Neighemburg Castle Courtyard, Neighemburg, Unicorn Kingdom, Morning – 4 days after the Sack of Swirling Creek
Magic bolts flew through the air, channeled towards the burlap dummies on the far side of the courtyard. The dummies stared on unblinking as the bolts went right by them, harmlessly hitting the wall behind them. A bird landed on one of them, watching the Unicorns shooting the rays out of their horns, not at all feeling at risk as the streaks of magic flew right on by.
Star Swirl watched this, not even pretending to be reading his assigned book. The trainees were not even close to their marks, and one even caught some grass on fire. Presto calmly launched water from his horn to put out the blaze before it could spread, and Star Swirl could see his mentor’s frustration.
“Stop! Stop, stop, stop,” the exasperated elder shouted over the sounds of shooting magic. The group lined up before the dummies did as asked and looked over at their instructor. “I don’t even know what to say. Have any of you been listening to anything I’ve said? You must relax and feel the magic flow through you. Then it will go exactly where you want it to. Tense up and there is no hope that you can hit your target! Next group!”
Star Swirl chuckled to himself as the Unicorns dejectedly returned to the benches where the rest of the trainees were waiting. Star Swirl noticed Snipes, the actually talented mare among the trainees, looking pointedly upset at him for laughing at the others. Star Swirl smugly shrugged his shoulders as Snipes headed with the rest of her group to line up before the dummies.
Presto made sure everypony was lined up before giving the signal. “Ready, and… go!”
Once again, magical bolts flew through the air, but again the motionless, mocking mannequins were not hit. Star Swirl looked down to the end where Snipes had paused in her onslaught. She took a deep breath before launching another attack, this time hitting her target dead on, making it swing on the rope it hung from. Her confidence growing, she proceeded to launch a bolt at each of the other targets as well, hitting each one the same way, one right after the other.
“Excellent, Guttersnipe!” Presto exclaimed as the rest of the Unicorns on the line looked over at the mare. “You have been listening, and have certainly improved!”
“Thank you, sir; but please, call me Snipes. You know that’s my preferred name.” Presto shuddered at the nickname, and Star Swirl could tell Snipes was never going to get Presto to call her that. “I would like to see your apprentice give a demonstration if it’s possible?”
“Star Swirl?” Presto looked over to his apprentice. “No, there’s no need for that.”
“Come on, let me show them all how it’s done!” Star Swirl moved off his seat, obviously intending to go to the lineup.
“Out of the question! I’ll not have you showing off!” Presto pointed his hoof to the castle doors. “Now go back to the castle and resume your studies for the day. You’re not getting any reading done out here!”
“Probably for the best,” retorted Snipes, a smirk crossing her face. “Hate to see him embarrassed. I bet he isn’t half as good as he seems to think he is.”
“That’s enough, Gut… um… Sni…” Presto couldn’t get himself to use her nickname. “Gamine. Star Swirl, to the tower. The rest of you, pay attention.”
The trainees began to gather around Presto, who turned his back on the group temporarily to adjust one of the dummies. Star Swirl turned and began walking towards the castle doors, only to find his way blocked by Snipes.
“You think you’re something, don’t you?” she began, looking him dead in the eyes. “The ‘grand apprentice’ or something? You think you’re better than all these ponies who are working their flanks off? Well, I have news for you…”
Star Swirl quickly turned his head and focused. Several blasts came out of his horn simultaneously, each one hitting one of the dummies dead center, causing them all to burst into flames. The courtyard suddenly went silent as the trainees all gaped at the dummies, and then turned their heads toward Star Swirl, whose horn was still smoking from the burst of magical energy. Star Swirl calmly turned towards Snipes.
“I am better than you, Gamine Guttersnipe. That’s the news I have for you.” Snipes looked dumbfounded at the amazing power Star Swirl had just shown. Once again the young wizard turned towards the castle doors, only to find his path blocked once again, this time by Presto. Star Swirl could tell by the look in his mentor’s eyes that he was in massive trouble.
“We need to talk. In the tower. Now.”
East Tower, Neighemburg Castle, Neighemburg, Unicorn Kingdom, Morning – 4 days after the Sack of Swirling Creek
“Once again, you show yourself to be irresponsible and reckless,” Presto paced around the young stallion, venting all his anger. Star Swirl had never seen the old Unicorn so angry, not even after Star Swirl had literally crashed the meeting of the King’s Council. “Do you know how many Unicorns can do what you just did out there? One! You! Anypony else who might have tried would have found their magical energy exhausted by the mere attempt!”
