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// Chapter 11 - Magnificent Masterpieces 
// Story: The Hungry Eyes 
// by Ammie Kindheart 
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    After seeing Zecora and Coal to their room, Jaberi had requested a room across from theirs in the inn. He felt the surges of evil growing stronger. This inn was close to the bakery, whose name slipped his mind. About an hour after they had returned and Zecora had gone to rest, the air had stilled. The hair stood up on the back of Jaberi’s neck, and he knew the evil one was near. His first impulse was to run into the night and find the enemy, but he knew the better plan was to protect those around him. So Jaberi built a fire and sat before it. He began to speak the secret words handed down for generations, to protect, to guard, to heal, and to reveal the enemy. The rest of the night was spent in the way of the light magic.
In the morning, he began to think of Zecora. He remembered the young filly she used to be and smiled. He had never been brave enough to speak the words he had carried in his heart for her, always thinking they had plenty of time to learn each other and to seek the blessings of his father and her grandmother. He could not remember a time when she had not dazzled him with her wisdom and grace. Even as a young filly, she had seemed to have a strength and wisdom far beyond her years. She had always been beautiful, but the trials had not lessened her beauty. Instead, she had become as a rose in full bloom, whose sweetness far outshone anything Jaberi had ever imagined.
When she came from her room, Jaberi asked Zecora to breakfast. After they finished and were on their way back to the inn, they were told of the deaths. The joy of each other’s company dimmed and, with sadder hearts, they returned to their rooms.
The Grimes colts were improving quite well. Little Buddy was starting to talk again, but at the slightest thing, he would cling to his parents and cry. It would take a while for him to totally heal. Apple Bloom and Granny Smith had been brought to town for their safety, and they agreed to watch the colts so their parents could make arrangements for Nate’s funeral, which would take place when Morgan was finished with her investigation. Ammie had sent for Zecora to come see Peach, because she was still feeling ill, so Jaberi walked with her as she went.
They saw Morgan, Zahn, Applejack, and Big Mac return to town with a wagon carrying their burden to the new morgue. Morgan looked totally exhausted, for she had been up all the night before investigating, only to have to begin again today. Jaberi realized that the evil one was trying to exhaust her. He wanted them all to break. That could not happen! Jaberi began to plan what they would need to do next.


* * *


Morgan wearily sat on a stool in her office. While she and the stallions had carefully placed the remains in her morgue, she had asked Applejack to deliver a message to the ponygram office for her. The message was to Sgt. Sam, requesting some help. Since they were now dealing with a serial killer who was escalating fast, she could simply not carry the load herself. As hard as the guard stallions had worked to keep the others safe, they were even more at risk now since many families had evacuated. They just didn’t have the numbers and trained personnel to safely maintain security.
Zahn had volunteered to help with the brutal load of examining the remains for trace evidence. He had explained that, since he had battled so much and had helped the physician at Prince Chuma’s stable to treat fighters with horrible wounds, he didn’t get squeamish easily. As they worked easily together, he catching on quickly to the procedures involved, he also explained his unusual cutie mark. Morgan was more than impressed with the quiet stallion, and his help had been invaluable. It had still taken them until evening to finish their work, and she was almost asleep on her hooves.
There was a knock at the door and, being closer, Zahn opened it carefully. A ponygram runner said in his pubescent, squeaky voice, “Ponygram for Detective Longmare. Sign please.” Zahn handed Morgan the clipboard for her signature, then returned it to the colt, who hurried on his way.
Morgan read the note and smiled. “My friend and former sergeant is coming to help. He’ll arrive tomorrow evening, and he is bringing as many officers as the Manehatten force can spare.” Morgan sighed. “I want to thank you for your help, Mr. Zahn.”
“I think we are past the ‘Mr.’ and ‘Detective’ stage, aren’t we?” asked a smiling Zahn.
Morgan giggled, her tiredness making her a bit giddy. “I guess you’re right. But seriously, thanks.”
Again there was a knock on the door, and Zahn opened it. Big Mac and Twilight stood there. “Since there are so few of us here now, we all got together and the mares have made a pitch-in dinner. We wondered if you would come,” said Twilight.
“How many ponies are still here?” asked Zahn.
Big Mac looked down and shuffled his hooves. “Last count was forty-five,” he said with a frown. “That’s less’n a third of our normal population.”
“It’s to be expected,” Morgan said. “When even young ponies aren’t safe, parents will naturally either run or fight.”
The big stallion shook his head and said, “Eeyup. I guess your right, ma’am.”
Morgan quickly changed out of her exam gear, brushed her mane, and put on a string of pearls that her mother had given her years before, needing some comfort after the horror of the last few days. As the four began to walk toward the town hall, Morgan shared the news of the police help that would arrive on tomorrow’s train. Twilight shared that Princess Celestia was sending ten of her Royal Guard to be under Morgan’s command, as well.


