Light's Rising, Shadow's Fall

by jwizard


Chapter Eight: Cleaning Up the Mess

Equestria, Canterlot Dungeons, 03-12-05, 9:42 A.M. A.N.M. (After Nightmare Moon)


One wouldn’t know it by looking at its surface, but Canterlot Castle was a far larger structure than most were aware of. It was also older than many knew, actually having been the original settlement of the unicorns when they first came to the land that would one day become Equestria.

A part of its underbelly was the Crystal Caverns, a small number of which had been used both times by Chrysalis in both of her failed invasion attempts, the last of which resulted in her immolation at the hooves of the one she once mocked. These caverns were extensive, and were home to some of the richest mana-charged crystals anywhere on Equus.

Only a few stories below the main floors however, was the Canterlot dungeons. Though ponies knew they were there, few relished visiting them. Most were holding cells for those waiting to be deported to one of the handful of prisons in Equestria. These were those that had broken the laws of the land in Canterlot and its nearest territories, since most of the other jurisdictions handled their own lawbreakers.

There was another level that few ever wanted to think about, and fewer still ever visited. It was under guard much in the same manner as the others; however, the ones guarding it were more like caretakers than Guards-ponies. This was known as the Garden of the Lost, and it was where those that were serving sentences in stone were kept.

Discord’s placement in the Garden of Canterlot Castle was to serve as a warning of the evils of discord and strife. There were others of course; those whose terms were short, relatively speaking.

Just above the first of the dungeons were the Chambers of the Justices. This is where those who had been sentenced to petrification were sent, whether it was by order of the Princesses or the Courts. Though it seldom happened, the Alicorns all possessed the authority to sentence a pony to the ultimate punishment, but only if their guilt was confirmed.

Even if it was, the Justices possessed the authority and power to remove a spell of petrification, so long as they did so in the name of the Founder’s Laws. This seldom happened however, as ponies were seldom sentenced to petrification even when warranted. In most cases, Princess Celestia had simply banished the offending parties.

However, when true treason was involved, such as the case of the Manehattan Separatist Movement of 284 A.L.F., there was little that could be done. Many of those that had been involved had suffered the fate of a permanent petrification, one that would only be lifted when Sol herself stopped burning. Only the leader was spared, and that was because his head had been taken by Celestia for the crime of foal slavery and torture. It was one of the worst cases known, and was the last official execution that had ever occurred in Equestria.

The ponies waiting on the most recent case, a small hoofful of those involved in the treachery taken against the Elements of Harmony, were waiting with bated breath as the Justices conversed. The pony standing before them waited nervously as the four stallions and five mares went over the evidence against him, as well as Princess Luna’s plea for mercy.

Finally, the most senior Justice leveled a gavel in her telekinetic aura, rapping it for silence. “Rising Star, you stand accused of leading a conspiracy to level the Province of Ponyville for the sake of profit; said efforts geared towards the unwilling death of the Council of Friendship, as well as the Princess of Friendship.” Her gaze softened. “However, Princess Luna has asked for leniency, as your actions weren’t entirely your own.”

She tapped the folder sitting next to her. “The plan was put forth by others, ones whom have yet to be identified. Your own involvement was both coerced, and further influenced by a high level of demonic influence, something that few ponies have a natural defence against. Thus, the Court has decided to accede to Princess Luna’s request, though with certain provisions.”

The mare bent her gaze on  the stallion standing before her. “You were still involved, and must still pay for your actions. Your payment is one of servitude, something you have already agreed to. The Court releases you into the custody of the Priests of Gaia and Solaris, whom you have pledged yourself to. Serve them well for the next ten years, and the slate will be wiped clean. Go with the Blessings of Harmony.”

The stallion nodded, relief palpable on his muzzle. His wife and daughters had tears of thanks running down their cheeks as they all bowed to the assembled Justices. They then left with the stallion, who was already wearing the robes of an Acolyte of the Temple of Solaris.

The assembled Justices shuffled papers in preparation for the next case. The head Justice turned to the bailiff. “Is there any more business concerning the last case?” she asked her.

