We set up camp near a large tree that stood higher than the others; Bright Mac and Buttercup were busy setting up a tent. While I went off to find water, I carried their canteens to a small stream and filled them to the top. I walked back and the two were trying to start a fire. I levitated the canteens over to them and I sat down; the moon was full tonight. Looking up at it, I saw the image of the mare in the moon. Sadness quickly took my heart as I remembered the tale of Nightmare Moon; the princess told me the real story when I was young. As I stared, four stars could be seen getting closer and closer to the moon; worry filled my mind.
"The stars will aid in her escape," I whispered to myself.
Buttercup looked at me as the fire started to smoke, "What was that Sun?"
I took off my cloak and shook my head, "It's nothing, Buttercup. Just recalling something I read once." She did not press me for more.
Bright Mac, smiling, pulled out a old guitar from the wagon, "Darling, why don't you play something." he gave Buttercup the guitar and she began to play. The song was very beautiful, it spoke of a young love that had never broken; it had endured every hardship and challenge. Now it stood for all to see and admire; when the song ended Bright Mac hugged his wife and kissed her forehead.
"Just as wonderful, as the first time you sang it to me darling," he said lovingly.
Buttercup blushed in the fire light, "One day we need to play it for our kids," she said still blushing.
Bright Mac grinned and put the guitar back in the wagon. We then ate a small dinner of carrots and other small greens. It was nice to have company; too long my journeys had been lonely. The two were about to go in the tent, when suddenly Buttercup screamed. Great yellow eyes stared at us from the dark trees, I drew my sword. It sparkled in the moonlight as I shouted, "HEAR ME HOUNDS OF EVERFREE!" the eyes drew back a little, "GO BACK TO YOUR MASTER OR I SHALL TURN YOU TO DUST!" The eyes disappeared one by one and the forest became quiet again.
I looked at my companions. Buttercup was shivering in her husband's hooves. Bright Mac looked at the place where the eyes had been, "Why can't they just leave us alone?" he said in anger.
"They have no will to do so, all intruders must be driven out or dealt with," I answered sitting on my cloak.
Buttercup looked at me; she had small tears in her eyes. "You mentioned their master before," she said, courage returning to her. "What is he?" That was difficult to answer, for I knew very little of him. I told them all I could about the lord of the woods.
"Only Star Swirl has seen him, but no pony today knows what he looks like." I said, "Some say he is a pony ruined by dark magic; others say he does not exist." The two of them wrapped themselves in a blanket as they listened. "However, the princess and I believe that he is an ancient creature of the old world. There are many that still exist, but he can't leave the forest."
"Why?" asked Bright Mac.
I shrugged, "I don't know, but I do know that he made the Timberwolves." Both of them gasped. I continued more quietly. "I am sure you have noticed that the wolves are not natural, they are not made of flesh and blood." Both of them nodded in agreement, "They are sentinels made to watch over the woods, even now they are watching and waiting."
The wind suddenly rustled the trees; I could catch a whiff of the wolves's breath. I looked around, and on the far side I saw two yellow eyes. They would not come near the fire, but I feared what would happen when the flames went out. I got up and walked slowly closer to the eyes. They left without a sound. I looked back at Bright Mac and Buttercup. "He hates Ponyville the most, and if it were in his power he would order the whole forest to swallow your home completely," I said gravely.
"But we have never done anything to him," Bright Mac said in rage.
I turned to them, "Your own family history says otherwise, didn't you tell me that your own mother once entered these woods? And took something that maybe she should have left alone?"
"The Zap Apples!" cried Buttercup in alarm.
"Yes," I answered signaling them to keep their voices low. "Be grateful it is beyond his strength to act against your town. Something is keeping the forest in check." Both of them gave a great sigh of relief at my last words. Bright Mac yawned and Buttercup's eyes looked heavy.
"Go to sleep you two; I will keep watch a little longer."
They nodded and entered the large tent. I sat near the fire knowing that the wolves would not come closer to it.
As the night went on, I sat there watching the trees. Waiting for what was to come.