Luna's eyes snapped open, and she glanced to a wall-clock. "Five hours and seventeen minutes into the morn." She noted. "Then I have not overslept." She glanced down to the book that she had been resting her head on. "I recall reading as far as Master Starswirls' studies of folklore..." Luna began with the top of the left page.
My ongoing efforts to catalog and record the Why then, would ponies allow it to rule over them?
history of Umbratara have raised questions with Is this 'Wondrous Material' so desirable that ponies
each answer provided. This process is further would willingly choose slavery just to possess it?
muddled by the ongoing rivalry between the This obviously bears further investigation. Using a
settled ponies and the nomads known as the map of Umbratara, I have charted the location
Zigany. Neither side can point to a beginning of spoken of in the myth. If there is any truth to the
this rivalry, but there is a possible clue. One of legend, then the entrance to the 'Dragons' lair is in
the old legends I have transcribed, speaks of a the mountains on the border between Trotsylvania
being known as the 'Alchemical Dragon' who and Dneighstra.
created a 'wondrous material.' Given descriptions
of this material, the settled ponies agree that it
would have made life much easier if it were used
in place of metals such as iron, lead, and copper.
However, The Zigany react in fear when given
the same description, and claim that the 'Dragon'
is a terrible monster, and that they (The Zigany)
would sooner see the Spirit of Strife released
than the 'Dragon'. From this I can conclude that
the so-called 'Dragon' is not a benevolent being.
144 145
Princess Luna looked to the whiteboard. "The mountains between Trotsylvania and Dneighstra? That's-" She gasped. "-Where the Thaumicite mine was opened." She turned the page, finding a map of the border between the two domains. She studied it intently, taking in every drawn detail, and correlating it with her memories of the actual landscape. The location of the lair's entrance was on the same mountain that the Thaumicite had been found at, but was placed at the peak while the mine had had been carved from a naturally occurring cave at the base. Luna was about to turn the page when a green hoof suddenly appeared, preventing her from doing so.
"Your Majesty, it's Five-thirty." The hoof's owner stated. The princess looked up to see the green unicorn wearing a look of concern.
Luna chuckled nervously. "Thank you, dear Lime. We shall get right on the moonset." She departed, trotting briskly along the hallways towards the observation room. She arrived to find Celestia already waiting on the large open balcony. "Apologies dear sister. We have had a lot on our mind."
"Luna, I worry about you. This isn't the first time you've become obsessed with an idea."
Luna winced but let the comment slide. Celestia was right, this mystery was occupying much of her time and attention. She steadied her breathing then channeled her magic, feeling for the moon.
- - -
The old unicorn sorted through the stack of plants while her guests slept. She had only expected them to get a small number of them, but from their accounts the plants were being cultivated. Turning her attention to her guests, she pondered what they had told her. Toola Roola had been captured, and a rescue mission was undertaken to get her back. The younger unicorn said that one of her captors mentioned a ritual that would have involved blood, her blood.
"By Zigany blood would Zernaba be restored. Blood magic. Then was he also bound by their blood?" She dropped a few of the plants into a pot of boiling water and herbs. "It is at times like this that I wish I had copies of Starswirl's journals." She muttered while stirring the pot. "He spent much time researching history and folklore."
Turning to the shelves, she browsed the small collection of books that she had. "All this time, and I still haven't found a solution." She chastised herself. "I've been treating the symptoms, when I should have been looking for a cure." She levitated the pot from the hearth and set it on the table to cool. Taking the books with her telekinesis, the old mare began reading, going from book to book.
- - -
An indigo unicorn opened her door intending to go to the local cafe for breakfast, when she spotted a small basket holding an orange on her doorstep. Tucked inside the rim of the basket was a note. The unicorn levitated it with her magic. 'From Nadezda Vlcek.' read the salutation. "Oh how nice." She commented, before unfolding the paper.
'Zimolez Sirota'
'We know what you've been doing.'
Zimolez looked at the house across the lane from her. A chocolate brown earth pony was watching her from the window. The earth pony slowly lowered the curtain, turning away from her. Zimolez gulped, hurried back inside, then slammed and locked her door. She leaned against the door, breathing rapidly. Going out didn't seem like such a good idea anymore.
- - -
"You look like you have something on your mind." Celestia commented while using her magic to butter a slice of toast.
"There are many things that weigh on my thoughts, Sister." Luna replied as she drizzled caramel onto a bowl of oatmeal topped with apple slices. "Matters both historical and ongoing."
"I could probably help you with the historical part." Celestia replied. "If there is something I don't know, I could tell you who would."
