Who’s out there! This is one snack you are going to have to work for, I’ve faced wolves like you a dozen times and I know a thing or two abou- oh you’re a pony. Forgive me! The animals tend to get a bit desperate around this time of year, so I have to remind them that I don’t want to be on the menu! Haha
Come, come take a seat. You have travel quite a distance, the mountain pass is known to chill the bones and snuff the spirit. The fire is warm and so too is the meal beside it, you might find it a bit sweet for your tastes but it will do wonders for that shiver you have. There is no need to treat an old pony with such distrust. There. See I’m not so bad without this hood cloaking my face. I’m sure you can sympathise with me for donning such suspicious clothing. What is it that intimidates you the most? My mottled grey mane? The chipped horn? What about this cracked cutie mark? Ha!
My eyes you say? Well I wish you were the first to tell me that, but you are right. The eyes reveal a pony’s soul and mine betray a wounded past. Your instincts warn you that I could strike out at any moment, they’re probably right, but I assure you that there is no need to let fear hold you still. Do not fret, I’m not as young as I used to be and my magic is now sporadic at best. The only thing I’m good for is telling stories… of Celestia’s once noble kingdom, of the many battles fought to protect your grandparents and parents.
She’s what? Did your nurse tell you such folly? The Princess of the Empire was not pink, but a majestic mare both white and pure as the stars among the sun she ruled. I assume you know that she was gifted with both the wings of a Pegasus and the magical horn of a Unicorn. You don’t believe me do you… those who possessed the traits of all three races were extremely powerful. Immortal Celestia could move the sun, and her sister the moon! No I’m not senile, I wish you could have seen the sun celebration; it was truly a sight to behold. But now the nights are long and the days are shadowed by clouds, Equestria has grown dark since the golden days of the Empire. There is the tale about the magical artefacts that helped shape the kingdom, the Elements of Harmony. The first is hones-
You don’t want to hear the stories of friendship and its power? Then what has brought you to me? I regret to say I cannot tell you much about the changeling invasion, but I certainly know about the civil war that followed shortly afterwards. Is that why you sought me out?
You want to hear of Commander Sol Sear? How strange… yes I know that name, but why him? To be honest that was the last name I expected somepony as young as you to mention. So you want to hear the story of Commander Sol Sear… hmmm, that is an old one, and tragic, if I do say so myself. Why did I chuckle just now? Oh if I told you, it would ruin the story and then who would give me the bits for my next meal? No no, continue eating, it’s okay. I warn you; once I start my story I will not stop until it’s done, so stay a while and listen.
You are the first pony to come up here alone and the first to climb these cold mountains just to hear my words. Normally I entertain travellers while they rest, they find me by chance on the dangerous road up, and often leave a coin in thanks for my hospitality. Oh no, I’m not asking you for some bits, although I won’t say no if you’re offering, I was just saying that I have not met a pony with your devotion or curiosity since, well, I can’t remember when! Before I begin, tell me, how did you learn of that name? I’m allowed to be as curious as you, yet you won’t say? Very well then, I have a feeling that tonight shall be an evening where both of us shall learn something by the coming dawn.
Now, as with all my stories, what I tell you comes from a collection of my memories, what are known facts and often the word of others who were there. I cannot claim to know everything, and I may take a bit of creative leverage, but many of the ponies you will hear in this story I have met myself, even Commander Sear before his glorious death. No I have not ruined the story for you, if you honestly believed a warrior pony from that age is still alive today then maybe you should go back to the tales your nurse told you as a foal… no don’t leave, I jest! Don’t let the bitter words of an old pony chase you away from what you seek. You would leave my generous meal half eaten? It’s dangerous to take this road alone, but foolhardy to go on it night, even with a group. Timber wolves have been known to stalk the forests and the treacherous icy paths often lead to cliffs that drop off to sharp rocks below. Some travellers have even spoken of wendigos watching them on the winds, waiting to freeze the life out of them should they sleep. To attempt such a road in the darkness is to temp death and from the way the weather looks, you made it here just in time. A blizzard is approaching so I doubt we shall have any guests arriving to interrupt us. Come now, sit down while I throw another log of the fire.
So, hmmm, where to begin… maybe I’ll start the same way all tales of great heroes begin: with the day of their birth…