//------------------------------//
// Chapter 13: Recruiting Orni, Part One 
// Story: Princess Essenta 
// by Pone_Heap 
//------------------------------//


Renata Arc


Saturday turned out to be even more eventful than the company had anticipated. Ponies came from all over the countryside to see the Saturday sparring matches. Essenta hadn’t bothered to see the grounds, but there were several sets of wooden bleachers, and a nice little hillside above the fighting pit. There must have been at least 100 ponies visiting, many having stayed in town the night before.

On Friday, Essenta having received permission from Orni to tell her story, sat down with the girls. Neither she, nor Dechaa and Loress knew either party had heard, but they could speak freely now. Wilka had elected to excuse herself for this, but Zyra and Ama finally heard it. It was a sad little tale, but they were pulled from their thoughts by seeing a few out-of-towners entering Renata.

Wilka opined she hadn’t seen so many in a while, so it would be a good weekend for the merchants. The girls were advised to avoid the various pubs in town and did so, spending a very enjoyable evening at the Valli household. Essenta had sworn off drinking for a while, and her friends were glad for it. They’d seen a sense of peace within her that hadn’t been around for a while.

But now came the day of the fights. The mares from the Dale realized they’d now been away from home four entire weeks… and what a time they’d had.

Wilka had hauled her box of sparring weapons from her cottage and set out everything she had. It was true what she’d said: just about anything they’d want to spar with was ready for their use.

Looking around, there were snack vendors, beer vendors, ponies taking odds on how long anypony might last against Orni… It was a circus and most of the town appeared to be there. Families had brought picnics and talked with their neighbors. The air was full of happy chatter and excitement. That day, there would be six matches. Wilka and each of the visiting five mares would take on their little champion. They were the only challengers that showed up. Most warriors had been tapped out, so it was fun to see so many able ponies in one day.

Orni sat, looking very relaxed, down by the pit. Wilka stood alongside Essenta and the company. Most of them were… rather nervous. They’d never seen Orni fight, but after hearing about her abilities, and the fact Wilka had never managed to beat her, things looked bleak.

Dechaa was appalled ponies were beginning to gamble on how long each of them would last, even before introductions. Ama and Loress just laughed about it; their cultures were much more… open to such competition. They had a little bit of time before the fighting actually began, so they did what they’d failed to do all week. They had yet to come up with a plan.

Essenta, wearing her light armor, leaned towards Wilka, “So… what do we do?”

Wilka was less concerned, “I’ve been giving it some thought, girls… And I came up with an order for the matches. Based on our own fights earlier, it’s the best I can come up with.”

She explained the order: Ama, Zyra, Loress, Dechaa, Wilka, and Essenta. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense to any of them.

Ama scratched her head, “I have no issue with going first, but… please explain yourself. This makes no sense.”

Wilka was glad to oblige, “The order I came up with is the best way to sway Orni to join us.”

Essenta was puzzled, as were the rest, “Sway?”

Wilka gave an all-in smirk, “We have almost no chance of beating her. None, really. It’s almost certain we will all lose… This… is just to convince Orni.”

Dechaa piped up, “Of what?”

“That we want her with us,” Wilka casually replied.

Loress knew quite a bit about the Knollwings, but the rest were in the dark on the matter. The Terran decided to say her piece.

“Girls, Wilka’s not exaggerating. It’s no joke when she tells us how strong Orni is. She’s a Knollwing in the truest sense. She has their magic… Wilka… would you like to tell them, or should I?”

Wilka almost doubled over in a giggling fit, “Go ahead! Be my guest.”

Loress tried to choose her words carefully, but there was little point, “When I asked Wilka if Orni had the magic, she responded Orni had it, as well as more. I’ve only seen one in my life, but… Orni can… change.”

A gloom came over the party. They didn’t know much, but they knew of the legendary ability of the Knollwings… they could, for lack of a better term, transform. It was little more than a berserker state, but Knollwings were built to withstand the stress of such power. They became stronger, faster, and very dangerous. And they didn’t collapse in a weak heap for a day when they were through with it, unlike other ponies.

