It has been nearly a thousand years since Twilight Sparkle died. Celestia and Luna are gone. The Holy Equestrian Diarchy, ruled by a bigoted and brutal theocracy, has driven ponies apart and divided them along tribal lines. Unicorns are driven from society, feared and hated.
The lessons of friendship, painstakingly written down in the journal of friendship by Princess Twilight and her friends, have been warped and twisted to fit the Diarchy's hateful ideology. But to the average pony, this is the truth and reality of the world they live in, beset on all sides by enemies monstrous and magical.
Emberglow, a young pegasus mare, aspires to join the elite Knights, magically enhanced warriors dedicated to the holy Saints worshiped by the state religion. Can she uncover the lies and deceptions that have led the world to this bitter place?
Thanks to QueenChrysalisForever for prereading Chapters 1-24. Prereader for chapters 29-31 is MrRTS.
Prereading for chapter 34-? by Horsetorian
Additional pre-readers: bananachips/CommissarVulpin, Thought Prism, Chyre
Special thanks to my amazing editor, Cyonix
Cover Art by JodTheCod
Note on timing: I began writing this long before Season 9 aired, so none of those events happened as far as the narrative of this story is concerned.
Come join us on the Rekindled Embers Discord!
Edit: Featured 8/7/20! Yay and Thanks!
In the final chapters, I would love to see the main villains get their comeuppance when the spirits of the Mane Six decide to banish them and their legion to another dimension as punishment for destroying Equestria from the inside out. The main villains will pathetically beg and plead with them that they did their acts of villainy to honor them, but they fall on deaf ears. Painfully, the villains have their magic stripped from their beings as they're carried off to the other dimension, where they will be imprisoned for all eternity.
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That's, uh, very specific for just having read the first chapter
So excited to see this published! I can't wait to reread and see what all changes have been made since my last pre-read. This story is awesome and EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT! ;D
I'm getting very strong 40k vibes from this. That's not a bad thing of course. I've thoroughly enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to seeing more of this Knight Aspirant's journey.
It's fascinating that things have changed so much even alicorns have been erased from history. I'll keep an eye on this!
This story really grabbed my attention the moment I read it's description. Loved the story and your writing itself is sublime. Every detail about this first chapter was simply enthralling. Interesting world you've created, can't wait to read more!
Have a like!
Honestly, this story just keeps getting better and better! One of my favourite things about it is how you describe the buildings and surroundings with careful details. I'm kinda worried about Emberglow telling Sir Steadfast that she's gay, but I guess she'll be okay for the time being. Can't wait to see what happens next!
It is a shame that this story did not garner the attention it deserves. Each point is carefully nuanced, with much thought going into the scenes. Great work so far!
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I'm honestly not too worried about the attention. I'm perfectly fine garnering a few views and comments here or there as I gradually post chapters. Chapter 3 should be coming out very soon, and I even commissioned a piece of cover art (it looks AMAZING so far).
As long as I'm entertaining somebody out there, I'm fine.
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Thanks! Though a lot of the credit for the descriptions goes to my editor, Cyonix. He's really good at reigning me in when I go overboard with descriptions, and letting me know when I need to do more.
I think it's kinda funny that the Knight's of Fluttershy of all ponies ended up being this Universe's version of the Black Legion. Though they also have a bit of the Dark Angels mixed in. I'm really enjoying this and I love how you write your characters. They all feel so real.
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If you like the characters now I guarantee you'll love the later parts. It gets super good
And I'm not biased at all of course
I honestly wish I could like this story more than once.
Also, that part with the prisoners and sermon...hit home way harder than it should have. In a good way, though.
Sounds like Discord's not very fond of how his dear friend has been remembered. I'm continuing to love the worldbuilding here.
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Honestly, it's super gratifying as an author to come here and read people speculating about a piece of fiction I wrote. I'm so glad you guys are enjoying it.
Alright, I haven't read this story yet, but I will say that the synopsis says too much about the story. I think it needs some rewording but, otherwise, it gives a reason to read this story.
Well, you got me hooked, tracking.
This is by far my new favorite story on here. It is people like you that keep the fandom kicking as vibrant as ever!
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Oh, there it is.
