- One week after the Manehatten Insurrection -
“These allegations are preposterous!”
“Your client orchestrated an attempt to attack Manehatten under a false-flag-”
“And where is your evidence?”
The royal courtroom was positively packed with ponies. Everypony from castle guard, to nobility, to even some of the common ponies stood with rapt attention as the parties deliberated what many felt was the case of the decade. In a small viewing box to the side sat ponies of greater importance, among them being Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. Above them all, seated upon a marble pedestal, were the two Princesses of Canterlot: Celestia and Luna. They looked down over the arguing ponies and the many others brought to Canterlot from Manehaten.
On the right sat the prosecution, lead by a portly earth pony named Flint Strike, whose magenta coat turned a deeper shade of red as he went on about the incident just miles off shore of his hometown. The defense stood unamused. A pale green pegasus stood at the defense with a smirk, between her client and the boisterous prosecutor across from them as if to protect him. All eyes were on the duo except the defendant’s. Shield Wall sat, his head downcast, staring at the space just before his eyes and the chains upon his hooves, the links of metal leading down to the sturdy bolt holding them to the floor. He ignored the urge to scratch at the inscribed ring around his horn as the bickering went on.
“My client, Mr. Wall, has demonstrated unflinching loyalty to Equestria and to the Princesses," the pegasus stated in a nasally tone. "What you suggest is simply out of character.”
“Princesses,” Flint Strike addressed to the alicorns. “You have heard the testimony of the Manehatten Coast Guard, surely their report must count for something.”
“Objection!” The pegasus cried out.
“Sustained,” Celestia returned. “Mr. Strike, we have heard their testimony and are considering it, but this court needs more than that to sentence a pony. It is only fair. Mrs. Deal, you had a statement.”
Flint Strike grumbled to himself, returning to his seat at the table as the pegasus stepped forward. She brushed her sapphire mane back and looked out over the crowd.
“I did, your highness. I would like to begin by saying yes, my client was in Manehatten waters during the night one week ago, but what the prosecution fails to mention is the request for a naval training exercise on that precise date. The official request was submitted to the General’s Board three days before departure, with full details on all ponies and equipment present.”
“Yes, we received such a missive in Miss Rarity’s investigation,” Luna commented, peering over to the white unicorn seated behind the prosecution.
“Exactly. Mr. Wall did everything he was supposed to do, yet is now the victim of this coordinated attack against him. First his home, from which he and his guards rescued dozens of attendees before coming under attack by an unregistered airship, then the attack on three of Equestria’s warships in open water, destroying them. Now he has been called a “traitor” and made to appear as some kind of scoundrel. Surely, princesses, some form of civil conspiracy is ahoof.”
“Objection!” Flint cried out. “No such allegation has been presented in this courtroom, and is completely conjecture.”
“Sustained,” Luna said. “Mrs. Deal, prithee choose thy words carefully. ‘Tis our place to indict ponies in this courtroom, not thine.”
“Of course your highness.” She gave a small bow turning to the crowd. “If you would permit me, I would like to call Miss Rarity to the stand.”
Celestia waved her hoof in approval. The eyes of the room turned to the white unicorn, who made an audible gulp as she rose from her seat. She stepped, as dignified as she could, toward the front of the courtroom and up into her pew. Mrs. Deal approached with a cold stare.
“Miss Rarity, is it true you were called upon by the princesses to assist in an internal review of all royal departments following the attack made by Tirek earlier this year?”
“Why, yes,” she replied. “I was chosen for my attention to detail and analytical nature.”
“And did you complete your investigation.”
“Well, partially… I, unfortunately, became wrapped up in a related affair.”
“What sort of affair?”
“A complaint had come across my desk regarding the review, one that I could not ignore, and I was forced to follow up before I could rightfully continue. I would hate for my results to become polluted. You understand, yes?”
“And what was the nature of the complaint?”
“That there was a pony within the royal court with less than noble intentions. Such a tip could’ve helped tremendously with my assignment.”
“Do you know who made the complaint?”
“Objection, the defense is leading the witness.”
“Overruled,” Celestia said, turning back towards Rarity. “We, too, are curious to know the state of your assignment, Rarity.”
“I repeat the question,” Mrs. Deal said, grinning.
“I-I do.”
“Who is it?”
