-Knights of Haysead Ch. 4:
More thanks to the usual duo, Yoonicorn and space_pony for the editing, especially with me procrastinating so much on this chapter... You guys are the best!
It was dark, musty too. The odor permeated Rainbow Dash’s nostrils. She felt dazed, unable to see. She tried to move but her head immediately blasted her with pain.
“Ah! What the hay? Where am I?” The room was completely black. Looking around, she tried to get her bearings. She couldn’t remember much either. Backtracking, she began to retrace her steps. “Okay, I was with Wisp and she told me to go to the building with the two green awnings. I left and saw the building, and then…” There was nothing else. She knew something happened after that, but she just couldn’t put her hoof on it.
Reaching out, she could feel a wall a few inches in front of her, it felt like old wooden planks. She turned around and reached off in that direction, there was more space this way, but her hope was quickly destroyed by another cold wall that was just out of her reach. By that point, it was clear that she wasn’t going anywhere, but she was also thankful that she wouldn’t be suffocating anytime soon. Her hooves felt a bed of hay underneath her. She decided to lay down to try and remember what happened, judging by the immense darkness, she assumed it was sometime at night, that would give her plenty of time to think before figuring out where she was.
The bright sunshine permeating throughout Ponyville lit up everyone’s morning, but you wouldn’t know that from the way Wisp was acting.
“I can’t believe I let him get away! I couldn’t sleep at all last night!” She was still upset about the ordeal involving Green Hoof, but then again who wouldn’t be?
One of the other members walked up to her, his name was Aquila Umbra. His Ancient Equestrian name meant that he was a direct descendant of a Khazae leader. Despite his connection to the higher-ups, he still had to climb up from the bottom, like any whelp. He had gotten up to the point where he was trusted enough to be sent on a mission, which was a fair rank.
“Wisp, I would be more concerned about the edict that the Royal Guard is about to place on us! You have to learn to control your temper!”
Wisp walked up to her companion and angrily stared up at him. He backed up a little. Being subordinate made a comment like that extremely disrespectful, not that Wisp would know anything about respect.
“You say that I should learn how to shut my mouth. I can think of somepony else that would benefit from the same lesson.” At that moment, everypony’s favorite cyan pegasus entered the room.
“Wisp, I need to talk to you!” Dash yelled out as she pushed aside the bookcase, which last time, nearly got her killed.
“Go away, Rainbow Dash! Can’t you take a hint?!”
Aquila snapped back, “You see? This is exactly what I’m talking about! She probably just wants to help, why are you getting so upset?!”
“What in the name of Celestia is wrong with you?! All she’s done is cause problems! And now she’s intruding into our temporary headquarters which are supposed to be SECRET, mind you, and you act like it’s nothing! You’ve grown soft Umbra, I’m not even sure you deserve a name in the sacred tongue anymore!”
Her exclamation made the entire room fall silent. Rainbow Dash thought that right then would be a good time to step out. However, Wisp made that decision first. Though she was incredibly angry, her outburst was completely uncalled for. She realized what she had done, insulting a sacred descendant extremely radical, it was something you just didn’t do. She ran out of the room, grabbing her jacket off of the table.
Rainbow Dash looked up at Aquila Umbra who was staring down, as if somepony just slapped him firmly across the face.
“Um, are you okay?”
“What do you want?” His glazed eyes never left the floor.
“Well, Silent Step told me to talk to Wisp about…”
“I don’t think she’s in the mood for talking right now.”
Well that was just perfect. Rainbow Dash would need Wisp to do this oath thing, at least she assumed so.
“Well, do you know how to perform the Writ of Passage?”
Aquila turned his head with a raised eyebrow. “How do you… No! Don’t you think you’ve caused enough trouble for us? We can’t have you actually joini-” At that’s moment, he realized something. If Rainbow Dash joined them, she would no longer be an outsider, Wisp would have no reason to keep her out. And if Rainbow Dash is there, they may actually get some work done.
“So, you want to take the Writ of Passage?”
“Um, yeah I guess, but Silent Step said it should only be temporary, like a consultant or something.”
“Well, I’ve never done it for a consultant, but we can do it if we have at least three other Khazae. I should be able to get the process somewhat started.”
