CHAPTER SIX
Photo Finish remembers Golden Delicious picking up and ring and staring at it, entranced.
“Golden Delicious!” Photo Finish shouts. “Hurry! follow me!”
The Pegeself leads Golden Delicious into the steaming volcano.
“I led Golden Delicious into the heart of Mount Moon,” Recounts Photo Finish to Twilight. “Where the ring was forged: the one place it could be destroyed.”
Photo Finish and Golden Delicious stand before the fires of Mount Moon.
“Cast it into the fire!” She shouts. “destroy it!”
Golden Delicious is staring at the Ring, captivated by it.
“No.” he says softly.
The Earth Pony turns and walks away
Photo Finish screams for him. “Golden Delicious!!”
-
In Photo Finish’s chamber she turns to Twilight.
“It should have ended that day,” she says. “but evil was allowed to endure. Golden Delicious kept the Ring...and the line of Kings was broken. There's no strength left in the world of Earth Pony. They're scattered, divided, leaderless.”
“There is one who could unite them,” says Twilight. “One who could re claim the thrown of Bondor.”
“She turned from that path a long time ago. She has chosen exile.”
-
That night, inside of a dark chamber, The orange mare ‘Trotter’ watches from the shadows as the white unicorn Rarity strolls through the darkened gallery. Rarity's eyes are drawn to an old mural on the wall depicting Golden Delicious defeating Princess Celestia.
Rarity turns around and looks with wonderment at a Broken Blade of, which lies on a cloth-covered pedestal.
“The shards of Narsil...” she says in quiet awe. “the blade that cut the Ring from Princess Celestia's hoof.” Rarity picks up the sword with her magic and her white hoof gently touches the Blade. She flinches as a small drip of blood appears on her hoof.
“Still sharp.” She says.
Rarity senses Trotter's presence and looks from the blade her, as if sensing a connection.
“But no more than a broken heirloom.” She says.
She tries to replace the Broken blade, but it clatters to the floor. Rarity walks away, leaving Trotter sitting alone. Trotter slowly walks over and picks up the broken hilt and puts it back, as Shining Armor appears behind her.
“Why do you fear the past?” he says. “You are Golden Delicious's heir...not Golden Delicious himself. You are not bound to his fate.”
“The same blood flows in my veins...” the mare says softly. “the same weakness.”
“Your time will come.” Says Shining Armor. “You will face the same evil...and you will defeat it.”
Shining Armor looks into her eyes. “Applejack...” he whispers. “The shadow does not hold sway yet...not over you and not over me.”
-
Night falls upon the beautiful valley of Cloudsdale, still and quiet. Trotter and Shining Armor stand upon a stone bridge. A jewel around Shining Armor's neck shines in the moonlight.
“Do you remember when we first met?” he asks.
The mare smiles. “I thought I had strayed into a dream.”
Shining Armor reaches up and gently touches Trotter's temples.
“Long years have passed...” he says. “You did not have the care you carry now.”
Shining Armor looks into Trotter's eyes.
“Do you remember what I told you?”
Shining Armor reaches for Trotter's hoof.
“You said you'd bind yourself to me,” the orange pony says quietly. “forsaking the immortal life of your kind.”
“And to that I hold.” Shining Armor whispers. “I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”
Trotter looks down. In her hoof lies a jewel that was around Shining Armor’s neck.
“I choose a mortal live.” He says.
“You cannot give me this.” Says Trotter.
“It is mine to give to whom I will, like my heart.”
With his magic, Shining Armor puts the jewel softly around her neck then leans towards Trotter, gently kissing her.
-
The next day in the Council Chamber, Photo Finish addresses the assembly.
“Strangers from distant lands ...” she says. “friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Canterlot. Equestria stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite...or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate...this one doom...”
Apple Bloom sits amongst a council of free-ponies of Equestria, Photo Finish stands before them, addressing Twilight, Trotter, and twenty other Pegeselves, Dwarficorns, and Earth Pony.
“Bring forth the ring, Apple Bloom.” Says Photo Finish.
Apple Bloom steps forward and moves towards a stone pedestal. She places the ring on the plinth and returns to her seat.
“So it is true!” Rarity says shocked.
“Princess Celestia’s Ring.” A pale yellow Pegasus says in disbelief. “The ring of power.”
“The doom of ponies!” shouts the rainbow maned Pegasus grimly.
“It is a gift...” says Rarity. “a gift to the foes of Canterlot! Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Bondor, held the forces of Canterlot at bay...by the blood of our ponies are your lands kept safe. Give Bondor the weapon of the enemy...let us use it against him!”
“You cannot wield it.” Says the orange mare. “None of us can. The one ring answers to Princess Celestia alone...it has no other master.”
Rarity turns and looks at Trotter, coolly.
“And what would a ranger know of this matter?”
Trotter says nothing and Rarity turns away dismissively.
The yellow Pegasus stands.