“No Your Honor,” the pegacorn mare- a rarity in Equestria, since most requested Sanctuary before too long -said in her naturally quiet tones.

The Justice nodded. She turned to the folder containing the details of the next case.

Before she and the others could prepare for it, however, the bells heralding the impending arrival of a judged pony began to ring. A purple flash flared in the center of the chamber; when it cleared, the onlookers gasped in shock.

A statue that had once been Commander Ironside of the Hoofington branch of the Equestrian Guard stood before the Justices. The head Justice sighed, not surprised in the least; she had been expecting this ever since she met the stallion years ago. Pulling a far different folder from inside the drawer at her place on the bench, she read up on what little evidence the Solar and Lunar branches of EIS had been able to gather against him.

It wasn’t much, though that was soon to change.


Equestria, Hoofington, 03-12-05, 11:27 A.M. A.N.M. (After Nightmare Moon)


The atmosphere was tense as Corporal Marigold, Commander Merit, and the Governor waited for Princess Twilight and Dame Rainbow Dash to return from the Lunar Guard barracks.

The commander was twirling his hooves as he regarded everything that had happened in less than forty-eight hours. He now had a new commission, though he was responsible enough to wish that it hadn’t come at the cost of a military insurrection. He sighed a little. He was worried that the same commission was at best temporary, which would mean that he’d be relegated to his former rank once the current crisis was past.

Marigold glanced at the commander. “Having trouble with your new commission sir?” she asked him with a sneaky grin on her muzzle.

He glared at her a little. “Yes, actually. It’s temporary at best; there’s no way the Solar Guard is going to agree to Princess Twilight’s recommendation; she is not the Princess they’ve Sworn to after all.”

Marigold smirked. “Shows just how little they actually know; she’s one of the brightest we have, and has a great deal more direct authority over you and your soldiers than the entire phalanx of the officers of your Guard.” Her grin deepened at the shocked looks that both Merit and the Governor gave her. “Princess Twilight is a member of the Royal House of Equestria, as all alicorns and pegacorns are, and Hoofington is one of the cities she has jurisdiction over.”

“And that’s why they were trying so hard to get rid of me,” Twilight said as she walked in, Rainbow Dash trailing her. “I already had some evidence showing the Assembly’s involvement in the scheme to level Ponyville for access to the gem deposits leading to the Castle of the Two Pony Sisters.” She sat down. “None of us knew at the time that it was demonically influenced, nor that an old ghost from the past was involved.”

Twilight set the pile of blank scrolls she’d been carrying down. “You won’t need to worry about your commission Merit. The fact is, the reason why you weren’t given one sooner is because both the Hoofington Assembly and the unlamented Ironside were blocking it.” She scowled. “I had already given the order that you were to be named a Commander, as you’ve served the Solar Guard almost as long as my brother has been alive. And he’d be a commander himself if he hadn’t married Cadance instead, gaining a Prince title.”

Twilight grinned a little at Rainbow’s yawn, then frowned. “Well, that’s all moot. We really need to sit down and find out just who was involved in this criminal insurrection. I think it highly unlikely that the names we have were in fact involved, as what evidence we gathered after dealing with the Fallen Priest shows that they were being blackmailed.” An aide-de-camp approached with a stack of manilla folders. “Ah, thank you Corporal,” she said, passing them around to those around the table; even Rainbow got one.

“This is a list of all the names of the conspirators we were aware of,” Twilight said. She teleported another stack of scrolls into the room. “And these are copies of names that EIS had identified as having separatist leanings.” She handed one to everypony that was assembled, then opened her copy, preparing to match names.

Twilight snorted. “And this just goes to show how much of a foal Ironside is.” She pointed at a name at the top of the list. “This is the name of the one that we confirmed that tipped us off of the Assembly’s involvement.” She then pointed at the other list, where a council-pony’s name was inscribed. “The only one we have any confirmation as being involved is the Speaker of the Assembly and his chief aide; they’re known separatists.”

