“Is… is it because of me?”
Derpy gave Allen a concerned look as he shook his head, “No… the reason I'd rather go back to Ponyville is because, I came here hoping Twilight would know something about flight… but in the end, she was just as clueless as me. If research is all that’s needed, then I think it would be better to do that at home. Besides, it’s not as if we owe anypony here right. We paid Mr. Drib back for the damage to his shop, and the room at the inn is well paid till next week, so it would be better to just go back now and save us the time.”
Silvia sighed, “Well then why are we going back to Canterlot then? Why not just go straight back to Ponyville. We were already a quarter of the way this morning.”
As the four ponies made their way through the gates of the city, Allen replied, “Well Octavia was with us so it’s only in good taste that we escort her back first before dragging her to a small town that she’s doesn’t know.”
Octavia smiled, “I appreciate the sentiments, but I could have fared on my own.”
Allen continued, “Also, I have to explain to both Mr. Drib and Twilight why we were leaving in the first place. It’s not very polite to just vanish without a trace. Leaving without so much as an explanation would just bring trouble in the long run.”
Silvia nodded her head as she replied, “well, you do have a point.”
Octavia broke off from the group as she spoke, “Well since you three no longer need my assistance, I'll just return to my work and check in… no pun intended. Please stop by before you leave though, I would like to see you two one last time before we part ways.”
As Octavia trotted off in her own direction, Allen looked at Derpy and Silvia as he spoke up, “you two can go by the inn and get everything ready, I'll head by the metal works shop and tell Mr. Drib the news. That way we can all go by the castle together and tell Twilight, and then we will be ready to go.”
Both Derpy and Silvia nodded their heads as Derpy replied, “ok Allen we will meet up with you in a little bit then.”
As the group approached the inn that they were staying at, Silvia and Derpy went inside, as Allen trotted next door to the metal works shop to talk to Mr. Drib. As he knocked on the door, the door to the shop slowly opened on its own to reveal the dark room as Allen started to trot inside, “Mr. Drib? Are you here?...”
when there was no answer Allen mumbled to himself, “Strange… he usually locks up before leaving. Even if he decides not to open for the day.”
As Allen started trotting through the room, he started getting a bad feeling as he called a second time, “Mr. Drib? Are you in here?”
Again, there was no reply as Allen started to look for anything out of place, “This is strange, the shop door was unlocked, and it was supposed to open hours ag…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Allen was caught off guard as one of the swords that was leaning against the wall waiting for completion slowly slide down the wall and hit the ground with a loud metal chime as Allen took a step back in surprise. But as he did, he stepped in something moist as he quickly turned his attention to a small puddle of blood that was laying on the floor. Worried of what he would find, Allen’s eyes followed the puddle until it lead to a large unicorn blacksmith as he laid on the floor with a dagger in his neck. Completely shocked at what he found, Allen jumped back as he spoke in shock, “M-Mr. Drib… b-but… what? Ho…”
Allen was quickly interrupted as the door to the shop flew open and slammed against the wall as Shining Armor and a group of royal guards rushed in and charged him, “HALT!!! DON’T MOVE!!!”
As Allen turned to the guards, three of them grabbed him by his head and slammed him against the ground as they crisscrossed spears over his neck to prevent him from moving. While he was pinned to the ground, Allen tried to speak, “What’s going on! Wha…”
“SILENCE!!! You’re under arrest for murder!”
“M-murder?... but I di…”
“I SAID SILENCE!!!”
With his command, Shining Armor kicked Allen on his side as a few other guards put chained manacles on all four of his hooves. Then before he was released, one more shackle was placed around the earth pony’s neck. Now fully subdued and with little movement in all the chains, the spears were removed as the guards that had Allen pinned to the floor picked him up and started dragging him outside by the very chains that bound him.
Still completely at a miss for what happened prior, during, and after his arrival at the shop, Allen tried to speak, “Mr. Drib… is he really… de…”
before he could finish, Shining Armor yanked the chain to the shackle around his neck as he yelled, “I said shut it! It’s bad enough that you would kill an innocent bystander… but to betray Twily’s trust? I'll see to it that you face the full punishment of your actions.”
As soon as Allen was outside, he saw a large group of royal guards that were suppressing the curious crowed in the streets as a carriage approached carrying both Commander Deurne, and Princess Celestia. As Princess Celestia stepped off the carriage, Shining Armor grabbed the chain to the shackle around Allen’s neck and yanked it down as he spoke, “Bow in respect!”
