//------------------------------//
// The Reluctant Knight 
// Story: Shadow of the Sun 
// by moguera 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 14: The Reluctant Knight

"Always the antisocial one," commented Arkenstone, coming up behind Twilight.  Surprisingly, Twilight didn't jump at the sudden intrusion, as she'd already had an inkling that Arkenstone was approaching when Arcana left.  Or maybe I'm getting used to him doing that.
"He seemed pretty talkative to me," said Twilight softly.
"But not exactly the most graceful conversationalist," observed Arkenstone.
Twilight couldn't help but agree with that assessment.  While she couldn't outright dislike Arcana, she couldn't help but find his personality and his attitude...coarse, like sandpaper.  Being around him grated on her and she still didn't like the way he talked about Trixie, even if it was clear that he did care for her.
Turning to look at Arkenstone, Twilight had to stifle a giggle as she saw her stallion balancing a pair of plates, one on the top of his head, the other on his haunches.
"Amused?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Sorry," said Twilight, her voice still shuddering slightly with mirth.
Arkenstone sighed.  A sharp bob of his head sent the plate there lifting in the air in the direction of Twilight, who caught it expertly with her telekinesis, not even making the dainty bites on the dish so much as wobble.  Arkensone then bucked his hips slightly, sending the other plate in an arc over his head before it dropped down onto his outstretched hoof with similar ease.  "I don't believe the catering took anypony other than unicorns into consideration when they arranged things," he commented dryly.
His words prompted Twilight to take a more detailed look at their surroundings.  True to his words, the ponies attending the party were all unicorns.  Even most of the servants were unicorns as well.  The only other earth ponies she had seen so far consisted of a servant who rushed around with a rag to wipe the occasional spill off the floor and the members of the quartet.
"This is the Noble Court after all," muttered Twilight irritably.  She plucked a bite off her plate and bit down, chewing speculatively.  It was a small berry tart, expertly made.  Still, Twilight would have preferred one of Pinkie Pie's confections.
"Dame Sparkle, I'm glad to see that you could make it."
Twilight shuddered as that oily voice washed over her.  It was one of the few voices she recognized and the last one she wanted to hear tonight.  Doing her best to keep her distaste from openly showing, she turned to regard the terracotta-colored stallion approaching them.
"Earl Flint, it's nice to see you again," lied Twilight, bowing politely to Steel Flint as he approached them.
"Yes," agreed the stallion, who was, fortunately, oblivious to any hints of Twilight's true attitude towards him, "I'm so happy to have you here."  Much as Fancy Pants had done earlier that night, Steel took Twilight's forehoof and planted a kiss on it.  Just as with the first time they had met, he allowed his lips to linger just a little too long for comfort before finally letting her hoof go.  Again, Twilight had to fight down the feeling of her skin crawling.
"I must admit, you were very difficult to track down," added Steel as he took a step back, smiling with all the kindness of a cat with a crippled mouse resting right between his paws, "Several of my guests were excited to hear that you were joining us tonight.  I would have thought you might have caused a greater stir when you arrived."
I certainly thought we did, mused Twilight.  It occurred to her that, given that many of the attending nobles had their own designs on her, that they had kept her arrival to themselves in order to try and get the first crack at her, as it were.  Such conflicting interests could very well have hampered the network of gossip and chitchat that ran through such affairs, which, under normal circumstances, would have informed Steel Flint immediately of her arrival.  There was also the matter that nopony had bothered them when she had been talking with Arcana earlier.  Although, of course, that could be due to his rank.  As a marquess, he was second only to the dukes in rank, thus being one of the higher-ranked nobles present at the party, even higher than Steel Flint himself.
"I apologize My Lord," said Twilight, "I should have sought you out to pay my respects."
"Nonsense!" declared Steel, grinning, "After all, you are an honored guest.  There is nopony here who is not aware of the great deeds you have done for the sake of Equestria."
Which is precisely the problem, thought Twilight irritably.
And then, Steel stepped forward and rested a hoof on Twilight's shoulder, either ignoring or not noticing the way she flinched at his contact (given his ego, probably the latter).  "Now then, would you be so kind as to honor me with a dance my dear?"
