In which plans go awry, gladsome news is learned, and Matt heeds the words of Sun Tzu.
Tišina knew what she was going to do. Patiently she constructed the portal, layer upon layer of orderly dimensional weaving, tying the here to the there, slowly drawing them together in places that did not in the strictest sense actually exist. It was the most delicate art, and required complete concentration. She didn’t need to worry, she didn’t need to hurry. She simply needed to bring a certain kind of order to the world.
Tišina was good at bringing order. It was what she did.
ooOoo
The young foal knew what he was going to do, and this time it would work!
“Mama, tell me a story.” The foal looked up with wide eyes. “Something new.”
“But I don’t know any new stories, dumpling.” Her mother protested. “Wouldn’t you like to hear about—?”
“Wanna new story!” The foal insisted. “About the One Who Left.”
“Gypsum, you know we don’t talk about the Pink One.” His mother said sternly. “The elders don’t like it.”
“Wanna story, Mama! Garnet says—”
“Now, Gypsum. You know Garnet’s got her head in the clouds.” Topaz Walker said disapprovingly. “That’s no way for a rock farmer’s daughter to act!”
“I like Garnet!” He protested. “She’s a nice pony!”
“Well, yes, but she’s not practical.” His mother said firmly. “Her mother’s a Pie, you know, married Flint Stonespeaker, but everybody told him the Pie in her wouldn’t stay quiet. Looks like we were right, too. You play with Garnet too much you might end up with a head full of fluff, young pony.”
“She wouldn’t hurt a fly, Mama.” He said reproachfully. “She’s kind too. And she works really hard, and never complains.”
“Well, obviously she’s got her good points, dumpling. But that don’t mean you can ignore the flightiness. That filly shoulda been born with wings!” Topaz snorted.
Suddenly the roof exploded with a loud splintering crash. Topaz looked up to see the night sky where wooden beams should have been, but before she could do more than gasp a massive white head darted through the hole. Two pale tentacles speared out from the head, one hitting her in the neck and the other striking Gypsum in the chest. The tentacles swelled to twice their thickness then convulsed and shrank to a quarter of that.
Topaz didn’t even have time to scream.
As the gigantic head withdrew the stingers pulled out of their victims with a dreadful slurping sound. The two ponies grew stiff and hard, turning into stony emerald sculptures.
The pale colossus spread enormous wings and sprang silently into the night, observed only by the emerald statue of an earth pony standing in the field, its sculpted expression a mask of mind numbing horror.
The hunt lasted another two hours. Of the forty stallions, mares, and foals that made up the small rock farming community only one pony was left untouched, an ancient mare named Tourmaline whose ramshackle hut sat far from its nearest neighbor.
The albino giant paused before the last dwelling, debating whether to leave a survivor or not. In the end it turned away, leaving the nearly deaf pony slumbering peacefully. It crept back through the portal, which vanished as though it had never been.
Tourmaline slept on, oblivious to what the dawn’s cruel light would reveal.
ooOoo
Twilight Sparkle didn’t have a clue what she was going to do. Which is why she was thrilled when a messenger alerted them the wing of chariots had been spotted approaching.
After Matt’s short but reassuring speech the ponies had scattered back to their homes and packed. In less than an hour they were airborne and headed for the capital.
She met them as they disembarked.
“Teelo! Sun Hammer found you! I am so glad to see all of you!” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in relief. “We’ve got a real situation on our hooves! Um, who are your friends?” She asked, realizing she’d been rude.
“Twilight Sparkle, I’d like to introduce Matt Sanders and Evelyn Lewis. Matt is a soldier and Evelyn is a private investigator.”
“Oh, thank Celestia!” The unicorn slumped in profound relief. She looked exhausted. “Has Sun Hammer told you what’s been happening?”
“Him and Subtle Dancer both.” Teelo said. “I’m so sorry, Twilight. We’ll help any way we can.”
“We need it.” Twilight said. “We’re in deep trouble, Teelo!”