You...you absolute genius! The storyline itself is just so riveting and enthralling that- Argh! I'm running out of ways to praise this amazing story and its author! Also, I love the new covert art!
How does this story not have more views!?
I've only read the first chapter so far, but the concept is absolutely brilliant, and your writing is great too. I can't wait to read more!
Omg
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... Is that a good OMG or a bad OMG?
I'm nervous...
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A good one, your universe is very well made, the only thing I do not like and it is only personally, is the suspense and ignorance about the past, especially when the image is very promising xD
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And don't worry, I'll reveal more about how things got to be this way. Just...very gradually.
Oh good.
Hmm...If only we knew who these Diarchs are...
Excellent story as always!
I really hope we somehow get a unicorns perspective of this world at some point. Loving it❤️
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When i read that I did a spit take. I did't think Cozy was the type to create a cult government. That always seemed to be Starlight's thing. Still, I can't wait to learn more about the machinations behind the Knights.
I admit that I am interested in seeing where this goes. However, I am worried that this story is a veiled criticism of faith in general and Christianity in particular.
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I simply hope that I eased whatever worries you had about this wonderful story. 
Hi there!
I wanted to say that while I do understand your concerns, I assure you that, at least in little old me's opinion, that's not the case. This story, I believe, is a criticism of any form of government which will oppress its citizens and commit atrocities in the name of any ideology. Be it religion, equality, freedom or any other one. Trust me, I speak from personal experience when I say that when I read this story, I feel as if it's exactly based on the world I live in. Be that as it may, I've never once felt as my faith was being criticised. To be honest, I think the author deserves kudos for providing the faith in this story with beautiful scriptures which have deep meanings. I guess that shows that it's okay to believe in your faith, be it Christianity or any other religion, just so long as you don't misuse it to hurt anyone.
Sorry for such a long comment!
Jmmmm
So then Celestia isn’t completely forgotten.
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Nope!
Beautiful chapter though...
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Thanks. I know this interlude might be a bit sad, but I really enjoyed writing these two.
My personal favourite chapter of the early bits
Editor's recommendation!
Yass! Green Fields will finally get what she deserves! Also, that part with runes? Incredible...!
I love with how detailed and well laid out your world is. Everything that is happening is because of in-lore reasons. Ponies are not just being punished because the "villain" is evil, it is because good ponies have been duped into being bad ponies. Love the story so far, can't wait to read more.
It seems like Emberglow might have a secret talent in rune casting. Maybe its because her brother was a unicorn and her family is special. Or maybe, puts on a tinfoil hat, she can one day ascend like Twilight and become an alicorn.
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I honestly think these characters make some of the best villains, because they're so complex and interesting. My favorite fictional bad guys are people like Inspector Javert (Les Miserables), Claude Frollo (Hunchback of Notre Dame), or Kuvira from Legend of Korra (heck, even Zuko from ATLA). The best villains often never even realize they're the villain.
And extra props to Cyonix, for helping me remember this fact. He's seen glimpses into the far future of this story, and has helped change some stuff so that the eventual villain will be much more interesting than I had originally planned.
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Thanks! I liked writing it, mostly because I find Sablebeard hilarious. I love the idea of a teacher that doesn't even know his students' names, so he just calls them by their most prominent physical features.
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I had a teacher like that.
She called me 'reddy'...cause I was wearing a red jacket.
Cutting Wave reminds me of Three Dog from Fallout 3.
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Hah! I never thought of that! He totally is just like Three Dog!
Wow, it's been years since I've played Fallout 3. Whelp, time to fire up the old PS3...
Wait... Celestia and Luna are the diarchy??? I’m not reading this wrong am I? Or is this misleading?
The world here is very compelling. I’ve got to admit that I’m a sucker for stories set in future dystopian settings.
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You're not reading this wrong. The 'Diarchs' worshiped by the Diarchy are Celestia and Luna. Whether or not they're still around in any way hasn't yet been established in the story. :)
Edit: Also, I love your profile pic, because every time you comment it makes it look like Luna is screaming your comments in an absolute panic
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We don't know whos responsible.
This isn't worse than dehorning but come on. Everytime, they got something against the gays. Crimey.