The trip through the hallways was kept in relative silence. The walls were made of ornate stone. Elegant tapestries were hung here and there in the finest fashion, depicting scenes of palaces and glorious battles. Some displayed red or gray insignias, the sign of their Order. Key Scales was in awe at the state of the manor, seemingly old and new all in one. The stone mansion had obviously been used for years by these "Assassins" but it was impeccable.
They reached a door decorated with a carved red symbol and Arrowhead raised a hoof to stop her from walking through it.
"Allow me, friend." He pushed it open and permitted her to step through.
The room was large and worn, giving off an air of both comfort and importance. There was a desk in the middle, books and papers cluttered across the top. Ink pots and quills were strewn here and there, away from the few candles lighting the room. The stallion behind the desk was well built and searched through a bookshelf behind it. His tan coat and tail were covered mostly by an outfit similar to the usual Assassin garb, though it was deep navy in color. It had a black cape across one of his shoulders. A sword hung from his hip. His mane and face were covered by a hood.
"You are the mare I've heard so much about. Please, come closer." Key Scales looked back at Arrowhead, who smiled and moved his hoof as if to say "go on."
She tentatively stepped to the edge of the desk. "I am Key Scales. Arrowhead has informed you of my story and I-"
He held up a hoof to stop her. "I know. I wanted you to be an Assassin. Upon seeing you however, and I wish not to be rude, I do not think you have what it takes. You do not look like much. You only killed in self-defense and I doubt you could do it again. Training is extensive and difficult." He faced her and said, "You cannot back down once you join and I wish for you to not throw your life away. I don't think you could survive mere combat training, let alone make a living here."
The way he spoke to her both enraged her and terrified her. As though she were some idiotic filly who had broken an expensive vase. And perhaps she was. She was in the headquarters of a group of murderers for Celestia's sake. This was her only option. The Princesses would never smile on a murder, even in self-defense. Never in Equestria would they allow so blatant a kill. There was no way she could possibly back down. She tried to speak confidently, "Sir. I am certain. I will train as hard as I can, and I will become an Assassin!" but her voice trembled and gave her fear away. She placed her hooves on the desk and stared at him, her eyes purple flames as she used rage to strengthen her voice. "I'm going to join your ranks. I'll give it all I've got, and there is nothing that can stop me. May I have your permission to start training, Sir?"
He raised a hoof up and removed his hood, revealing brown eyes. They were harsh but not unkind. He had obviously been through a lot in his many years. "Yes." He looked at Arrowhead standing by the doorway smiling and said, "For a second there, I thought you had brought me a complete weakling, Soldier." Arrowhead's eyes narrowed and he strolled up to the desk.
"Look. I will help you if you call on me, I'll even train this mare because she's a bit of a temperamental-" Key Scales growled and he smirked. "I mean, feisty, recruit. Do not, however, call me your soldier. I work on my own. That's just how it is and you know it."
The stallion smiled. "Good to have you back, Arrowhead. Miss, you may take your hooves off my desk. Your point has been made."
He stood up taller and became formal once again. "I am Voltai Umbra, leader of one of the many fine branches of the Assassin Order. I welcome you in these dark times, and hope you may soon join our ranks. You start training tomorrow. Arrowhead, you shall train her in the armory to start. I suggest you get your belongings and room together today. You are both dismissed."
They walked out of the room solemnly. Key Scales' eyes gleamed as she let out a sigh. "Voltai is not as scary as I thought he'd be. Thank you again, dear friend." Arrowhead led her on a different route this time, through a large room that seemed like the center of attention. Some ponies were scattered about. A few were in assassin robes, though the colors varied from deep reds, rich blues and dark grays to black. A few ponies were deep in conversation, though the majority seemed quiet and disheartened. The sounds in the hallways were of hushed voices and hoof-steps, nothing more.
"Arrow, if this is such a fine order, why do they all look like deflated balloons?" His smile fell and he looked straight ahead, a familiar look of anger resting into place. He launched into a story.
