Sneak Peak

Because I've been keeping you guys waiting so long for the next chapter to come out, I want to give you all a little something for being so patient with me and just plain awesome! Plus I want to build some anticipation for what's to come.

So, fillies and gentlecolts, I present to you a sneak peak of the next installment of "The Secret of Harmony" coming to you this Christmas...
Chapter 9: Six Hatchets Exhumed

The large doors to Tirek's throne room of Midnight Castle creaked as a pair of Draconic Guard members pushed them open. The two reptilian soldiers knelt before the small group that entered the dimly lit room. The group consisted of the five duplicates, Twivine Sparkle, Searing Nova, Starless Night, Shattered Heart, and Havoc who were joined by the dragon ruler, Emperor Spine. Spine had used a spell to decrease his actual size in order to fit into the room without causing damage. He was now the same height as Havoc.

They walked toward a long rectangular table that was placed more than 10 feet away from the small staircase leading up to Tirek's throne. 13 tall chairs were set around the table; six on both long ends and the thirteenth being at the end opposite to the throne. The centaur's throne acted as his own chair while all the other guests sat around the table.

"Looks like we're getting some new members." Said Twivine noticing the number of chairs.

"How do you know that?" Asked Havoc.

"Master Tirek sent me a message earlier stating that he was heading out again after dropping off Iron Skull at the castle." Answered Spine. "Plus there's six extra seats at the table. It's pretty obvious."

"More members? You'd think after getting Iron Skull we'd have enough already."

"Who knows?" Assumed Twivine. "Maybe he was able to find a few more alicorns to join."

Searing Nova laughed at the thought. "Oh, now that I'd like to see!"

Shattered Heart gave a sigh of annoyance. "Give it a rest, you two. I don't care who's joining us or what they are. Let's just get this meeting over with."

A couple minutes later, the doors opened yet again and this time, Tirek stood in the doorway. Spine and the duplicates bowed to him as he walked towards his throne.

"Good morning, my friends." He said while making himself comfortable in his throne. "If you'd all take your seats, we can get down to business."

The six took their seats. Havoc was seated in the chair closest to Tirek's right, followed by Searing Nova, then Starless Night. To Tirek's left, Spine sat the closest followed by Shattered Heart, and finally, Twivine Sparkle. The remaining six side chairs and the chair on the end were left empty.

Tirek smiled. "Alright," he said. "Now let's begin. As you can probably tell by the extra chairs, we have some new members joining us. Now, I am well aware that all six of you and Iron Skull possess a great amount of power, but nevertheless, these additional members are required in order for my plan to succeed." Tirek looked up to the two draconic guards at the door. "Are they all here?" He asked them.

One of the guards cracked open the door slightly and peaked through. "Yes, my lord." He said.

"Good. Send them in." He looked back down at the seated six. "I should point out that you may recognize some of these newcomers; some more than others."

Spine and the duplicates turned their heads toward the doors.

When the doors fully opened to reveal these new members, Twivine's mood shifted from slight anticipation to sheer disappointment.

"You've got to be kidding me!" She said out loud.

Hope you enjoy it, and I hope to see you all reading the finished product when it comes out!
Thanks again for all your patience and support! You guys are the best!