Book 10 / Chapter 1
Lessons to Become the Mage
(Year 5, Month 9, Day 18)
The moon shined upon a lifeless village as all within the Northern Tribes slept through the night. In the Chief’s hut, Chief Basarum slept peacefully next to his wife as something unexpected happened. In an almost frantic action, Zera woke as she immediately sat up breathing heavily as a cold sweat started to build up on her terrified expression. Breathing deeply and too terrified to do anything else, Zera sat still as Chief Basarum woke and looked at his wife’s expression which looked as if she had experienced the most terrifying thing that she or any zebra had ever experienced. Concerned he spoke, “Zera? Zera what’s wrong?”
Lady Zera didn’t reply, instead she sat with wide eyes and a horrified expression of disbelief as Chief Basarum proceeded to put his hoof on his shoulder, “Zer-“
as soon as his hoof touched the terrified mare, Lady Zera quickly jumped in fear as she realized who he was and spoke with tears began rolling down her face, “I… I… I saw… I…”
Still too stunned to talk, Zera continued trying to peace together her words as Chief Basarum felt uneasy, “Zera… calm down. What did you see?”
She shook her head as tears rolled down her face before she replied, “L-Lucifer… I saw Lucifer.”
Chief Basarum stared in disbelief as he replied, “Lucifer? What do you mean?”
Zera looked forward as she replied with her premonition, “A Titan stands before an army of his creation as the blood of an innocent drips from his claws. At his hooves two victims lay an innocent youth, and the armies commanding zebra chief. With eyes of rage, the deity wishes to slay more, with himself as his only match.”
Chief Basarum became worried, “And… it’s really Lucifer?”
Zera nodded, “It is… I have no doubt, it’s our Titan.”
“What about the chief and army? Who is it? Is it me or one of the others? And himself as his only match? What does that mean?”
Zera shook her head as she placed her hooves against it, “I… I don’t know… the shadows are fuzzy but… I know it’s a chief at his hooves… and… blood in his hands… Wha- What should we do?”
Chief Basarum thought to himself before replying, “Do you know when this will happen?”
She shook her head as he nodded and replied, “Alright then… for now… We must keep this to ourselves.”
Zera was concerned, “But the vision is-“
“Too unclear to distinguish. If we announce this now it could cause a panic. The best we should do is keep it quiet until we know more. Zeil is progressing with his training it’s been three months since he began and already he has brought me a Blood Rose. In time he will see an imbalance and know of how to face it. It would be wise to understand more before acting.”
Zera sat shivering as she mumbled, “But… what about you… what if Lucifer…”
Chief Basarum put his hoof on her shoulder as she replied, “Calm yourself my love, if I should find myself in any danger, I will see that Zeil will help me find it off. After all, he is the mage… or will be someday.”
Though she didn’t know what to think, Zera knew that dreading the subject wouldn’t help anything as she nodded and replied, “I… Yes… I shall leave it to you then… just… take caution my husband… I may be the oracle, but you know as well as I that I can only see the future… and nothing can be done to change what I see.”
The next day, Zeil sat in deep meditation as he had been doing daily for three months. Though he had already gained his ability to pick the blood rose, he had not been able to answer Chief Basarum question. Every day, he continued to focus his mined in hope of receiving the answer he sought. In doing so, Zeil had received a broader understanding of his abilities as an enchanter, his wisdom towards magic, and his focus while meditating. This day however seemed different as Zeil’s mind slowly slipped into a vision as he found himself standing in a swarm of changeling all in their parasitic forms. As Zeil looked around he immediately recognized the location as he mumbled, “The changeling kingdom… why am I here I won-“
“Isn’t this exciting brother? The Queen called us all here to explain her plan for taking over the pony kingdom. I wonder what she has planned for those pathetic ponies.”
Surprised by the familiar voice Zeil looked to his side to see Supersonic standing next to him, but before Zeil could reply another familiar voice spoke as two changeling drones approached with the tougher one speaking first, “Whatever it is, it’s sure to put those ponies in their place. Not like that should be hard to do, right Zeil?”
As Zeil looked to his approaching brethren a strange shadow of himself stepped out of him like a specter as the shadow held the form of his former changeling self and spoke, “That’s true Pharynx, with all the singing and tolerating the ponies do all day, this should be like taking candy from little grubs.”
