“Princess, I have never heard of any Kingdoms beyond the Northern borders.” Princess Twilight Sparkle said to her fellow monarch as she stood at the foot of the thrones in Canterlot. “Much less one called the Netherworld Empire.”
“I am not surprised that you have not heard of it. The kingdom is on the far border and their King is not the type to come to meetings and ceremonies.” Celestia explained. “He has ruled over that kingdom for many years and does not swear fealty to myself or my sister. The borders were recently changed due to the actions of Tirek and others. My sister went to re-establish them several weeks ago.”
Twilight looked to her former mentor. “And what happened?”
“The negotiations did not go well. The King was quite unwavering in his stance. There are several villages that would come under his rule if the borders are altered.” The white Alicorn admitted. “I am not saying that they would be mistreated by this King, but it would alter the landscape.”
“If Luna was not able to convince him to let go of his claim then what can I do?” The young Alicorn asked.
“Luna said that he is a pony that is alone. He has his advisors and his armies that serve him. But no other ponies close to him. I am hoping that you can show him friendship and perhaps he will relax this claim and save us all the trouble of rewriting the borders.” She admitted. “I know that it is not a normal request for you and your friends. But I am sure that you can accomplish it.”
Twilight was silent as her mind went over the other words. “You want us to go to his kingdom and befriend him so that he will let go of his claim to change the borders?”
“Essentially, yes. I feel that if we have a better relationship with him then he will be more understanding of our position. Right now we have no relationship with him.”
“Is he hostile?”
“No. Not yet.”
Twilight thought it over for a moment. “What kind of army does he have? And would he attack if left alone?”
“I’m not certain of his character. Luna dealt more with his advisor than with him personally. And what little she dealt with was in a formal setting and he was stiff at best.” Celestia replied. “The true size of his army is unknown. That was information that Luna never got. He was tight-lipped about it, despite her requests. His advisors refused to speak of it and informed her that she was overstepping her bounds as his guest.”
“Did they threaten her?”
“Not directly. The implication was there but never addressed. Luna said that she didn’t feel threatened, but she knew that she was in another pony’s territory.”
“So my friends and I are going to his kingdom and see if we can get him to rescind his claim to the territory?”
“Yes.”
“It just seems so, shady that we would use friendship to force this other pony to fall back.”
“I know it seems cruel, but he does not rule the same way we do. The ponies are required to swear fealty to him and there is no ability to choose their own leaders aside from him. He is their ruler and he is all there is.”
“What do you mean?”
“There are many territories in his kingdom and he rules them all. There are no mayors, lords, and ladies, or vassals that carry out his orders. He is the only ruler in their kingdom.”
“So, he doesn’t delegate rule to other ponies?”
“No.”
Twilight looked troubled as she thought over what she was being told. “How can he rule over an entire kingdom without help?”
“I am not sure. Luna did not see much when she was there. She was only there for a couple of weeks. You and your friends will be there for a longer amount of time. Everything will be tended to while you are gone. Spike will, of course, go with you and your friend’s homes and businesses will be taken care of as well.”
Twilight nodded and waited. “Will we have our own guards?”
“The royal guards will accompany you to his gates then his own guards will take over and watch over you. Luna faced the same treatment. She said that his guards were odd little creatures, but strong and loyal to their King.”
“I understand. Has he ever been to Equestria?”
“No. We have sent him invitations before but he has always declined.”
Twilight swallowed and looked to the Sun Princess. “We will do our best.” She declared, hoping her voice sounded more confident then she felt.
“I know you will. I have every faith in all of you.”
Twilight turned and left the throne room. Her friends were waiting in the next room. She opened the door and walked in to sit with them.
“So whats the plan, sugar cube?” Applejack asked her as she leaned back in her chair.
“Princess Celestia has asked that we act as ambassadors to another kingdom.” She replied.
“Ambassadors ta who?”
“A kingdom in the far north. The borders were changed recently and their King is trying to claim the new lands since they fall on his territory. We are being asked to convince him to withdraw his claim.” The purple Alicorn explained.
The other mares all shifted. “So we are going to ask him to let go of the land?” Fluttershy said aloud.
“Yes.”
“Why can’t we just tell him to back off?” Rainbow asked.
“Because Equestria doesn’t have a strong relationship with his kingdom. It’s good enough for him not to attack us, but that’s it.” Twilight explained.
Rainbow huffed, but let it go. “The Princess says that everything will be taken care of while we are gone. We leave in two days and the royal guards will escort us to his gates then his own guards will take over and watch over us.” Her friends all nodded in understanding.
“Oh, what to pack? What kind of climate is there in this kingdom?” Rarity obsessed as they walked out the door.
Twilight smiled as she rolled her eyes, fondly at the white unicorn. They trotted to the train station and started the journey back to Ponyville to pack and prepare for the journey.
Netherworld Kingdom:
“They will arrive in two weeks, Master. It will be 2 days before they depart the capitol, then 2 weeks from there to the Citadel.” A hunched figure stood to the side of an ornate throne, draped in furs of varying colors.
“I understand. How many are there?” The sound of metal shifting was heard. It was a slight sound, the pony who wore it fit the armor well, so it moved with his body and made a little sound.
“There will be six mares and one baby dragon, my liege.”
“A baby dragon?”
“Yes, Master.”
A light chuckle sounded. “I command dragons and they are bringing a little one here?”
“I believe it is the pet of Princess Twilight Sparkle, Master.”
A low snort sounded. “Very well then. I will permit it free rein. They will be attended at all times and each will have 3 guards, aside from the Princess herself, who will have 5.” A pair of shining red eyes looked out from a helm of metal and fire. “The usual areas are forbidden to them unless permitted by me.”
“As you command, Master.” The hunched figure bowed low and made notes on a scroll in his claws. “Shall we keep their rooms close to each other or spread them out?”
“Keep them close by. It would be troublesome to have to keep the minions running between floors. Higher chance of them getting under hoof.”
“As you wish.” The figure began to move away from the armored figure.
“Oh, and Gnarl?”
“Yes, Master?”
“Make sure they stay out of my way. The last thing I need is some sentimental little pony trying to tell me how to rule.”
Gnarl turned and his mouth showed a row of sharp teeth as he nodded. “Of course, Great Master. They will be kept in line.”
The figure shuffled away and the pony on the throne leaned back into it and a slight grin, with a row of sharp teeth showing from between his lips, his eyes glowed red in the dim lighting of the room.
Equestria:
Twilight looked out over the ground as the Pegasus guards pulled their chariots across the landscape. She watched as they neared the edge of Equestria's border and held her breath as they passed over it. She looked down and saw that nothing had changed, the land was the same.
“So how far are we?” Spike asked as he lounged behind her.
“According to the map, it should be another hour. Luna said we would know when we saw it.”
“Saw what?”
“She said it is called the Upper Citadel. But was pretty vague about the rest of it.”
Spike looked back to his comic and shrugged. “I think she’s just trying to psych you out.”
Twilight grinned and giggled “Maybe.”
Spike laughed at the Alicorn. “Besides how bad can this guy be? He’s probably just like every pony else.”
“I hope so Spike. I really hope so.” She said to her assistant.
She looked back to the front and after an hour she could see a shadow in front of them. Spike stood up and put a hand on her foreleg as he looked with her. “Wow.” He whispered as the shadow grew in size.
The Upper Citadel lived up to its name and loomed ahead of them. The guards began to descend at the sight of it. The walls were easily 20 to 30 feet high and every 40 feet there was a tower that provided a vantage point for an unbroken line of sight. The walls themselves were solid stone and showed signs of attempted siege, but appeared to have held fast. There were old scorch marks and stains along the walls. The doors were wood with metal framing and showed signs that they had been attacked and attempted to be breached. But by the look of it, the attempts had failed, miserably. Twilight and the others stepped off their chariots as they landed and stood in front of the great doors. She jumped as a loud bang sounded and the doors began to slowly open. She looked to her friends and found them all staring at the doors and waited for them to open fully. Her eyes widened as creatures that were up to her shoulders spilled out of the doorway. They fanned out and surrounded the ponies. They said nothing as they stopped and stood at attention. Armor covered their small frames and they stood bipedal with their halberds, stock still.
She looked back to the keep and saw the castle itself. It was made of dark stone and metal. As far as she could tell it had never been touched by an invader. The stone showed signs of being worked and the metal was clean. It stood tall with its own towers that raised above the wall and the face of it gleamed in the low sunlight. She looked down as a figure approached them. The figure looked to be similar to the creatures that now surrounded them, only it was hunched over and had a limp. It wore rags that went from shoulder to feet and advanced on the group. Twilight looked to the soldiers with them and they did not appear concerned in the least, she tried to relax as well. The figure stopped several feet away from them and cleared his throat.
“I bring greetings from our Master. He is currently not here and sends his regards. I am Gnarl, Minion master and devoted Servant of Darkness.” He said to them. His voice carried despite appearing smaller. “I welcome you to the Upper Citadel. The vanguard of our Master Hunter Flame, High Overlord of the North.”
Twilight felt herself shrink under the titles of the pony that ruled this area. Spike stepped forward and turned to face sideways. “I am Spike. May I present Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship and fellow Elements of Friendship, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie.”
His voice didn’t carry as well as the others, but they seemed to have heard the dragon. Gnarl gave a slight smile as the mares all tried to stand tall as they were announced. “We shall take over your protection from here on guests of the Overlord.” The minions moved in and the guards gave way to them. The Pegasus lifted back into the air and left them behind. “This way.” Gnarl spun and started walking away, the mares following. “Gather their things. Take them to the correct rooms or the Master will hear of it.” He said over his shoulder.
Twilight looked back as the minions perked at the words, picked up their baggage and carried it as carefully as they could. The minions caught up to them quickly as they carried the items and Twilight got a better look at them. Their skin was a deep tan, almost earthy brown. The armor they wore was fitted to them. From head to foot they were armored and ready for battle. Their eyes glowed gold from behind the visors of their helms and they carried their loads ahead of them. Twilight quickened her pace and caught up to Gnarl.
“When will we be able to meet your King?” She asked him.
“When the Master chooses,” Gnarl said to her, without looking to her.
Twilight looked ahead of her as the minions peeled off down one hallway and vanished. Gnarl stopped and turned to them. “You must be hungry from your journey. If you would like, a bath and food will be arranged as soon as you choose. If you prefer, the minions that will act as your guard will show you to your quarters. “
“Guard?” Applejack stepped up and addressed the Minion Master.
“Yes, Miss Applejack. You will have a 3 minion guard with you at all times. They are there to protect you and see to it that your needs are met.” He turned to Twilight. “You will have a 5 minion guard as is fitting to your station.”
Twilight blinked. “I’m sure that we are safe here, I don’t think there is a need...”
“It has been decreed by the Master and his will is law,” Gnarl said to her. His voice sharp to stop any further argument.
“Ya’ll think somepony will attack us here?” Applejack asked him.
Gnarl snorted a laugh. “Of course not. The guard is to ensure that you do not stray where you are not permitted and that you stay out of the Master's way as he works.”
The mares all started at the blunt response. “Well, ah appreciate the honesty.” Applejack said as she looked to the minion.
“The Master has said that you are to be treated well and with all due kindness but has said that he will brook no arguments when it comes to his rule. So I ask that you keep such comments to yourselves.” Gnarl said to them. “Would you like to see your quarters? Or would you prefer a bath first?”
“Twilight?” Fluttershy said to the Alicorn.
“I would like to see my room first.” She said to him.
“As you wish.” Gnarl snapped his fingers and 5 minions came out of the shadows. “Take Lady Twilight to her room. And the rest of you?”
“Same.” They intoned.
He snapped his claws once more and more minions came out of the shadows to stand by the mare that they were assigned to. Soon each mare was on her way to her room to inspect it. Spike stayed by Twilight as they were led by her guard minions. She looked back to see a minion whisper into Gnarl’s ear and he spun and trotted off down the other hall. The minions opened the doors for their charges and the mares all went to check their rooms. Twilight eyes widened at the sight and Spike stared, slack-jawed. The room was large and could have fit the entire old library inside of it. One wall was made up of a vast bookshelf and the other had several large windows that went from floor to ceiling. Light flooded the room. She went to the windows and opened the curtains. She was amazed to see a vast cavern in front of her. Stones floated in the air and moved past her window. Spike jumped onto her back and looked around them. Lava spilled over the edges of the walkways and poured down the sides of the nearby walls. Twilight gasped and turned back into the room.
“Where are we?” She gasped.
“I don’t know. But it looks like we are underground.” Spike said to her as he slid off her back. “But when did we move underground?”
Twilight looked to the door and saw her guards standing in the doorway, awaiting her orders.
“How far underground are we?” She asked one of them when she reached them. The minion stared at her. His eyes glowed under his helm as he regarded her. The mare scowled. “Answer me.” She ordered.
The minion stared. “Master know.” He said to her. His voice squeaked and he looked to her as she stared at him.
“You don’t know? Or won’t tell me?” She said back.
The minion gave a happy shrug and went back to being still. The purple Alicorn looked to Spike, who shrugged. "I don’t think they have any idea, Twilight or can’t tell you.” The purple dragon said to her.
Twilight looked up as she heard a shriek. She tossed open the door with magic and looked out as Rarity came out her own door. “Twilight, have you seen outside?”
“Yes. We are underground. I just don’t know how far. I asked but the minions have no idea.” Rarity worked on calming down as the others came out as well. Each mare had a group of minions behind her, they stayed back to allow their guests to speak.
“How in tarnation did we get underground? Ah, don’t remember goin’ down any stairs.” Applejack said.
“That’s cause we didn’t,” Rainbow said aloud. “I asked the guards and they only said that the Master knew.”
“Mine said the same,” Twilight replied. “It seems like they can’t give any information to us. The only ones who know are Gnarl and their Master. This Hunter Flame, which we haven’t met yet.”
“I say we find this here Hunter Flame and get some answers,” Rainbow said, a determination in her tone.
“That will not be needed.” Gnarl came out of the shadows and spoke to them.
“Ahh!” Fluttershy screamed and hid behind Applejack.
