"A man's conscience and his judgment is the same thing; and as the judgment, so also the conscience, may be erroneous."
-Thomas Hobbes
It was cold, damp, and dark. These three words were used to describe the prison Forester had been placed in. Stone lined the walls, ceiling, and floor of the small cave Forester was in. A large boulder placed in front of the entrance, light shining through the cracks of the space between the rock and mouth of the cave. Forester sat on the floor, his back against the wall, and his eyes staring sadly at the floor. His body still slightly glowing with a white aura.
The boulder shifted, slowly sliding out as it was pulled from the mouth. The bright shining sun's rays entered the cave, but only touched the front half, leaving Forester in the dark. A Doe entered the cave, her fur white as snow, her black hooves and nose stuck out among her white, and her eyes ocean blue. She approached Forester and stopped where the sun's light met the darkness of the cave. She too had a look of sadness on her face much like Forester had on his, the only difference was that Forester's was one of sadness and disappointment.
"Hello...Forester." The Doe greeted, awkwardly shifting under the solemn mood of the room.
"Hello Winter." Forester replied, not looking up from the ground.
The Doe, Winter, bit her lip, thinking about the best way to say what she wanted to say. "So...you're doing well."
Forester, still facing the floor, held up the tight vines wrapped around his hooves like shackles. He dropped his hooves, releasing control of the muscles that held them up.
"Right...that..." Winter sighed, the weight of the awkward tone increasing. "Forester...I...as a member of the Trinity, I have no choice but to judge you for your sin.......but as your friend..." Winter approached Forester and lowered herself to be at Forester's eye level. "I just want to make sure I understand what's going on. You used magic, the very thing we Deer swore to never use."
Forester remained silent, unable to speak to his friend.
"So I want to know the truth, not some information from the messenger, I want you to tell me what happened?"
"What happened?" Forester asked, slightly raising his head. "What happened was I yelled at God. I roared at her with fury because of what happened to Fawn. I was tempted by The Evil and I succumbed to that evil in the hopes of returning Fawn." Forester seemed like he was on the verge of crying. "I have sinned Winter. I have scared my faith, therefore I must pay for my sins. I must be judged."
There is a rule, a sacred rule, a rule that is to be upheld no matter what. This sacred rule is upheld by the Deer, no matter what. This rule is to never wield the power known as magic, as it leads to corruption and evil. But what Forester had done put a weight of uncertainty on the council's decision.
Forester was a good, honest Deer who would never do anything wrong in the eyes of God, and the magic that he had used returned a child to life, a child that should've never died. The council was torn in half, one side disputing that Forester was guilty and needed to be punished for his sin. But the other half disagreed with this statement. They believed that Nature was working through Forester to save the child, that he was innocent in the eyes of God. The council argued over the decision needed to be made and concluded that a trial was to be held for Forester's judgement. But it still didn't feel right.
"Forester...do you remember the history of the.....'Mage Trials'?" Winter asked.
"If by 'Mage Trials' you're referring to the 'Witch Trials' that took place over twenty year's ago, then yes I am aware of it." Forester stated, "and I hope you're not trying to somehow relate that incident to my current situation, are you?"
"Well..." Winter cringed. "You can't deny that this...this has some relation to those trials."
"Please." Forester scoffed. "The trials were a cause of so many deaths because we didn't have the trinity. Our court was based off the wild opinions of Doe's accusing Deer of magic. They accused innocents to be hanged by pretending to be falsely cursed. 127 Deer died because of the trials." Forester said.
"Do you know how the trials ended?" Winter asked.
"How could I forget?" Forester asked. "It was my mother that was being accused. The Doe in charge of the accusations was Ivy, a Doe who was jealous of my mother and father's marriage and decided to kill her for it. I may have not been there, but my mother has told me stories about it." Forester said.
"And do you know how it ended?" Winter asked.
"Everybody knows, the Doe's accusing my mother of magic cried out in pain in the middle of the trial, accusing my mom that she was casting a spell on them." Forester explained. "Under the fifth doctrine, the Accused has the right to concealment during the trial, she wore a cloak that covered her face and body."
"But when the Doe's were crying out in pain the court ordered your mother to remove her cloak in case to see if she was chanting spells." Winter added.
"She complied and removed her cloak, but it wasn't my mother's face that was revealed." Forester said, slightly looking up. "It was Suro Raindrop."
Some information about the Deer's religion before we continue. In the Far East there lies a great tree that rivals the height of mountains, this tree is named "Turrim caelorum" and it is home to the religious group known as the "Vatican".
