//------------------------------// // Poison // Story: Cycle: With Wings as Eagles // by SSky //------------------------------// Livana skipped back to the prison late at night. She had probably spent hours talking to Shahar about absolutely anything they could think of so that they didn’t have to leave each other, much to Philomena’s dismay. But they eventually ran out of things to say, so Livana had finally left. Inside the prison, she was immediately greeted by Cinna, who looked very tired. “A letter takes four hours to deliver?” Cinna muttered, but shook it off. “Come, new recruit.” he ordered, entering into Marcus’ room. Inside, the same guard stood with watch directed to the prisoners’ cell. Cinna picked a sword off the ground and let Livana take it in her grip. “I want you to just sit here tonight and listen for anything Marcus may say in his sleep.” Livana gave a yawn. “But what about my own sleep?” she asked. “I have a little drink that will pick you up.” He hoofed a cup in the nightkeeper’s direction. With that, the captain left, leaving the guard, Marcus, and Livana. Marcus was curled up in an angry little ball at one end of the cell. At the opposite end, a familiar sandwich rested peacefully on a plate with a beak-shaped bite in it. The markspony glared at it as if he hoped it would combust. “Has the sandwich offended your mother?” Livana asked, jokingly. Marcus sneered, keeping his attention at the bread and flowers. The nightkeeper decided that drinking the cup Cinna had given her would be a wise idea. She took a long swig, tasting something somewhat funny. It was something foreign in the already not too pleasant drink. She heard a slump and saw that the guard with her had fallen over. She looked over into the cell to see Marcus giving her an evil smile. She didn’t have time for words to escape her lips. When Livana finally awoke, she was still in the room. A quick check revealed that nothing was out of place from last time. The guard was now sleeping in a curled-up position, and sucking his hoof. Her sword was still where she was when she fell and Marcus was... Still in the same position much to the nightkeeper’s surprise. He looked at Livana as if anxiously awaiting her to do something, and something she did. She quickly unsheathed the sword and rose to her hoofs, clanging the steel on the metal bars. “What have you done?” she shouted. Or, would have shouted. What came out was a very quiet whisper, barely audible to even her. She screamed, but all there was was a muted, high-pitched squeaking. Marcus finally got up and moved forward to the bars. “Well? Aren’t you going to yell at me?” “I can’t!” Livana tried to shout, the whisper being all there was again. “You poisoned me and took my voice!” Marcus gave an angry grunt, hearing what Livana had whispered. “Blame it all on me, will ya?” Livana leaned in close. “Don’t try and fool me, I saw your evil grin last night.” “I added a sleeping solution to your alertness potion. You two seemed determined not to go to sleep so the other poison could affect you.” “Oh, other poison? You just admitted it!” “I admitted I knew of another poison.” Marcus countered, flicking Livana’s muzzle away from his face. “Yeesh, if I didn’t know better I would say your curse was bad breath.” “What other poison?” Livana murmured, placing her sword at Marcus’s head. “Or else.” Marcus rolled his eyes and powered his horn. Before Livana could act, the familiar magical bow took place at the stallion’s side and fired, sending a magical projectile at the sword in Livana’s telekinetic grasp. The force of the hit knocked the steel away from the nightkeeper. “It’s not polite to point.” Marcus deadpanned, giving a cruel, satisfied smirk. Livana went for the sword again, but another bow came about and shot it even further away. “Will you stop moving and listen?” Marcus demanded. Livana turned to the prisoner, scared. “Thank you, you seem to have a brain after all.” “Just talk.” Livana demanded. “Don’t order me around,” Marcus barked. “I will tell what I know as I please.” He paused, waiting for Livana to object. When she didn’t the markspony continued. “Thank you. Now, I had to watch you all night to make sure I could get one of you two to prove my theory. Cassius here,” Marcus nudged the sleeping stallion, “woke up screaming like a foal. I sang him a lullaby to get his baby flank back to sleep because he was useless.” “The point?” Livana shouted, wishing she hadn’t. Marcus gritted his teeth. “Shut the hay up, or I will shut you up. I had to stay awake all freaking night for you, so be happy.” After he calmed down, he began again. “The sandwiches were poisoned, like I said and you so rudely doubted me.” “You said it like you were kidding!” Livana pointed out. In a flash, she felt a magic arrow graze her front right knee. She screamed, though all that came out was a squeal, and collapsed to the floor in pain. She was bleeding slightly, but the superficial wound hurt quite a bit. “Kneecaps shatter into irreparable fragments when hit with an arrow, and I never miss if I want to. Keep that in mind, mouthy.” Livana was stunned speechless, and didn’t need the encouragement. The markspony’s evil yellow eyes bored into her’s and made sure she didn’t think about speaking up. “Now, as I was saying. The poison was the flowers themselves. They weren’t petunias, they were a