//------------------------------// // 14 - A Brief Respite // Story: Age of Kings // by A bag of plums //------------------------------// “Now, just soak that in the bowl for a couple of hours, and try to avoid lifting heavy objects for a day,” Moon Tide instructed Posey. The archer sat at a table in the Mages’ Tower, her broken arm immersed in a thick bowl of healing mud. “So this’ll… this’ll have my arm moving again in just one day?” Posey couldn’t believe what she had heard. “Trust me, Posey.” Emerald Edge placed a hand on her shoulder. “Moon Tide works magic.” The mage laughed. “Why, thank you, Emerald. I put my blood into my work, and I find it usually pays off. Now, on to Sir Morn here…” Moon Tide deftly removed Sir Morn’s helmet, handing it to Emerald before leaning in to examine the knight’s burns. “Well, this doesn’t look too bad,” she mused. “Was the substance used to inflict this a dark red powder?” “Yes, mother,” the knight replied. “They killed one of the townsfolk. I couldn’t stop them in time, but somehow, that powder didn’t affect me the same way.” “Emberflower petals and pit scorpion venom.” Moon Tide glided to her shelves and retrieved three pots. One of them was uncapped to reveal dried moss, which the mage then mixed in with her mortar and pestle with some fine powders from the other two jars. Once the mixture was ready, she daubed the knight’s neck with the resultant grey paste. “I’m sorry, mother,” Morn winced as the ointment touched his burnt skin. “I should have been more careful. As a Knight of the Round Table, I should know very well that mistakes can cost a life.” “It’s alright, son,” the mage chuckled and continued applying the paste on Morn’s neck before moving to his eye. “I can heal most injuries, but I cannot bring back a life. Besides, you know how important you are to me.” “Yes, I do, Mother,” the knight smiled and placed a hand on his mother’s cheek comfortingly. “Thank you.” “How sweet,” Emerald giggled and looked at her reflection in Sir Morn’s shiny helmet. “You two must still be very close.” “He’s my son,” Moon Tide replied. “He’s everything to me.” Emerald and the others had returned straight to Canterlot after rescuing Jewel Pin and the other villagers. The three survivors were being treated at another table while Emerald, Posey and Morn had gone to Moon Tide, seeing as she was the knight’s mother. Sir Ganeighn, having returned with no injuries, decided to head for the castle, wishing the three goodbye. “Moon Tide, I cannot thank you enough,” the pink haired vigilante said with her arm still in the bowl. “It’s nothing, Posey,” Moon Tide placed a fresh line of bandage around Morn’s neck. “You’ve been doing good yourself out there. It’s a pity we didn’t know that sooner, it might’ve have saved you a lot of hassle.” “Do not worry. Our circumstances might not always be easy, so it’s good to be prepared.” “Good.” Moon Tide finished tending to her son and stood up. “So is everything alright? Do you need anything else?” “Actually, I have questions,” Emerald sat by the archer. “Who are these druids and how did they get in and out without trouble? Have they done this before?” “Sadly, yes, my lady,” Sir Morn looked down. “Tis not the first time our townsfolk have been taken.” “And the red powder…” Moon Tide began mashing up more paste. “I only know one group that employs that. The Fir Laimhe Liath.” “The druids did mention that name, yes,” Emerald placed a hand under her chin. “What do you know of them?” Moon Tide pulled up another chair and sat herself down. “I believe they’re the biggest druid group out there. There have been reports of entire towns and villages dying over night, as if the whole town was poisoned. I believe these druids are the ones responsible. You see, poison is their specialty.” “Their leader, Archdruid Duchan, is a dangerous man, but…” Morn smiled and flung a punch at the air. “He is not so scary in person. Also… I’m afraid our number of guards by the gate might not be enough, unless the druids employed their magic tricks to get in. I will begin questioning the guards tomorrow morning.” “What if they come back soon?” Emerald began looking at the various scenarios. “Perhaps they might strike again, grab a few villagers, sacrifice them. You knights can’t keep going out to rescue people. Something has to be done.” “And all in due time, my lady,” Sir