“Then why aren’t we celebrating?” argued Star Swirl. “I show real talent! Isn’t that a good thing?”
Presto rounded on his apprentice. “Did you forget about the entire idea of keeping your advanced magical capabilities a secret? Now I have to excuse your outburst to all of those trainees, give a practical reason why a Unicorn can do such things! And so far as I know, there is no practical reason.”
“Why keep it a secret? Maybe it would be better if everypony knew my capabilities! The enemy would fear me and our allies would take courage knowing such power is on their side!”
Presto stopped his pacing and looked right at Star Swirl, the anger gone and replaced with great concern. “Star Swirl. Think about what you just said. If we were to reveal your powers, it would make you a target. Those who fear your power would try to eliminate you, and those seeking power themselves would want to use you to advance their own agendas.”
“Well, let them try! You saw what I was able to do in the courtyard… I could take on anypony who tried to take me out or control me!”
Silence fell throughout the room as Presto stared at Star Swirl, a horrified expression on his face. Star Swirl turned away, unable to look at his mentor any longer. He realized he had gone too far, but at the same time meant every word he had said. The power that flowed through him was something special, and he wanted to use it to help sooner rather than later.
“Star Swirl.” Star Swirl turned to Presto, who was now looking at him with concern and care once again. “You’re not ready. You think you’re strong, but you can’t carry the burden of the three tribes on your shoulders. Nopony can do that. You’re not an Alicorn.”
“You’re wrong, old stallion.” Presto’s eyes widened in surprise. “I can take on any challenge, and I will prove it to you!”
Presto thought for a moment before responding, but when he did, it was obvious a decision had been made. “Prove it to me tonight.”
Now it was Star Swirl’s turn to be surprised. “Wha… tonight?”
“You and me, outside Neighemburg, the field to the South. A magic duel.” Presto smiled. “Standard rules and laws apply, with the battle being to the yield, not to the death.”
Star Swirl thought about it a couple minutes, Presto patiently waiting for the response. Finally, Star Swirl looked right into Presto’s eyes, confidence brimming in his eyes and his voice.
“I’ll try to go easy on you, old stallion.”
Pegasus Embassy, Earthen Capital, Earthen Republic, Afternoon – 4 Days after the Sack of Swirling Creek
Thunder Chaser walked through the embassy halls, looking at the various art pieces adorning the walls. The paintings on the walls depicted much of the proud history of the Pegasus Nation – battles mostly. He paused at one particular painting, depicting the final battle against the Dogfolk before they assumingly left the Pegasus Nation forever. Thunder Chaser always liked this particular art piece, because while most of the works made by the Pegasus Nation glorified and exalted warfare, this one really showed the horror that battle entailed.
In the air, pegasi were falling down upon the Dogfolk, stabbing at them with spears. Meanwhile, several Dogfolk could be seen pulling down several of the Pegasus troops, ripping into their wings with their claws. The faces were detailed to show the pain they had. In front of the carnage there was a fleeing Dogfolk pup, terror on its face.
Thunder Chaser felt for the poor pup, having been in a similar situation in his youth when his town was destroyed by migrating dragons. He couldn’t yet fly at that point, and had lost track of his parents. The terror as he ran from the fire pouring from the sky still stuck with him. He shook his head and looked across the hall to another painting, this one a bit more stylized in the manner of most of the Nation’s art.
It was a depiction of the defense of a seaside town defending against Zebra pirates. The pirates all seemed to have fear on their faces, while the smiles on the defending villagers showed the “joy of battle” as is felt by all “true Pegasi warriors.” This kind of imagery sickened Thunder Chaser, and he turned away and continued down the hall, ignoring the similar pictures on either side of him.
Finally, at the end of the hallway, he turned left into a spacious office. This room was decorated different from the embassy halls, with the art being more abstract, with odd angles and colors. Behind the desk was a large sigil, that of the Ambassador’s family, colored with reds and oranges. Firebreath herself sat behind her desk, looking over a scroll. She looked up as Thunder Chaser entered, smiling as she saw her loyal guard.