As Allen’s head was forced into a bow, Princess Celestia gave him a surprised look as she spoke, “Allen Key? You’re the traitor?... I… I wasn’t expecting this… although the most dangerous criminals are often the most unexpected. I’m sorry, but despite the friendship that you and Twilight share… I cannot overlook murder in my kingdom. Commander, Captain, take him to the dungeon.”
The commander nodded his head as he looked at Shining Armor, “You heard her captain, Get him out of my si…”
“STOP!!!”
Everypony quickly turned their attention to Silvia and Derpy as they rushed up to the site. As they approached, the surrounding guards crossed their spears between Silvia and Commander Deurne as the commander replied to Silvia’s command, “You have no jurisdiction here deserter! So stand aside and let us do our jobs while you go do whatever it is you bat ponies do.”
Silvia yelled to the commander, “Why are you arresting him!”
The commander replied, “Murder… This earth pony murdered the blacksmith in his own shop.”
Silvia looked at Allen with shock, “what? Mr. Drib is dead?...”
Allen nodded his head in sadness as Silvia looked back at Commander Deurne and replied, “I refuse to believe that! Allen couldn’t hurt a fly… even if he wanted too. No offence Allen…”
“Um… none taken?”
With his reply to the comment Shining Armor jerked his chain to silence Allen as the commander chuckled, “Couldn’t hurt a fly?... tell that to the corpse laying in the building behind you. This morning we received an anonymous tip that Mr. Drib the blacksmith was being attacked by an unknown earth pony in his shop. When we arrived, we found this pony standing over the now deceased unicorn with a rather incriminating expression on worry as our guards kicked in the door. In other words…”
Commander Deurne trotted to Allen and raised one of his hooves up to reveal the blood he accidently stepped in before as he continued, “we caught him red hoofed… literally.”
Angry, Derpy braced herself to charge through the blocking guards as she yelled “LET HIM G…”
“DERPY STOP!!!”
Before Derpy had the chance to charge the guards, she was stopped by Allen as he continued, “If you try to free me then they will just take you in as an accomplice. The best thing for me to do is cooperate. Since I’m not guilty I shouldn’t have anything to worry about, so it’s just a matter of time before they let me go.”
The commander smiled, “yes a matter of time… although life imprisonment is a long time to wait, but if you’re lucky you will get the death penalty instead. Those are the only two punishments available for treason after all.”
Silvia was shocked, “Treason! For killing a blacksmith?”
Commander Deurne replied, “Killing a blacksmith is the sugar atop the list of crimes this particular murderer committed. In fact, if all the evidence adds up… Treason, murder, conspiracy to attack Equestria, threatening the Crown, murder of the royal guards, Conspiracy to enact war, Falsifying command orders, And plenty others that will promote even more reasons that this traitor should be burned at a stake. But that’s just the worst case scenario. Nevertheless, he will get what’s coming to him. Shining Armor… get him out of my sight.”
Shining Armor yanked Allen’s chain in an angry gesture as he replied, “Gladly commander.”
Feeling completely useless, Derpy looked at Silvia as Allen was guided onto a carriage as he was hauled off to the castle to be placed in the dungeon. As the carriage vanished into the distance, Derpy sat down in hopelessness as she mumbled, “what… what do we do Silvia? I… I’m confused… Allen would never hurt anypony… especially Mr. Drib. He was such a nice unicorn…”
Silvia nodded her head, “you’re right… Allen isn’t like everypony else, but he is far from anything that could be even in the same category as a murderer.”
Derpy looked at the ground in sadness as she replied, “But… what do we do?”
Silvia thought to herself, “Other than placing Allen at the scene, they don’t seem to have any solid evidence that he is responsible for this. So chances of him being executed are slim… but not nonexistent. We should have a few days before they try anything as far as a sentence. Let’s meet up with Octavia. Maybe she will have some ideas.”
Derpy looked back at Silvia and continued, “But… what about Allen? He and I finally… and now…”
Silvia put her hoof on Derpy’s shoulder, “I know… but it would be better if we stayed away from the castle for at least an hour or so. We’ll go see him then.”
Derpy nodded her head as she and Silvia started making their way to The Check Inn.