The question made Rarity shiver. A thousand eyes rested upon her with rapt attention as she felt her heart sink into her seat, falling under the weight of Mrs. Deal’s icy glare. From just past the intimidating pegasus’ shoulder she could see the others seated at the defense’s table. Abby, Gilda, and Gorn looked back to her with anxiety written all over their faces. She cleared her throat and continued.
“The Ghost,” she finally stated. The room began to bubble over with chattering, while the princesses looked to Rarity with cocked eyebrows.
“The Ghost? The vigilante, you mean?” Mrs. Deal’s eyes darted between Rarity and the princesses with increasing incredulity. “You openly admit to fraternizing with a wanted criminal and the instigator of my client’s attack?”
“Why yes, I do.” Rarity shot a smug smile toward the perplexed pegasus. “It’s a funny little story involving a balcony and a dance, but you’d be much more interested in exactly what he told me, yes?”
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” Mrs. Deal interjected, harshly. “Any testimony you present is contaminated. This court cannot trust the word of-”
“We can, and we will.”
Mrs. Deal looked up to see Princess Luna staring down at her from her marble perch. She shifted her gaze over to Rarity and extended a hoof, inviting the unicorn to continue with her explanation. Mrs. Deal opened her mouth to object, but the sight of Luna’s piercing teal eyes thwarted her.
“Thank you, princess,” Rarity said, haughtily. “As I was saying, I had only a hoofful of visitations from our valorous vigilante, the first being the night of the Grand Galloping Gala, after the attack. He came to me with information about the perpetrators and their allegiances, most notably how they were employed by the crime lord Plunder and not truly Griffonstone extremists.”
“How could he possibly know such a thing?” Luna inquired.
“Well, admittedly, he learned through less-than-diplomatic means. He first stopped in the small town of Coltistrano, to confront and force Plunder from his seat of power, before following him to Canterlot. Gilda, darling, will you bring the book?”
Mrs. Deal had almost no time to turn around before Gilda approached the stand at Rarity’s call, holding a small red book in her claws. She placed it in Rarity’s hooves and made her way back to her seat.
“This is a ledger containing a list of transactions between Plunder and those he once served, before they had the chance to kill him for his failures.”
“And am I to suspect this ledger directly incriminates my client?”
“Unfortunately, no,” Rarity said with a huff. “Although, it helps to know the true identity of Plunder is a pony named Serenade, a former member of the 22nd Recon Corps who was transferred to Shield Wall’s command six years ago. It also details the deployment of mercenaries matching the description of those who attacked the Gala.”
“This is not a trial for Serenade, Miss Rarity, it’s for my client.”
“I am aware, Mrs. Deal, but this is all for the purpose of helping you see your client for what he is.”
“And that is?”
“A vile, race-hating bigot with a heart as cold and black as the waters his vessels were sent to.”
“The defense has no further questions!”
Mrs. Deal walked back to her seat, almost stomping, and sat next to her client. All this time, Shield Wall remained unflinching as accusations were hurled across the courtroom in desperate attempts to sully his name and reputation. He kept his eyes on the table and didn’t even turn to watch Flint Strike rise to the floor.
“Your majesties, with your permission I would like to call Countess Abundant Glow to the stand.”
“Permitted,” Celestia responded, a hint of a quiver in her voice. With tearful eyes she watched as her niece trekked across the courtroom floor and traded places with Rarity. Flint Strike approached.
“Countess, you and others have accused the defendant of leading a conspiracy against the crown. Can you explain your reasoning for this?”
“Shield Wall was, for many years, seen as a friend of my family. We were never given any reason to mistrust him. Even after the death of Silver Spade, my former lover, he comforted me. This was when I first learned about his friends. They were nobles, powerful and with a willingness to set things right with Silver’s death. They called it an injustice and I could not help but agree, so I met with them to offer whatever help I could and plead for them to help me, in turn. It wasn’t until years later that I learned of their true purpose, to funnel money and resources to attack Equestria.”
“Can you name any of the conspirators?” Flint Strike could almost feel the eyes of Mrs. Deal on his neck, but continued his questioning, unhindered.
“I can, but… well, if they wish to reveal themselves, I know several of them are in this room, now.”
A stillness fell across the room. Nopony, not even the princesses, dared take their eyes off their neighbors for fear one of them was a conspirator. This was what made Shield Wall glance around from his slumped state, cautiously eyeing the room and searching for any of the ponies who would dare go against him. After a few agonizing moments, Mrs. Deal stood from her seat.
