//------------------------------// // Chapter 52: Wingston's Pledge // Story: The Phoenix King // by Turtlehaus //------------------------------// Princess Celestia carried Wingston through the long dark tunnels beneath the Kingdom of Naught. It was unclear to them that this world had any other name than the Void, but it lived up to both titles. They passed the time sharing ideas of what had happened, information they had each uncovered during their research into the Void, but the tunnels proved to be much longer to traverse than previously believed. Silence soon settled between them, contemplating their next move, and pondering the worse to come if their situation wouldn’t improve anytime soon. Formalities had soon slipped away between them, it was nearly second nature to address one another formally, adding titles, acting trim and proper, but Princess Celestia felt comfortable letting her guard down around Wingston. For most of his life, Wingston had been in the company of royalty and dignitaries to which he knew how to extend every courtesy, and between them it felt that such niceties were more for public viewing than among old friends. “Griffons or Yaks?” Princess Celestia posed to him. “Oh, Yaks any day.” Wingston replied without hesitation. “You’d rather entertain Yaks rather than Griffons?” “Yaks are merely set in their ways, it is simply adapting to the mindset, but Griffon’s have an attitude I cannot stand to tolerate for more than a few minutes at a time.” “I suppose you make a fair point, but I feel Griffins are much easier to please.” “I would not argue that.” Princess Celestia’s horn flashed with magic, striking the side of the cave with a rather large ‘x’, marking their path incase needing to back track for any reason. It wasn’t every day that Celestia had time to simply make small talk with another pony, especially when the other pony didn’t feel uncomfortable being around royalty. It had given her a rare opportunity to be candid with somepony trustworthy and sensible. “Do you mind if I ask you a personal question, Wingston?” Princess Celestia asked curiously. “Not at all.” Wingston replied. “Did you leave behind any family members before your accident and eventual transition into flame pony culture?” “I was a father and perhaps a grandfather by now. Enough time has passed that such a thing would be plausible.” “You were married?” Wingston chuckled a bit. “There is no commitment in that regard, we were just bats doing what nature had intended, and the males of our species opt to live apart from their mates. It wasn’t until Lady Glow began to tutor me did I start understanding the more complex relationships that other species are capable of.” “Have you tried to reconnect with your kind?” “You would be surprised on how narrow minded a bats life can be. I remember a much simpler life of finding something to eat and avoiding potential predators. But no, I have not tried to speak with my kind again.” “Forgive me if you felt I was prying. I have been curious of it since Lady Glow made the announcement of naming you Royal Advisor to the crown.” “Perish the thought, my Lady. I find it flattering that you took an interest in my life.” “With one so handsome it is hard not to take an interest.” Princess Celestia remarked with a smile. This got Wingston to laugh, his hood hiding his embarrassment, but it was clear that he was flushing from her words. Wingston’s thoughts began to flood with the day Lady Glow had presented him to Lord Scorch her candidate for their Royal Advisor. “Well, this is your big moment. Don’t let Scorch intimidate you, it’s just a facade that he puts on in public. He’s actually very sweet.” Glow towered over Wingston, magically adjusting his cloak, brushing bits of lint from his shoulder and offering him words of encouragement. “I do not doubt that, my Lady, but I do not think he will be sweet to me.” Wingston remarked. “Nonsense. You’ve already passed two of Scorch’s requirements. The first being that you are not a flame pony, but a bat with no other allegiance than that of the crown.” “And the second?” “The second being that I had to choose a candidate and I’ve chosen you.” Wingston flushed beneath his hood, feeling his nerves spike for an entirely different reason now. Standing within the throne room, Lady Glow flourished her wings, her royal dress furrowing the ribbons that dragged from her dress, preparing to enter the main hall of Castle Char. She was to emerge from the throne room doors, meeting Scorch just outside to welcome everypony to their Grand Winter Solstice.  