Luna nodded. "Whatever became of Clover the Clever?"
Celestia exhaled. "After Starswirl's passing, she disappeared."
"Be that the entirety of the matter? She just vanished? Without a trace?"
Celestia thought for a moment. "There is something. When the Zigany began arriving in Praeclara and Dalmatia, they spoke of a kind old unicorn that helped them escape. Their descriptions of her matched what I remembered of Clover's appearance."
"So Clover aided my chosen subjects to your lands." Luna mused. "And that was the last anypony ever saw of her?"
"I went to investigate about ten years later, and that's when I started hearing the stories. A unicorn of comparable talent to Starswirl himself, warning other ponies about malefic monsters. Stories get embellished, truth blurs into fantasy, and centuries go by. Thus does she become the Herald of Monsters, feared as much as Nightmare Moon."
Luna held a hoof to her heart. "How horrible, to be remembered as a fiend instead of a friend."
Celestia reached out to hug her sister. "Indeed. But none of the stories ever speaks of her passing. Some ponies believe her to be immortal. But while Clover was trained by Starswirl, even unicorn longevity has its limits."
Luna shook her head. "I doubt that even such as she and Twilight, could live a thousand years."
"I'm sorry Luna, that's all I have to offer." Celestia offered her a contrite look.
The rest of the breakfast passed in silence.
- - -
Awakening to being prodded with a stick, Starsong snarled, rolling to her feet and standing up. She softened her demeanor when she saw who had woken her. "Sorry, reflex."
The old unicorn ignored the comment, offering a bowl filled with a pungent broth. "Drink this." She ordered. Starsong took the bowl in her hooves and sipped.
"Blegh!" She grimaced. "Tastes like moss."
"It's either that or wear a silver collar." The old mare said flatly.
"Since you put it that way..." Starsong replied before chugging the contents of the bowl. The old mare chuckled, turning back to her books.
"Now, since the Lycanippoi are still a threat and actively hunting for you and your friends, how were you planning to get to Nocne Mesta?"
"We can't go the straight way?" Starsong asked. The mare shook her head. "Going south is out, so I guess we have to circle around the Clopathian mountains from the north."
"If you continue Northwest, you will find the town of Drohaybych, near the head of the Dneighster river."
"And what do we do there?"
"Ride the river towards the sea. That will put you within sight of Nocne Mesta." The old mare replied. "You'll avoid the Lycanippoi that way."
"And what about Vamponies, or other dangers?" Another pony asked. Starsong and the old mare looked over to see Cheerilee watching them.
"Ah, you're awake. Good, good." The old mare stated. "Vamponies won't be much of a threat if you stay away from Buckarest."
Cheerilee took a map from one of the saddlebags and looked at it. "That might be a difficult task. Buckarest is right on a path that leads up to Nocne Mesta."
Starsong peered over Cheerilee's shoulder. "No way to get the tank up there. The path's too narrow to make the necessary turns."
"So we'll have to go on hoof." Cheerilee sighed. "Even with silver, we'll still be vulnerable at night."
- - -
~"What do you mean gone?!" A black pegasus shrieked. ~"Lord Zernaba is expecting her to be delivered!"
~"My General. They had teleportation spells." One of the earth ponies replied. ~"We were not prepared."
~"Who was guarding her cell?" The pegasus demanded. The Luquins exchanged glances, then hung their heads. ~"Nopony?!" She turned to a cream-colored pony. ~"And you, Vonnyvetra. what were YOU doing?"
~"I was leading the guard at the northern edge of the city." Several other Luquins confirmed this. The pegasus stomped over to the wall of the nearest building and bucked with all her might, causing the bricks to shift where her hooves impacted. ~"My General?"
Szelvihar took a moment to calm down. ~"This is what we're going to do. We're going to don our armor, ready our weapons, and march to Zeranovice. Those who are too tired or injured to make the trip, offer yourselves up so that the rest of us can put your energy to better use." The Luquins who had sustained silver-related injuries from the previous night's fight gathered in the central square, joined by several others. They laid down and exposed their throats and bellies. The rest of the pack leapt upon them and began feeding.
- - -
"Look alive, fillies!" An armored pony called. The rest of the soldiers looked up to see a large wooden camper clatter into the town. Three ponies exited the vehicle, then began unloading it. As the soldiers approached, the magenta earth pony called over.
"There's been a change of plans. We can't use this vehicle anymore."
"What seems to be the trouble?" One of the soldiers inquired. "Is it breaking down?"
