I awoke to pain the likes of which I had not felt in all my years. While the sensation began in my chest, it radiated outwards to encompass the whole of my body, from the tips of mine ears to the bottoms of my hooves. My body felt heavy, dull and restricted, as if ‘twere held down by an impossibly massive weight.
‘Twas some time before my mind could turn to any matter beyond the pain. Mine eyes felt thick and heavy, but I slowly forced them open. When at last I became aware of my surroundings, I discovered that I was abed.The rich decorations within the room made it plain that I was in the royal palace, not my quarters within my clan’s newly claimed compound. Before I could wonder at my location, I heard a vaguely familiar voice at my side. “Shadow Kicker, are you awake?”
Before me stood a peach-coated mare whose mane was streaked with blue and gold. ‘Twas several seconds ere my muddled mind could match a name to her face: Morning Star, wife to mine old friend Copper Spark. My lips cracked open, and I croaked out an answer to her question. “I am awake.”
I shifted in bed, attempting to rise as my leaden limbs sluggishly responded to my mental commands. The magus quickly put a hoof on my shoulder, gently restraining me. “Do not move so hastily, Shadow. You have been through much and more, and lingered many days on the cusp of death.” She used her magic to retrieve a cup and held it to my lips. “Please, let me help you drink this. ‘Twill help your recovery from your wounds and lessen the pain.”
The concoction within the glass did not taste like anything that had any business in my stomach, but such is often the way of things with medicines. I had endured far worse than unpleasant potions in the past. “How long?” I would have made my question clearer, but my throat felt sore from lack of use, which in and of itself told me much.
“Near a month, I am afraid,” Morning answered grimly. “Your wounds would have killed a lesser mare, and as it was, we have had to use our best magics and other resources to bring you back from the brink of death. Her Majesty expended much of her strength preserving the spark of life that remained within you while others saw to repairing your flesh.”
“My wounds?” After a moment of confusion, the memories came flooding back to me. “Bright ... Bright Charger struck me down 'neath a truce flag. She claimed that I had murdered her daughter, though I did no such thing.”
“She struck you down treacherously, in violation of all the rules and customs of warfare,” Morning confirmed. “‘Twas quite the battle to retrieve your body, and the Queen herself took charge of your treatment once ‘twas done. The chirurgeons believed that you were already slain, or else wounded beyond all salvation.”
“I suppose I should be grateful she did not agree with their assessment.” More memories of my last moments poured into my mind, and I recalled that I had not gone the parley alone. A quick scan of the room showed that my daughter was nowhere to be seen, and dread settled into the pit of my stomach. “What news of Gale?”
Morning’s countenance fell, confirming my worst fears. “I am sorry to be the bearer of such fell news, but she is a prisoner within the rebel camp.” Her face darkened further, and an angry growl entered her voice. “She was captured when they struck you down and broke the truce, and so twice damned themselves.”
I once more tried to rise from my bed, a half-formed plan to storm the rebel camp and free my daughter firmly in my mind. Morning’s hooves once more gently restrained me, and the weakness of mine own flesh made her task a simple one. “Have a care, Shadow. Much has been sacrificed to preserve your life, and ‘tis poor repayment of those efforts to worsen your wounds the moment you wake. You cannot help her in your current state. Harbor your strength for now until your body is ready to do what must be done.”
I scowled, but much as I misliked her words, I could not dispute the truth of them. A mare who could barely muster the strength to rise from bed would hardly be able to fight a major battle. “So be it then. Gale has already been a prisoner for a month. She can endure a few more days while I regain my full strength.” I frowned, and added for mine own peace of mind, “Though Bright betrayed the truce flag, I cannot think that she has fallen so far as to mistreat my child.”
Morning had taken the potion glass from my bedside, and been in the midst of cleaning it. At my final words, the glass shattered within her grasp. She stared down at the broken shards of glass for some time, a panoply of emotions flying across her face. I could make no sense of it, beyond the fact that ‘twas plain she was in distress. “Morning? What ails you?”
She closed her eyes, taking several deep breaths as she calmed herself. Then, with slow and careful deliberation, she gathered up all the shards of the broken cup. “I wish I could say 'twas so, Shadow. Howe’er, I fear that the honorable ponies you knew are no more. The rebels ... twice they damned their cause with their betrayal of you, but thrice are they damned. And their third crime is the foulest of all.”
There are few crimes to match the foulness of betraying a truce, and none of them were the sort of thing I cared to think of my former comrades doing. Howe’er, this unnatural war had forced us all to do many things that had once been unthinkable. “What have they done?”
Rather than immediately answer, Morning put her magic to work slowly and carefully reassembling the cup she had shattered. “They ... they have begun to consort with warlocks. We have confirmed it with our prisoners and everypony that has left their cause to join ours.” She scowled, hate briefly distorting her features. “They used forbidden arts, and sacrificed all the archmagi they had captured in a foul blood ritual. Including—including...”
While she could not bring herself to speak the words, I could already guess the awful truth. Her husband had been an archmagus, and a prisoner within the rebel camp. Howe’er, I could not bring myself to truly believe such a horrible thing. “They ... Copper is dead? How?! Why?! It is utter madness! I cannot believe the Ephors would endorse such a foul act!”
“They have!” Morning shrieked, her fragile composure shattering. “They murdered my husband and the father of my children! They used his blood to birth an abomination! I curse them all to suffer the foulest, most painful deaths fate can conjure for them, but only after an eternity of torment!”
She shuddered, taking several sharp, painful breaths as she struggled to regain some semblance of balance. Once she had restrained her choler, she spoke flatly, as if a dull recitation would distance the painful facts from herself. “Swift Blade brought the warlocks into the rebel camp and is using them to further their cause. They used my husband and the others as a blood sacrifice to perform a fell ritual somehow connected to Nightmare Moon.” Her frown turned troubled and pensive. “We do not know for certain what they have done, but Bright Charger is now named as the Avatar of Luna by the rebels. ‘Tis unclear whether Nightmare Moon’s will and power commands her flesh, or if she is merely as she once was but risen to an alicorn while being blessed and empowered by Luna. Regardless, the rebels now march fully ‘neath the Nightmare’s flag.”
I could scarce believe mine own ears. “Nightmare Moon commands the rebel forces?”