Gnarl looked to the yellow mare and shrugged. “What is it you need to know?”
“When did we get so far underground?” Twilight asked him.
“You walked underground. The slope is gradual so it is not abnormal to not know that you are going down. The Upper Citadel is the beginning of the Masters Castle. You are in the Lower quarters that can house the Master's guests when he has them.”
Twilight and the others stared at the minion master. “So where’s his room?” Pinkie asked.
“That is not information that you need to know, Miss Pinkie Pie,” Gnarl informed her.
“Oh.” Pinkie looked away dejected.
“I can understand that it is a bit of a shock. But you are safe here and there is no chance of the ground giving way or falling away from your hooves.” The minion looked away for a moment. “Mostly.” He muttered and looked back to the mares.
“How far down are we?” Twilight asked.
“I am unsure of the exact number.” Gnarl put a hand to his chin as he thought. “Close to 200 to 300 feet or more, I guess.” He responded.
The mares all gaped at him. “I need to speak with your Master as soon as he arrives,” Twilight said to the minion.
“I will mention your request to him. The Master has been gone for several days so I do not think tossing questions at him as soon as he arrives is a very good idea.”
“I do not care if he has been...wait, gone for days?”
“Yes. The Master went to attend to a matter personally. He thought he would be back sooner, but it became more involved than he anticipated.” Gnarl responded.
“Oh.” Twilight leaned back on her haunches. “I suppose he would be tired by the time he returned?”
“Yes. The Master tends to most issues himself and spends a fair amount of time out of the Netherworld.”
“All right, I can understand that he would be tired. If possible, I would like to meet with him.” Twilight agreed.
“Very well, I will speak with him about your request,” Gnarl said to her and turned to leave the mares.
They all moved into Twilights room since it was the largest and talked about their impressions so far.
“Master.” Gnarl bowed low as a pony in armor walked past him.
“How are our guests, Gnarl?”
“They are all in Princess Twilight’s room chatting.” He responded. “They were surprised when they were informed that they were over a few hundred feet underground. Princess Twilight demanded to meet with you about the Netherworld's location, but I informed her that you would decide if you wished to meet with her or not.”
“True. What could possibly be so important that I need to accommodate her immediately? She hasn’t been here a day and is already a pain in my ass.” He replied. “But in terms of being a gracious host then I suppose I should accommodate the mare.” He sighed and looked over his shoulder. “Bring the mare. I’ll speak to her. I’ll meet her in the throne room.”
Gnarl nodded and bowed low as he backed up. “As you command, Master.”
The stallion shook his head and looked to the kitchen for a moment before walking inside for a quick snack.
Twilight looked up at her ears caught the sound of knocking on her door. She looked to one of her guards and nodded to him to open the door. Gnarl walked in and the minions saluted as he walked in.
“The Master has returned and has agreed for you to meet him in the throne room if you still wish to speak with him. It will be a short conversation due to the Master being tired from his journey.” Gnarl informed her. “Do you still wish to speak with him?”
“Yes. Thank you, Gnarl.” Twilight looked to the others who nodded for her to go ahead.
Gnarl nodded and led the purple Alicorn out of the room and down the hallways. She followed him as he led her around. After a few minutes and several turns, she entered into a room that led to a throne made of stone and metal. It was covered in furs and lava moved behind it and covered the short wall behind the throne. Gnarl left her to stand 20 feet away from the throne and to the side of the path. Minions in armor were to the sides of the path she had come in with Gnarl. After a moment she was about to speak when her ears caught a sound. She looked down to the entrance and stared at the armored pony who entered.
His armor was silver with gold and black going over it. Obsidian was laced through the armor and covered the chest of the pony. His head was covered by a helm of silver and gold. A pair of horns jutted from the helm and angled back just behind the ponies ears. A black horn spiraled from his forehead. Twilight realized that she was dealing with a tall Unicorn. He was easily Princess Luna’s height. Red orbs glowed from within the helm and watched her as he walked up the room. His mane was black with streaks of blue and silver. His tail dragged the ground by an inch or two as he walked. His forelegs were covered in armor. The right leg had a gauntlet on it that had a large glowing jewel in the center. Colors flit through the jewel. A solid black cloak covered his back and ended past his tail. He advanced on the throne and turned to sit in it as Gnarl bowed low. His black coat shone in the light of the small braziers on either side of the throne. A minion with a jester’s hat ran forward, carrying a platter with a goblet on it. The minion set it on a table beside the throne, then fled with a strange giggle.
A shrill whistle went out and Twilight startled. Two Minions jumped out of the shadows and stood on the arms of the throne. They carefully lifted the helm off the ponies head and he closed his eyes as he shook out his mane and waved them off. The stallion opened his eyes and Twilight saw that his eyes continued to give off the red glow. His eyes were that color naturally. She waited as he regarded her. His horn lit up with a red aura that matched his eyes. It covered the goblet at his side and he sipped from it before looking to the mare once more.
“You wished to speak with me?” He said to her. His voice was low, but she could feel the strength in it and she had to clench her teeth to stop from shivering.
“Yes. I apologize for the intrusion.” She said to him.
“You can come forward if you wish.” He said to her. He waved a hoof, indicating for her to stand in front of the throne.
She walked up and stood a few feet from the steps that led to the throne itself. “Thank you.” She said as she tried to settle her nerves and speak to him with confidence. “I wanted to ask a few questions if I may have some of your time.” The stallion was silent as he waited for her to speak. “I was unaware that your Keep was underground.”
He looked at her. A raw chuckle escaped him and Twilight waited. “I’m surprised your Princess Luna did not inform you of that fact.” He admitted to her. His voice held a hint of amusement as he replied. “I would have thought that she would have passed along all pertinent information before your arrival.”
Twilight bit her lower lip as she looked to him. She could see more of his solid black coat under his armor. “Princess Luna did not mention it no.” She admitted. She hated that her voice sounded so small under his.
“Well, that is a misstep on her behalf then. If you wish to know then I will tell you. You are, at this moment, over a mile underground. The throne room is the heart of my domain. The rest is, of course, much deeper.”
Twilight’s eyes widened and she stared at the King. “That far?” He nodded and sipped his drink once more. “How do you get back and forth? Do you use the Upper Citadel to come and go?”
He laughed. “No. That would take too long. I have Gates that I can use at will to get to places in my Kingdom.”
“Gates?”
“We call them a Netherworld Gate. I will not give you the details due to that information not being needed, but they are essential to my realm staying under my control. They make it simpler to get to my ponies and keep them in line.” He said to her. He set the drink down and waited for her.
Twilight nodded and swallowed. “I understand. If we wish to go outside are we allowed to do that?”
He leaned back into the furs on the back of his throne. “Of course. You are not my prisoners. That is why you have your guards. They will guide you around my domain and take you where you wish so long as it is permitted. There are areas that are off limits and the minions are aware of the restrictions.” He said to her.
“Are they not permitted to give us any information either?” She asked, her eyes looking to him.
“Such as?”
“I asked one of the minions how deep underground we were and he simply said to ask the Master.”
He blinked and a laugh escaped him. “Hah!” He chuckled and put a hoof over his muzzle. He let it fall to his throne after a moment. “No. The reason they answer that way is simple.” He answered her and she waited for the reply. “They simply do not know the answer.”
Twilight stared at him. “What?”
Gnarl stepped forward. “Allow me to explain, Master.” The pony waved his hoof for him to continue. “Minions are not very smart. Some are a bit more advanced, me and a few others for example. But for the most part higher thinking is beyond the other minions. I have been around for a very long time since after the first minion crawled out of the Netherworld to serve the very first Overlord.” Gnarl said with a musing looking as he looked around. His eyes took on a far off look and the Overlord reached out and smacked him in the back of the head. “Sorry, Master.” The stallion sat back, a slight grin on his lips. “Anyway. For example. The brown minions that you have seen the most of. Their purpose is to be a strong melee army for the Overlord. Their policy is to bash first, jump up and down on the carcass later.”
Twilight cringed at the phrasing. “You cringe as if that was a joke.” The stallion said to her. “That is literal. As he mentioned they are not bright. Fiercely loyal and single-minded, but stupid.” Twilight looked to him and then looked to the minions to the sides of them. “You look concerned that they have overheard that.” She nodded. He looked to a minion and whistled. One of the minions that had removed his helm came over to him. His magic reached out and gripped the minion around the neck. She watched as he squeezed and the minion did nothing to stop it. It began to choke even more and Twilight opened her mouth to stop him when the magic released. The minion fell into a heap onto the floor and hacked.
“How could you?” Twilight looked to the minion as it crawled to its feet.
Gnarl looked down and waited for the minion to stand. “The Master did that to you.”
The minion turned to the stallion and threw itself at his hooves. “For the Master!” It shouted gleefully and grinned manically, showing its sharp teeth.
Twilight stared at it and then to the stallion as he patted the minion on the head and sent it back to its place. “They live and die at the Overlord’s command. It is what we are and what we will always be. We live for him and we die for him. Our place is to shield him and die in his stead if needed.” Gnarl said to her.
Twilight watched as the minion went back to cleaning off their Master's helm with the other minion. “You still don’t seem convinced.”
“No, I am. It’s just shocking, I guess.” She said to him.
He raised a hoof and ran it over his mane and leaned into the side of his throne, propping his right foreleg on the armrest. “As Gnarl said they live and die at my whim. If I ask it of them they will fall on their own weapons if I should command it.” Twilight looked to him as he spoke. “Do not think I throw their lives away though. Each minion is under my protection. Same as the ponies of my domain.”
Twilight looked up. “So may I ask where you were the last several days?”
He looked at her and sighed. “You can ask. But I do not think you need to know. If you want the details perhaps I will enlighten you at some point. But you do not need to know at this time.” He said as he stood. “Your purpose here is to try to get me to rescind my claim to the lands that are now under my rule as per the boundaries that your Celestia established. Those borders were decided upon long before either of us, little Princess. My rule is not to be questioned by you or any pony.” He said to her as he walked to the side of the throne and away from her. The black cloak on his back cut through the air as he passed by. “You should go to bed, little Princess. The Netherworld is larger than it appears. Your guards are outside the door waiting to take you back to your room.”
Twilight watched as he left the throne room. Two minions followed him, carrying his helm. Twilight watched and shook her head. She hadn’t realized the pressure she had felt had come from him. The stallion was as he was described, unwavering. She walked out to her guards and they led her back to her room, where her friends were still waiting.
Applejack looked to her when she came back inside the room. “So how did it go?”
Twilight looked to them and sat down among them. “He is a very strong pony. I...” She paused. Her friends looked at her and waited. “It’s hard to describe him. He didn’t stand over me or anything, but he’s very intimidating. He’s about Luna’s height and when I first saw him he wears full armor.”
“Armor? Why?” Rainbow asked her.
“I think he wears it all the time. Especially, if he goes out into the field.”
“That makes sense. He is a King.” Rarity commented. “Did you get a good look at him?”
“Yeah. He’s a black pony with a black mane that has silver and blue streaks in it. His eyes are red and they glow.”
“Glow?” Fluttershy said for the side of her.
“Yeah. At first, I thought it was because of the helm he wore, but when that was taken off. His eyes glow on their own. It’s natural. It was pretty unnerving to see, actually.”
Pinkie leaned forward. “Do you think he’ll let me throw a Welcome to the Netherworld party for us?”
Twilight looked to her friend. “Probably not Pinkie. But you could always ask in the morning.” Pinkie smiled and settled back on the rug. “He said that we can come and go as we like but the minions have to be with us. They know where we can and can’t go. Some places are off limits.” Twilight told her friends.
“No pony tells me where I can and can’t go.” Rainbow declared aloud.
“Rainbow.” Twilight started.
“No way, Twi.” The pale blue mare stood up and jumped into the air. “He can’t stop what he can’t see.” She opened the door and started through when she backed up in the air. Two halberds pushing her back. “Okay, maybe he can.” She admitted and flew back to the others.
“Well. Security is certainly tight.” Rarity admitted.
“He did say that we have to have the guards with us when we leave our rooms.” The Alicorn admitted.
The mares all nodded. “Well, it's easier ta work with ‘em than against ‘im.” Applejack admitted as she stood up. “Ah think ah’m gonna head back to mah room. Was a long trip.”
The others agreed and they headed for the door and opened them. The minions looked to them and parted to let them head to their rooms. The minions closed the doors after them and Twilight stayed where she was. Spike came over to her and sat down.
“So, what do you think?”
Twilight looked to the carpet. “I think we are out of our league.” She admitted to the dragon.
“That bad, huh?”
“Yeah. I thought it would be okay. But this pony is different, Spike. He is a King.” She said to him.
“Sure, he says he’s a king but…What?”
“No, Spike. It’s not that he says he’s a king. He is a King.” Her voice changed to emphasize the word to the dragon.
“Oh.” Spike looked to her. “So what do we do? Can he be a friend?”
“I don’t know, Spike. He doesn’t want us to get in his way as he is busy ruling his kingdom. Just being near him was suffocating. I didn’t realize that the pressure I was feeling was coming from him. He’s a powerful Unicorn. Even without magic, I think he would be the same.”
Spike fiddled with his claws. “So what do we do?”
“He already knows that our job is to get him to let go of his claim. He’s not stupid.” She said to her assistant. “He told me as much while I was there. And the minions that we have seen are his to command. I mean that literally.”
Spike was quiet. “What do you mean?”
“The reason they didn’t answer me about the depth that we are is that they don’t know. They exist for him and they serve him. He told them to stay with us and they will.” Twilight explained.
“Well, I don’t have any guards.” Spike pointed out. “So maybe he knows I’m no threat to him.”
A dry laugh from the corner caught their attention. Both were quiet. Then dismissed the sound when they saw nothing. “I don’t think that’s the case, Spike.” Twilight pointed out.
Spike grinned. “Maybe. But let’s get ready for bed. Can’t do anything tired, right?” The purple dragon said to her as he started unpacking their luggage.
“That’s true. Maybe we can speak more with him at breakfast.” She got up and started levitating items from her bags as well.