"No, it's just that the paths up the plateau weren't designed for it. We need something smaller, like a wagon."
"I think we can arrange for that." The soldier replied. "And we have something for you anyways." She presented a camouflage-painted aluminum box. "Compliments of The Moon Princess."
Cheerilee took the box and opened it. Inside were a few letters and a silver chain necklace with a pendant crafted in the shape of a crescent moon. She read the first letter then smiled. "So this is a receipt node. Awesome."
"Luna rocks!" Starsong added, snickering at her own joke. Toola Roola tapped her with the end of her cane. "Whuuuut. I'm just saying that she's cool like that."
Cheerilee ignored them and read through the second letter. "Hmmm, no confirmed records of Clover's passing..." She looked to the soldier. "May I make a request of the Military?"
"Depends on what you're asking." The soldier replied.
"West of here, there's a cabin in the trees."
"We've seen it."
"Could you not bother the old mare that lives there, at least not until Princess Luna has had a chance to meet with her?"
"That's a reasonable request. Granted. I'll spread the word." The soldier replied.
Cheerilee took the third letter and read the header. "Toola Roola, I think you may want to read this one."
Toola Roola came over, took the letter and began reading.
To my dearest daughters.
Your absence has been felt around Chateau LaRoulette and Ponyville. The ponies try to continue on as if nothing has changed, but they seem a little less lively without your presence. Pinkie Pie is working hard to keep everypony's spirits up, but she is wearing herself out. I have been worried about you three, but Princess Luna has assured me that you are still active. All I am able to do is hope and carry on with the show.
Love and Zorte On
Gilbert 'Lucky' LaRoulette
P.S. Matron Nadezda has notified me of your visit. Be sure to note what she has done for you, because you are expected to return the favor someday.
Toola Roola lowered the letter. Starsong and Cheerilee had been looking over each of her shoulders. "It seems the whole community misses us."
Cheerilee turned and held up the pendant. "With this, we can receive messages addressed to us, right?"
"All three of your names are imprinted on that node." The solder replied. "Any piece of enchanted parchment bearing your names, will find its way to you."
"Send word back to Ponyville and Chateau LaRoulette. They can write us letters and deliver them to Luna. She can relay them to us." Cheerilee explained.
"So we'll be getting fan mail? Right on!" Starsong exclaimed.
- - -
Arial entered the planning room carrying a report. " Your Majesty, I think there may have been a mistake with the information we have."
Luna set down the marker she had been writing with. "A mistake? Did somepony provide false or misleading data?"
Arial presented the report. "Maybe, I need to go over this with you, to make sure that we're both correct about our assumptions."
"So it shall be a presentation. Very well. What hast thou to report?"
Arial cleared her throat then began. "First, about the name 'Zernaba,' We have accounts about a Czernobog. Though in the Loshadki tongue, the names are pronounced similarly."
"And what accounts be there of this entity?"
Arial turned the page with her magic. "He is commonly associated with disease, rot, rust, mold, withering, lameness, and mental disorders."
"Miasma, decay and insanity." Luna wrote on the whiteboard. "Continue."
Arial browsed through the report. "There's a list of charms that supposedly ward against him and his influence. All of them use silver in some way. Either in amulets, or as components of spells. There are stories about his role as an antagonist in stories over the last two millenia. Alternate names and titles refer to him as horned, so I'd guess he's a unicorn." Luna held up a hoof.
"Goats, cows, and dragons also have horns, and Bullgaria is directly south of Trotsylvania."
Arial nodded. "The Bovine Country, allied with Dalmatia, Ipponia and the Agemane."
"So horned, and he clearly has some magical prowess." Luna tapped her chin. "Malific associations, Nickerprancers, Luquins and Vamponies, Using Zeranovice as the rim and the mine city as the center, his zone of influence covers a sizable portion of my domain. Going back how far?"
"We do have some history scrolls dating back to the pre-Discord era. Shall I have the researchers look through them?"
"Dear Arial. We must not overlook any avenue of knowledge, no matter how slight."
Arial set the report on the table, bowed then left.
- - -
o/~ "Here come the jesters, one two three. It's all part of our fantasy. I love the music And I love to see the crowd. Dancin' in the mountains and singin' out loud, Yeeeaaaahhhhh!" Starsong sang as she skipped along the path. Cheerilee and Toola Roola followed close behind, keeping a brisk pace despite the earth pony having to tow a cart laden with their gear.
"It''s good to see you in a perky mood again." Cheerilee commented. "I was worried that you'd have some residual effects from the infection."
