//------------------------------// // 9 - The Wandering Skáld // Story: The Chronicles of Eponia // by GallaicusBrony92 //------------------------------// The group went up some wide stairs that led to the room were the arch-druid was. Following the advice of Spáthl Empáiath the intention of Twilight and her friends was to find out what that pony knew about the Order and the whereabouts of some living member. On the last floor, they found a guard still as statue, but who followed all the movements of the mares and the young dragon like a hawk preying a rabbit. "Halt! Only the arch-druid and the authorized members of the College can pass through here.” The guard explained. "We need to see the arch-druid, it's very important." Said Twilight. "Do you have an appointment with him?" "Well... not exactly." Replied the princess. “Then I can't let you pass. Only official business or friends of the arch-druid can cross this door.” The guard remained in his place and it seemed that nothing and no one could convince him otherwise. Twilight was thinking and then she remembered the last words that Gwrthfiotig told them before leaving Dwrnhorsefawr. "But we are friends, Gwrthfiotig sends us, the vates from Dwrnhorsefawr." At Twilight's words the guard seemed to change his expression. "Wait here, please." He said and withdrew to cross the door. A few minutes passed that seemed like hours to the girls until the guard appeared again. “The arch-druid wants to see you. You can come in.” Said the guard. Kindly, the guard showed them the way and they went to a room full of codices, scrolls and manuscripts that the ponies couldn’t understand what they were for. Though Twilight was amazed with that, if they weren't on an important mission she'd have asked permission for read and study all of that stuff. But probably all those papers were exclusive for druids and College members. In the room, in front of a desk, there was an old unicorn dressed in a white robe adorned with golden interlacing. "My name is Bedw Gwarcheidwad, and I am the arch-druid of the Horsenaforda College." The ponies began to wonder why all the ponies in Eponia had such unpronounceable names. "Do you know Gwrthfiotig?" "Yes, he told us that he was a good friend of yours." Said Twilight. “Indeed, he and I studied together, but I stayed here in Horsenaforda and he became a vates. Very well, but first I would like to know who you are, please.” The archdruid replied. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and they are my friends: Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Sunset Shimmer and Spike. We come here looking for information.” "Young lady, if information is what you’re looking for, you should talk to Spáthl, he is the one who guides the neophytes and is in charge of the Hall of Stories." Bedw replied. "We already talked to him, but there are things he doesn't know enough about," Spike said. "Why is there a dragon with you? Never mind, I find that hard to believe, Spáthl is one of the best bards we have, that's why he is the Hall Guardian." "Well, he didn't seem to know much about the Order of Oak and Apple." Pinkie Pie replied. The expression of the Druid suddenly changed. It was a mixture between bewilderment and fear. As if they had suddenly brought to light a murky subject. “The Order was full of secrets and disappeared without a trace. There isn't much else to tell.” Bedw replied. However, Applejack could tell that this pony was hiding something. "Correct me if I'm wrong partner, but I'm sure y’know more than you pretend us to believe. I'm pretty sure yer hidin' somethin' " “How dare you girl? You come here, unknown strangers demanding answers to questions you don't even understand. Why should I even trust you?” The arch-druid was on the defensive, but it wasn’t anger what was perceived in him, but perhaps fear… "You’re right, you don’t know if you should trust us." Said Twilight. "But maybe being really honest with you, you realize that we are not your enemies." At that Twilight got rid of the cloak that covered her by showing her wings, despite of the stupefied looks of her friends and the arch-druid. "Let's start over again. My name is Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship of Equestria.” "Are you... are you an alicorn?" Bedw asked without giving credit to what his eyes saw. "It’s been centuries since an alicorn was seen in Eponia, I almost thought you were a legend." “I wasn't born like this, I earned my wings a while ago thanks to my teacher, Princess Celestia of Equestria; I used to be a normal unicorn.” It seemed thet they got Bedw's attention. “Listen to me, I know it’s unusual for a group of outsiders to appear around here asking about something that almost no pony seems to understand, but I’m sure you know something; we have a mission, although we don't know exactly what it is, but we are almost certain that the Order can have the answers we are looking for.” Bedw Gwarcheidwad, remained silent meditating an answer. The old druid was still surprised by Twilight's revelation. After looking at the ponies a little more, the arch-druid began to speak. “The Order disappeared years ago, that’s what I can tell you. How and why, I wish I knew; infinite rumors have circulated about them, a civil war between their ranks, betrayals, abandonment of their acolytes... every rumor more ridiculous than the last.” The druid paused and took a deep breath. “I trained many of its members in the past and had many contacts within the Order; I wish I knew what happened to my friends. However, the last of its members that I knew was still alive came to talk to me a few years ago, he told me. 