Now and Again

by FirenzaShabirri


Chapter 5

Dom and Jinn had traveled for many many months inside of the caravan of the brotherhood. Another 16 or so ponies were heading towards the cold mountains on the most Northern tip of Equestria. Most of the time Dom was speaking with Jinn about the brotherhood's delicate and intricate history and how it tied with protecting the freedom of a person's choices and will. As Dom began to learn more he began to watch several of the other colts in their routine training.

They varied in size from everything to the size of a filly all the way to a full grown pony. They all could hold their own easily doing maneuvers with a dagger or sword to disarm and execute the person in a single motion. At night when every pony was in their caravans Dom would sneak out into the open area and mimic what he had saw that day. That night when he practiced the disarming techniques and execute strikes with a stick he had sharpened over time into a makeshift sword.

He began his stance looking out at the wide tacks of grassland lit only by the starry night skies. He walked a bit away from the caravan and began to mimic the executions of that day. Suddenly something there was a loud thump next to him in the grass, and from a tree near the caravan sat a person watching Dom. Dom investigated the sound as best he could.

Lying in the grass was a long leather holder with a sword in it he picked it up and as he did he heard something whistle through the air. A sword came flying at him in a strike as if guided by magic. Dom quickly blocked it and rolled to the side, it was no use the sword seemed to have a mind of its own he blocked as frantically as he could but he could not shake the sword that flew at him. The moon reflected off the sword and gleamed as a smile in the night, flying at him faster and faster. After what appeared to be several minutes the sword froze in the air and Dom took a step back and was grappled and slammed to the ground with incredible speed. The figure above him smiled and held a hoof out.


"You did well Dom, just got to be careful about watching your back as well as your front when your in a sword fight." Jinn smiled at him, the light reflecting off her white mane and eyes. She seemed more cheery lately then what she had been earlier before his trip started.

"T-thanks for helping me train, how long have you seen me doing this?" He asked pulling himself up onto his hooves. He smiled at Jinn, during all this troubling times it was good to have a familiar face. Dom trotted towards his caravan and layed down inside, they had to be up in a few hours and he didn't want to be dragged behind by everyone else.

The sun rose lazily and everypony began to pack up and move forward. Most of the ponies in the caravan wore masks, they were called proctors Jinn explained they are hired help who are sent to help members of the brotherhood. In our case they guard the 10 are actual members in this caravan. At night Dom began his training, as the scenery changed, so did the intensity of his training.

He recalled learning balance on broken tree limbs stretched over a moderately sized waterfall. He learned to climb and scale things by climbing the cliffs they passed , in his case he had to wear a saddle with extra weight.

"You have to be able to be swift and fluid, so with that you will be able to do the job when needed." Jinn said looking at Dom, but something was different in her stare. She usually had a intimidating stare, but this time it seemed at ease slightly admiring. Dom continued his work for that day and finally went to his caravan after a long and exhausting day. As he trotted inside he looked into the mirror, his mane had grown longer since he last remembered, the black strands clinging to his neck from sweat. His body had become more noticeably muscular since he last remembered.

He sighed thinking about the day he decided to join the brotherhood, it felt like eons ago. His ancestor was an assassin, he lead the revolution against the first wave of corrupted royal family over 370 years ago. Seeing what he saw, even for that one day had made him wonder. Had he chose the right thing? He left his life behind and Salia... Poor Salia I left suddenly and she didn't even get a goodbye.

Moving towards his bed he sat down but he felt oddly dizzy, the feeling washed over him almost knocking him off balance. His vision blurred and darkened as he hit the ground with a thud, a bright light washed into his sight as things began to dull down and he saw.

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Vocem stood in the long hallway of the brotherhood, ponies were in two rows on either side of the carpet. He advanced slowly forward, for he had waited for this day for several years. A older colt stood at the top of the stairs and smiled at Vocem. Vocem reached him and he began to speak.

"You have made it far in the brotherhood, the final part of it is to pledge your loyalty to the brotherhood. Do you swear to always stand for the free will and choice of the common pony?" He said and Vocem nodded

"Then by my power you are an assassin." He said pressing a brand on Vocem's front left leg. He fell unconscious