Morning took another breath, her voice nearly returned to calm and control, though there was still a hard edge to her words. “Yes, or at least something close enough. Whatever exactly faces us, it is dangerous, very dangerous. And it has changed the very nature of this war. While none have said so, I cannot imagine that the Nightmare would care for the rebels’ stated war aim of mortal rule in Equestria. She will want her freedom, and her sister’s throne for herself.”
I frowned, pondering the full implications of that change. Where before this had been a war for principles and the future of Equestria, now we faced the threat of a mad goddess claiming absolute dominion o’er all Equestria. Matters had grown serious indeed. “I see. How fares the city? What of the Commander and Sunbeam?”
“The city holds for now,” Morning assured me as she retrieved a fresh cup. “Since the initial rebel attack that struck you down, the few direct assaults they risked on our positions proved to be bloody failures. For now they have largely contented themselves with attempting to bypass or undermine our defenses by digging. We are holding, but we worry for how long. Fresh siege engines are nearly complete, and ‘tis likely they will find a weakness in our walls at some point. Not to mention winter draws e’er nearer.”
A hint of cold, satisfied smile crossed the widow’s lips as she continued, “Archmagus Sparkle has been quite beside herself e’er since your betrayal and the rebels’ use of warlocks. Whenever the enemy has probed our defenses, she has either used overwhelming power with a concentrated team of magi to break the attack or, as is more her pleasure, sought out and slain every rebel leader who dared to show themselves. ‘Tis telling that neither Swift Blade nor his puppet Ephors have dared to lead a force in the field.”
She hesitated a long moment ere she answered the last of mine inquiries. “Her Majesty is well—to a point.” She was silent for some time, her eyes furtively darting about the room. “There is little I can say with certainty, but much I suspect. For all Archmagus Sparkle’s claims that she and the Queen stand together, she is usually in a foul mood ‘pon leaving any conference with Her Majesty. And while they try to hide it, Celestia seems ... unwell.” She frowned, shaking her head. “I suspect that ‘tween maintaining the shield, preserving your life, and other pressures, her strength is sorely tasked. And of course, there is the question of the Avatar. While the Queen is silent on the matter, I think she intends to face the Avatar when she shows herself on the battlefield or she attempts to take control of the night sky.”
As I thought o’er all that I had heard, I shifted in bed, causing the covers to fall from my body. Though I had not noticed it previously, I was surprised to note that I was wearing a breastplate. That seemed most unusual: there are numerous reasons why ‘tis unwise to sleep whilst wearing one’s armor, especially when abed for an extended period of time as I had been. Further, Bright had felled me with a lance to the chest. It seemed curious to place armor o’er the wound, making it that much harder to treat.
I studied this unusual breastplate more closely. ‘Twas not the armor I had worn for most of mine adult life—though that was perhaps no surprise, given that Bright’s lance had punched a hole clean through mine old breastplate. Howe’er, this new plate was of a material and craftsmanship the likes of which I had ne’er seen before. The metal looked little different from mine old armor, yet felt lighter whilst offering e’en greater strength; ‘twas difficult for me to put to words, save for weighing steel against copper. ‘Twas a poor comparison, especially as a second glance hinted at the more arcane qualities of my garb. Subtle, finely crafted runes covered the armor’s trim—some of which I vaguely recognized from the work of Sunbeam, Morning Star, and Copper Spark, and some which were entirely alien to me. So many adorned mine armor that I would have worried for its integrity had I not sensed some superiority in the metallurgy.
Morning followed my gaze, and her smile grew sharp enough to equal the edge of my wing blade. “Ah, I see that you have noticed the new armor.”
If naught else, it did explain why my chest had felt so heavy when first I woke. “May I ask why I am wearing armor in bed?”
Morning nodded, one hoof rising to contemplatively touch the plate. “I know it might sound queer, but ‘tis a part of your recovery. Producing this suit has occupied much of Queen Celestia’s attention when not tending her other duties. Myself and Archmagus Sparkle both assisted her in various stages of the endeavour. I must say, Her Majesty has quite outdone herself with this. I have seen magics the likes of which I had ne’er e’en conceived of previously.” She grinned, cold and furious. “I look forward to seeing what deeds ‘twill accomplish once you unleash its power upon our enemies.”
Her words, and the simple facts regarding who had crafted this fine set of armor, made it plain that what I wore now was no mere set of strengthened plate. “I see. And might I ask what precisely this new armor does?”
Morning shrugged helplessly. “To be quite honest, there are many aspects of its enchantment that are quite beyond me. Archmagus Sparkle’s work is on par with mine own, and Celestia’s is an order of magnitude beyond what both of us can manage. I can only tell you a few things I have been told directly or observed for myself. Celestia and Sunbeam say that it has aided you in your healing, and it will absorb any spells directed against you, should you desire it.” She scowled balefully. “Something that will be very useful now that the traitor Hidden Facts and his followers openly march alongside the rebel forces. Though in truth, I suspect that the Queen has a far greater target in mind for you.”
I blinked in shock as I followed her line of reasoning. “You think she intends for me to face the Avatar of Nightmare Moon?”
“That abomination will have to be slain ere this war can end,” Morning confirmed. “I cannot imagine Celestia invested such time and energy into creating a new suit of armor if she intended you to face merely mortal threats. Neigh, she has a grander target in mind, and now has given you the tools needed to see the task done.”
“I shall have to explore its capabilities once I am no longer abed with mine injuries.” I stretched my limbs, trying to get a sense for what strength there was in them. More than I would have expected, given the length of my convalescence. Mayhaps some aspect of the armor’s enchantments had preserved them from the usual atrophy. “How long shall I remain an invalid? I would like to return to the field as soon as possible.”
“Your wish should be granted ere long, I hope.” She filled a glass with a blue liquid that had a sharp, pungent smell. When she brought it to my lips I discovered that it was quite sweet, but with a disconcerting aftertaste that I could not properly identify. “That is no small part of why I have been tending your needs e’er since Celestia finished her work upon you. That, and...” Her eyes moistened and briefly fell to the side. “It is what Copper would have wished. That you live and recover from your wounds.” She hesitated a moment, longer, and her voice was thick with grief. “He cared for you. I have wondered if, in a world where politics and tribal loyalties were different, he might have wed you instead of me.”