Hours later after all the commotion seemed to calm down Princess Celestia was sitting on her throne as she was reading over important documents. As she did her, guards quickly raised their spears up and pointed them forward as one yelled, “Wha… Bu… How… Who are you!!! And how did you get in here!”
Hearing the confused tone of the guards voice, Princess Celestia lowered the document she was reading as she looked up to see The Reaper standing in the middle of the throne room carrying her scythe. Princess Celestia felt confused since never in The Cutters whole existence has The Reaper ever approached her like this especially armed. As the guards at the edge of the room started to approach her with their spears at the ready, Princess Celestia stood up and spoke, “Lower your weapons, this pony is my guest though unexpected as it may be.”
Every guard in the room looked at each other in confusion as they all followed their orders by lowering their weapons and returning to their positions. As The Reaper stood in the middle of the throne room with an unamused expression, Princess Celestia spoke, “The Reaper, Have you come to discuss this morning’s apprehension?”
the guards were all shocked at the princesses comment, all of the royal guards have heard rumors of The Cutters before, but none knew for certain that they actually existed, let alone that their leader would be standing right in front of them, and resembling the actual Grimm Reaper too. Giving the princess a respectable nod, The Reaper spoke, “Your majesty, I’ve come to see the pony you arrested, if what I hear is true then I would like to see him for myself.”
The princess became curious, “really… and what did you hear?”
The Reaper continued, “The pony you arrested was an earth pony form Ponyville named Allen Key. According to my sources, you received an anonymous tip that he was attacking a unicorn this morning named Arthur Drib. When your royal guards arrived at the scene, Mr. Drib was dead and Mr. Key was in the room with a quote unquote, Guilty look on his face. Is what I hear true?”
The princess wasn’t surprised that The Reaper knew so much about the situation when even her guards didn’t have the full story yet. So she only nodded her head as she replied, “that is correct. We have reason to believe that Allen Key is also responsible for Mr. Rich’s murder as well, since he himself said that he was in the Everfree forest at about the same time.”
The Reaper nodded her head as she spoke without any expression, “Take me to see him…”
The guards in the room were eager to act on the disrespectful words as Princess Celestia ignored the way she said it and replied as she stood from her throne, “If you insist… then I will take you.”
The guards were shocked at the princess’s reaction as she trotted through the room, past The Reaper and into the hall as The Reaper turned around and followed her into the corridor.
Down deep in the dungeon of the majestic castle, Allen sat as he spoke, “So… what do you think Silvia?... lost cause?”
Allen looked at Silvia who stood to the right of the cell’s gate as if she were guarding it, “well I’m not sure. I don’t think they have any evidence against you yet so chances of getting a sentence is very small. But then again… that’s also determined by what the commander meant by… treason.”
Allen nodded his head, “yea… I see your point. Anyway why are you here again?”
Silvia replied, “According to our agreement, my life debt isn’t paid till I get you back to Ponyville safe and sound. Therefore, I will guard you till that happens. As is my clan’s honor.”
Allen nodded his head, “Makes sense, but… why is Derpy here too?”
Allen looked at Derpy who was standing on the other side of the cell gate just like Silvia as she replied, “you came for me when I was in trouble. So, I'll be here for you when you’re in trouble. Besides, we’re together now… aren’t we?”
Derpy gave him a hopeful expression as he smiled and nodded his head yes, then she continued, “Then I'll be here for you. No matter what.”
Allen could only smile at his friends as he replied, “Derpy, Silvia… thank you. I don’t know what I would do if you weren’t he…”
“Spare us the sappy friendship speech earth pony… it’s a little cliché right now anyways.”
Not expecting the interruption, all three ponies looked at the door leading into the dungeon’s main hall as Commander Soul entered and made his way to Allen’s cell. As he looked through the bars at the imprisoned pony he smiled, “Well, well, well… I knew our paths would cross again earth pony… but I never imagined it to be like this… seriously I didn’t see this one coming.”
Silvia glared at her father as she replied, “I bet you’re happy to see Allen like this aren’t you… Dad.”
Commander Soul looked at Silvia as he shook his head, “it’s true that this earth pony and I don’t really see eye to eye… however, I wouldn’t want to see anypony in this particular situation. Do you know what kind of trouble you’re in colt?”
Silvia stepped towards her father, “If you don’t want to see him like this then do something already! Tell the princess this is a mistake! You know good and well that Allen isn’t a killer, he couldn’t even fight you let alone a unicorn who knows magic.”