“This is no mere Ranger.” She says. “She is Applejack, daughter of Apple Fritter. You owe her your allegiance.”
Apple Bloom looks at Trotter questioningly and Rarity turns sharply.
“Applejack?” Rarity says in quiet disbelief. “This is Golden Delicious's heir?”
“And heir to the throne of Bondor.” Says the Pegasus.
“Sit down, Fluttershy.” Says Applejack softly.
“Bondor needs no king.” Rarity says.
Twilight then speaks up. “Applejack is right...we cannot use it.”
“You have only one choice.” Says Photo Finish. “The ring must be destroyed.”
The hum of the ring seems to grow louder in Apple Bloom's ears.
The blue Pegasus with the rainbow colored mane suddenly stands, excited.
“Then...what are we waiting for?” she says.
She suddenly rushes forward and swings her axe down on the ring. The axe shatters with a deafening crack. The Pegasus falls backwards, staring in disbelief at the ring...unharmed. Apple Bloom winces as an angry image of the fiery eye hits her. She slumps in her chair, clutching her forehead. Twilight looks at her with concern.
“The ring cannot be destroyed, Rainbow Dash,” says Photo Finish. “by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Moon...only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Canterlot, and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this.”
Stunned silence...the council sits with downcast eyes, as if a great dread has descended on them. Rarity addresses the council in a quiet voice
“One does not simply walk into Canterlot.” She says. “Its black gates are guarded by more than just Dogs. There is evil there that does not sleep and the Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust...the very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand ponies could you do this. It is folly.”
“Have you heard nothing Lord Photo Finish has said?” says Fluttershy. “The ring must be destroyed.”
“And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?” Rainbow Dash shouts.
“And if we fail, what then?” says Rarity. “What happens when Princess Celestia takes back what is hers?
Rainbow Dash leaps to her hooves.
“I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hoofs of a Pegeself!”
A storm of Argument erupts around the room. For Apple Bloom the sound disappears as she watches in
What seems like slow motion the angry faces, the shaking fists, the accusatory hooves, her eyes move across to the ring, the hum grows louder in her head.
“Never trust a Pegeself!” Rainbow Dash shouts.
On the Ring streams of blood flow across the surface and flames flicker within the Gold Band.
“Do you not understand?” Twilight yells. “While we bicker among ourselves, Princess Celestia's power grows! No one will escape it. You will all be destroyed, your homes burnt and your families put to the sword!”
Apple Bloom is breathing rapidly, caught in the grip of her hideous vision. With a huge effort or will, Apple Bloom tears her gaze upon the ring. She suddenly stands and speaks in a strong, clear voice.
“I will take it...” she shouts. “I will take it...I will take the Ring to Canterlot.”
Sudden silence. Apple Bloom looks around the room at the astounded faces.
“Though...” she says quietly. “I don’t know the way.”
Twilight rises to her hooves.
“I will help you bear this burden, young Apple Bloom, as long as it is yours to bear.”
Applejack walks towards her. “If, by my life or death, I can protect you, I will.” She kneels before Apple Bloom. “...you have my sword.”
She is followed by Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.
“And you have my bow.” Says Fluttershy.
“And my axe.” Rainbow adds.
Rarity looks at them all then walks towards Apple Bloom.
“You carry the fate of us all, little one.”
Rarity looks towards Photo Finish and Twilight.
“If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Bondor will see it done.”
Apple Bloom stares in wonder as the Greatest Fighters in all Equestria stand at her side.
“Here!” Sweetie Belle’s voice calls from a distance.
There’s a sudden noise and Sweetie Belle pops up from behind a Bush.
“Apple Bloom's not going anywhere without me.”
“No, Indeed...” says Photo Finish. “it is hardly possible to separate you...even when she is summoned to a secret council and you are not.”
Suddenly Scootaloo and Pinkie Pie jump up from behind another bush!
“Hey!” Scoot says. “We're coming too! You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us.”
“Anyway...” says Pinkie Pie. “You need ponies of intelligence on this sort of mission...quest...thing...”
“Well, that rules you out, Pinkie.” Says Scootaloo.
Photo Finish surveys the group.
“Nine companions…” she says thoughtfully. “So be it. You shall be the ‘Herd of the ring.”
“Great!” Says Pinkie Pie excitedly. “So, where are we going?”
-
In Apple Bloom’s bedroom and old sword slides out of a shabby leather scabbard, it’s polished well tendered blade glitters cold and bright.
“My old sword ‘Sting” says Granny Smith “...here, take it!”
Granny Smith offers the sword to Apple Bloom.
“It's so light!” says the filly.
“Yes, yes, made by the Pegeselves, you know. The blade glows blue when Dogs are close...and it's times like that, my filly, when you have to be extra careful.”
Granny Smith unwraps a small shirt of close woven Mail.
“Here's a pretty thing.” She says. “as light as a feather, and as hard as dragon scales. Let me see you put it on. Come on.”
Apple Bloom begins to un button her shirt revealing The Ring on the chain around her neck.