A winter dance, hosted annually by the Ashen Fields, that was very unique party on its own. For there was no snow that fell in the kingdom, welcoming every pony from Equestria that sought a warm night’s reprieve from their chilling winter. It was also a chance for ponies from far and wide to celebrate an early Hearth’s Warming Eve, to allow them to celebrate the actual day with family and friends. “After I leave to help welcome our guests, I’ll pull Scorch away so that he can come accept you as our new Royal Advisor. I’ve asked Argo Fleece and General Hearth to help vouch for your candidacy, they should be arriving shortly.” Glow informed him. Fanfare erupted from the hall, signalling Glow that her time to emerge was drawing near. Beaming at Wingston once more, trying to offer him the confidence he seemed to be lacking, she headed down the corridor to greet their honored guests. The doors of the throne room were pulled open, revealing Scorch at the foot of the staircase awaiting to accept Glow’s hoof and welcome every pony together. Wingston remained behind within the throne room, bathed in the moonlight, hearing the excited cries of every pony that was in attendance. Hundreds of ponies from all over Equestria, delegates, royalty, dignitaries, and more had come to partake in this party. Very few ponies knew of Wingston, only those that worked with Lady Glow directly had ever had the chance to meet him. Such ponies like General Hearth and Argo Fleece that had personally oversaw parts of his education concerning military tactics and economics. It just so happened that these two particular ponies had entered the throne room corridor just before the doors closed behind Lady Glow. Together Argo and General Hearth walked the length of the corridor, speaking among themselves of the night ahead. Much of it concerned their own work, whether it be security or the expenses that party would bring, but for the moment their focus became on Wingston and helping him to achieve this important position. “Nervous?” Argo asked aloud making his way towards him. “Not really.” Wingston fibbed. “Well you should be, this isn’t a position Lord Scorch ever intended to fill.” “I’d be more nervous about inviting Ms. Troy to the party tonight. I hope her secret admire finally reveals himself to her before she is stood up once again.” Wingston replied calmly. Argo’s mane sizzled with embarrassment while General Hearth laughed at his uneasiness. “He’s got you pegged, Argo.” General Hearth remarked. “I don’t see how my personal affairs is any of your businesses.” “I’m just curious to know if you really plan to tell her this time. Helena isn’t a know nothing pony, she’s going to find out sooner or later who her secret admirer and when she finds out it was you she’ll think it was all some cruel prank.” “It’s not a prank! I really do lo-” Argo cut himself off finding it difficult to say the word. General Hearth patted Argo on the back, trying to give his friend some support, but turned his attention to Wingston. With a smile, General Hearth put a firm hoof on his shoulder giving him some much needed reassurance as well. “Argo is right, though. Ever since the Council had disbanded, Scorch has had no need of a go between or a pony second guessing his commands. Personally, I like the idea of having some pony to bounce ideas off of, to get a different perspective on things, but you’ll have to convince him that.” “He must think it a joke for a crippled bat to be his advisor.” Wingston mumbled. “Lord Scorch can be intimidating, he is not as wise as his father was, but he is no fool. He places his trust fully into those he deems fit to help lead his kingdom, if he senses any doubt in you, he will not accept you as his Advisor, but if he sees your conviction he will not turn you away.” General Hearth explained to him. “Remember to speak only when spoken to and don’t be afraid to be honest with him. He has enough yes ponies that jump at the crackle of his flame, so you need to show him that you will not stand aside for what you believe is right. An Advisor must believe in himself if he is to inspire others.” Argo added. “Thank you for being here to help voice support in Lady Glow’s choice in me being the Royal Advisor.” Wingston bowed to them. “We’ve spent enough time together that it would just be a hassle to train another.” Argo retorted. “That’s his way of saying you’re welcome.” General Hearth stated. From the end of the corridor the doors to the throne room slid open. The deep red flames of King Scorch appeared against the darkened walls of the corridor, quickly followed by Lady Glow’s soft yellow flames. Argo Fleece and General Hearth backed away from Wingston, allowing him to stand before Scorch by himself. Wingston swallowed hard, feeling his grip upon his staff tighten and heart begin to race. “What’s going on, Glow?” Scorch whispered to her. “There’s something very important that we need to discuss.” Glow hissed back. “Right