“Ah, yes, Thunder Chaser! Please, come in and sit down.” Thunder Chaser did so, settling himself across from the red Pegasus. “I asked you to come here to discuss the staff reductions we are making. You know my opinion of you, so it will probably not be of any shock to you to hear that I would like you to be one of the two guards to stay here during the duration of the war.”
“I’m honored ma’am. I’ve enjoyed my time here in the Earthen Republic, and have learned a lot from you. I hope that my service continues to please.”
Firebreath nodded. “I have no doubt that it will. You’re a smart pony, and always full of good advice. Which is why I’m turning to you to answer this next question.” At this, Firebreath leaned back in her chair, looking up at the ceiling. “Who should be the other guard? You have been with me a long time, but the rest of the soldiers… they keep coming and going. Correspondence with the Council of Admiralty suggests that whoever it is will likely be staying here for the duration of the war. Do you have any suggestions?”
Thunder Chaser thought about it. None of the mares or stallions under him would be too pleased sitting out the fight. Most complained almost constantly about having guard duty in the Earthen Republic, wanting to get on the front lines to bring honor to themselves and their nation. His thoughts suddenly fell on one stallion in particular.
“He may not like it, but I think Dragon Scale should be the other guard to stay.” Firebreath’s eyes widened in surprise. “I know he hasn’t been here long, and he without a doubt would rather join the main force of the army, but that’s partially why I think he should stay. I worry for the colt. His mind’s been poisoned by the ancient ideals of our nation, and it’s going to get him killed.”
“Something tells me he wouldn’t have too much of a problem with that, though.” Firebreath scrutinized her guard captain, noting the concern in his eyes. “Do you not think he’s well-informed enough to make his own decisions?”
“Ambassador, you and I both know the biggest reason you’re here and not politicking in Sky City is because of your negative viewpoints on our Nation’s traditions. I think you want to keep him here as much as I do.”
Firebreath sighed. “Look, we can’t take his choice away. I’ll make him the offer, but if he says no I’m not going to push the issue. It’s likely he won’t be much safer here, you know. The public’s reaction to the decision of their Senate wasn’t exactly most positive.”
“He can handle himself, and he’ll keep you and whoever your advisor is going to be well protected. He’s skilled despite his naiveté.”
Firebreath nodded. “Very well. Send him in.”
Thunder Chaser gave a small bow and left the office, heading to the barracks.
Upon Thunder Chaser’s leave, Firebreath returned her attention to the scroll in front of her. A message from some of her political allies in Sky City. All was going awry since the announcement of the war, with political positions being filled once again with military leaders as the Pegasi prepared for the war. A setback for those trying to pull the Pegasus Nation out of its warmongering past, though she wasn’t at all surprised. War tends to hinder progress in social areas.
The sound of a throat being cleared came from the office door. Firebreath looked up to see a young mare standing at the doorway, her grape coat standing out against the white walls behind her. At Firebreath looking up, she took a couple steps further into the office, looking about somewhat nervously.
“Miss Firebreath,” stated the mare. “I was wondering if I could talk with you about something.”
“Of course, Shadow Steel,” came Firebreath’s quick reply. “We have an open door policy at this embassy. Any of my staff can come and talk to me at any time. You know that.”
Shadow Steel walked over and sat at the chair that had been occupied by the guard captain only a couple minutes prior. “I know I haven’t been here long, and this is a lot to ask…”
Firebreath felt she knew where this was going. Shadow Steel had ambitions as a politician. She was well versed in the politics of all three of the pony tribes, including history and tradition, and had been a huge help in the past couple months to the embassy as a whole.
“I was wondering if I could be your advisor.” Firebreath opened her mouth to respond, but Shadow Steel was quick. “You know how helpful I have been to you over the past couple months. Remember how I helped you get the audience with the special investigation unit working on sea trade in the Senate? Because of that, we were able to prevent certain laws from coming out that would have limited gem trade between the two tribes. Also, I helped you negotiate to get that island that you’d been trying to get the Earthen Republic to give up for years! And just last week…”
“Shadow Steel!” Firebreath slammed her hoof on the desk. Shadow quieted down, looking almost pleadingly at Firebreath. “I’m not going to deny that you’ve been a great help, but right now is not the time when I need your assistance. This is a time of war, something you have almost no experience in. I have already decided on my advisor, and he has already accepted.”