* * *


Last night for the wolf had been an amazing feast of orgiastic proportions. The glee he had felt from the destruction of his prey had given him a high so intense that he had not woken until he heard that Apple pony screeching her fool head off. He had immediately felt hung-over, but her fear gave him a rush that evened him right out. He was glad that he had not passed out right in the middle of his gruesome art. Chuckling to himself quietly, he had slunk into the shadows to watch the production when the others came to carry away his magnificent masterpieces.
Once they had finished taking pictures and loading up his prizes, he watched them wearily head back to town. He chuckled as he went the long way around so he could slip into town from the opposite side. Of course, he went to his hideout, where he had stashed his everyday disguise. He reluctantly washed off the perfume of his night’s work. Although he enjoyed it, it would give the surprise of his identity up way too soon. No, he must not tip his hand yet.
It was now evening, and he had meandered into the edge of town casually. He knew where some of the guards slept when they had time off. He moved into town when they did, nopony paying him any mind. But, then, why should they? Hadn’t he been here searching or guarding with the rest of them?
He walked past the inn, hoping to get a glimpse of those colts he had missed out of having fun with. There was the old zebra healer mare—the wolf knew he would have fun finishing what his stupid father had bungled. He knew that the zebra captives had spoken with awe of a healer who would return to save them. Save them? There were none of that tribe left to save. The bloodbaths had made sure of that, after the old witch Lesede had died. But now the wolf would make sure to eliminate the last of the line from the Cherica tribe. Then their weak, white magic would die as well.
Bulk Biceps asked the wolf to walk with him to check the buildings at the edge of town. Hmm… this one will be a good challenge, thought the wolf as they began their walk. At the last moment, two other stallions joined them, much to the wolf’s aggravation.


* * *


The Town Hall was bustling when Big Mac, Twilight, Zahn, and Morgan had entered the building. Many of the ponies were seated at tables eating already. Seeing Ammie and a pale Peach, Morgan crossed the room to speak with them. Big Mac went to get the mares a plate, and Zahn excused himself to visit the gentlecolt’s room. Twilight joined Morgan and the other mares, wishing to learn more of their new citizens.
The group was preparing to sit down to eat when Bulk Biceps and three other stallions entered the room, having finished their rounds and been replaced by another group of guards. Many of the faces were still new to Morgan due to her being stuck inside her office and lab so much the last few days. The stallions all filed past, thanking her for the work she was doing and introducing themselves, before moving on to get their meal. Poor Morgan was so tired after being up nearly thirty-six hours straight that she wasn’t her usual observant self.
They all sat and ate, enjoying the comforts of food and friends, as well as the feeling of safety in numbers. Zahn, who was sitting beside Morgan, commented on the beauty of her pearls. Morgan blushed prettily and thanked him. After a few minutes, he softly said, “I wonder where our zebra friends are.”
Twilight, overhearing said, “They’re at the inn with Granny Smith and the Grimes family. They were just not up for much company tonight. Morgan, since Ammie’s home is so far out on the edge of town, Mamie has rooms for you all to stay there at the inn, too.”
“That will be a big help,” said Morgan with a smile. “I’ll just need to pop back and shut down things for the night. If someone would walk me back to my lab?”
Both Zahn and Big Mac were ready to volunteer, when Dumb-bell ran in. “Help!” he screamed. “I just found a stallion down by the river all tied up. The water’s about to drown him!”
Big Mac said, “Zahn, would ya come help?”
Zahn glanced at Morgan, then nodded and rose to assist in the rescue, along with several other stallions.
Igneous Rock stepped up to Morgan, introduced himself, then said, “I couldn’t help but overhear, Detective. I’d be honored to walk you to your lab.”
Twilight said, “Go on, Morgan. I’ll take care of your plates.”
So, as the stallions ran toward the river, Morgan went the opposite way to her lab, accompanied by Mr. Rock and another stallion whose name she couldn’t quite remember. When she got to her lab, she went in, shut things down, and locked up for the night. It wouldn’t do to have someone break in and tamper with the evidence. Satisfied that the building was secure, Morgan carried her bag with her scene kit, just in case she needed it. Though she dearly hoped there would be no further need of it tonight.
Crossing the yard, both stallions close by, she unlocked the house. “I’ll only be a few minutes. I need to grab a couple things for the night.” She placed toiletries and a gown into a small tote. Throwing on her heavy cloak and slipping on her work boots against the evening chill, she went to go out the door. At the last moment, she remembered that Peach might need her favorite shawl. Morgan crossed the room to a closet. Grabbing the shawl, she backed up to close the door to find a stallion behind her.
Startled, she began to turn, but he jerked her upright and back against his chest. He turned her toward the front door with one foreleg around her throat. As they turned, Morgan saw in the mirror the stallion whose name she’d forgotten. He saw her looking at their reflection and smiled evilly. Morgan took a startled breath as she saw his eyes change and begin to glow… RED!