//------------------------------// // Chapter Seventeen // Story: The Crucible of Restoration // by Golden Paw //------------------------------//         The Bloomberg crested the horizon and Foresight felt an odd sense of loss. Twilight and the others were heading off without her. The decision to leave Impasse behind in the crystal Fiefdom still burned her. Yes he was cursed, but he was also a hero. Just because some stupid earth pony had gotten herself killed trying to attack him…..         The guilt still gnawed at Foresight, like a poison in her soul. Twilight had been right about her - she’d put ponies in danger in her overeagerness to cure Impasse. It was what Twilight had been trying to warn Foresight about all this time. Now she and Impasse had been left behind, forced to wait out the quest here in the city of the crystal ponies. If Foresight was being honest with herself she shouldn’t begrudge it. The city was a refreshing change from the constant sour looks and hidden thoughts she’d come to accept. Here she was welcomed and Impasse too (even if from within his protective casket). Cadence was ever eager to help Foresight and the foals treated her like a big sister. To see their innocence was like a tonic to her. They said what they meant and didn’t hide behind the little lies adults used. Foresight looked about the balcony she stood on as the Bloomberg finally disappeared behind the distant mountains. The castle shone with the early morning sunlight, the reflective nature it’s components producing a whole kaleidoscope of colours. Down below the crystal ponies continued their lives, happy and contented with their lot and Foresight was ashamed that she envied them. The simple joys of being able to walk free, to talk and laugh. Foresight had rarely known that in her life. Still if she was going to be stuck here Foresight conceded there were worse places. The city held a wealth of history to explore and Foresight had only tasted a tiny snippet of that. To her inquisitive mind the glowing halls were a wealth of secrets. She’d tentatively reached out with her magic and was instantly rewarded with visions of peaceful, happy years; an almost overwhelming feeling of goodwill and love. Foresight suspected Twilight had chosen this ‘imprisonment’ with good reason. A place where Foresight could indulge her love of history, yet still be watched by Cadence and Shining armour. It spoke of thoughtful distrust on Twilight’s part, which rankled Foresight in a small way. Even when deep down she felt Twilight was right again. Pushing these thoughts aside Foresight indulged herself, letting her talent for archaeology come to the fore. She marveled at the tapestries, the skillfully carved statues and relics. All pointed to a great civilisation in its time and Foresight didn’t doubt that the land had earned its old title of ‘Crystal Empire.’ Foresight smiled at the crystal pony guards she met, looking resplendent in their armour. They held no malice in their souls, simply an almost fanatical zeal towards their ‘Crystal Princess’ Cadence. Not for the first time Foresight was grateful the enthusiasm of the crystal ponies was channeled into something positive. If they ever got it into their heads to do something selfish….         The thought seemed to call out to the walls around Foresight and she paused. There was a discordant note in the peace of this place, the first and only one she’d felt. Looking around to check she was alone, Foresight reached out cautiously with her magic. As a green aura surrounded her horn Foresight sought out that off note in the palace. Something was lurking here. It was nebulous, like a cloud of confused emotions with no aim or goal. Even as Foresight looked for the disturbance it seemed to flee from her attention. In her mind’s eyes Foresight saw a dark phantom within the surrounding crystal. It slithered along the inside of the walls, before seeping downwards and finally vanishing through the floor. In a city full of happiness and joy this strange occurrence stood out even more. Foresight frowned and closing her eyes mentally pursued the retreating cloud. It’s flight led Foresight on a complex dance, along hallways and crowded conference rooms. It ducked and dived between floors and ceiling, never once leaving the confines of the crystal. As Foresight pursued she began to understand the nature of the palace in more detail. Every facet and angle was designed to allow the flow of magic. It had been Foresight’s suspicion of course, the way the crystal ponies interacted with their home all pointed towards such. The aimless cloud was frightened Foresight realised with a shock. It had remained hidden within the very structure of the palace, clinging to its sorry existence by a thread and, now discovered, was fleeing in a blind panic. The chase continued past the kitchens, oblivious ponies went about their preparations with the same cheerful contentment of their kind; completely unaware of the hunter and its