Spike went to her door and opened it. The mare looked to him and tilted her head. “Hey. Will we be having breakfast with your Master?”
Twilight trotted over to the door with her assistant. The Minion looked confused at the question. “Go to Gnarl and ask him if your Master will be having breakfast with us in the morning.” She said to the Minion, who nodded and ran off.
“Wow. They're fast.” Spike commented.
Twilight chuckled and went back to her luggage. Several minutes went by and a knock sounded. Spike went to the door and opened it. Gnarl looked in, his expression neutral, but there was a hint of aggravation. “One of your guards asked me a most peculiar question.”
Twilight looked to the minion. “Oh? I thought it was pretty clear.”
“The Master does not have ‘breakfast’. He is usually awake long before that.”
Spike stared. “Does he ever sleep?”
“Spike!” Twilight yelped.
Gnarl looked to the dragon as if seeing him for the first time. “Yes, he does. The Dark Master is the only Ruler of this kingdom and he attends to its needs at all times. He sleeps when he must, same for other requirements.”
Spike was quiet. “So he doesn’t sleep unless he has to?” Twilight asked.
“Yes. The Master is a very busy Overlord.”
“Well, could he spare some time in the morning to meet with my friends and me? I would like him to meet them so that he may know them if he sees them. This way they will know him as well and be able to address him.”
Gnarl had looked like he would argue, but Twilight outmaneuvered him. He grimaced. “I will ask the Master if he can spare the time.” He said and turned to leave.
“Thanks!” Spike yelled.
The Minion twitched and looked back as the door closed. Twilight looked to Spike and glared.
“What?” He asked as she groaned and went back to her luggage.
“Again?” Hunter Flame looked to the Minion in front of him. His fur was being brushed and his mane tended before he caught a few hours of sleep before resuming his normal work hours. “What does she ask for this time?”
Gnarl grimaced at the annoyed look from his Master. The Overlord was tired and his temper shortening with each passing moment. “She brought up a good point actually, Master.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. The mares do not know your dark appearance and would be shocked to see you. They would not be ready to address you by the proper titles.”
Hunter stilled under the claws of his attendants. “Dammit. Clever little Princess.” He said. “So how does she seek to fix this?”
“By having...breakfast...with you.”
Hunter stopped again, staring at the Minion. “What?”
Gnarl shrunk under the red gaze. “She has asked that you make a bit of time and sit down to breakfast with the mares.”
“Gnarl. I haven’t stopped for breakfast in...” He stopped and his head tilted to the side in thought. “Hells, I don’t even remember the last time.”
“It has been many years my Lord.”
Hunter growled and the Minions that were sitting on his back, combing his mane stopped, ready to jump. He chuckled and the minions resumed.“Very well. I will make time for this gathering. Once they are assembled and have their meals alert me. I will make an appearance.”
“As you wish, Master.”
Twilight woke up and groaned. She sat up and looked around. She was startled for a moment at the darker surroundings, but then recalled where she was, the Netherworld. Spike snored in his basket by the nightstand. She got up and moved to the bathroom, adjoining her room. She had set up her things the night before and got ready for the day as normal. Spike snorted and started to wake up as well. She walked out and smiled at the baby dragon. “Come on, Spike. We have to make sure the girls are ready for breakfast.”
“What if he doesn’t show up?” Spike yawned and rubbed his eyes.
“Then he doesn’t show up and we have breakfast anyway.” She stated to him. He got up and started to clean up as well when a knock sounded on her door.
“It’s open.” She hollered.
The door opened and Applejack came in, closing the door behind her. She walked up to her friend and gave a thin smile. “Ah figured ah would check on ya. Ya seemed a might shaken up after meetin’ ‘im.”
Twilight sighed. “He is just so different. I know that’s not a reason to judge a pony, but he’s...” The Alicorn mare paused.
“Ah know. But we need ta be nice ta him. Maybe he’ll calm down when he finds that we ain’t so bad either.” Twilight gave a thin smile. “Sides, Pinkie is full steam ahead with a party. Ya may need ta stop her from finding ‘im ta ask.”
Twilight looked horrified and sighed once more. “I’m pretty certain he will not be on board for it.”
Applejack laughed. “Good luck then.” The orange mare walked to the door as the others were gathering outside. “Come on now.”
The mares gathered outside and the minions led them to the dining hall. It was a long table made of obsidian and iron. The chairs appeared plush and the mares took their seats opposite each other to be able to chat more. They took their seats and waited for a moment before several ponies came out of a room to the side. Twilight startled, having not even seen the doorways. They stood by each mare and started asking for their orders. Twilight asked for pancakes and apple juice. Spike was trying to explain what gemstones he liked, to the aggravation of the pony helping him. Twilight intervened and told her to get him the same as her, ending the brewing argument. Spike muttered something about asking the Overlord and the mare paled. The other servants went silent as well and stared at Spike. Twilight gave a nervous laugh.
“He was kidding, of course. He would love pancakes. Right, Spike?” She said to him, her voice terse.
Spike, thankfully read the situation and laughed. “Of course. I was just kidding. I love pancakes!” He said, enthusiasm in his voice. The servants fled with their orders. Even Rarity gave Spike a glare, as he slid down in his chair.
The mares went back to chatting as a side door opened and Gnarl walked in. He stood in silence at the side of the chair at the end of the table. It was taller than the others and was designed similar to the Lord's throne. It was obviously his to use. The mares went quiet for a time as they looked to the minion.
“Have your meals been taken?” He asked them.
Twilight cleared her throat. “Yes, thank you Gnarl.”
The minion twitched and snapped his fingers as a brown minion came up to him. The minion was covered in red armor and it shifted on his thin form. Twilight noticed that he was a bit larger than the other minions and appeared to have a higher status among them. The minion nodded his head and ran out the door.
“Still really fast, aren’t they?” Spike commented.
“Not as fast as me,” Rainbow said to him.
Applejack rolled her eyes. “Ah still can’t believe how far underground we are. Ah had no idea that the castle above us was just for looks.”
“It serves its purpose, being the front to the Master’s Dark Tower and reminding those around him of his strength,” Gnarl said to them, his tone matter of fact.
“Well, I for one can’t wait to see if I can add some decor to this abode.” Rarity said aloud. “The decorating leaves something to be desired. I would hope that I can be allowed to let my artistic side show.”
Rainbow rolled her eyes but remained silent. Fluttershy looked at her friends. “Umm... Are there any animals here?”
Gnarls ears had to strain to hear the Pegasus. “Animals?” He asked her.
“Yes. Any bunnies or birds?” She asked of him.
The minion looked confused as a laugh broke the sudden silence. All of them turned to the door as the Overlord walked in. He wore a breastplate of onyx and silver. A familiar long black cloak covered his back and flanks. His mane was pulled back in a high ponytail, his eyes glowed a fiery red as he walked in. His steps were deliberate as he looked to the mares in the room. His forelegs were covered in armor and the gauntlet on his right leg shone and the colors swirled around the stone. Gnarl and the minions bowed their heads. Twilight looked to her friends and they were all staring at the unicorn. She turned to him and saw the minion in red armor holding onto the armor at his Masters' shoulder. The minion jumped down and pulled the chair out as his master sat and used his magic to move the chair itself. Gnarl kept his head down and the red armored minion ran for the kitchen door. Hunter leaned back in his chair and stomped one of his rear hooves to the ground. The minions raised their heads and the other came out with a goblet on a plate for their Master. He held it out and the stallions red aura picked up the goblet. The minion backed up and disappeared into the kitchen at a run.
“You can breathe, you know.” He said to them.
Spike gasped and shrunk back in his chair. “You weren’t kidding about being intimidating.” He whispered to the Alicorn. “He’s scary.”
They were distracted by the servants bringing out their breakfasts and setting them before them. They scurried away after checking that they had what they needed. Twilight picked up her fork and started to eat slowly. The others followed suit and after several minutes Twilight glanced to him to find, what could only be boredom on his face. Gnarl whispered in his ear and the stallion nodded. Gnarl held out several slips of paper and they began hovering around Hunter as he read over them, his magic holding them still in its grasp. A quill appeared from his magic and he jotted things down on them. Twilight looked to her friends and saw a wide smile go over Pinkie’s face. The purple mare opened her mouth but found herself biting her tongue.
“Excuse me! Mr. Overlord, sir?” Pinkie hollered out.
Hunter started at the sudden shout in the silence and lowered the papers in front of him. His eyes glowed as he looked to the bright pink mare. “Yes?”
“I was wondering if I could ask a super, duper, huge favor?”
Gnarl stiffened and looked to the Overlord. Hunter Flame regarded the exuberant mare for a moment before he set the papers on the table and sighed. “I’m listening, but I promise nothing.”
Pinkie plowed on, undeterred. “Well, of course, you haven’t promised anything. We barely started talking.” Hunter gave her a look before he gave a short shake of his head. “I was wondering if you would be okay with me throwing us a welcome party!”
Gnarl’s eyes gaped wide at the mare. The Overlord stared at her, his eyes narrowed for a moment before he closed them and put a hoof to his face for a moment, before lowering it partway. “A what?”
“A welcome party, silly!” She stood up and walked up to him. The stallion watched her approach as she slid in between Gnarl and the chair he sat in. She looked at him with a wide smile. Gnarl inched away from both her and his Master. “We just got here so we need a party to feel welcome and at home. Every pony loves parties so it would be perfect for us to feel at home and get to know everypony.” Pinkie suddenly reached out and wrapped the stallion in a hug. “And everypony wants to make a new friend!”
Twilight and the others all tensed, Gnarl fainted and the minion in red, who had appeared behind the Master's chair, looked nothing short of murderous. Twilight stared at the Overlord and watched him stiffen. His red eyes closed and he sighed.
“Let go of me.” He said to her. His tone was low, but Twilight felt a shiver go down her back.
Pinkie didn’t move, instead, she held onto him and smiled. Gnarl recovered and looked up from his new place on the floor. The Overlord's eyes opened and he shifted in his chair before speaking once more. “Wrath.”
“Master.” The minion in red armor came to stand close to the Overlord, eager for any instructions.
“If she does not remove herself from me when I say so next, you are to remove her forelegs.”
Fluttershy gasped. Her hooves covering her mouth, horror on her face. Rainbow Dash and Applejack started to get up to go to their friend when Twilight stood up, her forehooves on the table.
“Pinkie! Let go of him now!” She yelled.
The other mare startled and let go of the stallion. The minion beside the throne snarled and Pinkie backed away from him. Hunter looked to her and his eyes were even brighter as he looked at her. “Thank your Princess, little mare. She just saved your life. Get away from me before I declare war on Equestria for this transgression.” He snarled. Pinkie backed away from him and trembled. “Do not touch me again. Princess Twilight.” He said. His voice was low but every pony could hear the rage under it. “Keep your...friends...under control. You may be an ambassador, but they are here at your wish, not mine. I agreed to allow you and your pet here. The others are aggravations that I will tolerate so long as they do not annoy me.”
Twilight looked to him and nodded. “I understand.”
Hunter stood up and looked to them. “Understand this, Little Princess. I am well aware of your fellow Princesses request of you. I will not rescind my claim to the lands that are now mine. I have never been a stallion that backs down and if they think the group of you can change my ways then they are even more deluded than I anticipated. I will take what is mine if I choose to.” He said to them. His voice kept them listening and when he finished it was clear that was all that would be said on the matter. “Gnarl. Have the mares taken to their rooms and tended to as they wish. Wrath. With me.”
Wrath leaped to his master’s armor and held onto his place. Hunter turned to leave the room. He paused as Gnarl stopped at his glance. “Oh, and Gnarl?”
“Yes, Dark Lord?”
“Keep that pink pony away from me before I skin her living and send her back to Equestria in pieces.” He snarled as he left the room.
“As you command, Master,” Gnarl said as he bowed. The minion looked to the mares and clenched his teeth.
Twilight sat heavily in her seat and was silent. Pinkie slunk to her chair and sat down. Rainbow stayed standing with Applejack as they looked from Pinkie to Gnarl, who said nothing. Fluttershy had tears in her eyes as she tried to hide behind her mane. Spike stuffed his food into his mouth and swallowed.
“Well, I’m done.” He said to the group and hopped out of his chair. “So how do I go back to the room? So I can hide under the bed.”
Twilight nodded and looked back to the group of 5 guards. “Please take Spike back to my room.” She said to them.
One minion came forward and after giving her a low bow he walked off with Spike behind him. The other four remained. The mares were silent. Pinkie looked at the others.
“I’m sorry.” She started.
“This isn’t Equestria!” Twilight yelled as she stood up, her hooves on the table again. “He’s not like the ponies at home. Pinkie he could have had you, all of us, killed for that.”
Pinkie cringed and sunk deeper in her chair. “I just wanted to be nice.”
“That’s fine. But he’s not an Equestrian stallion. He’s a King, an Overlord, and they call him Master for a reason.” She said to her friend. “I have no idea how this could affect our chances to speak with him now. If he ever speaks to us again. We could...We...” Tears welled in her eyes as she stopped speaking. “We have to...Oh.” She cried out as she ran away from the table and out the door. Her four remaining guards on her heels.
Twilight careened around a corner, sobbing. ‘We could fail. He could send us back and then go to war with us over a hug.’ She went around another corner and struck a pony. She reached out and gripped the pony’s fur as she sobbed, not looking up at the pony she now held onto. The pony stood still as she cried.
Behind her, the guards stood stock still as they stared ahead of them. The Overlord stood still as the Princess of Friendship sobbed against his chest. The minions were ready to act on his commands.
Hunter Flame looked down at the sobbing purple Alicorn. Her hooves gripped his fur as she huddled against him. He sat down and set the clipboard, quill, and ink on the railing and waited for her to calm down. He was aware that she seemed to have no idea who she had run into. Slowly she calmed, her sobs turned into small hiccups and she sniffed. His horn lit as he summoned a box of tissues for her. He figured that the situation was due to the stress from earlier. He held it in his hoof and put it under her snout. She took a few tissues and blew her nose.
