The minotaur huffed as he raced down the burning corridors of the palace, a fear causing its hair to be on edge. He had run from one side of the world to be here, to bring the news he knew his Queen would be most unpleased to hear. He knew the risks it meant, being the bearer of such news to the Highest Priestess, but alas, the work was needed from a minotaur, and so he had provided himself.
The two minotaur guards at the doors to Her chamber gave him little notice, opening the door with huffs, steam escaping their noses. The minotaur minded them fearfully, the Priestess’ own guard giving him an unpleasant stare. She was in a bad mood already, most certainly brought about by everything She was intending to deal with. He would be lucky to ever leave this palace, he knew.
Entering the chamber with a nervous step, the steer raised his head to stare up at the Veil. It hid Her from him, or more accurately, protected him from Her. She was there though, sitting in the Unseen Throne, behind the resplendent, bloodred Veil. Her shadow was cast through It, Her figure impossibly tall. He could see every feature of Her’s, the imposing way Her head looked up as the doors were closed, leaving them alone.
The minotaur’s voice failed him as he was only able to watch the shadow of Her Horns through the Veil, the chains hanging from Them as clear through the Veil as She was. Managing a short huff, he bowed himself in front of Her, unable to do anything but cower in Her presence. It was a defense mechanism of all those who knew Her, who lived by Her rule and reign. Unable to do anything else, he extended his cloven hands out to Her, offering the simple scroll that bore the news to change time itself.
The breath left him as he heard It get pulled aside, the Priestess leaving her Throne and the covering of the Veil to retrieve the message Herself. The minotaur couldn’t breath as he heard Her heavy footsteps approach him, the impossibility of Her stepping towards him almost causing him to lose consciousness. He managed to breath in, but only held onto the breath for a second as suddenly the tome was taken from his hands.
Feeling the weight leave them, he once again lost his breath, knowing She was there, just a few hairs from him. The thought made him feel honored and terrified at the same moment. His Queen and Priestess in one, reading the letter he presented Herself. He felt his shoulders gain weight in spite of nothing being added. Her presence nearly crushed him, Her unadulterated glory threatening to be his downfall. A glorious downfall it would be, then.
“Very well then,” the Priestess spoke sharply, dropping the tome to the ground before him. He was startled by the sudden speech of his Queen, flinching at Her words. The Priestess suddenly rested Her own Hand against his shoulder. With a fierce growl, she instructed him, “Your time has come. Lead your brothers to war.”
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End of Part 1 of
Equestria's Ray of Hope
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