The commander sighed, “Sad to say, I’ve already tried.”
“And?...”
The commander shook his head, as he continued, “No go… since He was arrested during the day, its Commander Deurne’s jurisdiction, so I have no word on the matter. I even tried explaining our little shuffle in the caverns, but since there is no evidence saying that he wasn’t faking it back then, it was brushed off as irrelevant information.”
Derpy turned towards the large bat pony as she asked, “so… does that mean Allen won’t get out of here?...”
The commander looked at Derpy with an unhappy expression as he replied, “I’m sorry… but there is nothing I can do.”
Changing the subject Allen stepped forward, “you said I was in trouble… exactly what kind? The day commander said something about… treason?”
“I believe I can explain that one.”
Everypony in the room looked at the doorway as the saw Princess Celestia entering the area. Acting out of reflex, Silvia and Commander Soul bowed in respect as Derpy saw what they were dong and bowed just slightly out of sync with them, as Silva rose from her bow and replied, “Your majesty? Please tell us… if Allen truly did kill Mr. Drib, then why is this murder considered an act of treason?”
The princess smiled as she started to turn around, “it would probably be best if she explained it.”
As soon as Princess Celestia turned around to look at The Reaper who was supposed to be following her, she found herself looking into an empty corridor as both she and the group of ponies she was talking to looked in confusion. The group looked back at the princess as Derpy started to speak, “Um… who will explain it to us your majesty?”
Princess Celestia was a little embarrassed, “uhh…”
Finally, the silence was broken as the sound of a slamming cell echoed throughout the room as everypony turned their attention to the gate on Allen’s cell to see The Reaper standing just inside the cell with her scythe in hoof. At first, Allen was surprised that everypony in the room to include him didn’t notice The Reaper as she made her way across the dungeon and entered his cell, but then his amazement turned to fear as she started approaching him with a terrifying glare.
With The Reaper approaching him with a look of fury on her face, Allen slowly backed up until he was completely against the cell wall. With the cloaked figure stopping right in front of him, Allen started to speak, “Are… are you the rea…”
Before he could finish his question, The Reaper moved quickly as she took the blunt portion of her scythe blade and hooked it under his chin as she raised him into the air and pinned him against the wall with a death-bringing stare on her face. Seeing the action caused both Silvia and Derpy to rush to the cell bars as they both yelled, “ALLEN!!!”
With fear in his expression, Allen kept his movements slow as The Reaper spoke with a tone that matched her angry expression, “Allen Key… I have a few questions for you, and if you value your life, you will answer honestly. Because if I assume you to be lying… then I will execute you where you hang… understood?”
The terrified earth pony could only nod his head, as The Reaper continued, “Alright… first question… Did you kill Arthur Drib?”
Allen shook his head as much as he could, “N-no…”
with no change in her expression, The Reaper continued, “Second question… do you know the name Jedidiah Rich?”
Allen nodded his head, “E-everypony, in Ponyville knows him… he is the richest pony in town.”
The Reaper continued, “Did you know he was murdered recently? In the Everfree forest at about the same time you and your party where making your way through. So I'll ask you… Did you kill him?”
Allen was shocked as he replied, “He… he’s dead… but… I didn’t even know he died… but ho…”
The Reaper pressed the scythe against his throat even more as she replied, “I didn’t ask you if you knew he was dead or not… I asked you if you were the one who killed him… so… were you?”
Allen liked into the rage filled eyes of the angry mare as he replied, “n-no... I didn’t.”
The Reaper slowly lowered Allen from the wall as she smiled, “is that so… well then perhaps we have the wrong pony.”
“What!?!”
Everypony in the room to include Princess Celestia stared at The Reaper in both shock and confusion as she replied, “you heard it yourself princess… straight from the horse’s mouth… He didn’t do it.”
Commander Soul spoke through his confusion, “but… how are you so sure?”
The Reaper smiled, “his eyes… they are the eyes of somepony who has nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of, and in my opinion they are the honest eyes I have ever seen. Well… other than Derpy’s.”
Derpy tilted her head slightly as she started to reply, “How do you know my na…”
Before she could finish her question, Silvia spoke up, “Are you serious? Just like that you’re going to take his word for it?”
The Reaper replied, “Why? Do you think he did it?”
