“Hurry up Stone, the boss is coming,” someone whispered behind Broken Stone’s head.
“I’m almost done, just hold him off for another minute,” Sunset Shimmer felt herself reply.
Her hooves were raised, and pressed against the wall of what looked like a mine shaft of some kind. Behind him a pair of workers were erecting supports while the one who had just whispered to him, held a lantern above his head. The sounds of distant conversation could be heard occasionally echoing down the tunnel, though the actual words were no longer audible.
Broken Stone didn't need to hear it to know that his friend was busy distracting the foreman who had come to inspect their area. A good thing too, as if he was seen by anyone outside of his small crew, he’d likely be reported to the local inquisitor. A thought which drew Sunset Shimmer out of the flow state she had somehow fallen into, her mind becoming her own once more.
That was intense. I even knew what he was thinking. Sunset thought to herself.
She turned her attention to her glowing hooves, and the way the wall of the mineshaft was distorting somehow. The tunnel was growing all by itself, urged on by the magic of the earth pony Sunset was inhabiting. Stone sunk into the wall, then contorted, making it look like it had been worked with picks when no such thing had happened.
He's covering his trail. Sunset realized.
“Wrap it up Stone, he's here,” whispered the same stallion from before.
“Got it,” Broken Stone replied.
With a stomp of his hooves, he stopped the flow of energy, and covered the last of his work so no one would know. A quick visual inspection confirmed that it looked like it had been worked at by standard tools and not secret earth pony magic. He then reached down and grabbed his ill used pickaxe from the wall and slung it over his shoulder as hoofsteps approached.
“Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle,” muttered a voice. “You did it.”
Broken Stone turned to find himself standing before an imposingly tall unicorn wearing a black vest, and a wide brimmed hat. Towering over nearly everyone save for Broken Stone himself, the white furred, and blue eyed new arrival seemed pleased. A small, subtle smile graced his face, and he nodded slowly as he looked about the end of the tunnel.
“Thirty seven feet. Once again you are the only ones to have met the daily quota,” continued the unicorn. “Are you sure one of you ain't a secret unicorn in disguise?”
“No sir,” exclaimed a short, rather mousy middle aged stallion who trotted up to one side of the taller male. “Just a bunch of hard working ponies, isn't that right boys?”
The others in Broken Stone’s group all nodded or muttered their agreement.
“So it seems,” murmured the unicorn, who glanced slowly around the space. “Now for the real question though. Did you find anything worthwhile?”
“Not a thing,” replied the smaller stallion.
“Is that so,” whispered the unicorn. “Cus it seems to me like you should have found something after all this time.”
“A bit of bad luck I’m afraid,” Broken Stone interrupted.
The supervisor's eyes narrowed and he trotted up to the earth pony until their noses nearly met.
“You know here's the curious thing about your little group,” he began. “You’ve gotten further than most others, yet your yields are some of the lowest I’ve seen. Do you have any idea why that might be?”
“All the shafts in this area have fairly low productivity,” offered the smaller stallion, interjecting himself between the two. “Overall the number of gems we’ve found is rather low, but for the area were actually the largest producer.”
“So you keep telling me,” muttered the overseer. “Yet you only seem to find the lowest value crystals. Ones barely strong enough to hold a level one spell for a mere week.”
“Then perhaps you should reevaluate our request to move to a more profitable area,” Broken Stone interjected. “The potential profits for the lord are considerable.”
The unicorn tsked, and took a step back, causing the other miners to relex slightly. “I would love nothing more then to move you up a few layers, but the lord of the land seems to think that you are a better fit down here.”
“That doesn't make much sense,” muttered someone.
The unicorn spun around and glared at him. “You keep those comments to yourself, earth pony. Lord Grey Mane is the most well read stallion in the province, and may I remind you, your better.”
“Begging your pardon, overseer,” murmured the lone pegesus of the bunch.
“Remember to watch your tone. This colony has been without the light of Equestria for too long, and if we are going to be worthy of entering her light, all must appreciate their place,” continued the unicorn. “Now then. I can't rightly dock your wages, or slash your rations since you did meet the daily quota.”
He held up a hoof, stifling the air of hope that had briefly overcome the small group. “Regardless. You must give me something, and soon. The higher ups have been impressed with your progress, but progress without results are meaningless.”