Twilight hesitated, glancing over at Arkenstone, who had gone silent at the Earl's arrival.  His ears followed them closely, but the beige stallion had not budged an inch, not even when Steel Flint started trying to steal Twilight away from him.  Though his posture was impeccable, Twilight's eyes could see the relaxed state of his muscles, the slow pace of his breathing.  His whole attitude seemed to be one of patient watchfulness.  He seemed to show no sign of approval or disapproval of Earl Flint's request and remained an object in the background, which was just as well, given the fact that Steel hadn't so much as glanced at Arkenstone yet.
"I..."  Twilight gulped nervously and turned her head to look back at Steel, "I would be honored My Lord."
With that, she gave her plate back to Arkenstone and allowed herself to be led out onto the dance floor.  When they reached it, the two of them reared up in the bipedal dancing method favored by the Canterlot elite.  Twilight rested her hooves on Steel Flint's shoulders, whilst hers rested his below her own shoulders, just above her barrel, as was the norm.
The two of them began to move through the slow steps of the dance, Steel leading easily, but Twilight having difficulty keeping up.  She had learned to dance during her etiquette lessons as Princess Celestia's student, but often neglected to practice, due to her finding ballroom dancing just not all that interesting, nor very helpful to her magical studies.  Of course, the problem was only exacerbated when Twilight moved to Ponyville, where the residents typically favored a much more energetic form of music and dance.
"I have to apologize," she said, trying her hardest to keep a polite smile on her face and to keep from breaking out into a sweat from the difficulty of keeping up with the half-remembered movements, "I don't have opportunities to practice dancing like this in Ponyville."  Her haunches were already starting to burn with the effort.  Dancing bipedally was hard.  Ponies were quadrupeds for a reason.  Where on earth did anypony get the idea that we should be dancing like this?
"I can understand my dear," replied Steel, making Twilight's ears twitch in agitation at his casual use of such a term of endearment, "Truly, it must be quite dreary to be stuck in such a backwater burg.  Such a complete absence of polite society must be a terrible burden upon a lady such as yourself."
"I wouldn't say that My Lord," replied Twilight as demurely as she could manage, "There are plenty of ponies who appreciate polite society in Ponyville."  Although, aside from her friend Rarity, Twilight didn't spend very much time in their company as she wasn't the biggest fan of "polite society" herself.  "Besides, Ponyville is a wonderfully peaceful place.  Although, it isn't without its..."  Thoughts of ursas, parasprites, and pink ponies ran through her head.  "...Exciting moments."
The Earl belted out a laugh that cut through the serene music playing, drawing a number of eyes to the pair, though plenty had been following Twilight already.  "You needn't be so modest Dame Sparkle.  A mare of your talent and br-...background is wasted in such a remote wilderness village."
Twilight resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the transparent insult to her home.  Ponyville was close enough to be visible to the naked eye from the right places in Canterlot, making it the furthest thing from remote.  She wasn't quite sure if she could contest its description as a "wilderness village," as it did border the Everfree Forest after all.  Still, it would do no favors to directly contradict the Earl's words.  Twilight also hadn't failed to notice the hitch as Steel corrected his description of her, suspecting that he had intended to say "breeding," before remembering that she was common-born.
"I happen to enjoy living in Ponyville very much," was how she decided to answer his question, "I rather like the small-town atmosphere."
"And perhaps that might suit you..." agreed Steel, "...for a time.  But you are a Canterlot mare by birth.  That means you are a higher class of pony than those country bumpkins.  You need to realize that Canterlot is where you belong, where you can realize the proper...scope of your talents."
Etiquette aside, Twilight was fully prepared to let the Earl have it for insulting her friends.  However, any angry remarks she was going to make were cut off by Steel Flint as his hooves began to dip lower, sliding down from her shoulders and along her barrel.
Even with all her self-control, Twilight couldn't stop an angry blush from spreading across her face.  "Please move your hooves," she said, a note of irritation finding its way into her voice.  She was dancing with this stallion out of courtesy and he was shamelessly using it as an opportunity to cop a feel.
"Ah!  Terribly sorry Dame Sparkle," said Steel, the smirk on his face saying otherwise, "My hooves slipped."