type of plant called Poison Joke. “I noticed blue flecks in the flowers while inspecting it. I imagined the flowers blue, alerting me to what was going on, but I didn’t know why. Poison Joke plays a physical prank on the one who is poisoned, and is in no way lethal. But then I realized: it’s not to kill us, it’s to knock us out of commission. Any questions?” Livana was still stunned from Marcus attacking her, so the guard decided to play her part for her. “Why would they do such a thing?” he mocked in a bad falsetto. “Why would rotten, no-good Griffons do th-” Livana, outraged at Marcus, lashed out with magic creating a dark, pulsing with green blade that slashed at the markspony. He caught a glimpse in his eye of what was happening, and jumped away, but was still caught by a bit of the magic blade. He screamed and fell to the ground, in quite visible pain. “Damn you!” he screeched, loading and firing an arrow from his bow. He must have been disoriented, because his shot missed. Livana became scared again, making the blade vanish. She saw Marcus reload his bow and get ready to fire. Livana squealed, and watched as the magical bow let loose its projectile, but Livana tried swiping across with her magic. Again, the black and green blade returned and sliced in front of her. It hit the magical arrow and exploded, blowing open the bars with the magic blast. When the light went away from Livana’s eyes, she saw that the jail gate was no more along with quite a bit of the walls. At the far corner of what once was the cell was Marcus, a gash down his side where the blade hit. He was drained, yet laughing still. Livana tried to rise and limp over to the beaten prisoner, but resorted to dragging herself. She got close to him to see that the wound wasn’t bad, just large. Yet the markspony still seemed to be in quite a bit of pain. He looked at the nightkeeper. “Get on my back.” Livana wasn’t expecting a command. “No! I wouldn’t do that if-” “If it would mean helping this camp get the cure? If it would mean NOT getting locked up for life?” Livana’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, yeah. Guess what, your little void magic stunt was highly illegal, and we got proof all around.” Livana still was wary, but looked out the holes in the walls, seeing quite a few ponies rushing toward the prison, all having some ailment, all having purple armor. She hopped onto Marcus’ back; and not a moment later, Marcus rose and took off into the camp. The gash he had was bleeding a bit, and he looked to be in great pain, but perhaps the guard training was worth it after all as he still was able to carry Livana at a brisk pace while shouts and other noises of captains flew their direction. Through twists and turns they galloped, into the thick gardens and out of Everfree altogether. The captains’ numbers waned as all of their ailments caught up to them. By the time they had fled the Everfree’s gardens, the last captain looked on in defeat. The pained expression on Marcus’ face gave way to a smug grin as he turned one last corner, galloping into a small wood outside Everfree. He slowed to a trot, but quickly sped up when the adrenaline left him and the pain really started to hit. He wanted the dead weight on him off, and he wanted to be able to treat his wound. Livana lifted her wings and flapped a bit, trying in what she knew was vain to lighten herself. All it accomplished was make a “Whoosh whoosh” sound that ticked off Marcus, big surprise. Soon, they reached a clearing, and Marcus tossed Livana off, scuttling to a tree. “Okay, thanks to THAT stunt, we have to hurry.” Livana groaned. “For what? Everyone has stopped chasing us and you seem to have no re-” “Idiot! Have you listened to ANYTHING I have said? We’re going to find out a cure for this and by Hestia we are going to do it QUICKLY.” The markspony took out a box hidden amongst some brush and opened it, revealing a set of supplies. Among them were some little tokens, which Marcus took out and placed around Livana. He gave a little magic spark to each and began glowing with a powerful white light, making Livana feel better. “What are these?” Livana asked. “Enchantment holders with healing spells, stupid. Do they not have them under the rock you were born in?” Marcus spat. He lifted another out and used it himself. The glow seemed to close the wound a little bit, and Livana assumed it did the same for her. The markspony looked at the way they had came intently. “What?” Livana asked, turning about to see what he was. Marcus either didn’t hear the hushed voice or didn’t pay attention, as he was still fixed on the path. “Damn, she’s here,” he swore. “Who?” Livana asked. Marcus looked genuinely scared. “The supreme commander of the Equestrian army. I hoped she would have better things to do.” “She? I thought most guards were male.” “You of all ponies, should know why she got chosen.” Livana heard the beating of wings, and felt a slight warmth about her. A story about a certain warrior climbed into her mind, and Livana figured out exactly what it was pursuing her. She became terrified. And the second a large crash sounded from above the trees and the glint of a blade shone in the sunlight, the question as to WHO it was was moot. The commander landed in the middle, her wings outstretched and the two blades they hid were deployed. Marcus gave a bow, but