now? With the party?” “It’s the perfect time because you’ll be able to formally introduce him to everypony here as our Royal Advisor.” “Our what?” King Scorch stopped short of Wingston, staring down at him, realizing what Glow had intended this to be. Scorch watched Wingston bow his head low, as did Argo and General Hearth, which gave him the chance to glance over at Glow to see if she was actually being serious with this. A sharp jab of her arm to his side made it clear that this wasn’t a joke and proceeded to provide introductions. “Scorch, I present to you, Wingston of the Dark Marsh, my candidate for the position of Royal Advisor.” Glow stated proudly. Wingston raised his head to find Scorch’s eyes fixed upon him. There was a sudden change in the atmosphere, there was a tension that seemed to derive from the two of them as if sizing each other up. Almost a whole minute of silence went by without any pony saying anything, while Scorch stared down at Wingston unblinking. “G-General Hearth and Argo Fleece are here to voice their support for his position as our advisor.” Glow added looking to them for help. “My Lord, we-” General Hearth had began but was cut short by Scorch’s wing whipping out to signal him from speaking further. It was clear that Scorch was taking this very seriously now, as if the idea of having a true outsider, a non flame pony, offering him advice on serious matters was worth exploring. Scorch knew Wingston only as much as Glow had shared with him, in fact, this was probably their third time ever being in the same room together. Wingston had spent much of his time in the dungeons, studying old flame pony texts, and educating himself while Scorch attended to much of his kingly duties. It was difficult for Scorch to read WIngston, not only from the cloak that concealed him from head to claws, but because he never had to profile a bat before. Over the last couple of weeks, General Hearth and Argo Fleece had been mentioning Wingston’s name more and more to him. Crediting him for certain ideas and helpful suggestions, only realizing now that this was their way of warming him up to the idea of considering Wingston for his Royal Advisor. The only thing holding Scorch back from agreeing to this was that neither he nor Wingston had ever held a conversation with each other and wondered how any sort of trust was to be built between them. There was a sudden clatter that seemed to make every pony jump in surprise, Wingston had dropped his staff to the ground and took a rather hobbled step forward to Scorch. Scorch seemed taken aback by this, even he knew that Wingston struggled to walk even with his staff, but saw his determination to walk unhindered to him. “Wingston-” Glow began but noticed Scorch raising his hoof to her to allow him to continue. “Lord Scorch, I was never meant to walk on two legs and I will never again know the joy of flying. For I had my wing ripped from me, without mercy, crippled by the orc, Grog, and left me to die in the mud of the marsh.” Wingston began. Lifting his injured wing, revealing to Scorch the small traces of what was on his wings between his fingers. Wingston wavered from time to time, doing his best to stand tall before the King. Scorch’s flames seared from the mention of the orc, although there was guilt riddling his face from knowing another creature fell victim to his enemy. “I believed my life to be over, wondering whether it would starvation, the cold, or even predator to claim it. I dragged myself through the marsh, trying to walk, wandering through muck and the brush before collapsing out of exhaustion just outside the treeline, and knew I could go no further. The last thing I saw before everything went dark was a pony bathed in fire rushing towards me. When I had awoken, I found myself in the care of Lady Glow, who befriended me, educated me, offered me a home, and eventually gave me a voice.” Wingston struggled to kneel down, doing his best to be as dignified as he could infront of King Scorch. “It is my wish, my desire, to repay this kindness that was shown to me. I devote myself to this kingdom, I pledge to serve the crown faithfully and to place the future of your flame ponies above all else. Crippled as I may be, I feel a fire burning within me that drives me on, that pushes me to become something more than just a bat. Grant me a place in your kingdom, allow me stand at your side to ensure the best possible future for your ponies and help give my life meaning again.” Wingston kept his gaze to the ground, staring at the flames that spewed from King Scorch’s hooves. “The Orc that took your wing was due to my failing, Wingston, if I had dealt with him when I had the chance you would never have had to endure such suffering and for that I am