The aide-de-camp returned with a tray containing donuts, coffee, and another scroll. “Princess Twilight, Commander Merit, this is a petition from the populace to you concerning the Assembly.” He handed her the scroll.

Twilight opened it, and read what it contained. “I see no problem in dissolving the Assembly in favor of a general election; I was planning on that anyway, outside of the arrests of those involved in the coup.” She frowned. “I can’t, however, agree to the next part, unfortunately.” She sighed at the expression on the corporal’s muzzle; he was a pegasus, and was promoted to his position when the commander received his commission. “I understand their views; however, all I can do legally is arrest those that were directly involved in the attempts on mine and my friends’ lives. It’s unfortunately not a crime to have these kinds of beliefs.” She sighed.

Twilight lifted a cup of coffee to her lips, taking a sip before continuing. “Okay everypony; we really need to correlate all of this evidence; the Justices are waiting on what I’ve gathered to confirm my judgement against Ironside, and I still have to give official word to the Diarchy concerning the attempted coup.”

The others nodded, doing all they could to help the alicorn gather the evidence she needed.


It was the work of several hours, but Twilight and the others were able to determine who exactly was involved in the coup.

The only ones directly involved were the head of the Assembly, who was related to Ironside; a cousin in fact. His aides were involved as well.

The rest of the Assembly had largely been either threatened or blackmailed into agreeing to Ironside’s promotion, much the same way he had gained the ‘support’ of his troops. Unfortunately, there were too many of them that were willing to go along with it due to their own beliefs.

Such was the number that Twilight was forced to call in the full detachment of the Lunar Guard stationed in the province, in order that these ponies could be properly escorted to Canterlot to await further trial. The local Court had a problem with that however.

“All due respect, Princess Twilight, but these worms were trying to take control of our territory by force; we have the right to sentence them! This doesn’t concern the foals at Canterlot at all!” The deputy Justice, a pegasus mare, said angrily.

“With respect, Your Honor, I have to disagree. Had they not been foalish in involving me, it would naturally fall to the local Court. However, the attempt on the life of both a Princess of Equestria and a fellow Element of Harmony necessitates sentencing by the High Court.” She looked sternly at the mare sitting before her. “Aside from this fact, the sentencing they would be making is a formality, as I’ve already passed judgement as is my right.”

“There’s something else to consider as well,” the alicorn said, pointing her hoof at the pegasus mare sitting before her. “Your position as a Justice was granted to you by the High Court, yet you have given few rulings for or against them because of both your tribe and gender. I can’t in good conscience let yourself or any other sitting Justice outside of your Chief Justice have any say in their judgement. It’s clear to me that you desire to ‘get back’ at them for tribal and gender bias. I don’t blame you, but it’s my ruling that this province’s Court can’t be impartial, and only pass judgement by the letter of the law.”

“And you can your highness?” one of the other Justices asked.

Twilight shook her head. “No. Even though I’ve already passed judgement, outside of Ironside and the assassin that attempted to kill myself and my entourage, I haven’t passed sentence. I’m just as biased as you all are right now, especially since they had the effrontery to try and kill Dame Rainbow Dash and Corporal Clever Marigold as well as myself. It wouldn’t be so bad if it were just me; nopony hurts my friends.” She said the last with a fierce scowl on her muzzle.

The deputy Justice made to speak; a throat clearing stopped her. “The Princess is correct in her assessment; there isn’t a single one of us that can be counted as being unbiased in  this.” The Head Justice made her way to her place at the bench. “I thank Luna that she has the acumen to have made this decision herself; it saved me from having to suggest it.”

“Your Honor, Your Highness, with all due respect, those foals in Canterlot can’t be counted upon to make a ruling on this issue.” The pegasus stomped her hoof in frustration.

Silver Hoof just gave the younger Justice a raised eyebrow. “Oh, come now, White Lily; we’re talking about the High Court here, not those foals who call themselves nobles.” She smiled. “I seem to remember at least one of them having been born in Hoofington.”