Seeing an opportunity to extricate herself from this situation, Twilight forced a cheerful grin on her face.  "Think nothing of it My Lord.  But if your posture is failing, perhaps it means we've spent enough time dancing."  Celestia knew Twilight felt like her hooves could use the respite from moving about in their present awkward configuration.
"I have to admit, I would like to enjoy this rare opportunity a little more," said Steel, "If that is what you wish, then by all means."
Twilight had to stop herself from heaving a sigh of relief as the two of them disengaged and dropped back down onto all fours.  Twilight took the opportunity to shake out her back legs after working them so hard, the fabric of her gown covering up the slight movement.  She quickly turned and started making her way off the dance floor and towards Arkenstone.  She knew that the Earl wasn't far behind her and had no intention of giving up so easily.  It was clear that, now that he'd found her, he intended to dog Twilight's steps throughout the course of the party until he got what he wanted or she managed to escape him.  At the very least, Twilight would feel much better if she had Arkenstone close by, even though he seemed strangely dedicated to doing nothing at the moment.
As Twilight got clear of the press of ponies still waltzing about the dance floor, she noticed that Arkenstone was not alone.  A pair of guards, their colors indicating that they were in Steel Flint's service, were standing in front of him, both having unpleasant expressions on their faces.  Though Twilight wasn't close enough to hear what they were saying yet, she could pick up hints of clipped, angry tones.  Arkenstone didn't so much as flinch before their displeasure, answering their angry words with his calm, rational ones.  From the way things were going, Twilight got the impression that they didn't want Arkenstone there and were trying to get him to leave.  Her mind wandered back to one of the conversations she had overheard, remembering that some of the attendees were under the impression that Arkenstone was there as Twilight's servant, rather than as her companion.
She quickly stepped forward to intervene, but was forced to stop as a dark-green aura wrapped around her, halting her progress.  Turning to look, Twilight saw Steel Flint's horn shining as he used his magic to pull her back.
"What are you doing?" she asked, although her tone made it more of a demand.
"There's nothing for you to worry about Dame Sparkle," said Steel, his voice feeling like ooze running over her skin, "My guards are merely clearing up a misunderstanding.  I can understand your confusion, seeing as you don't come to events like this often, but it isn't proper etiquette to bring your servant in with you.  We shall have him wait for you outside."
"Then you're the one with a misunderstanding," said Twilight, "Arkenstone is not here as my servant.  He is my companion this evening."
Though she hadn't been shouting, Twilight was close enough for a few others to hear.  Her words elicited a few gasps from many of the other unicorn mares within earshot, several of them directing scandalized looks in her direction.  Even Steel looked astonished by her declaration.  This his face washed over with a look of sympathy.
"My dear Dame Sparkle, I had no idea you were so desperate."  Twilight was both surprised and disgusted to hear a hint of real sympathy in his voice.  "If you were really so desperate for company tonight, you should have informed me.  There was no need for you to stoop so low as to bring an earth pony with you."  He grinned as he leered at her.  "Please allow me to rectify this situation.  I would be more than happy to serve as your escort for the remainder of the evening and we can sweep that offending trash out the door."
Now Twilight made no effort to disguise her anger or her dislike of the unctuous stallion impeding her.  The force of her glare made his oily mask falter a bit.  "I thank you for your concern My Lord, but I have chosen Arkenstone as my escort this evening.  Now, if you excuse me, I have to go and clear up this 'misunderstanding' of yours.  Then we will take our leave.  I think Arkenstone and I have had more than enough of your 'hospitality' tonight."
Spinning about, Twilight marched away from Steel Flint, her nose in the air as she approached Arkenstone and the pair of guards harassing him.  As she came closer, she was able to make out their words.
"I don't care how many times you say it, there's no way a dirt-prodder like you would be an escort for Princess Celestia's student.  A mare like that is in a completely different class from garbage like you."  Twilight ground her teeth as she heard the guard's words.
"Admittedly, I can't disagree with that," said Arkenstone, making Twilight's ears twitch with surprise, "There's no disputing that Twilight is a wonderful mare who deserves only the best.  I can't help but be honored that she has contented herself with my company for this evening."