I want you to picture a chart, just a simple chart from bottom to top. This imaginative chart will be used to help explain the order of higharcy. At the bottom of the chart are the Worshippers, Common Deer who worship and pray to Nature. The next chart above Worshippers are Priests, Deer who spread the belief of Nature. Next are the Witnesses, Deer who speak the words of Nature. But the next charts above those three lie in the Vatican, the first chart are Knights, Deer who protect the belief. The second are Bishops, Deer who are holy servants to the Suro. The third are Cardinals, Deer who are chosen by the Suro to be the elite of the Vatican. And at the very top is the Suro, the Suro is the symbol of Nature, the Suro is a single Deer who has been chosen to be the leader of the Deer in times of darkness.
Now that I've explained, let's get back to the story.
"I can still remember their faces." Winter sighed, reminiscing about that day. "The look of shock and awe on everyone's face, but it was the look of fear that the Doe's were adorned in."
"The Suro is the embodiment of Nature and she is considered to be of pure heart and will, to accuse her of magic is considered blasphemy among the church." Forester explained.
"And thus, the Doe's were exposed for their lies and each and everyone of them received divine punishment." Winter said.
"Now that storytelling is over, mind telling me what that has to do with me?" Forester asked.
Winter sighed, "just like those trials...an innocent is being condemned for something he did not do."
"But I did do it." Forester restated. "I know what I did Winter, I have sinned and now I must atone for my sin."
"But-"
"But nothing...now leave me be." Forester sighed, lowering his head in shame. "I'm done talking. I'll see you on the day of my trial."
Gideon waited in the room, waiting for the council to return. They had left and were arguing over what should be done. After a while the council re-entered the room, they took their seats and spoke.
"Tell us, Gideon, what exactly is your power capable of?" One of the council members asked.
Gideon stood up and answered, "the truth is...I'm not really sure. I know that the magic is powerful, but I don't know what it's exactly capable of."
Let me take control Gideon, and I'll be able to help these fools understand.
Gideon closed his eyes and surrendered his mind to the Element of Fear. When his eyes reopened they were glowing completely yellow.
"Greetings, I am the Element of Fear, and I have taken my Host's body so that I may explain what's exactly going on." Gideon spoke, but it was the Element's voice that everyone heard.
The steel tips of spears pointed at Gideon by the guards stationed inside.
"Release our Prince at once!" They ordered.
Gideon only smiled, snapping his talons he created a powerful burst of yellow magic that sent the guards flying. They were slammed against the walls and were knocked out.
"As you can see, I possess powerful magic. But this isn't even close to what I am capable-" Gideon cut himself off as he looked to the door. "Well wouldn't you know, we have a visitor."
The doors opened and a smooth white hoof entered, following was the body of a tall pony and the waving mane that never stopped moving. This was the Alicorn Celestia, and she was not pleased.
Upon seeing her presence, all of the Griffons in the room bowed, but Gideon just smiled at Celestia, his eyes seemed to be glowing brighter.
"Greetings, Prince Gideon." Celestia greeted the Griffon standing before her. "I see you've returned from your banishment." She stated calmly, but her tone was thick and filled with firm authority. "And it seems you've come across the Element of Fear, which you used to storm the Crystal Empire and took it over. But you were defeated, and now you've return home."
"Did you only come to give me a boring lecture"? Gideon asked, letting out a yawn.
"I have come for but one reason, release the Element of Fear to me at once and I shall remove your banishment as well as overlook your assault on the Empire. Do we have a deal?" Celestial offered.
"Hmmmmm, no." Gideon answered. "Actually, make that a 'hell no'." Gideon rephrased.
"Do not test my patience griffon." Celestia growled through gritted teeth, her fury practically radiating from her body. "If you will not give me the Element, then I will take it by force."
"Oh, I've been waiting ages for this." Gideon's smile grew as his claws became engulfed in a yellow flame. "I think it's time you learned the true power of Fear."
There had been a time when Flash used to be apart of the Guard in Canterlot. He had worked under the Canterlot Night Guard, which was used under the authority of Princess Luna instead of Celestia. Luna's command was different than Celestia's, she was more strict and authoritative with her Guard, but she was like a mother. Harsh to get her point across but kind when it was needed. Flash respected Princess Luna, she was the kind of Princess that had an army of loyal soldiers behind her at all times.
But what was most puzzling was the reason as to why Luna was awake when the sun was up. She had never been a morning pony, so how could she be awake?