“I haven’t passed the torch of sentence to the High Court just because of our collective bias,” Twilight went on. “It’s also to stave off any claims of unfairness the press may make.” She looked at the elder mares before her. “You should recall that I said sentence; myself and Chief Justice Hoof have already ruled them as guilty; the evidence carried. I just don’t think that this province needs the bad press that an overly harsh sentence would give you.”

“You can rest assured that they will get the sentence they so richly deserve,” Silver Hoof said when Twilight paused. “A charge of treason and involvement in a military coup is nothing to shake a hoof at.”

The pegasus Justice sighed. “I guess I can see the merit in that,” she mumbled. “I just don’t want to see them get off, and I’m afraid that might happen.”

“Even if they plead guilty, the least sentence that they will receive is to spend the next twenty years in prison,” Twilight said matter-of-factly. She then sighed. “I really wish we could have passed sentence here, as it means more work for the High Court. However, there’s already a lot of flak that the ponies living here are going to get from the press; a charge of harsh sentencing or leniency given to them by the highest court in Equestria will at least cut some of that down.”

The assembled Justices nodded. The pegasus sighed as they did so. “I guess my views on this don’t matter,” she mumbled.

Twilight stomped her hoof, getting the mare’s attention. “And your ‘views’ on this is exactly the reason the High Court is handling the sentencing!” The others looked shocked at her display of temper. “Justice Lily, don’t you see? You personally have faced ridicule at their hooves, and the very last thing you need is an accusation of partiality and biased retribution hanging over your head. Especially since you’re personally slated to take over from Chief Justice Silver Hoof when she retires at the end of the year.” Twilight smiled at the dawning look on the judge’s muzzle. “That’s right; I’m trying to look out for the future of your career. After all, it’s a good practice for a Princess to secure the seats of the Justices that will be serving under her, yes?” The assembled justices laughed at the sneaky grin on Twilight’s muzzle.

Justice Lily joined them after a moment, realizing that the rumors of Twilight’s shrewd political sense were true. With a will, she joined her fellow judges in dissembling the rest of the cases on their docket, to better facilitate the transfer of those that would be making their way under guard to Canterlot.


Equestria, Canterlot Dungeons, 03-12-05, 2:15 P.M. A.N.M. (After Nightmare Moon)


The assembled Justices were tense as they tried to patiently wait for word from Hoofington. It had been reported that both the recently installed crystal telephone lines were still down, as the insurgents had sabotaged both in such a way to require extensive repair. The only way they had to communicate was through dragonflame messaging, and that had been blocked by alicorn magic. Since there was an alicorn in Hoofington at that moment, it didn’t take a genius to realize that Princess Twilight Sparkle has something to do with that. The question was, why?

The Chief Justice shifted in her seat as she continued to ruminate on what evidence they did have. Apparently, the unlamented Ironside had been planning his coup for years, which is why he requested the post to Hoofington. We really should push for the same standards for the Equestrian Guard that is in place for the Solar, Lunar, and Royal Guard branches. At least as far as determining if they have separatist leanings or not, the mare thought to herself. Every single case of military insurrection has involved that at least on some level, and few Guards-ponies Sworn to the Princesses ever become turncoats.

Further musing was cut short however, as a swirling mass of sparkling orange smoke in front of the unicorn. The smoke coalesced into a scroll bearing the seal of the Head of the Solar branch of the Equestrian Intelligence Service. The unicorn took the scroll in her magic. Popping the seal, she set aside the enclosed pouch of gems so that she could first read what was written.

Your Most Esteemed Honor,

Enclosed within this scroll is a pouch of sealed gems containing dragonfire-bound scrolls inside. This is all of the evidence concerning the attempted coup by the former Commander Ironside of the Equestrian Guard. There is also evidence of the duplicity of several prominent members of the Hoofington General Assembly among the documents.

I have received word from the engineers concerning the lines of communication; they have stated that it will be another four days before the telegraph lines will be restored, as the insurgents caused irreparable damage to the towers. They also drained the support structures for the wireless beams used in the new crystal telephones. In addition, all scrying mirrors have been either smashed or otherwise disabled. The only one that was not disabled was installed at the Governor’s Manor, which was destroyed late last evening. A letter from HRH Princess Twilight Sparkle will contain more details.

