Book 7/Chapter 3
The Curse of Lilith
(Year 4, month 5, day 21)
“This all started over three millennia ago. Can’t say for certain how many years exactly, but I’ve estimated over three thousand three hundred and fifty or so. Lilith was a new kingdom, and I along with my wife was chosen by the king and queen of Eden to rule it. It was… more or less… An experiment.”
The old alicorn sat at the table in the middle of the library reading area as Zeil replied in confusion, “An experiment?”
The alicorn nodded, “Yes… it was the generation before mine that wrote the first history books, and in their writings, there has always been one thing about all races that is true. That none can live together in peace.”
Zeil was skeptic as he replied, “Well… that seems a little pessimistic don’t you think?”
Edelweiss replied with a curious look, “Am I wrong? Can you say for curtain that all races live together in peace? Or that there is no form of prejudice in the world?”
Although Zeil didn’t want to admit it, before he could object to the alicorn’s words, the thought of what happened to him in Equestria silenced him as Edelweiss saw his pause and smiled, “You see… it is true. Some can be tolerant and many can follow their example. But no matter what anypony says or does, there will always be prejudice in the world. So long as two have their own opinions, one will always see himself better than the other. The king and queen of Eden saw this first, which is why they created borders and made the races live separately with their own kind. It kept their creations at peace and allowed us to live without fear of our fellow races. The pegasi had their tribe, the earth ponies had their farmlands, the unicorn had their kingdom, the griffin had their territories, and the alicorn had Eden.”
Zeil felt a little curious as he replied, “So… what was Lilith then?”
Edelweiss smiled as he replied, “Lilith was the first of its kind. A kingdom composed of all races in hopes of creating a united world. Sadly it lasted for a short time, about twelve years and we could look at our fellow ponies with confidence and trust. But… then we discovered the Relic.”
Zeil didn’t trust the story as he replied, “You say your fellow ponies? Why no griffin? And why are there only two alicorn when the kingdom is composed of all pony races?”
Edelweiss replied, “The test was to focus on ponies first, and then move on to adding more races. As for alicorn, the king and queen told us that the alicorn were meant only to rule. That living amongst them could cause… distrust. The law was that only an alicorn may hold the crown. Better that then to spark revolution or treason to claim the crown for themselves. If something were to happen to myself or the queen, then Eden would select and replace us with alicorn fit to rule. As was the law.”
Zeil saw the explanation as an excuse to his questions as he replies with distrust, “Okay… so what does that have to do with you?... If what you say is true, then you should be ancient. How are you still alive and why do you claim to be the King of Lilith?”
The Alicorn smiled at Zeil’s skepticism as he replied, “That is because of… the relic.”
Zeil nodded, “Yea, this relic… you’ve talked about it before. Mind telling me what it is?”
“On the eve of Lilith’s twelfth year, our subjects who were mining metal on the outskirts of our kingdom discovered a strange obelisk. There was no writing on it, nor any pictures or distinguishing markings what so ever, but on the surface was a deep crack that exposed its hollow inside. And inside, was a strange black pearl. We didn’t know what it was at the start, but once I held it in my hoof, I could feel a great power within it. We call these strange artifacts Relics. From my understanding there are three that I know of, one is an amulet in one of the pony kingdoms called the Alicorn amulet which enhances unicorn magic. There is another in the hippogriff’s care but Lilith fell before we could discover its power. Either way, as soon as we discovered this particular relic we sent a messenger to the Thunder peaks to seek guidance from the titan Raiden. Since geographically, he is the closest reachable Titan, we felt it best for him to discern what must be done with it. But somewhere along the road, our messenger was captured and forced to tell the minotaur king of his message. Seeking the power of the relic, the minotaur king demanded we hand over the relic or prepare for war.”
Zeil was confused, “Raiden? Titan of the forest and storm right? But I thought that titan was dead?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Well in your time that may be so. But in my time, all titans were still around, and it was even believed that they couldn’t be killed. To speak of such things was blasphemy after all. Anyways, since the minotaur king had bad relations with his titian, I felt it would be in our best interest to refuse them in handing over the relic, for fear that he my commit such blasphemy. So in response he declared war. We tried sending a message to Eden to ask for support, but the minotaur king established a blockade that prevented any messenger from reaching Eden, so… we were on our own. In desperation I and my strongest soldiers set out to meet General Fist in his assault, but as you know, we were defeated. In an effort to save my soldiers I ordered a retreat and stayed behind to fight them off. But, I miscalculated and found myself captured and kept a short distance from his main force, just so he could force me to watch as my kingdom fall to his troops.”
Zeil nodded, “Yea… I saw that in my vision, you watched most of the battle then was about to be dragged back to their camp before escaping from your chains. But then when you were traveling back to the city there was a bright flash of light… then… the battlefield became barren.”
The knowledgeable alicorn turned to the large painting in the room as he looked at the royal ponies, “Yes… that light was the relic being activated. My queen became desperate in her final minutes, so she activated the relic in hopes of saving the kingdom, but… I’m afraid she condemned them all to this curse instead. After the kingdom vanished, I was knocked unconscious with a strike that shattered my horn. When I awoke, the remaining minotaur forces questioned me about what happened. They even resorted to torture in hopes of forcing me to tell them where their army vanished too, but… I didn’t know. With nothing to go on, the remaining forces took me back to their kingdom and held me in the dungeon for almost ten years. It would have been longer, but something very big happened. Their titan heard of their genocide of Lilith and became enraged. With his power of darkness, he laid waste to the Minotaur Kingdom and nearly brought them to extinction themselves. With their kingdom collapsed and their king executed, I was free to leave and return to my home which by this time was reduced to ruins. Weakened and alone, I made a vow to remain in those ruins for the rest of my days. A bridled reminder of the failure of a king and husband I turned out to be. But a few months later on the anniversary of Lilith’s demise, I awoke in a kingdom reborn. The buildings, the ponies, everything was as it was, the week before Lilith was destroyed. To include, the army that awaited to attack the city. Frantic, I rushed to my queen’s side but I was only met with utter confusion. With my decade of imprisonment, my body and appearance took a change that made my claim highly improbable. So much in fact that I was only met with disbelief in my confessions.”