The mineshaft was quiet for several long seconds before Broken Stone stepped forward.
“Are we dismissed?” he asked.
All eyes turned to the unicorn, who held Broken Stone’s gaze for nearly a minute before nodding.
“You are,” he declared.
The other miners released a sigh of relief as the overseer turned and trotted away, all eyes following him as he departed. Only when he had slipped around the end of the tunnel and vanished from view did everyone truly relax.
“That was bloody close,” murmured someone.
“Your plan better bear fruit soon, Stone. I don't like all this extra scrutiny I’ve been getting from the local horn heads,” remarked pegasus.
“It hasn't been much easier on the rest of us,” added another voice, who was joined by muttered affirmations from the rest of the ponies.
Save for Broken Stone.
“I know it's been hard, but it will be worth it,” Broken Stone exclaimed. “We only need to keep at this for a few more days before we can come back, dig up all the hidden gems, and escape to the borderlands.”
“And live like nobles,” exclaimed the pegasus with a grin.
“Well maybe not nobles, but pretty damn well,” Broken Stone corrected.
“So long as we ain't livin here, we’ll be livin well,” remarked a rather stout earth pony.
“Exactly,” agreed Broken Stone. “Stick to the plan for another few days and we’ll slip away during the summer sun celebration.”
Nearly everyone muttered their agreement before trotting back towards the mine entrance, chatting with one another as they did so. All save for the shortest stallion of the bunch and Broken Stone himself, who lingered slightly further back from the others.
“Do you think we can trust them, Nimble Hooves?” Broken Stone inquired.
“Are you sure you shouldn't be asking them that question about me?” Nimble replied with a smirk.
Broken Stone snorted. “You stuck your neck out just to get my family into the mines in the first place. Why would you turn around now?”
“I don't know, wealth makes ponies do crazy things,” Nimble exclaimed.
“But not you,” Broken Stone replied in a slightly hopeful tone.
“Nah. If I was gonna stab y'all in the back I’d do it after we left town with the goods,” Nimble Hooves declared, flashing the other stallion a smirk.
“I’ll make sure to keep my guard up then,” Broken Stone remarked with a chuckle.
“And to answer your question, I know Whisper Tail had contact with the overseer before their shift, but from what I’ve gathered they haven't turned us in,” Nimble Hooves finally answered.
“Good. Let's hope we can continue trusting them for at least another week or so,” Broken Stone whispered.
The pair stopped at the central mineshaft, waiting alongside dozens of other miners eager to return to the surface. The crush of sweaty, dust stained bodies was unpleasant, but something Broken Stone had long since gotten used to. In fact he didn't even mind it anymore, and he hummed thoughtfully to himself as he looked out over his fellow workers.
Grouped into tribes, the ponies kept a tight grip on their shovels and picks, their conversations hushed. Pegasi stayed off to one side, giving the larger number of earth ponies a wide, respectful berth. The only group who seemed to fear nothing were the trio of unicorn overseers at the front of the pack, who chatted loudly with one another.
Nearly everyone could overhear their weekend plans, and loud declarations of how much they were going to drink. It was enough to almost make the animosity between earth pony and pegasus disappear. Almost.
The rumbling clatter of the coming elevator drew Sunset Shimmer from her host’s thoughts.
This keeps happening more and more. Am I even going to be able to differentiate between us by the end? She thought, only to dismiss the notion entirely. She remembered what it had been like when the memory ended, and she knew that there were no lingering dissociation. Or at least there wasn't after the first one.
Sunset dismissed her fears, and focused on her host’s new surroundings, namely the village he was currently walking towards. The mining camp she had passed, was a small, rather slapdash affair, which happened to be a theme that carried over to the town. Nestled within a relatively tiny valley in between a pair of mountains, the small settlement only had a single road leading out of it.
It was also a relatively short walk down to the valley floor, most of which was spent observing the area passively. Sunset could tell that Broken Stone enjoyed the sights, and the mountain’s close presence, though he did not like the village itself. Nor did he enjoy it when a loud carriage bounced past him, nearly clipping him as it trundled down the gravel road.
Glancing inside he caught a brief glimpse of a rather rotund unicorn stallion even younger than him. Sitting across from the local lord was another horned pony who was wearing the armor of a royal guard. They seemed to be in a deep discussion as they didn't even glance out the windows as they flew down the mountain.