“Thank you, I am so...” She looked up and her eyes widened as she saw him. “Oh no...I am so sorry...I just...” She backed away from him and fell to her rump on the stone of the walkway.
He sighed and stood up. New tears pricked her eyes as she stared at him. He rolled his shoulders and waited for her to speak. When she said nothing, simply hiccuped he spoke up. “It's fine, Princess. I will not hold this against you if that is your concern.”
She nodded and hiccuped again. “I’m so sorry. I was upset and I didn’t see you and I…Please forgive me.” She said to him and bowed her head.
“As I already said. It’s fine. You did nothing to offend me so I will ignore this.”
She sniffled and his magic set the tissues in front of her and she accepted them from him. “Thank you.” She said as she blew her nose.
He said nothing as he looked out over the caverns of the Netherworld. ‘I suppose being kind in this situation is what is needed.’ He thought to himself as he looked back to her. “If you wish to explain I will listen.” He said to her.
Twilight’s eyes widened at him and she blinked several times. “I don't want to waste your time.” She said to him. She looked at him as he gave a slight grin.
“I would not have offered if you were wasting my time. I don’t mind a distraction from the never-ending reports.” He said as he tipped his horn at the clipboard.
Twilight looked at it and grimaced at the amount. There was a stack of papers over a half inch thick. “Wow. And I thought some of the stacks for Princess Celestia were bad.” She said aloud, then startled.
He chuckled and shook his head. “There is more to it when you rule alone. Every law and decision is your own and must be checked over before being used.”
She nodded from her place on the walkway. She stood up and walked over to him. “I guess I’m just...overwhelmed. I was not expecting things to be so different between Equestria and your kingdom. I suppose that I should have tried harder to research your kingdom, but I didn’t. That was bad planning on my part.”
He said nothing for a moment. “You would not have found much on my kingdom. But your desire to learn is commendable. Though I would hazard a guess that you wish to learn and feeling that you should have been more ready is not the only reason for your tears.”
She looked at the railing as she nodded. “I suppose I was also scared.”
“Of?”
“You.”
“Ah. Not a bad thing.” She looked at him. “Fear can do many things. It can sharpen your focus and provide moments of clarity. If you allow it to run wild then you become its slave. But if you can harness it, then it can become a great asset.” He explained to the mare.
“I suppose.”
“So what exactly are you afraid of?”
She paused and sat down, leaning her forehead against the stone railing. “Of failing, I guess.”
“You guess?”
“Okay, of failing. I was asked to accomplish something and I’m scared of failing at it. I know that you have every right to claim what is yours by the borders. I know you’re right. But at the same time, those ponies are used to the Princesses rule. I keep telling myself that they are happy the way they are and that trying to tell them they no longer have the Princesses is going to make them unhappy. But at the same time, I have no right to tell you that it’s better for them. Your ponies have never come to Equestria calling for help. So maybe they are happy. And the others would be happy.” She explained.
He was silent as he listened. “My ponies are well taken care of. I rule them with an iron hoof, that’s true. But I try to be fair to them. They fear me, that’s true as well. But they fear what they used to have more. Before they were not watched over as well as they are now. Any threat that crops up is tended to by me and my army. If they need aid they have but to ask of it. If it is reasonable, then I have no problem doing what I can.” He explained.
“So they are happy?”
“I don’t know if happy is the right word. But they are safe.” He replied. “But I assume there is more?”
She was quiet. “Last night when I first met you I had no idea what to do. You’re frightening and I kept thinking that I had walked into a lion's den.” He gave a short laugh and waited for her to continue. “But you also hold yourself as a King should. So at the same time, I was intimidated by that feeling. It’s different at home. I have my castle, but it’s in a small village outside of Canterlot. Ponies use my name and know me like a pony. Here it’s not like that.”
“True. I am the sole ruler of this kingdom. Not because I am the only one that can. But because I do not trust any other to tend to them as I do. I trust my own judgment and follow through no matter the situation.”
“And this morning with Pinkie Pie. I had no idea she would do that, please believe me.”
“I do. You were just as shocked as I was if the look on your face is too believed.”
“She’s a very...” She paused as she tried to think of a word.
“Intrusive, exuberant, foolish...” He paused when the Princess giggled.
“She’s all those things. When we had the Elements of Harmony, she was the Element of Laughter.”
“That explains a few things. Though does the concept of personal space mean nothing? That and realizing that not every pony likes to be touched?”
“She understands it. But she has always been able to befriend any and every pony.”
“I would rather not.” He informed her.
“But would you have really gone to war over a hug?”
He paused. A short sigh escaped him. “I have been raised to my position. I was 8 when the previous Overlord vanished. The minions are all I have ever known. I was raised by them to be the Overlord that would lead them.” Twilight listened intently as he spoke. “I had to retake the kingdom he left behind. It took ten winters before I was ready to retake my lands.” He informed her.
“Wow.”
“So when you ask me if I would have gone to war, it depends. At the time, I thought about it. But at the same time, it was mainly to prove a point.”
“Telling Pinkie to back off?”
“Basically.” He said with a chuckle. “Though the threat about skinning her stands. I do not appreciate being touched, nor do I like having my time wasted.”
Twilight nodded. “I understand. I know she will probably want to apologize when the shock wears off.”
“If she can control herself I will permit her to be in my presence for that purpose. Otherwise, she is to remain as far from me as possible.” He told her. His magic picked up his paperwork and he looked to her. “Feeling better?”
She paused and thought about it. “Yes, thank you. It was nice to talk it out.”
“Good.”
“Master!” Gnarl came around the corner and stopped in his tracks.
“Yes, Gnarl?”
“Dark Master, an emissary from Everlight is here to speak before you.”
His ears flicked. “Everlight, huh? It’s been a while since they came begging for anything. Will be interesting to see what they want this time.” He said to his advisor as he backed away from Twilight. “Take the Princess to her friends.”
The guards walked up to her and waited for her to be ready to move. She stood up and smiled. “May I see this Emissary?”
He looked over his shoulder and gave a short nod. “If you wish that is fine. Do not interfere.” His voice was ice as he advised her. She nodded in agreement. “I trust you have your Royal Regalia with you?” She nodded. “I suggest you wear it then. If I am right, then that is why Everlight sent this Emissary. They are looking to see you.”
“Me? Why?”
“We will find out.” He said as he gave the papers to Gnarl and walked out of sight.
Twilight was guided back to her room by her guards. Spike looked up from his basket and walked up to her.
“You okay?” He asked her.
“Yes, why?”
“Applejack and the others were worried. You ran off crying and they couldn’t find you.”
“Oh. I’m okay. I talked about it with the Overlord and I feel much better now.”
“You talked with him? Are you sure you’re okay then? He’s really scary.”
“Yeah, he is. But he was kind of nice to me and helped me calm down. Oh, where is my Regalia?”
Spike pointed to one of her bags and the mare opened it and pulled out her hoof boots, crown, and breast collar. She slipped them on and turned to the mirror.
“I’ll never get used to seeing myself wearing these.” She lamented. “Come on Spike. We have been asked to attend a meeting. Bring scrolls and a quill.”
Spike pulled them out of the same bag and followed her out of the room. The minions led her back to the throne room. She looked around as Gnarl came up to her.
“This way.” He said and guided her to her place. A cushion had been set up at the base of the stairs off to the side.
She smiled at Gnarl and sat in silence. A pony walked into the throne room and paused ten feet from the end of the stairs. The pony stood still, but Twilight could see a shiver occasionally go through her. The mare had a creamy coat with blond hair. Her cutie mark was obscured by a short dress of flowing white fabric. Twilight looked at it and knew that Rarity would have loved the flowing fabric. Twilight looked back to the throne as the Overlord came around from behind it and sat down. He wore his full armor and Twilight could see the minion in red armor, Wrath, crouched down next to the throne.
“Great Lord. It is my greatest pleasure to be in your presence.” The mare shrilled out.
Spike cringed and put his hands over his ears. Twilight hid him behind one of her wings to prevent the pony from seeing his reaction. She glanced to the Overlord and found him to be stoic and stock still.
“Thank you for your kind greeting. May I ask what brings you to my realm?” Hunter asked of her.
“Everlight is of course endlessly loyal to you, Great Master. But we are wondering if we might be of greater service?” She said to him.
“Oh?”
“Yes. It takes time for your Greatness to come to us and grace us with your presence for issues that arise. We had thought to create a council within Everlight that can carry out your will.”
Twilight glanced to the Overlord, whose expression was hidden behind his helm. Spike hissed and looked around her wing to the mare.
“Bad idea.” He whispered.
Gnarl looked affronted and was holding back his words. Hunter was quiet and waited for a moment before he spoke.
“You wish to create a Council of ponies that can govern the whole of Everlight in my stead? Am I understanding that correctly?”
“Yes, Great One.” She said, a wide smile crossing her muzzle. “It can’t be easy to govern an area the size of Everlight on your own. By bringing in trusted ponies to rule in your stead, then it frees you from having to come and make an appearance for trivial matters.”
“Oh no,” Twilight whispered.
Gnarl sputtered and turned around, trying to hide his anger. Wrath was glaring daggers at the audacious mare. Hunter was quiet as he leaned back in his throne. “You are aware that I have been ruling Everlight since I reclaimed it...”
“Of course, Master.” She interrupted. “But such a thing is beneath your greatness. Surely it is tiring to constantly need to come and visit.”
Hunter stared at her for the interruption but continued. “I do not view the ruling of my kingdom as troublesome.”
“Of course not. You are the most Benevolent Master.” She said. “But still. It must be tiring for you. The other aspects of your kingdom are far less capable of helping themselves as Everlight. The council would stand in your stead, all for an autonomous rule.”
Hunter held up a hoof for silence. “Say I entertain this idea. What would be the benefit? And how would it be designed?”
Twilight looked at him. He hadn’t moved from his relaxed position on his throne. She knew that he was far from relaxed, but he still gave off the impression. Spike tapped her shoulder.
“I would have thought he’d be mad about that idea.”
Twilight smiled. “Oh, he is.” She replied. Spike looked at him then back to Twilight. “He just hides it very well. He’s letting her talk.”
“Well. We have discussed this and you have a guest from Equestria.” The mare continued. “Princess Twilight Sparkle. Please forgive my rudeness about not greeting you sooner.” She gave a polite bow.
“No harm was done,” Twilight said quickly.
“Their governing system could act as a base for the Council. If we could impose on Princess Twilight for a time to help us begin preparations, then I do not doubt that it would be done quickly.” She said.
Hunter leaned forward and gave the mare his attention. “I think I have heard enough.”
“Wonderful, Dark Master. We will begin preparation at once. Princess...”
“Silence.”
Hunter’s voice rumbled through the air. The mare looked from Twilight, back to the Overlord. She leaned back on her haunches as he stood up.
“I will brook no threat to my absolute rule of MY kingdom. I must ask though. Is this idea of a council due to a very large gem and gold mine being uncovered in Everlight last month?” He asked as he stood.
The mare’s eyes widened and she shivered at the look he gave her. “No, of course not, My Lord…” She interrupted him.
“Enough.” He stomped a hoof and she whimpered. “Open that mouth again and I will remove your tongue.” He threatened the mare. “My kingdom will remain my kingdom. Governed by me at all times. You seem confused about something, little pony. I do not allow you to rule yourselves for a reason. I do not trust you not to trample the ponies under you. And you have committed a severe crime in my presence. The Princess Twilight Sparkle is not here to amend my rule. She is a guest from Equestria. Not a reformer.”
“But my Lord. The way things used to be worked well. The slaves understood their place and...”
“Silence!” Hunter’s magic lashed out and the mare tumbled back, coming to rest on her belly. She whimpered and kept her head down, a long red welt appearing on her chest near the base of her neck. “I will not permit the enslavement of any of my subjects. If I so much as hear a rumor of it I will not hesitate to end the threat. You all are under my rule. I trust you recall what I did to the Governess of Everlight when she betrayed me?”
The mare gulped and nodded. “Yes, my Lord.”
“Good. That is the fate of those who seek to depose me. Everlight is not better or worse than any of the others that I rule. Anything that is discovered within my borders belongs to me. You are a fool if you think that I would not be aware of a valuable resource discovered on my lands. Your town will continue to be treated the same as the others and my rule will not be contested. Do I make myself clear?” The mare nodded. “I can’t hear you.”
“Yes. Master.” She whimpered.
“Good. Now be gone before I lose what remains of my temper.” Hunter said to her and stomped a hoof.
The mare whirled around and ran out of the room. Minions ran after her to ensure that she left the Dark Tower. Hunter sighed and sat back down. He whistled and his helm was removed by the minions beside his throne.
“By the Netherworld.” He shook his head as he scrubbed his face with one hoof. “Gnarl. Keep a watch on that one and any others that wish to have a council of their own.”
“At your command, Dark Lord,” Gnarl said as he toddled off to the side.
Twilight looked to him as Spike walked out from behind her wing to look at the stallion. “That was awesome!” Spike hollered and punched the air.
Hunter looked at the baby dragon, who had a wide grin on his face. Twilight reached out and held him to her chest.
“Sorry about that.” She said to him and was about to scold the dragon when a sound caught her attention.
“Pfft.” Hunter put a hoof over his mouth as a laugh tried to escape him. “That’s the first time I have ever been told that.”
Spike squirmed free and walked up to him. “You were great. I was terrified of you this morning, but now I think you’re pretty cool. You knew exactly what that mare wanted and the way you handled it was awesome!” He gushed to the stallion.
Hunter put a hoof behind his head and ran a hoof through his mane. “Thanks...I think.”
Spike looked back to Twilight. “Twilight, can I hang out with the Overlord for a while?”
The mare blinked, then shook her head. “Umm. That’s up to him, Spike.”
“Can I?” He said to the black stallion.
“I’m not going to be doing anything interesting. Simple paperwork.” He informed the young drake.
Spike looked a bit dejected, as a minion came into the room. He ran for the throne and skidded to a halt at the base of the stairs.
“Master!”
He looked around Spike and nodded to the minion, prostrated in front of him. “Giblet says he found it.”