I frowned and quickly brushed those doubts away. “He married you, and you bore his children. What might have been in a different world matters not. In this world, he loved you.”
“I know he did,” she answered with a sad smile. “But I also know that we married one another not for love or fondness, but because ‘twas advantageous for the both of us. My reputation as a mare above politics aided him in his own political maneuvers, and I gained the prestige and resources that come with being wife to an Archmagus. We grew to love one another, yes, but I doubt he would have looked twice at me were it not for those other reasons.”
I reached forward, gripping her shoulder despite the pain and stiffness that yet lingered within my limbs. “We will avenge him. I swear it to you. Swift Blade, Hidden Facts, and all the others who dared to shed his blood will suffer for their crimes.”
Morning met mine eyes, nodding grimly. “I will have justice for him, Shadow. Once we have crushed their armies, I will devote my remaining days to hunting down those two and all the warlocks who fought alongside them. E’en if the rebels tear our queen from her throne and claim all Equestria for their own, I swear that those two shall not enjoy the fruits of their victory. Howe’er the war ends, they will not stand triumphant o’er my husband’s body.”
Much as my heart agreed with her words, a moment later my reason asserted itself. “Have a care, Morning. There must be justice for the slain, aye, but you are also a mother. Do not abandon your children—Copper’s children—in the quest for vengeance. The living must take precedence o’er the dead.” I considered my words carefully for a moment, then added, “I am sure that Bright Charger wished for vengeance for her slain daughter. I expect that was how the Nightmare was able to seduce her into darkness.”
The other mare took closed her eyes and took a single shaky breath, then met my eyes and slowly nodded. She took my hoof in hers, squeezing it gently. “Yes. You are right, Shadow. I must think of my children too. I will not abandon them.” Her expression hardened. “But I will not let them grow up in a world where their father’s murderers roam free, either. I will protect them by whate’er means I can find.”
“Aye, any mother would do the same.” Naturally, that turned my thoughts to Gale. “My daughter will not remain in the rebel camp one moment longer than it takes for me to march up to their gates and smash them down.”
She put a restraining hoof on my shoulder. “As you counseled me, now I shall counsel you. Wisdom, Shadow. As much as I would love to do the same for what was done to my husband, we must be wise and not waste our resources to meet our ends.”
“Aye. Wisdom.” I tossed aside my covers and rolled out of bed, settling onto stiff, uncertain hooves. I stretched my wings, forcing them to flap through sheer strength of will until I felt something of their old strength and dexterity returning. “I will show the rebels my wisdom, and the sharp edge of my blade.” My wings began trembling, clearly unused to such exertions after my prolonged period of indolence. With a chagrined smile, I amended. “Though it may have to wait until I have regained mine old strength.”
While I was still confined to my chambers whilst I rested and recovered, I had no intention of spending my time abed. Far too much of my strength had already ebbed away after spending a month at rest, and I did not intend to lose any more of it now that I had woken. ‘Twould be a long and unpleasant process, but the sooner I began it, the sooner ‘twould be finished.
I was in midst of testing the range of motion in one of my hind legs when somepony rapped upon my door. Given my prior discussion with Morning, I suspected ‘twas likely either Sunbeam or the Commander. Both of them had taken a keen interest in my healing, and would likely wish to speak with me as soon as possible. “You may enter,” I answered, rising to my hooves and attempting to make myself look as presentable as possible. ‘Twould not do to look like a disheveled lout before Celestia.
Sunbeam threw open the door, confidently striding into my quarters. Her eyes passed o’er my flesh in frank evaluation, and if I were to judge by the faint smile on her face ‘twould seem my condition met with her approval. “Ah, so thou art on thy hooves after all. Good. There is much to be done, and precious little of it can be accomplished from within thy bed.”
“Aye, I have no intention of lying at rest while other ponies fight my battles.” I turned mine attention to the mare who had somehow, improbably, become something resembling a friend to me. “'Tis good to see thee once more, Sunbeam.”
Her answering smile for once seemed relatively warm and genuine. “I am glad to see thee as well. In truth, we were not sure if thou wouldst recover from thy wounds. ‘Twas a long, difficult, and uncertain process.” Though she did not say so, I suspected the difficulty of the healing was why I had been kept within the palace rather than returned to my clan’s quarters. Something I was duly grateful for—I would prefer not to look weak and helpless before my clan. (1) “The damage Bright inflicted ‘pon thy flesh should have killed thee. Removing the lance head from thee was a harrowing task alone, and that was but the first of many stages.”
1: I think Sunbeam likely knew enough about internal clan politics to realize that it would be bad for the Kickers’ morale if they saw Shadow before she was fully recovered. Plus, if Shadow wound up dying of her wounds, they could cover up all the messy, unpleasant details that might impede efforts to make a martyr of her. ‘Died heroically on the battlefield’ sounds much nicer than ‘died in a pool of her own blood and filth in bed five days after the battle, once her wound turned septic.’
Young Midnight poked her head ‘round the doorframe, then quietly slipped into the room, shutting the door behind her. She gazed up at me, then asked with earnest curiosity. “Is it true that when a pony nearly dies, they see a bright light and hear the voice of a slain friend or relative telling them to come into said light? That is what it says in my books, but I have not been able to speak with anypony who had direct experience in the matter until now.”
Mayhaps I had become accustomed to the filly’s oddities, because her question did not surprise me in the least. “I recall no such sensation.”
She nodded, and immediately hurled another question at me. “As your lifesblood spilled ‘pon the ground, did the events of your life flash before your eyes?”
“They did not.” I answered dully. “In truth, I think I was too stunned by the wound I had suffered to think ‘pon anything else.”
“And I suppose you also did not see any visions of the afterlife?” she asked, sounding faintly annoyed by my relatively colorless answers.
“Neigh, I saw no such things.”
“I see.” She frowned thoughtfully, turning mine answer o’er in her mind. “How disappointing.”
“I am sorry my brush with death failed to entertain thee,” I answered dryly.
“I will forgive you.” She offered no further elaboration on that point. Howe’er, after several long moments she directly met mine eyes. “Mother thought 'twas a waste of Her Majesty's power to save you with the Avatar on the loose. Howe’er, I am happy that you are not dead, for you have been kind to me. And you being dead would make Gale sad.” Her ears flattened against her skull, and her shoulders slumped. “I miss Gale.”
