//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 // Story: Midnight's Shadow: Tainted Legacies // by Ponibius //------------------------------// I held onto one of Archmagus Tempus Fugit's legs as I escorted him to his tower within Castle Arcana. The halls were decorated by the occasional painting or vase to add some color to the otherwise drab design. The guests of the conclave seemed to have spread all about the castle, with small clusters of ponies gathered to talk with one another as the politics of the conclave started early, and old acquaintances met one another and sought to catch up on recent events. I decided to start up my own conversation with the Archmagus. “So, I am curious. Why did you wish for me of all ponies in the conclave to escort you to your quarters? Surely there are more prestigious ponies available to aid you if you wished to speak.” Tempus chuckled. “Aye, that is true, but in all honesty I have already spoken with most of them at length. I have not had that pleasure with thyself.” “Ah, so you wish to get to know me.” “In so many words,” he confirmed as we reached the door to his tower. His horn lit as he disabled the wards that protected his home. “If I might be so bold, I would like to learn about the pony who thy mother will pass everything onto someday.” The mention of Mother made me stiffen. “When last I checked, the positions of archmagus and grand vizier were not hereditary.” Tempus chuckled and opened the door. “Neigh, but ‘tis clear to anypony with any sense whom she would have replace her when the time finally comes for her to step down.” “Well, I do not think that will be anytime soon,” I declared as we headed inside. The interior of the tower was much as I expected. The Archmagus’ parlor was filled with old and solid furniture intended to be serviceable but still represent the wealth of his station. Old paintings and bookshelves lined the walls, as much for decoration and impressing guests as anything else. “Perhaps sooner than you think.” Tempus closed the door, reactivated the wards, and gestured for us to continue up the stairs. “The burdens of an archmagus are heavy, and that of grand vizier all the more so. ‘Tis almost a surprise that she has held both titles for so long already.” “They do keep her busy.” Really, if I did not work directly for Mother so often I would likely rarely see her. She was always running between meetings, handling the piles of paperwork that came to her desk, attending court, ceremonies, and a dozen other things. Once I came to find a patron to work for ‘twas likely that the times I would see her would become more and more distant to one another. That idea was ... disquieting, even with our more recent quarrels. “Just so,” he said as we headed up the stairs. “I would not be surprised if she pushed for thee to become archmagus sooner than thou might expect.” My head tilted. “I am quite junior to be archmagus. There are a great many magi who are more senior than myself, with far greater claim on such a high office.” Tempus snorted. “Seniority, magical talent, and experience are but a few criteria.” He gestured out a window as we passed it. The sun had already set and the sky was filled with rumbling dark clouds, but there was still enough light to let me see the main hall of the castle. The sounds of the festivities echoed up to the tower, not sounding like they would be quieting anytime soon. “Politics I daresay are the true deciding factor in who actually becomes archmagus.” I frowned at the declaration. “I think that a bit cynical. The conclave normally does a fair job of selecting archmagi.” “Normally, aye.” He shook his head. “But not always. ‘Tis just that any archmagus who is not truly up to the task does not keep the title for long. The politics can be vicious, and many would seek to drag down an archmagus with whom they do not agree or seek to replace. And an archmagus without sufficient magical talent will find themself in a poor position should they have to respond to a warlock or monster ravaging the countryside. More than one fool has become archmagus through politics only to get themself killed in some gruesome manner.” I hummed unhappily. “That is true. Like how Duke Polaris’ cousin fell into the clutches of Hidden Fact’s warlocks and had her throat cut so that her lifesblood could be harnessed to fuel the dark ritual that created the Avatar.” Archmagus Tempus’ eyes narrowed darkly. “Aye. Her only qualifications for the title were whom she was related to, and a great many ponies died for that folly.” He shook his head. “But my point still stands. Ultimately, politics determine who will become archmagus. And in that realm, there is hardly a pony better than thy mother. I should know, she made me archmagus when I had no desire to be so.” That caught my curiosity. “Neigh? Why is that?” Tempus sighed as we reached the desired floor of the tower. What immediately stood out was the sound of a dozen clocks ticking all around me. Each clock was different, ranging from a great clock that dominated one entire side of the room to smaller hanging clocks that possessed tiny doors on their faces. Near the far wall