prey. The more Foresight studied the phantom the more she understood that it wasn’t sentient in the truest sense. It was a collection of spite and denied ambition, that was what had ‘called’ it to her Foresight realised with a start. Her own feeling of frustration and resentment must have felt like a kindred spirit to this lost creature. But finding her it had been disappointed and fled. Foresight willed her mind to move faster, closing the gap with the cloud before it could escape. Down they went, through the floors, past the barracks and flowed along the very foundations of the palace. Foresight caught a brief glimpse of the Crystal Heart’s glowing radiance before the phantom lead her through the floor and into ground. She hesitated, suspecting some kind of trap but seeing no evidence of such pressed onwards. She allowed her mind to sink into the roots of the city, passing layers of strata and earth, following the lines of power within the solid rock. The shadow had made use of her brief pause and was already speeding away into the darkness below. It would make sense for her prey to hide down here, away from the light and love above. She pressed onwards until the shade suddenly paused, reminding Foresight of some cornered animal with it’s claws scrabbling against a sheer rock face. Slowing, Foresight took more time to watch the cloud, ‘feeling’ its pathetic whimpering like a dog fighting to get into its dead master’s home. As she approached cautiously Foresight understood where that impression had come from. Down here, nestled at the very base of the city she looked out of the crystal surrounding her and into a darkened cavern. There outside the crystal root Foresight indeed saw a door, it’s heavy black metal panels fitting neatly into an arched door frame of cold stone. The shade huddled in the furthest tip of the crystal roots, cornered and scared it nevertheless ‘glared’ at Foresight. There was no pity within it nor hope, just anger and confusion. Smothering it all was a terrible feeling of loss. Foresight wanted to feel sorry for the shade, but there was nothing ‘good’ within it. No warmth, no honour and no heart. If this thing had the strength it would have ripped Foresight apart just for the sheer pleasure of doing such. It would burn the city above and torture the crystal ponies, all out of vengeance that it had been….. Foresight recoiled, as the maddened darkness became even more agitated. As if the very effort of trying to remember why it even was caused it pain. It wasn’t out of fear she backed away, the shade was utterly wretched, powerless and trapped. It was because she felt nothing redeeming about it. She quickly came to a decision, and with a mix of pity and revulsion Foresight undid the last strings that bound the creature together. It wasn’t hard, the ties that kept this cloud of hate together were already frayed and with a simple mental tug Foresight gave it peace if nothing else. The cloud dispersed with a wail of fury, unable to see the gift Foresight was trying to give it. She’d thought her life was rough, but as the last whispers of malice dissolved Foresight felt she’d done the right thing. With the darkness banished Foresight turned her attention to the chamber beyond. It was deathly still, its only notable feature was the forbidding door hidden in it’s depths. She was about to pry further when Foresight felt the ‘tug’ of her body far above. With a flash she pulled herself back, covering the distance in less than a moment and with a gasp opened her real eyes to see a little white unicorn tapping her leg, “Miss Foresight are you okay?” She blinked a few times, allowing her natural eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness before Foresight peered down at Platinum Shield, “What? Yes I’m fine Shield.” Platinum watched her with suspicious purple eyes, “Were you asleep?” The world rushed back and Foresight shook her head to cast aside the lingering effects of ‘mind trotting’. How could she even begin to explain what she’d just seen and done to the little colt? In the end Foresight settled on a half truth, “I was just resting my eyes while I thought about things.” Platinum cocked his head, “That’s what Dad says when I want him to play after work.” Platinum frowned, “You didn’t look like you were working, just standing there with your eyes closed.” “I..” Foresight began before Platinum shrugged. “Well if you’re done, you want to play some games?” Platinum’s eyes sparkled with excitement and Foresight felt the lingering chill of the depths recede. “Of course! What would you like to play?” Foresight jumped at the excuse. “Hammers and Horseshoes!” Platinum exclaimed grabbing Foresight’s hoof before jumping back in surprise, “Hey you’re really cold! Are you ill?” Foresight realised that her natural aura had risen again, “No I was just…” The mental image of the dark cloud rose up again before Foresight dismissed it, “I was just a little sad, when I get unhappy I get cold.” Platinum frowned