Stepping back and allowing the shadow of himself to speak, Zeil watched as he realized this was an event that took place right before the invasion on Canterlot. As he watched, the second drone with Pharynx spoke with a somewhat timid response, “You don’t think we are going to hurt them do you? I mean… remember what happened to the Marble Oasis.”
Supersonic chuckled, “What’s wrong Thorax? Ain’t got the stomach for this plan? You’ve always been a little soft for your own good.”
Zeil’s former self shook his head with a hopeless smile, “Come on Thorax, you think for once you can be something other than a wimp? The swarm needs love, and these ponies do nothing but love all day so it’s only natural that we should take that it from them.”
Pharynx added, “And should a few ponies get hurt, well it’s their own fault for not recognizing their betters. Maybe we wouldn’t take it if they would grow a little backbone.”
Zeil’s old self nodded, “Exactly, if a few get hurt, then it will only remind the rest that we mean business. Besides… we don’t nessisary need all of them, so some casualties can be accepted.”
As the four changeling talked on, Zeil could only mumbled to himself, “Wow… was I really that heartless… I remember making fun of Thorax a few times, but not caring about the ones we hurt when following the queen’s orders…with how long ago this was… seems like another life entirely.”
As Zeil watched himself and his brothers argue, they were soon silenced as a changeling queen flew overhead and landed at the front of the swarm before speaking “Settle down my changelings, now it’s time we begin our plan. We’ve waited long enough biding our time and now we can finally proceed with the first step of my plan.”
The Swarm reacted with cheers as Queen Chrysalis waited for a few moment before continuing, “Recently I’ve heard rumors that there is an important wedding planed for Canterlot soon, however it’s only rumors for the time being and if it is a wedding, we need to find out who the bride and groom will be. So, to gather more information, I will need one volunteer. Your task will be to infiltrate the Canterlot Royal Guard and gather information from as many sources as you can. Then if the bride is who I think it is… I will need you to provide a time when I can move in and take her place.”
As soon as that was said, a voice echoed through the cavern as Pharynx flew over the swarm and landed next to the queen, “I’ll do it! These little ponies won't know what hit them when I come strolling in.”
Knowing what was supposed to happen next, Zeil looked to his former self as his younger self jumped up and hovered over the swarm before replying, “With all due respect brother, something tells me that you’re not cut out for this kind of mission.”
Pharynx looked at Zeil and replied, “Really? And you think you can do better Zeil?”
The younger Zeil flew towards the front and landed between Pharynx and Queen Chrysalis as he replied, “Well, yea now that I think of it, I can.”
Pharynx gave Zeil an angry look, “Oh really? What you don’t think I'm strong enough to face a few wimpy ponies?”
The younger Zeil shook his head, “Not at all, I think you can easily face a large group of pony guards… after you alert them to who you are. This is an infiltration task, it needs more brain then brawn and let’s face it… that is where you lack. Not to mention it will leave the hive without its leading patrol changeling.”
Queen Chrysalis was intrigued, as Pharynx replied, “I can manage on my own Zeil… I don’t need you to tell me how t-“
“Actually Pharynx … I believe Zeil is right.”
Pharynx looked at their queen as he replied, “You’re majesty?”
Queen Chrysalis continued, “I have no doubt that when it comes to strength you are superior to Zeil… however, As Zeil stated. We need one who has a keen mind and can be discrete in all occasions, not just in combat. So… Zeil will be the one to infiltrate Canterlot.”
Pharynx gave Zeil and angry look as the chosen drone looked to his queen and bowed as he smiled, “Thank you your majesty, I can give my word that I will not fail you… for the good of the swarm.”
Queen Chrysalis smiled with a pleased expression as she replied, “Good, for if there is anything I can depend on, is my most skilled and worthy drone.”
As he watched the vision of the past, his surroundings faded away into darkness as Zeil sighed, “A worthy drone… its laughable to think that now after abandoning my swarm and going rouge. But that so called grater good… it was only good for the swarm, not for the poor ponies we were attacking. Seems that good and bad is more of a matter of opinion then it is a-“
Zeil paused in realization as he opened his eyes breaking out of his meditative trance as he spoke, “That it… that’s the answer I was looking for.”