Flash entered the throne room where she saw Luna sitting upon her throne, and beside her was a pile of cardboard cups that once contained coffee, Luna was currently guzzling another cup, downing the hot liquid in audible gulps.
Ah, that's how. Flash's question was answered.
He approached Luna and took a knee in the middle of the room, bowing his head in respect.
"Greetings your Grace, you requested my presence." Flash stated.
Luna finished her coffee before throwing the empty cup onto the pile of new cups. "Good morning Sentry, I apologize for this... " Luna trailed off, rotating her hoof to the pile of empty cups as she thought of the correct word. "Mess." She finished. "I assume you know why I've brought you here?" Luna asked, raising her hoof she gave Flash permission to stand.
Flash stood, "I can only assume this has to do with what happened at the Crystal Empire?"
Luna nodded, "and I can assume that you have many questions?" She asked and Flash paused before slowly nodding. "Well...I'm afraid that I cannot tell you. This matter is very secretive, and would cause panic if it ever got out."
"I understand Princess." Flash stated.
Luna was silent, pondering what she would do next. "Leave us." She ordered the guards inside the room, who bowed and obeyed. As they exited and the door closed behind them, Luna stood up and walked down the marble steps and approached Flash. When she was close enough she embraced Flash in a tight bear hug. "We are relieved to know that you were not harmed." Luna smiled.
"Princess...crushing...me..." Flash wheezed before Luna released him, leaving a major dent in his chestplate.
"Sorry, I was just so worried." Luna explained. "You know how I am with my guard, even the ones who've left."
Flash couldn't help but smile when he heard that. This was who Princess Luna was, she was like a mother to her guard. She cared for each and everyone of her guards, no matter their rank.
"Come, walk with me." Luna requested as both her and Flash left the throne room and entered the Garden.
"I hope you understand that it pains me to keep secrets from my Guards, I want nothing more than to tell you everything." Luna explained. "But I cannot."
"You don't need to tell me anything you don't want to. I'm used to being left in the dark." Flash admitted. "I'm a Royal Guard, Princess. That means it is my duty to follow your command no matter what it may be. I may have tons of questions about the Element inside of me, but if you cannot tell me then I will disagree."
"Speaking of Elements." Luna stopped as did Flash. She turned to face him with a serious look on her face. "The reason I have brought you here is to remove it."
Flash blinked twice in confusion. "If I may ask, why?"
Luna sighed, she was tired of keeping secrets from those she trusted. Flash was more than trustworthy to know the truth, he deserved to know the truth, no, he needed to know the truth. She was not going to hide what had happened all those centuries ago just for it to be repeated. She searched the area to ensure there wasn't any spying eyes. Once she was certain she and Flash were alone she began to tell the story of Elements.
"Listen...my sister and I have existed for many centuries, and throughout time we have been haunted by a singular question that lingers through our mind to this day." Luna began. " 'Why are we here?' That was the question always on our mind, when we were born we didn't have a father or a mother, we didn't even know how we came into existence. But we did what everypony does, we learned, and what we learned was that world was being torn apart. Not by any villain or force of evil, it was the inhabitants of this planet that were killing it."
"I...don't understand, what does this have to do with the other Elements?" Flash asked.
"Everything." Luna answered. "You see, a long time ago, magic wasn't as common as it is today. Back then, every race had access to it through powerful artifacts called Elements. These Elements were the most powerful thing that could control magic, one Element had enough power to destroy an army of hundreds of thousands. Those who wielded these powers were called 'Elementals'. When my sister and I had finished learning we discovered that one race was on the bring of extinction. Ponies."
"Ponies?" Flash asked, dumbfounded. "But...how can that be?"
"It seems I forgot an important part to mention, the Elements had a direct connection to the Source of Magic, therefore they sucked up magic like a sponge. During that time, Pegasi and Unicorns did not exist, there were only Earth Pony's, and while they had strength they were at a disadvantage compared to the other traits of the other races. Griffon's had air superiority, Minotaur's strength exceeded ponies by miles, and so on. They didn't stand a chance."
"But how was the world being torn apart?" Flash asked, feeling that Luna was getting off topic.
"The world was a much more cruel place back then, race's fought each other for land, resources, and other means. My sister and I could not allow the bloodshed to continue, and we decided to do something about it. With our newfound knowledge we built a device to seal away the Elements. This device was called Pandora's box, one by one my sister and I fought each Elemental one at a time until the last one fell. With the Elements gone, magic flowed into the world naturally, and thus it caused each of races to evolve." Luna explained. "The only thing left to do was clean up the mess. We built cities and homes for each of the races so that they may live in peace. We taught them all the value of love, friendship, and peace, and it was because of what we did that a new form of Elements was born."