Stone Break felt bad for the poor ponies being forced to lead the fancy carriage down the road, though he didn't think of them long. Instead his focus returned to the town, sweeping across from a walled villa to the north, down to a market in the center, and finally to a group of homes to the south. Most of these final structures were little more than temporary shacks, tents, or primitive wooden buildings erected by those staying within.
It's not worth it to construct a home since you won't be here for long. Broken Stone remembered, thinking back to the spiel he had been given upon arrival. One which rang rather hollow now that he saw the local lord’s rather impressive home, and fairly numerous guest houses.
It was clearly unequal, though the inequality did not end there, as the traders were treated incredibly well. Allowed to stay in a rather lavish hotel built for their needs, these travelling sales ponies were the main providers of food. A thought which drew Sunset’s attention down to the stand she was passing by, and the notice pasted to its front.
Prices for corn, beans, and wheat have risen. If you complain, I will raise them even more. It said in neat, slim lettering.
Broken Stone snorted, and looked away, distracting himself by observing the ponies around him. As usual the earth ponies and pegasi gave one another a wide berth, though both groups stayed even further away from the few unicorns trotting the dusty streets. These strangers were looked at with fear, and unease, as were the guards that accompanied them everywhere.
It was such a despair inducing sight that Broken Stone finally redirected his attention towards the lower end of town. Where his home, and his family were no doubt waiting for him on the meagre steps that passed for a porch. With that thought in mind, he began to trot a little faster, the lingering exhaustion pushed aside by images of their smiling faces.
There was little Flicker Feather, the unplanned, but not unloved child born out of a night of excessive drinking. Regardless of her origin, they were well cared for, and were doted on constantly by both parents. Their smiling face was an image Broken Stone recalled often, giving him the strength to push through whatever obstacle got in his way.
Their soft purple fur, and deep blue mane were permanently engraved at the back of Broken Stone’s mind. Whenever he closed his eyes he could see that smiling face, sparkling magenta eyes, and tiny little wings. The foal had been one of the best things to happen, though such a contest was a close one given how much he loved his wife.
Silver Springs. Just the thought of her was enough to stir a warmth from deep down in the stallion’s chest, and he began to run a little faster. His mind’s eye was not good enough, and he needed to see her right at that very moment.
Broken Stone leapt over a fallen log, then dashed around a copse of thorn bushes, emerging out into a small grove. There he saw the simple two room cabin he had built nearly a year ago, though he did not see the two things he was looking for. There were no candles burning in the window, no sign of anyone inside, and no smiling faces waiting on the step.
Slowing down, Broken Stone trotted up to the entrance, his skin crawling for reasons he couldn't quite explain. He then pulled open the door and peeked hesitantly inside, his call dying on his lips the moment he saw it was empty. Not only empty, but cold, as if it had been unnopcied for some time.
“Flicker Feather? Silver Springs? Are you there?” he shouted anyway.
When no answer came he took a step inside, only to stop when he felt his hoof step on something strange. Glancing down, the stallion noticed that a letter sat waiting for him, one addressed to him by name. He picked it up, glanced a little closer and found that it was from someone named Perfect Tempo.
“I’ll deal with this later,” Broken Stone muttered to himself.
Placing the letter aside, the stallion quickly turned around and trotted back outside. After briefly searching for any sign of his family, he took a right and began to trot over to a wall of tall rose bushes. Swiftly maneuvering around them, Broken Stone came out the other side a few feet away from a tent.
“Evening, neighbor,” remarked the older mare who sat in the entrance, a pipe sticking out the side of her cracked lips. “What brings you my way?”
“I’m sorry Willow Weed, but I must ask if you’ve seen either Flicker Feather or Silver Springs recently,” Broken Stone exclaimed.
The older mare inhaled slowly, then exhaled just as slowly, making the stallion’s nerves begin to fray. He managed to hold his impatience in check for long enough for the earth pony to speak once more.
“I have,” she began. “A few hours ago a royal guard came around. Said he was scanning the town for any sign of a new infectious disease. Now he said I was clear, but when they left your home they were joined by both of yer kin.”
“Did you see where they went?” Broken Stone half asked, half demanded.
“Now I do apologize for being a bit of a snoop mister Stone, but there was something a bit shifty about that guard so I followed them back to the apothecary’s in town,” continued the mare. “I wasn't let inside, but supposedly that's where they were keepin all the sick folk.”