was a desk that suggested this was the Archmagus’ office. Papers, personal effects, and writing instruments were scattered about the desk, including a pair of rune-protected folders that looked similar to what I had seen on Morning’s desk back in Canterlot. In the center of the room was a long low-lying table with couches and cushions circling it. With my assistance, Tempus sat on the couch with a soft groan. “My thanks, and to answer thy question, no, this job was not something I sought. Nor has it brought me much pleasure over the last decade. In truth, I vastly prefer my research.” “Then why be archmagus?” Tempus snorted softly. “Out of spite, if I am to be honest. I lost far too many friends and family to that fool Polaris to let him have a scrap of power if I could help it.” The anger that had flared in the Archmagus’ eyes faded as his shoulders slumped. “Too many good ponies died. Like my poor apprentice Second Chance. My most brilliant student. He had so much to offer Equestria, if he had but lived. The war snatched him away from us, and the world is so much poorer for it.” “My condolences for your loss,” I told him. “I know many ponies who lost somepony during the war.” Morning, Stalwart, Shadow, Gale... ‘Twould have been harder to find a pony who hadn’t lost somepony in Canterlot than those that had. “My thanks.” He waved at a nearby liquor cabinet. “Wilt thou do me the kindness of pouring me a glass of a brandy?” “Of course.” I went to the cabinet and went about preparing his drink. Tempus took a deep breath. “Well, mayhaps I am not being entirely fair to myself. I also became archmagus out of duty as well. After so many magi were killed or captured at Polaris’ Folly, there were not many senior magi left capable of filling the seats. The pool was even smaller for ponies whom thy mother could trust, and my name was on that list.” “Mother said much the same to me,” I said as I handed him his glass of brandy. “So what will you do now that you are to retire?” He gestured a thanks with his glass before taking a sip. “Relax and finish what research I can, and give my incomplete work to others. Maybe write my memoirs if there is time. I am an old stallion, and I doubt I have many years left. If I can spend them in peace and look on as mine apprentices go on to become successful magi then I will be able to pass on in contentment.” His face darkened as he swirled his drink. “Though I fear that a war with Gryphonia will ruin all of that. ‘Tis good that Daylight should inherit my position. He is a young and vigorous pony who is knowledgeable in the martial arts, and a skilled magus. Eastmarch will need one such as him in the coming days.” I sighed and nodded. “Aye, I worry what such a conflict will bring as well.” The Archmagus grunted and took a swig. “‘Tis not fair to thy generation. Thou hast suffered enough from war already. My generation inherited a bright future of relative peace and prosperity, and we turned it into so much ash and ruin. Thanks to the pegasi’s pride and Hidden’s damned lot, this land was shattered. I remember having trouble walking down Fillydelphia’s street because of how busy they could get.” He let out a long sigh. “Now it seems like barely a couple months go by before I see another shop close its doors for the final time. Every month there’s more and more ponies coming to the castle’s gates asking for charity, and it breaks my heart to see so many desperate ponies struggling.” “Everypony seems to agree that times are not what they once were,” I said as I sat opposite of him. Tempus’ ears wilted to the top of his head. “So they are. And the poverty that’s stricken the land is but one curse caused by the war. I fear the Lunar Rebellion is a tainted legacy that thy generation will never fully shake.” I knew not what to say other than simple agreements. His words had the ring of truth to them. The Archmagus seemed to sense that the conversation had taken a dour turn and sought to turn around the discussion. “But enough of such things. This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Tell me, what are thine own plans for the future?” I saw little reason not to tell him the truth. “I intend on becoming an archmagus, for one.” That elicited a chuckle from Tempus. “Little surprise given thy mother. And what wouldst thou do as archmagus?” I tilted my head. “What do you mean?” He leaned forward and his eyes seemed to twinkle in the soft light of the room. “As I asked, once the seat of archmagus is thine own, what wouldst thou do with that power?” I was momentarily taken aback. Such a question had never been asked of me before. “I would serve my princess and do what I could to aid the ponies of the realm, as an archmagus should.” Tempus tsked and shook his head. “If only ‘twere that easy. As thou wilt find out if thou wishest to become archmagus, much of thy time will be taken up pleasing important ponies. At least if thou dost intend on having the influence to accomplish anything. I have spent more of the past decade meeting with ponies and talking about one thing or another than actually getting any work done.” I frowned. “I am aware of such things. Though I