“You look worn out, Twilight.” Fluttershy observed with concern.
“I am.” The purple unicorn admitted. “I had to give Princess Luna nearly all my magic this morning so she could raise the sun. I’m still beat, and that stupid council meeting didn’t help.”
“How is Princess Luna doing, the poor dear?” Rarity asked.
“She rested as much as she could but that dratted meeting took hours. I have to say I never realized just how powerful Princess Celestia really is—or how patient.” Twilight said, shaking her head. “She raised the sun twice in one day! It was all Princess Luna could do to raise it at all, even boosted with all my magic.”
“That’s not good news.” Subtle Dancer said, worried. “Was it Wind Spear’s Succor?”
“Yes.” Twilight nodded. “I don’t think I can cast it again tomorrow morning. It drained me dry.”
“As it was designed to do.” Subtle Dancer nodded. “That spell is meant to be used as a last resort, Twilight Sparkle. Even such a powerful unicorn as yourself will need a few days to recover. You held the spell as long as you could I take it?”
“Yes. The Princess needed every scrap of power she could get.” Twilight said. “I had to.”
He nodded. “The longer the spell is held, the worse the aftereffects. If you try to use it again too soon it could cause you to burn out your magic altogether. Or kill you.”
“Kill me?” Twilight gulped. He nodded grimly. “But what about Princess Luna? She needs help!”
“Twilight! Twilight Sparkle! Where are you?” A frantic voice shouted as the sound of pounding hooves came echoing from the castle entry. “You are needed! Twilight!” A dark gray pony with green mane and tail thundered into the courtyard.
“Come at once, Twilight Sparkle! Princess Celestia! She’s back!” The pony turned and bolted back the way he’d come.
The entire pony contingent exploded into full gallop, streaming into the castle in a thundering herd with Sun Hammer leading the charge. The three humans stood gaping in their wake.
“Well, that’s good news, right?” Teelo asked Matt uncertainly.
“Uh huh.” He nodded slowly. “Why don’t we go meet this princess of yours, Squirt? I have a feeling we’re not done just yet. It’s never this easy.”
“I can’t believe I’m about to meet Celestia! She’s my absolute favorite.” Evelyn nearly squealed.
“Princess Celestia.” Teelo hissed, glancing around at the members of the Sun Shield still present.
“Of course.” Evelyn shook herself and gave Teelo a smile. “Time to meet the client. Don’t worry, Teelo, I’m a professional.” The woman’s demeanor took on a more serious cast. “Why don’t you lead the way?”
Teagan strode toward the castle and her companions followed suit. The Sun Shield pegasi formed around them, guarding their flanks and back but leaving Teagan unobstructed as she made her way to the throne room.
She had the same nagging feeling of familiarity she’d had from her first visit to the castle. She knew every corridor, stairway, and turn leading straight to the throne room. She still had no idea how she was doing it. Maybe she should talk to Subtle Dancer; he was a high-ranking mage. He’d probably have a theory at least. It drove her crazy not knowing…
The throne room was in absolute chaos. Ponies were laughing and crying and hugging each other, regardless of class, Teagan spotted a maid being hugged by a duchess, at least judging by the coronet she wore.
And how do I know the difference between a ducal coronet and a princess’s tiara? She found herself wondering. She’d forgotten just how disturbingly familiar the castle and its décor really were. Another question for Subtle Dancer…
Given the bedlam of ponies moving around the room and paying little attention to what they bumped into it would have been dangerous for the humans to venture into the huge chamber. Princess Luna and Sun Hammer were standing at the other end of the room, the dark blue alicorn having abandoned her throne. Teagan guessed Celestia was there too but she couldn’t see the white alicorn, which worried her.
Luna looked up and caught Teagan’s eye.
“OUR LOYAL SUBJECTS, PLEASE ALLOW LADY TEAGAN TO APPROACH.” Luna’s use of the Royal Canterlot Voice caused silence to fall in the huge room as grinning ponies turned to regard the three humans. Obediently a narrow corridor formed, allowing Teagan to finally see Princess Celestia. The alicorn was lying on the floor with her legs tucked neatly up under her. Spring Water, her personal physician, was speaking to the Princess quietly.