sorry.” From the corner of his eyes, Wingston could see his staff floating into view before him. Scorch’s magic surrounding the staff, offering it to him, with a small smirk on his face. “General Hearth, the commander of my armies, supports you. The Master of Coin, Argo Fleece, vouches for you. Even my Queen shows complete trust and confidence in your abilities. This kingdom was not saved by its king, it was ponies willing to devote themselves to a cause greater than themselves. In these uncertain times where the southern winds whisper a coming war with this orc, I will need an advisor that can hold me to the mark and challenge my authority.” Scorch stated. “Ahem.” Glow cleared her throat. “W-While of course this being separate from the authority that my marvelous Queen and special somepony, Glow, has over me. Who has not only enriched my life, but the lives of every flame pony and proven herself invaluable to our future as both a Queen and a doting wife.” Scorch added quickly. “That was a nice save.” General Hearth whispered to Argo. “Dragon fire hath no fury like a mare flame pony scorned.” Argo recited. “Is that what you’re going to tell Helena?” Argo Fleece’s mane flared, having realized he left Helena waiting for her supposed secret admirer to make himself known tonight. Scorch cleared his throat, trying to regain his regal composure. “Wingston of the Dark March, I, Lord Scorch Phoenix, welcome you officially into our lands as an honorary flame pony and bestow upon you the position of Royal Advisor, to which you will serve without fail in assuring the future of this kingdom. Consider this land your home, these flame ponies your kin, and I, a friend.” Wingston bowed his head in acceptance, taking hold of his staff and using it to help lift himself from the ground. Glow quickly kissed Scorch on the cheek, happy with his decision, which only made him flush and flare his mane from his embarrassment. General Hearth and Argo turned their heads, pretending not to have noticed. “I will not fail you, my King.” Wingston stated graciously. Glow lowered her head, her wing wrapping around Wingston to hug him. General Hearth and Argo approached him as well, patting him on the shoulder congratulating him on his new position. The sounds of the party were beginning to reach through the thick rock walls of the throne room, bringing Scorch’s attention back to their guests awaiting to make small talk with them. “It would be rude if we are to remain here while our distinguished guests wait to indulge us in their riveting conversations. At least this will provide us with the opportunity to  introduce Wingston to the rest of the nobles as our new Royal Advisor. Hopefully they’ll find more of an interest in talking with him tonight.” Scorch remarked looking back down the corridor to the main hall. “Oh no, you’re going to dump all those talkative fancy ponies on poor Wingston. You’re going to go out there and mingle for once.” Glow stated firmly pushing Scorch to have him start moving. “Don’t make me do this, Glow. I swear to Celestia that if I have to listen to one more fancy pony’s story about salad forks I’m going to go jump into a river.” “If I have to listen to their boring stories than you’re going to be standing right there beside me listening to it as well.” “I’m losing years off my life with these stories, I’m telling you it's slowly killing me.” Scorch begrudgingly walked down the corridor with Glow following right beside him, trying to remind him of his manners when speaking to the Yaks and minding his temper with some of the long winded nobles. “I would normally stick around to help with introductions to certain visiting nobles, Wingston, but I have… uh… a previous engagement to attend to.” Argo said flushing at his own words. “If you find the courage to speak with Ms. Troy tonight, please tell her I said hello.” Wingston remarked. Argo cleared his throat, trying to maintain his serious nature, but he resembled a young colt going out on his first date with his special somepony. General Hearth wished him luck, watching him mumble how he would greet Helena when he did finally meet her. “So, Royal Advisor, may I offer you a lift to the main hall? I can only imagine how bad your claws are aching right now.” General Hearth proposed. Wingston was leaning against his staff with both wings, trying to take as much weight off his claws as he could. General Hearth had already kneeled down beside him, knowing that he was going to accept his offer. “I will only indulge this once. This will not become a habit.” Wingston told him climbing atop his back. “You have a difficult task ahead of you, Wingston. Lord Scorch is a difficult pony to deal with and is more stubborn than any donkey I’ve ever know. Although, Lady Glow