The doctor returned to the room in which Spike and Twilight were waiting. They had to find out what Silent Step had done to Spike and if it would cause him harm.
“Well, I have some good news, Spike.” The doctors soothing tone was reassuring.
“Well, what did he do to me? Was it magic? Some kind of paralysis spell, maybe?”
“No, Spike. He didn’t do anything, other than scare you to the point of fainting.”
“I… fainted?”
“Exactly, you’re going to be fine. But just to be sure, we’re going to run some toxicology tests on your blood sample, okay?”
Twilight smiled at the good news. “Thank you very much Doctor. Come on, Spike, let’s go home.”
As they were walking back to the library, Spike thought about the doctor’s diagnosis. “I don’t think I fainted.”
“It’s okay Spike, everyone get’s scared. You were brave enough to try and confront the pony that was breaking in, and I’m proud of you.”
“No, I honestly don’t think I fainted. I wasn’t scared.”
“You don’t have to act brave. I don’t think any less of you.”
“Really, Twilight, I wasn’t scared, sure, I was surprised, sure. And I probably would have been terrified if I hadn’t blacked out. I think Silent Step did something to me.”
They both stopped walking, Twilight took a minute to think about this. What if Silent Step had used some sort of spell on Spike? But wait, he wasn’t a unicorn, so he couldn’t use magic unless, what if the Khazae were helping him?
Eleven days. That was all the time that he had to prepare for the rest, or end, of his life. Silent Step paced nervously within the confines of his stone brick cell. The days were counting down until his trial at the Canterlot Royal Court. His lips were trembling, his knees were shaking, and he was breathing heavily. He was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
A guard ran into the room towards another that was already there, standing watch. Silent Step watched as the stallion who entered whispered into the ear of the one watching over the prisoners. He saw the latter’s eyes widen before replying.
“Are you sure?”
The messenger nodded and they both turned towards Silent Step. He looked away, trying to mask the fact that he was paying attention to them. His heart raced as they began to walk closer and closer to him. They guardsman who was with him the entire time pulled out his keys and unlocked the iron bars that kept Silent Step confined.
“Princess Celestia has requested your presence. We’re taking you to the castle.”
As of that moment, anypony within earshot was now confused, including Silent Step. Why would the Princess want to talk to him? He had a feeling that he’d made a good impression on her a few days earlier, but he didn’t expect her to want to talk to him.
Their walk led through courtyard in between the keep and the castle. He took the time to calm himself down. He looked at the brilliant architecture and foliage of the courtyard. It was hard to do with the circle of Royal Guardsman surrounding him. They approached the front gate of Canterlot castle and entered. The ambiance changed drastically as the atmosphere grew very quiet. The group walked through hallways filled with tapestries and mosaics, before approaching the throne room.
“Thank you, sirs.” The princess towered over the group of bowing guards. “You are dismissed.”
The group left, leaving Silent Step and the Princess alone in the throne room. Silent Step respectively bowed before looking up with a smile.
“Don’t you think this is a little risky?”
“Being alone with you? I think I’d be able to hold my own.”
Silent Step laughed uproariously. “They’re going to find out, and that would destroy two millennia of work.”
“I’m sure Equus Doris’s wish will be honored properly.”
Silent Step laughed again. “You know, in the lore, they say it was your idea.”
“It was actually Luna’s. I think that she just wanted a personal force of assassins.”
As if on cue, Princess Luna entered the room and looked at the two. She eyed Silent Step, recognizing him immediately.
“You still exist?”
Celestia and Silent Step looked at each other, once again laughing. Luna looked around, confused. Her elder sister beckoned her to join them.
“Luna, allow me to introduce Silent Step, Lieutenant of the Khazae.”
Silent Step turned to Luna and once again bowed. “The Khazae live to serve, my liege.” He turned back to Princess Celestia with a more serious face. “So, why did you summon me?”
The Princess began to walk down the steps that led to the main area of the room, passing her guest on the way. She turned her head back and looked at him. “Are you nervous?”
“I don’t even think that begins to describe it.”
Luna raised an eyebrow. “Are you the one of whom they speak? The alleged murderer?”
Silent Step lowered his head. “Unfortunately, yes. I have been wrongfully accused.”