"Hey, what's not to be happy about. We pulled off a daring raid last night." She shuffled over to Toola Roola. "And we got our unicorn back."
"I'll admit that I was scared." Toola Roola leaned over to nuzzle Starsong. "But I never lost faith in you. I knew you'd find a way to rescue me."
"We were scared as well." Cheerilee confessed.
"Yeah, We thought that we might lose you." Starsong added. "Who knows what those Luquins would have done to you if given the chance."
"One of them mentioned that the Zigany were the ones who imprisoned Zernaba." Toola Roola mused. "Nadezda's right, we should have done our research."
"Imprisoned, not killed." Cheerilee replied. Which means that Zernaba might not be mortal."
Starsong stopped. "Wait, If he or she is immortal, how are we suppose to deal with him or her?"
Cheerilee took a sheet of enchanted parchment and a pencil, then wrote 'Zernaba might be immortal, how should we proceed?' She lit the parchment which burned then left in a cloud of green smoke and ash. "We'll just have to improvise for now."
"That's one thing that we're good at." Starsong replied.
- - -
"Destrier, I think you better take a look at this." An earth pony soldier said while passing a telescope to the higher-ranked pony. The Destrier took the telescope and peered through it. A mob of ponies wearing silver plated aluminum armor and wielding silver plated aluminum weapons, was approaching Zeranovice from the east. A few had flagpoles affixed to their curiasses, flying banners with blue and silver horizontal stripes.
"Looks like reinforcements are here." The Destrier said with a smirk. "Send out a greeting party."
"Yes Destrier." The soldier replied before trotting to the designated barracks.
In the span of two minutes, the greeting party was assembled and positioned at the eastern gate. "What brings you all to Zeranovice?" The corporal hailed. the approaching ponies.
"The soldiers of the Bohaymian Republic have come to serve." A silver-clad Veteran Destrier replied. "We bring argent-enhanced equipment for our allies from the Reitland." She motioned to several carts towed by some of the soldiers.
"Glad you could join us." The Reiten Corporal replied. "Bring it all inside and let's get it dispensed."
As the soldiers gathered within the town, the Bohaymian commander located her Reiten counterpart. "Word has spread about how you defeated the Nickerprancer menace. We regret not having aided you sooner."
The Pegasus Captain turned to the Destrier. "Your help is appreciated, and we will surely need it in the coming days." She twirled a hoof. "But your towns needed you more."
"We couldn't just sit back and shirk our duty after you stepped in on behalf of the Monarch that we are suppose to serve. Reitland being part of-" The Captain held up a hoof, stopping the Destrier.
"Here, we are all Children of Luna." She stated emphatically. "Ready your troops at the western and northern entrances." The Destrier saluted before leaving to fill orders.
Overhead, three Zeppelins circled in a wide formation, with scouts aiming telescopes towards the south. The injured from two nights previous had been moved to Prahay's hospitals, while the prisoners were sent straight to Canterlot to await trial, and the few casualties that had occurred, were sent back to the Reitland with full honors. The wrecked Zeppelin had been scavenged of all usable equipment, and the scrap was left to rust and rot.
With the new platoon covering the north and west entrances. the Reiten soldiers were able to increase the defenses at the south entrance. The silver coated aluminum weapons and armor left some soldiers feeling vulnerable, but the reduction in weight from their normal steel gear was a welcome change.
"Luquins spotted!" One of the scouts reported to her shipmates. Word was passed along, signals were sent to the other Zeppelins and the ground companies, and ballistas were loaded with silver rocks that they had gotten from available supplies. Everypony prepared from the upcoming battle. Given the skirmish the previous night, they guessed that their enemy was probably not in a merciful mood.
- - -
"That's kind of a weird way to build a city." Starsong commented, pointing at the thick wall that separated the city from the river. "It's like they've had a problem with river pirates."
The group approached the gate closest to them. ~"Halt!" A voice called from one of the towers on either side of the large wooden gate. ~"I have silver!" A pony wielding a loaded crossbow leaned out of the tower window, and pointed the weapon at the trio.
~"Great, so do we!" Starsong replied, raising her staff in display. ~"We're friendly!" The pegasus glanced to her companions. "She's worried that we might be Luquins or something."
Toola Roola stepped forward. "Monsieur! We come from the lands to the east! Sil Vu Plait, let us in!"
The pony turned and called to somepony on the other side of the gate. A moment later, there was a sound of something heavy sliding aside, then the wooden doors of the gate opened inward, revealing a small mob of ponies armed with silver weapons.