“That's perfectly alright Willow,” muttered Broken Stone. “But did you see my wife and foal? Did they look sick?”
Willow shrugged. “I don't know. They seemed fine enough when I had tea at your place this afternoon, but when I followed them into town I could tell Silver Springs was getting a bit flush in the face.”
Broken Stone began to pace, his breathing coming in short, rapid bursts. “The guard, did you notice anything off about him?”
“Just that he wore some kinda funny mask, and refused to go near anyone,” Willow Weed answered.
“Could you see his face, or cutie mark?” Broken Stone pressed.
Willow Weed shrugged. “Not really. His face was hidden beneath that funny lookin bird helmet he wore and the rest of him was covered in some kinda black cloak. It was all menacing like, let me tell you.”
Broken Stone hummed thoughtfully but said nothing as he began to pace back and forth.
“You best not be thinkin of doing something foolish,” Willow Weed warned, waving her pipe at the stallion. “I know you’re strong in the old ways, but these are royal guards were talkin about. They are on a whole nother level.”
“I don't plan on starting anything, if that's what your worried about,” Broken Stone replied.
“If I had a bit for every stallion that said that right before they ended up slapped in irons, I certainly wouldn't be living in a tent,” Willow Weed gruffly remarked.
Broken Stone sighed. “I’m just going to see if I can check in with my family, and failing that, I’m going to tail that guard. Hopefully I can find out what's going on around here.”
“Well I wish you the best of luck mister Stone,” Willow Weed began, pausing to take a short puff. “Stars know your family has been nothing but kind to me.”
“I’m just glad Silver Springs was able to find a friend here,” Broken Stone replied.
Willow Weed smiled gently. “Once you figure out what's going on you come on back to old mare Willow. I might be able to help, and if nothing else I sure would like to know if my rummy partner is going to be up for our usual afternoon game.”
Broken Stone chuckled. “Don't worry. I’ll get to the bottom of this as soon as possible.”
Sunset Shimmer gasped for breath, her eyes rolling loosely around in their sockets.
“What happened?” Twilight asked, placing a hand on Sunset’s back, and a second on the other girl’s elbow.
“Nothing,” Sunset replied, her breathing slowly returning to normal. “It was just… very intense.”
“Did you discover any new information?” Perfect Tempo inquired.
Sunset Shimmer frowned, but resisted the urge to shake her head. “I was Broken Stone again, only this time it was earlier then last. Instead of fighting Celestia and meeting you I was working in the mine. I was using the secret technique handed down by my grandfather in order to cheat the mine owner.”
“Your secret technique?” Twilight asked hesitantly.
“Er Broken Stone’s I mean,” Sunset quickly replied.
“Is that it?” Perfect Tempo asked.
Sunset Shimmer took her head. “I also saw the town, and discovered that it was a bit of a mess. Worse still it seemed like there was some kind of plague sweeping through the place.”
“Interesting…” Perfect Tempor murmured, a hand stroking his chin. “Did you see any symptoms?”
“Just that it made ponies flushed in the face,” Sunset Shimmer answered.
“That's not a lot to go on. Let us hope it wasn't the screaming death,” Perfect Tempo remarked.
“Wait. How don't you know these things? Didn't you live during this time?” Twilight pressed.
Perfect Tempo sighed. “Broken Stone was not a very open stallion even after all those years. Worse still, any record of the mining village was scrubbed clean from Equestrian records. Officially it was wiped off the map by an avalanche that left only a handful alive.”
“The answer must lie with one of the last two,” Sunset reasoned.
Twilight grabbed the other girl’s arm, stopping her before she could reach the next orb.
“Wait a second, shouldn't you take a break?” Twilight asked.
“I have to know what happens,” Sunset replied. “Please Twilight. This is important.”
Twilight's jaw clenched tight, and for a moment it looked like she was going to keep fighting, only to sigh.
“I know that look, and I know there's no stopping you, but please. Before you enter the next one you have to take a minute to relax and focus. You aren't talking like yourself anymore,” Twilight implored.
“I…” Sunset smiled. “I will Twilight. Promise.”
“Thank you,” Twilight replied, releasing her grip on the other girl.
“Now then. Lets see what happened,” Sunset whispered to herself, hand extended towards the third orb.