There really is nothing further I can report to you at this time; I have sent all pertinent data to my Chief. Have a good day Your Honor.

With Regards

Constable Silver Glow
Hoofington Branch of Solar EIS

The Justice had barely had a chance to set the scroll down when a bell run in the chamber. Simultaneously, yet another sparkling cloud of dragonfire smoke- this one emerald green -flew in front of the mare. It was unsealed, save for a purple ribbon.

The unicorn sighed before opening the scroll. Her expression became one of anger as she began to read.

Your Honor,

I’m aware that you’ve likely just received word from the Solar Branch of EIS here in Hoofington. This is just an informal letter to insure that the seals placed around Hoofington to prevent dragonfire messages were disrupted properly. The first two times we tried, the letters got sent to a safehouse they established. If you’re able to read this letter, then it means I was able to unscramble everything properly.

If everything on your end checks out, please mark the bottom of this letter and send it back. That way, I can send official word to the High Court, and so Corporal Clever Marigold can send word to the Princesses. Otherwise, I and my friends are going to be stuck here a lot longer.

Yours Truly

HRH Princess Twilight Amelia Sparkle Armor-- Princess of Friendship

The Justice levitated her quill, marking her sigil on the bottom of the scroll. Rolling it up, she then re-tied the ribbon around it before touching the corner of the scroll to the flame of the dragon-scale candle sitting on her bench. It abruptly flared into emerald sparkles before spiraling away.

Less than two minutes later, another scroll bearing an official seal of Princess Twilight appeared. The Justice opened this one. Quickly scanning it, she then turned to the bailiff. “Bailiff, send for HRH Princess Celestia; she and her sister may already be on their way; however, if they are not, then they need to hear this evidence. Also send for His Lordship Of House Armor, and for Her Eminence the Archmage; they will need to know of this evidence as well, as far more than just one Province is involved.”

The pegacorn nodded before leaving out a side door that doubled as a portal to the upper floors. The unicorn sighed. “It’s just been one of those weeks,” she groused, feeling a horn-ache coming on. “I just hope that whatever’s on its way, that Serenity is guiding the right one to Her.”


As the next petitioner stepped forward, Princess Celestia sighed internally. It seemed as this was yet another attempt by the nobles to circumvent the rights of the common pony. Or at least, it seemed so on the surface.

Further musing was cut short by the unannounced arrival of the High Court’s Bailiff, who was being chased by a pair of pegasus Royal Guards-ponies. “Come back here, pegacorn; you were told by Lord Whitetail to not enter the Upper Castle floors during Court!” the lead pegasus shouted. He would have said more had an abrupt gust of wind from Celestia’s wings knocked him onto his plot.

“And since when,” the Solar Princess said in a frosty tone, “has Lord Whitetail ever been given the right to detain an official of an office that is higher than his?” The pegasus swallowed, before wisely deciding to keep his muzzle shut.

“I thought that I made it perfectly clear that I would not tolerate any discrimination towards ponies, especially anypony that is of mixed parentage or is a pegacorn.” Celestia stalked to the pegasus. “Nor am I pleased to hear that my Royal Guards-ponies are taking the commands of others over their commanders or myself and my sister.” She looked at the pegasus, horn alight as she looked past his armor glamour. She snorted as she recognized the stallion. “Humph, it seems as though you think your duty to the former Lord of your House is of far more importance than MY commands, is that correct young colt?” The stallion nodded his head jerkily. Celestia smiled at this. “Well, at least you’re honest; that’s a good thing.”

Celestia then turned to the pegacorn mare. “Bright Wings, please return to the High Court chambers and inform them that I will be there shortly. I have a pressing issue that needs to be dealt with, as I have grown tired with the way a certain pony tries to manage my household.” Bright Wings nodded as she flew off. The other pegasus made to follow her; he was stopped by a bright golden glow pulling him around by the neck.