"Heh, Perche." Starsong smirked. "Why didn't I think of that?" The trio entered the gate, then were herded over to a small courtyard while the gate was close and barred again. One of the ponies motioned for Cheerilee to unhitch herself from the cart, and stand in another area of the yard, along with Starsong and Toola Roola.
~"Forgive us for our precautions." One of the ponies began. ~"Very few friendly ponies ever come here, on account of the witch."
~"The witch is not a threat." Starsong replied.
~"She brings the monsters." The pony replied.
~"What do you mean?"
~"She comes here, warning us that the Sorcerors or Lycanippoi are coming, and they arrive soon after our preparations are complete."
~"Would you rather be caught with y-er...by surprise?"
~"Ma'am, look at this!" One of the ponies held up the seltzer bottle. ~"This has strange water in it." The pony that had been talking to Starsong, went over to examine the bottle.
~"Could this be a result of the old Ippoan natural science?" She pondered. She turned back to Starsong. ~"Pegasus, what is the purpose of this water?"
Starsong trotted over. ~"Get me a cup." One of the other ponies departed. After a few minutes, he returned, carrying a tall clay container. He hooved it over to Starsong. She set the container on the ground. ~"Now pass me the bottle." The pony did so. Starsong pointed the nozzle into the container, then pressed the lever.
The residents startled as the sudden *Shprrrrt*, then watched in amazement as the water rushed into the container, filling it quickly. Starsong stopped pouring before the container could overflow. She set the bottle down, lifted the container, and took a deep drink. The other ponies looked to each-other, then one approached Starsong and motioned for the container. Starsong hooved it over, then the pony took a sip, following by a gulp.
~"It's like spring water, but without the rocky taste." She stated, before passing the cup to another pony. The cup gradually emptied as it changed hooves repeatedly. One of the ponies brought the cup back to Starsong, and she refilled it with more of the water.
~"How about a drink for my mares?" Starsong suggested, motioning to Toola Roola and Cheerilee.
There was some grumbling, then the latest cup-bearer slowly approached the pair, and offered the cup, averting her gaze. As Toola raised the cup to her lips, one of the passing residents muttered. ~"Why are we sharing with gypsies?"
~"Beg your pardon, sir?!" Starsong snapped. ~"Is there a problem with my mares?" She motioned to the other two. The stallion stammered and raised a hoof to placate the pegasus. ~"Tell you what, when you've had the kind of abuse they have, then you can make all the insults you want." She scolded.
The stallion was taken aside by a mare and lead away. One of the guardponies smirked ~"I do apologize for some of our older citizens, but Zigany were not well liked even before the Nightmare."
Starsong waved her off. ~"We don't plan to stay long, we just need a boat ride downriver."
The guardpony placed a hoof on Starsong's shoulder. ~"We cannot allow that. The river is closed because of the Vodyanoi."
~"Vodyanoi?" Starsong asked. Cheerilee perked her ears recognizing the term.
"You have Vodyanoi here? How many?" The guard looked from Cheerilee to Starsong.
"Allow me, Cheery." Starsong set the bottle aside. ~"How many Vodyanoi live in the river?"
~"Five, but they are vicious." The guard stated.
"Five." Starsong repeated for Cheerilee.
"Can you describe them?" the earth pony asked. Starsong translated.
~"Their rear legs are replaced by a large fish tail, and their mouths are filled with sharp teeth." Starsong repeated this in Canter.
Cheerilee and Toola Roola exchanged glances. "Sounds like corrupted Merae." The pink unicorn stated.
"Is there someplace more private? We have much to discuss, and I'd prefer to keep the number of ears low." Cheerilee inquired.
~"Of course, let me show you to the Mayor."
- - -
A black pegasus clad in glowing teal armor fumed, pacing back and forth, striking the ground hard with each step. ~"Silver! The whole army is wearing silver!"
~"What are we going to do, General?" An earth pony asked. ~"Attacking them is suicide."
~"I know!" The pegasus shrieked. The earth pony backed off. ~"There is nothing to be gained by throwing ourselves upon their weapons. But we must enforce the Law." She turned and looked towards the soldiers guarding the city, who watched her in return. ~"The Bohaymian forces, united as one army. Allied with the Pferd army from the east. But if they are here, then they are not elsewhere..." The pegasus took to the air. ~"We go east. If we cannot reclaim this city, then we will claim the undefended towns!"
The Luquin horde cheered turning to follow their commander.
- - -
"Destrier, they've turned and headed east." A soldier reported to her commander.