'Bedw, my faithful friend, I go to a self-imposed exile to save my life; one day Eponia will be in danger, and I pray to the gods and our ancestors so that we can face the threat that hangs over us.' I asked him what he meant, but he assured me that it could endanger my life too.” "Is that pony still alive?" Twilight asked. "I don't really know, but I do know where he went." The arch-druid went to a shelf where he pulled out a scroll. He then spread it on his table showing its contents: it was a map of Prydadain. "He went to a place where no pony has dared to go in centuries: the Great Mother’s Grove." "What makes that place so special?" Dash asked. "That forest is cursed... it’s the home of wild beasts and it is said that even the plants have their own consciousness." The Druid explained. "If I'm right, it's the perfect hiding place." "Why is it called like that?" Rarity asked. "It’s the place where our Great Mother Epona was buried, in a tumulus from which a majestic oak tree grew." Bedw explained. “It was a pilgrimage site until the end of the Interregnum War, from there the forest became hostile; It was as if Epona herself had been mad at us for having failed her and not continue her legacy as she wanted." Perhaps it was them imagination, but the girls saw a tear fell through the eyes of the druid. "Thank you very much sir, you have been very helpful." Twilight said. "I don't know what you’re looking for, but it must be very important to be willing to enter that infernal place." Bedw replied. "Uhm... I'd rather not go." Said Fluttershy scared. "Come on, we've been in worse places," Rainbow said, confident as always. "I won’t try to dissuade you, you have that determination in you look that says 'we will reach the end'." Said The Druid. "I wish you luck, and sorry for my abruptness from before." "Don't mention it, thanks for everything Bedw." Twilight said putting her robe on again. The mares and Spike said goodbye to the druid and left the College. They walked through the outer gardens towards the city center to decide the next course of action. "I guess it's our turn to go to that forest, right?" Added Rarity. "I think it's the next logical step." Said Twilight. "I don't think we should leave now anyway, it's getting’ dark, and we don't even know where that grove is. " Said Applejack. "Applejack is right, I suggest resting and tomorrow we calmly decide what to do.” Said Spike. “Alright, let's go to the inn to see if we can have a decent break." Twilight said. The group headed towards the "The Winged Helm" inn. In the center was a burning fire giving heat to the entire room with several benches around it. At the tables you could see different ponies drinking and eating and in one corner two earth ponies played music with a lyre and a strange type of violin. The girls sat at an empty table and it wasn't long until the innkeeper approached them. “Good evening, what can I do for you? We have good ale, mead, cider, and maybe some wine.” "Eight mugs of cider please." Twilight said, but Spike came over and whispered something in his ear. "Scratch that, we’ll take seven ciders and a mug of mead." The innkeeper went to the bar to serve the drinks. "Damn, I forgot to ask if we could rent a room." Twilight said realizing her mistake. "Don’t worry sugarcube, I’ll ask her." Applejack said getting up from the table. "I’ll go with you." Said Rainbow Dash. Twilight's sight moved to Sunset Shimmer. The orange unicorn was quiet and head down. "Sunset, are you all right?" The unicorn suddenly looked up to look at her friend. "You haven't said a word since we left the Hall of Stories." "Sorry Twilight, I was... thinking." Sunset said in a muted voice. "It's for that tapestry, isn't it darling?" Rarity asked. Words weren’t needed, Sunset just sighed. It was obvious for everypony that that tapestry left Sunset speechless, and it was no wonder. “Sunset, don't let that torment you. We know the identity of the tapestry pony, now we just need to find out more about the Order. You'll see how everything will come to light.” Twilight said trying to cheer up her friend by rubbing her with her hoof. Sunset responded with a kind smile. Meanwhile, Applejack and Rainbow Dash tried to talk with the innkeeper about to rent rooms. “Well, maybe we have