“Did your mother indeed say such things?” I turned my gaze to Sunbeam, curious to see just what she would have to say for herself after her daughter’s revelations.
Sunbeam glowered down at her daughter, clearly less than happy with her loose lips. “Midnight, that is not a topic to be discussed. Shadow is alive and well, and I am glad to see it. That is what matters now.”
The child frowned stubbornly. “But you told Queen Celestia—”
Whate’er words she might have spoken next were abruptly cut off as Sunbeam cuffed the back of her head. “Silence, child, or thou canst go back to carrying water to the soldiers. I am sure they are all very thirsty.”
Young Midnight said nothing more on the matter, evidently cowed by her mother’s threat. Plainly, she did not care for being a water-bearer. From what I recall of performing similar duties when I was of an age with her, ‘tis tiring and thankless work.
Howe’er, she had said more than enough to pique mine interest. I turned to Sunbeam, a single eyebrow raised. “Ah, so thou wouldst say my life was a waste? I suppose I should be thankful that thou didst not smother me in my sleep, then.”
The archmagus scoffed and rolled her eyes. “I would hardly think to do such a thing. Matters were quite chaotic at the time thou wert wounded, especially once we learned of the Avatar. At the time, I thought it unwise for the Queen to expend all her strength preserving thy life when the Avatar might strike at any moment. ‘Tis not as if thy life would be spared should Canterlot fall. Howe’er, the Avatar did not attack, so with the benefit of hindsight her choice was correct in this particular instance.”
“I see.” Much as I did not care for such a frank declaration that she had not judged mine own life worth saving, there was at least some logic to her position. Better for one more to die than for the entire city to fall. “Given that I am still alive, I suppose we can put the matter in the past.”
“Well and good then,” Sunbeam agreed with a satisfied nod. “There is little point in bearing a grudge o’er actions I did not perform, and now see the error of.” She casually trotted o’er to my bed and fluffed my pillow. “I imagine Morning Star has told thee much of what has transpired while you were asleep?”
“She has,” I confirmed. “But there were many things she did not know.”
Sunbeam murmured something to herself and nodded. “Of course not. She has been diligent in her duties, but she is nothing more than a senior magus, and one I thought it best to keep busy rather than allow to fall into her grief. I am sure thou wilt call me heartless for it, but we do not have the luxury of allowing her time to mourn her husband's murder. Let her bury her grief ‘neath hatred and a thirst for vengeance, if ‘twill keep her focused ‘pon the war.”
“For once, we are in accord,” I growled, a dark scowl tightening my features. “I will shed my tears for Copper Spark once the last of his murderers lies dead ‘neath my hooves.”
Sunbeam answered with a cold, almost cruel smile. “Thou always wert a practical mare at heart. And make no mistake, this is a war to the death now. A month ago I would have been willing to make peace with the rebels if we could get favorable terms, but I will not entreat with warlocks. I will not suffer it, and no good would come of it in any event.”
I nodded grimly. “'Twould be no true peace, merely a truce while we both gathered our strength for the next war.”
“Just so,” the Archmagus agreed. “And such a truce would allow the rebels and warlocks to consolidate their position and establish a degree of legitimacy to their rule. No, this war can only end when I have mounted the heads of Hidden Facts and his minions on spikes o’er the gates of Canterlot. Swift Blade too, for that matter. If our spies are correct, ‘twas he who brought them into the rebel fold.”
“I think that a fine plan.” I hesitated a moment, my thoughts lingering on the dangers of seeking vengeance ‘gainst our enemies. With the memory of Bright’s fall from grace so fresh in my mind, the idea of righteous revenge against the wicked held little appeal to me.
Quite unaware of my private worries, Midnight demanded her mother’s attention. “Mother, can I keep the skulls when you are done with them? I wish to add them to my collection.”
“We will see, daughter,” the archmagus answered distractedly. “‘Twill depend upon how events transpire o’er the coming months. We must tend to the needs of Equestria first ere we can consider who will get what glories and trophies.”
I slowly shook my head, chuckling in bemusement as I realized how accustomed I had become to the strange family of Sunbeam and Midnight Sparkle. Truly, one can become accustomed to almost anything given sufficient exposure.
Sunbeam grinned and ruffled Midnight’s mane, much to the child’s displeasure. “My daughter seems to think war is a time for adding skulls to her collection. Really, I do not understand where she gets such morbid interests. Certainly not from me.”
“Certainly thou dost not deal death and mayhem at every turn,” I countered dryly.
The archmagus’ grin grew all the wider. “Not every turn. Sometimes I convince my foes to submit ere they perish. I prefer that in many cases. A corpse is only useful once, whilst a beaten and humbled foe is a reminder of my strength so long as they live. Though of course, due care must be taken to ensure the enemy is truly beaten.”
I turned a measuring gaze upon the mare. “Though from what Morning told me, thou hast not taken many prisoners in recent days.”
Sunbeam shrugged, dismissing any implied condemnation of her actions. “In all fairness, I do not think the rebels would stop their attacks 'pon our walls if I asked nicely. Letting my flames do the speaking for me has proven far more effective.”
“Aye.” I frowned as another idea came to mind. “Though a hostage to trade for my daughter would not have gone amiss.”
“Mmm, mayhaps,” she allowed. “But I have been short on opportunities to collect those as of yet—or at least ones whose value is close to equaling Gale’s. It seems that after I slew one of Bright’s sons, the Ephors have taken to keeping their children far away from me. The only valuable hostage we have to trade is Rightly Doo, and I fear he is worth e’en more than thy daughter.” She paused, and her countenance darkened. “And you above all should know how well our attempts to treat with the rebels have gone in the past. In truth, I might be tempted to make the trade e’en though ‘tis inequitable—his return now might well cause discord within the rebel camp. Howe’er, I have no reason to believe the rebels would truly return thy daughter, and I now suspect ‘twas the warlocks who spoiled the first exchange. I would not put it past them to murder Rightly and blame us for the deed if we released him.”
I sighed, reluctantly conceding to her logic. “Aye, 'tis so. I do not trust the rebels to deal in good faith, so negotiation would accomplish naught.”
“I would hope thou didst learn thy lesson from thy last attempt at diplomacy,” Sunbeam answered lightly. “Her Majesty and I have put far too much time and effort into thee to let the rebels murder thee once more.”