Hunter’s ears flicked. “Really?”
The minion nodded frantically. “Giblet say he need Master.”
Hunter got off the throne and walked down the stairs. He stopped at the base of them and looked over his shoulder. “You can come with if you would like. I can show you the Great Forge.” He said to the baby dragon.
“Yeah!” Spike yelled and ran to stand at the stallion’s side.
“Come, Wrath.”
The armored minion jumped to his master’s side and jumped to hang on Hunter’s armor. Spike walked with him and Twilight trailed behind him. They walked out and Hunter stopped on a small circular stone platform. A stone floated up and stopped in front of his hooves. Spike looked at him as the stallion stepped gingerly onto the floating stone. He waited as Spike jumped over and landed by his hooves. Twilight looked under it and then to the stallion, who waited till she stepped onto it. The stone pulled away from the platform and it turned to face the dark tower and Twilight gasped at the enormity of the area.
“How big is this place?” She asked.
“There is no real exact amount. The Netherworld is constantly in a state of flux depending on the Overlord’s will.” Hunter supplied.
“So you can tell it to grow or shrink?” Spike asked as he looked around as well.
“Yes.”
“That’s so cool.” Spike gushed.
Hunter watched the dragon for a moment, before looking back up to their destination. The stone slowed and docked with a new area. Hunter waited till they stepped off before he did the same.
“Giblet!” He yelled.
“Master. Here, Master!” A minion came running out of the side of the room with a helmet and armor covering his torso and thighs. His feet and arms were exposed and there were small burns over them. His forearms were covered in strips of leather and his hands were covered as well. He carried a forging hammer in his right hand. The minion ran up the Overlord and gave a deep bow.
“I am told you found what I was looking for Giblet?”
“Yes, Master. This way...Who they?”
Hunter looked over his shoulder. “The mare is Princess Twilight Sparkle and the dragon is Spike, her attendant.”
Twilight expected the minion to not understand, but he gave a nod and spun to lead them into the forge. Hunter looked back to see her confusion. “Giblet is a minion that has been around almost as long as Gnarl. So his intelligence is greater than the others.”
Twilight nodded in understanding and walked with them. Spike ran ahead, only to be growled at by Giblet. He slowed down and walked with the stallion and mare. Hunter looked to the dragon. “This is Giblet’s realm. Respect that.” He advised and walked ahead.
“Can you pass by him?” Spike asked.
Hunter laughed. “Of course. I am his Master. I simply choose to let him lead rather than direct me from behind. It’s simpler.”
They followed the minion past an armory and several constructs that held portions of the area up. Giblet turned to the Overlord and pointed. Hunter looked to the hole in the wall and walked into it, his horn lighting up to illuminate the walls of the mine. He scanned the walls and a smile pulled up one side of his muzzle.
“Excellent.” He looked back. “Well done, Giblet. This will make things simpler.”
Twilight leaned forward as Spike ran past her and joined Hunter. “What is it?”
“Dark Crystals.”
“And they are?”
“They are dark energy that has become crystallized and has gathered in the Netherworld. It can be mined here and used to craft items. Giblet is a master of altering the crystals and making them usable.”
“What can he make?”
Hunter looked down to the dragon. “He crafted the armor I wear, for example.”
Spike’s eyes widened as he looked over the crafted armor. “Wow. That’s awesome.” Spike put a hand on Hunter’s leg and then rapped his knuckles on the armor. The armor was solid and stayed in place at the touch.
“What about your sword?”
“Also one of his creations.” The stallion was quiet as he backed out of the newly made mine shaft and waited as the minion walked up to stand beside him. “Giblet I want this mine made ready and begin the gathering of the crystals within it. I will need a new helm crafted by the end of the week. I have a new appointment to uphold.”
“At the Master's command,” Giblet said, saluted the Overlord and took off at a hard run for the other end of the mined area, waving an arm and gathering other minions to him as he went.
Spike watched the minion for a moment, then jumped to walk with the stallion as he began to walk away from the new mine. “So what are you doing now?” He asked him.
Hunter looked down to him as he walked. “Right now I have to drop off my armor to have it cleaned and altered.” He informed the inquisitive dragon.
Spike was growing more excited to see more as they neared a section of raised stone close to the stairs. Hunter’s aura gripped a lever and waited as Spike neared him and stopped. He pulled the lever and Spike yelped as the ground under him shifted as the wall in front of them gave way and laid down, revealing a hidden area. Within it was Hunter's armory, where he stored his armor and weapons. Twilight gaped for a moment, then shook her head as she took in the sight before her. Along one wall was a series of mannequins and stands for both armor and weapons. Wrath jumped off of his armor and stood at attention by the entrance of the armory. Hunter walked up to one of them and his magic covered the armor he wore and set it in place on a mannequin. Spike ran over to the other side where a wall of weapons had caught his attention.
Twilight looked at him and walked over to his side. “Spike?”
“They're beautiful,” Spike whispered and pointed to a couple of weapons that left Twilight staring.
The weapon was a clear blue crystal sword with symbols moving up the blade. The blade was over forty inches long and glowed in the dim light. Its shape was that of a broadsword. Behind them Hunter watched as he used his magic to pick up the armor he would use instead of the ornamental set he used for court. He stood a few feet behind the two of them as they were gaping at the blade.
Twilight looked over to the right and found a bow that was just as beautiful as the blade beside it. The bow itself appeared to be made out of black wood or something with more symbols circling its length. They spiraled from the top to the bottom. The string it had been strung with gave off a light blue glow of its own. She looked back and saw Hunter watching the two of them. A blush went over her face showing through her fur. He looked away from her and to the weapons.
“Like what you see?” He asked.
Spike spun to look at him, childlike glee over his features. “It’s amazing. All of these are yours?”
“Yes. I own each weapon you see.” He walked up to stand by them.
Spike began to look away from him but stopped as his eyes fell on a series of deep scars that went from his back around his shoulder and into his chest. His eyes widened as he stared for a moment before looking to Hunter, who realized what he was staring at and slid into the armor his magic held. It clipped into place with buckles along his belly. The breastplate covered him from chest to hip. The baby dragon realized that he should probably not ask what had happened to him to leave such scars. Spike looked past the armor and his eyes fell to something none of them had noticed.
“You don’t have a cutie mark?” He asked.
Twilight looked to him and found that Spike was right. Hunter didn’t have a marking on his flank, it was blank. She looked to him as he sighed.
“No, I don’t.” He admitted. “I have never felt the need to worry about it. I have greater worries on my mind, to be worried over a marking on my rump, or lack thereof.”
Spike looked away from his flank and back to the weapons. Twilight looked away and then pointed to the sword and bow. “What's the story with these two weapons? These two outshine everything else on this wall.”
Spike nodded. “Yeah. That sword is amazing.”
Hunter looked to the blade. “That one?” Spike nodded frantically. “That one was my fathers, once.”
“Wow. He had really cool tastes.” Spike said to him.
Hunter chuckled at the dragon. “That is a Rune blade.” He informed them.
“And that means?” Twilight asked, trying to get him to continue with an explanation.
Hunter looked at it before explaining. “A Rune weapon is a very special weapon. It is created in the same way as any other weapon until you get to the final forging.” He explained, both listened intently. “Once you reach that final stage where you are strengthening the weapon you add the runes. Each rune is part of a more complex spell or incantation.”
“So the bow has the runes spiraling around its surface. Is that different from the sword?” Twilight asked him. "What is it made of? It looks like wood."
“Good eye.” He commended the mare. “The incantation on the bow is much more specific and its effects are wide-reaching. The sword is more limited in its design.” He informed her as he looked to the bow. "It's not made of wood. It is actually made of dragon bone."
Spike looked to the bow. “So what do the runes do? And its made from the bones of a dragon?”
Hunter was quiet as he regarded the weapon. “That is only known by its wielder and creator. The bones came from an Ancient dragon.”
Twilight was quiet as she glanced from the stallion to the sword. “And the sword?” Hoping to distract Spike from the information about the bow being made of dragon bone.
He was quiet for a moment. “My father was the one who had that blade created. It is his. I keep it here, to remind me.”
Spiked was silent for a moment. “So where is your dad? Can I ask him about it?”
Twilight gave a slight gasp as she looked to Hunter. She was about to apologize, but the saddened look that crossed the Overlords face stopped her.
Hunter glanced down to Spike, his expression saddened. His gaze went back to the weapon. “He disappeared many years ago. He went to investigate an Infernal Abyss and was never seen again. The Abyss itself vanished, taking him and the minions with him.”
Spike startled and looked to his claws. “I’m sorry.” He said to the stallion.
Hunter sighed, his eyes hardened as he looked to them once more. “What is done is done and the past cannot be altered. That is the truth of it. What the Rune Blades design or purpose is I do not know. It has been blooded, but never used.”
“Blooded?” Twilight asked, eager to guide the conversation away from the former ruler.
“Yes. A Rune blade must be blooded before the runes within it are activated. It will only ever answer to the one who blooded it.” He explained. “For example, the bow was blooded by me. I am able to use a sword, but my strength lies in my magic and the use of a bow. I am more of a ranged fighter.” He informed them.
“But what is blooding?” Twilight asked.
”Do you use another pony’s blood?” Spikes voice was low as he asked. Twilight looked horrified at his question.
Hunter chuckled at the implication. “No. It is bathed in my own blood.”
Spikes eyes widened as he stared at the stallion, then looked to the bow. “So you used your own blood? Why?”
“It is blooded that way to ensure that I am the only one who can ever use it. Another could pick it up, but no matter how far they draw the weapon it’s power will be minimal at best.” He replied. “For example, if you drew the bow to its full draw the arrow would only go a few feet, then fall to the ground. It becomes useless to anypony that is not me. I can use it to much greater effect.”
“So it can only be used by you? No pony else?” Twilight asked. He nodded in reply. “What if you have a foal and they tried to use it?”
“Still would not have the effect. They can be blooded again if done right, but they will still not have the power of the original wielder.” Hunter explained.
Spike reached out and pulled himself onto the ledge above him, allowing himself to look at the weapon more closely. “So your dad blooded the sword and you did the bow?”
Hunter nodded, affirming the dragon’s question. “It was blooded just before he left.”
“Why didn’t he take it with him?” Twilight asked.
“It takes time for the runes to soak in the blood of the wielder. It takes days. The blood must remain with the weapon and be allowed to burn itself into the blade.” He responded.
The Overlord moved away from the weapons wall and went back to his armor. He pulled up his black cloak and it settled over his back, covering him from shoulder to tail. Twilight watched him as he looked into a mirror, making sure that his armor and the cloak sat well on his form. It clasped in front of his chest with a golden clasp. He looked to the wall once more and began to walk away from it.
“Spike, come on,” Twilight said as she began to follow the Overlord.
The baby dragon looked to her and nodded. He looked back to the weapons and then jumped down to follow the ponies. Wrath leaped to his back and held onto the armor by Hunters withers. Hunter closed the section and waited as it vanished from sight. Spike looked to the lever as it vanished into the wall. He stared as Hunter turned away from it, catching the wide-eyed stare of the dragon.
“Only I or Giblet can access that section. The last thing I need is a pony possibly finding my armor and weapons. Less chance of them being sabotaged or some such.” He explained.
“Why would any pony do that?” Spike asked.
Hunter looked at the dragon. “No doubt you have seen how different my realm is from your own?” Spike and Twilight nodded. “Well imagine if you could change things with just one act? Would you try?” Spike nodded. “Even if that act was to sabotage a suit of armor so an arrow could get through it?”
Spike jerked at Hunters words. “But that’s…”
“You would think it wrong. But ponies are different here. I rule them without the aid of anyone else.” Hunter responded to the look from Spike. “You heard about the changes done in Everlight. I abolished slavery there and not every pony was happy with that change.”
“But trying to kill you seems… Extreme.” Twilight said aloud.
“Maybe to you. It is one reason why I wear armor. I trust my minions enough to not need to wear full armor in the Netherworld. Outside of it, you will find me in full armor at all times.” He informed them as he led them back to the floating stones.
Spike looked troubled as he thought over what he had been told. “But you’re not that bad. Yeah, you’re a bit scary when you first meet some pony. But…Okay, you’re really scary. Twilight was terrified of you.”
Twilight flushed as she heard a quiet chuckle from the black stallion. Hunter was quiet as they all stepped onto the stone and he commanded it to move back to the throne room access.
“I have been told that as well. It is how things are here. Sometimes fear is the fastest way to bring my subjects to heel. The difference is that at the same time I ensure they are safe, fed, and housed. If one area loses their homes, crops or whatnot they are able to inform me of the issue. I will investigate the cause and rectify it. In that time I will also feed them and ensure their safety. But at the same time, I am a bit…Intense, I suppose is the word for it.” Hunter explained to them.
“Intense is a good word for it,” Spike admitted.
Twilight groaned quietly at the baby dragon. She yelped as a roar shook the air around them. Hunter stopped the stone and a low growl came from him. He sighed after a moment.
“Damn it all. I’ll take both of you to the throne room and you can do as you wish from there. I have a small…issue to attend to.”
“What in Equestria was that?” Twilight asked him.
“That?” He paused in his explanation, then shrugged. “That was a dragon.”
Spike jerked and looked up to him as the stallion looked more annoyed at the prospect of dealing with it. “A dragon? You have a dragon here?”
“Yes. He is the leader of the dragons I command. He can get a bit… Temperamental at times. Looks like this is one of those times.”
Spike gaped at him as he gazed off into the direction of the roar. “So that was him calling for you?”
“No.” Hunter laughed for a moment. “He is one of my subjects so his calling me for me is impossible. But, I am due to speak with him so it makes sense to do it now that I am out.”
“What does he do here?” Twilight asked.
“His job is to mind the forges and should it be needed to go into battle at my side,” Hunter explained as the stone began moving again.
“Can I go with you? Please?” Spike asked. “I don’t get to talk to dragons back home.”
Hunter looked down and the stone slowed to a stop once more. “He’s not the friendliest of dragons. So meeting him is probably not a good decision. Besides I usually have to remind him who he serves so it usually dissolves from discussion to brawl.” Hunter admitted.