Twilight frowned contemplatively, her steps slowing as she approached.  Did Arkenstone really think she was too good for him?
"A likely story," snapped the other guard, "You must think it a coupe that an earth pony like you managed to get into this party, but it's nothing more than an insult.  I'll say this one last time.  Get out."
"And I shall say this as many times as necessary," replied Arkenstone cooly, "Nope."
For a moment, Twilight had to double check and make sure she hadn't brought Big Macintosh to the party by mistake.
Once she regained her composure, Twilight trotted right between the two unicorn guards and turned about to face them.  "Gentlecolts," she said firmly, "Is there a problem?"
"Dame Sparkle," said one, clearly the guard in charge, "I apologize, but there seems to have been a misunderstanding.  The Lord Earl's serving staff is taking care of everything this evening, so there is no need for you to bring a servant of your own with you.  Furthermore..."  He turned to level a glare at Arkenstone, who stood impassively  behind Twilight, "This cad has the gall to claim that he is here as your escort.  We cannot stand by and allow such disrespect for a mare of your station."
"Then there really is a misunderstanding," said Twilight, fixing both guards with an angry glare, "Because I want to make it very clear that Arkenstone is here as my escort, not as a servant."
Even with their training, both guards could not stop themselves from gasping in shock.  Twilight turned away from them, saying over her shoulder, "Now that we've cleared that up, you can go on your way now."  She trotted away from them.  "Come on Arky," she said as she walked past him.
A slight smile flickered across Arkenstone's face as he fell in beside her.  They began to make their way back towards the doors to the ballroom, making for the foyer and the way out.  However, Twilight's hopes of escaping unmolested died a messy and unpleasant death as a, by now, all too familiar stallion stepped into their path.
"Now then Dame Sparkle, you needn't saddle yourself with the company of a lowly earth pony," said Steel, his oily smile in place.
Twilight's eyelid began to twitch.  Why won't this jerk just take a hint?
"I can understand if you find his company enjoyable," said Steel Flint in a patronizing tone that made Twilight's blood boil, "But you must be mindful of your position.  How would a decision like yours reflect upon your status as a student of the Princess?"  Twilight's eyes spotted the faint glittering at the tip of Steel's horn.  He was preparing some sort of spell.
Twilight frowned.  The Earl was using magic quite subtly.  She turned her attention to his horn.  As she did, she used her own horn to read Steel Flint's spell through the ambient magical energy he was releasing.  It was a skill not known to many unicorns, one that Princess Celestia had taught her.  Twilight's analysis told her that Steel Flint was preparing a subtle suggestion spell to try and sap her will and get her to agree with him.  If he hit her with it, she would start doing anything that he said.  Twilight's horn began to glitter faintly as she readied herself.
"Why don't you come with me," said Steel, "Your 'escort' can wait while you and I discuss some things in the privacy of my own chambers."  Steel launched his spell to coincide with those words, intending to use the suggestion magic to give them extra weight.
However, his spell met Twilight's equally subtle counterspell.
"I don't think so," said Twilight, "I came to this party out of polite obligation to your wishes My Lord, but you've made your intentions quite clear.  As such, we are leaving now."
Perhaps it was the vehemence of Twilight's denial, or the fact that his spell failed.  Either way, the Earl's smile faltered and Twilight finally got a glimpse of the stallion behind the mask.  Her heart skipped a beat as she saw the pure, almost animalistic anger that lurked behind Steel Flint's facade.
"Well now," said Steel, momentarily pausing to regain control of himself, "I've tried being polite.  I have been more than lenient with your behavior Twilight Sparkle.  But it seems there is only so much I can do to reason with a jumped-up common-born cur."
Twilight's eyes glanced around.  She noticed that the nobles around them were suddenly giving them a very wide berth.  She suddenly remembered Blueblood's warning about how dangerously violent Steel Flint could be.
The dirty-orange stallion began to slowly circle Twilight and Arkenstone.  "You seem to have let getting knighted go to your head.  Do you really think that anypony here has forgotten where you came from?  I offered you a chance to obtain a station that is better than what a low-born mare like you deserves.  But not only do you disdain my offer..."  He came to a halt, now glaring at Twilight and Arkenstone openly.  "...But you insult me by daring to choose a lowly earth pony over me."
