The Origin: Part 5
When he woke up, for a moment he didn’t remember where he was. However after looking at the almost bare room basked in a soft blue light and the heavy, black curtains that covered the small window… the memories of his week long journey and his arrival at the Canterlot City came back to him. Somber had to admit, that was his best night sleep in about a week.
Still feeling a bit sleepy, he got out of his bed. He made his way towards the small dresser near the door, which for now was holding all of his belongings. On it was a wooden bowl filled with water, that he promptly used to freshen himself up. And he did it just in time, as somepony knocked gently at his room’s door. Quickly putting on his traveling black cloak and pulling the hood up, he opened the door with his emerald colored magic.
Outside, in the short corridor that had six doors in it and was lighted by the same soft blue light, coming from charmed crystal shards, stood a pony clad in the simple, black hooded robes with silver trimmings of a Night Priest.
“I was told to show you the way to the dining hall, that is… if you would like to eat something.” A shy mare’s voice with a strange accent sounded from beneath the hood obscuring her muzzle. His stomach rumbled, giving her the answer. Somber laughed quietly, embarrassed. “Well then, follow me.”
His guide lead him through the small corridors of the living section of the Temple of the Night, as he was told it was called. As it turned out the kitchens and the main dining hall were in the basement, conveniently placed next to a rather large wine cellar.
Before Somber and his guide entered, she stopped him.
“Please remember, that the temple grounds are a sanctuary to anypony worshiping our goddess. That means no fighting or killing obviously, even if you met somepony you want revenge on.” Her voice became far more serious than any other times she spoke.
“I don’t think I have enemies in this kingdom, but I will remember the rule.” The dark gray unicorn said, just now thinking about what kind of shady folk he will encounter in the room behind the double doors. The priests didn’t make it a big secret about the Temple being a sanctuary to those who indulge in… certain night activities, a pony just had to just ask the right questions. However when he witnessed the city guards forbidden from entering with a warrant of arrest for somepony, not long after crossing the Temple’s threshold… that was a major give away.
“You don’t have enemies yet, my friend, not yet…” Her quiet and ominous comment made him frown, but Somber sighed when he realized she probably was right.
When the doors were pushed open by his guide, he was almost blinded by the bright and warm light from the large fireplace, in addition to the sun light that flowed through small and narrow windows near the ceiling. In the middle of the quite large room stood a long table, with benches on either side. Only about a quarter of the space at the table was occupied, by a total of eleven cloaked ponies. That surprisingly had their hoods down.
“You can pull the hood down here, it would be kind of impractical to eat with them covering our muzzles…”
When Somber turned to look at her he saw a pale red, slender unicorn mare’s muzzle. She had long, slightly curly, amber colored mane and stunning blue eyes. For a moment he just stared at her, until he shook his head and thought about Wind Dancer.
“You certainly stopped drooling at my sight faster than most of the stallions at the table, when they first saw me.” She smiled slyly and then pointed with her head at the table. “Come on then, lets join the misfits.”
When they approached the occupied end of the table, that was farthest from the doors and closest to the fireplace, Somber now could clearly hear one the stallions talking…
“... And then he was all like ‘You’ll pay for this you son of a mule!’. I hadn’t run that fast since… last week?” He was a skinny, rusty red stallion with a short, black and shaggy mane that probably wasn’t washed in weeks. In Somber’s opinion the shallow cheeks, and slight shadows under his grey eyes only added to his sickly appearance. Then he looked at him excitedly. “Oh, a newcomer!”
That prompted every other pony at the table to look at him. Now that Somber was stared at, and he stared back, he clearly saw that everypony at the table wasn’t looking like life was good to them, also they all had a certain tension about them that didn't truly leave them even in this seemingly relaxing setting.
“Well, aren’t you going to introduce our guest Bella?” The pony asking was sitting at the head of the table, wearing far more embroidered Night Priest’s robes. He was and older pegasus, as his robes had a slight bulge at his midsection. His coat was black, speckled with gray hairs showing his age. His mane was dark gray and shortly cut.
“He didn’t say his name Your Eminency and I didn’t ask.” Bella answered sitting opposite to the rusty red stallion.
Somber almost took a step back when the intense gaze of the older pegasus caught his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but was stopped by a raised hoof from the pegasus.
“Don’t worry, you don’t have to tell us your name, if you don’t want to. We will understand.”
“But how can I welcome him properly to the family, if he doesn’t tell us his name?” It was the sickly looking stallion again, but now he was gesticulating wildly in Somber’s direction.
In the meantime, when he was ensured that everything was fine, Somber sat to the left of his guide, Bella. Again it was the older pegasus that answered.