“A frightening display, Countess,” she announced. “But clearly, there is nopony to even support this wild claim.”
“Wait your turn, Mrs. Deal,” Flint Strike hissed through his teeth.
“There is nothing to wait for! Your highnesses, if I could entertain the Countess’ delusions all day I would, but the very notion that they seek to have my client imprisoned with a stolen book of numbers and vivid fantasies as testimony is utterly insulting to the legal craft. Surely, we can find a better way to settle this matter than with conjecture.”
“I’m afraid Mrs. Deal is correct,” Celestia said, turning towards Flint Strike and the rest of the defense. “While the notions you have presented are damning, for sure, there is nothing here substantial enough to support your claims. It proves only that an attack was made, not who perpetrated it.”
“Princess Celestia, surely the witness testimony, alone, would warrant an investigation.” Rarity’s pleading eyes stared at the radiant alicorn, who merely shook her head in response.
“I’m sorry, Rarity. I know full well your credibility and loyalty to Equestria, but there are still rules to be followed for the fairness of all. I’m sure you understand.”
“But you must believe-”
“Believe that a secret conspiracy has taken root in Canterlot, lead by my client, that sought to overthrow the crown and bring endless war to Equestria?” Mrs. Deal almost shouted from the prosecution’s table. “You are bold, Miss Rarity, for even suggesting a conspiracy when your entire defense reeks of it!”
“Shove it, lady!” Gilda hollered. “You weren’t there! You don’t even know what kind of sicko you’re defending.”
“I would ask you watch your tongue, miss, don’t forget the only reason why you’re not in a cell is because the princesses wish it.”
“And the only reason he’s not is because everyone here is too chicken-shit to rat him out!”
“Huzzah! We like this one’s candor,” Luna cheered before receiving a firm nudge from Celestia.
“Luna, please, these are serious allegations.”
“‘Tis true, sister, but look to their fervor. Verily, some crime must have been committed to present such claims usward.”
“Auntie, please.” Abby’s small voice made Celestia’s ears twitch, bringing her focus to the desperate expression of her niece.
“Abby, I’m sorry. I know this has been awfully stressful for you, but we need to follow due-”
“He took Silver from me.”
Celestia’s mind stopped in its tracks, abandoning all previous admissions of fairness and adherence to rules. Her eyes darted to the slumped-over Shield Wall and back to Abby, multiple times, before she finally spoke again.
“He killed… are you able to prove that?”
“Are my words not enough?”
Celestia’s wings began to flutter from her sides. Something crept up her neck and seemed to burrow into her mind, forcing an uncanny amount of focus onto the grey-maned unicorn. She huffed, took a deep breath to contain the welling emotion, and stood pin-straight as she spoke with her signature authoritative voice.
“My little ponies, this has been a trying day. Many heartfelt admissions have been made here, and many more accusations. Unless new evidence is brought to light we must call this trial into postponement. However! I request to all those who still hold some measure of conscience within them to step forward and present whatever you may know. Not just warships and soldiers, but hearts as well, have been broken in this exchange.”
It was deathly silent. Ponies all around the room dared not lift their eyes from the floor, for fear of being called out by either their peers or their rulers. The defense squirmed in their seats and peered around the room desperately. Mrs. Deal, instead of cowering in her seat, gave a long sigh and picked at her hooves, disinterestedly. To her side, unbeknownst to the ponies around him, a small smile crept across Shield Wall’s face.
“Your majesty.”
Shield Wall’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks. His ears twitched and spun around toward the source of the voice. He didn’t move, only listened, as hoofsteps made their way closer to the podium where the two sisters sat.
“I wish to provide testimony.”
A coat of deep blue could be seen from the corner of his eye, and Shield Wall knew exactly who had dared present themselves against him. Finally, he raised his head and was met with the watery gaze of Midnight Gavel as Abby surrendered the stand to him.
“Your majesties, ladies and gentlecolts, ponies all. My name is Midnight Gavel, and I am the Chief Magistrate for Her Majesties’ Royal Court. We have all heard the horrible claims made by the prosecution against a pony who, at one point, I considered a dear friend. One for whom I would do anything to save.