Teagan drew her breath in sharply. The alicorn’s ordinarily pristine coat was matted and streaked with mud. Her beautiful mane and tail, normally waving in an invisible wind and glowing with the colors of the rainbow trailed forlornly on the floor, mud splattered and grayish pink. Her horn, normally gleaming white, now had a sickly greenish cast to it.
Feeling a wave of déjà vu pass over her Teagan strode quickly down the path formed by the staring ponies.
She winced when she got close enough to the princess to see the puckered wounds on her rear flank. They were scabbed over but the fact they were there at all offended Teagan. It was like shooting the Mona Lisa with a paintball gun.
“Greetings, Your Royal Highness Celestia.” Then Teagan broke protocol, coming to kneel within arm’s reach of the alicorn. No one seemed to mind today, and Teagan asked under her breath, “Are you all right?”
“I’ve been better.” The princess murmured with a brief half smile.
“Greetings, Lady Teelo. I am pleased to see you again.” She said in a louder voice. “I am only sorry it had to be under such unfortunate circumstances.”
“All that matters is you’re safe now, Your Highness.” Teagan said firmly. “My friends and I are here to improve those circumstances if we can.”
“I am blessed indeed to have such loyal friends.” The princess said, smiling warmly around her. Now that Teagan had a moment to look around she saw Twilight and the rest of her friends standing beside Sun Hammer.
“Won’t you introduce me to your companions, Lady Teelo?” The white alicorn asked graciously.
“Of course. Princess Celestia, may I introduce Lieutenant Matthew Sanders, a special operations soldier from my world, my Krav Maga teacher, and good friend.”
“Your Highness, it’s an honor to meet you.” Matt said, bowing low. He was still wearing his gear but managed to make the bow look effortless.
“And may I also introduce Miss Evelyn Lewis, a private investigator and avid pegasister.”
“I’m thrilled to meet you, Your Highness.” Evelyn said with a bow. “I never thought I would have this opportunity.”
“Thank you for coming to my aid.” The alicorn replied with a warm but tired smile. “But tell me, what is a pegasister?”
“A friend of Equestria, Your Highness and to ponies.” Evelyn said smoothly.
“It is heartening to know we have friends across the Bridge of Days, Evelyn Lewis. I bid you welcome to Equestria.” The princess dipped her horn to the PI.
“Equestria has many friends there, Princess.” She said. “Unfortunately, the only thing they can offer are warm feelings and well wishes.”
“That is no small thing.” The Princess said gently. “Such things can make the difference between hope and despair. I fear we will need all the well wishes we can get in the days to come.”
“Your Highness, if you feel up to it we should discuss what happened to you before the details fade from your mind.” Evelyn said apologetically.
“Indeed.” The Princess nodded. “You speak from professional experience, do you not?”
“Yes, Your Highness. If ponies are anything like humans sleeping could make you forget vital clues—clues we need to find whoever did this.”
“Very well.” The Princess struggled to her feet. The court gasped when she stumbled and nearly collapsed. Sun Hammer moved to provide a bulwark for her to lean against.
“Highness!” Spring Water exclaimed in a low voice, “You shouldn’t exert yourself!”
“Needs must, Spring Water.” Celestia said gently. “Besides, this marble floor is cold and hard. Telling my story is likely to take some time, so I’d rather be lying in bed to do it. Not to mention it will be more private.”
“Then I shall instruct Faerie Mist on what meal to bring you, Highness.” Spring Water said. “And you’re to eat and drink everything she brings, understood?” There was a tone of command in her voice that no other pony would have dared.