again, “Do you need a blanket?” Foresight smiled at his innocence, “No thank you little prince. So you were going to show me ‘Hammers and Horseshoes’?” Platinum’s excitement redoubled, “Oh yeah! It’s really fun, what you have to do is…. Wind and ice buffeted the Bloomberg like a wild flock of predatory birds. It howled around the airship in driving waves that came so fast and close together that they seemed to merge into one long shriek. Since crossing the crystal mountains the temperature had plummeted, along with the view. Frost now covered the view ports and main screen almost as fast as spells could clear them. This left the bridge blinded to the outside world. The Bloomberg had been broadcasting requests for a peaceful parley with representatives of the Frost Rams since crossing into their territory. But as of yet no one was prepared to talk it seemed.   “We’re clear ahead for a good mile at least and still no replies to our hails!” Skyeye called down. Of all those on the bridge he had the best view of the tundra stretched out below them. The hundreds of tiny scrying crystals fed the zebra with data, which he then passed on to Twilight. “Well it certainly appears clear,” Twilight mumbled. “You suspect something more your highness?” Bold asked, seeing her disquiet. “We passed the border half an hour ago captain, we made no effort to hide our crossing. I would have expected some sort of response by now,” Twilight replied. Watching the reports forwarded by Skyeye Twilight slowly constructed a picture of the landscapes below. The frost covered ground was patchy with clumps of hardy trees. Evergreen pines that resisted the cold’s efforts to subdue them gathered together in groups as if to keep warm. She was able to pick out mountain rivers and streams that flowed despite the perpetual cold. Though her view was limited it was clear this land couldn’t have been more different than the Sal Palomino desert they’d left behind. The scrying sweeps detected critters and fauna down there, hardy animals eaking out a rugged life among the snow drifts. There was a harsh beauty here that reassured Twilight, What there wasn’t was any signs of civilization. “Now that is odd,” Skyeye said almost to himself. Twilight checked the latest images from observation and was inclined to agree. “Looks like there’s some magical charge in the clouds ahead, I…Gah!” Skyeye continued before he let out a cry. The whole ship shuddered as a piercing screech engulfed them. Darker shadows flitted across the frosted view ports and the sounds of scrabbling could be heard across Bloomberg’s hull. “Sky talk to me!” Bold snorted as further sounds played across the hull and the Bloomberg shook again. “There’s something in the clouds sir, couldn’t get a good look at them!” Skyeye yelled and Twilight glanced upwards as a scraping sound drew along the ceiling. “I could have guessed that Sky.” Bold replied cooly, “Details colt, details.” Twilight frantically sorted through the images Sky had sent to her terminal. She saw an impression of wings and claws, but beyond that nothing certain. Skyeye tensed in his chair, “There’s no life signs out there Captain, I can’t make out anything in all this snow.” “Very well raise the shields,” Bold ordered, his manner still calm and Twilight felt the note of the engines change as the defence spells of the Bloomberg came online. A glowing barrier, enveloped the craft, its purple hue standing out against the white swirling all around. The effect was instant. The shrieking redoubled, as did the assault upon the hull and Twilight saw several of the crew glance nervously about the walls. After a few agitated moments Bold glared up at Skyeye, ”Well?” Sky tilted his head left and right and every so often seemed to try and duck down in his seat, “Birds sir, they’re eagles made of ice!” Twilight’s eyes widened as she looked at the same image, they did indeed look like eagles or possibly falcons. With the Bloomberg isolated from the surrounding blizzard their attackers became clearer. They were large creatures at least twice the size of a pony, their feathers and bodies comprising of blue ice. No wonder Sky hadn’t spotted them until the attacks started. “If the shield’s up then why are we still hearing them?” Bold asked just as one of the view ports exploded inwards and Twilight caught sight of wickedly sharp talons raking at the shattered glass. “We must have trapped some within the barrier!” Twilight yelled as the sounds from outside flooded the bridge. “Orders?” One of the gunners called out as more scrabbling and scratching surrounded them. Bold gave Twilight a quick glance and she nodded reply. With her permission Bold stomped his hoof, “Clear the sky.” The gunners didn’t need to be told twice and soon the cries from outside were joined by the sounds of magical discharge. Bright beams of light began stabbing out even as repair crews fought to seal the broken view port. Twilight watched in her monitor as the Bloomberg’s defences