Celestia’s frosty gaze barreled into the now shivering stallion. “It seems as though you need a further reminder of whom you actually serve,” she said softly. “That young mare has had a difficult life as it is without needing an ignorant pair of Guards-ponies making her job difficult. Perhaps spending the next fortnight guarding the privy closets will teach you the value of obeying my commands, and not those of a do-nothing, pompous windbag.” She then dropped the now shaking stallion. “Have I made myself clear?” He nodded before joining his fellow Guard.

Concentrating briefly, Celestia used her connection to Sol to locate the now-former Lord Whitetail. She found the stallion in one of the northeaster towers, haggling a young hinny maid. Celestia snorted at this evidence of the stallion’s adherence to ‘proper forms of tradition’, and surrounded the stallion in a teleport shield.

With a pop, Whitetail was teleported in front of his Princess. He prepared to scowl, only to stop in real fright at the frosty glare Celestia leveled in his direction.

“Whitetail, I have seldom been as angered at one of my little ponies as I am at you,” Celestia said, her voice as frosty as her expression. “I really do understand that your position is important. You are responsible for my House’s public image, just as the ones who came before you. I do, however, take great umbrage against the message your most recent actions is giving.”

Celestia raised a hoof. “First, there’s the fact that you went ahead and cancelled- without my approval or permission -all of the tours I had scheduled for the orphans in Canterlot Orphanage. Orphans that, by law, have far more right to this castle than you, as they are of my House unless or until they are adopted. In spite of that, you decided that the image of ‘poor unfortunate ponies being paraded around as an attempt at gratuitous charity’ would be bad for my image. Instead I now have ponies saying that Princess Celestia is more concerned with her perfect Princess image than she is in helping the less fortunate.”

“Then there’s your most recent action; your treatment of a maid I personally hoof-picked as a handmaiden. What she had done to earn your ire I do not know, nor do I care. What I tolerated from Blueblood, who at least had the sense not to violate civil rights laws, I most certainly will not tolerate from anyone in my Household.”

“Finally, we get to the orders you have given to ponies acting in an official capacity. Your instruction of Royal Guards-ponies- likely backed by threats of excommunication should they not comply -whom you have no authority over, either overt or covert. Not when said orders run contrary to every law that our land has concerning the issue of civil rights.”

“What kind of message does it say when the pony in charge of my Household gives orders to block a member of my own kind, as I was born a pegacorn trying to perform their duties? Not a very good one. I understand that you are concerned for my image, yet you can’t possibly understand what damage your actions have done to that image.”

“Everything that you have done recently has demonstrated that you think your position protects you. You have forgotten that your House seat is incumbent on my approval, and mine alone. I do not take kindly to ponies standing on the rights of other ponies, especially ones that have had rights in this country since the Founding. You possess little understanding of pony genetics, or of history. And not only that, you possess little comprehension as to the fact that the ‘traditions’ you are trying to uphold are ones that I personally detest.”

Celestia stalked towards the stallion, who hadn’t moved at all during her harrague. “I care not for the proper image when it is one that places my station above that of anypony else. My first duty is to serve this land, first as a Guardian, and then as a Princess. And your actions have single-hoofedly undone years of work.”

Celestia stomped her hoof. “I have had as much as I can take. I normally do not run roughshod over the internal management of a House; however, I will not let a House of such long standing as yours be run by a short-sighted, ignorant stallion such as yourself. Therefore, your Seat and duties, as well as the wealth you’ve enjoyed at obtaining a position your branch of House Whitetail has not had in centuries will be given over to your granddaughter. That is a message I hope that everypony receives; that I will not tolerate discrimination. Such a thing is an attack on the very principles that have protected Equestria for longer than your House has existed.”

Celestia motioned to her Guards-ponies; they approached the stallion and placed a locking limiter on his horn. “As of this moment, you are no longer of the Houses; your title is non-existent. I hereby sentence you to spend the remainder of your days at Fort Last Hope. Perhaps you may be able to learn that a ponies’ worth is judged by their actions, and not by how they look.” With a crack, the stallion disappeared.

Celestia shook her head before heading off to the High Court’s main chamber. She had a feeling things were not yet over.