After a moment’s consideration, I made a rather painful concession. “With the benefit of hindsight, I should have taken thine advice on caution in the negotiations. Aye, the ponies I once named as my comrades were valiant and honorable, but this war seems determined to make beasts of us all.”
Sunbeam answered me with a self-satisfied smile. “Aye, thou shouldst have taken mine advice in that matter, and many others as well. But I will accept thine acknowledgement that I was right, and allow us to move onto more productive matters than events long past. I am most magnanimous in my victory.”
I scoffed at her brazen display. “Aye, aye, thine ego is inflated enough as it is.”
She stuck her nose primly into the air. “I like to think I have earned the right to a bit of pride by helping raise thee from the dead. Thou couldst be more grateful.”
I waved her words away. “I was not dead, merely wounded.”
“Thou wert mostly dead,” she maintained stubbornly. “I know, I was there.”
“Mostly slain is not slain,” I countered.
“And what is this?” Sunbeam asked, a teasing smile gracing her lips. “Is thy pride so wounded from nearly being murdered under a flag of truce? 'Twas hardly a fair contest. Any fool can kill a great warrior through base treachery.”
“My pride is intact,” I assured her with a cold smile. “When next I meet the creature that Bright Charger has become, I will show her that I am not so easily slain in a fair contest. Not to avenge my wounded pride, but because she is a grave threat to the safety of Equestria.”
“Good,” the archmagus declared, a troubled frown creasing her face. “That abomination will need to be destroyed before it can cause any more chaos than it already has. Though it has not yet taken the field against us, I fear that 'tis merely the calm before the storm. When she strikes, ‘twill be with o’erwhelming force.”
I was most surprised by the darkness of her countenance. I had seen Sunbeam in many moods, but ne’er before had she seemed so ... worried for her future prospects. “Are matters that grim?”
My fears were soon confirmed, for at my question Sunbeam’s shoulders slumped, her head dipping low. She looked worn and tired, her eyes heavy with fatigue. I found myself reminded of the expression I had seen many a time on the Commander’s face. I noted then that her mane looked to have not seen a brush in some days, and a large patch of hair had been burned away without yet being replaced. ‘Twould seem that carrying on the war in mine absence had taken a heavy toll on the mare. I could only hope my return would lessen her burden.
She sighed and nodded. “In some ways the war goes well; in others, we have great reasons to worry. We are losing many soldiers during rebel attacks on our walls and during our own sallies to foil attempts to sap our positions and destroy their siege engines. We are inflicting our share of casualties ‘pon the enemy in turn, but I fear they can afford the losses better than we can.” Her scowl deepened. “Especially with their new tactics. The Avatar uses the earth ponies far more readily than the Ephorate did. To all appearances, they are treated as expendable fodder, tying our forces down whilst the pegasi probe for weaknesses and strike hard at them. I am sure thou wouldst say that there is little honor in it, but it has proven effective. So long as we hold only Canterlot whilst the enemy has free rein o’er Equestria, they can spend blood far more freely than we.”
Her gaze turned to the window, grimly looking out o’er the rainy city. “The rebel militia may be poor soldiers, but they still make us pay in blood when they strike. Our own frontline soldiers are better trained and equipped than the rebel militia, but they are not the equals of Pegasopolan warriors. We have to husband our best forces; we cannot afford to waste our knights, pegasus warriors, and magi ere a greater battle is joined.”
“Dark times indeed.” Mine eyes closed as I mulled o’er all that I had learned. “It sounds as if the war is balanced ‘pon the knife's edge for us. A single error could easily be our undoing.”
“In a manner of speaking, aye.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I think only a colossal blunder would break our cause outright. The third line is now ready to fall back upon if need be. What I fear more is the slow grind of attrition, and in such a war we can ill afford even a single preventable death. Though I take some solace from the fact that not all is well with the rebels.”
I was gladdened to at last hear some hopeful tidings. “What troubles them? I pray 'tis that not all the rebels agree with Swift Blade’s actions and the rise of the Avatar.”
“A number do not,” she confirmed, though to my sorrow she did not seem pleased by the news. “However, at the moment the discontent seems limited and controlled. A few more deserters joined our cause once they realized that associating with warlocks and abominations would damn them all, but far too few for our liking.” She shrugged helplessly. “From what we have learned from our turncoats, most do not wish to cross the Avatar. Though many are displeased, they are also convinced that the fall of Canterlot is but a matter of time. Whate’er doubts the rebel soldiers nurse in their hearts do us little good so long as they fight and follow orders. Which is why we are trying to find ways to make life unpleasant for them in whate’er way we can, in the hopes of fanning the flames.”
Not the grand news I had hoped for, but mayhaps ‘twould prove a beginning of something greater. “I take it then that my clan's numbers are improved? Have other clans joined our cause?”
“Aye, I suspect that thou hast gained most of the remaining strength of thy clan,” Sunbeam answered, filling my heart with joy. “Only a few stubborn holdouts remain loyal to the rebel cause, and they no longer hold a seat in Swift’s Ephorate.”
“Alas, other tidings are not so glad,” she continued. “We receive the odd individual, but as of yet no other clans have broken ranks with the rebels. Rumor has it the Chargers were growing discontented, but the Avatar seems to have regained her control o’er the clan. I do not see the Strikers abandoning the Lunar cause either, if they are as stubbornly proud as thou didst say. I do have some hopes for the Doos, and have entertained thoughts of using Rightly to aid in that.”
Though the idea much appealed to me as well, I knew ‘twas a fool’s hope. “I doubt he would be willing to bend the knee to the Commander, howe'er wise that course would be. And e’en if he did, I am sure Swift and the Avatar would claim thou didst cast a spell upon him to compel his loyalty. Something many within the rebel camp would surely believe.”
Sunbeam scoffed and tossed her head. “More fools they. That stallion’s mind would break ere I could bend it. Alas, gentle persuasion has proven equally ineffective. Her Majesty personally approached him and asked that he see reason and do what is best for Equestria. He refused, and remains a devoted rebel despite the fact that the rebels have wholesale abandoned and betrayed all the ideals he started this war in defense of. Is there something they feed to pegasi to make all of you so damnably stubborn?”
