Chapter Two: Past Memories and the Astral Wand
Comet was hard at work at repairing the necklace as quickly as he could; keeping in mind that he still had other tasks to complete for the day. As he focused on his work, Twilight took it upon herself to take a seat nearby and watch him. The young blacksmith took notice and simply looked at her.
“Do you usually observe people who fix things for you?” he asked her, clearly not used to the attention. Twilight jumped in her seat and shifted her focus on the necklace instead.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare. It’s just that I don’t exactly know where to go for entertainment.” She kept her gaze on the jewelry the entire time.
This is definitely an important piece if she’s keeping watch, Comet thought.
“Are there any libraries around here?" she asked. "I’d like to visit one before I leave.”
“Nearest one is all the way across Central Square, but they're closed until after the hunt.” Twilight was almost distraught as the artisan continued his work in silence. However, she thought of a way to get the conversation going.
“Is it alright if I ask you some questions?” Comet turned to face Twilight, an intrigued look on his face.
“Any particular reason why?”
“It’s just a bad habit of mine. I get curious about a new place and its people, and I just have to know everything I can.” Comet sat silently and continued working as she rummaged through her bag and pulled out an ink pot, quill, and some parchment. “Now, tell me everything you can about yourself.”
“There’s not much to say, really. Name’s Comet Blade, son of Temper and Clera. Age nineteen, apprentice blacksmith, well-adjusted. Well, at least to some extent. Been on the apprenticeship grind since I was seven, and yes, the old man did start teaching me the trade at such a young age.” Twilight kept scribbling on her scroll, a sound only broken by a quick dip of the quill into the ink pot. Comet mumbled, “You have no idea how old it gets hearing that question.”
“Anything you want to add?”
“Hair: grey, eyes: gray, 1.78 meters tall.”
Twilight was starting to see through his ploy. He wasn’t about to share anything about himself as a person. “That can’t be everything, can it? I mean, people are more than just where they come from and what they do.”
“That’s all anyone needs to know”, Comet replied. “I can tell you a lot about the town, if you’re curious.”
Realizing that asking him directly wasn’t going to get her anywhere, she agreed. “I suppose so. What can you tell me?”
“I’m sure you already know the history of Arpeggio’s founding, but you aren’t exactly aware about the annual hunt, are you?” Twilight visibly shifted in her seat in anticipation. “Back in olden times, the monster population in Runera became a serious issue. It’s gotten to the point that even the military would be overwhelmed at times. So, in a brilliant plan to thin the number of possible revolutionists as a result of this problem, the regent of Lanerio at the time made a proposal to the public. Whoever can slay the most beasts and turn in the spoils within one day gets an audience with him, along with being granted one request.”
Twilight interrupted, “If it’s based in Lanerio, then how come Arpeggio the center of attention?”
“Two reasons. First off, the hunt didn’t stay exclusive to the capital for long. Once it was established, another city in the commonwealth joined in. It started with the technological city of Esteria, then the walled city of Gastambra, the spiritual city of Shiroku, and finally the merchant city of Arpeggio.”
“Uh-huh. What’s the second reason?”
“It’s in the city’s title. There are many opportunities for business that Arpeggio became the central hub for the hunt. Easily accessible and so many different people from different backgrounds, plus you have all of these up-and-coming companies and partnerships wanting to get their name out to the public. It would be crazy to think that this type of tourism could work in a place full of scientists or spirituals.”
Twilight penned all of this information before asking, “When you say ‘granted one request’, is there a limit to what that request may entail?”
“Not that I know of, apart from anything against the law. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, no real reason. I’m just trying to get my facts straight.” She left the parchment aside and let the ink dry as she started a new scroll. “Have you ever taken part in the hunt?”
“Once. It didn’t end well.” Without taking his eyes off his work, he pulled up one of his pant legs and revealed an old scar. “I was sixteen when I decided to give it a try. Bit off more than I could chew trying to take on a manticore. I managed to get away, but not before it gave me this little souvenir.”
“Were you too intimidated to try again the following year?”
“No, nothing like that. I knew I could take it on after some real training, but my old man was already struggling here at the smithy working all alone, so I just decided to continue my apprenticeship instead of chasing after beasts.” Comet cursed as his momentarily lapse in attention caused him to botch the repair.
“Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” asked Twilight jokingly.
Comet stopped working on the necklace and stared into space for a few seconds before resuming. “Not anymore”, he replied.
“Touchy subject?”
“You could say that.” An awkward silence hung in the air, broken only the sounds of metalwork from Temper’s end of the workshop. Comet spoke up again. “I normally wouldn’t dwell on it, but I’ll tell you how she passed.”