Celestia continued her part of the conversation. “I want you to know that whatever happens, I’m on your side. I’ve arranged for the best lawyer in Canterlot to defend you. If that doesn’t work, I’ll be able to pass a royal pardon to excuse you from any… more serious sentences.”
“Thank you, Princess. It’s nice to know that somepony supports me.”
“As usual we must not speak of this conference to anypony.”
“Right.”
The Princess summoned the Royal Guard to re-enter the room and escort Silent Step back to the keep.
All of the curtains in the room were closed. The only light in the room came from a lone candle on a table. Seven figures stepped closer. The one in the middle lifted his head.
“Rainbow Dash, are you prepared to devote yourself, at least for the time being, to the cause of our order?”
Dash, who was standing on the opposite side of the table, stepped forward. “Sīc, audiorō.”
“Do you swear your loyalty to our leader, Admissarius Rex?”
“Sīc, audiorō.”
“Do you swear you loyalty to the Regīnae, rulers of our land?”
“Sīc, audiorō.”
“Do you understand that betrayal is punishable by death?”
“Sīc, accipiō.”
“Accepemus. Reginārum perduellis accibō!”
A unicorn to the left of the Khazae speaker lifted his head. His horn glowed, igniting all of the other candles in the room. The assassins removed their hoods and looked at Rainbow Dash. One of them, who had slipped away without her noticing, entered the room with a dark red cloak, a mask, and a leather muzzle.
“When you are working, you must keep your identity secret. The cloak is enchanted and will change the color of your exposed coat. You are to let no one know that you are one of us, understand?”
“Of course, and thanks Aquila.”
“My pleasure, now come on, I’ll tell you what you’ll be doing.”
A green coated stallion was walking down the main street in Ponyville. It was early evening, and he was heading back to Sweet Apple Acres. As he approached the front gate, he was greeted by an orange mare.
“Where the hay were you?! Y’all were gone for a whole day and ya didn’t tell us! We were worried sick, Big Mac especially!”
Green Hoof backed up, pausing to consider his next words. “I was visiting a friend. He was only here for one night, so I left as soon as I heard he had come. I’m sorry, I guess I should have told you where I was going…”
Applejack eyed him suspiciously. “Okay, but next time tell us before y’all leave. We’ll understand.”
“Yeah, sorry again for that…”
He entered the gate and looked around for something to help with. In doing this, he noticed Big McIntosh sitting next to a window. The red stallion turned his head and saw Green Hoof. His eyes grew wide as he quickly moved away from the window towards the door. Green Hoof began to rear away when he saw McIntosh burst through the door and run at full speed towards him.
“What happened?! Where have you been?!”
Green Hoof covered his face, expecting to get a solid hoof rammed into it. After a moment’s pause he lowered his arm and looked back up at Big Mac, who was still standing there. It was this moment when he realized that McIntosh’s tone didn’t necessarily sound angry, but concerned.
“I already talked to Applejack about this…”
“Well, I want to hear it from you.” He stuck out his hoof and poked Green Hoof’s chest.
Green Hoof gave McIntosh the same alibi that he told Applejack. When he was finished, McIntosh directed him to go move some barrels to the barn. Applejack then approached her brother.
“He’s lying…”
“Eeyup.”
“Well, what do ya think we should do?”
McIntosh shrugged and looked down at his sister. He could tell when she was hatching a plan. Her furrowed brow and elongated stare told him that this was one of those times.
An old portrait of a noble looking stallion was held up in front of Rainbow Dash. He had a dark blue coat, and a white mane. He was wearing some sort of suit arrangement. Along his side was a sheathed sword with ornate designs across the hilt.
“This is Dius Cognatio, high officer of the Khazae. He was appointed to head of commissions in 3E 954. He organized the major missions that we went on, and was the one who planned the Royal Guard assassinations at the 3E 972 Grand Galloping Gala.”
Rainbow Dash quickly interrupted Aquila Umbra. “Wait, wait! Why didn’t you tell me about that?! I mean, I knew you guys weren’t exactly prime examples of Equestrian citizens, but that’s treason! I wouldn’t have joined had I known that you’d done something like that!”
She began to back up, suddenly seeing these ponies as murderers instead of her brethren.