"The Elements of Harmony." Flash said.
Luna nodded. "When my sister and I discovered that six new Elements had chosen hosts we immediately acted to seal them away. But we saw that they were not like the others, they're magic healed and repelled darkness. We agreed that Elements of Harmony would not be sealed and would remain. As for the other Elements trapped within Pandora's box, we intrusted it to the Demon race for they were just as powerful as us. They agreed to keep watch over it, and in return we would never enter their lands. But now the box has been opened and all of the Elements have been unleashed." Luna said. "This is why I must remove the Element inside of you, if I do not remove it soon then the peace my sister and I tried to hard to protect will be destroyed.
This was wrong
Those three words echoed in Fawn's head as he watched his dear friend, Forester, being paraded as a sinful heretic. His hooves were imprisoned by shackles with chains attached to the shackle beside it, restricting his movements to small steps. The loud, unnerving, sound of loose chains being dragged against the pieces of stone steps seemed to have been echoing throughout the entire forest. Four Deer guards that were positioned at the four corners of a square, with Forester in the middle, walked along with Forester to ensure that he would not flee.
All Deer of the forest stood in silence as they watched from the sidelines as Forester was marched to meet his fate. A mixture of pity, sadness, regret, anger, and glares directed to the guards, could be seen on many of Deer's faces. They all wanted to put a stop to what was happening but dared not take a step forward, for they knew their action would have serious consequence, and so they just stared in silence.
A hole in one of the dragging chains got caught on the sharp edge of one the stones. Forester raised his hoof to step forward by the chain became taught as it was pulled between the rock and Forester. With his moment constricted, Forester became tangled in his next movement, and as the chain became loose from the rock Forester's momentum was lurched forward, his body flung forward, he tried to extend his hooves to catch himself from falling but because his hooves were still chained, he was helpless as he tripped and fell against the stone.
The guards came to a halt and the crowd of Deer wanted to rush in and help him up but they were still as statues. The two guard's in front twisted their heads back to watch as Forester struggled to stand back up. The guard to the left was a Doe with dark brown fire, green eyes, adorned in amor covered by leaves, and had a spear beside her. She watched Forester struggle with heartbroken eyes, Why isn't anyone doing anything? Can't they see he needs help? The Doe thought, that's when she realized that everyone was waiting for someone else to do it. But nobody dared to intervene.
The Doe had had enough of Forester's struggle and decided to put and end to it. She turned around and took a step forward, and her chest was met with the wooden staff of the other guard's spear.
"What do you think you're doing Greya?" The guard asked, eyes still facing forward.
"I'm helping out someone in need." The Doe now known as Greya answered with the same tone.
"It is not our place to approach the...Accused." The guard said, not wanting to address Forester with his name.
"HIS NAME IS FORESTER!"
All eyes were directed to the voice of Fawn, who stood at the edge of crowd. "His name is Forester, we all know who he is and all the good he's brought. He's the kindest Deer in this whole forest and this is what we do to him?!" Fawn yelled in anger, indicating to Forester he quoted,
" 'As thunder roared and lighting flared, the voice of Abraham boomed with such power that all of the world could hear him as he spoke the commandments of God. Thou shall not harm the innocent, Thou shall not question the word of God, thou shall not steal from others, thou shall not give in to the wicked and vile, and the final, and most important, commandment, thou shall protect and heal all life on this world till it returns to dust.' " Fawn listed off, before directing his attention to the guard blocking Greya. "Are you so blinded by your arrogance that you forget her sacred laws?"
The guard frowned, but he still held his spear firm. "I have not forgotten her laws, but this Stag has sinned-"
"What does that matter?!" Fawn yelled. "It shouldn't matter wether he has sinned or not. You can condemn him, you can parade him around as a heretic, you can call him a monster for his sin, but for the love of our benevolent God, you should have the decency to give him just a shred of his dignity."
The guard's eyes darted to Forester, who was still trying to stand. The guard put aside his judgments of the Deer and lowered his spear while letting out a heavy sigh. How could he have been so blind to his actions? Before he had been wavering between which side he would take. But thanks to Fawn's words, there was no doubt that the guard had chosen the right path. He approached Forester, and lifted his head so that he could see the face of the Deer.