“You fight him?” Twilight asked.
“If needed. Every now and then he gets it in his head that he can try to command me. He is then reminded why that is impossible.”
“Why?” Spike asked.
“I hold his true name. I don’t use it often but every now and then he gets out of line.”
“True name?” Twilight asked, her head gave a slight tilt.
“Yes. For some creatures, they have many names. The dragons of my realm are one such creature. They have the name that they give others, another that is given to their life mate, and their true name. That one is given to them when they come of age. It’s a ceremony of some kind and they are put into a trance of sorts. In that trance, they find their true name. I do not know all the details. I have never wished to pry.”
“So how do you know that name?” Spike asked.
“It was given to me when I was very young. Sorkeno is the name he gives to be used.” Hunter explained as the stone began moving again.
Twilight thought it over and then stopped. “Why would he give it to you? Especially if you can use it against him?”
Hunter was quiet for a minute before responding. “When I was young I was a sickly colt. It was thought that I would not survive beyond five winters.” He explained. Spike and Twilight gaped as he continued. “My father had always been close with the dragons that chose to make the Netherworld their home. Sorkeno was especially close to my father. He told Sorkeno of his fears for my life and the dragons mourned with him. In time I was well enough to at least meet the dragon that was my father’s closest friend. My father was called to the throne room and asked the dragons to watch over me till he returned. I played with the draglings while we waited. In time my strength failed and I...” He paused as he seemed to search for the right word.
“You were dying?” Twilight asked of him, sorrow bit into her voice.
“Yes.” He admitted, to Spike’s clear horror. “Sorkeno was horrified. He picked me up and held me to his chest, hoping that his warmth would help. It did for a time. But some things can be slowed, not stopped. He began to sing to me in the language of dragons, calling on their ancestors to save me, give me the strength to live and grow. As he held me he realized that I needed more than prayers. He began to sing a different song to me. Calling on his own strength to be given to me. In time, it began to work. Sorkeno could feel that it was not doing enough and I would still die before I got the chance to grow up. He held me closer and whispered his name to me. By doing that he bound himself to me and swore that I would live. He would stay at my side as he had my father and watch over me.”
Spike stared as he finished the story. “So he can’t leave you?”
Hunter chuckled. “He can and is free to come and go as he pleases. In giving me his name he bound my spirit to his and with it he can always find me. Should I need his help, I have but to reach out and call on him. He still has to fly to get to me, but he does not have to search for me.”
“That is remarkable. Dragons in Equestria don’t seem to have that type of system. We are on good terms with them, for the most part. But we don’t know that much.” Twilight said, excitement in her voice.
“So far as I have been told the dragons here are a different breed. Much larger with access to different magic.” Hunter replied to her excitement. “Here you are. From here I am on my own. Take time to do as you wish, within reason.” Wrath jumped off his back and ran for the throne room to wait for him to return.
The stone stopped at the throne room and Twilight hopped off it and turned back to thank him. “Spike. Come one.” She said to the baby dragon as he still stood on the stone.
Spike looked from her to Hunter. “Can I…?”
“No,” Hunter said to him. The Overlords red aura covered him as it picked him up and set him on the dais. The stone shifted and took off as Hunter turned away and looked to his new destination.
“Drat,” Spike said and kicked the ground.
Twilight giggled and turned to find her friends walking out of the throne room complex. Rarity gave her a knowing look and waited for her to explain.
“Afternoon, darling.”
“Hi Rarity, girls. What brings you all here?” She asked them.
“We were waiting for you. Gnarl said you went with the Overlord to inspect something after you sat in on a court with him.” Rarity said to her. “So?”
“So what?” Twilight asked, sheepish.
“How was it?” Rainbow asked her.
“How was what? The court was just a pony trying to undermine him using me as a platform. Hunter put that idea down quickly. Then he asked if Spike wanted to see the forges. So he showed us the forges and explained things.” Twilight explained.
“Well, that was nice of ‘im. So he’s not so bad?” Applejack added in.
“He’s still pretty intense, but he’s not like that all the time. Just when he needs to be.” Twilight explained as they all began to walk around the Netherworld.
“Well, what did he have ta say?”
“About what?” Twilight asked.
“Is he still super mad at me?” Pinkie asked, bouncing up to walk by the Alicorn.
“Not really. He just doesn’t like being touched. He said if you can control yourself then you can approach him to apologize.” Twilight related the information she had to the other mare.
Pinkie gave a sigh of relief and bounced beside them. “That’s good. I was afraid that he was going to skin me.”
“He still is pretty annoyed about that, but he’s calmed down about it. For the most part, the threat was to make a point.” Twilight replied.
“What point?” Rainbow said. “That he’s an ass hole.”
“Rainbow!” Twilight yelped. “No. It was to show that he is not the same as ponies back home. This place is very different. So if we want to stay on the good side of things we need to understand that nothing is the same as at home. If we want something explained then we can ask and as long as we aren’t getting in his way then he should be okay to talk to.”
“How will we know if we are in his way?” Rarity chimed in.
“Oh, you’ll know,” Twilight replied. “Like I said he can get pretty intense. But so long as we are respectful of his position then it should be fine. Fluttershy. I’m sure if you asked him he would talk to you if you wanted to know about any animals.” Twilight pointed out to the shy Pegasus.
“You really think he would be okay with me asking?” She asked, her voice was quiet as she hid a bit behind her mane.
“I’m sure of it. He’s not that bad. He even laughs, if you can get him to anyway.” Twilight responded.
“Sounds like somepony is a bit… enamored by our host.” Rarity teased.
Twilight flushed as her friend's words sunk in. “Hardly. He’s just not what we first thought.” Words rushed from her as she blushed.
The mares laughed at the Alicorn’s flustered expression. A roar shook the cavern and they all shrieked at the sound. Twilight's ears flicked as she heard what sounded like the beating of wings. She looked up and was shocked to see a dragon flying past the Dark Tower. Spike looked up and his eyes grew wide at the sight of the golden dragon. “So that’s Sorkeno.” She whispered to herself at the sight.
Sorkeno was easily close to the size of Torch, Embers father and the former Dragon Lord. The dragon’s body was thin and lithe for his size. His head was thin, but still easily as wide as the inside of the throne room. His body was easily over one hundred feet long. His body was serpentine and twisted as the wings beat, carrying him across the netherworld easily and at an impressive speed.
The mares all leaned up on the ledge and watched the enormous dragon. Spike climbed onto Twilight's back to get a better look. He stared at the great dragon and watched as he flew.
“Look at his back! Behind his head!” Rainbow shouted.
Twilight did as instructed and was shocked to see the Overlord hanging onto the dragons pony sized scales. She looked at her friends who were staring at the pony as well. Sorkeno suddenly stopped and let himself free fall. Twilight and the mare’s gasped and Spike called out Hunter’s name.
The golden dragon whirled around and angled his long body to watch as the Netherworld continued to stretch out under him, allowing him to free fall for longer than before. A great roar shook them again as the dragon's wings spread and he angled to fly up once more. He angled to fly toward the Dark Tower with the stallion holding onto his back. He flew past the mares and Spike. Twilight caught sight of the wide smile on Hunter's face.
“That is so cool!” Rainbow yelled above the thunderous beating of the dragon’s wings. “I changed my mind. He’s not an asshole. He’s awesome!” She yelled and pumped the air with one hoof.
Twilight smiled as they all shouted and cheered for the dragon as it flew. It slowed after crossing the cavernous Netherworld a few more times and flew up to the platforms that kept the stones that could be used to move through the Netherworld. He sunk his claws into the stone of the Dark Tower and held on.
“Time for you to work, little one.” The dragon spoke aloud as Hunter climbed his back and over his head.
“Yeah, yeah.” He griped back to the dragon. He jumped off his nose and turned back to the dragon. “Still you know just how to help, Sorkeno.” He said to the dragon and rested his head against the dragon's jaw.
“Of course I do. I have known you since you were nothing more than a thought.” The dragon said to the stallion with a laugh.
“So you remind me.” He replied and jumped back from the dragon’s snout. “Still, I needed that.”
“Yes, you did. I could sense how tense you were from across the Netherworld. You should visit again, sooner this time.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. The hatching season will soon be upon us.”
Hunter looked up swiftly at the new information. “Truly?” The dragon nodded. “I thought it was a month off still.”
“You are a bit behind, little one. Last you visited I told you and you were right when it was a month off. But now you are behind the times.”
Hunter looked to the ground for a moment before grimacing. “Damn it. That’s true. My apologies. Tell them I will be there.” He jumped up and set his hooves on the dragon’s broad snout. “Don’t you dare let me forget to show.” He replied. “Kaiana would kill me.” He suddenly muttered.
Sorkeno laughed and nodded. “I will reach out to you the morning before it begins. Then you can stay with us as you did before. Kaiana will be upset that she missed your visit.”
“I know. As much as I want to talk to her, I don’t want to wake her while she is resting. She has been with us for a long time.” Hunter paused as he looked back out over the Netherworld. Then shook himself and refocused on the golden dragon. “Perfect. I’ll make sure I have my things ready for the extended stay.” Hunter vowed.
“I will make sure you are warned. Be sure to have your work finished, little one.”
Hunter backed up and set his hooves on the ground. “I promise. I‘ll have everything set up.”
“Good. You will be missed till then, little one.” The dragon pushed up and gave the pony a nuzzle before dropping back and free falling off the side of the structure then opening his wings to fly back to his nest.
Hunter was quiet as he watched the dragon vanish behind the floating stones. He sighed and spun back to the throne room, his magic already starting to reach out for his paperwork.
“That was awesome!” Rainbow yelled at him as they walked around the side.
Hunter startled and dropped the stack of paper he had in his magic. He looked up as an annoyed look crossed his features.
Rainbow looked at him then flew over to pick up the papers for him. “Sorry.” She gave them to him and backed up as he set them on his back.
“But anyway. That was the coolest thing I have ever seen.” The rainbow mare gushed to him.
“Pardon?” Hunter replied.
“You were riding a dragon,” Rainbow said to him, smiling as realization crossed his features.
“You saw that?” He said aloud.
“We all did, darling.” Rarity spoke up.
Hunter closed his eyes and groaned. Spike ran up to him, joy in his face. “That was Sorkeno?”
Hunter sighed and nodded. “Yes.”
Twilight stopped close by him. “He was stunning. I have never seen anything like that coloring. It was like watching pure melted gold move.”
Hunter growled. “Don’t tell him that.”
“Why not, dear?”
Hunter groaned again as he looked back the way the dragon had left. “He’s a bit… vain about his scales. Compliment him too much and his ego will overtake the Netherworld.”
Hunter walked past them and into the throne room. The reports beginning to circle the air around him as he went through them. He set down half the stack on the armrest of the throne and began to pace as he went through the rest of the stack.
“How do you keep a dragon here?” Rainbow asked.
“He lives here,” Hunter replied.
Twilight watched to make sure they weren’t distracting him too much and interfering with his work. Pinkie walked up to him and began to walk in pace with him. After a moment he glanced to the side and found the pink mare walking with him. He pulled up and regarded her with a cautious gaze.
“Umm. I am so super sorry for this morning. I got over excited… again. And was acting without thinking.” Pinkie explained to him as she turned to face him. “So I am so sorry.”
Hunter regarded the mare and sighed. “So long as it does not happen again, I will rescind my threat to skin you.”
Pinkie jumped into the air and was about to hold him when she stopped mid-hug. She hadn’t touched him yet but was close. His red eyes regarded her as she backed up and gave a sheepish smile. She gave a nervous laugh and backed up to stand with the others.
“You were right, Twi.” Applejack said to the Alicorn. “He’s not so bad when yer not getting in the way.”
Twilight smiled. “Told you. But I think we need to get out of the way so he can work.” Hunter nodded in agreement. Fluttershy looked about to speak but stopped at the other mares observation. Twilight saw her and gasped. “One last thing though. Fluttershy has a question.” She pointed to the mare and smiled.
Hunter looked to the butter yellow mare and waited, papers hovering around him. She opened her mouth, but only a strained squeak came out. Hunter stared for a moment, then glanced to Twilight who gave a nervous smile. He glanced back to the mare and waited. Fluttershy tried again and only another squeak escaped her.
“I really do not have time to wait for a question.” Hunter pointed out, tipping his horn in the direction of the papers he had with him.
Fluttershy looked even more nervous as she spoke. Applejack sighed and stepped up to stand with her.
“She was wantin’ ta ask if ya had any animals.” The farm mare provided, the other nodded.
Hunter looked uncertain for a moment. “Such as?”
“Well like critters. Ah see ya have dragons but ya got anythin’ pony sized?”
“You are referring to anything smaller than dragons and friendly?” He asked, more to clarify what they were asking of him.
“Exactly. Fluttershy is really good with animals. She can understand them.” Twilight added. “Like bunnies, birds, dogs, etc.”
Hunter looked away as he thought about their request. “Not in the Netherworld no. It’s not exactly friendly to such animals. Its terrain is not conducive to their survival. If you need to interact with them then I would suggest outside of the Citadel. It’s a forested area so that might stand a better chance of holding what you’re looking for.” He admitted to them.“ The only other animals are the war mounts we keep for the minions.”
“War mounts?” Rarity asked.
“Yes. During the reclaiming of my lands, we subdued mounts for my minions to use.” He explained.
“Such as?” Spike asked, his interest piqued.
Hunter sighed and turned more to face the mares. “The brown minions use the dire wolves that we found within the frozen areas around Nordberg. We found giant spiders in Everlight that bonded well with the greens and enhanced their stealth ability.” He thought it over for a moment before responding once more. “And with the Sanctuary we found salamanders for the red minions.”
“What do these war mounts do?” Fluttershy finally spoke up, though still quiet.