a place for the seven of you and the dragon. It will be two aurei per head.” The innkeeper said. "Would you accept bits?" Applejack showed her gold coins and the innkeeper stared at them. After putting one in her mouth and checking it well she accepted the payment. "My, my, what are two mares doing alone in a place like this?" Said a voice next to Applejack and Rainbow. It was a pegasus partially dressed in legionnaire's armor and visibly drunk. Apart from that, several wounds and scars were noted. "We're not alone partner." Applejack said trying to disuade him away kindly. "I see, do you feel like drinking something?" "Nope, we are already served." Rainbow Dash replied. "Wow, you are a hard nut to crack." "No offense buddy, but we're busy." Said Applejack. “You ungrateful nags. I’m a soldier, I gave the best years of my life defending Prydadain from her enemies. You see this?" The legionnaire pointed his right eye, he had a large cut and a scar near the eye socket, he was of that eye... this gesture startled the country pony and the pegasus. “I lost my eye and part of my wing in a skirmish against the unicorns. Those heartless barbarians... I demand respect!” The shout was heard throughout the tavern. “Fíon Dearg, bring me something to drink. But not beer that tastes like deer urine, I want a decent wine." "Don't you think you've drunk enough Sagitta?" Asked the innkeeper serious. “Don’t push it innkeeper, I am a soldier, and soldiers when they’re on leave they get drunk.” Said the legionnaire. "Hey! I think you’re crossing the line comrade." Said a voice behind Sagitta. It was the pony who played the lyre. “Tu quoque Cobernium? You don't even belong here. I sacrificed that much on the battlefield for this? This is not the Prydadain I fought for…” The legionary left indignantly and staggered towards the door. "Thanks partner, that guy was startin’ to be a pain in the ass." Said Applejack; Looking at him better, she recognized the pony instantly, pale fur, brown mane, knotted beard... it was the same pony that showed them the way to the Druid College that same day. "It seems that you help us twice with this." “It was nothing, but please, do not judge Sagitta too hard. He is an injured veteran in every way. He lost all his friends fighting against Horntriu's unicorns…” said the lyre pony. "Although he tries to get tough, he has not overcome it, and his disability has declared him unfit to fight... for a pegasus who only knows war is practically killing him in life. So he spents his entire veteran pension drinking and whoring with the hope that the alcohol and the embrace of a mare could whipe his pain." "Yikes... I guess he must be having a terrible time." Rainbow Dash began to think about her wound and how she would act if she was suddenly told that she could not fly again. A part of her couldn't help but feeling sorry for Sagitta. "By the way, we haven't introduced ourselves properly, I'm Applejack, and she's Rainbow Dash." "My name is Lir, and I'm a skáld." Said the pale pony. "A what?" Dash asked. “Musician, poet, warrior… I follow the old ways that the Mighty Helms left us when they arrived to Eponia. I came here to learn new things; I have traveled this land so many times that I know it like the back of my hoof.” The innkeeper left the bar with several jugs in the direction of the table where the group was waiting. “Why don't ya sit with us? Is the least that we can do to thank ya for helping’ us before and for showin’ us the way to the College.” Suggested Applejack. "It will be my pleasure." Lir gave Applejack a wide smile accepting her offer. The skáld accompanied the mares to the table where their friends were. "Applejack, Dash, what took you so long? And who is this pony?" Twilight asked. “Guys, let me introduce y’all to Lir; Lir, these are our friends Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, Sunset Shimmer and Pinkie Pie, and this little dragon feller is Spike.” "Hey, I know you, you're the pony that helped us to find the Druid College." Pinkie said suddenly. "Indeed pink lady, that’s me." “Come sit with us darling. By the way, that lyre of yours sounds beautiful.” Said Rarity looking closely at the string instrument. “Thank you so much, it’s a family heritage. They say it belonged to one of the first skálds that reached Cobernia with the Mighty Helms.” Explained Lir. The ponies chatted on various topics while drinking nonchalantly. However, Twilight soon brought up the issue that worried them from the beginning... "Well guys, what are we going to do with our mission?" Asked the princess. "What about we leave tomorrow and head out to that forest?" Said Rainbow Dash. "Sorry for interfere, but where are you going?" Asked Lir. "We have to go to a place called the Great Mother's Grove." Pinkie said, to which Lir almost choked on her drink. “Have you lost your minds? For the Morrigan, what have you missed in that cursed place?” "Sorry, I don't pretend to be rude, but it's something