Wilka nodded, “And Orni has transformed twice, that I know of. When she was a filly, soon after she was rescued, some foals picked on her. Without even realizing it, she entered the state. All she did was sit and cry, not realizing what was happening, but it scared the shit out of those colts…

“The other time she transformed was last year. Nopony’s told you, but you might as well know… A few robbers broke into the Valli house. They were unfortunate enough to come across Orni when she was getting a drink of water… Let’s just say, when they attacked her, they didn’t make it out of the house alive… or intact…”

This did wonders for the company’s already shaky confidence. Loress didn’t help matters when she shared her own story.

“A few years ago, I sparred with one at a tournament in Terrow. He wasn’t an unskilled fighter, but he was no match for me. I… pushed him into a corner, so the saying goes, and he went bonkers. I was lucky to outrun him… After that, Knollwings were banned from the Terrow tournaments…”

Wilka tried to… reassure them, “It won’t happen today. But you’re all probably gonna get your asses kicked… me too.”

Well… at least they probably wouldn’t die or anything.

Wilka continued, “The reason I chose the order I did was because it’s the only way to pull out Orni’s skillset. I didn’t put Essenta last because she’s our leader. I just think she’s the only one that might stand a chance, if we manage to spill Orni’s tricks or… well, there’s no real chance of it, exhaust her.”

Essenta felt her friends’ eyes upon her. She wasn’t feeling any better about this than anypony. They could still see Orni over in her spot… a quiet, yet eager manner about her.

But Wilka put a hoof on the princess’s shoulder, “But don’t worry. I know Orni really wants to go with you. She likes all of you and wants to join! But she needs to know we’re… willing to fight for her.”

Well, shit, the mares collectively sighed. Before the fights were to begin, Orni was introduced.

A unicorn stood in the center of the pit, his voice magically amplified, “Thank you, everypony for making the trip out here today! Today we have something special for you, but first… allow me to introduce our town sweetheart and little champion- with 294 wins and zero losses- Orni Valkea!”

The ponies cheered, stamping and clapping their hooves. Orni, standing off to the side, smiled shyly and waved, eliciting even greater applause. The company’s, other than Wilka’s, collective jaws fell to the ground. 294 wins?! Zero losses?!

The unicorn waved for quiet, “And to introduce a crowd favorite… Orni’s dear friend and most frequent challenger- in this very ring- with zero wins and 59 losses… our little engineer, Wilka Starling!”

There was a mixture of applause and laughter from the crowd. Wilka ate it up, smiling and waving good-naturedly. If there was any hope left with the girls, Wilka’s record killed it.

Essenta gathered her friends together, “Well… this is it. It’s not the fights that scare me, but the fact we’re finally exposing ourselves. They don’t all know our real names, but who are we kidding? Some of the ponies know who we are. After this, there may be no hiding… I… just hope we don’t have to run away. This town is special… and whether Orni decides to come along with us or not, I so wish to leave here in peace. Maybe enjoy another night of hospitality. But… we’ll see what happens.”

Some smiled, some nodded, some grimaced, some did all three, but this is how it would be. It may be the last afternoon they had in Renata. They bumped hooves and went to face Orni.

The crowd cheered as Ama approached. She’d once again chosen a staff. Ama and Orni stood on either side of the fighting pit, in view of the crowd. Shouts could be heard from the audience.

“10 ounces of silver says the Mazan doesn’t last 10 seconds!”

“I’m not taking that bet, she won’t last five!”

“I’ll take it… She’ll last more than 10.”

It went on raucously. Ama recognized how bloodthirsty the mob was, but for some reason it didn’t bother her. She was used to dueling… she just usually stood a better chance. Regardless, somepony would win 10 ounces of silver. Ama noted Orni. The little Knollwing looked… earnest. And she noticed a strange happiness in her foe. She felt one herself. It would be a good fight, Ama was sure.

The unicorn announcer raised a hoof, “The first of today’s challengers is Ama, a Mazan of the clan Waterfall! Give her a hoof!”

And they did cheer for her. They knew of the Mazans’ pride as warriors. She waved back, thankful. Ama smiled to herself… Even if she was the strongest Mazan in the world, nopony might be able to recognize it anyway… if Orni was indeed as good as was being touted. Rather than worry, she’d just fight. Looking to Orni, she saluted. Orni cracked a shy smile and returned it, as she clamped a short sword between her teeth.

The mares squared off and the crowd hushed. The announcer stepped out of the pit.

“On my mark… Fight!”