Zeil nodded, “I’d agree with them… to be honest I’m skeptic myself. So what happened next?”
Edelweiss sighed as he sat down as rubbed his head in irritation, “Well… I found out why they didn’t believe me. Whatever happened the day Lilith disappeared, recorded every event from the previous five days. Everything repeated exactly as it did that very day. From the battle on the first day, to the negotiations the following morning, all the way to the kingdom’s attack on the final day and the pearl’s reactivation that followed. But when the time came that the queen, I, and a majority of the surviving ponies took refuge in the castle, the queen decided to use the relic, and I naturally objected knowing what would happen if she did. Sadly it didn’t help. With no pony believing my explanation the queen used the relic and the remaining survivors, myself in included, were absorbed into the light and vanished into thin air. The next thing I knew, I awoke here in this library with memories as if I were selected by the Queen of Eden to live here as a scholar of this kingdom. But, the magic in my broken horn shorted out whatever enchantment corrupted my mind, so even though I knew myself to be the kingdom’s scholar, I also knew myself to be its king. And I also held the memories of the year prior”
Zeil was confused, “Year prior?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Yes… when I awoke, it was on the anniversary of Lilith’s destruction one year later. And to make the matter worse, Everypony held memories that I was the scholar of this kingdom so admitting I was its king only made my story less believable. With this I discovered the relic’s true purpose. Every year on the anniversary of its activation, the relic claims all life in Lilith and repeats Lilith’s final days before its destruction. And anypony trapped in the city on the final day, vanish with the rest of the city upon the relics reactivation.”
Zeil thought to himself as he replied, “Meaning?…”
The alicorn replied, with a serious tone, “Meaning if you are within the city’s borders when the pearl reactivates, then you too will become trapped within its curse. You will awaken here with memories that tell you that, you have lived in this city since its founding. You will believe whatever memories are in your mind, and you will forget everything and everypony you’ve known before now.”
Zeil did feel slightly nervous that the alicorn’s story was true however he felt more skeptic then anything as he replied, “So in short… you are the king of this kingdom, you and everypony here are trapped in a repeating curse and unless I help you by the time the curse repeats itself, I will become trapped here and forced to relive the same five days for the rest of time. Do I have all that right?”
The claimed king smiled, “Yes… and I’m assuming you don’t believe me… do you?”
Zeil didn’t answer, instead he only have the alicorn a dumb look as the scholar shrugged his shoulders, “I can’t say I blame you. I’ll admit if one approached me on what would seem to be a normal day, claimed himself to be a monarch of my kingdom, and that my life was trapped in an endless cycle of war and death, then I too would be skeptic. But whether you believe who I am or not, the truth is that you are in grave danger, and I hope you will help me save not only yourself, but also the entire kingdom of Lilith.”
Zeil felt concerned about what he was told, he knew that this kingdom was different from anyplace he had been to before, and that it was probably the reason his changeling senses weren’t working, however, he still thought there was more to it as he replied, “You want me to help you smash the relic then?”
Edelweiss chuckled, “Smash it? You think that in the thirty-three hundred years I’ve been trapped that I haven’t considered that already? I’ve smashed it, I’ve burned it, grinded it into dust and scattered its remains to the four corners of the city. I’ve launched it out of the city on a catapult, sold it to the minotaur general, I’ve even crushed it and eaten the pieces just to see if that would be any different. But no… No matter what way I have destroyed that trinket, the reset happens again and again all on the same day at about the same time. However about two centuries ago, I discovered something different.”
Despite his skepticism, Zeil replied, “Different?”
The Alicorn nodded as he trotted to a bookshelf and grabbed a book as if he already memorized exactly which one he needed as he trotted back to the table and sat it down, “Every year, the relic activates at about the same time on the same day, but… a few centuries ago, I noticed that the wave of light emitted by the pearl didn’t come from the castle where it is stored. In fact I paid more attention to it the last few times and pinpointed its origin.” He opened the book to reveal a map of the city as he placed his hoof on the southern part of the city “The light came from this area. I can’t say which building, because it is different every time. But I know for a fact that this is the origin of the light and where the reset starts from.”
Zeil looked at the book as he replied, “So… the relic’s magic comes from somewhere outside the castle?”
Edelweiss nodded as he replied, “Yes… in fact, I have a theory. I believe that the day the relic was activated, it not only reset the city, but it created a copy of itself.”
Zeil was confused, “A copy? Can it really do that?”
The alicorn nodded, “Yes, it created a duplicate so that the real pearl can be hidden somewhere in the city, and reactivated with no need for protection.”
Zeil nodded, “So we find the real relic and we stop the reset right?”
The alicorn shook his head, “No… we find the user.”
“User?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Yes, even if duplicated the relic would still need one to activate it. So I believe it corrupted the mind of one of my subjects and is using him or her to activate it at the same time every year. As well as move it should one get close to discovering its true location.”
Zeil thought to himself, “So… there is a traitor in your kingdom then right? Erm… somepony who is casing the reset?”
The alicorn nodded, “Yes, and I’ve narrowed it down. The only pony who could be hiding the pearl is one who was a subject in my kingdom before the first reset, and one who is unaccounted for when the rest of the kingdom is being held in the castle on the last day.”
Zeil thought to himself as only one name came to mind, “Compass Rose?”
The alicorn shook his head, “No… Compass Rose came to this city about fifty years ago before being trapped here, so it’s not him.”
Zeil tried again, “Did… you ever consider your queen?”
Edelweiss’s expression sank as he sat down in a chair and replied, “I did… but… I found out it wasn’t her.”
Zeil couldn’t sense his emotions, but it was obvious that whatever means he used to come to the conclusion weren’t good as he asked, “How… do you know?”
Edelweiss shook his head as he replied, “Trust me… I know.” He gave a bracing sigh to remove the dark thoughts, “I’ve investigated practically every pony in the city, but… now I’ve narrowed it down to only one.”