Twilight glanced at Arkenstone.  However, the stallion remained silent and unresponsive, not so much as flinching before Steel Flint's tirade, but not resisting it either.  Why doesn't he say something?  Of course, it was highly likely that attempting to force the tribalist unicorn to engage with him might lead to escalating the situation.  However, Couldn't he at least stand up for himself...for me?
However, it seemed that Arkenstone's inaction was now catching the Earl's attention.  "Well now, nothing to say for yourself?" he asked as he approached the beige stallion, "My word!  You haven't said a single thing."  He raised a hoof and prodded Arkenstone's face.  However, Arkenstone offered no response.  Steel gave Twilight an incredulous look.  "Is he slow or something?"
Twilight could only stare, wondering just what Arkenstone was doing...or rather, what he wasn't doing.  As she did, Steel Flint stepped back and gave Arkenstone an incredulous look.  "Are you really trying to say that you would choose this mentally deficient earth pony over me?"  He smirked at Twilight.  "Or is it that your fabled intelligence is a myth and you associate with this lump to make yourself look smarter by comparison?  Perhaps that's why you want to stay in that backwater slum, so you can surround yourself with unsophisticated idiots who make you look positively brilliant."
Twilight bristled at the insult to her friends.  "Don't talk about my friends like that.  You have a lot of nerve to talk about the ponies who saved you and the rest of Equestria like that."  Her frustration was beginning to boil over.  Arkenstone's silence wasn't helping things either as his lack of reaction to Steel's insults and jibes seemed to only draw more disdain.  Why won't he say anything?
Steel Flint sighed.  "Such typical commoner logic.  You fail to understand that it doesn't matter what you do."  He glared at Twilight, as though her presence was an insult to him.  "The inferior remain inferior.  That is why it falls to them to do the work, to serve, to take care of things, while those of us who are superior by birth are destined to reap the benefits.  I don't owe your friends anything.  They deserve no respect for doing what they were supposed to do.  They, and the power that they wield, exist to protect us."
He sighed in resignation.  "I honestly don't know why the Princess values you so.  But since you are so important to her, I will have you, whether you like it or not."  His horn glowed and the dark-green aura of his magic enveloped Twilight's body.  She immediately read his telekinesis, as well as another attempt at the suggestion spell in his aura.  "I don't want to resort to such unsightly means, but you leave me with no choice.  You will accompany me and we shall take care of this in private."
As she countered the suggestion spell, Twilight's eyes flashed to the various other nobles in attendance.  They were all watching the confrontation with varying degrees of interest.  She noticed more than a few looked as though they wanted to intervene.  However, the Earl's reputation for violence and his skill with battle magic was apparently keeping them at bay.  Again, she looked to Arkenstone, but saw nothing, no reaction, no sign that he was even worried about her.  Arky!  I thought you were here to protect me!
Even though his suggestion spell was nullified, Twilight still hadn't done anything about Steel's telekinesis, which he began to use to bodily drag her towards the doors to the ballroom.  Digging in her hooves, Twilight tried to resist the tug.  However, Steel was a sufficiently strong enough unicorn that he was able to overwhelm her physical resistance.  Left with no other choice, Twilight lit her horn, interposing her magic between Steel Flint's and her own body, dispelling the aura around her and breaking his hold.
The feedback of having his spell forcefully canceled like that caused the stream of energy issuing forth from his horn to spark, snapping Steel's head back as though he'd been physically struck.
A plethora of gasps echoed throughout the room as the observing nobles took in Twilight's actions.  Had she dispelled the Earl's magic less forcefully, there would be less cause for concern.  However, because she did, she had indirectly struck a noble of higher rank than herself.  Given his status as an Earl, Steel Flint was within his rights to demand reparations from her, or even a duel if he so wished.  Blueblood's description of the stallion flashed through her mind once more. What do I do?
Steel recovered quickly, turning to look back at Twilight, his gaze practically blazing with fury.  "You low-class wretch!" he growled, "How dare you strike back at your superior."
"I didn't mean to!" protested Twilight, "You were trying to drag me off against my will!"