Silvia rubbed the back of her head as she replied, “well, um… no… but it just seems odd that you can just take his word for it when the possibility that he is lying is always there.”
The Reaper nodded here head, “True… but remember the possibility of me lying is also there… I could easily wait till he takes one step out of this cell before removing his head, but then again you’ll just have to expect me to be telling the truth now won’t you?”
Hearing what he assumed to be a threat made Allen hesitate as the princess replied, “I’m sorry… but I cannot allow your word to decide his fate. Whether you agree or not, I can only assume he is guilty until evidence is brought forward.”
The Reaper nodded her head as she replied, “I was afraid you would say that your majesty… this will only force my hoof.”
The room was once again confused as the commander replied, “force your hoof?... to do what exactly?”
The Reaper pulled a form from her cloak as she held it up and spoke, “If Allen is to be charged with this murder… then he will also be charged for the death of a member of The Cutters. Because a member of my cutters was the first to die… he will be deemed a criminal of my organization and will be taken into custody by me personally. According to the Cutter’s Bill which you personally agreed with almost a millennium ago, you must turn him over to us so his punishment can be decided by our hooves.”
The princess gave The Reaper a confused look, “But… you yourself said he was innocent. If I turn him over to you won’t you just release him?”
The Reaper nodded her head, “actually… yes we would.”
The princess shook her head, “I cannot allow this. Bill or not, the entire city knows of his arrest, and if they see him trotting the streets freely, it could bring trouble. For both The Cutters and my royal guards.”
The Reaper smiled as she continued, “you know we are a little more prepared for that then you would assume. For example, as we speak, every guard, traveler, and citizen who trots through the noble district is spreading rumors as we speak, that the pony responsible for Arthur Drib’s murder was a unicorn using a disguise spell to take Allen’s appearance and murder Mr. Drib out of a sheer whim of insanity. Shortly after his capture, and after being forced to remove his spell, the unicorn was placed in a carriage that left the castle an hour ago on its way to the gates of Tartarus so that this criminally insane unicorn can be banished to that prison for the rest of his days.”
The princess stood in disbelief, “But… if a rumor like that is passing around as we speak, then you would have the assumption that Allen isn’t the murderer before you even arrived here.”
The Reaper nodded her head, “This is true. I know Allen Key didn’t murder Arthur Drib. Additionally, I know that chances of him murdering Mr. Rich are near zero as well. Mainly because Mr. Rich’s mission in the Everfree forest that night was to guard and monitor Silvia and her party until they arrived in Canterlot.”
Everypony was surprised as Silvia stepped forward, “Me?... but why?”
The Reaper smiled as she replied, “You will know soon enough Silver… but not her. The fact of the matter is that upon further investigation of this morning’s crime scene, we have determined that Arthur Drib died last night, not this morning. At that exact moment, Allen Key, Silvia, and Octavia Melody where all together in the Everfree Forest searching for Ditzy Doo after she made the foolish attempt at trying to traverse the forest alone… No offence Ms. Doo.”
Derpy blushed slightly as Princess Celestia looked at Silvia and spoke, “Silver… is this true?”
Silvia nodded her head, “Yes your majesty, it is. We didn’t return till this morning and that was when Allen happen to discover Mr. Drib’s body. Not one second later, your guards rushed in and arrested him on the spot.”
The princess looked at Allen and asked him this time, “Allen Key… is this true? Did everything that was mentioned by Silver and The Reaper really happen?”
Allen bowed in respect as he replied, “Yes your majesty… it is.”
Princess Celestia sighed, “Then… I will honor the bill I signed all those centuries ago. And allow The Cutters to take Allen into custody. However… if you do decide to release him… then he will be banished from Canterlot until evidence can be brought forward that proves his innocent. And this will be an order that isn’t tied into The Cutters bill. Am I clear?”
The Reaper nodded her head, as she replied, “yes your majesty… we understand perfectly. So Allen… shall we go?”
Allen still couldn’t tell if it was really that easy as he replied, “I-I guess so, do you have the key?”
The Reaper smiled, “no…”
Allen gave her a funny look, “no? then how…”
before he could finish his question, the cell door fell to the ground revealing that the lock, latch, and hinges were cut completely through as The Reaper started to exit, “Come along Mr. Key… we have much to discuss.”
As The Reaper stepped out of the cell, Silvia stepped in front of her, “If Allen goes… then I go too.”