were fired for the first time in anger. The stunning spells lanced out filling the air like a lightshow. Their targets were incredibly agile, diving and swooping in the relatively small space between Bloomberg’s hull and the outer shield. But skilled as they were the eagles had little room to maneuver and Twilight saw several of the flying beasts struck with glancing blows. The powerful enchantments coursed across them, causing the birds to tremble before they flopped downwards limply. As the cloud thinned so did the noises against the hull and Twilight heard several satisfied cheers coming from the gunnery crews before Skyeye called out, “They’re breaking off! I can see them battering at the shield Captain.” It was then that Twilight’s heart skipped, “We can’t let them out without letting more in!” The defence barrier surrounding them continued to spark and flare as the flock outside battered it continuously. “Then we keep them in until we clear the clouds,” Bold announced. Twilight tensed, “Bold they’re trying to escape we can’t just….” “Thank your highness, but with respect tactical decisions are for me to decide. Continue!” Bold’s no nonsense tone brought Twilight up short. The pile of unconscious avians began to gather at the base of the Bloomberg, there still twitching bodies piled one on top of another as further casualties mounted. Some of the trapped flock gave up attacking the shield and renewed their offensive upon the hull. Twilight saw one of the guns fire point blank at an eagle as it tried to savage the barrel of the gun. The resulting feedback sent a shower of sparks inside the bridge and Twilight winced as the pony flopped from his seat. She had no idea if he was alive or not. Bold’s plan was working though, the attackers were thinning by the moment and as the air cleared the gunners were able to focus their fire upon the remaining few. With a final mournful cry Twilight saw the last ice eagle struck by three blasts simultaneously and to her horror the creature disintegrated. It’s ice body coming apart as if smashed by a hammer. Twilight was in no mood to cheer along with the rest of the crew even when the relief washed over her. She was looking at the collection of bodies down below. The ice eagles were all suffering the same fate. Even as Twilight watched they began to dissipate, crumbling into a collection of fragments and water that formed a slushy pool below, “We’ve killed them….” She rounded on Bold, “I thought the guns were set to stun only!” Bold gave Twilight a confused stare, “I can assure you they are your highness.” Twilight shook her head and rushed over to the closest gunnery post before glaring at the incumbent mare, “Let me see that!” The terrified pony leaned back and let Twilight study the controls, “Er yes Mam I….” Twilight ignored her and practically pulled the control panel out of it’s housing, before holding it up before her confused eyes. Bold was right, the settings within were all normal. The defence batteries had been shooting stun rounds at the ice eagles. Then why? “Confirmed Captain, no more targets within the shields,” Sky called and Twilight felt her stomach churn. “And the others?” Bold asked with grim resolve. “Still swarming the shields sir, but they’re holding.” A pony off to Twilight’s left answered but she hardly heard them. She galloped back to her station and poured over the data Sky was still submitting. The flock was still tearing at their shields in a fearless manner, hurling themselves bodily against the barrier without fear it seemed. “No life signs, no fear… just ice,” Twilight wracked her brain for answers. There were plenty of bizarre creatures in the world, but they all held some spark of life. Even Impasse in his petrified state had life. But these eagles were just…. She felt the ache in her soul fade, “They’re not real…” “Pardon your highness?” Bold asked his face grim. “They’re not real Captain,” Twilight smiled as relief washed over her. “I can assure you Princess those creatures are very real, look at the mess they had made,” Bold countered, waving his hoof at the now patched view port and deep claw marks around its edge. Twilight shook her head, “No I mean they’re not really birds at all, they are just ice that’s been animated. Someone is controlling them, shaping ice into bird like shapes and throwing them at us. That’s why we didn’t seen anyone out there, it’s just ice.” “Someone is using magic to make the snow into these things?” Bold asked and Twilight nodded with confidence. “Yes Captain, we’ve been shooting at nothing more than ice puppets,” The realisation filled Twilight with fear and relief in equal measure. “The Frost Rams?” Bold said simply and Twilight dipped her head in agreement. He looked to the main viewport, still misted with ice crystals, “ Seems we have our answer then, they’re not willing to talk.” The bridge was silent and Twilight felt uncomfortably that everyone was waiting for her to decide what to do next. Did they push