Dusk of Peace

Dusk of Peace

Chapter 1

"A fierce heat swept

the land and with

it, went long kept

peace."

"People of Equinorve!" called King Valiant, his iron crown shining in the summer's sun.

"The time has come, to prove once and for all which kingdom truly deserves to be one among equals!"

The crowd of the Bleak Coliseum roared with frenzied excitement. Ponies from all the kingdoms had come to witness this mighty spectacle. There had not been a inter-kingdom battle in almost seventy years. Even though, this battle was sanctioned by all leaders of the five kingdoms.

King Valiant posed regally as he watched over the thousands of spectators, come to watch the bloody conflict. Inside the coliseum's preparation rooms, the mood was much more grim and all the more tense. The kingdom warriors pace the rooms, knowing all too well the chance of death was high.

Hailing from the five great kingdoms were each five warriors. A few standing out more than the others. Of those ponies were the mage prodigy, Omni. Known for his temper and arcane prowess. He hailed from the kingdom of Dalinix.

Also present was the eneregetic, and perhaps foolhardy, uprising champion of Ralentald, Stormhoof. The inseperatable twins Gamer Masquerade and Game Chaser, both from Tridonstris. Among the twins, and the warriors of Tridonstris was the tribal raised pony Thunder Runner and the reknowned defense magic user, Crystal Charmer.

The most odd one out was perhaps, Chromacia. The princess of Fornestria was a very capable magic user and a talented practitioner of forest magic. However, those of Fornestria were usually not inclined to fighting, which made it hard to believe that Fornestria had even sent warriors.

They all watched each other, examining the others for weaknesses to exploit. All of them had a feeling of fear, even if they were brave there was a trace. Each of them prepared, mentally and physically, awaiting the battle that would soon be at hand.

All at once King Valiant's words rang through the preparation rooms.

"Now, without any further delay, let us begin the battle!"

On cue the ponies trotted to the large, rusted doors that led to their battlefield. They could hear the muffled cheers of the thousands of ponies that would be watching them. A gut-wrenching squeal of metal sounded and the doors slowly moved open. The cheers rippled into the preparation room and light flooded in.

As they came onto the field they seperated into groups accordingly.

"The warriors of the hour! The five great kingdoms have sent them for their glory and proving!" Valiant called.

Each group of warriors took an area of the coliseum. The Tridonstrian warriors took the south, Dalinix to the east, Avextrix on the west, Fornestria to the north, and Ralentald in the center. The warriors were distinguished by their standards.

The Avextrixians wore their standards on the cloth draped on their backs. The iconic diamond star upon the horizon. The Dalinites wore silver circlets with the pentagram star that bore a dark purple hue. Ralentaldens wore bronze neck pieces that were engraved with the hammers and anvil of smiths. Tridonstrians with their iron anklets that bore the Dragon's Trident amid crashing waves. The Fornestrians wore amulets with the oval crest containing the Spirit of the World.

"Fight well young warriors! This is for the glory of your people!" Valiant called, and tense silence gripped the coliseum.

"Avnosh!" he shouted the command of attack from old Ralenian.