Livana couldn’t take her eyes off the golden armor she wore. Shahar was in no rush to wake up that day, and took her sweet time getting out of bed. Shahar had never had better sleep after that exhausting day. Listening to the ponies’ plights and seeing Hestia wisely act was interesting, but it took much too long. She would have to have more than just a week to get used to THAT. The princess pried open her eyes and saw that Philomena wasn’t in the room. Shahar slowly rose from her bead and scuttled about the room feeling what it’s like to have nothing to do. It was boring. She thought of last night with Livana and how nice it was to talk to a familiar face. But this didn’t last long, as soon there were knocks resounding from the door. Shahar turned her head over. “Come in.” Through the door entered Selene, the maid. She ever so quietly stepped in with a plate and slipped the door closed. “Princess, I hope you don’t mind the late breakfast,” she squeaked. “I’ve only been awake for a few minutes, ma’am,” Shahar responded, eagerly eyeing the platter filled to the brim with delicious fruits. Selene placed the dish upon the table and scooted the chair back for Shahar. The daykeeper said a short prayer before diving in. As she did so, Selene began saying a few thing Shahar only half payed attention to. Something about being honored to serve such a lovely princess. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but I do not appreciate flattery.” “But I am not flattering you!” The servant countered—a bit shocked, “What I say is true!” “Yes, I’m sure.” Shahar left that hanging. “But, erm. Mistress Philomena asked me to come here to teach you as well.” Shahar suddenly grew interested. “Why would Philomena leave?” “Well, you see, there’s a bit of an emergency down in the royal guard’s camp, and she went to investigate. She wanted somepony to teach, so she placed me in charge.” Shahar already felt full, so she rose and strode to the side of the door, plopping herself down and waited for the lecture, but none came. “So... are you going to teach me anything?” “What do you want to learn?” Shahar took a gander at the nine-pointed star on the wall, recalling what each point meant according to Philomena. “Well how about those prophecies?” She suggested. ‘Probably a short lecture.’ The maid seemed rather happy. “Well, that’s a great idea. Well, you see, in the schools here we think of them and the fulfilled parts as one big prophecy, and we even have a little poem that tells them all. Want to hear it?” Shahar was by now a bit interested, and realized a poem couldn’t be too boring. She nodded her head, prodding Selene to say it. The unicorn gained a wide smile and took in a deep breath: “Through Love unchained the kingdom split. (This is the prophecy of the lovers) Through Ice the cracks will ‘gain be sealed. (The prophecy of renewal. With a great holiday to celebrate!)” “Hearth’s Warming?” Shahar asked. Selene smiled, nodding her head before continuing. “While mortals upon the throne shall sit, Chaos’ servant will be revealed. (The prophecy of chaos) Through Tyrants’ fist the world enslaved. Through Eagle’s wings we shall be saved. (The prophecy of salvation) Outstanding Flame and Mirror’s Light Shall be divided in conflict great. But Equestria’s Soul shall end the fight, (The prophecy of the celestial sisters) Till Chaos—through time—Hope shall take. (Nopony really knows what this means) Though Solar Seed tyranny return, Solar Muse shall Harmony earn. (Prophecy of the solar war, but philosophers think this is far off) But in the end all will cease. The world itself will be done. The last heirs of life will once more meet. And be in stalemate at the setting sun. The King of All with no throne. The Queen of None shall Chaos own. (The prophecy of the end times)” Shahar felt a considerably lesser urge to fall asleep. “Wow, that was pretty cool!” Selene blushed. “Well, it’s just what I was taught. Since I was a little filly and my mom was serving Hestia.” Shahar was more interesting in the pony speaking than the lesson she taught. “Your mom was a servant here too?” “My family has been serving here since my great great grandfather served Hestia’s grandmother,” she boasted. “And I know how wonderful all of the kings and queens were recently.” This quite starkly contrasted what Hestia, Philomena, and her father said. “Quite wonderful?” “Oh yes, all have been wise and generous. Equestrians have truly great rulers!” “They are dead, you know. You don’t have to keep flattering them. I’ve heard of things.” Selene, again, insisted that her words were true. “And what sort of things have you heard?” Shahar racked her brain for any story, and recalled one Hestia alluded to yesterday. “King Kama and Freya. How she was put to death for aiding the deer and zebras.” Unfaltering, Selene persisted, “But she also started an uprising, causing unrest that eventually resulted in the burning of his archives.” “...After she was killed. Her followers had no violent intent beforehand. I’ve heard stories from zebras who were actually there.” “Then they must have lied.” Selene said, not trying to be rude but seemed firmly convinced the king had not been wrong in that situation. Shahar didn’t say anything, just searching to find a reason behind it all, like she tried to daily with her father. “So,” Philomena began, staring intently at