//------------------------------// // Book of Surfeit, Canto 2 // Story: Fallen-Song // by Chicago Ted //------------------------------// At this point, Luna well prefer’d to bake I’ th’ sun before the storm. She could forsake The blazing heat, so long as winds died down. As long as they blew, their lives were at stake. As for the baker, nothing in his town Compar’d to this calamity. The brown Scene calm’d his mind each and every day, So seeing the same blowing made him frown, Annoy’d. He hopt that the storm would not stay For long, for who know what sort of delay It would have caus’d them both, what would accrue In front o’ th’ two? They would get none, he’d pray. Be. Sand would start to sink, as winds’d ensue With waning strength, until they could hear new Sounds, voices without Luna’s magic spell. He breath’d a sigh – this peace was well past due. “So tell me,” Luna said, “did you hear well The thoughts I sent to you before this fell In place?” “I did,” he said. “Despite the land’s Efforts, I heard your regal voice quite well. Let’s hope this never once again demands To pass.” “And yonder, there the mountain stands To taunt us, coming close, yet we’re not there With us. Can you see just how far ’texpands Before us?” “Yes, I can – it does not care For any one of us or others. Where Did your dear sister get such grand design?” “I know now.” Luna shook her head. “We fare With total lack of sight – no chart or sign Can point to us the way. I’d not resign So soon; nay, we’ll not err – we’ve come this far; We’ll not leave with hoov’s empty. I’d decline Rest’s offer each time. Think of just how far We’ve come – why, nothing ever us can bar From our well-earned goal. Now come and see What things our vim and effort cannot mar.” He took her words to heart; with newfound glee, He bounded ’long the sinking ground. This spree Would last for but a moment, ’fore he saw A second twinkle, like before. “But she Had warn’d us of those dangers – but in awe I find myself – ” She seiz’d him by the jaw, And brought him to her face. “Do not relent At such a vital time, mind not the draw Of such a fascinating light.” She went Ahead of him, and he, so discontent With curiosity unsatisfied, Would grumble and follow her, his vim spent Before he could expend it. How he tried To find it in himself, but it’d abide Him not. Perhaps it was all for the best; The last thing he would need is t’ go inside Where other dangers may reside. A guest He may be, t’ hear their tale, but on this quest A delay would cost them time they could spare N’ at all. She would not let him take a rest, Not after talking to that one law-mare. He doft his hood, and to the drying air He let his head be open. Cooler breeze Would clear his mind, and soon he would not care About such shiny things he’d find with ease. From out of nought at all, as if to tease Them, there was water running ’long the ground, Afront them, freshly-sprung. “If it would please My Liege, I think it best t’ stop where we found This stream, and drink our fill. I see around Us nary threat, of storm or heat or brute.” “We shall – I’d rather not want t’ see you drown’d In your ambition.” He became then mute As he knelt and drank in the liquid loot. O how he needed this! It truly beat The swelt’ring, suff’ring summer absolute. “I must drink too,” she said. “This horrid heat Has slow’d me too. I think it quite the feat That we e’en made it this far.” Sans a word, She knelt and drank the liquor cool and sweet. The baker popt his head, which incurr’d A comment from her. “Think you it absurd That this land can in fact provide for us?” Honeycomb shook his head. “Well, I have heard Of tricks it can play on the others, plus I had safeguarded – let’s not make a fuss O’er what ambitions it may have, for they May be beyond our understanding. Thus, We’ll take what we may, question not the day That shin’s eternal. It could block our way If we doubt what it does.” Thus, Luna said, “This magic I can’t fathom – who’s to say It has a power o’er us? In my head I cannot see at all why we should dread The curses it can send to me and you. I think it mad!” This argument soon led To sandclouds gath’ring up ahead. The view O’ th’ sun would start to blur into a blue. Then Luna sigh’d. “Perhaps you may be right,” She would concede – and soon the storm would, too. “So now we know for sure this land can fight Us if it