Despite the troubles it created for our cause, I could not wholly hide the pride from my voice as I declared, “A warrior of Pegasopolis’s knees do not bend easily.”
“So I have learned,” she groused, glowering at me as if the entire affair were somehow my fault. “Regardless, at least some of our ventures have met with success. Our engineers seem to hold the advantage in the eternal war to route the city’s waste through the rebel camp, which I am sure has done nothing to improve their morale.” A mocking grin appeared on her face. “At least one deserter cited the fact that the rebel camp smells of shit as a prime factor in his abandoning the rebel cause.”
She continued her report. “Mossy Banks is also having quite a bit of success raiding the rebel supply line and encouraging resistance amongst the earth ponies, especially now that the Avatar is more freely spending their lives. If he survives the war, I shall have no choice but to make an archmagus of him.” A ghost of a smile passed o’er her lips. “I think I will enjoy seeing how the nobles react to a swamp-dwelling mushroom-eater taking one of the highest offices in the land.”
“So long as he wins battles for us, I care little for his decorum or lack thereof.” Though in truth, I agreed with Sunbeam’s sentiments. The nobles of Canterlot would benefit from being forced to associate with magi who actually made a contribution to Equestria. “Any other news?”
“Mine own role in the war, of course,” she announced immodestly. “For many of the skirmishes, I have been leading a team of select magi and knights in order to throw the rebels back at key points in the siege. That is both to show that we still have some teeth and to show that we can fight them.” Her smile widened, turning almost predatory. “Though in truth there is a grander design behind my strikes: I hope to lure the warlocks out with my presence and a suitable number of magi. Them or some of the other rebel leaders. I am making it seem like we are falling into a pattern they can predict, when in reality that is a face. I am baiting a trap for them.” Her hooves tapped the floor in a simple, happy cadence. “I have a team of magi experienced in warlock hunts and some of the more seasoned warlock hunters from your clan in reserve. The instant those traitors dare to show themselves, my forces will fall upon them.”
“A bold strategy.” I had already been considering a similar tactic once I learned that there were warlocks with the rebel army. “Though have a care that you do not draw out the Avatar as well. If she is truly the Commander's equal, or e’en near to such...”
“That is the greatest potential flaw within my plan,” she conceded, her lips creasing in a reluctant frown. “She has not yet taken the field, but that is no guarantee that she will not do so to slay me. I am something of a high priority target, and I slew one of her children. She has ample cause to seek my blood.” A flicker of some unreadable emotion passed o’er her face. “Though I hope that with other magi and experienced warriors at my side I might be able to o’ercome the abomination, I know the outcome is uncertain e’en if she comes alone. If she strikes accompanied by warlocks and her hetairoi...”
Midnight once more stepped forward, wrapping both her forelegs around one of her mother’s and nuzzling it. “Mother, I do not wish for you to die fighting that abomination. Could not another lead?”
Sunbeam took a breath and slowly extracted herself from her daughter’s grip. “I am the Archmagus of Canterlot, child. ‘Tis my duty to preserve the realm and Queen Celestia’s crown, e’en if that puts me in peril.”
“But Mother!” Midnight cried out, trying to reclaim her hold. “Yesterday you said that Celestia is a fool who is unworthy of the crown ‘pon her head. Surely you do not—”
Midnight’s words were once more cut off as Sunbeam sharply cuffed the side of her head, glowering at the young filly. “Learn to guard thy tongue, child. Not all that I say in private is fit for public consumption. When in public, Queen Celestia has our absolute and unwavering support. Think upon that whilst thou art carrying water to our soldiers on the front lines.”
Midnight nodded meekly, accepting her punishment.
Satisfied, Sunbeam turned to me. “As I was saying, I hope that with thy recovery I might soon have another card to play against the rebels. Celestia’s work ‘pon thy platemail is a truly wondrous thing to behold. I am sure ‘twill sorely vex our enemies.”
I did not e’en need to give it a moment’s thought ere I nodded mine agreement. “Your plans would suit my preferred role and tactics on the battlefield.”
I stepped forward, approaching the chastened young Midnight, who was currently grumbling under her breath and rubbing her skull where her mother had cuffed her. With a grunt of pain, I forced my stiff limbs to bend, dropping me down to her level. “So long as I am by her side, I will not let any harm befall thy mother, child.”
Midnight’s eyes lit up at my declaration. “Thank you very much, Lady Shadow. That brings joy to my heart.”
Then she smiled. 'Tis a queer thing to see something so genuine and natural twisted, and e'en moreso when 'tis unintentional. Her lips curled upwards to bare her teeth, yet her eyes were untouched by the motion, her pupils shrinking until they were mere pinpricks in a sea of white. She held her gaze far too long for comfort, her uneven blinking sparse and veins readily apparent within her eyes the longer she failed to do so.
Mine entire body twitched back from her in an instinctive reaction to the horror before mine eyes, but years of discipline held me firmly in place, and a polite smile on my face. “I see.”
Mercifully, the smile left her face. “Good, because I do not wish to see her harmed, no matter what her duty is.” She stepped forward and awkwardly wrapped her limbs around one of my legs in something that was clearly intended to be a hug. “Please do keep her safe. She is the only family I have.”
I returned the hug, idly wondering how it was Midnight could be so inexperienced at the gesture when my Gale had given her many occasions to practice it. “I will protect her, child. I swear it upon my life and honor.”
Sunbeam chortled and placed a hoof on her daughter’s back. “Now child, do not make it sound as though I cannot care for myself. 'Tis not as though this were my first battle.”
Middnight turned to her mother, her eyes blinking slowly and subtly out of sync. “Mine apologies, Mother. I am merely gathering a circle of allies to protect you. Did you not say that I should gather allies to accomplish objectives which were important to me? Your safety is of the utmost importance.”
Sunbeam gazed down at her child for some time, then gently wrapped her leg around the filly and pulled her flush against her side, holding her gently. “Aye, so thou art. But let us return to more practical matters.”
“She merely wishes to keep thee safe, Sunbeam.” I gently chided, though in truth I felt that the mare’s unconscious act of affection towards her daughter outweighed the effect of her words. “As any loving child would.”
“Aye, 'tis so,” she allowed, turning to her daughter and bestowing upon her a nuzzle that made it plain why Midnight’s own attempts at affection often seemed awkward and forced. “I cannot reproach her for that.”
