//------------------------------// // 7 - Of Swords and Shields // Story: Age of Kings // by A bag of plums //------------------------------// Emerald Edge stood outside the Mages' Tower, looking at the huge stone cylinder of a building. She decided she should probably consult Moon Tide about it, before walking in. Many different mages moved around, concocting potions and taking down notes as they moved from table to table. “Hi.” Emerald stopped the closest mage, a woman in red robes. “I’m looking for Moon Tide. Could you direct me to her?” "She's higher up the tower," the mage replied, almost as if she wanted Emerald gone as soon as possible. "Check the second floor." "Thanks." Emerald frowned as the mage hurried away, probably in the middle of figuring some life-changing potion or something. The spymaster headed up the stone steps, emerging on the second floor of the tower. Out of nowhere, something blue collided into her, sending her sprawling to the ground, a dozen sheets of paper and items dropping to the wooden floor beside her. "I'm so sorry!" Emerald heard a voice say as she got back up. A mage with blue robes and long blue hair with yellow and maroon streaks in it bent down and helped Emerald up, dusting off her armor and pants before scrambling around for her things. "I wasn't looking where I was walking. So, so very sorry!" "It's fine," Emerald said. She watched the mage grab ahold of her papers and equipment, but the more she picked up, the more she dropped. Emerald smiled and began helping her. It wasn’t like she was in a rush or anything, so a few minutes to help somepony out wouldn't matter. "Thank you..." The mage nodded and gave Emerald a nervous smile as she shuffled her papers back into a neat stack. "I'm Nightfall Gleam. I kind of remember you. You were here the last time with Moon Tide?" "Yes, that's right." Emerald stuck a hand out, remembering the friendly gesture. "I'm Emerald Edge." "Nice to meet you." Nightfall took her hand and shook it before grabbing the rest of her belongings. Emerald herself held a few interesting glass instruments, probably used for alchemy. She followed Nightfall to a table by the wall, marveling at all the papers and items all over the table. Emerald looked at all the other mages' tables, and none of them could equal to the mess on Nightfall's. Everything just seemed to be more than everyone else's, but some other gadgets on the mages' table caught Emerald's attention. "You made all these?" She asked as she set Nightfall's things on the table and picked up one of the items. It was a piece of bendable metal that folded back into a squarish wooden holder. Little indents were made into the metal. "Yes," the mage replied as she put the rest of her work down on the table. "Besides being a mage, I'm also an inventor. That thing you're holding there, I call it a measuring box. You can roll out the metal from inside and measure anything you want!" "Interesting..." Emerald put the measuring box down and investigated the mage's other inventions. Then the spymaster thought of her gauntlets. Perhaps this inventor would be able to make it less conspicuous for her to carry it around. Emerald didn’t feel as safe without her weapons on her arms. “Nightfall,” Emerald started as she opened her pouch. She pulled out her two gauntlets and set them on the table. “Do you… think you could fix these up for me? I mean, I don’t want to give you extra work, but… if you have time, could you help me make these less… visible and dangerous?” Nightfall picked one up and moved a finger along its surface. “This is fascinating. Where did you get these?” “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Emerald said, probably the hundredth time in her time in this world. “I’m from another world, Equestria.” “Really?” Nightfall widened her eyes and put the blade back down. “How did you travel to our world?” “I passed through a mirror on my side.” Emerald shivered as she recounted the horrible memory, remembering how Light Speckle sacrificed herself to get Emerald through. “I’d… rather not talk about the rest. It wasn’t something I would want to go through again.” “Right, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry.” Nightfall returned her attention to the blades. “Well, with the blade sticking out all the time, I wonder, how did you get around with these before?” “Oh, I forgot to mention.” Emerald pointed a finger at one of her hands. “I used to have hooves before.” “Hooves?” Nightfall Gleam held one of the gauntlets up to the light, running a finger along the blade gingerly. “You know, that actually makes sense with these weapons. Well, Emerald. Come back a few days from now and I should have something for you.” “Thank you, Nightfall.” Emerald nodded