chooses to, or even smite Us. Let us not dwell on this gloomy thought.” Resolved so, the princess of the night Would pick herself back up, just as she ought, And orient herself back where she wrought Their path before. And soon Honeycomb would Rejoin her, having had his fill. She sought The blessings of the land, some change of good Instead of bad, as was before. It should Have heard, but it decided not t’ avail What they would want – perhaps their cloak and hood Not falling into pieces in the hail Was all it’d muster. So along the trail They’d have to make do with what they could get From Providence – but they knew they’d prevail Within due time. Before she could forget, She hoped that it would incur no debt To seek such favors from the cursed land. But she could not see such signs – so why fret About the things she can control not, and Invite more trouble, hind’ring them, to stand Them still? A slight sound, like the call of bird, They notic’d overhead. Across this band They did expect no life, and yet they heard Its sign. A single hawk was what had stirr’d The silence, just to show them on their way Upon their quest, or so it seem’d – forward. They both would take its heed. “We must not stay For long here,” said she. “This eternal day Shall not grow short, not now, not e’er at all.” Then he would take the lead, without delay, And she for once would trail behind. Its call Show’d them where they need to go. There stood tall The walls o’ a vale to their right. “There, perhaps, We could save us some time, unless we fall Into some complex trap,” he said. “A lapse Severe like that must mean your mind’s collapse. I see it’s safe, as to its structure. Come; It will not fall upon us.” “Many maps Have chang’d from such collapses of stone; some Are weary still of taking troublesome Routes like these. I am not amongst those fools, To bear in mind.” “Quite well,” said Luna. Numb Her hooves had grown beneath the sand; such tools So strong for walking now show’d where their rules Would stop. He, too, with his strength, here May falter sans a word. None of them were mules, Meant to bear longer journeys, heavy gear Upon their backs. “Don’t tell me that your fear Will hold you back from there,” Honeycomb said. “’Tis not,” said Luna. “It’s just that the sheer Endurance we display may make us shed Unneeded blood from our hooves as we tread Sans end.” The baker had to laugh. “Of course! You can take to the sky, if you have need To save your precious legs from such a coarse Fate.” Well, she never thought, as flying horse, She could avoid all this from high i’ th’ sky. “But then,” she said, “you cannot find recourse From me if I were t’ spread my wings to fly. So I’ll stay here, upon the ground, and try To suffer though the pain together – yes?” He said, “I hope you did not tell a lie Just now.” “Of course not!” Luna said, “unless You wish to leave you be – I must confess, I also find your talk and sight quite nice, So leaving you to fend alone would stress Me to no end.” “As you insist; don’t tell me twice – Our home, of course, needs not your sacrifice.” “O soft! my guide, there’s nary any need For drama outside th’ theater.” This advice Would stay his tongue, and force him on to lead Her through the desert-vale at fullest speed. He said t’ himself, “I pray I do not find A second hazard on my way.” “Indeed,” Said she, “I find myself in that same bind As well, so do not fret. This land in kind May clear your path – you’ve seen it happen, too! So keep these blessings clear within your mind, And we’ll survive.” As they tread on, a few Rocks tumbl’d down fro’ th’ top o’ th’ cliffs – a clue To him of things to come, things he’d not like. Still, Luna would save him if such were due. Although, as he went right along this hike, He found all four of his hooves hurt alike. He praid for rest, as he once had before. Then suddenly, he thought he felt a spike Drive through his leg. He gave a shout, too sure He wounded himself. Then he lookt – no more Was it there; it was all within his brain. The princess shook her head – she could ignore Such cramps like his. “I think I have a sprain,” He said, however. “I’d hate to complain, But I cannot move forward on this limb. O Princess Mine, shall you relieve my pain?” “My guide,” she said, “there’s no need to be grim.” And with her magic, she grabb’d and plac’d him Upon her back. “In fact, I