Morn assured. “But a double of the guard requires consent from the king. I am but a Knight of the Round Table.” Emerald sighed. There was nothing immediate she could do to make sure those druids never came back. “I see. You’re right, Sir Morn. We just have to hope the king will understand the plight of his people and see to their needs.” “Oh, you don’t have to worry about King Dawn Saber,” Moon Tide laughed and placed her utensils back on her table. “I’m sure I can persuade my brother to do what you want.” “Alright… Wait, your brother?” Emerald leaned back and widened her eyes. “The king is your brother?” “Oh dear, did I fail to mention it…” Moon Tide clucked her tongue and placed a finger to her chin. “I am sorry, Emerald Edge. It seems that must’ve slipped my mind. Yes, King Dawn Saber is Morn’s uncle.” “Wow…” Emerald marveled at that fact. “You’re the king’s sister, yet you stay here working on your magic and potions instead of living royally in the castle?” “Helping people brings me more joy than sitting in the court,” Moon Tide smiled and straightened her circlet. “Besides, I have a thing for magic.” “That you do, Moon Tide,” Emerald looked at the bowl Posey was resting her hand in. Then her stomach rumbled, letting out a strangled sound. “Oh, I am so sorry. I forgot it’s late. I think I had better go find something to eat before calling it a day.” “Let me accompany you, Lady Emerald,” Sir Morn stood up and rubbed at his neck. “It shall be my treat.” “Oh, you don’t have to, Sir Morn…” The former pegasus began unconsciously rubbing her arm. “I’m able to care for my own needs.” “I don’t doubt that, but I wish to do so.” He flashed her a wide grin. “No meat, I remember. Shall we?” “Well, i-if you insist…” “I shall remain here with Posey and the others,” Moon Tide breathed in and made a small smile. “Enjoy your evening, you two.” Leaving the Mages’ Tower, Sir Morn steered Emerald in the direction of Canterlot Castle. In the evening light, the sunset shone beautifully off the snapping pennants and flags. “You haven’t yet been given a proper tour of the castle, have you?” “The castle?” Emerald asked as she walked along side the knight. “Am I allowed there? I mean, for a meal?” “Accompanied by me, you are allowed to go almost anywhere,” Sir Morn explained. “It’s one of the perks of being a member of the Round Table.” “Interesting.” Emerald looked to two guards, lighting sconces along the walls as the light dimmed. “So what food does the castle provide, Sir Morn?” “Why, anything you could possibly want! Roast boar on a spit, whole racks of lamb- ehehehe,” the knight caught himself. “That is to say, I’m sure the cooks can whip up something without meat in it for you. The king has the best cooks brought in from all over the kingdom.” “Anything I could want…” Emerald thought back to a time where she could actually choose what she wanted to eat. She couldn’t remember it. “You know, I can’t remember… That’s strange. I mean, it hasn’t been that long since… Since Sombra.” “This Sombra sounds like a detestable fellow,” Sir Morn frowned. “But let us not darken this day with unhappy thoughts. Let us abscond to the kitchens; maybe I can even introduce you to some of the other Knights of the Round Table while we’re there.” “That would be nice.” Emerald followed along as they entered the castle itself. The former pegasus remembered this entrance when she came to see the king the last time. They walked along the castle halls, lit only by the sconces along the top of the sides. Sir Morn Dread told Emerald about a time where he had found a band of escaped criminals on his quest for the grail. All by himself, he dragged them all back to prison. “That is some tale, Sir Morn,” Emerald laughed, almost to the point of tears. “I haven’t met a warrior as valiant as you. That must’ve been some battle. Were you injured in any way?” “I’ve suffered my fair share of injuries, my lady.” Morn touched his neck and eye. “But no serious injury. Maybe I am strong willed, or just lucky, but these don’t seem to stay long.” Morn pushed open a wooden door, bringing a dining hall into view. Knights and guards sat at one of many wooden tables, drinking from metal mugs or digging into huge plates of meat, which almost made Emerald want to turn around and run. Banners of King Dawn Saber’s mark hung around the room, probably to remind the