Confident with his answer, Zeil stood from where he was sitting as he traipsed through the surrounding roses as he crossed the blood rose patch without touching a single rose.
Back in the village in the throne room of the chief’s temple, Chief Basarum sat in his throne with an uneasy expression as he sighed, “If only he were the way he used to be… then he could be somewhat reasonable.”
Rubbing his head in irritation Chief Basarum looked to the Stallion before him as he asked, “How did you respond? How does the Eastern Tribe intend on responding to these threats?”
Chief Chuma replied with pride in his actions, “I did nothing… it’s obvious that Chief Muji is only trying to provoke me into acting out against him, or to league against you. Besides, I'm too busy raising one foal to deal with a chief who himself acts as a foal.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “Yes… but you know as well as I that doing nothing will not change anything.”
Chief Chuma nodded, “I warned him that I will not allow anymore of his warrior movements through our tribal lands. And I also informed him that the rest of the chiefs will know of those movements as well as their attempts to spread false rumors though my tribe.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “It’s not the first rumor he has tried to implant amongst the tribes, not long ago one of his advisors came to me and claimed he had proof of my coalition with you and Mimea. Stating that we four chiefs conspired to vote to train Zeil prior to the assembly.”
Chief Chuma was surprised, “Really? What proof did they have of this event?”
Chief Basarum shook his head, “None, he was only trying to bluff a confession from me. Sadly he failed since everything he claimed was false to begin with.”
Chief Chuma nodded, “So Muji truly is trying to start a war.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “And I fear the closer Zeil gets to become the mage, the closer to war we get.”
At that moment a Northern warrior entered the temple as he spoke, “Forgive me chief, But Future mage Zeil is here to speak to you.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “See him in.”
Chief Basarum stood from his throne as he waited for Zeil to enter the temple, as Zeil entered, he saw Chief Chuma and smiled, “Chief Chuma, Its good to see you. How is your son, healthy I would guess?”
Chief Chuma smiled “Yes, barley a month in age and already as strong as can be. I expect him to be a fine smith, just like his father.”
Zeil nodded, “knowing his father personally, I’d expect no less.”
As the two smiled at each other, Chief Basarum spoke, “Zeil… it’s too early to finish your meditation, have you discovered something relating to your lesson?”
Zeil nodded, “I have… I’ve discovered the answer to the question. I know the difference between Light and dark magic now.”
Chief Chuma smiled, “Oh good, now I can see your progress first hand.”
Ignoring the guest Chief Basarum replied, “Very well… tell me then. What is the difference between Light and dark magic?”
Zeil smiled as he replied, “Nothing…”
Chief Chuma smiled at the answer as Chief Basarum replied, “Nothing?... explain.”
Zeil nodded, “Both light and dark magic are one and the same. They are both forms of magic that are used in tangent with what is required of them… however they are merely judged by opinion of others. Which in its own brings up the term good and bad. Unfortunately the term good and bad are also irrelevant. Good, bad, these two words are only opinions. What’s good for some may be bad for others even when explaining them in terms of laws. Consider this, say I wanted to use a sunlight spell to shine the sun down on a farm and make the food grow. Any who look at that spell would say its light magic and see my actions as good. However what if I used the same magic on the same farm, only this time I wasn’t making the food grow, I was drying the plants out so that they all die. One could see my spell as dark magic and call my actions bad. But then what if I dried the crops because of a deadly blight that was poisoning the food. Once again, my spell could be called light, and my actions good. In the end, both light and dark magic are all the same. The terms light and dark are only identified by those who view it, and the actions in which both magic is used.”
After that was said, Zeil silenced himself as Chief Basarum stood in silence for a few seconds. As the teacher and student said nothing, Chief Chuma smiled, “Well don’t Mage Zeil, to think you were able to answer that question in such a short amount of time. Seems I was right to vote in favor of your training.”
Chief Basarum nodded but didn’t smiled, “It would seem so… Your answer was correct. We have determined light and dark clearly by the actions a spell takes, but there is one addition that you didn’t answer… Though light and dark magic are one and the same… it doesn’t mean that balance is maintained by such thoughts. When it comes to light and dark magic they are the same, but the light and darkness of the world is indeed different. I suppose the term for them both would be good and evil. Acts of salvation and damnation, which is the light and dark you will focus your training on. But to preforms spells meant for damnation in the place of salvation. That is the purpose of the Mage, and so… I will say this lesson is passed, and it may be time to move onto the next.”