has the utmost faith in you from the way she speaks of you.” “I will not disappoint them.” Wingston stated confidently. Wingston looked down at his torn wing, having noticed his aging features of his long fingers, and how only memories reamined of such a time. Words were now reaching his ears, Princess Celestia had been speaking for some time with Wingston having paid her no mind. Snapping out of his walk down memory lane, Wingston focused back in on Princess Celestia’s conversation. “So Luna and have been trying to figure something out, Wingston, as it concerns the Phoenix bloodline, and I’m curious to know if you had any insight into it.” Princess Celestia spoke up. “I am familiar some relative history concerning Smolder’s ancestors, but I’m more well versed in the lives of Lady Glow and Lord Scorch.” “Well during our attempts to research the Void, Luna, Discord, and I found something rather puzzling about Lord Smoke.” “Oh?” “Discord had discovered an old book that kept a family tree of all the royal families from all across Equestria. It turns out that Lord Smoke did not pass on his name to his son, but instead he gave him the surname Phoenix. I was wondering if you had any insight into why that was.” WIngston pondered for a moment, trying to think back to any conversations he had with Scorch or any readings he may have come across concerning it. “I must admit, my Lady, I do not know why he decided to do such a thing. I can only make assumptions to why, but such knowledge was not present within the historical slates I had read.” “It will probably be lost to history then.” “Things that are lost are meant to be found, while things that are gone are meant to be remembered. We may yet find an answer to such a question in time.” “Is it true that the Mad King liked to dance?” Princess Celestia asked curiously looking over her shoulder. “Lord Scorch had his pride, but he also had own muses. He was never allowed to show any weakness and when he did his ponies chastised him for it. I believe dancing was one of the few ways he was able to express himself without being judged for it.” Wingston thought back on it. “Was he any good?” Princess Celestia could see Wingston smiling beneath his hood. “If I recall, the night the Twins were born, Scorch was the happiest any pony had ever seen him. It took several doctor ponies and a few nurse ponies to  finally kick him out of the Infirmary to allow Lady Glow and his sons to rest. It was said that he danced throughout the halls of Castle Char without any reservation, singing to himself over the joy of his sons being born.” “You’re kidding?” Princess Celestia asked looking rather surprised. “Our royal guards were so confused by the King’s actions that they ended up joining in and dancing to avoid getting into trouble later for throwing off Scorch’s groove. General Hearth, Argo Fleece, Burning Sand, everypony in the castle was said to have danced along with their King that night in celebration. Every pony had seen a different side of their king that night. One that was kind, joyful, and above all happy.” Princess Celestia smiled at the thought of it, but soon started to chuckle to herself at another idea. “Something humorous?” Wingston asked her curiously. “Do you think Smolder inherited his father’s love of dancing?” Princess Celestia questioned him. “I couldn’t say. I’ve personally never seen him dance before, but I suppose he’s never had a reason to. He’s quite light on his hooves, fairly coordinated, but I don’t think Smolder has any sort of rhythm. ” Wingston replied tapping his chin. “In that case I will be inviting Smolder to the next Grand Galloping Gala and we’ll make it a requirement that he take part in the first dance.” “If I’m not mistaken, young members of royalty are meant to bring a date to such an event, or perhaps such requirements have been rescinded since than.” “Wingston, such formal occasions require such things, I cannot change years of tradition just for him.” “I fear Smolder will know not what to do if presented with such a task.” Wingston mentioned. “That is why he has his most trusted advisor to assist him.” Princess Celestia quipped. Wingston thought for a moment of how much Smolder had relied on him, not just as a friend or an advisor, but even as a father figure. How his failure to advise the both king and queen to better paths had opened the door to leading their youngest son to bring about a brighter future they had always wanted for their kingdom. In some small way, Wingston felt he had kept his promise to both of them, and would continue to do so. Princess Celestia and Wingston journeyed further into the long dark tunnel, finding enjoyment in picturing Smolder trying to dance and who he would ask to accompany him to such a gala.