we must do." Twilight said trying to be polite. "As you wish, but you should know that few ponies have entered that place and returned to tell." "The arch-druid has already warned us that it was a dangerous place, but we have been in worse situations," Rainbow Dash said with her usual confidence. “If you say so… but did he tell you what you can find in there?” A silence took hold of the table and Lir kept talking. "That place is full of beasts that seem out of a nightmare, some trees have a life of their own, and the vegetation is so thick in some places that neither the sunrays pass..." "What kind of beasts are you talking about?" Asked Sunset with a serious look. "Do you know what a warg is?" They all shook their heads. “They are giant wolves with black fur like a night without a moon or stars and hard as the chainmail, silver eyes like the bright moon and sharp fangs like the blade of a seax… its bite is so strong that it could penetrate the scales of a dragon like butter.” Spike swallowed scared with that comment and began to tremble. "And they are able to gut an adult pony with a single blow." The girls looked scared at the skáld. The description of these creatures caused every one of the hairs of their manes to stand on. "And... you say those creatures inhabit that f-forest?" Asked Fluttershy trembling. "Among other things… but certainly the wargs are the worst." "w-well, it won't be that bad." Rainbow Dash said trying to hide her fear. Lir looked at the blue pegasus with a smirk and he snorted. “Years ago, a regiment of ten legionaries entered there. They were attacked by two wargs… only two of them survived.” "What happened to the others?" Asked Applejack intrigued, trying to look confident, but scared like the rest. "Devoured alive..." Rarity passed out in Twilight's hooves at that revelation. “Unfortunately, the two who survived didn’t end well; one his wings were torn off with a bite and he bled to death shortly after; when they found the other, he was in shock... But if you think you can do better than a group of trained soldiers, I won’t dissuade you." The girls looked at each other worried and scared. Entering unfamiliar terrain in a carefree manner was an unequivocal sign of stupidity. "Have you been there?" Applejack asked. "Yes, I was. Once, long time ago. But not for too long, a carnivorous wild boar attacked me, and I didn’t come back after that.” "Could you guide us?" The farmer asked again. "Applejack, can we talk for a second?" Twilight said taking her friend a little far from the rest of the group. “Do you think this is a good idea? We don't know anything about that pony, what if he attacks and steals from us.” “I know Twilight, I know it's risky, but you know that we don't have anyone else to trust. This pony seems to know a lot about Eponia and its corners, and I sincerely believe that he’s reliable. I don't ask you to trust him, I ask you to trust mah instinct.” Twilight stared at her friend for a second. Then she looked at Lir. The princess didn’t know if they could trust him, but agreed to trust Applejack. "Ok Applejack, you don't usually make a mistake in these things, I hope this won’t be an exception." Applejack smiled at Twilight and together they returned with the others. They both returned to the table and sat down to ask Lir if he would be willing to lead them there. "Lir, listen, could you lead us to the Grove?" Twilight asked. "Do you really want me to get into that demonic forest?" "From what you have told us we need help to get through it and it seems that you know a lot about that place." Twilight inquired. “If you really want me to accompany you to that cursed place, it would be fair for you to tell me why you want to go there at least.” Lir replied. "They told us that we would find answers to our questions about the Order of the Apple and the Oak in that place." Sunset replied. Lir stared at the ponies with an expectant face. “So, you're going to get into one of the most dangerous places in Eponia to find information about something they say disappeared years ago, and without any certainty that you find what you’re looking for. Am I the only one who thinks your plan is a total madness?” The skáld increasingly understood less the intentions of the Equestrians. "Nope, you’re not the only one who thinks that, but clear as sugar we have no other choice." Said Applejack. “Very well, I would lie if I told you that I’m not intrigued. All right then, we’ll leave tomorrow in the morning.” Lir got up and finished his drink with one swallow, marched toward the bar and ordered another drink. After spending the night at the inn, the girls and Spike met with Lir at the exit. Together they passed through the city gates and entered the countryside again. "So, you are from the distant Equestria." Lir commented as they jogged along the road. "Yup, and where are ya from?" Applejack asked. “I’m from Cobernia. Born and raised in the city of Coblana, in the place they call