“I- I thought Silent Step told you…”
“Told me that you guys are traitors to the crown?!”
“Rainbow Dash, please calm down… I’m going to give you a little history lesson. Just sit down, I won’t hurt you.”
Dash spent the next few moments contemplating the decision. She took a deep breath and slowly sat back down.
Aquila smiled at her before continuing his story. “In 2E 53, the Khazae’s new leader, Equus Doris convened with the Princesses about repeated threats to our society. You see, up to that point we were the Princesses’ personal guard force. They decided it was best to go into hiding, but if we suddenly disappeared, everypony would get suspicious. They came up with a plan where we create a fake plot to assassinate the Princesses and attempt to take over Equestria. Of course, the Royal Guard forces quickly ‘thwarted’ our plans and we escaped to the Haysead Swamps. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to tell anypony about our plans, so the Royal Guard, as well as all of their auxiliary groups, chased us down for real, and the Princesses couldn’t help us.
Despite our hardships with Royal forces, we remained loyal to the crown to this day. Those Royal Guard officials that were assassinated were all corrupt. In fact, they were inspired by our false plot to ‘displace’ the Princesses.” He paused to look back at Rainbow Dash, who was now much calmer. “Does that answer your question?”
The conversation was interrupted by a mare entering the hideout. She looked down at Rainbow Dash, who was wearing one of their distinct hooded cloaks.
Wisp took a deep breath before speaking. “What is she doing here?”
Aquila stepped forward. “I’m not going to lie to you, Wisp. I went behind your back and performed the Writ of Passage.”
She looked like she was going to explode. “Who authorized this?!”
“Your brother did.”
Her eyes went wide. “My brother… Come with me Rainbow Dash.”
Dash looked at Aquila, who simply shrugged. She decided to obey Wisp’s order, walking alongside her to a desk in the back. “I thought I told you not to talk to him…”
“I’m sorry, Wisp, it’s just… I had to. I mean, I don’t know you guys well enough to…”
“Listen to me. I’m not going to kill you for it now, but now that you’re one of us, if you go behind my back, like Umbra over there, I’ll be on you before you can turn around. Got it?”
Rainbow Dash cringed at the mere thought of what Wisp might do. “Yeah, got it…”
Wisp walked away without another word, which Dash assumed was a cue to return to her briefing. She walked over to Aquila who was preparing to resume his presentation. He directed Dash to sit, which she did silently. He cleared his throat and began.
“Well, as I was saying before, Dius Cognatio was in charge of our major missions. He has been organizing us since 3E 954. Or so we thought…” He took down the portrait of Dius Cognatio, revealing a picture of a changeling behind it. “I’m going to assume you know what this is…”.
Raibow Dash gasped as she remembered her experience at the Royal Wedding of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. “Please tell me we’re not going after one of those!”
Aquila bit his lip. “Well… yes. You see, the real Dius Cognatio was killed in 4E 985, and a changeling took over. No pony knew that until about a year ago. But by the time we tried to confront him, he was gone. Our most powerful scryers figured out that he came here. So, we took a log of all the newcomers and are watching them. We have one in particular that we’ve narrowed it down to, a farm hand by the name of Green Hoof. We hired a local to help us keep an eye on him.”
Dash realized that she new Green Hoof, Applejack had introduced them when he first showed up in Ponyville. “Wait! Who was the local who you hired?”
“Green Hoof’s boss, Big McIntosh, you know him?”
“Know him? He’s my best friend’s brother!”
Wisp, who was listening in, quickly stood up. “That just makes it easier. We’ve arranged for McIntosh to talk to one of us about any suspicious behavior that Green Hoof has been exhibiting. If he knows you, he’ll probably trust you more than some suspicious newcomers. Are you ready for your first task?”
“I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be…”
“Okay, you’ll be going ‘undercover’ for this mission, so take off the cloak. We’ve set up to meet McIntosh at 1800 hours near the coffee house on Ponyville’s main road. It has a white wall and two green awnings, you can’t miss it. Go talk to Big Mac, and see what you can find out. Okay?”
Rainbow Dash stood, nodded, and pulled off her cloak. She began to head for the door, when she heard Wisp’s voice again.
“And Rainbow Dash… Don’t screw up.”