"Danke, Private." The soldier saluted then left. The Destrier turned to the Captain of the pegasus air corps. "Shall we pursue?"
"Get started five minutes ago!" The Captain snapped.
All assembled Destriers saluted, then quickly passed the word.
- - -
Cheerilee, Toola Roola, Starsong and a violet, blue-maned unicorn were seated around a table. With Starsong acting as a translator, Cheerilee spoke first. "Mayor Mertsat, Let me begin by offering my deepest sympathies for you and your community. Nopony should have to live in fear."
~"We have not completely given up." Mertsat replied. ~"That we have managed to survive this long is proof of our faith that we would be saved someday."
Cheerilee nodded. "How do you feel about a repentant Luna returning to lead you?"
Mertsat thought this over for a moment. ~"I am hesitant to accept that. The memory of the Nightmare still lingers, but you tell us that she has been harmonized."
"I can understand that you want to protect the citizens of the town, mayor." Cheerilee extended a hoof. "Let us show you and the community how she has changed."
Mertsat rubbed her hooves together. ~"What would you propose?"
"Here's what I have in mind." Cheerilee began. "My marewife here," she indicated Toola Roola. "Can draw a series of pictures about Princess Luna's return and redemption, and I can narrate for the citizens of the town."
Mertsat rubbed around her horn in thought. ~"So it would be like a theatrical performance."
Cheerlee smiled. "We entertain and educate. I'm certain that the townsponies would enjoy a little song and dance."
Mertsat pointed to Toola Roola. ~"Yes, we have heard of the Zigany dances and how that would entertain the stallions and mares." Toola Roola blushed, not certain whether the statement was a compliment or a complaint. ~"But such has not been done here in centuries."
Cheerilee sighed. "The Zigany, as you call them, are not your enemy. They just want to live their life without harassment."
Mertsat waved a hoof idly. ~"I am only looking out for the best interests of my community. If it does no harm, I ignore their beliefs and superstitions."
Cheerilee nodded. "I understand. You want to protect the community. I want to protect the community as well."
~"We have a great many things that we fear. The Night, the dark, the Lycanippoi, Nightmare Moon, Vamponies, Baba Yaga. Surely you cannot sooth all our fears."
Cheerilee nodded. "Allow me to ask. What weighs the most on your conscience?"
~"The river. Should the Vodyanoi cease to be a threat, that allows us to use the water for irrigation, drinking, and travel. We could traverse it and travel to Loshka."
"If we were to remove the Vodyanoi, would you be more open towards us?"
Mertsat placed a hoof on Cheerilee's. ~"If you manage to remove the Vodyanoi threat, we would be in debt to you."
"Then you may repay that debt, by giving your trust to Princess Luna."
~"It is settled then. Perform the play and we will accept the Zigany. Remove the Vodyanoi and we will trust Princess Luna."
- - -
I am undertaking this task to chronicle history in
the wake of the Spirit of Strifes' reign of Chaos.
While Ponykind may have had oral traditions,
these tend to gather embellishments and outright
fabrications over the years. If the truth is to be
found, then such frivolities must be excised. On
occasion I have heard stories that share many
similarities. These similarities may indicate multiple
accounts of a single event. And it is to these
similarities that I give greater weight. One such
legend speaks of a 'Lord' who ruled the lands
between the Clopathian and the Barkan mountains.
On the next page, you shall see a map that depicts
the borders of this supposed domain. I have also
included the borders of the Duchy of Trotsylvania,
which covers the northern portion of this supposed
kingdom . Also note the proximity of the supposed
Fortress of this 'Lord' in relation to Princess Luna's
capital of Nocne Mesta. Could there still be ruins
buried under the plateau?
172
Luna tapped her chin in thought. "But my capital wast carved into the rock. Surely if there were remnants of a fortress, the excavators would have mentioned them."
"Your Majesty, you have a visitor." One of the castle servants announced.
"Do send them in." Luna replied, closing the journal.
The servant bowed and left. A moment later, a white, pink-maned unicorn entered. "Good Evening, your Majesty." She greeted with a curtsey. "You sent for me?"
"Fleur De Lis. We have a proposal for you to consider." Luna motioned the unicorn to approach. "How attached art thou to the City of Canterlot."
Fleur trotted over to Luna while she thought. "Well, as I said before. I have money but not land. My modeling work could easily be done in other major cities. And other than You, Lime and Fancy Pants, I could go anywhere in Equestria, and still live comfortably."
"Aye, and Fancy Pants be needed here, to balance out the excesses of the Rich businessponies."