Marcus, “I see we are adding attempted murder, jailbreak, poisoning, AND abduction to our already-unsavory repertoire, are we, Sure-Fire?” The roc’s eyes bore directly into the markspony’s, and Marcus’ eyes were averted. The cocky shell was obliterated by the commander’s presence, and Livana could tell exactly why. The Roc wasn’t the only warrior: almost all of her kind were, and history tells she wasn’t even the best. No matter how good a warrior you were, matching a roc solo was unthinkable. Marcus was now pressed to face down one of the most deadly things you could possibly face, and that’s nigh impossible no matter who you were. “Are you going to respond, criminal?” Philomena mercilessly questioned. “He didn’t kidnap me! Or poison us!” Livana shouted. Marcus turned toward her, but Philomena remained unfazed. “Listen to the rookie, commander.” Marcus choked out. Philomena grumbled, “I have a name, Marcus.” Under his breath, Marcus muttered, “Yes and it’s a rather ugly one is it not?” Philomena had a bird’s hearing, and quickly responded. She almost casually placed her blade into the open wound. There was a slight reaction that Livana didn’t recognize immediately: a white aura around the blade. Marcus’ face contorted. The would-reopened, negating the magic healing that had taken place. “Marcus, I am not to be played. And don’t try to hide your wrongdoings.” The markspony’s eyes matched Livana’s in a plea. Livana almost wanted to let it continue, but her conscience got the better of her. “Ma’am, he didn’t do all the things you said!” The roc paused her trot around her captive. “Do you hear something?” Philomena asked. “It was like a bit of wind for a little bit.” “That’s the rookie, commander.” Marcus pointed out. “She’s got a bit of a speech problem.” “Oh for Solla’s sake, did it get her too?” Philomena trotted over, keeping an eye on her captive. “He didn’t poison us. Or kidnap me. Someone put poison joke in the sandwiches.” Livana defended. The markspony gave a half-smile. Philomena raised her head and stared at Livana for a bit. A few seconds ticked by as she studied her. “I can’t believe what I’m about to say,” the roc muttered. She stood firmly in the center of the two, eyeing them. “You have five hours. I can only buy you that much time.” Marcus became wide-eyed. “Captain, you’re letting us off that easy?” The roc cawed. “I trust the girl.” Marcus looked at that moment like he would explode in rage. His eyes burned holes into Livana’s, but he didn’t say a word. Philomena grumbled, and quickly took off through the trees again. “I still don’t understand why you would defend them! The slavery, cruelty-” “Spoken like an ungrateful servant,” Selene deflected. Shahar had been knocking heads with her for quite a while now. She had no answers that the princess liked, and a casual conversation had turned ugly quickly. Selene maintained calmness and respect, while Shahar was struggling to convince her of the former monarch’s bad actions. Unlike her father, who played chess in his logic, Selene had been checkmated several times, but didn’t understand that she had lost. “You would stand up for murder and tyranny?” Selene looked like she had grown tired of this conversation, and her brow furrowed. “Your persistence in hating them shows how malleable you are to any suggestion. Any word you hear is taken as undeniable fact. A true monarch must view from many points. Consider that my lesson.” Shahar felt like she was punched straight in the face. “Well... you’re one to talk.” “My role is a servant. I thought the same as you when I first heard those words, but my mother showed me different.” “Oh, so as long as the flock of blind sheep you are following isn’t the majority, you’re so much better?” It was crazy, but Shahar almost wanted to laugh. She was standing in front of somepony, acting like her father. She was one to talk about choosing the unpopular side. “You show disrespect to your predecessors.” “Maybe that’s a good thing.” “They were what let you be heir.” “I was under the impression I got here with my dashing good looks.” “So was I.” A voice replied. On the balcony stood a mare in golden armor, firmly fastened to her spot. “Because you sure as Nocturna didn’t get here with diplomacy. By Hestia, I have never seen Selene get into an argument.” Philomena knocked off her helmet. “Dear Hestia, you really have gotten the two mixed up” she muttered. The roc nodded her head at Selene in dismissal. The unicorn bowed and exited, not without a little hesitation. “Princess, I was sent to find a traitor and who do you think was his accomplice?” Shahar tensed, it couldn’t have been Livana. Philomena saw her apprehension. “Yes. Meanwhile I return to see that you are corrupting an incorruptible heart.” “Incorruptible?” Shahar scoffed, “She was defending those evil ponies.” “She has respect for them, and although she may be misguided her personality itself is sweet. I can’t believe you got her to say even a WORD in contradiction to you. I expect it from somepony like Marcus, but by Solla!” Shahar tensed, expecting a lecture. “You’re amazing!” Philomena screeched with happiness, transforming into a bird. The golden claws glimmered in the room’s light. “You aren’t one to compromise. Ha ha! You may have some hope yet!” Shahar cocked her eyebrow. “What do you mean?” “Shahar of Zair, I may have some hope yet.”