have a plan!” She spread her wings, as though like seraphim, And took to skies above. How far the span Would reach amaz’d him greatly. They both ran Across the wasteland, when in point of fact She could have carri’d him aloft! “I can Not do this all the time,” she said. “The act Of lifting so much ballast is in fact A burden I wish not on another.” “E’en so,” Honeycomb shouted, “you have pact A great deal of strength. In fact, as it were, You make the distance pass by in a blur. We’ll set my ankle once we’re on the ground – I’m in your debt, as your guide forever!” And as she carri’d through the sky, she found He weigh’d not quite as much, which would astound Her just a bit. Still, she’d adjust her load Upon her back whist she was onward-bound To unknown place beyond her sight. Th’ air flow’d So gently ’round her wings – and then she slow’d, To seek out where she’d land to help him heal, And came across – what she thought – an abode. “Shall we touch down right there?” she askt. “I feel It would be best,” Honeycomb said, “t’ appeal With who may live there first, see if he would Help us, and if all goes well, strike a deal.” “A sound idea,” Luna said. “We could Seek out a place to rest there, for this hood Does itch me even now. Do we agree?” The baker said, “I think it rather good As well, so let us now descend and see If our luck changes for the better.” She Soon started their descent, gliding in loop To slow herself down, making safe for he. Forthwith when she landed, her wings would droop And fold away to their sides; down she’d stoop To let a hurt Honeycomb off her back. Painstakingly, with magic she would scoop His ankle, twisting it just so. A crack! And he could stand again. Taken aback By his relief tremendous, he thankt her And pointed out. “We’ll see to yonder shack And pray that better luck lies there for sure.” She nodded so – the wind had clean’d their fur, So they would look presentable for which May live there. Luna then said, “On the spur O’ th’ moment – I hope we would not bewitch The resident.” “I’m glad I have no itch Of sand, at least.” He started forward, and He peer’d inside a doorless entry, which Perplext him so. “Good day!” he call’d – the sand Would only answer his words – he’d demand A verbal cue, but gave a chance to hear What th’ other may tell him. But there he’d stand Unsatisfied. The princess said, “O dear; I hope this place is not abandon’d.” Sheer Luck would grant them an answer: “Good day there. I see you try to find, but do not fear Where this voice echoes.” There stood a plain mare, Her patter matching th’ walls of her home. “Where Do you hail from?” Her words did not come out From her mouth. “I see you have found my lair. Do come inside; it’s very lonely hereäbout.” The princess took her offer. “’Tis about Time we would found respite from drouth,” she said. Despite her mood, she found it hard to shout Amid her presence. She said, “Go ahead, Find yourself a seat.” “Why’s it in my head?” The baker fin’lly askt. “Is it not right?” The mare would tilt her head. “I could instead Speak aloud, but it would prove to be quite Unbearable.” The princess of the night Objected, “This is not so; speak your mind, And we shall judge you if ’tis dull or bright.” “But I will not,” she thought. “’Tis much malign’d – As sun does shine, I will have you both find Me inoffensive.” “O I must inquire: What things about you may offend in kind?” “A great amount of things,” she thought. Much shyer She turn’d then, keeping her eyes by the fire O’ th’ sun. Her coat would shift with ev’ry move, Which made her nigh invisible. “No liar She is, I reckon,” said Honeycomb. “Prove You meant your words at least.” “It would behoove You,” Luna said, “to heed his sound advice.” “But nay,” she thought, “I sooner would remove Myself from this place.” “Soft! ’tis really nice To hear you speak aloud, if you entice With your mind-voice.” Her head she shook. She said, “My reasoning is most precise.” “Another tale, I see?” he askt. “O look, Now you’ve made him curious! A book We’d fill with stories, yet he thirsts for more.” “You’d find mine int’resting,” she thought. She took A seat in front of them upon the floor Of sand, unblinking eyes that surely swore Some unknown, secret, surreptitious deed. She thought, “You may have seen my lack of door; This too is why. A silent life I’d lead Before I came to this land – not of greed Or vice, but keeping books for public use. My name is Codex; now shall you take heed?” “I do suppose,” she said. “We’ve no excuse To back out now – to do so is a ruse Beneath us.” Then the mare would start her tale: “I pray I do not prove to be obtuse: Once long ago, a place nam’d Piny Shale Was where I liv’d. The folk there I would hail With ev’ry passing moment, yet they’d not Return in kind my gesture. Such a veil So thin of mere civility was wrought From keeping to themselv’s, but I had ought To keep my courage up. Yet day and day Went by, and still those problematic lot Would cause me only endless trouble. – Nay, I would not give up, ’fore you ask me. They, It seem’d, just needed kinder temp’rament. And so, my attitude could never stay – Instead, you’ll find I sought to be pleasant, In ev’ry part of my life – my accent Would become neutral, as you now may find; My gestures wholly absent, my vim spent, And too my pattern’d fur would be align’d Wi’ th’ background where I stood. I was confin’d Most days within my library, to seek Whatever information they would mind. One day, a solider waltzed in, to peek And see what I was doing. I was meek E’en then, and he soon left me to stew there. ‘I’d bother not,’ he told. ‘She’s very weak, N’ at all a threat.’ I could not stand to bear His testimony, but I would not dare To set my progress back, not quite so soon. Of my weakness I was all too aware, But I maskt that with altruism, hewn From deep within my heart. I’d change my tune If it prov’d necessary, and e’en then I’d further ease myself into a tune Of inoffensiveness, as though a wren Aflight away fro’ th’ nest. I counted ten Such instances where I’d myself adjust. Each time, it prov’d effective. One day, when I heard my door creak open on the rust, There stood a pony I’ve not seen nor trust. He introduc’d himself as Bolt-from-Blue, And askt if I had records ’neath the dust On Piny Shale’s weather. He told me, “You Have well maintain’d this library, for few Are willing t’ do your duties quite the same. Ifever these documents are to view, I trust you’ve kept them all pristine.” This game He plaid I did not know. And yet, his name Suggested weather-duties, so I went And got him what he wanted. He became Irate at once – apparently he spent Several months to study such event. He chew’d me out for my apparent fault; For such anomaly, he would resent The messenger. I never saw th’ assault To come – I was surpris’d that he would halt When th’ guard would come to see again. With nought more, he was thrown into the vault. And yet, he brought me unbearable pain – Were it not for him, I would have been slain In th’ place where I workt – I was grateful so! But soon I learn’d that I had nought to gain From this deed he did for me – although He sav’d my life, it turn’d out I’d not show To him – I faded in the ambience. He merely heard the shouting from the snow Outside, and what he saw he took offense. I askt him if he truly was that dense; He answer’d not – as though I did not ask At all. And fin’lly I dropt all pretense Of silence and politeness – for my task Was to be kind, but this workt not? The mask Of false-wrought hospitality flew out In but a moment, as though a tight cask Imprisoning me fell with just a shout. It left him with a heavy-ling’ring doubt As to my character – was I too kind? I doubt I was, but it left him without His sanity at such a time. Combin’d With my own reputation, I would find That some measure of firmness was needed If one were to assert himself. My bind, However, was I had no vim, which led To further grievance. But I would instead Contain my feelings further. So it went – Carefully, then, across the ground I tread, And I spoke ever quiet more. I spent My hours alone, but this would not repent For what I’ve done back then. I’d speak my words For those who car’d to hear, but never vent My angst and grief. It seems to you backwards, But I know this as virtue true, as birds Would sing i’ th’ sky above both you and I. And more than that, it helpt me stand the herds Of ponies in my town – O how they’d lie And cheat and steal without a reason why, It seem’d to me. I never would follow There foul example; I would ne’er apply Their teachings to my life. I’d sooner go To Tartarus! Besides that, who would know What other temptations I’d encounter, How else I’d fail myself, if I did