Sunbeam’s horn glowed, and I recognized the weaving of a privacy spell. Moments later Midnight’s mouth opened, but no sound emerged from it. The child’s eyes narrowed, and she soundlessly stomped the floor in frustration. Once Sunbeam was satisfied that her daughter had been removed from the conversation, she turned to me. “Though her request does bring another matter to mind. I think ‘twould be prudent to make arrangements for what will become of her in the event the worst should come to the past. I would be remiss in my duties as a mother if I did not do so, as much as I do not like to think about such things.”
I could well understand her concerns. I had taken some comfort in the knowledge that Gale was at least old enough to care for herself if I should pass, but that had merely raised another far more terrifying possibility: that I might live to bury my daughter. A spectre that seemed terribly likely now that she was within the Avatar’s grasp.
I steeled myself and put my fears for my daughter aside. There was nothing I could do for her at the moment, and worrying myself to distraction would accomplish nothing. Better to focus on matters that lay within my power. “Midnight has already approached me with such concerns some time ago. I have offered to take her into the clan, should you perish. I would adopt her as mine own child, and a sister to Gale.” I paused, once more attempting to put aside the fear that mine offer would only end with giving Midnight a new gravestone to visit alongside her mother’s. “Presuming thou wouldst not object to my taking her in.”
Sunbeam waved my concerns away. “‘Tis as fine an arrangement as any, and better than most I could imagine. I certainly would not want Midnight going to my blood family. They would be ... ill-equipped for a child with her needs. (2) I will express such wishes to Her Majesty when next I meet her, and have it placed within my will. Though I admit, I have rarely heard of a non-pegasus being adopted by a clan.”
2: Almost nothing is known about Sunbeam’s parents, possible siblings, or anything else about her life before she became a magus beyond a few simple details, like the fact that they were glassblowers. There is some debate over whether any records of them were simply lost due to her family being largely unimportant within Equestrian society, or if Sunbeam deliberately purged any records in an attempt to obscure her origins.
“Adoption of a non-pegasus into a clan’s ranks is rare, but not unprecedented,” I reassured her. “Thou wouldst not be the first pony to have a friend within one of the clans and worry that thy child might go uncared for shouldst thou fall. And ‘twill be much easier to tend her needs now that my clan dwells upon the ground for the foreseeable future.”
“Thou dost not intend to return to Cloudsdale once the war is won, then?” Sunbeam asked, seeming somewhat taken aback. “Was that not what thou didst keenly wish for?”
“I am ... less sure of that than I once was,” I confessed. “Cloudsdale was home to myself and my clan for many a year, but ‘twas also a city I had to flee to preserve my clan’s lives. Also think who would dwell there once this war is ended? A city full of ponies who fought alongside the Avatar of Nightmare Moon? Would my clan truly be at home in such a place?”
“A fair point,” Sunbeam agreed. “But likely a matter thou canst not truly decide until the war is ended. If I die and thou wouldst take thy clan to a place where my daughter cannot follow, I trust thou wilt make other suitable arrangements? I would see to it that my daughter is cared for. She is my final legacy to the world, after all.”
I nodded simply. “I have made the offer, and will not withdraw it unless asked.”
“Then we have an accord.” She stepped nearer to me, and ere I could take any action to prevent it in my current weakened state, pressed her lips against mine. The kiss was mercifully brief. “And so the bargain is struck and sealed.”
“Aye, so it is,” I agreed dully, still in shock from her actions. I was quite surprised she had been so bold, and e’en more surprised by my response to it: I was not angry or offended by the liberties she had taken. In truth, loath though I was to admit it, a part of me had almost enjoyed it. Plainly, it had been far too long since I had been properly kissed if e’en Sunbeam Sparkle’s lips could cause some small degree of pleasure.
Sunbeam shot a quick devilish smirk my way, then brazenly winked at me. Then, to prevent me from taking any action or e’en speaking against her, she swiftly removed the silencing spell lingering o’er her daughter.
Young Midnight was quick to voice her displeasure o’er what had passed. “Can you not just ask me to leave the room instead of doing that, Mother? Like the other parents?”
“Hush, child,” Sunbeam gently chided. “Thy mother knows best. In any case, Shadow and I only needed to exchange a few words that thou didst not need to hear.”
Midnight huffed in annoyance, but complied when ‘twas plain her irritation would avail her nothing. “Very well, Mother.”
“No great harm was done to thee, child.” For good measure, I gave the young filly a fortifying pat on the back.
“Aye, I suppose that is true,” she reluctantly allowed, a frown firmly in place. “Though the day when I can master such spells cannot come too quickly. ‘Tis most vexing to be within a room yet deaf to all that is said. Mayhaps I should learn to read lips.”
“'Twill come with time and study,” Sunbeam answered with the serene patience of a mare who has faced a child’s eagerness to grow many a time before. “I am sure the day is fast approaching when thy magic will come fully in and thou wilt earn thy cutie mark.”
“The day cannot come fast enough,” young Midnight groused.
I chuckled and ruffled her mane. “E'er impatient to grow older, like any child.” ‘Twas reassuring to see that for all her other oddities, the girl still acted as a filly her age should at times.
Midnight sighed and immediately set to work straightening her mussed hair. “I think I would like to be an adult more than a child. Then I could do as I pleased. Like stay up all night reading, eat ice cream when I wished, or call upon great magical forces to smite my foes and make them lament the day they crossed me.”
I could do naught but shake my head in bemusement. “Once thou art older, thou shalt find thyself missing the simpler days of childhood. Life is often full of such little ironies, I find.”
“Aye, and smiting one's foes is often not as simple as I make it sound,” Sunbeam informed her daughter. “For whate’er reason, no matter how many enemies I deal with, more show themselves to replace those foiled.” She paused in thought for a moment, then addressed her daughter’s other desires. “And thou wilt come to regret gorging thyself on ice cream or staying up all night when thy stomach becomes riotous and thou hast work to do in the morning.”
Young Midnight frowned, clearly unconvinced by her mother’s reasoning. “I am sure it is as you say, Mother,” she answered dutifully.