humans here who their king was. The knight sensed her discomfort and placed a metallic arm around her shoulders. “Tis fine, my lady. I shall be with you. No meat shall be placed on your plate this evening. I shall request the best picks of the garden for you.” “Th-thank you, Sir Morn…” Emerald’s cheeks lit up with a reddish color as they walked on, with many of the other humans in the hall looking at them. The spymaster couldn’t help but feel like she was drawing too much attention to herself. Morn eventually stopped them at an empty table and gestured for Emerald to take a seat. “Remain here, my lady. I shall see to our dinner.” She nodded in understanding as the knight left through another set of wooden doors at the opposite end. The green-skinned spymaster sat there, keeping herself busy by looking at her hidden blade holders. She could see them. The humans around her. They were looking at her, valuing her importance, her worthiness. They didn’t know who she was, what she was doing here. She felt very much out of place. “Tis all set, my lady!” Sir Morn returned, sitting across from her. Emerald sighed with relief. At least he would be able to explain why she was here. “Your vegetarian plate shall be along shortly.” “Thank you, Sir Morn, for always looking out for me.” “Tis no trouble, Emerald,” he shook his head once. “Truth be told, I most enjoy our time together.” “Oh, umm… well, I do enjoy these, yes…” The spymaster began adjusting her halfgloves. “But you know, the tournament. Once I win, I’ll have to find a way back to my world. I need to stop Sombra before it’s too late.” “I have no doubt you will succeed, Emerald,” Morn tapped an armored finger on the table. “You are a fast learner. Once you get your artifact and find a way home, tis only a matter of time before that usurper falls to your blades.” “Thank you, Sir Morn. It means a lot that you have so much trust in me. I’ve never operated so openly before. I’m usually the type who watches from a distance. This time, well, I have these…” Emerald wiggled all ten fingers in front of her. “I’ve always had these,” the knight looked at his own hand. “So I think I would be behaving a lot differently if these were hooves instead.” “Maybe...” Emerald began to feel more at ease. Talking always seemed to help out her nerves. “Perhaps if I find a way home, you’d like to come see it? When I came into your world, I became this, so maybe if you come into mine, you’ll be a pony like I was.” “I am tempted to take you up on your offer, but I’m afraid my duty is here to the kingdom. Besides, I still have a grail to find.” “It’s fine…” Emerald tried not to sound too disappointed. “Your actions are most needed by the king to keep these people safe after all. Could you tell me more about this grail?” The grey-skinned knight looked up and rubbed at his chin. “Well, my lady, you already know it grants life to all who drink from it. There are many tales of this grand cup I hope to find. One is that an old knight of Canterlot still guards it with his life. Another is that it might’ve been hidden up high in the mountains, a border between our world and the next. My favorite tale is one where the grail was buried deep beneath the earth; protected by demons of shadow, kept hidden away so no one would ever use its power for their own gain.” “Demons… Shadow…” Could it be these humans had the same stories of the ancient umbrum? “That does sound like a fascinating tale indeed.” “It does. I have searched both high and low for this incredible object, but I have yielded no results as of yet. Not even a hint as to where it might be located. I have been told perhaps the grail is but a myth, but I refuse to believe that!” “True, it does sound farfetched,” Emerald pondered. “But your world also has artifacts like the king’s sword and the tournament shield. I’ve seen their power and that is no myth.” “Exactly, Emerald!” Morn almost slammed a fist on the tabletop. “There are things in this world that we are unable to explain, but seeing as Excalibur and the shield are from your world… Perhaps the grail might be as well. I shan't give up easily!” “You have good patience, Sir Morn,” the spymaster chuckled. “I believe most others would’ve given up long ago.” “I have my mother to thank for that. When I was younger, she used to tell me tales of the impossible, tales of