The Reaper smiled, “I didn’t intend on leaving you behind in the first place Silver. You are completing a life debt with him are you not? And I know how much you bat ponies respect the honor you have for your ideals. So with all the sympathy in the world, I will happily request and accept your offer to come with us.”
Silvia felt a little confused as Derpy stepped forward too, “And… what about me Ms. Reaper? Can I come too?”
The Reaper nodded her head, “And what kind of monster would I be to force two who were so meant for each other to part ways? Of course, you may come with us Ms. Doo, and may I ask to call you Derpy? I know that that is what your friends call you, and I would like you to view me as a friend, at least for the time being.”
Now Derpy was confused as she replied, “well, um… okay.”
The Reaper smiled joyfully as she spoke “Splendid. Then let us depart, I have to speak with all three of you with matters regarding what’s happened lately.”
The Reaper then trotted past both Silvia and Derpy as the commander stepped in front of her, “What are you going to tell them Reaper?”
The Reaper smiled peacefully as she replied, “the truth… and nothing more. I think it’s time that they know.”
With nothing more to say to the large bat pony, The Reaper stepped around him as Allen, Derpy and Silvia followed. When they approached the princess, The Reaper smiled, “by your lead your majesty.”
Though she wasn’t too sure about what she was allowing The Reaper to do, she still trusted her and wanted to honor their contract as she turned around and lead the group out into the main corridor. Not long after they entered the main hall, Commander Deurne, Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle were trotting hastily down the hall as they met the group with Twilight Speaking first, “Princess? What’s going on! Rumors are storming the city about the pony who killed that blacksmith.”
Shining Armor stepped forward, “Is the murderer a Unicorn? Or is this some kind of cover-up? I’m confused.”
Before princess Celestia could reply, Commander Deurne sneered at The Reaper as he spoke, “This is her doing isn’t it? She’s taking him away isn’t she?”
The princess spoke up, “Settle down my little ponies, there is nothing to worry about. The Reaper will take care of everything from this point on. I’m not asking you to continue spreading these rumors… but I am asking you to keep this bit of information secret. Matters concerning The Cutters… must be dealt with by The Cutters.”
The Reaper nodded her head, “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Don’t worry, justice will be served, and if Allen isn’t the pony responsible for this crime… then I will make the one who is, suffer.”
After she was finished talking, The Reaper guided herself and her group around the princess and the approaching party as Twilight spoke up “Allen wait… is… is it true? Did you really kill the blacksmith you used to work for?”
Allen lowered his head, “C’mon Twilight… I though you of all ponies would be smart enough to know the truth. Mr. Drib was my friend. He gave me and Derpy work when we needed money to stay at an inn. He even let me use the back room of his shop to work on my motor, and he even fabricated the parts for it. Do you think I would kill anypony who supports my goal when so many outcast me for it?”
Twilight hung her head as she replied, “I… I don’t know… I don’t even know if I believe you even wanted to fly in the first place.”
Allen shook his head as he replied, “If my word isn’t enough to convince you… then I guess we aren’t friends after all. Thanks for your help in my research… but I think Derpy and I can finish it from here. Bye Twilight.”
With nothing more to say, Allen continued following The Reaper as she led him, Derpy, and Silvia through the corridor and out of the castle. As Twilight watched in disappointment, Shining Armor tried to cheer her up, “It’s alright Twily, to be honest, I never trusted that guy anyway.”
Twilight sighed as she replied, “I thought we were friends… but if that’s how friends treat you, then I guess I can do without.”
Shining Armor, replied, “Now don’t be like that, not all friends are bad. Anyway you still have your BBBFF right?”
Twilight smiled as she looked back at her brother and replied, “That’s right, and we will always be here for each other right?”
Twilight and Shining Armor started trotting down the hall as he replied, “of course, where else would I be.”
As the brother and sister continued down the hall Commander Deurne looked at the princess as he spoke, “that wasn’t very wise your majesty. Letting them go like that, it was an insult to you, and you know it.”
The princess replied, “Now commander, you and I both know that Allen’s presences at the scene was the only evidence you had connecting him to this crime. Overall, The Cutters were the first to report the possibility of this murder so the fact that they claim his innocence is plenty to show that they believe him to be innocent. And after hearing his opinion on the matter, I think I believe Allen to be innocent as well.”
the commander replied, “that’s not what I mean your majesty, what I mean is that from my point of view, I would say that they were the ones ruling the kingdom… not you.”