Zeil asked, “Who?”
The alicorn’s anger showed, “Dr. Grey.”
Zeil was surprised, “Wait… the Medic?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Yes… I’ve kept track of all the ponies in the castle for the past few years on the final day, and every time, he along with a few others aren’t present. I’ve discovered where the others were be that dead or otherwise, but Dr. Grey is the one pony I never see anywhere during those final moments. So… it has to be him.”
Seeing the obvious anger Zeil asked, “So, you’re sure then?”
Edelweiss trembled in rage, “Yes… to think that one whom we trusted with our very lives is the one causing so much pain for my subjects… it sickens me.”
Zeil replied, “And… where do I fit in all this?”
Edelweiss replied with a serious tone, “That to be decided… should you help, I would like you to assist in keeping track of Dr. Grey’s movements. That and… I wish for you to tell me a little about what’s happening beyond the walls.”
Zeil was confused, “Beyond the walls?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Yes… though I remain here year by year, I realize the world is forever changing beyond our cities borders, so the only way I know of the world beyond the walls, is by those who travel here. One thing for example…”
Edelweiss trotted to a nearby window as he looked outside and could see the moon beginning to rise to begin the night as he continued, “What has happened to the moon?”
Zeil replied with curiosity, “The moon? What do you mean?”
Edelweiss continued, “It lasted for more then a few centuries, but there was an indention of an alicorn on the moon’s surface for a long time. When I asked a few new residents they told me that the royal princess of the night betrayed her sister and was imprisoned in the moon for her crime. Then a few years ago, the impression vanished. Am I to assume the royal princess returned from her prison?”
Zeil nodded, “You mean Princess Luna of Equestria? Yes she did.”
Edelweiss smiled, “I see, when I asked how the royal sisters were, you said they were fine so I’m assuming they made up and continue to rule together as they did before?”
Zeil nodded but didn’t say anything as Edelweiss looked out the window and held his smiled as he spoke softly, “I’m glade… maybe… there is hope after all.”
Zeil didn’t hear him clearly as he asked, “What was that?
As Edelweiss shook his head as he looked back to Zeil, “It’s nothing… So… you’ve heard my story and what I ask of you. Will you help me?”
Zeil was still skeptic as he tried to think over his answer. Seeing his hesitation Edelweiss smiled, “I see, you still don’t believe me. Or at least, you’re unsure since you didn’t turn me down immediately”
Zeil replied, “I can’t say it’s impossible since I had a recent… paradox based issue a few weeks ago, but you understand why it’s hard to believe. Maybe I just need some time to think.”
Edelweiss nodded as he replied, “Then feel free to take all the time you need. I can show better proof in the morning, but at this time. There will be nothing more to show or tell you.”
Zeil nodded as he replied, “So I can give you my answer later then?”
Edelweiss replied with a peaceful smile, “Of course, you’re not the first I’ve asked, and for those who turned me away, I hold no ill will towards. Just know that the attack will be in four days, so if today is Monday as it was in my time, then the day of the attack will fall on the morn of Friday. But I will ask… what day is it on this year?”
Zeil replied, “Its Wednesday… so I’m guessing the attack will be on Sunday?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Indeed it will… then I have nothing more to speak with you about. Do you know how to leave the castle?”
Zeil nodded as Edelweiss replied, “Then I will allow you to leave on your own. The captain should be in the city at this time, and the castle guards are too tired to do anything if they see you. So as long as you move toward the castle gates, no pony will be the wiser.”
Zeil nodded as he turned towards the library doors and exited the room, “Well, I guess I’ll see you later then.”
“Tomorrow Mr. Zeil… Tomorrow, I will have more proof and a way to reveal just how dire the situation is. Till then, I hope you rest well.”
Edelweiss turned back to the royal painting and waited for Zeil to leave. As Zeil left the castle, Zeil thought to himself about everything he was told. If the story was true, then he needed to help Edelweiss to know how to stop the reset from happening, but if it wasn’t then his best option was to avoid the potentially dangerous alicorn. Never the less, he knew he was given time to decide and he wanted to try and see what Rafi would say about the option. However that night, as Zeil tried to meditate he was unable to enter his usual trance. He didn’t understand it entirely, but Zeil could only assume that if Edelweiss’s story was true, than the relic was somehow preventing him from seeing his spiritual guide, not to mention his inability to sense emotions and auras around him. Zeil could only wonder why this was happening, and what action he should take next.
The next morning, Zeil woke up moderately early since he knew the queen was going to have her meeting with the Minotaur general so he wanted to be there when they were finished. As Zeil exited the temporary home, he was surprised to see Edelweiss sitting in a chair on the building’s porch as the disguised alicorn smiled, “Strange to see you out this early, it was my understanding that your generation was prone to waking later in the morning.”
Zeil gave the scholar a skeptic look, “You say that as if you’re some old timer lecturing me about foals in this day and age.”
Edelweiss smiled as he shrugged his shoulders, “Well I am old, practically a living fossil… but that’s beside the point. Now… about your answer.”
Annoyed Zeil replied, “You don’t beat around the bush do you?”
Edelweiss nodded, “As I said, my generation is less patient to get down to tasks.”
Zeil sighed, “I can’t say I believe you yet, but if anything I only need a little more proof.”
Edelweiss nodded, “I understand then, how about this. Why not ask three for the day of the week.”
Zeil was curious, “Day of the week?”
Edelweiss smiled as he stood from the chair and stepped off the porch, “Yes, as I said before, in my time, yesterday’s battle was on a Monday… while in your time, if I’m not mistaking you said it was a Wednesday correct? So following what I said, if you asked anypony in the city, whose memories are in repeat of the year the war took place, then they would say that today is Tuesday, while in your time, its Thursday.”
Zeil nodded, “I guess...”
The alicorn smiled, “Then feel free to choose and ask anypony you see today of what day it is, I say three since it’s a common number to use for deliberation, but you may ask however many you feel comfortable with. Just remember that they all know of the world as it was back when, so I would hope you forgive anypony for saying something strange.”
Zeil was confused, “What?”