“Magnum Flyer?” Despite her efforts, Firebreath knew Shadow could glean the confirmation of the assumption from her response. “He’s experienced, yes, but he’s a terrible negotiator! He gives too much to the other side… you need somepony who’ll not let anypony else walk over them, and he’s a pushover! I can…”
“No.” Firebreath almost whispered the final word. Shadow Steel immediately stopped talking, the look in her eye changing from pleading to acceptance. “You will return with the rest of the staff to Sky City tomorrow, where you’ll be reassigned for the duration of this war. Rest assured, once the war is over I will put in a recommendation for you to return here. I’m sorry I can’t do more, but my hooves are tied on this.”
Shadow Steel looked away, but Firebreath could have sworn she saw a glint of anger in the other pony’s eye. When Shadow turned back, however, that glint was gone.
“I understand. Thank you for the opportunities you’ve given me.” With that, Shadow Steel stood up and quickly trotted out of the room. Firebreath blinked in surprise at the sudden exit, but then shook her head and returned to her papers.
Unicorn Embassy, Earthen Capital, Earthen Republic, Afternoon – 4 days after the Sack of Swirling Creek
Smooth Speaker walked out of her guard captain’s office, sure that her choices were well thought out for her guards. She was somewhat unhappy, however, with the King’s choice for her advisor. It was somepony that, while she knew of them, she didn’t know them personally. She would have liked to have chosen somepony on her own staff that she trusted. At least she was assured it would be only temporary.
She went to the balcony overlooking the street, breathing in the fresh air and closing her eyes. Smooth listened to the sounds of the city, the seagulls squawking at the nearby dock, the ponies talking in the street, and bells and chimes ringing off in the distance. She had never liked the quiet of towns and villages, having lived in big cities such as Neighemburg all her life.
“Hey, hornhead!” Smooth’s bliss was shattered by a shout from the street. She looked down to see a small crowd of ponies outside the gate of the embassy, looking up at her. Some were holding signs that she couldn’t quite make out, but was sure were protesting the war and the trade embargoes that came about because of it.
“We make our living dealing in metal! You’ve put us out of the job!” The ponies around the leader shouted things as well, but it was all quickly muffled together. Smooth Speaker turned and went back inside, slamming the doors behind her. She didn’t feel like dealing with the angry Earth Ponies. Back inside, she found the embassy’s butler, White Tie, cleaning a table in the hall. He looked up as Smooth reentered the building.
“Miss Speaker, I really hope that you don’t leave this place in too much of disarray while I am gone. I have always taken great pride in the floral arrangements.” White Tie had always been a joker, one of the reasons he had been hired in the first place.
“Don’t worry, White Tie, I’ll just track muddy hoof prints all over the place.” Smooth eyed a nearby vase of flowers. “Although those petunias do look rather tasty…”
“Barbaric!” White Tie exclaimed, in mock shock. “Well, I certainly hope Mr. Dark Cloak doesn’t have the same taste in bouquets that you do.”
Smooth Speaker looked out the window, towards the still shouting ponies below. “I wouldn’t know. Our King, in his infinite wisdom, decided to send a complete unknown to advise me.”
White Tie stopped his table wiping and turned to Smooth. “Do I detect a hint of bitterness in your tone?”
“A hint?”
“Well, more like a solid confession of guilt. Ma’am, I am sure the King knows what he’s doing. For now, just trust.”
Smooth Speaker nodded. “I’ll miss you, White Tie.”
“And I you, Ms. Smooth.”
The two briefly embraced, and then resumed their work, White Tie to his cleaning, and Smooth Speaker moving towards her office.
Pegasus Embassy, Earthen Capital, Earthen Republic, Evening – 4 days after the Sack of Swirling Creek
“Wait, he said yes?” Thunder Chaser looked incredulous. “He’s going to stay?”
“When everypony else leaves tomorrow, he will be remaining here,” confirmed Firebreath, smiling at the dumbfounded expression on her guard captain’s face. “I’m unsure about why exactly, but he said it had something to do with learning from you.”
Thunder Chaser couldn’t think of anything he might have said that would have convinced the young guard to stay, what he ever could have taught him. He was happy to have the young stallion staying, but was still shocked at this turn of events.