“I am here to tell you, before the Sun and Moon, that these allegations are true! For almost twenty years I served as a confidant and informant to Shield Wall as he organized a conspiracy to wage war across the world, in hopes of creating an Equestria fueled by fear and devoid of all sentiments of compassion and friendship. A world he would control. It began decades ago with attacks against Celestia herself, then to assaults on neighboring towns and bribing foreign dignitaries. For many years I believed in his vision, and to my great shame I only recently learned there was no depth to… to his evil.”
Shield Wall sat forward in his seat, his chains the only things holding his rage back. Mrs. Deal, beside him, took notice and scooted her chair away at the display.
“Most recently, a panel of approximately twenty-eight members of the military and nobility joined Shield Wall and I in devising a scheme to frame Griffonstone for attacking Equestria, thus urging the country to war. This began with the senseless murder of Sergeant Silver Spade-”
“You!? You did it!?” Shining Armor, from the box beside the prosecution, stood up to face the still fuming Shield Wall, held back only by Princess Cadence. “He was my friend! We looked up to you and you killed him! Why!? Why, you rotten bastard!?”
“Shinny, please!”
“Your once-noble leader did it out of jealousy and spite,” Midnight announced to the struggling couple. “The yak invasion six years ago was orchestrated by him, and when Sergeant Spade helped thwart the attack he grew wrathful. He used his death as a spark to fuel the flames of insurrection, of which many fell into, blindly.”
“Can you tell us who joined you in this endeavor?” Celestia asked.
“No. I am sorry, your highness, but I will not allow those I coerced and threatened into service take the fall for our actions. The fault lies squarely upon my shoulders and his.”
The loud clack of Shield Wall’s chains rang out across the courtroom as they strained against the unicorn’s impressive strength. It was at this moment everything clicked in Celestia’s mind, with more pieces falling into place with each word Midnight spoke.
“Our contact in Coltistrano, Plunder, though formerly known as Serenade, assisted in staging the public execution of Fancy Pants at the gala. Were it not for the Ghost’s timely intervention, I daresay we would have succeeded, and our nation would be on the warpath. When Serenade was captured by the Ghost, Shield Wall had him killed, and when things became dire he began plotting the assassination of Miss Rarity to further incite terror in the populace. It was at this moment I knew there was no great mission, only the wrathful ravings of a pony far too deep in his own madness. My only regret was that it happened to my friend.”
“I should have killed you.”
The eyes of the room fell upon the now seething Shield Wall, who was all but able to pounce upon Midnight Gavel, ready to tear him apart.
“Perhaps you should have, Shield, but I cannot let this nightmare continue. There will be no great game, so please stop this madness. Let me save you.”
“You should focus more on saving yourself.”
“Mr. Wall, please!” Mrs. Deal placed her hooves on her client, desperately trying to calm him. “Your highnesses, my client is agitated, he didn’t mean what he said.”
“Verily,” Luna retorted, raising an eyebrow.
“Mr. Wall, I will ask that you let me do the talking.”
At Mrs. Deal’s words, she quickly found herself with a powerful elbow to the face. Shield Wall flung the errant limb against her muzzle, breaking it, and sending the room in a cascade of screams and yelling. The princesses moved to respond, but not before Shield Wall bellowed a mighty roar, slamming his head upon the table, shattering the magic ring around his horn and freeing his magic. Divine yellow and blue beams hurtled toward him from the princesses horns with an angelic cry, but missed as the signature pop of teleportation rang out and the chains were left empty. Shield Wall reappeared in the aisle, away from the courtroom floor as he bolted towards the large double doors.
“Guards! To me!” Shining Armor’s bellowing command rang through the courtroom, as if trying to catch the fleeing unicorn as well while Shield Wall slammed the double doors behind him and broke into a dead sprint. Castle staff and other ponies stumbled to the side of the hallway, away from Shield Wall as he barreled through them and out into the lobby. Two guards at the door spun around and shouted at him, commanding him to stop at spear point. Without missing a beat, Shield Wall launched himself over the offending weapons and brought a hoof to one guard’s face, sending him flying. Before the other could react he was struck by a bolt of golden power and slumped to the floor. The distant sounds of galloping from the hallway urged Shield Wall out into the palace square beyond the courthouse, and beyond he could see the drawbridge exit to the castle grounds. He took only a few steps more before his eyes caught a glimpse of something looming over the stone archway.