“I’m sure he isn’t going to become as frequent guest of our Temple, that we have to set him up with his own room, like you Silvertongue.” The name of the stallion was spoken with such irony but also strangely enough fondness, that only a def pony would have missed it.
Somepony snorted with ill concealed amusement. Somber just looked at Bella and raised an eyebrow in silent question.
“Don’t listen to the loudmouth, his stories are mostly either exaggerated or wholly false.”
The dark gray unicorn didn’t quite know what to say to that, so he decided to take a bite out of the puffy bread stuffed with raisins, that he spotted and now had on his copper plate. He chewed slowly watching as others returned to their meals. Seven stallions and four mares. Three unicorns, two pegasi and the rest earth ponies.
“So Bella, was it?” Somber decided to start a conversation to distract himself from the knowledge that Silvertongue was staring at him.
“Actually it’s Belladonna, but Bella will do just fine.” She answered with that strange accent of hers after a sip of what he guessed was wine from hers copper chalice.
“So… What’s his story? Silvertongue’s I mean.” Somber asked, trying to be discrete…
“I’m here you know, you could just ask me…” The mentioned stallion then began to mumbling something about rude guests. Somber smiled sheepishly.
“Well our resident jester…” She was interrupted by a loud “Hey!”, which she ignored. “Had the, how do I put it... misfortune of having a thievery related cutie mark. It landed him in trouble Luna knows how many times… and a few times in jail, before the temple was build that is.”
Silvertongue became suddenly quite serious, a look that in Somber’s eyes made him look far more grim than his previous, almost jovial demeanor.
“And I thank Luna every night that it was build, if not I would probably still sit in a jail cell for something that is my special talent.” He looked down at his plate full of crumbles. “It’s just sometimes stronger than me, you know?”
Somepony cleared his throat to his right, Somber leaned a bit forward to see whoever it was. It was the third unicorn at the table, surprisingly his coat was white and his mane was long and straight, blue with a purple stripe. He was also wearing a black robe, but his looked more body fitting than that of the priests and had a leather, dyed dark gray armor that covered his shoulders and withers.
“Indeed, the Temple of the Night is a safe heaven for those with talents that make other ponies distrust us, or outright fear us.” The white unicorn shot a look at a group of three earth ponies, two stallions and a mare. “Of course those, that are getting their bits in more… forceful ways, are also sheltered here so long as Luna favors them.”
The first thing, that came to Somber’s mind with the given description of the huddled group of three ponies was ‘mercenaries’, the next one was ‘bandits’. They ought to have made a lot of enemies in their... line of work, no wonder that they stopped at the Temple. But it was not that, that intrigued him in what the other unicorn said.
“And how do you know, that Luna favors somepony?” He asked looking at Bella then at the yet unnamed pegasus at the head of the table.
“Those touched by our goddess, carry with them a tiny fraction of her magic mixed with their own magic.” The older pegasus answered.
“So that means that you have somepony gifted in sensing magic as a priest, right?” Somber’s curiosity grew, surely they had to have somepony as a sensor. He didn’t see how it could work otherwise.
“Now that is one of the Temple’s secrets, all you need to know is that our Soothsayer can easily detect such a… mark.” The tone of the older pony had that quality in it, that signaled the end of a discussion on this subject.
After that came a moment of silence as everypony thought either about their future plans, or about what was said in case of a certain ex-human.
About an hour after the breakfast ended, Somber was pacing in his small room. He was a bit nervous about the next step of this journey. Although he had nothing to lose and everything to gain, the thought of visiting the Castle of the Royal Sisters still made him uneasy.
Although he remembered Glimmer’s warning about the priests and nobles, he felt more confident in dealing with the priests so far.
With a snort Somber realized that he was being a bit cowardly. It was not something he ever thought he would be calling himself, the brave and even hotheaded Gryffindor at heart… a coward? He shook his head and took a deep breath.
“Just do it…” He all but snarled at himself, straightening, doning his cloak and pulling up the hood.
Within moments he was out in the main hall of the Temple, on his left stood the massive statue of Princess Luna made wholly from polished obsidian, and encrusted with diamonds and sapphires. On the right were two sets of massive double doors, made from mahogany with carved in them depictions of night sky, inlaid with silver. They were currently only slightly open and the openings were covered by massive dark curtains, allowing ponies to enter and leave, but letting in only the tiniest amounts of sunlight.
The day was cool and windy, but the sky was clear thanks to the pegasi weather teams.