For a moment, she thought that the Earl was going to snap and attack her on the spot.  However, after a moment, he managed to regain his self control.  His smiling mask slipped back into place and he Twilight a leering grin.  "Oh, think nothing of it my dear.  I will forget this slight if you agree to reparations."
"Which would be w-what?" stammered Twilight.
Steel's grin widened.  "Yourself, of course."
The bottom dropped out of Twilight's stomach.  "What?"
"Yourself," repeated the Earl, "Give yourself to me and I will overlook your disgusting behavior tonight.  I promise that you will learn how to be a proper noble.  I will take great pleasure in your...training."
Twilight shivered.  There was no way she could accept Steel's demands.  But she was unable to protest against them, being of the lowest noble rank.  If she refused, Steel would be within his rights to do as he pleased with her, on the spot, not that he hadn't been trying to do that already.  Twilight's mind clicked as she realized that she had been maneuvered into this position.  The Earl had used his deliberately offensive behavior to provoke an attack from her and now stood in a position of power over her.  I've been tricked!
However much she disliked it, Twilight had only one option left to her.
"Well...?" prompted Steel, clearly already thinking he knew her response.
Twilight sighed and closed her eyes, steeling herself for what was to come.  When she opened them, she was resolute.  "I refuse."
The victorious expression on the orange stallion's face dropped.  "What?"
"I refuse," replied Twilight, "I find your demands completely unreasonable and refuse to accept them."
A tremor went up Earl Flint's legs as he stared in disbelief at the knight who dared defy him.  "You..."  He couldn't even spit out another syllable.  His face was turning red as his anger built.  Once again, his horn lit and dark-green magic began to build.
Twilight tensed, preparing to ready a defensive spell.  However, she realized that she was too late.  Steel was already launching her spell as she started to get ready.  Too late, she realized that his skill and practice with battle magic had reduced the preparation time for his spells to a mere fraction of her own.  Too late, her mind turned to the ring she'd been given, which was hidden within her horn.  However, there was no time to use that either.  Twilight could only watch helplessly as the Earl's attack came.
Something flashed in front of her.  Twilight's view of Steel was blocked off by a wall of brown.  Before either of them could react, Arkenstone lashed out with a forehoof and smacked it against Steel's horn.
Steel Flint's magic blazed brilliantly before fizzling out in a crackling shower of sparks as the Earl himself screamed in pain, reeling back from the unexpected blow.  In spite of how much she detested the stallion, Twilight winced in sympathy.  A unicorn horn actively channeling magic was especially sensitive to physical stimulation, making it extremely painful to be struck.
The audience surrounding the three ponies gasped in horror, especially scandalized by the sight of an earth pony striking a unicorn noble.  However, Arkenstone looked as relaxed and calm as he had all night, standing between Twilight and Steel as though he had simply strolled through.
Even though he must have been in considerable pain, Steel rebounded quickly.  As he reoriented, he snapped his gaze to Arkenstone and lashed out with a telekinetic bolt, launching it faster than Twilight had ever thought possible.  Twilight felt the floor seem to tilt beneath her as Arkenstone inhaled, moving his body to lean against Steel's attack, which struck his shoulder directly before scattering harmlessly.
For a moment, Steel was too stunned by the failure of his attack to say a word.  He directed an outraged glare at Arkenstone before turning and shouting, "Guards!  Seize this scum at once!  I'll hang his hide from my bedroom wall!"
"Before that," interjected Arkenstone calmly, "I believe, according to the customs of the Noble Court, I have just challenged you to a duel.  Do you accept?"
Steel Flint gave Arkenstone a look of disbelief.  "Are you mad?  What would possess you to think that I am in any way obligated to accept a challenge from a filthy dirty pony commoner.  To do so would be an even greater insult to my character."
"You don't have any character to insult," Arkenstone pointed out blithely.
"Enough of this!  Seize him!"  Armored unicorns had already surrounded Twilight and Arkenstone and began charging their spells.
However, before they could launch those spells, the air suddenly chilled.  Twilight sucked in a breath of freezing air and felt as though she was standing in the middle of a winter blizzard.  In less than a second, sections of the floor, namely those beneath the hooves of Steel Flint's guards, were covered in a layer of slippery ice.  Before the guards could react, their hooves went out from under them and the entire group toppled over.  While they struggled to get back up, Twilight saw a layer of ice encase their horns.
