The Hayborian age was a time of swordplay, magic, and savagery. In the region of Currmeria, lived Comac. Comac was from a village who’s residents who were trained to fight practically from birth. He himself was born literally on a battlefield; his mother only stopped fighting long enough to give birth before continuing to fight once more. His father was a warrior and blacksmith, teaching his son the ways of steel and iron.
“Long ago,” his father began. “The goddess, Faustia, granted gifts to the equine of the earth. To the pegasai, the ability to control weather. To the unicorns, the gift of magic. And to the earth equine, agriculture. But all share one thing…”
Comac’s father then pulled out a newly forged broadsword. It was as tall as the young Comac; shimmering in the sunlight, with leather wrapped tightly around the hilt, and what appeared to be a open half of an apple engraved in the center.
“But we, the earth ponies are the greatest masters of this craft,” continued his father. “For the metals come from the earth in which we share the greatest bond. Unicorns may use magic on their weapons, but magic can fail. A true weapon, made with true labor, will never fail. You can always trust in it Comac. Remember this, my son.”
The father handed the sword over to his young son, still in awe of it’s beauty. He had a difficult time picking it up, feeling some shame for not being as strong as his mighty father.
“Do not feel sad, my son,” the father comforted him. “With enough time, you will become strong and powerful. I myself didn’t start out this size and with great strength; no equine does.”
Comac knew he would have many opportunities to become a powerful warrior, like his parents before him. If he was lucky enough, he would even get to train his younger sisters. Comac looked like most earth equine of his class. He had dark red fur, bright green eyes, and a dark yellow mane, just like his father. And while his father could be a hard but firm teacher, the two had a strong bond. He had two younger sisters, one of whom was only just starting to talk, and another that had been born mere weeks ago. He knew his family was strong and no force on earth could destroy that.
But then…a darkness came. Without warning, on a cold winters morning, a siege had come to Comac’s village. A horde of armored equine rode in on timberwolves, also armored. They carried a banner, which sported glowing green eyes. The marauders showed no mercy in the lives they took; taking down stallions and mares with ease. The children of the village were being captured by nets and ropes. To Comac’s shock, his own father had been struck down. His mother came to his side, and prepared herself for a fight. Then, one armored equine, clearly the leader, appeared at the front. His height was impressive, and he was clad in pitch black armor with long horns adorned on his helmet. He removed his helmet, to reveal a unicorn with ash grey fur, blood red eyes, and a glowing red curved horn on his forehead. His mane was pitch black and wild like a savage.
Comac’s mother held her sword tighter, preparing to strike when possible. But the mysterious unicorn gave her a look as if he had no intentions of harming her. She slowly lowered her sword and grabbed her son’s hand, letting her guard down. She was unable to anticipate the unicorn’s deceit as he swung his sword, taking her head. Comac felt his mother’s grip became slack, as her headless body collapsed to the snow covered ground. Filled with rage, Comac attempted to strike at the dark stallion who took his family and neighbors from him; but it was all for not. It only took one hit, and he was down.
“He has quite the spirit,” said the dark stallion. “But spirit, without strength, can win you no fight.”
“Shall we place him with the other children, Lord Sombra?” asked one of his subordinates.
“No,” responded Sombra. “I have different plans in mind for this one.”
Comac began to stir, trying to regain his composure, when Lord Sombra picked him up by the neck and looked right into his eyes.
“I’m sure you will never forget me, boy,” said Lord Sombra. “And I’m sure you will try to come after me in some foolhardy attempt at revenge. I won’t say don’t attempt such an act. In fact, I relish in the thought of that day coming. But you will never defeat me in your current state. Remember that the world is cruel, and your dear Faustia will not be there to help you up when you fall. If you are going to survive, you must also be cruel.”
Lord Sombra then flung young colt into a separate cage from the rest of the other children, who were going in a different direction. The young colt cried out to his younger sisters, promising that he would find them one day. He was struck once more and passed out for a second time.