During his walk towards the Castle he quickly noticed that ponies tended to get out of his way. For a moment he was wondering why they did it, the it hit him. He was wearing his cloak with the hood pulled up, amongst ponies that had nothing to hide, he had to look at least suspicious. To be honest he also had nothing to hide, but the cloak gave him a bit of a nostalgic feeling, he had to admit that. It was almost like wearing a Hogwarts cloak, but he pulled down the hood revealing his muzzle, which seemed to pacify the crowd around him.
At the bridge he came across two guards in golden looking, plate armour. It covered almost all of their bodies with the exception of legs and necks, which were protected by a golden chain mail. Both held long spears, and had short swords sheathed at their sides.
“Halt! Stranger, what business do you have within the Castle?” The shout was so unexpected, coming from the perfectly still guards, that it stopped Somber immediately. He looked between the two guards.
“I need to speak with Princess Celestia.” The dark gray unicorn stated with determination.
“A lot of ponies want’s to speak with our Princess. State your name and say what you want to discuss with the Princess.” Said the guard to Somber’s right, waving one hoof. It turned out to be a signal of some sorts, as from a small building near the river bank flown out a pegasus in a lighter version of the golden armour. The pegasus was carrying a saddlebag with scrolls, an inkwell and a quill.
“I’m Somber Blackmane, and what I want to discuss is a private matter.”
What Somber didn’t expect was the guards standing even straighter, if that was possible, and saluting him by hitting the spears against their armor with a loud clang.
“Sir Blackmane, we didn’t recognize you, sorry sir. The Princess will be notified about your arrival immediately. Please go directly to the throne room.”
Somber blinked owlishly, and then blinked again before his mind processed what happened. Not wanting to test his luck, he began walking forward, towards the castle not really paying attention to where he was going still dumbfounded by the guards reaction.
While he walked, he duly noted that the Castle built mostly from gray stone, was obviously built with a military purpose in mind, and the expensive furnishings and decorations were probably an afterthought.
He had to ask for directions a couple of times, but finally he reached the throne room’s door. They looked normal enough, if he ignored the solid gold and silver insignia on the center of the double doors, that depicted the Sun and Moon in a Yin-Yang symbol like fashion.
The guards stationed by the doors pushed them open allowing him to enter.
When Somber entered the throne room he was once again astonished, this time by its simplicity. High windows on both sides allowed the sunlight to flood into the large room. In the center, between two rows of slim columns a lush red carpet lead from doors to the dais on which stood a white marble throne. Behind the throne was a round alcove, which wall was one big window.
On the throne, on some red and golden pillows sat Princess Celestia with her flowing mane. This time she was wearing a simple, flowing, white dress with gold threads sewn in that made it shimmer when the alicorn made even the smallest of movements. She was also wearing a heavy looking golden torque with a ruby set in its center, and on her head was her golden tiara.
A few steps lower on the dais stood an elderly, white coated, blond maned unicorn stallion clad in golden armor similar to the one of the guards, but his had a heavy white cape trimmed with gold attached to it that covered most of his body, and when Somber approached the dais he could see the now familiar protective cantrips engraved into the visible parts of the metal. The only other differences was that he was not wearing a helmet or any visible weapon.
“Ah, Sir Blackmane, finally. We were beginning to worry you would never come to our city.” Celestia’s loud voice echoed in the throne room, making Somber a bit uncomfortable.
“Princess Celestia.” Somber said, bowing slightly and then looking at the monarch. “I must say, I’m curious what is it with the ‘Sir Blackmane’, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“A sign of our gratitude for your service for the good of our kingdom.” Celestia saw the still questioning look she was given and smiled slightly. “You Somber Blackmane, have been given the title of Solar Knight. And now that you are here we can make it official.”
For a moment Somber didn’t know, if he should feel honoured or annoyed because he seemingly had no say in this matter. In the end he decided to go with the flow… And in the end, he figured that such a title will be only beneficial to him.
“Very well then. What should I do?” Even if he tried not to sound annoyed, a bit of it still crept into his voice. The white gold clad stallion noticed it and frowned slightly but said nothing, and the Princess either didn’t catch it in his voice or she just ignored it.
“Come closer to us, five steps below the throne and kneel.” Although she the alicorn was still speaking so loudly Somber was getting used to it now.
The dark gray unicorn approached the throne and stopped five steps below it. Just now he observed that the steps were designed to be wide enough so a pony could kneel on them without it feeling too awkward.
Somber looked up at the Princess, now being that much closer to her he could see her stunning pale magenta eyes. But soon enough his gaze focused on her mane, as the alicorn horn glowed with a gold aura, something began to emerge from her mane.