her thanks. “Oh, I did come here for some questions. Perhaps you could help me. I’m looking for artifacts from my world, thrown here by an old wizard. King Dawn Saber said I should seek help from you mages.” “Artifacts?” Nightfall leaned back against her table and creased her eyebrows in thought. “Do you have anything else to go on?” “I don’t exactly know what they look like…” Emerald recounted the king’s sword during the audience. “But I think they have some sort of magical properties to them.” “Magical properties, huh?” Nightfall turned around and began sifting through her papers. “Sorry, I can never find anything in here… Aha!” The mage pulled out what looked like a poster of some kind, torn on the top right side, with the words, ‘TOURNAMENT’, written on the top. “Enter the King's Tournament and earn your fame and glory!" The rest of the poster was taken up with a colorful illustration of three knights in armor clashing weapons. "Ummm... So this tournament has magical properties?" Emerald asked. She pondered why the mage bothered to show her this. "The winner always receives a prize at the end, and that prize is a shield," Nightfall smiled. "Every five years, when the tournament is held, the winner gets to keep it and use it before returning it before the next tournament, and this shield is said to be able to withstand anything, unable to break under any attack. Might just be something you're looking for?" "I'll actually know it when I see it," Emerald said, once again thinking back to sword. "Where is this shield kept? Are we allowed to see it?" "Yes, you can," a new voice drawled behind them. Emerald turned around to see the third muse, the one with purple and green hair, tied into two tails by the sides of her head. She wore green robes with purple outlines. A familiar red gem hung around her throat, sparkling with the tiniest movements. "Hello, Emerald Edge," she said. "We haven't been introduced. I'm Aria Blaze. Nice to meet you and all that." The muse sounded like she really didn't want to be here, but it didn't matter to Emerald. The muse had the information she wanted. "You know where this shield is?" Emerald asked for clarification. "Sure I do," she sighed. "I can take you there if you wish..." "Oh, absolutely! That'd be great." Emerald felt as if for once, all the pieces were falling into place for her. She turned back to Nightfall. "Will you manage without my help, Nightfall?" "Of course," the mage gave her a small smile. "I'm used to working alone. The others don't talk to me much." "Oh. Alright then." Emerald started off behind Aria. "Take care. I'll be sure to come by and visit!" She moved her legs faster, catching up with the the girl. "So, where to?" "Just follow me and we'll be there in no time." Emerald wanted to say something, but she just shrugged and complied. This muse was much more different than her sisters. One was energetic and noisy, while the other was talkative and confident. This one, Aria Blaze, didn't seem to like speaking much, or doing anything at all it seemed. "So, how are you enjoying your stay here?” Aria asked with a flat tone that indicated no interest whatsoever. “The people treating you alright?” “It’s different from where I was from, but I’m getting used to it. I hope,” Emerald replied as they walked out of the Mages’ Tower gates and towards the castle. “Yeah, these people sure are different from Eq-” Then Aria stopped. Emerald stopped behind her and waited. The muse had just gone still, but finally regained her movement after a few more seconds, continuing on as if nothing had happened. “Different from those of us in the castle. Some of them are more brutish than you would expect.” “Uhh…” Emerald decided to question her. “Are you alright? Did something happen?” Aria waved a hand at Emerald without turning around. “I’m fine.” “If you say so.” The rest of the walk continued in silence as they arrived in the great castle halls, walking past a troop of knights as they trained. They arrived above the east wall of the castle before Aria opened a door back into the structure, allowing Emerald to enter first. Inside, four guards stood next to a glass exhibit, housing a shield made of what seemed to be gold and silver. “That’s the shield, if you’re wondering…” Aria pointed and then folded her arms. “You can look, but don’t get any closer. Royal decrees and sword-happy guards. Just stand here.” Emerald looked at its gleaming surface and began wondering if it was another artifact she had come to this world to find. She wanted to walk up to it and touch it, but apparently she wasn’t allowed to do so. After a few more moments, Emerald felt it. That warm feeling within her, like she was in a comfort zone. Then the shield began vibrating. The guards