Deep within the Everfree Forest, a lightly misted clearing lay at the base of a semi-circular cliff, a set of massive standing stones finishing the circle. Another circle of pillars stood closer to the centre, with similar pillars flanking a path to a doorway carved into the cliff face. Time-worn runes were carved into the pillars, occasionally pulsing with a dull orange glow. A chill filled the air, and the clearing was eerily silent despite the surrounding forest. The moon hung above the clearing, illuminating it in a pale light as a pair of ponies stepped from the treeline. Both wore dark cloaks, armoured and unhelmeted. The first was an older, midnight blue unicorn stallion with a close-cropped black mane and piercing grey eyes, the second a younger unicorn stallion with a similar mane and light grey fur.
“Well, here we are.” The lead pony said, gesturing around the stone circle as the second looked around in wonder, before his eyes strayed to the middle of the circles.
“Is that..?” He lifted a hoof, pointing at an altar of solid black stone, off-white runes dulled by age carved into the surface, sat atop a raised stone dias.
“Aye, that’s the altar.” The lead pony walked into the first ring of stones, stopping the second just outside the circle. “Last chance to turn back, lad. The moment you step over this line, you leave your old life behind for good. You’ll serve no other purpose than to guard this shrine, sacrificing life and limb if necessary, understood?”
“I understand, Master.” The second pony dipped his head. The lead pony, Master, nodded and stepped aside, allowing the second to step into the circle.
“From this point on your name is Shield. You know no other name, for that is your purpose. Come, I will show you the shrine proper, and how to raise the alarm in case of emergencies.” The newly-named Shield nodded, taking a moment to digest his new name before following.
“How likely is an emergency?” He asked, looking at Master.
“...” Master was silent for a moment. “There are three alarms,” he continued, opting not to answer the question. “One is for an assault you cannot repel alone. That one is rarely required, and you should be more than capable of holding the shrine until reinforcements arrive. The second is for the case that the shrine has been or is about to be overrun. This has only happened twice in the Order’s history, neither time at this shrine, and in both cases the situation was contained before the worst could happen. The third alarm is for that eventuality,” he turned to Shield, his normally stern expression turning deadly serious. “The third alarm has never been required, and it is our duty to ensure it is never needed. This alarm is to be used if the shrine’s prisoner has been released. You understand how dire a situation that would be, yes?” Shield nodded.
“In the event of the prisoner breaking free, any and all measures necessary to capture the prisoner are justified. Any and all creatures in the way of this objective are forfeit. Capturing the prisoner supersedes all other duties,” quoted Shield, easily calling to mind the years of training and education preparing him for this duty. Master nodded, satisfied with his answer.
“Correct. If the third alarm is raised, all members of the Order will attempt to reinforce your position as quickly as possible. However, if the prisoner is hostile it is unlikely they will arrive in time to save you. In the event of the prisoner escaping, it is absolutely imperative that you distract the prisoner for as long as possible, by any means necessary. Should that require you to goad the prisoner into further tormenting you, you will do it without hesitation. Whatever you have to do to keep the prisoner here for as long as possible. Is that clear?” Shield steeled himself before nodding again.
“Absolutely, Master.”
“Good. Now, let’s acquaint you with your new home. The Hunters operating in the area will introduce themselves next time they patrol past here. They will be your link to the outside world. This is a lonely task, so enjoy the time to socialise when you get it. They will also be responsible for your supply runs beyond what you can acquire in the surrounding forest. I would recommend asking for a few luxuries, you’ll come to appreciate them.” Shield followed, listening to Master as he glanced back at the altar. The runes were well beyond his ability to decypher, one name stood out plainly, a name he had become well-acquainted with during his training; Marabas.