Zeil nodded, “Good, so… what’s the next lesson?”
Chief Chuma smiled, “He is enthusiastic, to say the least.”
Ignoring the comment, Chief Basarum replied, “Next would be to learn about your mage ability to see visions that required your attention. To see imbalance and actions of the past made to maintain balance. You’ve already achieved this knowledge… however it doesn’t mean we intend to skip that lesson.”
Both Zeil and Chief Chuma were confused as they both replied at the same time, “What?”
Chief Basarum smiled, “if I know my wife and her usual ability to know when I intend on leaving the village, she should be here soon with our bags so we can depart.”
Zeil and Chief Chuma continued giving Chief Basarum a confused look as Zera entered the temple carrying two saddlebags, “Husband, I'm not sure if you know yet or not but Zeil has completed his lesson and is ready to journey to the Sand Sea Kingdom.”
Chief Chuma looked at Zera with surprised, “The Sand Sea Ki…” he looked back to Chief Basarum, “Is that Wise?”
Chief Basarum nodded, “It is… though Zeil already knows of his ability to see actions needed by the mage, it is still a proper lesson that he should experience first hand.”
Chief Chuma shook his head, “I'm not talking about that… I'm talking about Samnambula. Though her village still stands since her return, she has been more or less, recluse since the kingdom fell.”
Zeil was confused as Chief Basarum replied, “It has been over eight centuries since the Sand Sea Kingdom became a shadow of its former self. However Samnambula has had time to morn her home and assist the archeologist of discovering its lost secrets. Besides, she is the pony of hope. If there is anypony in that kingdom to forgive the mage, it’s her.”
Zeil was now even more confused, “Forgive the mage?”
Chief Chuma nodded, “So you don’t know… the Sand Sea Kingdom was a kingdom established by ponies in the far north of Zebrica many centuries ago. But about eight hundred years ago a dark shadow fell over the capital city of that very kingdom turning everypony in the entire city to stone. After that the kingdom collapsed into a power vacuum that engulfed the entire nation, and so, it was forced to merge with Zebrica in fear of becoming a haven for barbarians. It still stands, but only in small villages that scatter across the seemingly endless deserts.”
Zeil was still slightly confused, “So… Why would this Samnambula need to forgive the Mage?”
Chief Basarum replied, “Because it was the Mage of Zebrica that destroyed the city… and turned everypony there into stone.”
Zeil was surprised, as Chief Chuma continued, “Samnambula was a hero from a number of millennia ago. It is said that she and a few others trapped an ancient evil in another realm for many centuries before being released recently back into our own time. She was… distraught about what happened to her home. Her village is safe, but it also is a former shadow of the metropolis it once was.”
Lady Zera added, “You will be the first mage she will ever have the chance to speak face to face with… but… it is required that you speak with her for it is only in your meeting will you bring her peace.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “When I started your training, I sent word to her letting her know that there was a new mage and warning her that we may need to journey to the Sand Sea Kingdom for one of your lessons. Her response seemed supportive enough, but I can only get vague details from a letter. Weather she welcomes you or not will be entirely up to her.”
Zeil felt slightly uneasy as Chief Chuma reassured him, “Again this is only theory. It is said that she is a kind hearted mare who is always full of hope, so perhaps she will greet you peacefully so long as you assure her you are kind in nature. Even she can't hold a grudge if it wasn’t you who performed the action yourself.”
Chief Basarum continued, “Nevertheless, when we arrive there you should be able to see into the past to what caused the kingdom to fall to ruin. When you do you can see why the mage of the past destroyed the kingdom and perhaps give Samnambula some closer. Though in all eight hundred years, it is said that none of the mages have actually told what they see of the site. Each one has taken the secret to their grave. It’s possible that if you see the same thing, you may want to also. But that decision I will leave up to you.”
Zeil stood in deep thought of the situation as Chief Basarum trotted towards his wife and took the saddle bag as he spoke, “Once again… it almost seems as if you want me to leave. You always seem to have my bag packed before even I know I'm leaving, or where I'm going.”
The mare smiled in a joking manner as she replied, “Of course, as the Lady Oracle it’s my position to lead the tribe in your absence. How else am I supposed to get peace and quiet, if you hang around the tribe all day?”
