Dusk of Peace

Dusk of Peace

Chapter 5

"The flames will

rise higher than

the skies, and

burn hotter than

dragon's breath."

Atop the battle-torn walls of Tridontris, stood the sleepless sentries. They watched the horizons and the land, making sure all was well within the kingdoms boundaries. Upon the road they spotted the familiar party sent to Fornestria, returning. The sentries called out to open the sturdy metal gate.

The party trotted though the groaning gate into the outskirts of Tridonstris. This place had been raided by the tribals many times. There were no true homes here, only shacks and tents that were lined in rows. Misery thrived here with the loss of loved ones to slavers and raiders. Tridonstrians knew all too well what it meant to fight to protect themselves.

The outskirts gave way to the more privileged housings that led into the heart of the kingdom. Though night would soon fall upon them, the streets were quite busy. Merchants desperate to sell before the day's end yelled to the remaining crowds. The castle stood in the center of the town, surrounded by a moat fed from the Sea of Titans.

The party waited for the drawbridge to open. The news they would bring not sit well with Lord Wavecrasher and certainly not with the Emperor. Treading slowly through the long hall and into the throne room they could already see that Wavecrasher was not pleased. He scuffed at the floor and huffed furiously.

"Lord Wavecrasher," uttered the ambassador, reluctantly, "I regret to inform you that King Ashwood does not accept our terms."

"Fornestrians have always been fickle and nit-picky." Wavecrasher muttered angrily. He continued his subtle fit of rage. "Ashwood believes he's so wise, so above everyone else. Ha! He's weak and he knows it." he added.

Wavecrasher paced back and forth.

"My lord, are you feeling right?" asked the ambassador. He stopped abruptly and gave the ambassador a menacing glare.

"Are you questioning my fitness to lead Tridonstris while the Emperor is away?!"

"Of course not sir! I was just concerned for your health, sir!" he clarified hastily.

Wavecrasher glared at him for a while longer before turning away.

"Leave me, and return to your posts." he ordered. They bowed their heads and trotted out.

"Masquerade," he beckoned, "is it true about the princess?"

Masquerade turned and cocked his head curiously.

"What do you mean, my lord?"

"Her....powers...." he said as if it were poisonous.

"I believe so, sir."

"I see," he muttered, "as you were."

He nodded and continued out of the castle. Upon leaving the courtyard he spotted a familiar face. From a dank alleyway, Thunder Runner came up to Masquerade.

"So how was your trip to Fornestria?" he asked in a faintly humorous tone.

"Uneventful, why?" Masquerade replied.

Thunder Runner scoffed, "Just thought I'd ask."

Fewer ponies roamed the streets as the sun began to hide behind the horizon. Something odd hung in the air, however. An inexplainable tension lingered about.

"Do you think it's a raid?" Masquerade asked.

"Yeah, there's no mistaking that feeling." Runner answered, suddenly serious.

"In that case, I better tell Chaser, wherever he's gone off to."

"See you later." Runner said before parting ways. Masquerade continued along the street to look for Game Chaser.