Edelweiss smiled as he started trotting down the street, “Let’s just say, the times change in ways we wouldn’t expect. The past is forgotten and the future is unseen. Well… most of the time.”
Zeil thought to himself as he followed and mumbled, “Tell me about it.”
Although Edelweiss heard him clearly, he chose not to ask about the unusual comment and just continue leading Zeil through the city to the main gate. As Zeil thought about the situation that brought up his comment, he immediately realized something crucial as he paused and mumbled too quietly for the scholar to hear, “The book…”
Edelweiss stopped a few paces ahead of him as he tuned and replied, “What was that?”
Zeil looked at him and shook his head, “Oh… n-nothing…”
Keeping his situation to himself, Zeil continued while hiding his worry. Although he was worried about it, he still knew that this could be what proves the mage’s claim. If all goes as it should, the book will find its way back into his hooves and prove the mages claim. But if it truly was fake, then by continuing his current situation he may never actually see the book again. Then again, this also brought up the worry that he may be required to seek it out which only added to the headache that the whole mage situation had originally brought him.
Seeing his concern Edelweiss spoke, “Is something wrong?”
Zeil decided to forget it as he shook his head, “No… its nothing. So, where are we going?”
Edelweiss replied, “To the main gate, I’m sure you want to be there when the queen begins her meeting with General Fist. They always do.”
Zeil gave the disguised alicorn a strange look, “They? You’re talking about new arrivals to the city right?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Yes, There have been many new arrivals that all were trapped just as I was, they go to the gate in hopes that the negotiations for surrender go well so they can leave the city.”
Zeil was curious, “So… do they?”
Edelweiss’s pace slowed slightly as he replied with a dark tone, “No… in fact… they go as badly as they possibly could.”
Seeing his depression, Zeil replied, “Really? How so?”
Edelweiss replied, “Let’s just say… Some soldiers fight with honor… but that concept escapes the Minotaur Kingdom.”
Zeil had no idea what he was talking about, but he could tell that whatever was about to happen wasn’t good for anypony. As they continued, the two looked forward to see what looked to be a parades style crowd up ahead as it lined the main road leading to the main gate. As they approached the herd, Edelweiss spoke with a demanding tone, “Make way, royal Scholar coming through.”
The ponies who saw him stepped aside as one spoke, “Of course, beg your pardon sir.”
As the herd opened up, Zeil could see the Queen, Compass Rose, and a few soldiers making their way towards the city’s main gate as Edelweiss looked back to Zeil and spoke, “You wait amongst the herd. No offence, but since you are new to the city and haven’t been knighted, you would be considered lower classed, and… it’s improper for one of lower status to approach the queen so casually.”
Knowing that he should follow their customs, Zeil nodded as he stayed amongst the herd while Edelweiss approached the queen’s party. As he stood there, Zeil couldn’t help but look at one of the nearby ponies as he spoke, “Excuse me? What day is it today?”
The pony gave him a dumb look as he replied, “Um… Tuesday”
Zeil sighed, “Of course it is.”
Out in the middle of the main road, Edelweiss approached the queen as he spoke, “Good morning your majesty… I assume you’re going out to meet with the Minotaur general?”
Keeping her pace as she continued down the street, the queen replied, “Good morning Edelweiss. Yes, I intend on putting an end to the blood shed whilst there is still time. Are you intending on being present for negotiations?”
Captain Rose Spoke up, “With all due respect your majesty, I would advise that he stay in the city where it’s safe. The battlefield is no place for a book worm.”
Queen Anna looked to her captain and spoke in an annoyed tone, “Captain… you shouldn’t speak ill of the royal scholar, true he may not be a soldier, but he is still a trusted member of my court and one of my most trusted advis-”
“No, no, He is right your majesty. The battlefield is no place for an intellectual such as myself. Though I will anxiously await your return at the gate. You always hold my trust and my respect, whatever the outcome, just know that I will always support you my queen.”
Smiling at Edelweiss’s words, Queen Anna spoke, “Yes, thank you Edelweiss. Know that you have my trust as well.”
Bowing slightly, Edelweiss stopped following the group as the Queen, Captain Rose and their small squad of troops continued down the street towards the City gates. After they broke from each other Zeil approached Edelweiss as he spoke, “Now that you told me, I do see a better connection between you and the queen. A sort of, unspoken trust…”
Edelweiss smiled, “More like a bond between lovers, one that even an erased memory cannot break.”
The scholar looked into the parade crowd that was watching the queen’s party as he saw Dr. Grey standing on the side watching with little concern as the queen approached the city gates. After the queen approached the large doors, the massive gate opened as Queen Anna exited the city alongside her party of five soldiers and their captain. After the royal mare and her guards exited the city, the massive doors closed as Edelweiss watched Dr. Grey leave the herd and trot to his street side field hospital as Edelweiss spoke, “Zeil… want more proof of my story’s truth, remember these numbers, seven hundred six, one fifty three, twenty two, and he will miscount the last number, but the number he will be looking for is one hundred seventy-five.”
Zeil started to ask as Edelweiss trotted back towards the crowds, “What are those numbers supposed to be?”
Edelweiss replied as he continued, “The death toll…”
Confused by Edelweiss’s serious expression, Zeil quickly caught up to the disguised alicorn as they trotted through the dispersing herd and towards the curbside field hospital that sat right next to the city’s main gate. As they approached the series of tents and their doctor that was entering, Edelweiss called, “Dr. Grey!”
Hearing his name, the blue unicorn stopped before entering the tent as he turned to Edelweiss and replied, “Oh Edelweiss… here to get our count are you?”
Edelweiss nodded as he replied, “Yes, as expected the the queen wants our numbers from yesterday’s battle and as the royal scholar and record keeper, it is my duty to attain those numbers and to report them directly to her majesty. I’m to assume you stabilized all casualties from yesterday?”