believe there is much good work I could do as archmagus.” “And couldst thou not do such things as a field magus?” The Archmagus asked. “I have heard many of my fellow magi say that more good can be done in the field than being stuck behind some desk. Hast thou considered that?” “Neigh, not really.” I sat back in my seat and wondered why the elderly magus brought such things up. “Thou shouldst. The title of archmagus is a heavy one, and is not for everypony. The office will consume thy life, and ‘twill be difficult to ever go back to the way things were. Such is the burden of power.” “I am aware of such things,” I said, feeling irritation grow up within me. “Watching Mother has taught me well what to expect.” “No doubt,” Tempus said, though there was a hint of ... something behind his words as he watched me. “I merely wish to warn thee: many ponies seek power, but it rarely grants happiness. And many are destroyed by that quest. For every pony like thy mother there are at least a dozen others left with broken dreams.” “That is perhaps true, but I think ‘twould be difficult for me to achieve mine aims without procuring power,” I told him. “Mother has brought much good to Equestria, and she could only have done so by holding the positions she now possesses.” “Mayhaps so.” He shook his head. “But I think that is enough of that topic. Mayhaps ‘tis too much for an old stallion like me to ask, but please, I bid thee to think carefully about what thy goals art, and what thou art willing to do to achieve those aims.” I thought carefully before nodding. “Aye, I will do so. But once again I will say that I sincerely wish to become archmagus one day.” “So it seems.” Tempus finished his drink. “But I think I have held thee long enough. Thou shouldst return to the party with thy peers. Thou art only young once, and these are years to enjoy and remember fondly.” “I will take that under advisement.” I stood at the dismissal. “Have a good night, Archmagus.” Tempus held up a hoof to his mouth as he stifled a yawn. “My thanks. As for myself, I think I will be doing some light reading and then get to bed. ‘Twill be a busy day tomorrow, after all.” “Aye I would think so.” I briefly bowed to him. “Congratulations on your retirement. I will show myself out.” At that I departed from his presence and descended the steps of the tower. To my surprise I heard voices echoing up the stairs. Once I neared the bottom, I saw Daylight and Tick Tock closing the door behind them. Tick was attempting to block Daylight’s way as the knight-magus tried to get to the stairs. Daylight flashed an easy-going smile as he tried to move around the apprentise. “Tick, I merely wish to see thy master for a few minutes. There is no harm in it.” “I do not think this wise,” Tick said as he shifted a nervous look to the door. “‘Tis late, and Archmagus Tempus has no doubt retired by now. ‘Twould be rude to disrupt his sleep.” “Actually, he has not quite retired for the night yet,” I informed them as I finished my descent. “He planned on doing some reading before going to bed.” Tick shot me a sour frown. “Aye, all the more reason to leave him be. The Archmagus needs his rest, especially after such a long day.” “I just wish to speak with him about a couple of minor points,” Daylight assured him. “I promise thee, I do not intend on keeping him up all night. There are things I need to attend to tomorrow as well, and I would not do so dead on my hooves.” Tick bit his lip, his eyes flicking between us. “I will speak with him and see if he is able to see you. Wait here.” He scampered off up the stairs, leaving me alone with Daylight. “It seems he does not wish for you to disturb his master,” I observed. Daylight sighed and scratched the back of his head. “He means well, though ‘twould be nice if he learned when his master should and should not be interrupted. I had to all but drag him here to unlock the door for me.” “I assume your business necessitates the late night visit?” Daylight nodded. “Aye, naturally it has something to do with the conclave tomorrow. Just some minor details to work out. Nothing to worry thyself about. It should not take long, I think.” He turned from the stairs to face me. “Though I am somewhat surprised to see thee here. Did Archmagus Sunbeam send thee on some errand?” I shook my head. “Neigh. Archmagus Tempus wished for me to escort him to his quarters, and to ask some questions of me.” “That sounds reasonable. Thou art a new magus, and many ponies are curious who thou art and thy intentions.” The Knight-Magus scowled. “Though I saw that at least one pony was giving thee trouble earlier.” My ears twitched as I remembered the foul encounter earlier. “If you are referring to Duke Chivalrous, then aye. He had taken too deeply of his cups, and was slandering me and Mother. I naturally took exception to such things.” “Indeed, and if ‘twas me I am not sure I would have been quite so maganamous as thyself.” Daylight’s hoof came to rest on the hilt of his sword. “That one is trouble waiting to happen. If this was but one unfortunate incident ‘twould be one thing, but thou knowest the history of his family and thine own. I know I