness drain from his face he answered. "Before I could even fly I felt it. Magic has always been a part of my life. I dreamed of the chance to finally know what it feels like to use it." His volume dropped to a whisper. "I would dream I could... That i had the ability every Unicorn has. Then, I would wake up." Silence filled the room. Nairad cleared his throat and swallowed sadness.
"But, that's not what you asked. I've flown over the Great Expanse. I've been to the two temple that are marked off on the map. They contained nothing." Nairad pointed to a section in the east that was bare of magic and looked to Celestia. "Here. Is this where the magic is coming from?" She nodded and conjured up her own map.
They laid side by side on the table and the four ponies were amazed by the comparison. The area that was empty of magic on Nairad's map seemed to pulse with magic on Celestia's. Nairad smiled. "That's it. That's where the Crown of Dyranaf is. The once hidden Temple of the East King!"
Twilight's face changed, as did everypony else. The one pony here that couldn't use magic had just revealed to them the location one of the greatest magical relic since the Elements of Harmony.
Celestia glanced over to her little sister to gauge her reaction to this new and... Shocking information. But, Luna just beamed in excitement and trotted over to Nairad. Sje wrapped her front legs around him and wrapped her wings around him. "We are so proud of your discovery Nairad!" She quickly realized what she had done and released him. With a cough she lowered her voice to one that fit her royal status. "Umm. Well done student. Well done indeed."
Twilight shook her head in confusion. "Wait. Sure we know where it is and what it is. But, shouldn't we know what it does too!?" Her voice was on the edge of panic despite herself. She was happy for her new friend but the brilliant white blip of Celestia's conjured map concerned her. Nairad gave her a smile and said in a matter of fact way. "Well my dear. You know what they say. 'You only live once!'"
Quest for the Crown of Saddle Arabia
Part 03: A Bizzare Agora Trip
The princesses then dismissed Twilight and Nairad, trusting them to find the crown and bring it back to Canterlot for safe keeping. Nairad put up a fight against that, saying that it belonged to Saddle Arabia and should in the Flyadh Museum. Luna assured him that it would still be a part of Saddle Arabia but that it would be less likely to fall into the wrong hands. And after a while he finally consented.
The dark orange Pegasus and the violet Unicorn walked the markets of the city of Flyadh shopping for supplies for the long trip ahead. And because he knew the land and its produce better, Twilight let him pick out her food. The last thing she wanted to do was embarrass herself in front of this... Very impressive Pegasus.
She excused herself from his side, darted into a shadowy alleyway and pulled herself. "He is Luna's assistant!" She half screamed to herself. "He's a jerk! And he was so rude to Princess Celestia!" She felt heat rising within her. "But he's so passionate... His love of magic is contagious! And the way he speaks... So much fire!" Her breathing got heavy. She was still getting used to the Saddle Arabian heat. She slid off her saddlebag and pulled out her cantine.
Twilight took a swig of cool water from her bottle leaned back against the wall and gazed out across the market. She watched Nairad as he haggled with a vendor. She couldn't help but notice how his short red and black mane complimented him. It added to his boyish charm. Sure they were around the same age, but his mane made him look so ho- She shut her eyes against the thought before she could finish. "What the buck is wrong with me?!"
Twilight opened her eyes and realized that everyone was staring at her. She opened and closed her mouth in shock. "I-I... Oh, Celestia!" She covered her face with her hooves and shook her head. "What's gotten in to me?"
Twilight was brought back from her self-pity when Nairad tapped the tip of her horn with his hoof. Her horn started glowing as she casted a spell to keep her purple face from reddening. He looked concerningly at her. "Why were you screaming like a madmare? Are you ok?"
Twilight's heart pounded in her chest. Nairad's lips were only a few inches away from hers. She wanted so bad to lean forward and kis- "No!" Nairad reeled backwards in surprised. What was Twilight's problem? "Look. If you're feeling ok then we can go and set up camp on the outskirts of town now. If not, let me know so I can rent you a room for the night and we can move out bright and early."
Twilight bowed her head a little in embarrassment. She had made a fool of herself in the market already and now Nairad was treating her like a foal. She needed to regain her dignity, she needed to take a little control. Twilight cleared her thoat. "Well, the sun is starting to go down so I'd say we wait 'til morning." Nairad was about to turn and leave but Twilight was done just yet. "But, we'd be wasting supplies by camping out in the desert and we'll have no need for bits when we're out there. So, I'd say we find a room close to the edge of town and stay there." She beamed proudly at her assertion and raised her chin as she waited for his response.