Ama had thought about this for several days and hadn’t decided what she’d do until she’d saluted Orni. There was no use in toying around… she went in full tilt. It surprised the little Knollwing and she had to dodge the swinging staff. Orni dove but was unable to get away from Ama’s long reach. Hit full in the face, Orni was staggered and went end-over-end.

Ama knew there was no way she could slow down. Keeping low, she launched herself, staff first, to pin her opponent. But Orni was out of the way by the time she arrived. Having managed to hold onto her sword, Orni dove and went for Ama’s ribs. It would hurt, but not injure, the Mazan… but it didn’t even phase her. Ama kicked, catching Orni and sending her flying.

Orni landed on her hooves and before Ama could attack again, she sprang back at her. It took everything Ama had to counter the rapid sword strikes. Any one of them would probably stun her and leave her open… But the participants were allowed more than one weapon in the ring. Ama figured it was time to pull it out.

Swinging the staff wide, warding off Orni a split-second, she opened her smock. She’d tied a heavy rope around her leg as she would her ball and chain. It wouldn’t pack as much power, but it sure gave her reach. Orni had to leap away as Ama sent the rope snaking across to her. The Mazan smiled at the Knollwing, who looked shocked, as she wound up the rope once more.

For the time being, Orni was on the defensive. Ama managed to cover quite a bit of ground with her reach. The rope caught Orni in the stomach, winding her, and sending her to her rump. Ama jumped back, and was wise to do so, as Orni bounced back almost instantly. But Ama wasn’t just standing there, waiting. She’d broken into… well, a break-dance, her staff and rope spinning a web of death.

It was a treacherous attempt for Orni, but she spotted a weakness in the web. Dropping her sword, she propelled through, even catching the surprise on Ama’s face. Orni went headfirst into Ama’s stomach. Ama, with more than just her wind knocked out, slowed her mechanism. Orni sprang back, facing Ama. The Mazan flashed a look of satisfaction at Orni, before her eyes rolled back and she sat down.

The crowd, silenced into shock from the very start, considered this. Then, a thunderous joy arose.

“Orni!”

“Well done!”

“45 seconds! I can’t believe it! That’s never happened before!”

Loress and Essenta ran out to Ama, while the rest looked on.

“Ama!” Loress cried.

But Ama was already with them, “Oh… that hurt!”

Orni was standing nearby and she cringed when Ama looked to her.

“Orni… that was outstanding… Thank you.” Ama proceeded to nod away.

The two company mares shouldered Ama away. But the crowd had not been disappointed with her, despite losing.

“Ama!”

“Mazan! Mazan! Mazan!!”

“Waterfall! That was awesome.”

Essenta noticed the slightest smile on Ama’s lips as she heard this. They set her aside to have Dechaa look her over.

With the spectators still going bananas, the announcer waved, shouting excitedly, “How about that?! That was… amazing… Let’s hear it again for Ama Waterfall!”

Without reservation, they gladly replied.

Zyra, to her friends, had never looked less sure of anything in her life. Restricted from any kind of magic, what did she have? Wilka put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Remember what you were able to do with me. Orni doesn’t know…”

The company urged their mage along and she faced Orni with a staff.

“I think many of you have already met her,” the announcer began. “Let’s see what kind of tricks she has up her sleeve! Please welcome… Zy the Magician!”

It was the name they’d given Zyra, to possibly protect their identity. The crowd, especially the foals present, showed their appreciation.

“Miss Zy!”

“Over here, Zy!”

“Do your best, Zy!”

It wasn’t the worst thing she’d ever heard. Zyra waved back gladly, receiving even louder support. She faced off with Orni… She had one chance… The element of surprise was her specialty. It was time to see if it would work on a Knollwing.

“Begin.”

Wasting no time, Orni sped across the ring. Recognizing she moved very much like Wilka, she cast aside the staff and in one fluid motion, caught Orni, grinding her to a halt. Zyra was able to lock her hooves but found Orni had already figured out her plan. Zyra and Wilka, very different in skill but about equal in raw strength, meant Zyra had a chance before. But Orni was about twice as strong physically.

Orni reversed the lock, despite Zyra’s best efforts, and pinned her legs behind her back. Zyra yipped.

“Yield! Yield!”

And that was that. Orni let her up, and smiling, the two shook hooves. The fact somepony had managed to stop Orni’s charge was amazing in and of itself. To the noise of the crowd, both mares picked up their weapons and walked off.