“Well,” Thunder said, beginning to walk out the office door. “I guess I’ll go help everypony else pack their things.” He stopped as he saw Firebreath looking out the window. Curious, he trotted up behind her. Outside the embassy’s gate, Earth Ponies with signs were yelling and marching about.
Firebreath looked at Thunder. “Do you think they’ll get violent?”
“I don’t believe so. Peaceful protest is encouraged in a Republic such as this, but if they get violent, the local law enforcement will come down on them.”
“Well, put an extra guard out tonight, just in case.” Thunder looked pointedly at Firebreath, who slapped her hoof against her forehead. “Right, we’re reducing our staffs. Ugh. Fine. Let’s take shifts tonight watching them for signs of trouble, so that everypony can get some sleep. We might as well start getting used to the reduced staff right away.”
“I think your worrying about nothing, ma’am.” Thunder Chaser looked out at the protesters. “We won’t be in any danger.”
Field South of Neighemburg, Unicorn Kingdom, Evening – 4 days after the Sack of Swirling Creek
The two Unicorns were silent as they walked side by side out to the field. Star Swirl in particular had every spell he knew running through his head. Stunning was good, but a knockdown may be in order. Star Swirl always found it harder to cast when he wasn’t standing up. Seemed to take more energy.
Star Swirl glanced over at his opponent, trying to see any thought or tells on the part of the elder. There was none. Presto was as stone-faced as could be, looking straight ahead. The two continued to walk in silence for several minutes before Presto stopped and looked back at the castle.
“I think this is far enough. Now, let’s review the rules of a magic duel, shall we?” Presto turned to look at his apprentice, making sure that Star Swirl was paying attention. “Firstly, no bystanders shall be involved.”
Star Swirl looked around pointedly at the empty field.
“Secondly,” continued Presto, ignoring Star Swirl’s sarcastic look, “the duel cannot involve more than two casters. Third, no mind-altering spells. Fourth, it shall be declared beforehand whether a duel is to the death or until one side surrenders, and both casters will uphold that decision.”
“And ours is until you surrender,” Star Swirl threw in.
“Until one side surrenders, yes. Fifth, any one of these rules being broken is punishable in the Unicorn Kingdom by death.” Presto looked down his long nose to the young Unicorn. “So let’s keep to the rules, shall we?”
“Of course. This entire duel will be fair. By the book.”
“Excellent, let’s take our positions then.”
The two Unicorns took positions about thirty meters apart, facing each other. The two of them bowed, touching their horns to the ground in front of them. They rose up and made eye contact, thus beginning the duel.
There were several moments of nothing happening, the two Unicorns waiting for the other to strike first. Star Swirl was impatient, and with his horn glowing produced a circle of flame around Presto. Without flinching, Presto sent out a gust of air, putting out the entirety of the fire as though it was a candle. The air continued forward, striking against Star Swirl and knocking him over.
Before he could hit the ground, Star Swirl focused, and in a flash of light disappeared. Another flash of light above Presto’s head announced Star Swirl’s new location above his mentor’s head. Presto looked up just in time to see a solid pillar of water come down on him, pinning him to the ground. Star Swirl kept up the onslaught, sending water down. The force of the water was enough to keep him in the air, but Star Swirl also didn’t know how long he could keep it up.
Suddenly, the water reversed direction, throwing Star Swirl higher in the air. Once again teleporting, Star Swirl focused on appearing near to Presto, but found a shield around the old stallion rejecting his teleport, knocking him to the ground several meters away from his target location. Ropes came out of nowhere and swiftly bound the apprentice, keeping him from moving his legs.
Now on the ground, Star Swirl found himself limited in the spells he could perform. He instinctively began setting the ropes binding him on fire. It seemed to be working, but then Star Swirl realized his error. He quickly put out the flames before it could start burning his coat.
“Sloppy.” Presto stood over the young stallion, shaking his head. “You use conjuration and destruction magic too often. That kind takes a lot more energy. Try using your environment to your advantage. Or… yield.” Presto stepped back, allowing his apprentice to figure out what to do next.
Star Swirl looked around him, trying to find something to use. Not very easy in a large open field. The only things around were the rope binding him, dirt, and grass. Grass! Using telekinesis, Star Swirl plucked a blade of grass and made it stiff with a quick and easy spell. He had used the same spell multiple times for other things, but this was a much more useful application!