Black Hill founded by the remnants of the Mighty Helms.” "That's the capital of Cobernia, right?" Twilight asked what Lir nodded. "Is Cobernia very different from Prydadain?" Sunset Shimmer asked. “At first glance, no, if you look at Prydadain and Cobernia there are no major differences between them, in Cobernia earth ponies are majority and Prydadain is more cosmopolitan, even though the pegasi are the rulers. But we are different worlds; it’s as if everything that united us since the time of our Great Mother vanished with the Interregnum War.” Lir's gaze changed to show a sad expression, which didn’t go unnoticed. The Interregnum War, that conflict didn’t stop ringing among the inhabitants of Eponia. How much had happened since that one? Hundreds of years? More than a thousand? And yet it was still remembered by everyone. Twilight began to think about the last time there was a war in Equestria. In fact, the mere mention of that word was like a myth in his home, the small conflicts were resolved satisfactorily and without damage. But here... the ponies solved their problems in the old way. A bloody old way. At a crossroads they came across a sign. There they read a notice in Pony Latin. "What does it say in there?" Asked Rainbow Dash. Twilight approached and read it carefully. "It says: 'space guarded by the Legion'." "We're close." Lir said and they continued along that fork. "Now listen, even if no one enters the Forest it would not be unusual to run into some legionnaire patrol, if that happens let me speak." The girls nodded and followed the step. When they reached the edge of the forest, they stopped dead. Something was not right. The forest gave off a strange aura. The Everfree Forest was definitely a scary and chaotic place, it was the typical place where Discord could feel at home. But this was different, they could try to look deep into the trees and they could only see darkness. And beyond that, strange noises could be heard that froze them blood. "So... is this the Great Mother's Grove?" Rarity asked trying to hide her nervousness. Lir laughed at that comment. “No, the Grove is supposed to be deep in the forest. But no pony has come there and returned to tell.” A silence settled in the group. "Are you sure you want to enter?" "We came so far to retreat now, besides, we have no choice." Twilight replied. "Stop right there!" A pony shouted. The group looked in the direction of the voice and saw four legionaries approaching them. Lir took a step forward. "Slán soldiers, is there a problem?" Asked the skáld. "It's me who asks the questions, what are you doing so close to this Forest?" "I’m taking these ponies to Hofrvik, we have taken this path because I assumed it was safer." Lir tried to explain. “Are you going to Hofrvik? Bordering the Forest?” Asked the legionnaire doubting. "Yes, we thought we could avoid the presence of bandits." "Captain, I don't trust them, I'm sure they’re spies." Another legionnaire commented. “Don't be an idiot soldier, the spies used to go two by two, in groups of three at most, you'll never see a group of eight spies.” Suddenly he noticed Spike who was next to Twilight. "Or nine... How do you have a dragon with you?" Twilight did not like the look with which the legionary looked at Spike and simply pushed him away until he left him behind her. “A dragon so young among ponies is suspicious. You are going to have to come with us.” "What? Don't even think of approaching Spike.” Said Twilight standing between the soldiers and Spike. "It's not a suggestion young lady." The legionaries drew their swords. "You will come with us by hook or by crook." Everyone got nervous, it wasn't until Lir opened his mouth when they reacted. "Run!" The squeak shouted and they all followed. The legionaries rode towards them chasing them with their swords. They fled to the only possible place: inside the forest... The legionaries hesitated for a moment but continued their persecution. While Twilight and her friends dodged huge branches and roots the legionaries did the same, but suddenly something grabbed one by the hind legs. "Help!" The pegasus shouted from the ground. His companions looked at him and ran to help him, only to see that what had grabbed him was a huge tree. "Hold on soldier!" The superior shouted, trying to hold him by the front hooves. "Help me!" He shouted desperately, but they couldn't do anything. The tree dragged him and swallowed him in his roots at the horrified look of his companions. "Let's get out of here! Fly now!” Shouted the superior. "What about the intruders?" "Let the forest swallow them…" After this the legionaries took flight and with difficulties due to the dense vegetation, they managed to escape beating their wings with force and frightened. "What the hay was that?" Applejack asked, still perplexed by what had happened. “Have you forgotten? Here are sentient trees. Let's get out of here now before we become their next meal.” They continued