“How did you-”
“Everyone asks me that question. I’m just making an assumption and saying it’s no different with you.” Twilight merely dipped her quill into the ink once more. “There was an epidemic in Arpeggio several years ago. The illness had many names, but a very popular moniker was ‘Blood Winter’.”
“I’ve never heard of such a disease.”
“It’s not pretty. Arpeggian medical journals list everything you want to know. I suggest picking up a copy if you really want to know more.” Not wanting to press her luck, Twilight moved on to something less tragic.
“Let’s change the subject. How is it that you, a blacksmith that hammers and sharpens large objects all day, can work on something as small as a necklace?”
“I’ve had plenty of practice. Of course, yours won’t end up looking as shoddy as mine.” Comet reached into his shirt and tugged on a silver chain, a small charm akin to a sword attached to it. Twilight recognized it, given her numerous trips to the eastern lands in recent years.
“That type of sword…It’s from Uchu, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, that’s where the old man came from. I asked him why he didn’t stay. If his 'tales of grandeur" are to be believed, he was a real troublemaker back in the day.” He gave a whispered “yes” as his handiwork seems to have produced desired results. “Former emperor wanted his head on a plate, but he escaped to Runera and lived in Shiroku for a while before he settled here.”
He inspected the newly-repaired item, making sure his work will last. He handed it back to her, who promptly put it back on. “Alright, now that you learned a few things about me, I’d like to know about you. What’s so special about that necklace?” Twilight set her scroll and quill aside and sat up.
“You said you were learning the trade from your father. I guess you could say the same thing about my mentor and I. You see…” she paused and held up one of her hand, a purple light surrounding it. Comet looked on in wonder, and then was shocked as he noticed a few of his tools were suspended in midair. Twilight giggled at his reaction before setting them down.
“Spellcaster. Should’ve known.”
“Well, yes. I was trying to get into a prestigious academy back home at a very young age. My parents insisted that I had a natural talent for spellcasting, so they took me to be evaluated by some of the faculty there. It went horribly at first, and to make matters worse, my magic got out of control.” She fiddled with the star amulet as she continued her story. “My mentor was walking by the building where evaluations were being held, and she managed to calm me down before anything serious happened. She took it upon herself to teach me personally, and since then, I’ve been learning under her wing. She gave me this necklace herself soon after we met.”
“From the way you talk, this mentor is like a mother to you.” Comet was already hard at work on another repair as he listened to her.
“She’s like that with everyone she meets, really. There’s just something about her that lets you know everything is going to be alright.”
“I know exactly how that feels”, he replied. “What brings you to town?”
“I thought I’d sample the local cuisine. I heard the smoked artichoke here was to die for.” She giggled again, but quickly grew serious. “Listen, I know we just met, but you seem like someone who keeps to himself. Can you keep a secret?”
Comet did not look away from his work table, but answered her honestly. “The old man and I have had our fair share of them over the years. What’s one more?”
She looked through her travel bag again, this time pulling out several scrolls. “You see, my mentor has actually tasked me with locating a particular object. She’s heard rumors of a certain relic being located somewhere in this city, one that was recently unearthed in the area.”
“Well, if it’s treasure you’re looking for, no better place to search than Arpeggio.”
“We believe that the relic is in either the hands of a private collector or the regent himself. I’ve been trying to think of a way to get close to whoever is in possession of it and confirm my mentor’s suspicions.”
“What do you plan to do if it turns out to be what you’re looking for?” he asked.
“That depends on what the current owner plans to do with it. If they intend to keep it, we’ll just try to negotiate a sale.”
“What if they don’t agree? Do you plan on stealing it?”
“Of course not!” she replied defensively. “…Well, maybe not.” Comet raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “Well, alright. If it comes down to it, yes. But it’s for a good cause, I assure you!” She opened one of the scrolls. “You see, this particular object can be dangerous if used for less-than-noble deeds, or even if the wrong person uses it.”
The blacksmith was starting to believe that she was hiding something from him, something not meant for the general public. However, he kept his mouth shut and played along for a while longer.
“A lot of adventurers pass through here for repairs, don’t they? I’m sure you must’ve caught a small detail - anything about it.” Comet sat silently, keeping himself busy. “I know you have. Your silence is speaking volumes.”
The blacksmith sighed and set his tools down. He turned to the scholar and spoke in a very firm voice. “You’re looking for the Astral Wand.”
The scholar grinned as she finally found her answer. “So you’re saying it’s really here?”
He nodded. “Three weeks ago, the regent sent an excavation team to help a group of trapped coal miners just a few kilometers southwest from here. When they were finally freed, one of them had an old wand in his possession. His rescuers thought nothing of it, thinking it was for personal use.” Comet stood up and walked toward a nearby fireplace, sifting through the ashes. “A few nights later, the man was attacked in his own home. No sign of breaking and entering or any foul play.” He grabs a piece of charcoal, making his way back to the worktable. “Do you have a blank scroll on you? I can actually show you what it looks like.” Twilight unfurled some parchment, laying it flat.