“Oh! My old Ring...” Granny Smith says entranced.
Apple Bloom frowns as Granny Smith moves toward her.
“I should very much like to hold it again, one last time.” Granny Smith reaches forward, eyes locked on the ring.
Suddenly, a shadow passes across Granny Smith for a split second she becomes a wrinkled creature with a hungry face and bony hoofs and she lurches towards her. Apple Bloom pulls away, shocked. The shadow passes. Granny Smith slumps into a chair, her head in her hoofs. Granny Smith falters...her eyes filling with tears.
“Oh!” she says sadly. “I'm sorry, that I brought this upon you, my filly...I'm sorry that you must carry this burden. I'm sorry for everything.”
Granny Smith sobs and Apple Bloom moves to comfort her.
-
The next morning the Herd climbs the long steep path out of the cloven vale of Cloudsdale. They trek though a land of deep valleys and turbulent waters and the maney mountains rise sharply to their
left.
“We must hold to this course west of the maney mountains for forty days.” Says Twilight. “If our luck holds, the Gap of Tohan will still be open to us. From there, our road turns east, to Canterlot.”
At dawn in the hills Sweetie Belle is at the campfire. The sound of clashing swords are heard as Applejack and Rarity give Pinkie Pie Sword tuition.
“Get away from the blade, Pinkie Pie...” Rarity says. “on your toes...good, very good...I want you to react, not think.”
“Shouldn’t be too hard...” says Sweetie Belle.
“Move your feet.” Rarity continues.
“Quite good, Pinkie Pie.” Scootaloo says encouragingly.
Pinkie Pie laughs. “Thanks!” she says.
A bit away Rainbow Dash has managed to corner Twilight.
“If anyone were to ask for my opinion, which I note they have not,” she says. “I would say we are taking the long way around. Twilight, we can pass through the Mines of Loria. My cousin, Firefly, would give us a royal welcome.”
Twilight clearly thinks that is a bad idea.
“No, Rainbow Dash.” She says. “I would not take the road through Loria unless I had no other choice.”
Rarity thrusts her sword, catching Pinkie Pie on the hoof. Pinkie Pie throws down her sword, kicks and lunges at Rarity, tackling her to the ground with much laughter. But Fluttershy' eyes are fixed on a
distant dark patch which darts about the sky, like flying smoke in the wind.
“What is that?” Sweetie Belle asks.
“Nothing...it's just a wisp of a cloud.” Says Rainbow Dash.
Rarity looks worried. “It's moving fast...against the wind.”
“Crows from Dunland!” Shouts Fluttershy.
“Hide!” yells Applejack urgently.
“Scootaloo, Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle...” yells Rarity. “take cover!”
The herd scrambles under what little cover there is, as a regiment of large crows fly low overhead at great speed, wheeling and circling above. As their dark shadow passes over the Herd, a single harsh croak is heard and the crows suddenly wheel away, back towards the south. Twilight staggers to her hooves.
“Spies of Luna.” She says worriedly. “The passage South is being watched.”
Twilight looks at Applejack and turns to the others, gesturing towards a high mountain pass.
“We must take the pass of Baradhras!”
-
On the white mountainside the Herd clambers through Rock and Snow. Apple Bloom slips on some shale, as she scrambles to her hooves, the Ring falls on the ground and is gleaming in the snow. With her magic, Rarity picks it up by the chain. She stands, the ring dangling before her eyes. Her eyes begin to glaze, as if absorbing its power. Applejack warily approaches Rarity who is motionless. She stares at the ring, as if transfixed.
“Rarity?” says Applejack.
“It is a strange fate…” says the white unicorn. “that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing...such a little thing.”
“Rarity...” Applejack says quietly. “give the ring to Apple Bloom.”
Applejack’s hoof slowly moves to her sword hilt.
The strange hum vibrates in Rarity’s head and a weird beatific smile lights up her face. The hum grows to a deafening roar. Rarity suddenly snaps out of her trance and hands the ring back to Apple Bloom.
“As you wish.” She says lightly. “I care not.”
Rarity smiles at Apple Bloom, ruffling her mane.
Applejack lets go of her sword.
-
In Hayengard the crows race deeper and deeper, passing a vista of industry, Hundreds of Dogs and writhing birthsacks. They fly past Luna, who stands upon a wooden gantry. Luna, listens to the Cries of the crows.
“So, Twilight Sparkle...” she says. “Thou tries to lead them over Baradhras. And if that fails...where then will thou go? If the mountain defeats you, will thou risk a more dangerous road?”
-
The Herd struggles though a through a blinding blizzard, up towards the pass of Baradhras. Fluttershy the Pegeself flies lightly across the top of the snow. She suddenly pauses. Luna's voice sweeps by in the wind.
“There is a fell voice in the air.” She says urgently.
“It's Luna.” Whispers Twilight.
Thunder rumbles as rock and shale fall from above.
Applejack yells. “She’s trying to bring down the mountain!”