vampires, witches, spectres, even dryads. I believe every bit of her word. There is much out there we do not know, my lady. I wish to see them all someday.” “A life of traveling, huh? But you mentioned your duty is in Canterlot.” “Aye, a knight’s duty is to his king and kingdom, but we are allowed to wander. To see the world and what it has to offer. We find lands, villages. Sometimes we offer the people protection, sometimes the option to join our society of trade.” “Did Moon Tide wish for you to be a knight?” Emerald decided to ask. “Nay, not at the start,” the knight shook his head, but smiled. “She wanted me to be a mage, just like her, but I had seen the knights and what they did. I told her I wanted to be just like them when I grew up.” “Did she agree?” “Most certainly, Emerald. She is kind and understanding. She allowed me to grow up to be anything I wanted to be. Thus, here I am, a Knight of the Round Table.” “And one of the best knights.” “Oh, you flatter me, my lady…” Morn looked to the right just as their food arrived. Emerald’s plate was almost a garden itself. She had cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and corn. “Wow, Sir Morn…” “I knew you would like it,” he pointed at it with his metal fork. “Don’t fret. You may eat.” “Thank you again, Sir Morn.” Emerald blushed as she placed the first carrot slice in her mouth. The knight cared for her more than anypony. Perhaps after she beat Sombra, she would come back here, or at least to visit. Sir Morn Dread was just about to dig into his piece of meat when another man in armor slapped him on the back, the metal resounding through the hall. “Evening, Sir Morn,” the man grunted as he sat beside his fellow knight. He had wavy light blonde hair dropping down to his chin and a thin moustache and beard around his mouth. “And who is this beautiful lass seated with you? Do introduce.” “Ah, Emerald, let me introduce Sir Lionheart, a fellow Knight of the Round Table.” Sir Morn wrapped an arm around the other knight’s shoulders and shook him. “Sir Lionheart, this is Emerald Edge.” “Nice to meet you…” her cheeks continued to stay red. This wasn’t the first time somepony had said she was beautiful. “My, oh my, your hair…” Sir Lionheart seemed to stare harder at Emerald, which wasn’t helping. “I have never seen hair like this. It is as though it reflects the very light in this hall. Brilliant.” “Umm… thank you, Sir Lionheart…” The spymaster looked to Sir Morn for help. “Lady Emerald is from far away,” Sir Morn added as he sliced his meat with a knife. “She does not like to talk about if you wouldn’t mind. And she would like it if you talk about something else.” “Terribly sorry, my lady,” the knight seemed genuinely apologetic. “I did not mean to offend. I shall change the subject. The tournament draws near for a new winner to arise. Do I dare ask if you are entering?” The spymaster simply nodded her head as her mouth was full. “I had guessed so,” Lionheart clapped his hands together. “I shall be seeing you on the field, my lady. I take it Sir Morn has briefed you on what is to happen?” “Oh.” She hadn’t thought about it till now; she was only focused on her training the whole time. “He hasn’t.” “Tis simple.” The knight cleared his throat before starting. “Each competitor faces off against one opponent each. The winner advances, the loser leaves. Sometimes, there would be a double match, where two competitors team up against another set, but that is up to the king to decide. Simple as that. The champion receives the shield for the next five years.” “Understood. Thank you, Sir Lionheart,” Emerald chewed on a leaf of cabbage. “Always a pleasure to help a dame,” he smiled and straightened his moustache. “Perhaps you could do me a favor, Sir Lionheart,” Sir Morn suddenly spoke up. “You see, Emerald is undergoing training, but her fighting style, it is unique. I would like to request usage of one of the training courts within the castle where she can train in private as to not let her opponents study her moveset.” “Look no further,” Lionheart laughed. “I shall move my trainees to the courtyard until the tournament day.” Emerald liked what she heard. She could finally practice away from the eyes of onlookers. As a spymaster, you should always have the element of surprise with your enemies. “Thank you, Sir Lionheart,” Morn placed his now empty plate further