“The man described what attacked him as a creature of shadow. It had no face, no distinct shape, no discernable features, just a pure shadow.” He started to draw the overall shape of the wand. “Investigators thought it was madness from being trapped in that mineshaft for so long. The man had a few critical injuries, but authorities believe they were self-inflicted, almost as if he’s gone insane.” As he continued, the drawing became more detailed. “When they found him, he was cursing the wand as if it were a living thing. Regent Fontaine heard about the incident and instructed to have the wand moved to his private vault within his castle to prevent another incident like that.”
Twilight looked on the parchment as Comet finished the charcoal drawing. She was amazed at the detail, even down to the number of stars on the wand and the overall spiral shape, inspired after its true owner Astra Starbirth. “That’s remarkable”, she commented. She pulled out another scroll and showed him another drawing of the wand. It looked exactly like the one he drew. “How did you know its exact design?”
“My father and I were there the day it was transported to the vault. He was talking to the captain of the city guard about possible new metals to be used in his guards’ weapons while I explored for a bit. I couldn’t get too close, of course, but the guards there knew me well, so they let me have a quick peek. Shame it wasn’t a sword. I would’ve loved to recreate something like it in the smithy.”
Twilight sat quietly as this new turn of events unfolded before her, with only the sounds of hammer against steel filling the room as her company simply continued with his labor. Comet paid no mind to the scholar’s sudden silence, almost relieved that he could finish his repairs in piece.
So the Astral Wand IS in Arpeggio, just as Princess Celestia predicted, and the regent won’t see anyone from Equestria given our current political situation. Twilight glanced at the artisan, remembering something he mentioned during her questioning. However, this hunt of theirs has the grand prize of an audience with the regent and having one request fulfilled. Perhaps I can… Comet directed his gaze at her, still aware of the girl in his work area. She simply smiled at him before speaking.
“Say, you wouldn’t be interested on tackling the hunt again this year, would you?” she asked with a sweet tone. The blacksmith gave her an unamused stare before looking away. “Well, what do you say? With your experience and my magic, we can definitely-”
“No way in Tartarus.” Twilight was taken aback by his curt reply. She was expecting him to decline, however.
“You mean you DON’T want to get revenge on that manticore you so desperately despise?”
“I don’t hate the creature. I was stupid enough to get myself into trouble with it, and I paid the price. End of story.”
“Is there anything I can say or do to help change your mind?” She looked at him with doleful eyes using the charm she possessed to persuade him.
Comet paused his work yet again. He turned and faced Twilight, an annoyed expression on his face. “Listen, you seem like a nice person, so I’ll say it straight. I’m not about to go risk my own skin for this mentor of yours. I don’t even know their name, let alone their intentions. With all due respect, I’d appreciate it if you also stop with this revenge nonsense. I’m a blacksmith, not a mercenary.”
“As much as I’d hate to admit it, you’re the only person I can turn to. I asked you to keep this a secret, which means I can’t exactly go off and reveal it to anyone else just for some help.”
“You don’t have to. There are plenty of mercenaries willing to take your bits without asking questions. You’ll be better off having them work for you.” The young blacksmith sat back at his station, adamant about finishing his tasks. The scholar wouldn’t have any of it. Twilight stood up and grabbed two scrolls, as well as undoing the clasp on her necklace. With a loud smack, she slammed the scrolls on Comet’s work space, much to his disapproval. “Hey, what the hell is your problem?”
Twilight opened the scroll with the drawing of the Astral Wand, placing her necklace on the parchment. “Look at these. You’ve been staring at my necklace this entire time, yet you couldn’t make the connection between it and the design on this wand.”
“So your mentor had an idea of what it looked like. Are you going to tell me that mine matches what’s in that other scroll?”
“Take off your necklace”, she replied sternly.
Comet laughed half-heartedly. “Alright, I’ll play your little game.” He removed his own pendant and placed it on the parchment just as Twilight has done with hers. “Open it up.”
“Gladly.” She laid the scroll flat against the workbench, then grabbed Comet’s necklace and placed it next to the drawing. The blacksmith paused as he stared at the comparison. The sword’s wavy pattern on the hilt was strikingly similar to the simpler design on the charm. The same was true for the overall shape. “Do you see it now?” He still had his doubts, however.
“Alright, say that our charms ARE depicting weapons from ancient times. What next?”
Twilight smiled again, knowing she finally managed to sway his opinion, if only a bit. “We won’t know unless we have them all, will we?”