advancing through the forest among huge trees that covered the sun. "I don't like this place at all." Said Fluttershy shyly. "What's wrong Fluttershy?" Rarity asked. "You mean apart the creepy and tense ambiance? It's, strange, we haven't seen a single animal since we entered this forest." Said the yellow pegasus. What Fluttershy said was true, except for the noise of a few birds they saw neither a squirrel, nor a rabbit, nor anything... "Lir, do you know where the Grove is?" Twilight asked. "They say it’s the center of the forest, judging by the moss we are on the right track." "Why don't we play a game while we walk?" Pinkie proposed trying to calm tensions. "I don't know if it's the best time for a game Pinkie." Spike said smiling at the optimism of the pink mare. The little sunlight that filtered through the tree branches was hiding as the day ended. "Girls, I'm afraid we should camp, trust me, we don't want to go through the forest at night." Lir explained. They started riding the camp. Rarity, Twilight and Sunset set up tents with the help of their magic and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked for firewood. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Lir and Spike took care of the bonfire, the torches and the rest of the camp tools. After dinner, they set out to sleep, with Lir keeping the first guard. Applejack could not rest well and approached the earth pony to make him some company. "Howdy Lir." "Oh, hello Applejack, don't you sleep?" He asked. "Nope, truth is I can’t stop thinking about what we saw before, that tree that swallowed the legionnaire..." she said. "Yes, bad stuff..." Lir's response was so simple that Applejack was surprised. "It doesn't seem like it was a big deal to ya." "I don’t pretend to sound unconcerned, but I have already been in the company of death too long for something like that to surprise me." Applejack listened in silence. "I don't understand how you can stand it." “I don't know how things will be in Equestria, but here in Eponia war and death are old companions. And I think that's the problem, that everypony is obsessed with war. Ponies forget the little things that make this world a better place: music, poetry, arts... don't get me wrong, I never say no to a good sword fight, but there are more things in life..." Applejack could see how that rough-looking pony proved quite sensitive. “You know Applejack? I can understand that for you this is too different from what you are used to, but I would not change Eponia for anything in the world, it’s my country, it is my home.” “I understand ya, I wouldn't change Equestria for anything, I can't imagine my life away from Sweet Apple Acres either. Once I tried, when I was a filly, livin’ another life away from I belong, but I discovered that there ain’t no place like home.” Applejack gave Lir a smile which he handed back. Suddenly Lir's ears stiffened and he looked closely at a dark area of ​​the forest. "What's wrong?" Applejack asked. "There's something there..." Lir said whispering nervously. Applejack turned a little scared. "I can't see anythin’." "That doesn't change the fact that there is something there hiding in the darkness." Lir rose silently and approached for a torch. He carefully began to illuminate into the darkness until he could see something that froze his blood. A huge row of teeth lit up in the firelight and large silver eyes accompanied him. Lir soon saw who those teeth and eyes belonged to, because a huge beast slowly approached them ... “Warg!” The skáld shouted, unsheathing his sword, a huge edge with a hilt shaped like a horse with its legs extended in X. Applejack got up suddenly and the girls woke up due to Lir's scream. The warg that stalked them was a huge black wolf, much bigger than an adult pony. He rushed before Lir but he defended himself with the torch in one hoof and the sword in his mouth. The girls did not give credit to what they saw, the descriptions they heard of the wargs were horrible, but seeing it up close was even more terrifying. However, not to leave Lir alone, Sunset and Twilight rushed to help him with them magic, throwing lightning bolts that hit the body of the beast. He charged the princess and the orange unicorn, but Lir climbed on him before he could hurt them. The warg shook, knocking down the skáld and making him decide to change prey. When he was close, about to give him a bite, Applejack charged him and hit him with a powerful buck in the head that left the giant wolf staggering. "C’mon everypony, we have to go!" Said the farmer helping Lir get up. Luckily for the group there was nothing of value between the tents, Lir quickly grabbed his saddlebags and rode along with the mares and Spike to leave the warg behind. However, before they could run away, the animal howled making a noise that was heard all across the forest, which Lir did not take as a good thing. They all rode through the darkness of the forest guided by the lights emitted