turned to look at it, then to Emerald and Aria before turning to the shield again. Sparks swirled around the smooth surface, zapping in and out, threatening to shatter the glass, but strangely, it held out as the shield finally stopped. “Interesting…” Aria said with a finger to her chin, but made Emerald think it wasn’t all that interesting with the way she said it. “Well, you’ve seen your shield. Let’s go.” The guards stood there puzzled, as Emerald and Aria left. "Uhhh... What happened?" one of them asked another. "Meh, it's all good now. Just return to your position. Don't want the captain to kick you out, do you?" "I just have to win the tournament," Emerald Edge explained. "Then I can find a way back home and defeat Sombra!" "Sure, Emerald." Apple Bean nodded as she and Golden Nugget packed their empty crates into the caravan. "But how do ya suppose you'll be competin' with all them big, beefy knights?" "I used to be the royal spymaster.” She pointed to herself. "I knew how to handle myself. All I have to do is learn how to use this body, and I think I’ll do just fine." "But ya only have those little knives, dear. Those can hardly go against bigger weapons." "Hmm... Maybe I could get a sword and train. I have some practice with one." Emerald contemplated. Apple Bean had a point. Would she be able to get close enough to hit them with her arm blades? "Is there somewhere I could get one?" "There's the local blacksmith," Honeygold told her. "Spectrum knows 'im well!" “Sure do!” Spectrum Song put her hands on her hips. "That's a start," Emerald nodded. "So how much does a sword cost here?" "Gee, well..." Apple Bean rubbed the back of her head. "Ah'd normally offer to buy ya one, but... Ah'm afraid we don't got enough bits to help ya with that." "Oh, it's fine, Apple Bean," Emerald waved her hand. "I couldn't ask you to do something like that for me. You've already done so much. I think it's time I find a way to make my own bits." “Well, Ah’m glad we met ya, Emerald.” Apple Bean put a hand on the spymaster’s shoulder. “You’ve been a great fun the last couple’a days.” “And ya helped us learn some too,” Golden Nugget said as he put a hand on her other shoulder. “Ya sure you’ll be fine on your own?” “I’ve got to.” She nodded confidently. “I’ve got to learn how to survive on my own in this world. It’ll make me stronger, but thanks for looking out for me.” “Good on ya,” Golden Nugget smiled before both Honeygold’s parents began loading their remaining crates into the back of the caravan. “See ya when we return, Spectrum,” Honeygold told her friend before they joined in a hug. “Same to you, Honeygold,” Spectrum replied. “I’ll miss ya too, Em,” Honeygold said, holding back tears. “Hey, don’t worry, Honeygold.” Emerald squatted down to Honeygold’s height. “I made a promise I would come back and visit once I take the kingdom back. I’ll be sure to come see you again.” “Well, if you’re still here, maybe you can find some time to visit us in Avalon?” “I’ll be sure to do that if I’m still here,” Emerald smiled and gave the small girl a hug, wrapping her human arms around the girl’s small frame. “I’ll miss you too. All of you.” The family and Spectrum moved for a group hug before they headed to the caravan. Golden Nugget and Apple Bean got up on the front while Honeygold got in the back with all the crates. Emerald walked to the front and gave Joey and Springer a few good pats. “I’ll miss you guys too.” She turned back to the family once more. “All of you, take care now!” “Stay safe, Emerald,” Golden Nugget nodded as he grabbed the reins for his horses. Before long, the caravan was on the way as Emerald waved her goodbyes to the Apple family. Honeygold popped out of the back and gave one last wave before the caravan exited the main gates, traveling back to their hometown of Avalon. Emerald was sad to see them go, but one day, she would have to leave this world anyway. “And there they go again…” Spectrum folded her arms and sighed. She was more used to this than Emerald had first thought. “Well, they’ll be back. Don’t worry. Who else is going to sell us apples?” “Right…” Emerald turned around to face the town. “So, this blacksmith. Apple Bean said you know him well?” “Of course! Old Stone Anvil’s a nice guy. If I were training to be a blacksmith, he’s the one I would go to. Instead, I’m stuck with Sir Hors, but oh well. It’s a knight’s life I wanted anyway, so I’ll just have to put up with him until then.” She began walking for a bit before beckoning Emerald to follow. “I’ll introduce you, Emerald,” she said before whipping out her lute and playing a calming little ditty. Emerald followed Spectrum around town, heading to the south side, just next to the wall. According to the squire, the blacksmith