"Recently, there have been... accidents in the order. Each time we tried to make a move on our enemies, they know where we are before we strike. We have lost quite a few good members due to that and... other shortcomings." He quickly fell silent and walked ahead angry. Key Scales was not fazed by his manner. "Well, what are these 'other shortcomings'? Won't you tell me?" He looked over his shoulder at her sternly.
"No. That is not of your concern Recruit." His expression softened slightly. "I'm sorry, Scales. Cheer up though." They turned a corner leading to a door. Arrowhead opened it to reveal a balcony bathed in moonlight before speaking, "We've got a job to do." Key Scales was confused at this. She hadn't even begun training yet, so what was he going on about?
"Key Scales, what is your room mate's name?" This merely confused her more, since he knew her roommate and was good friends with her.
"Arrow, what are you talking about? You've met Leaf Runner many... Sweet Celestia....Leaf Runner..." She grabbed her friend and began shaking him back and forth. "LEAF RUNNER! IS SHE OKAY?!? OH NO WHAT AM I GONNA DO SHE COULD BE STARVING! I DIDN'T MAKE DINNER LAST NIGHT!"
Arrowhead had seen this crazed look before in his friend. He predicted this would happen, placing his hoof on her muzzle to quiet her. "Key Scales, that's what I'm talking about! Leaf Runner doesn't know where you've gone. While you were sleeping I got a notice. I'm so, so sorry I didn't give you this earlier. I had Rushing Dusk stake out your house, to keep an eye on our friend. Here." He produced a note from the depths of his white cloak.
Key Scales took it with her magic and opened it. Inside was a hastily written note:
Arrowhead, there has been an attack on the tree house you told me to watch. I require your assistance, and you had better bring Key Scales after she has talked to the leader. Hurry.
-R.Dusk
She went from hysterics to fury at his omission of the letter in about 3 seconds. "ARROWHEAD I WILL KILL YOU!"
He backed up and produced a knife from his cloak. "Key Scales, which one of use has weapons again? I need to stop in my room to grab a few things and then I swear we will go check on Leaf Runner. Okay?"
She calmed a bit, though she was still silently fuming. "Okay."
They raced through the halls, stopping only when they'd reached the arrow door. "I'll be back as fast as I can, give me a few moments." He ducked into the room as Key Scales gasped from running so fast. She caught her breath as he came out of the room.
He'd donned his favorite hat to rest upon his brown fluffy mane. In addition to that he had a black vest with red and silver stripes running alongside the multiple pockets, complimenting his blood red fur. He had a black bag strapped onto him.
"Key Scales, I hate to say this..." She looked up at him, still breathing heavily. "Y-Yes?"
"You're going to have to do more running since you don't have wings like me."
She merely looked at him, her eyes full of sorrow. "It's for Leaf Runner, right?"
"Right."
She turned away from him to look down the hallway. Her purple eyes took on an expression he wasn't familiar with.
"Let's go. Now. If it's for Leaf Runner I would run across Equestria and back." He had to admire her tenacity.
He led her down the hallways, walking so she could rest before the long run that faced her. They came to a large door guided by a pony of small stature. His eyes were icy blue and intimidating. His white robe signified he was an Assassin, and a high ranking one at that.
He raised a hoof to stop them. "Halt! Where do you think you're going?" Arrowhead smirked. "You must be new. I'm Arrowhead and this is Key Scales. We go where we want."
The Assassin looked unfazed. "New rule since the-" He looked at Key Scales' curious gaze. "Recent events. I have to know where you're going. Convince me you are no traitor, Sir." He spoke the last words with no emotion, though his pale eyes showed his anger.
Arrowhead produced Rushing Dusk's note from his vest and gave it to the insistent guard. The guard seemed satisfied with the note and let them pass, looking bored.
Key Scales became confused, since she hadn't given that note back to him, and had been holding it with her magic close to her. She opened her mouth to ask how he had gotten the note, but was interrupted by his voice as they walked through the gates.
"One of the first things you'll learn in the order is how to pickpocket, Scales. My advice? Keep your eyes open, and don't let anyone know you have important items." He looked ahead, his face becoming worried as he stretched out his wings, "Let's go see Leaf Runner."