Dr. Gray turned and entered the tent as Zeil and Edelweiss followed. After entering the field hospital, Zeil could see the long rows of stretchers each with ponies bearing an assortment of bandaged wounds as the Dr. Grey replied, “As you can see… the numbers of survivors is far less then losses, but I sent the ones with minor wounds home to be with their families. In these trying times, I think they deserve as much.” As the doctor trotted through the tent, a nurse approached as she gave him a clipboard with the exact numbers. As the doctor looked through the tally he spoke, “The battle took a serious toll, last night I admitted seven hundred and six patients. One hundred and fifty three died of their wounds, and twenty two died over night, so in all not counting those lost on the battlefield the death toll is one hundred seventy-four.”
Edelweiss looked down one of the rows of wounded as he replied, “One seventy five…”
Zeil was surprised with the accuracy of Edelweiss’s earlier count as Dr. Grey flipped to another page on his clipboard and he nodded, “Oh right… I was mistaken. Leave it to the royal scholar to do the math without even looking at the numbers.”
Edelweiss replied with a careless tone, “Part of the job… and what of Sourdough? I’m sure Mr. Zeil would like to know his status as well.”
Dr. Grey’s expression became saddened as he replied, “Sourdough passed last night. We were able to remove the arrowheads from his side, but I think one grazed his heart and caused internal bleeding. When we checked him this morning, I’m afraid he was already gone.”
Surprised by the news, Zeil replied with a disappointed tone, “Oh… I… I’m sorry to hear that.”
Dr. Grey nodded, “A lot of good decent ponies died yesterday… and… I wish this mess could have been avoided. You would think that the quee-… never mind… far be it for me to speak ill of her royal majesty.”
Though there was tension in his tone, Edelweiss seemed passive as he replied, “You shouldn’t feel so concerned with questioning the crown. After seeing so much blood and death for so long a time, it’s common to question one’s loyalty.”
Dr. Grey seemed confused, “So long a time?”
Without acknowledging his confusion, Edelweiss replied, “Well, it’s about time for the meeting between the queen and general to begin. Come Mr. Zeil, we can observe from atop the castle walls.”
With no concern, Edelweiss continued through the tent to exit out the back as Zeil followed leaving Dr. Grey behind with a confused expression. As Zeil stepped out of the tent he wanted to ask why Edelweiss seemed so hasty but as he exited out the back entrance of the field hospital, Zeil paused with shock as he found himself standing at the start of a seemingly endless formation of covered corpses. Frozen in shock, Zeil stood looking at the rows of bodies as Edelweiss called from a small staircase to the side as he spoke, “Mr Zeil?”
Snapping out of it, Zeil looked to the stone stairs that lined the inside of the castle’s walls as Edelweiss spoke, “This way…”
With only a few steps from the hospital exit to the stairs Zeil was able to close the distance between them as he followed Edelweiss up to the top of the wall. As they reached the top, a guard called to them, “YOU! You’re not allowed up here Zebra!”
Edelweiss spoke, “It’s alright… he is with me. This is a student of mine come for a visit and seeking more knowledge about book keeping. He is here to observe the importance of political discussions.”
It was obvious that the guard was clueless on what Edelweiss said as he hesitated before replying, “Um… well… as long as he is with you sir… then it’s okay.”
Leaving the two alone, Edelweiss looked outside the city as he and Zeil saw the queen approaching General Fist on a hill that was easily a halfway point between the minotaur camp and Lilith. As the two watched, Zeil had to ask, “Sourdough… you knew he died last night didn’t you… and you asked him so I would find out myself…right?”
Edelweiss nodded, “I guessed you were curious yourself. Weather that was true or not, it didn’t matter. He died, just like last year and the year before. For three millennia.”
Zeil asked, “So this happens every year, and you remember because of your broken horn, but does anypony else?”
Edelweiss shook his head, “No, no matter how hard I try or who I ask, no pony knows anything about what happened after Lilith was destroyed. I would assume that the only ones who hold memories of the time prior are myself, and Dr. Grey.”
Zeil asked, “And you’re sure it’s him? He is the one with the real relic?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Yes… I’ve checked every living pony in this city and every single one was accounted for prior to the relic’s activation. In my best guess, it has to be one who was present when the pearl was activated the very first time all those centuries ago. Meaning it has to be a pony, and those who were trapped after that first time, aren’t involved. Dr. Grey is the only one who could have the real relic. And that’s why I need to know where he is hiding it before he can use it again.”
Zeil replied, “It seemed to me that he didn’t know anything. He was confused when you hinted that yesterday’s battle happened before.”
Edelweiss replied with anger, “Don’t be swayed by his act. He will most likely play dumb until we find evidence that he is lying. Remember, the relic is controlling him, and he will do everything to keep it safe before reactivating it.”
Zeil thought to himself as he replied, “Sure… I guess so…” Zeil looked to see a guard passing in his patrol as he spoke, “Excuse me, I’m a fool for dates, but, do you know what day it is?”
The guard gave him a confused look as he replied, “Well its Tuesday.”
Zeil nodded, “Right… of course it is.”
Edelweiss could only smile at Zeil’s reaction as he looked out into the inactive battlefield at the meeting that was taking place as Zeil decided to do the same.
Out on the dormant battlefield, Queen Anna, Captain Rose, and a few of their soldiers were approaching General Fist and a few of his soldiers on a hill that was half way between his camp and the trapped city. As the two parties approached each other, General Fist smiled in a welcoming manner, “Well if it isn’t the great pony queen of Eden. To what do I owe this honor of being summoned by such a mare of your… stature? Nothing bad I hope.”
Angered by his words Captain Rose started stepping forward, “Why you pompous son of-”
The queen put her hoof in front of him as she spoke, “Captain… Know your place.”
Captain Rose stepped back as Queen Anna looked to General Fist as the general smiled, “Well, well, I thought you ponies were always singing, laughing, and hugging one another. To see one bear his fangs is surprising if not a little… pathetic.”
Trying to hold his anger back, Captain Rose glared at General Fist as Queen Anna spoke, “General… first I would like to thank you for this opportunity to speak with me on neutral grounds.”
General Fist smiled in a gloating manner, “How could I not? We are guests in your kingdom, I felt it was the least I could do… but, tell me… why did you wish to speak with me?”