It was a hilt of a sword caped with a large triangular ruby set in a golden pomel, its grip was wrapped with white cloth with two short tassels moving in an unseen breeze. The guard, also made from gold, looked like the sun. It was a hollow circle with six golden spikes emerging from it. The blade surprisingly was also made from gold, however it had runes he had never seen before carved into its whole surface that glowed slightly. It was long, tapering to a point. If Somber had to guess from its size it was a claymore.
Celestia’s golden aura was holding the grip, and the sword levitated between the two of them with it tip pointing up.
“This is Zenith, nowadays it serves more ceremonial purpose than in ages past, thankfully.” For a moment, as she eyed the sword, hers voice quieted and took on a thoughtful quality as if she spoke more to herself than to anypony.
Somber could feel the raw magical power radiating off the golden claymore. It was like a hot summers wind... he could even feel his mane waving slightly, which made his eyes go wide when he realized it. The magic was powerful enough to manifest as a hot wind. No matter how weak it was, it spoke volumes of the blade’s hidden power.
“Your highness, you don’t really plan on knighting him here and now, are you? It’s improper for ceremony of such significance, this should be a grand event!” The until now silent stallion spoke with a bit of agitation in his voice, he also made a step forward.
“We do Count Stronghoof. It’s a mare formality at this point in our eyes. And you, the Grand Master of the Solar Knights are enough, when it comes to the knighting requiring a witness.” Although her voice and demeanor were calm, Celestia’s gaze dared him to challenge her words.
“And I don’t really like crowds staring at me anyway…” Somber muttered, but he had to say it far louder than he wanted because the Count shot him a displeased look, while the Princess smiled a bit broader.
“Now then that’s settled, let us begin.” The golden magic moved the sword to rest above his left shoulder, this close the blade felt scaldingly hot. “Dou you Somber Blackmane swear your undying loyalty to us? To obey our orders and carry them out to the best of your ability?”
The dark gray unicorn was catched of guard. The Princess didn't mention any oath earlier… On the other hoof he should have expected it, nothing ever came without a price it would seem. He sighed.
“I do.” After his words, the blade moved to his other shoulder.
“Then as the Avatar of the Sun I proclaim you a Solar Knight. May you serve our ponies and kingdom well.” The blade floated to Celestia’s right side. “And do you Count Stronghoof of House Blueblood, the Grand Master of Solar Knights, recognize this stallion as a Solar Knight?”
“Aye, I do.” Stronghoof said, also with a sigh. His Lady’s word was law after all and he would not disobey and disgrace his family.
“Then it is done. You are now Sir Somber of House Blackmane.” As she finished talking, Celestia hid Zenith in her mane.
Somber guessed he could now stand up, so he did. He began looking between the Princess and Stronghoof.
“So what happens now Princess?” He decided to break the silence that settled into the throne room.
“Now you will go with Count Stronghoof to discuss your nearest future. As a Knight he is your superior, unless we personally give you an order.” The white alicorn wanted to speak again, but was interrupted by a pony walking through a small side door. He, as it was a stallion, approached the dais and bowed.
“Princess, the Day Court should begin in half an hour, nobles are already gathering.”
“Very well, have them entertained for now.” She dismissed the servant with a wave of a hoof and focused on Somber once again. “Our time is growing short for now, but later we will wish to discuss other matters with you Sir Somber. Await our summons.”
Both Knights, knowing when they were being dismissed bowed, with Somber being a bit hesitant about it, and began walking toward the double doors.
“So… Count Stronghoof, what should I do now?” The dark gray unicorn was one more today, dumbfounded by the turn of events. It was beginning to look like he was once again losing control of his life.
“For now young one, we shall go to the library where in peace, we will be able to think and talk what to do with you.” The voice of the older unicorn was calm and almost as rhythmic as the clanging of his armored hoof on the stone floor. “I admit, I’m not happy with being saddled with another recruit, after the training of the five other newest additions to our order is months ahead. The ceremony is performed once per five years for all of the carefully selected recruits for a reason.” He eyed the dark gray unicorn critically from the corner of his eye. “And your coat color will stand out as a soar hoof. But if the Princess want’s you to be a Knight, then she had to see something in you. What? I don’t know... but who am I to disobey her?”
Somber listened with attention, he could already feel a slight dislike for the Grand Master growing in him. At least the golden clad unicorn behaved professional and didn’t let his annoyance influence him too much.
As the two walked through the castle Somber saw far more ponies milling around, mostly in extravagant clothing and costly jewelry. Nobles have arrived for the Day Court.
And amongst the crowd, the two unicorn were walking towards the library, one thinking about how to smoothly integrate his new underling into the training, the other thinking hard about what he got himself into...