do. I was among those who stormed the Line’s manor that foul night.” I sighed and nodded. “Aye, though I do not relish the idea of ... a more permanent solution to dealing with him.” Part of me could even understand Duke Chivalrous’ plight, though he bought little sympathy from me with his behavior. Daylight shrugged. “Sometimes conflict is inevitable. The best we can do in such circumstances is to manage the fight as well as we can.” “Like with the gryphons?” I asked, wanting to change the conversation. Daylight grunted in affirmation. “If the High King will not curtail the reivers then we should do so for him.” “And if that unites the gryphons behind King Severus?” “If the gryphons desire war then we should answer in kind,” he stated without hesitation. “I do not relish the idea of war, for I have lost ponies I care deeply for in battle, but denying that the storm on the horizon is coming does not prepare us for it.” My gaze fell to the floor. “‘Tis my hope ‘twill not come to that, but I fear ‘tis inevitable.” Daylight smiled fondly as he placed a hoof on my shoulder. “Be at peace, whatever comes we will find a way. That I promise. Though enough of that foul topic. I was curious, I trust we will still be able to meet later during the conclave?” I nodded. “That should be fine. I should be free tomorrow evening.” “Tomorrow evening would be fine for me as well,” he said. “At least as long as nothing does not upset my plans. I am sure thou knowest how the conclave can be.” “Indeed, and if not tomorrow then another day.” I tilted my head as I considered the stallion before me. “Though I should warn you, if ‘tis your intention to propose a marriage with me Mother is vehemently against the idea.” Daylight’s eyes bulged and he flinched away from me as though touching hot coals that had scorched his flesh and burned him down to the bone. “W-what?! Neigh! Th-that is not my intention! Such a thought never crossed my mind!” I frowned, not understanding his volatile reaction. “What? Is there something wrong with me? Am I not comely to you?” Daylight spluttered for several seconds. “Neigh! I mean—thou art comely! But not in a way that—that is to say, um. Thou art not...” My ears twitched. “Then what?” Daylight cleared his throat, though his face was still red despite his efforts not to appear flummoxed. “I mean that ‘twas not mine intention to ask for such a thing. ‘Tis just, um...” He searched for what to say with obvious effort. “There is little political advantage to it! Thy mother and I are already allies. A marriage is completely unnecessary to tie us together. Better that thou marry somepony else.” I pressed my lips together. The logic of what he had said was sound, though there was something in how he said it that did not ring true. Everything about this was quite strange. Mayhaps he intended on marrying another but did not want to announce as such to me? That would make some sense. Mayhaps ‘twas best if I left the topic be for now. “Very well then,” I said. “Mother will likely be happy to hear as such.” Before our conversation could continue, Tick returned to us. When he spoke, ‘twas with a sour glower. “Archmagus Tempus will see you, Knight-Magus. Though do try and keep your meeting brief. It is late.” A flicker of relief passed over Daylight’s features. “Do not worry. I will try and keep this short.” He looked my way as he walked with Tick. “And if thou dost not mind, I have a meeting with the Archmagus. Goodnight to thee, Midnight. We can speak again tomorrow.” I nodded. “Aye, tomorrow.” After I left the Archmagus’ tower I decided to return to the assigned rooms I shared with Mother. I briefly considered taking Tempus’ advice to meet with some of my peers and fellow young magi, but in the end I decided against it that night. The journey to Fillydelphia had been long and tiring, and I desired rest ere the conclave started. If all went well, there would be time to socialize in the coming days. When I opened to door I was somewhat surprised to see that Mother had already returned as well. I had expected her to still be speaking with her fellow magi about the conclave. But instead she was here and leaning against the stone railing of the balcony that oversaw the castle’s grounds. Mayhaps she had tired of the proceedings, or desired rest like myself. “Mother, I have returned,” I called out to her. “So thou hast,” Mother stated coolly, not bothering to turn my way. I grimaced. It seemed that Mother was still upset about our earlier argument. That was going to make things difficult. “I just got back from speaking with Archmagus Tempus and Daylight.” “Ah.” She looked at me out of the corner of her eye. “How did it go?” “I would say it went well. I think the Archmagus merely wished to speak in private to get to know me.” “I see.” Mother returned her gaze to the castle. By now all the grounds were alight with the soft glow of enchanted gems. “And what didst thou make of him?” “That he is an elderly stallion ready for retirement,” I said, joining Mother at the balcony. “I believe the last decade has weighed terribly on him, and 'twill be a relief to be free of his burdens.” Mother nodded. “He was old