After cutting himself loose with the blade of grass, Star Swirl quickly stood back up and faced his opponent.
“Impressive.” Presto nodded his approval. “Despite a lack of resources, you were still able to find a way out of your situation. These are the kinds of things you still have to learn from me, before you start yelling about how amazing your powers are.”
“Are we going to talk, or continue this duel?” Star Swirl’s horn began to glow once again, preparing to launch an attack. Then, a magical bolt flew from Star Swirl’s horn, heading to the older pony.
Presto’s horn glowed as the bolt stopped a meter from him. The wizard sighed. “Always impatient. You’re going to burn yourself out. Remember, there is only so much energy you can expend before you exhaust your magic. You’re big and flashy with your spells. It expends so much energy.” The bolt flew back towards Star Swirl.
Star Swirl was able to catch it and immediately threw it back. Once again Presto caught it. “Afraid not, young stallion. Are you starting to realize your limitations?” Presto created another bolt and threw both at his apprentice. His apprentice returned the favor, and Presto caught all three bolts with his magic. “Well then, let’s see how long you can go!”
For nearly ten minutes, the Unicorns threw magical bolts back and forth, every so often adding a bolt to the mix, and ponies in Neighemburg started seeing the light off in the distance, wondering what could possibly be going on. Just when some ponies were about to go investigate, the lights stopped.
Star Swirl had been hit by several different bolts, knocking him to the ground. He couldn’t keep catching them… Presto must have been right, and he exhausted his magical reserves. He pushed himself up to his hooves and looked over at the older pony, who was lying on the ground. He must have been hit with several bolts himself. Star Swirl slowly stumbled towards his mentor, wheezing with the effort.
“Had enough, Master? Ready to yield?” Presto didn’t respond, not even moving. Star Swirl tried to light his horn, but couldn’t even gather the magic to do such a small spell. He took a deep breath and tried again, this time getting a dim light to glow over the fallen Unicorn before him.
“Presto?” Star Swirl nudged the stallion gently with his front hoof. What happened next was a blur. A force suddenly pushed Star Swirl away, knocking him to the ground. With a flash of light, Presto appeared over him, and stone shackles came out of the ground, pinning Star Swirl to the floor. Star Swirl struggled vainly against the stone, unable to even cast a spell to help himself.
“Yield.” Presto looked his apprentice in the eye, almost as if daring him not to.
Star Swirl continued struggling, avoiding Presto’s gaze as much as he could.
“Yield. You no longer have the strength to continue. The noble and right thing to do at this point is concede the victory to me. Star Swirl, don’t be a fool!”
“The bolts… how…”
“I dispersed them before they hit me. When I saw you lose your focus, I knew it was over. I had to make sure I had forced you to use all your magic before making my final strike. Now, I have won. Yield.”
“I’ll find a way out of this. I won’t be beaten!”
“You are a fool Star Swirl! This is why your powers must be kept secret. This pride you have, ponies will use it to manipulate you, to get you to do what they want. You’ll be promised power and riches, and then disposed of once they’re done with you. You must be prepared. You have to be ready.”
Star Swirl stopped struggling for a moment, focusing on attempting to teleport out of his stone bonds. His horn sputtered, but the spell didn’t resolve. He tried launching a magic bolt at one of the shackles. The result was the same. In desperation, he even tried creating a light as before. He could no longer even do that.
“Do you yield?” Presto said it quietly, almost pleadingly. Star Swirl looked up at the stallion, looked at his eyes. Presto really cared about him, and wanted to help. Nobody could ask for a better teacher and mentor. But he had tricked him, torn him down when he was at his highest.
“I do not yield.”
Presto shook his head, sadness enveloping him. He turned and started walking towards the castle.
“Where are you going?”
“To bed. I am tired.”
“But the duel! The rules…”
“Don’t say anything about taking breaks, or the distance the competitors need to be apart from each other. The duel still will not end until one of us yields… unfortunately.” Presto turned back one last time, holding his walk back to the castle. “Please, Star Swirl. Just yield.”
Star Swirl just stared back angrily. It’s a hard thing, to have one’s pride hurt, especially when it has built up so high. Presto turned towards Neighemburg once again.
“I’ll see you in the morning, apprentice.”
Presto left Star Swirl, bound to the ground, to be alone with his thoughts.