from himself. “I shall see that Emerald gets the training she needs.” “I wish you all the luck I can, my lady.” Sir Lionheart stood up to leave, but not before taking Emerald’s hand and planting his lips on the back of it. “Take care.” The spymaster slightly remembered this gesture, but on hooves. For humans, it didn’t look as practical as it was for ponies. Maybe it was just her. She began rubbing at her hand. “Do not worry, Lady Emerald,” Sir Morn played with his fork. “Tis just Sir Lionheart. He is… like that.” “Yes, I’m sorry, Sir Morn. I’m just not used to talking to so many humans at one go. As a spymaster, I try to limit my contact, except with close friends.” “Did you have many of those?” the knight asked. “A few, not too much.” Emerald remembered the small squad of guards, and their captain, Jade Crystal. They were her friends, though not as close as she would’ve liked. They had shared meals together, laughed together, fought together, even to the last. Then there was Light Speckle. Light Speckle was her best friend. The princess’ court mage was usually by herself as well, cooked up in her tower with her spells and incantations. The spymaster wished she had talent to use them as well, but at least she had wings. Her wings have helped her on more than one mission, allowing her to stay high up while spying on others, or to escape a nasty situation. Light Speckle was always nice to her, sometimes coming over to make jokes or to tell her how her magic was improving. Emerald loved listening to her and would sometimes tell her her own tales of being the spymaster. “I’m sorry, my lady,” Sir Morn’s voice brought her back to her new reality. “You do not have to go on if this is still a touchy subject.” Emerald only noticed she was tearing again at the memory of her friends. She raised a hand to wipe her eyes. “Sorry, Sir Morn. I don’t know… I think I still haven’t gotten over it.” “Loss is not easy to overcome,” the knight reached out and held her hand. “It takes a lot of time. Sometimes, it never goes away.” “Have you…?” “Some,” he nodded sadly. “I shall remember them forever, as do the rest of the knights. They still follow us to battle in spirit.” Emerald finished the last of her dinner and placed her utensils down. “Well, enough sorrowful talk. Perhaps we can head back to check on Posey, and that was fantastic dinner, Sir Morn.” “Of course,” he got up and followed her. “Anything for you, my lady.” “You are sure I can stay here for the night?” Posey asked sheepishly as Emerald turned her key in the lock for her door. Her arm was in a sling, given by Moon Tide to keep it from moving too much. “I don’t see why not. It’s late, and I doubt you’ll be able to get back to the Shetlands fast enough. It’s better if you stay the night.” “Well, I shall leave you here, my ladies,” Sir Morn stood at the door and waved. “I shall see you tomorrow for practice, Emerald.” “Good night, Sir Morn,” Emerald smiled as he left the house. She found herself still looking at the empty doorway when Posey got her attention back. “Right, sorry, I have to get a space ready.” “You like him, Emerald?” Posey asked as the spymaster got to taking extra sheets from her cupboard. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to… I’m just curious…” “Like him? Oh no, no, you must be mistaken.” The former pegasus suddenly felt very flustered. “I’m just… I… I don’t know, Posey. I feel like perhaps it’s not the best idea to get started.” “I don’t see any problem, Emerald,” Posey said, pulling her bandana closer over her eyes. “But it’s not my place to say. I don’t know what it’s like to be in a whole new world.” “Yeah…” Emerald sighed as she placed a pillow on the floor by the bed. “Well, the bed’s yours for tonight, Posey. Your arm needs it.” “But-” “It’s fine. I’ve slept in worse places, believe me.” “Thank you, Emerald,” Posey smiled and gave the spymaster a hug with her good arm. “You’re a good friend. Not everyone’s willing to help an outlaw like me like this.” “The thing is… You weren’t an outlaw. You were helping the people.” “People didn’t know that…” Posey made a grumpy face, which was still rather cute. “Well, it doesn’t matter now,” the former pegasus said as she began removing her armor. “From here on out, things’ll be different for all of us. I’m going to make sure I win this tournament, then Sombra will pay dearly.”