forward? Oracle had insisted the answer to curing the lithi was here in the Frost Ram lands. “Well you highness?” Bold voiced the question everyone thinking and Twilight bit her lip. Could they in good conscience turn back now? They weren’t invading or attacking, but simply on a mission of mercy. Surely once the Rams truly understood why they were here they wouldn’t see them as a threat? There would be someone out there willing to talk? “We’re going on Bold, I’m not leaving until I at least talk with someone in charge here,” Twilight said with finality. “Until they directly reject us on legitimate grounds we assume that they are just being overly paranoid.” “And these puppets?” Bold grinned as he spoke. “Let’s show the Frost Rams we’re not frightened off so easily,” Twilight replied and with a simple wave of her hoof Bold ordered the guns to renew their barrage. Deep under the snow, below the layers of rock and black ice the messenger crept along. Using its various limbs it scuttled down ice rimmed corridors with tiny clicking sounds. Several times it had to wait as larger beasts slithered or crawled past; their misshapen bulks hinting at spikes and claws in the feeble light that shone from low lying braziers which burned with a cold blue fire. Its now path clear enough to continue, the messenger climbed up the wall and crawled along horizontally over the last obstruction before resuming its weaving path along the ground. It passed halls half consumed by encroaching ice, the once proud stonework now covered in frost and cold. It worked around half collapsed doors and through rubble blocked passages, its nimble form curling and contorting as it squeezed through narrow gaps until it finally stopped before a very solid door that was composed entirely of blackened ice. Nestled within the looming portal were bones of many different species. Femurs, shins and all manner of other skeletal appendages were suspended in the ice but the messenger focused upon a half protruding skull with curling horns adorning it. “Master must be told!” The messenger hissed with a clicking of mandibles. For a moment nothing happened, then a green glow grew in the skull’s empty eye sockets. Without actually moving and with no pupils to speak of the skull watched the newcomer with an imperious stare, “What could be so important that I need disturb his excellence ‘Sklax’?” The hollow tones of the skull’s challenge caused the Sklax to quail back before it rose again with a snarl, “The Vault is opened, others come!” Yet again without moving the skull’s expression seemed to shift, “Unlikely, none have ever managed to breach the Vault or overcome its guardian.” Hissing all the more Sklax crept forward again, “No the Vault is opened and the one responsible comes!” “Well if you’re wrong at least I’ll get to watch the master punish you instead. Enter,” The skull replied with a sneering tone. The glow died and after a brief rumble the door swung ponderously inward. A gust of foisty air rushed outward. Sklax snaked its way into the shadows, “Master I come with news most interesting!” The room beyond was cloaked in darkness but Sklax saw two glowing red eyes watching him from across the shadows. As he approached closer the black void was suddenly illuminated, braziers flaring to life along the length of the massive chamber. Yet the speaker at the far end was still cloaked in shadows. Sklax shrank away from the sudden blue glow with a further hiss. The pair of red pupiless eyes studied Sklax coldly, causing the now revealed giant black centipede to cower further, “You speak of the Vault and its opening correct?” The deep male voice spoke quietly, with a superior demeanor. Sklax paused, “You know already Master?” “Of course I do Sklax and I know of the approaching expedition also, do you really think I need your likes to keep me informed?” The red eyes flashed with humour. “Of course not Master. I should have known such. Please forgive my intrusion,” Sklax bobbed his head before backing away slowly. “Nonsense Sklax you’re just the one I need right now,” The inky darkness replied and Sklax thought he saw the impression of a smile in the gloom. “I live to serve Master,” Sklax prostrated himself, “Say your wish and I obey.” “Awaken my steeds. I wish to speak with this newcomer who has survived the Vault, I have many questions to ask them.” Sklax shivered at the command before bowing again and crawling away. As he retreated the shadows returned, the brazier’s winking out to leave the throne room in darkness once more. “Oh and Sklax?” Sklax froze, “Ye...yes Master?” “Why did you fail to mention that ‘Horsk’s’ little pets have already met the Equestrians?” Sklax shivered before slowly turning back to the red eyes, “Sklax mind is slippery Master, sorry Master.” “Don’t let such a slip up happen again Sklax or I may find your usefulness outweighed by your incompetence.” Sklax curled up in terror. “Very good Sklax, now be on your way and be thankful I’m in a lenient mood.”