Queen Anna gave a bracing sigh as she used her magic to remove her crown and hover it at eye level between the two leaders. Then she gently sat it on the ground between them as she took a step back, then bowed, “General Fist, of the minotaur kingdom? I, Queen Anna of Lilith, herby surrender my crown, my kingdom, and myself to you. In hopes that it may serve you. All I ask, is that you have mercy on my subjects and allow them to leave here with their lives. Of this I beg, as Queen of Lilith.”
After the queen bowed to him, the rest of her party followed suit as General Fist took this time to marvel at the groveling royal in front of him. Smiling, General Fist replied with only one word, “… No.”
Surprised Queen Anna looked up from her bow as she replied, “Wh-what?”
General Fist smiled as he stepped passed the queen and looked upon Lilith as he replied, “Such a simple kingdom you have here… established on what used to be minotaur lands… forcibly taken by that traitorous titan of ours.”
Raising from her bow the Queen turned to the General as she replied, “You’re speaking of Lu-“
“Don’t even speak his name… That right is earned by his own creations. Of which… he turned his back on.”
Queen Anna spoke in defense, “Your titan didn’t turn his back on you. Like the rest he cares for his creations. The reason he allotted this land was in hopes of unifying the world to create a better life for all creatures under his and all other titan’s rule. He knew that his reputation as the titan of darkness would scare the races into working together for survival. It’s that reputation tha-”
“That made him into a coward. He should have been focusing on using his reputation to rule the ponies, not to befriend them. His power alone would have slain your king and queen and driven your kind to do our bidding, instead he stoops to your level for this so called… greater good.”
The queen shook her head, “I don’t believe that… After meeting him face to face, I don’t see him as the creature of darkness that all others fear. If anything, his balance alone pro-”
The minotaur waved his had dismissively as he interrupted yet again, “Enough of this… he lost our respect the day he showed his true weakness… Love is something that a Titan shouldn’t feel. It made him weak just as it did the king and queen of Eden. As it also did… for your King.”
Holding back her anger, the proper queen replied, “What you perceive as weakness, I see as strength.”
General Fist smiled, “Ah… that’s right, the king was the strong one in your relationship right?... how touching, after all… he was the superior race was he not?”
The queen felt nervous, “What?”
General Fist gave her an insulting glance, “Tell me, is it true? Where you truly a low creature turned alicorn by his magic? That’s right, you fell in love with him only because you understood that he can change you from a lowly pegasus, into an alicorn. And now with him gone, you realize the truth… That you are weak no matter what form you take.”
The general smiled at his provoking words as he waited for her to react with hostility, however it was her captain that reacted first as he spoke, “Shut you mou-“
“Captain, stand down! Your Queen speaks!”
Stopping his words, Captain Rose recoiled as Queen Anna Replied, “What you say is true… I was the daughter of a pegasi commander. Driven from home because of my love for an alicorn. Just as Matthias was driven from his. But it’s because of his love and spell that I hold this form. A spell so complex as to grant the power and appearance of an alicorn to any pony be that earth, pegasi, or unicorn. And if not for the words and alliance between your titan and mine, we would hold no place in either kingdom. But that only proves that to be here, is the will of both our titans.”
Disappointed that the queen didn’t react with more hostility, General Fist replied with a careless tone, “Weather it be their will or your own… it doesn’t matter.” He walked passed her again and looked towards his army camp as he sighed before speaking with a mellow tone, “Three days.”
The queen was confused, “Three days?”
The minotaur nodded, “Yes… Today is Tuesday… on the morning of Friday, just as the sun lights the sky, I will launch my final charge. My order… to lay siege to Lilith, to destroy the city, its queen, and its subject… and to leave none to tell the tale.”
The queen was shocked, “No! You can’t! My subjects are innocent! Please I beg you, grant them mercy!”
General fish smiled, “I did… I’m giving you three days to enjoy what lives you have left. I will launch no charge or skirmish to cause fighting between us till that morning, but… if I see any of your subjects leave the city, they will be punished severely… before suffering a torturous death.”
The worried queen pleaded, “I beg you… is there nothing to change your mind?”
General Fist shook his head, “My apologies, but this order comes directly from my king… and your captain knows all too well what it means to follow your monarch’s orders.”
Captain Rose sneered at the general, but said nothing as he understood the comment. Despite its truth however, the queen continued her plea, “There must be something I can do to see to your mercy. If needed, Take me as a prisoner and present me before your king. Perhaps I can negotiate for the lives of my subjects.”
General Fist replied, “My orders are set and my officers will carry them out… Unless…”
Feeling hopeful Queen and a spoke, “Unless?...”
General Fist smiled sinisterly, “I spotted something interesting while looking upon your city just now… a certain… creature amongst your kingdom that… Didn’t belong.”
Confused, Queen Anna looked back towards Lilith as she saw both Edelweiss and Zeil standing on top of the perimeter wall as her expression showed that she understood what he was saying. Seeing this, General Fist smiled, “You see it don’t you?... That Zebra.”
The Queen Nodded, “I do… what of him?”
Taking the opportunity General Fist spoke, “Bring him to me alive… and I might spare your kingdom?”
Surprised by the offer the queen looked at General Fist in shock, “What?”
The general continued, “You heard me right your majesty, you bring him to me… and I’ll consider turning my armies away and spare you all.”
As the queen thought about the offer, Captain Rose stepped forward, “Done!”
The queen gave her subornment an angry look, “CAPTAIN!”
Backing away, Captain Rose silenced himself as the queen replied with a skeptic tone, “This Zebra… why is he so important to give such a generous offer? Who is he to you?”
The general quickly thought up a lie, “Would you believe… he is a criminal? One who has committed a serious crime and… who deserves to see justice’s will be done?”
The queen continued, “What crime?”
The general replied with hesitation, “Well… that’s our business. Just know that since he isn’t your subject this offer should be easy for you.”
Seeing his obvious lie, the Queen looked back at Lilith as she replied, “It’s because he isn’t my subject that makes it more difficult to decide.”