Then he punched Forester in the face.
A kaleidoscope of screams, gasps, cries, and looks of shock, awe, and disbelief adorned several of the Deer standing in the crowd as Forester's body reeled back, a strand of blood oozed from his muzzle. As his body lurched forward, the guard put his hoof in front of him to keep his body upright. Fawn's eyes were as wide as dinner plates, his mouth slack-jawed, and the look of disbelief covered his face.
"W-why?" Fawn whimpered.
The guard looked to Fawn with eyes so cold they could freeze fire. "Six." He said. "There are six commandments, not five. You forgot to mention the First Commandment." The guard said as he dropped carelessly dropped Forester to the ground, as though he was a piece of trash to be discarded, before walking back to where he stood.
" 'Anyone that sin's against Nature, deserves no mercy.' " He stated flatly as Forester rose to his feet, his legs shaking. "If you're done wasting everyone's time, I suggest you keep moving."
The doors swung open, allowing the sun's rays to blare into the courtroom. Forester was walked to the podium, where his chains were latched to the bars to keep him restrained. Two streaks of dried red blood dripped from his nose, but he didn't seem fazed whatsoever as his eyes showed signs of his faded mind.
A door opened on the other side of the room and four Deer entered the court room and took their seats at the table across from the podium where Forester was. The Doe on the far left could be recognized as Winter, but the Stag on the far right had tall antlers, slightly greenish brown fur, and yellow eyes, he was known as Spring. The Doe sitting to the left of Spring had bright golden orange fur, and golden eyes, she was known as Summer. The Stag on the right to Winter had smaller antlers compared to Spring, his fur was dark red, and he had deep brown eyes, he was known as Fall.
The middle seat remained empty between the four Deer who represented the four seasons.
"Greetings Forester." Spring spoke. "I assume you know why you are here?"
"...yes." Forester's answer was soft and shaky.
"And you know what you are being accused of?" Spring asked.
"...yes." Forester answered quietly.
Spring heaved a sigh, leaning back in his chair he folded his hooves. "Very well, Scribe, please read Forester his rights."
The Doe sitting behind the stand with a quill and paper nodded before standing up and reciting the "Basic Rights of all things Living".
"Forester, the 'Accused', do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" The Scribe asked.
"I solemnly swear." Forester answered in his same sad and quiet tone.
"Very well, I shall begin reading you your basic rights, are you ready?" The Scribe asked and Forester nodded. The Scribe cleared her throat before starting. "As the Accused you have the right to conceal your identity, as the Accused you have the right to remain silent until the day of the trial, as the Accused you have the right to change your will if an execution verdict is decided, as the Accused you have the right to call for another trial if more undiscovered evidence is presented, as the Accused you have the right to be given a lawyer to defend you but cannot if the trial involves Religious cause."
"Which it does." Summer finished, leaning forward. "As much as I would like to get this trial started, we are currently awaiting the prescience of Cardinal Mavus, who seems to be late as we have not heard word from him."
"Yes, it would seem that Cardinal Mavus may have run into some trouble on his way here that must've delayed his journey." Fall assumed.
The large doors to the courtroom opened and a messenger entered. He stopped in front of the four Deer representing the seasons and spoke, or rather, he tried too, but all that came out was a wheeze as the messenger collapsed out of breath, but still tried to speak.
"Catch your breath young messenger." Winter calmed. "Do not strain yourself."
The messenger caught his breath before speaking, "I bring...news...about Cardinal...Mavus." He panted. "He was...called away...on business...by the Trinity...and will not...be able to...attend the...trial. But...someone else...will serve...as his...replacement."
"Well do not leave us guessing, tell us who will be supervising the trial." Fall said.
The messenger opened his mouth to speak but someone beat him to the punch.
"Thank you young messenger but that will be all." A Doe with light brown fire that was covered in some white spots entered the room. Her eyes were deep ocean blue, her figure adorned in the liveliest green leaves ever seen that were fashioned into a cloths, dragging a cape of green, red, orange, and white leaves. A circle of twisted sticks with green gems lined up around the rim that laid upon the Doe's head.
All at once the courtroom recognized the authority the Doe carried with her as she entered the room. They bowed respectively and tapped their forehead, their chest, and their two shoulders as a symbol of their faith. Forester would've done the same but he was currently chained, a simple smile would have to suffice.
"Hail to you, Raindrop the Suro." Forester said.
"And a good day to you all." Raindrop said. "Shall we begin?"