“Yes, Spring Water.” Celestia sighed, too tired to argue. “Teelo, Twilight, you and your friends need to hear this too. Sister, would you attend me as well?” Using Sun Hammer as a crutch she hobbled out of the throne room, leaving the court to speculate wildly about what had happened.
ooOoo
Zošto ne ste umre glupavi konj? Tišina snarled as she beheld the impossible sight of her prey alive and well and returned to her lair. Peering closer the black eyes narrowed. The levels of magic were definitely depleted, but they were actually higher than they had been when she stung that cursed sinner.
The cavern shuddered from Tišina’s scream of rage, dislodging huge blocks of ice from the ceiling that fell fifty feet to smash themselves harmlessly against her back. The raging monster didn’t even notice as she vented her spleen against the oblivious alicorn limping to her private chambers while surrounded by more sinners.
Regaining control she took several deep breaths to calm herself. Her tendrils finally relaxed, coiling back into a resting position. She would not allow this upstart sinner to escape! No one escaped her. No one ever had and she’d be damned if a horse with delusions of grandeur would be the first.
Settling against the floor she resumed her vigil, waiting for the mistake even the most careful sinner always made. It had been several thousand years but Tišina still remembered previous encounters. Her beloved enemy had defeated her in the end, purely by luck rather than skill, but none of his allies had escaped her. It had been a very long time, but she hadn’t forgotten how to trap her prey.
Tišina never forgot anything.
ooOoo
“Now, Your Highness. Tell me everything that happened from the time you went to bed until you reappeared in the throne room.” Evelyn said after the alicorn had settled back in her bed with a sigh that was half pleasure and half pain.
Celestia nodded and began retelling the story of her abduction. The PI listened quietly, not interrupting or asking questions.
“So once I discovered how to free myself from Tišina’s poison and my magic was free to replenish itself I regained my link to the Sun and was able to locate myself. When I had enough strength I teleported straight upward as far as I could. I ended up so high in the air I had to hold my breath and fall until the air was thick enough to breathe.” Celestia finished her tale.
“Once out of that awful cave I was able to cast a locator spell and then string together a series of teleports to get back. The rest you know. I sent Pinstripe to find Twilight and discovered to my delight that the Bearers had arrived, along with Lady Teelo.”
Evelyn nodded. “Thank you, Your Highness. Where were you being held?”
“Northwest of Pingwin, well beyond the Northern Ley Line.” The princess replied.
Subtle Dancer whistled in astonishment.
“Your Highness, that’s at least 1,500 miles! No wonder you’re exhausted!” He exclaimed.
“It wasn’t the trip back that was the problem.” She said ruefully. “It was breaking free of the poison. Once I did that I was able to escape easily. Dancer, Luna, remind me to teach you that spell when I’ve recovered. I fear we may want it spread as widely as possible. Twilight, I would teach it to you but it requires a level of mastery you have not yet reached.”
Twilight looked down and sighed. Applejack nudged her in sympathy.
“Your Highness, please remember that while I am a master mage I lack the raw power of Twilight Sparkle or Princess Luna, much less yourself.” Subtle Dancer said carefully.
Princess Celestia shook her head. “It is not a matter of power, Chief Horn, but control. My faithful student shows great promise but she is years away from the level of control needed for this spell. Rarity has the control but lacks the flexibility to learn general magic use. I was thinking that some of the higher ranked Horns could learn it.”
“I wish that were good news.” Subtle Dancer said, sighing. “Master-level mages are not a plentiful resource, Your Highness.”
“The good news is we have a target now.” Matt said quietly. “We just need a way to strike at it.”
All the ponies except Celestia, Luna, Sun Hammer and Subtle Dancer looked at him, appalled. Luna nodded but Subtle Dancer shook his head.
“Even if the Princess could take us to the very spot where she was trapped” he said “there’s no guarantee Tišina is there. This creature uses portals. There’s no reason to believe she laired near Her Highness’s prison.”
“Damn.” Matt sighed. “That portal really complicates things.”
“Would there were a way to lure her out of hiding.” Princess Luna mused quietly. “But we cannot think of such a way.”
“Hmm.” Matt said with a gleam in his eye that Teagan knew all too well. “Your Highness, I think I have a plan…”