Back in Lilith, both Zeil and Edelweiss could see the two leaders looking in their direction as Edelweiss’s expression became nervous, “Something is wrong.”
Zeil replied, “What?”
“They are taking too long out there… by now the queen would be on her way back but… she isn’t… something has change. Something different from the last few years, but what? And… how will it affect the events to come?”
Back out on the battlefield, General Fist smiled, “Why is it so hard? He doesn’t belong to your kingdom so his life shouldn’t hold any real value to you.”
The Queen replied, “If I forfeit his life so simply, it would be no different than abducting a subject from a neighboring kingdom.”
Remembering Zeil’s Words, Captain Rose started to speak, “Your majesty, he said so himself that he belongs to no ki-”
Not wanting the general to know, Queen Anna interrupted, “Captain, cease your interloping on our discussion. This is your final warning. So saith the Queen!”
As Captain Rose silenced himself, the distraught queen took a second to gather her thoughts before looking back to General Fist and replying, “General… as gracious as your offer is, this matter requires further deliberation. Would it be possible for me to postpone my decision until I had more time to consider it?”
General Fist smiled as he replied, “If you must, then do so. You may send your response through currier phoenix, but remember one thing your majesty… Friday is when I choose to launch my attack, and I will do so, weather I have your answer or not.”
The queen replied, “And should I turn him over to you prior?”
The general smiled, “You have my word your majesty, you deliver the zebra to me, and your subjects will be taken care of.”
With that said the queen nodded, “Then I will consider your proposal and have an answer for you before that time.”
General Fist nodded, “Then this concludes our meeting. Take care your majesty, and remember, I won’t let any leave the city… so it will be in your best interest to… contain your subjects, hence they may meet and end most unfortunate.”
With his warning seeming closer to a threat, Queen Anna gave General Fist a concerned look as General Fist turned away without concern as he left the queen in her state of confusion. As the general made his way back to his camp he looked to his subornment and spoke, “Is everything prepared?”
The soldier nodded, “Yes sir, the prisoners are chained and ready for display.”
The general smiled, “Good.”
Without hearing the general’s words to his soldier, Queen Anna put her crown back onto her head and began trotting back towards the city while trying to hide the disappointment of her meeting’s results.
Back on the city wall, Zeil and Edelweiss watched as the Queen’s party turned from the meeting area and started on their way back to Lilith. As they trotted back Edelweiss looked towards a hill that was closer to the city as he pointed, “Zeil… look there.”
As Zeil looked in the area that Edelweiss was looking he saw a few Minotaur working on a nearby hill as they were seen digging a few holes in the ground. Confused Zeil asked, “What are they doing?”
Edelweiss sighed, “Preparing the ground for a display.”
Zeil was confused, “Display? You mean like a show of some kind?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Well, a show of power at least. Wait here and you will see for yourself. I need to ensure the queen addresses her subject first. Otherwise, her guilt will overshadow her pain.”
Zeil could only watch in confusion as, Edelweiss turned away before he could reply to the strange comment, jumped, and glided down to the city gate while Zeil did what he was told and stayed where he was. On the field outside the City, Queen Anna started to approach the city gate as she too noticed the minotaurs’ strange actions. However, this didn’t cause her to hesitate any as she approached the city gates and waited for the doors to open.
As the massive city doored opened allowing the Queen to enter, Edelweiss was waiting on the inside of the doors as he watched the monarch enter the city. When she saw him she spoke, “Edelweiss, come… I need my scholar’s guidance.”
Although he was curious as to what she wanted to say, Edelweiss stayed on his own predetermined schedule as he replied, “With all due respect your majesty… it would be wise to address your subjects first… They await information and instruction from their queen.”
Slowly, Queen Anna panned her eyed around Edelweiss as she saw a large number of gathered citizens who gave her a concerned look. When she saw them, Edelweiss added, “Ease their minds before easing your own.”
Queen Anna nodded, “Yes… of course.” She spoke loudly to address her subjects, “Citizens of Lilith, hear me now for your queen speaks! For those of you who couldn’t witness the meeting I had with General Fist, I shall inform you of my actions. Before the general and his entire army, I removed my crown, placed it upon his hooves, and bowed in an effort to beg for surrender.”
After this was heard, the subjects gave their queen a shocked look as some whispered amongst themselves, “What?” “But… a queen should never bow.” “Why would she sully herself to such cowardice?” Does she sham her own crown?”
“SILENCE!!! Your queen did what she must for Lilith! Do not judge her actions harshly! Listen to her words. YOUR QUEEN SPEAKS!!!”
Surprised by Edelweiss’s outburst, Queen Anna replied, “Yes… though I disgraced my crown so easily, notice I did so in order to spare your lives. As requested for my surrender, I asked that General Fist should spare my subjects and allow you all safe passage out of the kingdom.”
Doctor Grey stepped forward, “And his answer? What did General Fist say to this request?”
Queen Anna shook her head in sadness as she replied, “Unfortunately… He refused to give me an answer, and told me that he would make a decision by the Morning of Friday… Till then… he had blocked all passages in and out of the city and warned me that if any try to leave… they will be severely punished. So, I’m making a royal decree right here and now! No pony, resident, or guest may leave the city at any time for any reason. To break this law, means to accept the minotaur’s punishment openly, with no objections from the crown. SO SAYITH THE QUEEN!!!”
Hearing the decree, the subjects bowed their heads slightly as they all replied, “Long live the Queen.”
Surprised that everypony had no objection to the decree, Zeil held his silence as Queen Anna looked to Edelweiss, “Now that that is over, we can co-“
“QUEEN ANNA OF LILITH!!!”
Surprised by the call, Queen Anna and most of the city’s subjects looked to the tall city gate as she opened her wings and flew to the top of the wall to see who was calling from outside the city. As she landed, she momentarily shifted her eyes to Zeil who was waiting, then back to the outside of the city as she saw General Fist and a number of his soldiers standing just outside the city near the holes that the minotaurs soldiers were digging mere moments ago. As she looked at the general, the minotaurs soldier smiled, “You’re fleeting in your duties daughter to the pegasi! I gave you instructions to keep your subjects at bay, and here I already stumble upon a group that defy your words. Behold!”
