The Blind Sun Chapter 2 Preview

This just a brief snippet to show that, yes, I am working on this fic. Progress is slow, but I'm getting there.

Canterlot was a city of ivory towers that reached to the heavens, gold plated spires gleaming in the midday sun. From her place bundled up in Grimm’s arms, Hearth looked up at the maze of walkways that connected one tower to another.

Grimm walked as a steady pace along the cobblestone sidewalk, taking in the sights along with her as wagons laden with goods trundled down the smooth marble roads and unicorns adorned in elegant suits, dresses, and robes went about their business. A few eyed the two insects warily, many more went out of their way to ensure they would not cross paths with the king.

Both king and subject could sense the undercurrent of distrust in the air. It made Hearth feel exposed and she resisted the urge to transform into something small and hide in a crevice somewhere.

“Same as ever I see…” Grimm commented quietly.

A soft breeze and the movement of cloth caught her eye and she looked at the elaborate banners that hung off window ledges and above doorways, advertising the various shops and services the city had to offer, all packed into the spires around them.

“Canterlot was founded by The Mages Association a hundred years before the fall of Everfree City. When Princess Celestia needed to relocate her people and government after the fallout, The Association offered up their mountain peak city of towers,” Grimm explained as they walked. “The wall that stretches around Canterlot is the foundation of a magical barrier that allows the city to function as an enclosed ecosystem despite the high elevation.”

As they rounded a corner, the road led to a large domed building. The stained-glass roof drew their gaze, a rainbow of colours amidst the stark white architecture of the rest of the city. Sky blue banners depicting the image of a golden, stylised sun were attached to poles that lined the road to the building.

The main entrance was a golden arch, the area beyond it obscured by glittering pink magic. A pair of unicorn guards, in gem encrusted golden armour, stood silently on either side of the entrance. As Grimm carried Hearth, the guards stepped forward, horns glowing.

“State your business.” One of them spoke.

Grimm produced a letter from the inside of his cloak and handed to one of the ponies, the guard taking it in his magic. Tension filled the air as the stallion read its contents.

The guard nodded and returned the letter to The Troupe Master. “Papers are in order, please head to reception and mind yourselves while you are within Equestria’s borders.”

“Thank you Gentlecolts.” Grimm replied amicably and stored the letter away in his cloak.

Hearth could only stare at the oddity of it all. The city was certainly impressive to look at, but unlike The Scarlet Hive, it lacked personality, the heart and soul of its inhabitants. The ponies they had passed on their way here were indifferent at best and distrustful at worst. An emotional coldness permeated Canterlot that made the changeling feel unwelcome.