so?” Her voice stopt coming, as if in a blur Her mind was clouded. Neither one would stir In case she’d think again. Then Luna spake, “Pray tell, why stay in the town where your fur Was sight not welcome? Why did you not make Your way to better home? Make no mistake, I know a journey like this is no game – But if such chance presented, would you take?” “I surely wouldn’t,” Codex said. “The same Could be said where I would have went. Don’t blame Yourself for coming to that logic’s end – I would have done that too. Why, just my name Is boring enough. Changing it would rend Me something else, a thing I’d not intend. I’m sure you could see truth within my speech.” “I must say,” Luna said, “I must commend You – keeping kindness up, and not to preach It loudly ev’ry day for all and each To hear. But still, to take it t’ such extreme Is rather toxic to you. I beseech, Why did you take it so far?” “It would seem That kindness had no limits – its esteem Would carry me for all my life, protect Me from the dangers of the world – a dream I wish you could have seen; alas, respect Is never born of kindness mine unchect. I see that now, exil’d from my home Beyond this land. I would not dare reject What brought the treasur’d peace amid the tome. But here I am, alone in this land t’ roam For all of time, it seems. I am quite pleas’d To see you here – ” “Your words are nought but foam,” Said Luna. “They before may have appeas’d The townsfolk, but I’ve heard the same words breez’d Through my ears in my court. How can you shift My judgment if you can’t – ” And Codex sneez’d. The voice she made was rough and coarse; a rift So wide between her head and throat. A gift She once may have had, but has since been lost. She lookt up at the princess. “You seem mift,” She thought. “What seems to bother you?” “Accost Us not,” she answer’d. “You would just exhaust Yourself, as you had quite well done before. Your temper’s true, but this came at the cost Of boldness – quite the opposite, a chore To you, hence so long, but ’tmeans so much more Than I describe.” “How so?” “It would appear That, when the ponies of your town you’d bore, The last thing you should do is deny cheer. And yet, that’s just the thing you did. Now here, You learn that ugly truth. Learn this to heart: That kindness solves not all – is this clear?” “I do suppose,” said Codex. “’Tis an art I’ve studied all my life, and yet ’tis smart Not t’ practice all the time. I wish I saw That sooner.” Codex droopt her head. “My part Has failed me, I see. That was the flaw That kept me from the ponies.” “Yet no law Can punish you,” said Luna. “And so thus You have t’ amend this by yourself. A raw Deal it may be; this is alone yours. Plus, We cannot stay for very long.” A fuss She would have caus’d, but Luna stopt her first. “Soft,” she told her, “you may have caus’d a muss, But this fault, to me, is far from the worst I’ve ever seen. I have high hope for th’ curst Of this land – that includ’s you. Now stand tall And sound your voice, instead of thoughts in burst.” She nodded. “Yes, I speak again.” Her call Was hoarse, as they’d expect, but that was all They should fear from her. “I am in your debt, Somehow.” “Speak not of that,” he said. “’Tis small What we have done, compar’d to what you’ve let Occur yourself. Be proud that you don’t fret O’er ev’ry little detail as before Under a most imaginary threat.” “And yet,” spake Codex, her voice growing more Clear by the moment, “you find it a chore To travel through this land, I would believe. ’Tis not as quick as ’twas in days of yore. To aid you, I must ask – where do you leave? And when you get there, what will you achieve?” “A simple task,” said Luna. “There beyond – ” She pointed thus – “we both plan to receive A chance to save ourselv’s.” And then it dawn’d Upon the other mare. She would respond, “I must know more about your noble quest! Need you a guide? A chart? I’m rather fond Of mapping out th’ unknown myself!” Imprest She was sans remedy. “I’d not have guest Another way! I so desire the same Myself, but I can be your humble guest As well! So tell me more, what is your aim, And methods too? I vow you not to shame Along the way!” But Luna wav’d a limb To stop her newfound speech. “I cannot claim We’d bring you with us. I’m content with him To guide me through this cursed land – his vim Had kept my spirits up this time entire.” Upon