New Chapter Sneak Peak

The newest chapter of FtAoH's revision is not yet finished, but it is still in production. The reason being is not just my spring schedule for the spring semester, but I have stumbling over a fight scene that has been bugging me every time I try to write it. Luckily, I have found some tips to help it flow smoother. I hope to have the first chapter out before March; until then, here is a sneak peak of Chapter 1:

The sun and moon stood still in the center of the sky in a permanent eclipse. Recent earthquakes had torn the land apart and left the earth jagged and unbalanced. There was no sign of any plant life or vegetation. Any trees that had not been knocked down by an earthquake or burned by a wildfire started to decay. Structures had been torn apart, burned, or completely destroyed by these natural disasters. Some buildings were lucky to have survived and only suffered a few structural damages that could easily be repaired. This was all that remained of the city formerly known as Canterlot.

Descending from the sky, King Sombra sat back in his chariot awaiting its arrival at Canterlot Castle. The castle, not too far from the incoming chariot, was now covered in a dark purple crystal-like substance from top to bottom. Guards patrolled every corner of the castle wearing pitch black crystal armor.

“Ah, it's good to be home; don't you agree, Apprentice?” He turned to his right to look down upon a pony fully clad in army-green armor. The pony was smaller than King Sombra but it had both a horn and wings that were concealed by the armor.

“Yes it is, Master.” the pony replied with a feminine voice, “I have missed every pony at the castle while we were gone.”

“Indeed.” The chariot finally landed on a giant balcony next to the throne room. As King Sombra and Apprentice exited the chariot, a light grey unicorn stallion with a combed-back mane stepped out onto the balcony.

“Good evening sir.” The unicorn greeted, “I trust your trip was a pleasant one?”

“Yes, it was indeed.” The king answered. He exited the chariot and entered the Throne Room with Apprentice behind him.

“Are you going to ask if I had a pleasant trip Silvertongue?” the armored mare asked.

“Of course not,” Silvertongue replied in a hearty tone, “you and I both know you never look forward to anything.” Apprentice glared at him from under her visor as she followed her master into the Throne Room. The walls and ceiling were made of an amethyst structure with a diamond chandelier hanging from the roof. The chandelier was lit by a bright blue flame that gave light to the entire throne room. The throne itself was forged with many different types of gems with two soft red cushions awaiting the king to take his place on the throne.

“Have you received any news about those meddlesome Crusaders, Silvertongue?” the king asked, taking a seat on his throne. Apprentice stood to the left of King Sombra standing tall and proud while keeping watch on the door as if some pony was about to burst through them.

“Why yes I have, sir. In fact, one of the little troublemakers was caught by Brass Bull.” Silvertongue paused to let out a wicked chuckle. “She is currently in the Confrontation Room with him.”

“Has she revealed the location of the Crusaders’ secret little hideout?”

“Not yet sir; it appears this one has a very strong will.” Silvertongue chuckled wickedly once again. “Not to worry though, Brass Bull has many ways of making her talk.”

“Fire up the crystallizer,” King Sombra ordered, “I don’t want to take any chances.”

“Yes m’lord; I will see to it immediately.” Silvertongue bowed to his dark sovereign and excused himself through the door behind him.

“Excellent,” the king grinned evilly, “So long as those Crusaders exist; they will continue to interfere with my plans. Once I learn of their whereabouts, I can exterminate them at the source.”