Zyra’s friends buffeted her, except for Ama, stirring in the shade of a tree. Orni glanced over, seeing this. It felt… right, seeing that.

It was now Loress’s turn. As far as most ponies knew, Loress was just a tall, gorgeous Earth pony. But a few knew better, Orni being one of them. She’d probably have the best chance of any of them, but Orni wouldn’t fool around this time… not that she had anyway.

The announcer chuckled, “How many of you tried to get a dance with this beauty?! It pleases me to announce our next challenger… Loress Claystable!”

In addition to the crowd’s roars, catcalls joined in. Loress blushed and tried to blend in with a patch of sand, what little good it did. But she looked across to Orni, her vision narrowing. Nothing else mattered. She saw Orni’s returned look, full of determination. If Loress could weather Orni’s blows, which was within the realm of possibility, she had a ghost of a chance.

Loress nodded to Orni, casting aside the sword she’d chosen. Orni had picked out a staff. To the surprise of all present, Orni declined the challenge, holding the staff more tightly. A gasp and a murmur went up all around. Loress couldn’t blame her. It was Orni’s best chance to disable her. Just catching her… one may as well try catching a rock falling from the sky.

As the announcer yelled for them to start, the audience was in for a real treat. If the company thought Loress and Orni were fast before, the two of them took it to another level. The girls could barely make it out, as the two mares clashed. Orni poked and prodded and whacked Loress to no avail. Loress would send her crumpling but never managed to get a good hit. Orni was tough. She was after all, built like a fireplug.

And Loress never let up. Orni was reduced to running around the pit, unable to do anything else as Loress barreled after her, occasionally tripping her up. The mares that had been around to watch Dechaa beat Loress recalled the only reason Loress lost… was she yielded in good spirit. She could have tied Dechaa in a knot as easily as blowing her nose.

Loress would do no such thing that day. Orni wasn’t arrogant, but she was still greatly humbled. Orni collapsed, gasping and wheezing, her staff in splinters. She’d pulled no punches and fought with all she had. It just wasn’t enough. But Loress didn’t attack her again. She stood there, staring down at the little Knollwing, expressionless.

She didn’t ask for Orni’s surrender. Orni nodded and bowed her head to Loress. The crowd was stunned into silence. Orni had never lost before. The little Knollwing tried to stand up but couldn’t. To her surprise, a shadow overtook her. It was Loress. With a gentle smile, she offered a hoof to Orni. Orni, a little surprised, grinned and took it.

The company was simply astonished… Loress had done what was supposed to be impossible. The crowd politely clapped as Loress helped Orni to her own corner… other than one drunk stallion.

“Whoo! Loress! Marry me, you great big, beautiful mare!”

Loress squeaked and moved more quickly. The crowd roared with laughter. As it turns out, the stallion had bet a few ounces of silver on Loress winning as a joke. Somepony had taken the bet… at 60-1 odds. It had him wishing he’d bet gold.

Dechaa and Wilka rushed to Orni. Orni was just fine. She was merely tired and beaten. Loress, without even consulting Essenta, went to the announcer and organizers. After a moment of talking, they were in agreement. And it shocked everypony.

“The challenging party wishes for a recess until tomorrow, so that all combatants may replenish their strength.”

This was met with confusion and boos, but most agreed with it. One could almost hear Farmer Valli and many other townsfolk groan. Another full day of the circus in town was more than they could bear…





A little later, Orni was sleeping. She was really worn out. It came as no surprise Knollwings came back quickly, so she’d be fine, even later in the day.

Loress had made a beeline back to the bunkhouse, where she was already bathing. Essenta and the rest of the girls, Wilka included, came into their accommodations. Essenta was upset.

“Loress… what was that?!”

Loress, having scrubbed down, was happily soaking. Her face was a mess and she was covered in small bruises and lacerations. She stared back to the princess.

“I’m guessing it’s not about my request to stay the fights another day, is it?”

And indeed, it wasn’t. After that, none of them wanted to see Orni have to fight again. Even Dechaa might have had a chance, which even Dechaa wasn’t ashamed to hear. Any of them would have made the request… if the event had arisen.

“You really could’ve hurt Orni, Loress! How do you think she feels, losing that badly? Do you think she’ll want to-?”