was one of the most exciting people she knew. “Just you watch how he makes a sword!” she said excitedly, strumming a faster tune on her musical instrument. “It’s a lot different from the other blacksmith up in the castle.” “Alright,” Emerald nodded. Spectrum seemed to know what she meant, so Emerald assumed she knew what was best. “But I don’t have any bits. I’ll need to get a job first.” “We can find a job after you see a sword you want,” Spectrum suggested. “Then you’ll know how much you have to earn! That’s a great idea!” Emerald shrugged, but went along. At least it was better than having no plan. After a brief flight of stone steps, Emerald took in the sight of a massive forge, built with carefully carved stone and steel. The center of the platform held a circular furnace, narrower at the top. Around it stood a repair table, a tool table, and an anvil, where a bulky man with grey hair sat, hitting down on a piece of metal with a hammer that was bigger than Emerald’s head. “Hey, Stone Anvil!” Spectrum hopped towards him, still strumming on her lute. “Why if it isn’t young Spectrum Song,” he wheezed as he carried on his work. “What brings you here today? Another errand for Sir Hors?” The rainbow haired squire shook her head. “Nope. I’ve got a different errand today.” She walked over and pulled Emerald closer. “This is Emerald Edge, and she needs a sword. A good one.” “Why of course.” The blacksmith stopped his work and looked at the spymaster. “And what kind of sword is it that you are looking for? Something small? Something heavy? Something just right?” “I’m actually hoping for something light and fast,” Emerald explained to him. Back in Equestria, the swords she had ever wielded were all extremely light, allowing her to throw them up into the air and catch it with no trouble. “And I would like to know how much one would cost, as I don’t have any bits on me at the moment.” “No bits?” Stone Anvil raised a scruffy eyebrow. “Lass, you’re not going to get anywhere in this town without bits. I suggest you find some jobs, or take up bounty hunting. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of outlaws to turn in out there.” “I already plan on finding a job.” Emerald hadn’t quite thought of what she could do. She didn’t even know all the jobs these humans had. Anvil stood up and headed over to a weapons rack by the fire. “Well, these are my assortment of blades, forged in these very fires. Take your pick.” Emerald joined him and examined the swords. Each sword looked like it weighed a ton, but as Emerald had to learn, don’t judge a sword by its metal. She picked the sword that looked the lightest, one with a nicely crafted hilt, along with a straight double-edge and gave it a few swings, away from anything she might accidentally destroy. The blade was a little heavy in her hand, but soon, her human arms got the hang of it. “This one isn’t bad.” Emerald brought the blade down to look at the polished steel. “Lass, all my blades aren’t bad,” Stone Anvil chuckled. “That’s why most of the townsfolk consider me the best blacksmith in town.” Emerald liked the feel of the blade. It was light, allowing her to swing faster, though less powerful, but that was exactly what she was looking for. The spymaster put it back on the rack. “So how much would that one cost?” “Considering it uses less materials and resources, I’d say a thousand bits,” Anvil said after some thought. “A thousand?” Emerald took a step back. “Is that how much a blade costs in this world?” “This world?” “Uhh, I’ll explain sometime, Stone Anvil!” Spectrum quickly pushed her way in front of Emerald. “But thanks for your help! Time to go get a job for Emerald!” “Well, alright then.” Stone Anvil walked back to his forge to resume his work. “Take care, you two. I hope you find a good job.” As soon as they were out of earshot, Emerald threw her hands to the air and grunted. “Where am I going to get a thousand bits? That price is atrocious!” “A thousand for a sword is already considered cheaper. How much is one in your world?” “In the Crystal Empire, a crystallized blade only costs two hundred, at most!” Emerald shook her head at the outrageous pricing in this world. “You could always do what Anvil told you,” Spectrum suggested. Emerald stopped and turned to her. “What do you mean?” “Bounty hunting,” Spectrum simply said. “Sure, it’s tough, but catching an outlaw nabs you a lot of bits. Maybe just enough to get a blade like that.” “We could try that, yes…” Emerald nodded and thought about it. Being a spymaster, her missions would sometimes require her to capture a criminal or tail unsuspecting targets to gather information. Perhaps capturing an outlaw in this world is the kind of work she needed. “So where do we start?”