Princess Celestia gave the commander a stern look as she replied, “Careful commander.”
Commander Deurne bowed, “my apologies your majesty, I meant no disrespect, but I can’t say the same for The Reaper’s actions. I just can’t bring myself to trust somepony who decides to act in the shadows like common criminals.”
Princess Celestia nodded her head as she replied, “I understand your suspicion, however as shady as The Cutters seem, I trust them with my life as should you. To think that ponies blessed with so much at birth would risk it all for those who are less fortunate then they and ask for no such reward. It gives me hope for the future of my kingdom. Then there is the debt I owe to the Mist family. They have served me for over a millennium, and still they refuse payment. It’s Loyalty like that that truly defines what the word stands for.”
The commander rubbed his head in hopelessness as he replied, “As true as that may be your majesty, I can’t trust them, and I don’t think I ever will. However, since you see such value in their existence when I see it as a threat. I will try my best to tolerate them as long as possible, but I cannot make any promises, especially with that monster taunting me.”
Princess Celestia smiled as she replied, “that is all I ask, although if you wouldn’t show such hostile expressions or gestures towards her, I think you and The Reaper could get along.”
Commander Deurne sighed in a disrespectful way as he replied, “I doubt it. Ponies who reek of blood like her make me sick. I could never get along with her kind.”
With nothing more to say on the subject, Commander Deurne trotted past the princess and made his way down the hall as he turned the corner and vanished from Princess Celestia’s sight. When the stubborn commander was gone, Princess Celestia mumbled to herself, “and that’s why I worry that your attitude could get you into trouble.”
Back in the middle of the city Equinox and Shade were sitting at a table in a restraint as Equinox stood up in anger, “WHAT DID YOU SAY!?!”
Shade gave him a nervous look as he replied, “Uh Nox… you’re making a scene.”
Equinox replied, “I don’t care! Just tell me again what you said!”
Shade sighed in hopelessness as he replied with a low voice, “Like I said before, Rumors are going around that the culprit is a Unicorn who was banished to Tartarus right after he was apprehended this morning at the shop.”
Equinox spoke in an irritated voice, “But the earth pony was arrested this morning… I saw it with my own eyes!”
Shade continued, “Well that’s not what all of Equestria’s saying. They say it was a Unicorn who disguised himself as an earth pony to get close before killing the blacksmith for personal issues, or something like that. In fact, the newspaper says they will be publishing this story in the news tomorrow.”
Equinox sighed, “did they make a mistake?... no I saw them capture the earth pony, but did somepony use a spell to help him… no who would believe an earth pony who claims he will fly someday…”
While Equinox tried to understand what was happening Shade continued, “And that’s not all.”
Equinox looked at his partner, “don’t tell me there is more.”
Shade smiled, “I over heard some royal guards talking a few minutes ago… and guess who showed up in person to discuss this matter with the princess.”
“I don’t like guessing games, just spit it out…”
Shade smiled sinisterly, “The Reaper herself.”
Equinox was shocked, “The Reaper? As in, she stepped out and revealed herself to both the princess and her guards?”
Shade nodded his head, “yea… and the princess even addressed her as The Reaper.”
Nox put his hoof on his head as he sat back down, “that’s… strange. Mother never puts herself out in the open like that. The only reason she would is if she deliberately wanted the princess’s guards to see her. To let them know that she was there and why. But… why would she? What possible rea… Wait… she’s behind this.”
Shade was confused, “Behind what exactly?”
Nox replied with a smile, “so… she is the reason the rumors say it was a Unicorn. The whole thing is a conspiracy; The Reaper deliberately spread that rumor around because somehow she knows that the earth pony didn’t do it.”
Shade sat back in his chair and sighed in disappointment, “Well crap, all that and we’re now back on square one.”
Nox shook his head, “not exactly, if she believes the earth pony to be innocent, then surly she will take him into custody to protect him from royal guards who are willing to ask questions. And when she does, guess where she will take him.
Shade’s eyes widened as he smiled, “The Cutter’s Haven… this could be our chance to finally find it.”
Nox smiled, “Exactly, mother has kept that secret from everypony except dad, and finding it now will definitely help us later on. Go out and try to find any of them. Silvia, the dumb pegasus, and the earth pony. If we do, then they will lead us directly to The Cutters Haven, then we can speed thing up… my way.”