by Sunset’s, Rarity’s and Twilight's horns and Lir's torch. Just when they reached a path, two other pairs of silver eyes received them with fury. Two other wargs blocked their way anxious to drive their teeth into the meat of the ponies. "Damn it... as if a lonely warg wasn't bad enough, " Lir said visibly scared preparing his sword. All were put in combat position ready to defend themselves against the imminent attack of the beasts. The wargs pounced on them, but were stopped by a protective shield created by Sunset and Twilight, then Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Lir launched themselves to attack them kicking and slashing. Dash lamented over her wounded wing, if only she could fly she would have some more advantage over the wargs. Sunset, Twilight and Rarity used their magic to keep the wolves at bay. Fluttershy found herself unable to calm them, despite his abundant ability with animals and Pinkie Pie did her best to distract the fierce creatures by sneaking through the trees. "Twilight be careful!" Sunset shouted when she saw that a warg was going to attack her from behind. Sunset created a shield with her magic and the giant wolf began to hit it with its claws. The other was mocked by joint attacks by Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Just when it seemed that they had them more or less controlled, a third warg, who they thought they had left behind, appeared attacking Applejack. Lir jumped on top of the beast stabbing him with his sword, which caused a howl of pain from the wolf. However, that did not kill him, and he turned around trying to get rid of the earth pony skáld. Applejack lay on the floor with a wound on her side by the whip of the warg and couldn’t get up. "Damn filthy dogs!" Lir shouted without letting go of his sword that was still stuck in the loin of the warg. The wolf shook off Lir with the sword still stuck. It was going to devour the skáld when suddenly... "What is going on here?!" a voice shouted through the trees. They could not see anything, until three blue rays knocked down the wargs. Among the trees arose a pony covered with a large gray robe, carried a staff and covered his head with a hood, but you could still see a horn shine, that pony was a unicorn. The wargs pounced on him, but he deftly defended himself with his staff and force fields. With the magic that emanated from his horn he expelled energy that knocked down two of the wargs, who fled in terror as scared puppies. The only one left was the one who attacked the group first, with its claws and jaws attacking the mysterious pony, but he defended himself again and again. Suddenly the unicorn noticed the sword that the warg carried in his spine, and with the help of its magic it took it off causing the beast to let out a cry of pain. He pounced on the pony again, but he was faster and levitating the sword stuck in his chest, right in the middle, right in the heart. The warg stumbled, and after coughing and growling a little he collapsed dead on the ground. Lir got up and went to help Applejack. "Are you all right?" He asked as he helped the mare get up. “That beast hit me pretty hard, but I will recover. Thank you,” Said the cowgirl. Suddenly Lir noticed a detail that left him stunned. "Hey, what's wrong with your Cutie Mark?" Applejack's Cutie Mark was shining intermittently, but not only hers, Twilight's, Sunset's, Rarity's… they all shone as when they solved a friendship problem. "What does this mean? We haven't solved anything as far as I know…” Rainbow Dash said perplexed. "I'm not sure, but I think we've found what we were looking for." Twilight said watching the hooded pony that saved their lives. Their mysterious savior walked cautiously to where they were. He didn’t take of his hood, but they could see that he was an old unicorn. “What in the name of Epona are you doing here? Who are you?” He asked. “We came here looking for a pony, we hoped to know more about the Order of the Apple and the Oak.” Explained Twilight. “Are you that pony?” “It depends who asks…” “I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle, from Equestria. We came here following a mysterious signal in our Friendship Map, in short, the clues brought us here.” “From Equestria you said? Then my spell had worked… thank the gods. I’m Derw Doeth, Grand Master of the order, or at least I was…” The unicorn pulled of his hood and greeted the ponies. His mane was a light grey color, and a great beard covered his muzzle. “So, Twilight, we can finally find answers.” Said Sunset Shimmer approaching to her friend. At the sight of the orange unicorn, the druid opened his eyes in disbelief. He approached to Sunset and she suddenly shivered not understanding the reaction of the elder pony. “It can’t be, is… is that you Sunset Shimmer?” He asked surprising everypony for knowing them friend’s name. “You… you know me?” Asked Sunset bewildered. “Of course I do… how could I forget my own granddaughter…”