when I named him to the office, but during the war we made do with what we had.” “So he told me. That, and he did not wish to risk Polaris and his faction gaining that office. Though that seems unlikely to have happened when Polaris was in disgrace at the time.” “True, but we could afford few risks when we were at war.” Mother ran a hoof through her mane. “We needed united leadership after Polaris’ Folly. Competent leadership. Anything else would have invited disaster.” I looked out at the city, thinking over what I guessed to be Mother’s intentions with the elderly archmagus as I spotted his tower opposite of us. “And unless I miss my guess, you already selected his replacement by the end of the war.” “I should think that obvious.” “That seems a long time to make him wait when he did not enjoy the title.” Mother scoffed. “The rank of Archmagus is a considerable honor. ‘Tis not to be enjoyed, but a duty to be fulfilled by the best amongst the magi order. Besides, in selecting Tempus I needed to both secure my immediate needs while laying the foundation for my long-term plans.” “So why Daylight then?” I asked. “What is it about him that drew your attention?” “Because I've sponsored his career for as long as he's had one. He is a talented magus, and what’s more, loyal to me.” Another reason for his appointment occured to me. “And he is young for the position. That is likely to ensure he will be an archmagus for a long time.” “Indeed so. I want to secure my legacy. I would not have everything I have done undone as soon as I retire.” “I can understand that, and I think Daylight will do well as archmagus.” I scratched my chin as my last conversation with the Knight-Magus returned to me. “Though during our conversation I did clarify something with him. It seems he is of like mind with you about the prospect of us marrying one another.” Mother tensed and her tone became scathing. “Thou wilt abandon this foolish line of thought.” I frowned at Mother’s reaction. I would have thought this news would have pleased her. “I am merely informing you of his opinion on the matter. That is not being foolish.” Mother whirled on me. “It did not merit discussion before, and I do not care to hear of it again.” I turned my head away from her and grumbled, “Then I will be sure not to discuss such things within your hearing again.” Mother bared her teeth and her voice became a whip’s crack. “Do not discuss or think of it at all! Put any such foolish thoughts from thy mind!” Mine anger flared as I turned back on her and our noses nearly touched. “I am not being foolish! 'Tis only pertinent to discuss my marriage prospects.” My eyes narrowed. “Or mayhaps I can be like you in that regard.” Mother blinked, momentarily taken aback, but she quickly rallied with a scowl. “What dost thou mean by that?” I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “'Tis simple enough, I would think. You never married. You just selected whatever pony met your fancy at the time and bedded them for pleasure. Mayhaps I should just do the same if talking of marriage is so foolish?” Mother ground her teeth together. “It would certainly be to thy benefit to be more like me.” “Good,” I said with great obstinance. “Because I have been told I am much like you.” Mother huffed indignantly. “Well thou art my daughter. It is only to be expected.” A silence fell between us that dragged on for long painful seconds before we slowly shifted our defiant gazes from one another. It left me painfully alone with my thoughts. Once again the two of us were fighting one another. That had not been mine intention, but nonetheless it had happened. Worse still, some of my words had been unkind to her. Especially some of the implications of them. ‘Twas merely my wish to stand up for myself, especially in face of her being unreasonable, not wound Mother. And now we were stuck in this painful moment that felt like it would last forever. What had it been that Morning had said to me? That one of us must bend if we were to ever reconcile? My ears flattened to my head as I spoke up. “Mine apologies. Some of my words were unwarranted and are not how a daughter should speak to her mother.” Mother did nothing for several seconds, and for a moment I worried she would remain silent, but then she let out a long sigh. “I dislike feuding with thee. 'Tis tiresome and ... painful.” My eyes fell to the floor. “Aye, this not either. ‘Tis quite upsetting.” Mother snorted and nodded. “Well if neither of us likes it, let us put an end to it.” “I would like that.” Mother offered me a hoof, but instead of taking it I embraced her in a hug. She stiffened at the sudden embrace but then wrapped her arms around me in a genuine hug. Many of Mother’s hug had never felt ... right, for some reason. But this one felt right and I enjoyed it for what it was. But I had not even managed to fully settle into the embrace before everything went terribly wrong. The sound of an explosion washed over us, and I snapped mine eyes shut against a sudden and painful flash of light. Both of our heads snapped in the direction of the explosion. Out beyond the balcony, Archmagus Tempus Fugit’s tower burned.