Fleur grinned. "I can just imagine the chaos that his absence would cause. But that's not what you were planning, was it?"
Luna took one of the maps from a nearby table. "This be our Domain of Umbratara. The Capital, Nocne Mesta has lain abandoned for a millennium."
"So you're offering me a chance to start fresh in a new city, with new ponies. Possibly a new upper class as well." Fleur mused. "If Fancy Pants agrees, I'll do it."
Luna smiled. "You are imagining the reaction of your peer, Upper Crust, are you not?"
Fleur smirked. "I probably shouldn't, but I find it amusing."
- - -
The ponies of a small mountain valley community stopped their activities when they heard the rumbling. They looked in the direction of the sound and saw a horde of ponies wearing a familiar and dreaded colored armor. ~"Ponywolves!" The cry passed quickly through the community, and the ponies sought shelter.
Following behind the teal-armored ponies, were ponies wearing silver armor. The second army had earth ponies firing arrows and diving pegasi to whittle down the slower members of the Luquin pack, before a unicorn sword-wielder delivered the final blow to each of them. A few of the villagers weren't able to find shelter before the Luquins reached the town, and were tackled.
Scattering amongst the haphazard lanes amongst the buildings, the Luquins took their captives to whatever small enclosed areas they could find. When confronted by a silver armored guard, the Luquins merely had to threaten their captives to get their adversary to back off.
- - -
Starsong hummed a tune while Cheerilee and Toola Roola were working on the pictures for the presentation. Cheerilee looked over to the pegasus. "What are you doing?"
"Practicing," Starsong replied. "In case I have to have a sing-off with the Vodyanoi."
The magenta pony smirked. "You're thinking of Sirens. Vodyanoi are more brutish. From what I heard, their 'singing' is more like-" She was interrupted by a loud rumbling bellow that could be felt through the ground. "That."
One of the townsponies dashed into the room. ~"We could use your help."
Starsong relayed the message. Cheerilee looked to Toola Roola. "You stay here and be safe. Starsong, get yourself geared and come with me." The earth pony grabbed one of the staves then hurried out of the room.
Starsong quickly strapped the bow to her leg, then accompanied the townspony. Toola Roola set aside her drawing tools then bowed her head. "Princess Luna watch over you." She whispered.
Outside, Cheerilee followed the sound of crashing waves and heavy thudding. The wooden wall along the river shuddered as it was assaulted. "Does this happen often?" She asked one of the ponies who was helping to brace the wall.The pony looked at her and shrugged, not seeming to understand. Cheerilee looked around. "Does anypony speak Canter?!"
"Cheerilee chill. I'm here now." Starsong replied as she arrived. "They want you and me at that tower." She pointed to one of the tall buildings set back from the wall. The pair hurried up to the platform. A group of archers were already in place, aiming and firing arrows from small crossbows. One of them passed a similar crossbow to Cheerilee, then pointed to the crate filled with arrows.
Cheerilee put on the small weapon, then loaded it. She peered over the low railing of the platform and saw five Merae that seemed to be giants compared to the ones that she knew. The skin over their skulls was stretched thin, giving the creatures a sinister appearance. The pale skin of their fat-bloated bodies was speckled with dark scaly growths, and their eyes glowed with a teal light. The creatures alternated between throwing themselves against the wall and creating waves and crashing them against the wall.
- - -
General Szelvihar addressed the Reiten army, using an older dialect of the Pferd tongue. ~"I seek to parlay with your Alpha. Send them before me if they are as bold as they-" She cut the speech short upon seeing a volley of arrows rise up, arc, then converge to land at her position. She darted backwards, barely escaping the arrow shower. ~"Forget this, kill theAHHHHHHH!" She screamed in pain as an arrow penetrated her exposed knee, having been fired from a position somewhere to her left. She gripped the shaft in her teeth and pulled it out then tossed it aside. ~"Who did that?!" She demanded, looking for a pony on one of the other rooftops.
~"Number one, if you're going to call for a parlay, you address me as Captain, not Alpha." A silver-clad pegasus called from behind a chimney. ~"And number two. I have no reason to negotiate with the likes of you." Szelvihar charged while the other pegasus reset their crossbow. The Captain finished the action then dodged the other pegasus' strike. ~"Is that your best?"
~"I will gut you and hang your entrails from the trees!" Szelvihar shrieked in an old Pferd dialect. She slashed with her leg-mounted blades, the teal weapons smouldered as they scraped uselessly against the silver armor. ~"These townsponies get to die because of you!"