The entire affair was over in less than five seconds.  Twilight's mind reeled at the skill required to pull off such a feat, to disable multiple opponents with two individual spells for each in the space of such a short time with such perfect precision was something that completely eclipsed Earl Flint's impressive casting speed.
Twilight heard somepony click their tongue behind her and she turned to look over her shoulder.  Arcana Lulamoon was calmly striding forward, the faint flickering glow fading from his horn as he approached.  "Such uncouth behavior from someone who's supposed to be held up as a pinnacle of refinement in Equestrian society," he chided, "This hypocrisy is precisely why I despise you and your ilk, Steel Flint."
As Twilight listened to Arcana's words, she suddenly remembered Arcana's nickname from their earlier conversation.  The Knight of the Creeping Cold...
Steel took a moment to survey his downed guards, stunned by the display of magic.  Then he fixed Arcana with an angry glare.  "How dare you interfere?"
"I dare because I feel like it," answered Arcana airily, "Besides, don't those noble codes and laws you were so proud of earlier tell you how you should treat your superior?"
A low growl escaped Steel Flint's lips.  "What do you want then?"
The effeminate stallion smiled tauntingly.  "I just came to see that you follow those noble rules that you were happy to wave around like so many toys earlier.  I believe Sir Arkenstone here has challenged you to a duel."
Steel opened his mouth the reject that, but stopped abruptly as Arcana's words sunk in.  "Wait...Sir?  He's a knight?"
Arcana's smirk widened slightly.  "He is indeed.  That means, his tribe aside, he is perfectly within his rights to challenge you as he just did.  If you refuse to accept his challenge now, you'll completely lose face."
Steel Flint's mouth worked soundlessly as he fought to protest.  Finally, he groaned and glared back at Arcana.  "Fine.  Your dirt pony friend will get his little duel.  I'll probably set a new record."
"Then how does the day after tomorrow sound?" proposed Arcana, "That should be enough time to put things in order."
"Whatever!" snapped Steel Flint, "You realize that, as the challenged, I get to set the terms."
"Of course," replied Arcana.
"Then I choose a duel to the death," said Steel, glaring at Arkenstone.
"So be it," said the beige stallion sadly.
Steel said nothing else, turning about sharply and stomping out of the ballroom.  Silence descended as everypony tried to process what had just happened.	  The nobles whispered frantically to each other, their voices rising and falling as they discussed the events of the night.
"Thank you," said Arkenstone, turning his muzzle towards Arcana.
Arkenstone's fellow Knight snorted angrily.  "Don't thank me," he said, "I'm disappointed I even had to step in.  If you showed more initiative, this would have been settled much sooner, you great brown lump."
Arkenstone opened his mouth to talk, but was distracted as Twilight came up to him.  He turned his head to face her and was immediately caught her hoof across the muzzle, snapping his head to one side.  As she struck him, Arkenstone's nose picked up the scent of salty water running from Twilight's eyes.
"What on earth were you doing?" she snapped, "All that abuse he put us through and you just sat there and took it!"
"Twilight, I..."  Arkenstone's voice trailed off as he tried to find the words to express himself.
"I thought you were here to keep me safe," she snarled, "You said I wouldn't have to worry, that I'd be fine as long as you were with me...and you just go and throw me to the wolves like that!"
"I..."
"Save it!" snapped Twilight, spinning about, "I don't want to talk to you right now."  She marched out, her nose in the air in an impressive imitation of a noblemare's snub.
"I have to admit, I'm disappointed in you as well," commented Arcana as Arkenstone rubbed his stinging muzzle, "What was going through your head?"
"Can I ask you a favor?" inquired Arkenstone.
Arcana frowned, disappointed that he wasn't getting an explanation.  "What?"
"Please escort Twilight home.  She doesn't want my company at the moment, but that still doesn't change the fact that she shouldn't be wandering alone right now."
Arcana sighed.  "Fine.  I still wish I understood what's going on inside that skull of yours."  He turned and followed Twilight out.
Arkenstone sighed.  "I wish I did too," he said darkly.