General Fist waved his hand to address his approaching soldiers behind him as a group of soldiers walked towards him carrying six long posts each with ponies tied to them with chains.
As soon as Queen Anna saw the posts her expression became one of both worry, and anger. Seeing this, General Fist smiled as his soldiers placed the ends of the post into the dug holes allowing each post to stand on end, and display their tied prisoners openly for all who were standing on the city’s walls. Once all posts were planted the soldiers started placing bundles of hay around each stake as General Fist continued, “Citizens of LILITH!!! Hear me for I speak! Your kingdom has fallen and your hope fleeting! But I… your conqueror am not without mercy. I will allow you to live till the morn of Friday. Then, I will launch an attack that will remove you and your kingdom from the face of this world. So… I ask that you accept this mercy, and stay within your walls, otherwise…”
At that moment one of his soldiers approached General Fist as the general was given a burning torch and started waking by each post as he spoke, “Each act of disobedience, will result in the same punishment…” He stopped at the post furthest from the city and held the torch high over the surrounding hay, “Death by pyre.”
With that said, the general dropped the torch on the hay surrounding the last post as the pony chained to that post started begging and pleading for his life. However, as the begging slowly turned to screams of pain, more torch bearing minotaurs approached each post as they preceded to set each pony on fire as ordered by their general. As the six chained ponies screamed in pain, Zeil couldn’t bear the sight anymore as he turned away from the scene and looked into the city away from the execution. As he did, he could see the horrid faces of the citizens as they listened to the burning ponies’ screams of pain. Seeing that the subjects of Lilith knew what was happening outside the walls, Zeil looked towards Edelweiss as the scholar quickly trotted away from the area as the disguised alicorn disappeared into the city. Confused at the sight, Zeil looked at the queen to see if she noticed Edelweiss’s withdraw. However, not only did she not see the scholar exit the area, but she was forcibly watching the execution while doing her best to hid the sheer horror from her own expression.
Surprised that she was forcing herself to watch the horrifying execution, Zeil looked back to the scene just as the last screams were subsided by the deaths of the prisoners. As the screams were replaced by the crackling of the burning stakes and their now deceased victims, General Fist looked to Queen Anna and drew his sword as he pointed it at her, “Remember your majesty… Friday is the day I attack… unless well… you know what I want.”
Slowly the Minotaur’s sword paned away from the royal alicorn before stopping and leaving the weapon pointed at the Zebra who stood barely twenty feet from her. Turning her head slightly, Queen Anna looked towards Zeil out the corner of her eyes before looking back towards the burned bodies that were now immobile on the scorched stakes.
Seeing her quick glance made Zeil curious, but not as much as he was of Edelweiss’s withdraw as he turned away from the scene and made his way back down from the wall as quickly as he could. As he approached ground level, Zeil started trotting into the city until he was stopped by a voice, “And where do you think you’re going stripes?”
Zeil stopped as he looked to Captain Rose as he replied with little concern, “I’m going to find Edelweiss.”
Captain Rose gave him a distrusting look, “Really? And why is that?”
Zeil replied with a little distrust of his own, “Not to build on your suspicion of me being a spy, but what I need to talk to him about doesn’t concern you.”
Captain Rose was angered by his tone, but he was more passive then any as he replied, “Oh don’t worry, my suspicion of you being a spy is long gone now… However, whether you are a danger to this kingdom or not… remains to be seen. Continue watching your step Stripes… I’ll be watching you.”
With no intent on explaining himself, Captain Rose trotted away from Zeil as the confused changeling decided to disregard the captain’s words and continued into the city.
Although he was confused by the captain’s words, he still felt that he needed to talk with Edelweiss as he started trotting down the road. Since he didn’t see where Edelweiss was going, he decided to try checking the palace library, however as he trotted by an alley, he was stopped when he heard Edelweiss’s voice, “So you saw it… didn’t you?”
As Zeil paused, he could see Edelweiss leaning against the alley wall as he glared at the ground in an intense rage. Though his expression was angry, tears rolled down from his face as Edelweiss continued, “The endless torture… the repeated deaths… that feeling of hopelessness and pain in her eyes… As a king… its torture… but as a husband… its worse than death.”
Zeil couldn’t feel his anger, but it was obvious by Edelweiss’s expression that it was a murderous rage. Knowing this Zeil replied, “She… just watched… without looking away, without batting an eye. Why?”
Edelweiss with his anger still apparent replied, “I don’t know how kings and queens rule in your time, but in mine, we rule with one law. If we don’t have the will to whiteness our own failures, then we have no right to celebrate our victories. This is what it means to be a king, but… I’ve witnessed it a thousand times over, and I realize, there are no more victories for me, only defeat. So I’ve stopped watching, I’ve stopped witnessing the failer of a king, since… I no longer wear a crown. But… I’ve been fighting for so long, I fear, I will never again witness a victory.”
As Zeil looked at the defeated king, he could only feel sorry for him as he sighed before speaking, “Then… I have only one question for you.”
Edelweiss looked towards Zeil as the Changeling smiled, “What day is it?”
Edelweiss smiled, “Its Tuesday.”
Zeil nodded, “Then we only have a few days to find this relic. So what’s first?”
Knowing that this meant that Zeil was willing to help, Edelweiss nodded, “We need to find out where Dr. Grey is hiding the real relic, but first… You need to know and understand why Lilith Exists, and for you to know that, you need to know of the titan who helped established the Kingdom on his territory.”
Zeil gave Edelweiss a confused look, “The titan who established it? Isn’t that the King and Queen of Eden?”
Edelweiss nodded, “True that it was their cooperation that led to the idea, but in actuality it wasn’t their decision to create this kingdom. It was actually your titan that led to its creation.”
Zeil was confused, “My titan? You mean the one who created my race?”
Edelweiss nodded, “Yes… the titan who created the zebra, the minotaur and even the changelings all in one… I’m talking about the titan, Lucifer.”