Shield Wall skid to a halt. His eyes locked onto the shape as proof of his terror trickled down his brow. The shape fell from the archway with controlled grace, spreading it’s fluttering wings and landing silently upon the cobblestone below. Shield Wall could barely breathe.
“I killed you…” he muttered.
The shape rose from the ground and stared into the eyes of its prey. It stepped forward.
“You don’t have magic, the fire would have killed you!”
“I’m here to haunt you, Shield Wall...” The shape emerged from the archway’s shadow and into the light, smirking. “Didn’t you get that the first time?”
The unicorn’s face twisted with pure, white-hot rage as he flung himself toward the Ghost. He flailed his forelegs, still sore from their last encounter, desperately trying to fight through his final obstacle. His weariness became more obvious as a quick jab against his muzzle sent him into a dazed stumble backwards. Shield Wall’s head throbbed from the strike and he struggled to stay standing, until another powerful blow came from below him, rising up against his midsection with a loud and painful clap. His horn sputtered out sparks of power. The Ghost launched his cloak out to enrapture the luminescent limb upon Shield Wall’s head and suppress the magic, using his newfound leverage to pull and toss his enemy to the ground. With a thud, Shield Wall’s head was met with the cruel embrace of the cobblestone road. He grunted, slowly rolling to face the Ghost before he felt his enemy pin him to the earth.
“Make no mistake, Shield Wall, this is where your story ends.”
A final crack rang out as the Ghost’s hoof collided with Shield’s muzzle. He fell limp against the street, slipping into a painful unconsciousness. The Ghost took a good look at what he had done, standing above his enemy, almost unaware of the sounds of galloping coming from the courthouse. His eyes met the crowd of guards, nobles, and royalty, all whose eyes fell upon the scene of his victory. Abby, Rarity, and Gilda pushed to the front. Abby gasped.
“You…” she squeaked, taking a timid step forward. “You’re alive?”
The Ghost did nothing but smile, the same warm smile they had come to know, before turning back toward the archway. With a snap of his cloak he carried himself up over the structure before leaping off the other side, gliding out into the city.
Abby sprinted after him, followed by Rarity and Gilda dragging Gorn behind. Their chase was lead by only scant sightings of the fluttering black cloth and the sounds of rippling fabric, but soon enough they found themselves entering the airship dock. The Tornado was moored there, and the last of the black fabric slipped behind it. The four made their way to the gangplank, almost sneaking closer, unsure of what they had seen was real, as they fought the almost palpable cloud of nervousness forming within them. Abby stepped first before jumping at the sound of the cabin door opening. There, across the deck, a worn and familiar pony walked and neared the gangplank, wearing only his saddlebag. The mountain breeze was all that could be heard as the two locked eyes.
“Hi, Abby.”
Abby launched herself at Silver, locking her forelegs around his chest and neck as they stumbled back onto the deck. Rarity, Gilda, and Gorn all followed and surrounded the now laughing pair and shared their own jubilation. Gilda stomped towards Silver, a deathly look in her eye.
“You numbskull!” She whacked Silver on the back of the head with a claw before reaching out to hug him. “I thought you were dead! I thought you were cooked alive in the fireball!”
“How’d ye survive, lad? Nary a creature alive coulda’ escaped that inferno.”
“The cloak saved me from the fire,” Silver said, rescuing himself from Gilda’s death grip. “I didn’t make it to shore for another hour or so.”
“Why didn’t you come to us, darling?” Rarity exclaimed, much louder than she intended. “It’s been over a week since the battle.”
“We all thought you were dead, Silver,” Abby said as she fought the welling tears in her eyes. “How could you keep us waiting like that?”
“I had to be sure Shield Wall was taken in. If he had some other trick ready I couldn’t let him suspect I was alive.” The distraught faces of his friends still stared at Silver, immune to his justifications. “I’m sorry, I should have told you guys.”
“Yes, you should have,” Rarity piped up. “But, in hindsight, it seems your trickery paid off. Were it not for your timely resurrection, I daresay Shield Wall might have escaped.”
“You’re still a damn idiot.” Gilda grumbled beside Silver, her feathers ruffling.
The shared nervousness of the group gave way to laughter. Their jubilation echoed across the dock, uncaring of who was watching. Silver looked to Abby, and she back as the laughter died down, their eyes unmoving from each other.