Loress glared at the princess, “Are you even listening to the words coming out of your mouth, Princess? It’s up to Orni if she joins us or not.”

Essenta seethed at her, Dechaa holding her back.

Wilka put a hoof to the princess, “Calm down, Essenta…”

Loress, still luxuriating in her hot bath, mused, “Ama and Zyra fought with everything they had… And it was spectacular! Don’t cheapen their efforts. I just went out there and fought. I sparred with her and I won. And if somepony can’t stand losing, I don’t want her by my side. But Orni isn’t that kind of mare… Tomorrow, she’ll probably wipe the sand with you…”

Loress sank further into the bath, sighing and burbling. Essenta, looking positively mutinous, shrieked. She stormed away. Dechaa was unsure of what to do, eyes darting from the princess to the other girls. But she chose neither. She sighed and slumped off into the bunkhouse, for a nap.

Ama chuckled, shaking her head at this. It had been quite a fight. She was more than satisfied with the day. She retired to the bunkhouse, figuring she’d wake up for dinner, feeling great. But Zyra and Wilka remained.

Loress draped her neck over the side of the tub, “Zyra, that was something. I didn’t think anypony would’ve been able to stop her the way you did… Well done.”

Zyra hoofed the back of her head, a little red in the cheeks, “Ah, shucks! I was surprised too. But as Wilka said, sometimes you lose when you gamble. Orni just had a better hoof of cards.”

Wilka giggled, “I did say that. Speaking of gambling, what will you do about that marriage proposal, Loress?”

Loress splashed her good-naturedly, though with a very embarrassed look about her, getting another giggle out of the Pegasus. Wilka jumped into the tub, splashing Zyra.

“Wilka! This was my bath! And you jump in without washing first! Look! You brought mud in!”

Zyra cackled as the two mares splashed each other. But they settled down, figuring they could just hose off once they got out.

Loress sighed, “So, Wilka? How’s Orni doing?”

Wilka plished around a bit, enjoying the bubbles, “As I said, she’s fine. She’s got no healing magic, but oh, would it be a pisser if she did! Her Knollwing magic will see her fresh as a daisy in the morning.”

Zyra just had to say it, “Loress… I simply cannot believe you beat Orni… After Wilka said-”

Wilka cut her off, “I overestimated Orni… I… just didn’t think it could’ve turned out the way it did.”

Loress pondered, “I wasn’t sure myself. I will say this… If Ama could move like Orni, she could kill anything. Orni just wasn’t strong enough… But, oh, does my head hurt…”

Zyra and Wilka cringed at the thought. Loress had taken bashings to her head and hide for a good 10 minutes before the fight was over.

Wilka addressed the elephant in the bath, “What should we do about Essenta?”

Loress hummed, “Don’t worry about her. She just needs to cool off. I still don’t understand what her problem is… Zyra. Any thoughts?”

The mage shook her head, “I really don’t know. Cap’s been weird lately. I just hope she doesn’t go for the bottle. We don’t need that…”

Loress groaned; she knew it was possible, “We just need to have faith that she’ll see to reason.”

Wilka hadn’t known Essenta long, but, “Do you think she will?”

Looking at both of her friends, “I don’t know.”





That night, the girls reconvened, reveling in the day’s events. Ama was so proud to have fought Orni. The girls thought they might never understand her. Orni had to congratulate Zyra. Not even Wilka had ever managed to halt her. And of course, Orni was in awe of Loress. Both being quite humble, they know it could have gone either way. Loress was just… sturdier.

The girls laughed and carried on, Dechaa feeling quite nervous about being the first up in the morning against Orni. As Loress had said, the Knollwing would bounce back and wipe the sand with them.

Orni’s family looked on with great gladness. It was a bittersweet thing. Seeing Orni and Wilka, who may as well have been part of the family, bond with these splendid young mares brought joy. Yet, they realized their daughter would be spending the last couple nights in their house. Orni was sold on the company.

There was only one cause for concern. Essenta had disappeared after her brief argument with Loress. All they could do was hope Essenta would appear before them, sober and ready to fight… and ready to lead. Loress had great faith in the princess, despite the rough time she gave her. It was the reason she gave the princess such a hard time. She’d come a long way from the tentative mare the company had picked up at the bridge… at least in some ways.

She just hoped her faith was well placed.