The Chief chuckled at his wife’s words before they became serious as she continued, “And… as for my vision this morning?”
Though none of the others in the room heard her words Chief Basarum replied, “Not here… just… be patient. It is three days there and back so if our journey stays safe it should be a little more than a week before our return.”
The mare replied, “At about this time in seven days is when you should return.”
Chief Basarum smiled, “There see… since we both return, there should be nothing to worry about.”
Zera hesitated, “Then why… do I feel so… unsettled.”
Chief Basarum hugged his wife as he spoke to her silently, “It was only recently since you had that vision… perhaps… you need this rest. Zeil is a capable mage, and I a strong warrior… we will be safe, I promise.”
Though it didn’t easer her entirely, Zera did feel a little more content as she nodded and replied, “Then keep this promise. And may good fortune smile upon you.”
Chief Basarum took his saddlebag from her as he nodded, “And upon you as well, my love.”
With that the chief kissed his wife before tossing Zeil’s saddlebag towards him and speaking, “Well? The journey is three days long. Let’s be on our way.”
Zeil trotted to his saddlebag as he picked it up and put it on, “Seems to be leaving in short notice but I guess we do have a lot of ground to cover.” He looked to Chief Chuma, “Sorry to cut the visit short, but I guess my training continues.”
Chief Chuma smiled, “Then be on your way Mage Zeil, I wish you luck in your training.” He looked at Chief Basarum, “As for Muji, I will assemble my warriors but we will refrain from any hostilities. That is until you return. And to be sure, we will keep your departure to ourselves. I feel that if Muji knew of your absence it may entice him on making even more foolish actions.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “Thank you my friend. Zeil… let us be off.”
Zeil pulled his cloak from the saddlebag and put it on as he hurried to follow Chief Basarum out of the temple. As he passed Zera the oracle spoke, “If you’re worried of Kante’s training, I took the liberty of informing her of your journey, so she will be practicing under my eye till you return.”
Zeil smiled as he sensed her emotions, “Thanks Lady Zera I don’t know what it is on your mind that is creating the strong aura of worry, but if you can hide it this well, then I hope it’s something that is easy to solve.”
Before Zera could reply Chief Basarum called form outside the temple, “Let’s go Zeil! I’d like to cover some ground before evening.”
Smiling at her husband’s inpatients Zera shook her head in hopelessness as Zeil hurried out of the temple to follow Chief Basarum down the steps and out of the village.
After about an hour’s worth of traveling, Zeil and Chief Basarum found themselves trotting through the same ravine that Zeil had met Kante in. As they traveled Zeil remembered that day but then realized that there was a familiar presence in the area as he looked to the top of the ravine and spoke, “Uh… Chief?”
Chief Basarum looked to the top of the ravine as the two travelers saw the same pride of leopards standing on the top of the ravine as they watched the two from a safe distance. As the ferocious creatures watched, Chief Basarum spoke, “Looks like we are being watched.”
Zeil shook his head, “Hunted is more like it.”
Chief Basarum disagreed, “No… If they were hunting us, we wouldn’t have seen them. But I wonder… why are they here? They don’t look to be starving. Either way I'm sure they will keep their distance I’ve heard stories of wild predators being afraid of the mage since they could sense the darkness within him… maybe that is what it is. It would explain why they fled from you the day you arrived at the tribe.”
The pride of leopard continued watching from their position as Zeil replied in confusion, “It makes sense… but it doesn’t feel like they are afraid this time. If anything… they’re curious.”
Chief Basarum replied, “Curious? Of what?”
The leopard watched for a few more seconds before turning away and leaving as Zeil replied, “I'm not sure… but it’s as if they are wondering what I am… or… what I can do.”
As the pride left their view, Chief Basarum replied, “It’s possible they somehow know you’re a changeling. With so few of your kind in Zebrica, it’s no wonder they’d be curious. Then again, you know what they say, curiosity killed the cat.”
Zeil smirked as he replied, “Not when the cat is that big… but whatever they are wondering, looks like they decided to move on.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “Fair enough, now let’s keep going. Though it is short notice, Samnambula will most likely be at the ruined City of Duat.”
“Duat?”
The chief replied, “Yes, the one city in history that was destroyed by the Mage of Zebrica.”