Hunter managed to hear her and explained in response. “The wolves are an excellent melee attack force. Coupled with the melee capability of my brown minions they make for a formidable front line. The spiders excel at stealth and attacking from walls and odd angles. They are able to use the poison of their fangs and the greens are also able to use the venom in their claws. The salamanders are immune to fire and so make a perfect pairing with the red minions. Reds are able to literally use fire as a weapon.” He explained. “So each one is designed to make use of specific skills and attacks. All together they are incredibly difficult to rout. As you saw with the Upper Citadel.”
“What do ya mean?” Applejack asked.
“No doubt you saw the minor damage to the Citadels walls?” He questioned.
Twilight nodded. “It looked like some pony tried to get past it, maybe with a battering ram?”
“Emphasis on them trying. It was a spectacular failure but showed the might of the army at my command. I sent the green minions with their spiders down the walls and used them to assail any that got to close. The reds and salamanders stayed above and used their flames. Once the attackers were pushed back I opened the doors and sent in the wolves with the browns.” He informed the assembled ponies and dragon. “The attack was routed within an hour of its start. That is what left the minor damage on the door.”
“Wow,” Rainbow whispered. “That is epic!”
Hunter looked to her and shook his head as his magic made a stack of the papers. “If that will be all?”
“How can we get to the war mounts?” Rainbow asked. “It would be awesome to see them.”
Hunter shook his head. “They are not tamed beasts. They respond to strength and do not react well to those they do not know. That is what makes them such good mounts for the minions. The minions understand the animals on a primal level so they understand each other. I can be around them due to having command of the full army. I can subdue and command them, but it’s easier to put a minion on them and let them do the work of taming them to each one.”
“So no visiting the war mounts?” Rainbow said to him.
“If you tire of your hooves sure, go for it. The wolves especially will be happy to remove them.” Hunter added as he shuffled the paper in his magic.
Rainbow cringed and nodded. “So how do we leave to see this forest, then?”
“The minions assigned to you can take you there. Simply inform them of your request and they will do as they are commanded, within reason.” Hunter informed them and turned away to back to his paperwork.
Twilight nodded and they left him to his work. She glanced over her shoulder and found him to be pacing once more. “See? I told you he was not all bad.” She said to them, pride in her voice.
“Even though you ran away crying about it earlier?” Rainbow quipped.
Twilight gave the other mare a sour scowl before responding. “I was overwhelmed. I ended up running into him and he let me talk it out and helped me calm down.”
“Is that why you’re wearing your crown and everything?” Fluttershy asked.
“No. He allowed me to attend a meeting. One of the areas he rules had sent an emissary to ask him a few questions. They asked, he declined and sent the emissary home. After that, he offered to show Spike the forges and armory. So that’s where we went after.”
“It was amazing.” Spike gushed out. "He has armor for most any occasion and the weapons he owns are the coolest thing I have ever seen. Next to Sorkeno.” The dragon amended.
Twilight giggled and looked to their guards. “We would like to go outside to the nearby forest.” A quick glance down had her changing her plans for a moment. “After I go to my room and get out of my Regalia.” She amended, much to the amusement of her friends. As they walked she realized that going to her room would take time and she wanted Fluttershy to have as much time as possible outside. With a resigned sigh, she chose to keep her Regalia on and bear with it.
“Master. The mares have gone outside to the forest.” Gnarl informed the Overlord.
“Good. That is what they wished and it gets them out of my way.” Hunter replied as he continued to pace.
“Master. Do you wish to eat?” Gnarl asked him after a moment’s hesitation.
Hunter stopped at the blunt question. His stomach chose that moment to snarl at him. “I suppose food would be advised.” He admitted and his magic picked up the other papers on his throne and carried them with him as he headed for the kitchens. “So how upset are you that they don’t fear me as much?”
Gnarl was quiet as the question rolled over him. “Master, I will not tell you how to act in front of the mares. I will admit that their fear made it easier for you to avoid them and work in peace.”
“Hmm.” Hunter made a non-committal noise as he walked. “I know.” He said, exhaustion in his voice. Hunter was quiet as he walked, the minion master at his side. “Don’t worry too much Gnarl. I will not rescind my claim. That land is mine by right.” He vowed. His voice pitched as the anger came into it. “Their fear of me aside, it is mine to command.”
Gnarl nodded. “As you wish, Dark Lord.”
“Put on my schedule to attend the hatching for the dragons this month. Sorkeno will advise me of the timing and I will take time to attend the hatching.”
“Understood, my Lord,” Gnarl replied and wrote it down on his own paperwork.
His stomach sounded off again and Hunter picked up his pace. “If I eat and look over these I should have a few of them done before I pass out for a couple of hours.” He said aloud.
“Don’t overdo it, My Lord,” Gnarl advised.
“Is that concern I hear Gnarl? Careful, I might think you care.” Hunter chided the minion. The minion looked to him, his face blank. “I know. I have overdone it before and ended up worse for wear. I’ll be careful.” The stallion trotted into the kitchen and began to make a request for his late lunch. He sat down at the table and began scanning the papers in his magic as they went past his eyes, allowing him to choose the most important and organize them.
Gnarl came up to him and held his paperwork as he sorted through it and set the most pertinent in Gnarls claws to keep them organized. His meal was brought out and Gnarl took all the papers from him to hold while he ate. As he finished his meal he took the papers back and began to walk as he worked. It was an old habit he had developed and even now he had to be moving or he started to feel overly restless. He could sit for court so long as he was engaged and interested. The moment it grew over boring he started to feel the need to move around the throne room. It was not uncommon for him to begin pacing as he listened. As they walked back to the throne room he went to the throne and sat down with a heavy sigh as he went through the papers. He would get up occasionally as he went through them. His ears flicked as he heard the mares returning from the Upper Citadel. He raised his head and his eyes landed on Gnarl.
“What time is it?” He asked the advisor.
“It is past dinnertime, Dark Lord.”
Hunter groaned and went back to work. Hours began to tick by and he felt eyes on him and he raised his head. Spike stood in the doorway. He walked up to Hunter and waited as the stallion sat down.
“What is it, Spike?” He finally asked the waiting dragon.
“I really would like to meet Sorkeno. I have never really met any other dragons. I met a few teenage dragons and Ember but.” He looked up to Hunter who returned his gaze. “Is it possible?”
“Sorkeno attends to the dragons that live here and I do not have the time at the moment to take you to him,” Hunter replied. “Unfortunately, time is not our side at this time.”
“Maybe tomorrow?”
Hunter was trying to avoid losing his temper with the baby dragon, but he was tiring. “Spike, I am sorry, but it is not possible at this time. When I think there is a possibility, I will mention it. But right now I do not have the time to take you to them.”
“Could I use the…”
“No,” Hunter said to him, his voice held finality. “The Netherworld answers to my command. No one else. It is not meant to be a taxi service for anyone that is not its ruler.” Hunter was blunt as he spoke.
Spike nodded and looked to the ground, dejected. Hunter felt a bit bad for his tone but he didn’t have time to coddle the dragon. He stood up and walked past Spike. “If you’ll excuse me I have to get a few things done. Good night, Spike.” He said as he went past him, his hooves carrying him away from the dragon as he began to take the long way to his own chambers. He mounted the stairs and kept going as he looked through the requests of the realms ponies and went over supplies and routes.
Spike sniffed and went back to where one of Twilight’s guards waited for him. The minion took him back to Twilight and the others as they laughed about their adventures trying to find animals in the nearby forest. He slid into his chair at the table and was quiet.
“Did you ask him what you needed, Spikey Wikey?” Rarity asked him.
“Yes. I talked to him. He was really busy though.” Spike said, pushing cheer into his voice.
“What did ya need?” Applejack asked.
“I was asking about the dragons.” Spike admitted.
Twilight looked at him. “You didn’t ask him to take you to meet Sorkeno did you?” Spike looked away from her. “Spike. You know he said no earlier. We agreed earlier that we could ask about it another time. The Overlord is not a tour guide. He took us with him today because it was not out of his way. He was going to those places anyway.” She chastised the dragon as he sunk in his chair.
“Sorry. I guess I was being impatient.” He admitted. “Hopefully I didn’t make him too mad.”
“How was he?” Rainbow asked as their dinners were being brought out.
“He was kind of short, but nothing major I guess.” He was quiet as his food was sat in front of him as well. “Maybe I should have asked him about the gems to chew on instead.”
Twilight nodded. “That would have been a better idea.” She replied to him. “We are guests here, Spike. We can't make demands of him. He’s been pretty understanding, so don’t abuse that.” She said to the dragon and he nodded in understanding of the mare. “Will see how things are going Spike. We will need to send a letter to Princess Celestia later this evening.”
“What will you be telling her?” Spike asked. “I don’t think he would like you to tell her everything he said.” Spike commented.
Twilight looked to her food for a moment before she nodded. “Your right. Will just let her know that we are working with him and trying to start a better relationship with him. But that he shows no sign of changing his claim.”
Spike nodded and waited for them to finish their dinners. Gnarl came in to speak with them as they finished.
“My Lady?” He spoke out to her.
“Yes?” Twilight looked to him, waiting for him to continue.
“Will you be desiring a bath this evening?”
Twilight stopped and looked to her mane, which was in need of a wash. “Yes, Gnarl. I would appreciate that.”
“Very well. I will see to it that the baths are prepared. Sadly the one attached to your quarters is not functioning at this time. Your guards will take you to the one that your attendants will be using until we can repair it.”
Twilight looked at him for a moment. “So my friends use a different one than I do?”
“Of course. Your status is higher than theirs so it must be treated as is appropriate.”
“What the hay does that mean?” Applejack interjected.
Gnarl paused as he looked to the orange mare. “Your friend is a Princess of Equestria. While you are one of the Elements of Friendship that is not a title that is recognized by our Lord. So the Princess is treated differently in this case.”
The mares looked to him and paused as they thought over what he said. “So where is the bath for them?” Twilight asked.
“It is a bit further down the hallway from their rooms. It is similar to what would be called a public bath but still has the privacy of its own. We will have your bath fixed as quickly as possible.” Gnarl said to her.
Rarity looked a bit uncertain. “I am sorry for asking this, but is it clean?”
“Of course. They are tended to by servants that are housed within the Netherworld and see to its upkeep. The minions will repair My Ladies bath by tomorrow evening, if not sooner. They will lead you to the other bath for this evening.”
The mares nodded and agreed to the minion’s explanation. Twilight headed for her room first and gathered her soaps and other items. Spike chose to stay in the room and wait for her to get back. A mare was standing outside of her room, waiting for her and Twilight startled as the mare stepped up to her from the shadows of the door.
“I will take your things for you.” She said, reaching for Twilights things.
Twilight gave them to her and watched as she began to lead her to the baths. The minions who were her guards followed at her hips. The mare was a light brown with a short dress covering her up to her flanks. The fabric looked soft and flowed gently on her thin form.
“So what is your name?” Twilight asked.
The mare looked back and a small smile crossed her muzzle. “I am Soft Touch.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Twilight said to her.
“The pleasure is mine.” She said to her as she kept walking with the Alicorn trailing. “Should you need anything please inform me and I will do what I can to make sure that you are comfortable.”
Twilight smiled. “That’s very kind of you.”
“I will be your handmaiden for your time in the Netherworld. Please do not hesitate to ask anything of me.”
“Handmaiden?”
“Yes. The Dark Lord said that you should be attended to at any time that you would like and ensure that your needs and desires are met. That is my role for the duration of your stay. I have already made sure that your bed and the basket for your dragon are changed and attended to while you were out during the day. I will take your Regalia to Giblet to have it cleaned and tended to as well. I will take it from you here and return with it later this evening once it has been tended to, along with the Masters. Will your pet have any objections if I move his basket to a different spot?”
Twilight found herself staring as she listened to the mare. “Pet? Oh, you mean Spike. He’s not my pet, he’s my assistant and he should be fine with it being moved, just explain to him why.” She replied. “Do my friends also have some pony to help them?”
“No.”
Twilight was quiet as the realization that she was the only one with special treatment caught up with her and she was finding that her title meant more here than it did back home. The mare stopped and pushed open a door for her. Twilight trotted in and watched as her guards stayed outside the door and Soft Touch walked in behind her. Twilight looked around to find a huge stoned area. The stones were a lighter shade than the ones that covered the Netherworld. The baths were obviously warm as steam rose from them. She jumped as Soft Touch pulled her crown off her brow and set it on a towel that she had laid out on a nearby bench. She reached over and pulled her breast collar over her head and set it with the others as well. Twilight lifted her hooves when asked so Soft Touch could remove her hoof boots.
“You don’t need to take them off me.” Twilight said to her.
Soft Touch looked a bit confused at the comment. “Would you like to bathe with them on?” She asked.
Twilight went silent as she realized that she was interfering with the mare’s job. “No, not at all, sorry. I misunderstood something. Thank you for your help.”
“My pleasure. This way.” The mare led her to a set of benches and motioned for her to sit down.
Twilight sat down where she was told and waited. Soft Touch picked up a bowl of water and picked up Twilight’s tail in her hooves. She dunked the long tail and gently washed it in the bowl. The mare put a thick towel around Twilight's shoulders to prevent her fur from getting wet. She turned back to the purple tail in the bowl and put oil inside it and left it to absorb the oils. She left the tail soaking as she began to gently wet down the Alicorn’s mane. Twilight sat in silence as her mane was gently cleaned. Her mane was whetted and then washed with her own shampoo and conditioner then the same oils were applied to it and then it was pulled up into a bind at the back of her head. The towel around her shoulders was removed and Soft Touch backed up. She waited till Twilight stood with her and then wrapped her tail in a bag that would allow it to continue to soak in the oils.
“This way.” She ushered the Alicorn gently to a large soaking tub and held out a hoof to help her into the water.
Twilight took the offered hoof and sat down in the water and let herself try to relax.
“Is the water warm enough for you?”
Twilight looked up to her and nodded. “Yes, it's perfect, thank you.”
“I’m glad it meets your standards. Would you like a glass of wine to drink while you soak?”
Twilight looked to her, surprise in her eyes which she quickly pushed back. “How long should I soak?”
“I will be back to attend you in a half hour. Unless you would like to soak longer, which is of course just fine. Please leave your mane up and your tail in its place. The waters have oil in them to help make your coat and skin smooth and healthy, but can be a bit rough on your mane and tail.”