~"You think we didn't anticipate that?" The Captain replied with a smirk, fending off Szelvhar with a silver sword. She flew upwards into a cloud-bank. Szelvihar let out a howl of rage before following. She emerged from the cloud to find herself surrounded by three ships held aloft by bags of gas.
"What the Bu-" Her curse was cut short as a weighted silver chain was fired from one of the ballista, catching her off guard and wrapping around her torso. Szelvihar shrieked as the metal burned her. The teal armor smouldered and melted where the silver touched it. The intense burning pain caused her wings to lock up, and she plummeted.
She landed with a crunch in an open area amongst the buildings. The other Luquins were stunned seeing their leader's sudden demise. Their failure to act, and lapse of self preservation allowed carefully placed snipers to take them out with silver arrows. The Townsponies cheered finding their captors being felled quickly by the Reiten soldiers. The Captain landed in the middle of the village, then addressed the townsfolk
~"I am Captain Kalterbrise of the Reiten Army, in service to their Highnesses Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. As subjects of Equestria, you are now under their protection!"
- - -
The Vodyanoi bellowed as volleys of silver arrows rained down upon them, but continued their assault upon the wall. "How long has this been going on?" Cheerilee shouted over the din.
Starsong translated the question for one of the archers who gave a reply. "For as long as they can remember. They attack every few days." She answered.
"Stars, get some pegasi and some arrows and get to the the other side of the river! I have an idea!" Cheerilee called before descending the tower ramp.
~"Stay here." Starsong told the archers while gathering a bundle of arrows. ~"We're going to do something chaotic." She took flight, then sought out other pegasi amongst the townsfolk. ~"Grab your bows and arrows, and come with me." She demanded of each one. ~"There's a new plan forming."
Cheerilee quickly sought out the depot where their cart was left. "Starsong I hope you brought the right brand." She muttered as she reached the cart and began sorting through the contents. She pulled out the bag of salt and looked inside. "Good, you did bring the silvered salt." She closed the bag again then dashed to the town market.
As Starsong lead the pegasi archer over the river, the Vodyanoi attempted to strike them with waterspouts. The pegasi dodged these spurts of water and returned fire. Distracted from the wall, the beasts turned their attention on the ponies as they landed on the other side of the river. ~"Good. Keep them focused on us instead of the town!" Starsong called down the line. The pegasi darted back as the Vodyanoi charged or sent waves of water at them.
"Where's the beer?!" Cheerilee called out, looked from place to place. "Cervesa? Ale? Schnaps?" One of the ponies seemed to recognize the last word and motioned Cheerilee over. She hurried to the stand. "I need five bottles." The other pony tilted her head, not understanding her words. Cheerilee tapped her hoof on the counter-top five times then pointed to a bottle. The pony took five bottles from under the counter and passed them to her. "Thanks. I owe you." Cheerilee replied, stuffing the bottles into the bag of salt. "Now. Where is bread?" Cheerilee looked among the stands, then spotted one with a painted picture of a bread loaf. "Oh, there we go."
~"Stay away from the edge of the river!" Starsong admonished. ~"Make them climb out if you can!" Two of the Vodyanoi had gone back to attacking the wall, but the other three were busy trying to get the pegasi archers. Being showered with arrows from two sides was a new experiences, and the Vodyanoi were bellowing in rage and pain.
~"Miss, All we're doing is angering them even more. If this was your friends plan, then we've succeeded." A few other pegasi murmured in agreement.
~"Just keep firing. Keep them distracted." Starsong replied. ~"We just need to give her time. She's probably improvising something big!"
"Tell them to cease fire!" A magenta pony called out from atop tone of the towers.
~"Alright. we can stop firing now." The pegasi lowered the weapons, and watch as the three swam back over to the wall. Starsong looked as Cheerilee tossed out five loaves of bread. Each of the Vodyanoi greedily caught a loaf in their maws and swallowed. Within a few seconds, they experienced an intense burning pain in their stomachs. They clutched their bellies, bellowed and thrashed, trying to disgorge the bread, but fell motionless after half a minute.
During the stunned silence, Starsong flew up to the tower. "Cheerilee, what did you do?"
Cheerilee took a breath then exhaled. "I simply gave them beer, bread and salt."
"Salt? Merae can't taste salt. You know that! What else was-" Cheerilee held up a hoof.
"Navarran Nights. The salt that you brought." Cheerilee stated. "I soaked the bread in salted beer. They ingested silver, and that's what did them in." The silence was broken by a gradually rising cheer from both sides of the river. Cheerilee didn't share their enthusiasm.