these words did Codex grow e’er grim. “I hopt for passage out – for my desire To join familiars kept me rooted. Dire My sudden circumstances now become. But I’ll let you leave now, lest you grow ire And chances of escape become a crumb.” She never spoke again, a dismal sum Of Princess Luna’s teachings impromptu. But they’d respect her words, however dumb They may have sounded, and they’d leave her to Her own devices. As they slipt right through The doorway, Luna turn’d to th’ baker, said “I hope that was the worst,” but she well knew The worst was yet to come – and in his head, Honeycomb saw as much, which gave him dread. And thus she would resolve herself to lead Him to the mountain top. No tear they’d shed For those they’ve lost along the way; they’d heed Her sister’s warning – that they’d sorely need To head off dangers all around them. They Would have to fix, until they may be freed, Attention past the others. “There!” Away From them, the baker pointed out a stray White cloth. “Was that before there?” she would ask. “I do not know,” he said. “But if we may, I think it useful for our lofty task.” He walkt to it, and caught. The cloth would mask On th’ other side a symbol they’ve not seen Before or since: a hippo-gryph would bask Against aquatic backdrop, with a sheen Of silver. “I know not what that would mean,” Confest the princess. “But if none demand It for himself, no reason for this scene, I say we keep it for ourselv’s. The sand And heat are merciless against us, and We’ll need whatever fortune we can get.” The baker nodded. “But we have not plann’d For this, have we? We’ll take it without debt. Imagine if this tapestry got wet – We’d travel cooler that way, don’t you see?” But Luna had no words; she would not let This land to spoil her new-found luck, for she Had had enough disasters to last three Lives. Yet he made her see the brighter side Of what may come to them – unbridl’d glee To match misfortune, Luna’s steadfast guide Would never be defeated – this land tried Whatever trick it could imagine, quite as well! Be they on hoof, or even as she flied Through skies so open, she could clearly tell Determination wins o’er all – t’ excel Is simple, e’en in th’ face of awful chance. – If only she knew this before she fell. Well, no time better than now, so her stance Was. She knew coming trouble at a glance, Where he did not – she hopt for such a lack, For she had not much magic happenstance. The baker tied the banner on his back T’ secure it firmly for the trip. A crack Along his spine again, and they were off To where they ought to go. Outside her shack, Besides the mountain, there was nought. To scoff Would be in reason, but they would not doff Their plan so soon, regardless of how rough The journey would get for them. She would cough Sans warning. “Methinks she was dull enough To dry me out,” she told him. “’Twas quite rough On me as we,” replied he. “Never thought It’d be so literal. I’d call the bluff, But thus far, we’ve encounter’d stranger, wrought By magic we detect or e’en know not. But even so, we’ll see this journey through. Now come!” He indicated th’ way. They fought The storms of sand, and sights that were not true, As well as dragon, gryphon, changeling too. What other dangers lie here i’ th’ land? We Would see soon ’nough, she thought. And so the two Would wander through unknown lands, to see A thing that possibly might not well be. They’d still refuse t’ abandon hope, in face Of mounting odds that drifted ever wee. To their relief, they’ve only met one race Once they left Sark’e in her rightful place. Instead, they found the manifestations Of things we hold in value great, embrace As our way of life. These gallant actions Were forth propell’d by notion, by the tons Of ponies who relied nightly upon the moon. She’d never met them, but she knew those ones Existed somewhere in Equestria. Soon They’d be back there with them, their comfort hewn From that familiar place. For now, howe’er, They need to focus here, and note the dune That came upon their path. But this time, there Was a solution – Luna took to th’ air With him upon her back, as had before. She let it crash down, for she did not care – It would not hinder them at all. A chore The flight was, so she then set down once more Once it was clear’d. The baker thankt her well, For he could not have liv’d through that, he swore.