Twilight reached up a hoof and felt her mane up in its tight style. “Of course. Will my friends be able to use this tub as well?”
The mare looked uncertain for a moment. “If you would like them too they can. I do ask that they wait till I can come back and tend to their manes and tails. Otherwise this tub has been treated specifically for your use. Gnarl mentioned what type of coat you have and I tailored this bath for it.”
“Oh, I see. Okay, thank you, Soft Touch.” The mare seemed to be waiting for more. “Oh, umm, what wine is there?”
Soft Touch nodded her head and backed up to the bench and came back with a list of wines for her choose from. Twilight held it in her magic and began to look over it. The list was over a hundred long and she found herself not knowing most of the types. “I’m not familiar with most of these.”
“What type do you like? I can make suggestions if you would like.” The other informed her. “I made sure to be well versed in each of them so I could help if needed.”
Twilight was shocked to hear that she knew all of the wines but quickly gave the list back to her. “I don’t really like reds unless they are a bit on the sweet side. I like subtle flavoring mostly.”
Soft Touch nodded and looked to the list. “Then I would recommend the nine-oh-seven, a white wine that has been aged for over one hundred years. A very fine vintage from the Empires great vineyards.”
Twilight nodded to her with a smile. The light colored mare bowed her head and picked up the Regalia as she left. Twilight waited till the door closed to breathe. “That was… different.” She whispered to herself. She leaned back against the bathtub and breathed in the subtle scent of herbs and closed her eyes. The door opened and Twilight glanced back as a platter was set on the stones beside her.
“Here is your wine.” Soft Touch waited for the wine to be tested before she left.
Twilight’s magic picked it up and she gave it a tentative sniff. She could smell a sweet fruit with a bit of something else. She took a sip and pulled back from it.
“Is it not to your preference?”
“No. I’m sorry. I was surprised by the little bit of sour in it. It’s very good thank you Soft Touch. It was a perfect recommendation.” Twilight praised the mare as she smelled the wine once more.
“I’m glad you like it. I will return in half an hour to check on you. Please, enjoy your bath.”
Twilight nodded as the mare left her to her soaking tub. The door closed with a gentle click behind her and Twilight was alone again. Her magic held the glass of wine and she sipped from it. She had her eyes closed when the door opened again and she heard her friends trot in. She looked back and set her wine glass on the platter to greet them.
“Twilight. I wondered if you were here already. This is marvelous. Reminds me of a spa.” Rarity commented.
Twilight smiled. “It’s a very nice bath, I agree.”
“We sharin’ this one?” Applejack asked, glancing to the tub Twilight was in.
“Oh no. You can use anyone. This one has some oils in it for my coat. But if you want to I need to call for Soft Touch.”
“Why?” Rainbow asked.
“The oils in this bath can be a bit rough on your mane and tail so she needs to put them up to keep them from being damaged.” Twilight explained.
Rarity smiled. “Are they all treated like that?”
“No. Just this one.” She admitted.
“Havin’ some wine are ya?” Applejack teased. “Ah never seen ya drink anything ‘cept a bit o’ cider.”
“Oh. She asked and I didn’t want her efforts to go be wasted so I asked her to recommend one for me.” She explained. “She did pick a really good one though. If you want your bath treated I’m sure Soft Touch would be okay with it, Rarity. Or if you wanted a drink I’m sure Soft Touch would help.”
“Oh, it's fine darling. Thank you though.” Rarity went to one of the other tubs and added some chemicals of her own. The scent of lavender filled the room and she set out her soaps and then slowly got into the water. “Oh, how heavenly.” She crooned.
Twilight nodded. “I have to admit this is really nice. I don’t think I mind my bathroom being broken.” She admitted, a giggle coming from her.
The others jumped into baths of their own and soon all of the mares were relaxing. Twilight sipped her wine and relaxed.
“Now this is chillaxing.” Rainbow voiced.
Twilight and others agreed and silence echoed through the chamber. The door opened and Soft Touch walked into the room to check on Twilight.
“My Lady?”
Twilight turned to her and smiled. “Yes?”
“How is your bath? Is the water still the right temperature for you?”
Twilight moved her hooves in the water. “Yes. It’s still perfect. Soft Touch these are my friends.” She motioned a hoof to the other mares who all smiled in greeting.
“It is a pleasure to meet all of you. Are your baths all right or do you need anything?” The mare at first had hesitated when faced with all of them but quickly recovered. When the others shook their heads she refocused on her charge. “Would you like more wine?”
“No. This is perfect for me. Thank you for asking.” Twilight replied.
“Very well. I will wait until you are finished. There is a bell on the wall by the door. Use your magic to ring that and I will come as quickly as I can. For now, I will go tend to your room. Enjoy your bath.” She said and walked to the door. She left after pointing to the bell so that Twilight knew where it was. After her charge nodded, she left the room.
“Wow, Twi. Ah thought she was just supposed ta check on ya. But she does more for ya then that?” Applejack asked.
“I asked her about that as well. I guess the title Princess does more here. I’m a bit shocked about it but, I don’t think sending her away is an option. You saw how the ponies acted when Spike mentioned asking their Lord about gems.”
“They were scared,” Fluttershy spoke up.
“I think they were worried that it would look like they weren’t doing their jobs. So sending her away would have insulted her also. She really nice, so I don’t mind it too much.”
“But she’s cleaning your room?” Rainbow mentioned.
“Yeah.” Twilight grimaced. “She also took my regalia to be tended to and cleaned I guess. I think they are treating it the same as Hunters armor. Hopefully, it’s not too much trouble for them.”
“I’m sure its fine darling. Enjoy it while you can. Though her response to all of us was a bit, off-putting.” Rarity looked back to the others as she spoke.
“What ya mean?” Pinkie asked as she bounced in the water.
“I mean that she seemed a bit, put off by being made to address all of us. I think she was told to attend to Twilight and only her.” Rarity explained.
Twilight looked troubled as she thought it over. “She did seem a bit surprised when I asked a few questions about her services but she didn’t seem upset by it.”
“Of course not, darling. She is to serve you, so she can’t argue with you. You are a Princess. She seems to have been assigned to you as a servant.” Rarity replied.
“She said she was a handmaiden.” Twilight replied quickly. The idea of a personal servant was a shock to her.
“Oh. Then she is to attend to you alone then. That explains the strange look from her. But that’s fine. Do we have one as well?” Rarity asked.
“I asked her that. She said no.” Twilight replied.
“Ah, that makes sense. Royalty is a bit different. Though she was still polite and obviously attentive. That’s a good sign. And her willingness to ask us after our comfort was refreshing as well.”
“Eeyup. Seemed nice enough to me.” Applejack added in. The mares went quiet as they soaked in their tubs.
Twilight finished her wine and sat in the water as it slowly cooled. She sat up and looked back to the door, her magic rang the little bell and she leaned back and waited for Soft Touch to return. “It’s still a bit weird to know that I have a handmaiden,” Twilight admitted.
Rarity chuckled. “Get used to it dear. I get the feeling that you’re going to have to get used to her.”
Twilight grimaced for a moment as the door opened and Soft Touch trotted to her tub. She held out a hoof and helped Twilight out of the sunken tub. She led her back to sit down and began removing the tail bag to check on her tail. It was set aside and she began pulling a brush through the strands. Twilight looked over her shoulder and found her tail, while still wet, looking healthier and had a shine to it.
“Wow. That stuff works wonders. What is it?” She asked the attentive mare.
“I’m not certain of the exact mixture, but it was created by My Lords mother when she was a filly. She brought it with her when she married and put it into use for the Royal family.” She replied as she gently removed any tangles.
“So why is it being used on me?”
“Our Lord decided that you should be treated with all due courtesy and that courtesy extended beyond your guards.” She informed her.
“Wow. That’s pretty fancy, Twi.” Applejack interjected. “I guess he really isn’t the jerk he comes off as.”
Soft Touch jerked, tugging Twilight's tail.
“Ow.”
She immediately put a hoof on Twilight's back at the Alicorn’s yelp. “My apologies. Please forgive me.”
“It’s okay. Just a little tug.” Twilight reassured the mare, who went back to her task.
Soft Touch picked up the Alicorns tail and set it on a dry towel and began to pat it dry. Once she was satisfied with it she reached up and pulled the binding out of Twilight’s mane and let it fall to her shoulders. Her mane was then brushed gently and braided. Her tail was also braided and then had a new oil layered over it. She looked too Soft Touch, her eyes inquisitive.
“Another creation of our late Lady. This is to help strengthen your hair and help it to grow. It also leaves a pleasant scent that will last for several days once it dries.”
“Oh? What kind of scent?” Rarity asked from her bath.
Soft Touch smiled. “It smells like a rare flower that is found in the deepest forests. It is called the Heart Rose. It was thought to be extinct, but our Lady was able to cultivate them and bring them back. She planted them in various parts of the realm to see where they would flourish the best. She found they were happiest in the deep forests so that is where she planted as many as she could. It is our Lords favorite scent.”
“Reminds him of his ma?” Applejack said.
The mare nodded as she finished with the oils in Twilight's hair and then backed up to see if there was a hair out of place. Satisfied with her work she began running a soft brush over Twilight’s fur. Twilight sat quiet, enjoying the attention for a moment. Soft Touch finished brushing her fur and walked around to sit in front of her. She picked up Twilight's hoof and began to file it down and then check it for any wear. Twilight looked over her shoulder and saw a look of envy on Rarity's features. As much as she suddenly wanted to pull her hoof away she knew that Soft Touch was doing as she had been told. The purple Alicorn was quiet as her hooves were filed and tended to. Once they were finished she was pulled gently to her hooves and her things were gathered.
“I will take these to your room. Do you wish to remain to chat with your friends or do you wish to retire for the night?” Soft Touch asked as she set the items on her back.
“I would like to go to bed. It’s been a very long day. Night girls!” She called to her friends.
“Night, Twilight.” They replied to her.
Twilight followed Soft Touch out the door and followed her down the hallway back to her room. The door was opened as her guards once more remained outside. Upon entering her room she was greeted by a gentle scent of fresh flowers in her room and saw the vase filled with white flowers on a table by the windows. Spike was laying in his basket reading a comic book. He looked back as Twilight came in with Soft Touch.
“Hey, Twilight. Enjoy your bath?” He called out as she walked up to him.
“Yes, I did. It was very nice to relax for a bit.” She replied.
Soft Touch began pulling the curtains closed to and lighting the sconces on the walls for light. Twilight looked over more of her room as the lights were changed.
“She’s really nice, Twilight. She came in and asked me what smells I like and if I was comfortable. Even in Canterlot I never got asked questions like that.” Spike informed her. “Hey, your hair is braided. You never have it like that.”
“Well, Soft Touch put some oils in it and it turned out lovely so she put another one it to dry overnight. Should make it stronger.” She informed the dragon.
“Oh, that’s pretty cool. I’ll take a bath tomorrow night.” He told the purple mare.
Twilight smiled as Soft Touch came over to them. “Is there a water temp that you prefer? Or do you prefer the same bath as the dragons of the Netherworld?”
Spike looked at her. “You get to be around them?”
“No. I am not among those permitted to be near them. My brother helps tend to them and the dragons prefer a sand bath that can help remove dead or loose scales and add shine to the scales.” Soft Touch replied to him.
“Wow. Your brother is close to them?” Spike asked her, his eyes wide.
“He is permitted to be near them yes. My brother, Shield Rest, is one of a few that earned the permission of our Master to be around the dragons. Sorkeno allows few near his dragons, so he had to approve of those our Lord allowed. With the hatching coming up the dragons are even more reclusive and temperamental. Only the Overlord is permitted near them when the hatching happens. In the months after the attendants are not permitted near the hatchlings until our Lord receives the okay from Sorkeno. Until then, they are put to other tasks.” Soft Touch informed them.
“Wow. So they are having babies?” Spike asked.
“Dragon eggs take years to grow. So the hatching happens every few years. The timing is not exact and the hatching varies. The dragons are very protective of the developing eggs. My brother and the others are not allowed near the eggs. Should they get to close then they stand a chance of…” She paused as she looked at them. “They stand a high chance of being killed.”
“Oh my,” Twilight said to her. “It’s amazing how strong a bond he has to Sorkeno.”
“Yes. The Master and the Lord dragon are as close as if he were the dragons own child.” Soft Touch replied, a tender look in her eyes. “He is the only pony that has ever been able to truly call upon the dragons for their strength. Our Late Master could ask it of them, but not all of them would go to him. Our Master can call them and as many as possible will fly to him. It is amazing to see.”
“He was flying with Sorkeno earlier. It was incredible to witness.” Twilight said.
“It is. He is the only one that can ride one of the dragons. All of them know him and any one of them can carry him.” She replied. Soft Touch looked around. “Is there anything else you would like, My Lady?”
Twilight shook her head. “I think I’ll read for a little while, then go to bed. Thank you for all your help, Soft Touch.”
“Of course. There is another bell by your door. Just ring that and I will meet you in the morning. Please rest well, both of you. Did you wish to have a sand bath or a water one, young dragon?”
Spike looked uncertain at her question. “Can I try the sand one and if I don’t like it then a water one?”
She nodded. “Of course. I will prepare one for you for use in the morning. Please rest well both of you. Enjoy your book, My Lady.” She said as she closed the door behind her.
She was gone and Twilight looked to the bookshelves and walked over to them. Spike walked with her and ran his hand down her fur.
“New brush?” He asked her.
“No. Soft Touch ran a brush over my fur after my bath.” He looked at her for a further explanation. “Yeah, was a bit strange. She washed my hair, dried my fur, braided my hair and did everything for me. She even filed my hooves.”
“Wow. They don’t even do all of that at the spa.” Spike pointed out.
“I know. Was kind of nice though. But anyway now to pick a book and see what tomorrow brings, right Spike?”
The dragon smiled and nodded to the mare. “Oh yeah. Will be a good day Twilight. You’ll see.”
She smiled and ruffled his spines as she began searching the shelves for a book to read in bed.