“It usually is, child,” Sunbeam answered airily before returning her attention to me. “Howe’er, I am afraid we must dispense with the small talk to deal with the other reason I have come to see thee, Shadow. From what Morning has told me, it will take months for thee to fully recover naturally. Too long in mine opinion.”
I quite agreed with her. “I take it thou hast a better solution?”
“I would hardly have raised the issue if I did not,” she declared with a satisfied smirk. “As I am sure thou dost recall, I have a reasonable grounding within the healing arts. Thy body yet recalls the old strength it once possessed, and I can awaken those memories and return thy muscles to their former state.” Her smile gained a cold, almost cruel edge to it. “Though I should warn thee, 'twill not be pleasant.”
Midnight winced, one hoof rubbing her knee. “She is not lying. I remember well the time I scraped my knee and Mother healed it. 'Twas most unpleasant, though at least she gave me ice cream afterwards.”
Sunbeam idly put a supportive hoof o’er her daughter’s shoulder, nodding to me. “Sadly, while fire is a very effective means of healing, it is not a gentle one.”
“I have endured pain before,” I answered stoically.
“Then I am sure that thou wilt be fine,” Sunbeam declared with a confident smile.
“You will not,” Midnight declared flatly.
I sighed and mentally readied myself. “I must endure it regardless.” I finally found a suitable piece of wood to bite down upon and improvised my bedsheets into padding for it.
Firelight began dancing along Sunbeam’s horn. “Just so, Shadow. Best to get it over and done with, for as thou didst say, we have little choice in the matter.” She gently pushed me down onto the bed. “Do try and stay still. If thou dost move too much, ‘twill make my task harder. And above all else, turn thy thoughts to accepting my magic. ‘Twould not do to have thy new armor disrupt my spellcasting. Pity ‘tis yet too soon to remove it.”
Ere I could ask what she meant by that last remark, Sunbeam’s flames passed into my flesh, and the spellwork began. As Midnight had warned me, ‘twas most unpleasant.
Once Sunbeam had finished her spellwork both she and her daughter excused themselves, I remained abed, still recovering from the effects of her magic. Though my body felt fully restored to its former state, the lingering pain was such that I thought it prudent to allow a few moments more for recovery. The mare had just spared me months of effort in restoring my strength; I could spare a few minutes to catch my breath.
I must have drifted off whilst lying within my bed, for when I awoke once more Commander Celestia was in quarters. The supreme leader of Equestria had clearly seen better days. While I could feel the lingering remnants of an enchantment to hide her true appearance, the mare before me had sunken cheeks and hollow eyes darkened by a lack of rest. Her mane lay limp and unbrushed about her shoulders, which were slumped as though she bore a terrible burden. Despite all that, she smiled when I met her eyes. “Welcome back, Shadow.”
“Commander.” I quickly rose from bed, attempting to make myself look as respectable as possible. “I apologize, I did not hear you enter, or I would have—”
She waved the rest of my words away. “As always, my champion, thou art too quick to worry that I would take offense o’er a mere trifle. If I were so worried o’er thine appearance, I would have ensured that thou wert awake and ready to receive me ere I entered.” She gently placed a hoof upon my shoulder and guided me back to the bed. “Lie down. Rest. Thou canst take it as an order from thy superior, if need be.”
I returned to my prior position. To my surprise, Commander Celestia’s hoof remained in place ‘pon my shoulder. After a long moment she shifted, gently cupping my cheek. “Shadow ... I am truly glad to see thee once more. I did not realize how much I had come to rely upon thy counsel until ‘twas stolen from me. I am pleased to see that mine efforts to maintain thy life were not wasted.” Her gaze flicked down to the armor covering my chest. “In addition to the pleasure of thy company, ‘twould have been a terrible shame to use the old boon Argentium owed me in a failed effort to restore you.” (3)
3; This presumably refers to the great dragon Argentium the Runescaled. The exact role Argentium played in the creation of Shadow’s armor is a matter of speculation, though given the fine craftsmanship, materials, and the presence of runes on the armor itself, many have guessed that she forged it.
“‘Tis a fine suit of armor,” I readily agreed. Howe’er, Sunbeam’s last words to me nagged at my memory. “Commander, Sunbeam stated that ‘twas ‘too soon’ for me to remove the armor. And you just said that the armor was part of the effort to restore me. It sounds as though this is far more than a mere suit of armor.”
Celestia fell silent, a troubled frown ‘pon her face. I suspect she was struggling to put the truth into words. I was in no mood to wait for her answer, and took action. I reached up and began to undo one of the straps holding my breastplate in place.
The Commander’s eyes widened in shock, and she hastily restrained me. “No! Thou must not! The transfer is not yet complete!”
I ceased mine efforts, fixing her with a piercing gaze. “The transfer?”
She froze, and her ears fell flat. “Yes.” She steadied herself, and took a breath. “Thy wounds were too severe. We could not sustain thy life force for the time needed to repair thy flesh. We were forced to find an ... alternate vessel.”
I scowled as the full implications of her words sank in. “You stored my soul in a phylactery ere my flesh died.” I rapped a hoof against the armor. “I am no longer a mare wearing a suit of armor. Now I am a suit of armor wearing a mare.”
“‘Tis only a temporary measure,” she hastily assured me. “Thy body has already been restored, and we have begun the process of returning your essence to it. ‘Twill only be a few weeks ere thou canst remove the armor freely.”
“But until then, I am this ... abomination.” I scowled at my Commander. “Justify this.”
“Equestria needed you.” She sighed, then met mine eyes. “And I needed you.”
“I see.” I knew there was truth in her words, howe’er much I did not care for my current state. My discomfort was nothing against the good of the realm. “A final question, then: did I die? Was my preservation and restoration an act of necromancy?”
She hesitated for a long moment, then answered with utmost care. “Thou must understand, Shadow, that most ponies have a very imperfect understanding of the journey one makes through life and death. ‘Tis not so simple as a binary state of being, there are—”
I cut her off. “Did my heart still beat? My lungs take in breath?”
Her face fell, making the answer plain e’en before her words confirmed it. “Neigh, but there remained a spark of life within thee that I—”
I slowly turned my back upon her. ‘Twas perhaps rude and foolish of me, but I was in no mood to hear more on the matter. “Commander, I would very much appreciate time to myself.”
She said nothing to me, and several moments later I heard the door open, then close, leaving me alone with my troubled thoughts.