//------------------------------// // The Slave // Story: A Bridge Between Brothers // by Rammy //------------------------------// ബഐബഐബഐ Garble ബഐബഐബഐ I was preparing some cockatrice on the campfire for lunch when I heard the call of a phoenix. I looked up to see the Master's phoenix diving down into the clearing. I wonder what he was doing all the way out here? I though Soots was not one to wander far from home. "Hey Soots, what is it?" I smiled as he landed on my shoulder and rubbed his beak on the side of my neck. Soots was the one bright spot in my life with the Master. I sighed as I saw a note tied to Soot's foot. Better see what the master wants. Break down camp then fly to Canterlot (the city on the mountain). Find the train with my emblem on it and enter. Avoid being seen if possible. I groaned after reading the note. It was bad enough we had to come to the pony lands but I have to go to the very heart of it was another thing altogether. I sighed. I'd better get started. I knew that Master would not suffer a delay and I really don't want to receive any more punishments. An hour later I was flying high in the sky near the city that my Master mentioned, trying to find the train in question. I could see several trains but none of them had his emblem on it. I was getting really worried as time past but I breath a sigh of relief when I finally saw Master's emblem on a lone train. I looked around for anyone watching the train. I went into a quick dive when it appeared that no one was particularly paying attention as I knew that it could change quickly. I only slowed down at the last second, slamming hard onto the back of the train. I cringed as the train swayed heavily. I hope I don't get into trouble. Not wasting any time I quickly grasped the handle of the door to open it. Come on open I panicked as I struggled for a moment to open the door. Luckily the door quickly opened a moment later and I entered the carriage. "Garble!" A familiar voice yelped out as I entered. When I looked down to see the young dragon from the migration I back up in fear. Isn't my life hell enough? What kind of torture is my Master up to? Was it because I didn't get here fast enough or for slamming into the train? "What happened to you?" Spike asked as he stepped towards me. He kind gaze was worse then the gaze of hatred that I got back on the migration, back when... I lost everything... Several months ago... "Gah, I can't believe that a bunch of cowardly namby pampy ponies and their lizard got away." I punched a tree in anger. "And that is the only reason your still alive... worm." Someone from behind me growled out. "The name's Garble..." I sneered as I turned. My bravado faded almost instantly when I saw Dragon Lord Torch glaring down at me, the Bloodstone Specter in his claw. The comically small Bloodstone Scepter didn't seem so small though when its sharp edge was thrusted inches from my neck. "You are worm because I said so." "And you are lucky..." Another voice called out. A figure stepped out from around the Dragon Lord. Causing my fear to escalate. It was the the dragon only known by the title Keeper. One of the most powerful dragon warriors ever known but also the most secretive. No dragon knew what he looked like exactly as he was always wearing a worn enchanted cloak. All I knew was that he was from the pony lands at one point. If he was here I was doubly in trouble... If those angry glowing eyes were any indication. Current I shook myself out of the memory before it got to the worse parts and just in time to see that Spike was looking me over and specifically over all the scars that I have. Maybe the memories would have been better then Spike's examination... "Master!?" I squeaked out hoping that Master would give me leave to flee from my shame. I could see a couple rooms at the front of the carriage, sleeping rooms if I'm lucky. "'Master?!'" Spike questioned. I went wide eyes at this. Master hadn't told him? "Garble why are..." "Pl-please don't ca-call me that." I stuttered, shaking in fear. I can remember every cut and bruise from Master for insisting on being called Garble over worm. "And why not?" "Because he lost his rights to be called by his name." Master helpfully explained. "H.K." Spike spun around and advanced on the Master. "Explain. Now." "The 'Worm' committed several grievous crimes unbecoming a dragon." "Garble was a jerk yes but there is now way under Celestia's sun that he deserved this." "Spike, please stop." I pleaded, hoping to save my hide from punishment. I could already feel the stings coming. "No. I will not." Spike growled at me. "'Dragons may seem beast like but most are quite honorable and noble.' Those were your exact words H.K. What possible crimes could be so horrible to justify this kind of vile treatment?!" "Attacking three ponies and yourself along with the attempt to get you to kill a sacred phoenix." "All this over that?!?" Spike roared, advancing once again on Master. I couldn't believe my eyes here was one of the strongest dragons I have ever know and here he was backing away from a hatchling like his life depended on it. Who is this Spike and how does he have such power over Master? I remember how he was at the Migration and this is not the same hatchling from then that was shaking in his claws even as he confronted me about the phoenix egg. In wasn't long before Spike had the Master pushed up against the far wall. "Only a dishonorable beast" Spike sneered poking the master in the chest. "Would strip somedragon their name and torture them over something so minute! I don't know what Princess Luna was thinking but your battle skills are not worth it." I gulped at the sudden silence. This is bad this is so bad. I am so diamond dog food! I nearly jumped out of my scales when Spike hmphed and walked over to a bench, sat down, and stared out the window. It was clear to me that he was done speaking for now. Master seemed to hesitate before he sighed and went into one of the rooms at the front of the carriage. This was not good. Whenever Master was like this I got hurt. That is unless... I headed this off, appeased him somehow... hopefully... "Master?" I whispered as I entered his room. I gulped when Master didn't acknowledge my entrance. Like Spike he was staring out the window at the passing scenery. It was hard to know exactly how he was feeling as his hood was enchanted to prevent me from seeing his face but thanks to me living with him even for as little as I have it was clear he was feeling down. Maybe this was a worse idea... "Master?" I hesitatingly asked again. "I am no longer you master," Master finally spoke up. "I release you from your service." "But... I don't understand. I still have many years to regain my honor..." "No, you do not." Master sighed. "Now leave me. I need rest." "But..." "I said OUT!" Master roared using his magic to shove me out of the room along with slamming the door.