“Let’s, uh… let’s give them a minute.” Gilda’s words prompted the others to follow her across the deck. Rarity gave her goodbyes to the crew and shot Silver a warm smile before walking down the gangplank. Abby and Silver didn’t even react to their absence. Her eyes traveled across his bare form, counting the peppered cuts along his side. Her hoof reached out and brushed the tender flesh.
“Shrapnel,” Silver whispered. “Took hours for me to pick it all out.”
“Silver…” Abby stepped closer and pressed a hoof to his chest. “I still can’t believe any of this happened. I can’t believe you’re back, at all. Do we… I mean…”
“I don’t know.” Silver’s words were soft, but empty. “It’s been so long, Abby.”
“I know, I know. I can’t tell you how many late nights I spent dreaming, wishing you would come back. Cadence always tried to help me heal from it, but now that you’re here…”
Silver took her in his forelegs, squeezing her into his chest. She let out a long and trembling sigh. The rush of guilt and fear had sent her into a spiral of emotion that all seemed relieved by his embrace, the heat in her ears extinguished.
“I spent so many nights on that beach, planning what I would say when I found you again. I wanted to be romantic about it, you know? Drop down from the tower, be all dark and mysterious, and reveal who I was like something out of a story.” Silver gave a laugh, drawing a giggle from Abby, as well. “But now that I’m here… and what happened to Darrox-”
“They told me,” Abby looked to Silver. “I know what he meant to you, and what you said on the mountain. Believe me, Silver, I know the weight words hold when you lose a loved one.”
There was silence between them. An urge to look away grew within them both, but they refused. Silver reached out and placed a hoof on Abby’s shoulder, her own hooves reaching behind his neck. There they stood, swaying in rhythm with the airship, drowning out the sounds of the rest of the world as the heat of their embrace climbed higher, then began to fade. He felt it. She did, too. Abby pulled away first and gazed into Silver’s amber eyes.
“I will never forget you, Silver, and for as long as I live I will always look fondly on who and what we were.”
“That’s supposed to be my line…”
The two ponies shared a toothy smile, giggling and resting their heads against each other. The wrinkles on Silver’s cheeks faded as his wide grin became soft. He lifted his head and placed a kiss on Abby’s cheek. She pulled him down and touched her lips to his forehead, lingering for a moment, like parting a blessing upon him. They wordlessly parted and Abby walked slowly back to the stone road of the port. She turned back and waved to Silver.
Gorn’s cry could be heard across the deck. Rusty and Steelhorn, along with the rest of the crew, began hustling around the ship and preparing to cast off. The hiss of the balloon and the clack of hammers as restraints were bolted in failed to distract Silver from his goodbye as he waved back to Abby. The hiss ignited into a mighty flame from the burners as hot jets of air shot up into the balloon’s body, lifting the Tornado from its moorings and in a few minutes the glistening city of Canterlot began to drift away.
“So, you done being a crazy, rag-wearing hero, now?” Gilda approached Silver’s unscarred side, looking back at the city.
“Only when you’re done being a gravel-voiced pain in my flank.”
“Oooh, in it for the long haul, then?” The two chuckled and Gilda rested her claws against the railing. “Why didn’t you stay?”
“Stay?”
“With her.”
“I don’t think I could,” Silver said, softly. “It’s been so long and I’ve changed so much, so has she. I wanted to, believe me I did, but… you know, things change.”
“Yeah…” Gilda’s gaze faltered, her eyes flicking back to Silver. “For what it’s worth, though, I’m glad you’re still here.”
“Me too, feather face.”
“Aye, runt!” Gorn’s callous voice called down from the helm. “What be our headin’?”
“Take us home, Gorn.” Silver gave Gilda a smile before turning away from the fading sight of Canterlot, walking to the mast. In the distance he could see the sweeping landscape of eastern Equestria. Along the starboard side were the lush flatlands and rolling plains, ending in the firm row of trees that made up the Everfree Forest, bordered by the small town of Ponyville and stretched out into infinity. To port, the towering range of the Foal Mountains reached forward for miles, their white caps scraping the clouds and guiding the ship forward and beyond, out to the sea. In the distance, nestled between the mountain’s base and the plummeting height of the cliffs of Rambling Rock Ridge, sat the old town of Coltistrano, his home and destination. Silver reached into his saddlebag and pulled a length of dark fabric from within, staring lost in its abyssal color.
“I’ve got work to do.”
End
- Silver Spade will return -