Nairad raised his eyebrow with a small smile, nodding approvingly. "Alright, we do it your way Princess Sparkle." She blushed again and turned her head away to hide it. "Yes, of course..." Nairad thought for a moment about which hotel would be the best place to relax before they were to leave. Then it hit him. "Ah! I got it! How old are you again? 22? We're staying at the 'Mirage' tonight princess!" Twilight took a nervous gulp.
Quest for the Crown of Saddle Arabia
Meanwhile in Canterlot,
The dark Alicorn streaked through the halls of the Canterlot Castle to the throne room. Dressed in the traditional royal robes of Germaneigh, he knew that he wouldn't be stopped by the guards. And even if they tried, he wouldn't let himself be halted. When, he reached the throne room where the two goddesses would and knocked loudly. "Celestia! I wish to speak with you!" He threw open the door to see the surprised face of a diplomat who was already in session with the princesses.
Princess Celestia got to her hooves at once. "Prince Buckley." She raised her hoof, silently telling the guards to relax. "Glad you could join us. Razzle Dazzle of Clouberta was just telling us the most fascinating tale of plots and schemes against Equestria..." The gold and black pony nodded and continued. "Your highness, it's actually against all of Equine-"
Prince Buckley stepped closer to the Pegasus. "By whom?" Razzle cleared his throat and phrased his next words carefully, directing his attention to all the royalty around him. "I am simple Pegasus pony here. In Clouberta, I make and sell fireworks to make my bits. But, I'm not a foal. The changeling Chrysalis is after the throne. And she won't stop unt-"
Celestia raised her hoof and came down off her throne, her sister followed. "I know you mean well Mr. Dazzle, that i do not doubt. But, what you're telling us simply isn't possible." She put a wing over his shoulders. "Chrysalis is locked in the dungeon beneath the palace. And there are no guards she can manipulate, no love she can absorb to sustain her. Equine is safe..." She pulled him closer. "If it would ease your mind on the matter I can show you?"
Luna's eyes widened in surprise at Celestia's words. "Sister, is thou sure that is wise? Thy changeling is dangerous..." Buckley looked from Luna to Celestia. "I agree with Celestia. I received word to arrive as soon as possible by her request because there was a threat of danger. And if she believes all is well, then I don't see the harm in investigating the little matter." Razzle shook under the coolness of Celestia's wings. "I'm not sure..."
Celestia folded her wing to her back and smiled again. "Dont worry everypony. It will be safe. I will use my magic to protect us and all will be well." The others gave each other a quick look, then nodded. Celestia's horn began to glow green with magic. "Then we're off." With a ping and a flash of light the throne room emptied and they were in the dungeon.
The cold, dry air of the dimly lit dungeon chilled Razzle to his bones. He was the only unclothed pony there and he wished he brought something to put on. "Too late now i guess..." He whispered to himself.
Most of the cells down here remained empty, partly because everypony obeyed the laws and loved the princesses and partly because when a serious crime was commited they criminal was banished. Celestia came to a halt in front of an iron door. The room began to glow green as she opened the cell door and walked inside. A hue of light surrounded the ponies as they entered the rather large cell.
As the door closed behind them the green light disappeared and darkness rushed in.Buckley looked around in confusion. "Princess the light please... Prin- buck it." His black horn glew a bright purple and chased the dark away. Everyone saw it at once. Princess Celestia laying on the ground her eyes barely open, shielding her sight from the light. They turned around to see Celestia standing proudly behind her. A chill ran down Luna's spine as the cogs in her head began whirling. "Oh no..."
Celestia's white coat vanished with a green flash and Chrysalis stood before them. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, couldn't tell me from your sister dear Luna?" Her voice took a dark tone and erupted into maniacal laughter. Luna glance over her shoulder to Celestia and then her eyes looked on Chrysalis. "But, how..." The changling queen reply was laced with false concern. "You two really care about your students. Especially, you Luna. I hope their quest goes well..."
Luna's rage peak and her horn radiated a brilliant blue-white light. "No!" They were outside the palace. Razzle, although he was right, was shocked by the turn of events and didn't utter a word. Buckley was quick to speak as soon as his sight returned. "What do we do now Luna?" She was lost in thought, devastated that her sister had been locked away for what looked like days. And by how easily Chrysalis had infiltrated Canterlot Buckley tried again. "Princess!" Luna snapped back to reality and heard that buzzing of wings as the sky darkened to unveil hundred of thousands of changelings. She shot a panicked look to Razzle and Buckley. "Ok... Ok... Look, go find my student. He is in Flyadh, Saddle Arabia! I can't come with you, so you have to help him the best you can he holds the key to save us all. Do not fail. The fate of all of Equine is in your hooves."
Luna backed away from them and lowered her horn. Buckley quickly realized what she was doing and tried to reason with her. But he was too late. There was a bright flash and they were gone.