Applejack looked at the sky, shielding her eyes from the sun. She was sure it was the middle of the day. She removed her hat and wiped the perspiration coming from her forehead, as did Macintosh. His red skin was damp, his orange hair fell between his eyes. The farmponies pulled through despite the heat. With the dark tunnel far behind them they had nothing to worry about, for now. They passed through green, pastoral land and hills, with the railroad tracks fused to the ground, stretching to the horizon.
There was a small wooden house on the other side of the road, and a few yards from the house was a windmill. Applejack didn’t know what it meant. Maybe they were close to Galloway? She hoped so. There was no way of knowing.
“Apple Bloom, you alright back there?” she asked.
“Uh-huh. Just back here with Billy.”
Applejack never understood why they decided to bring the goat with them. It wasn’t the first time Apple Bloom wanted to bring a living creature home. Last Spring, during a rainy day, she found a small turtle being carried by a stream. She begged Granny and Applejack to let her keep it. Days later she claimed the turtle spoke to her, and asked Apple Bloom to let “her” go. She was very sure the turtle was female. Applejack suspected the goat was going to be long-term.
“Apple Bloom, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” she said.
“What?”
“Why’d you named that goat Billy?”
“... I don’t know. It seem like a name a goat would have.”
Applejack chuckled under her breath. Of course she would say something like that. She wondered what Apple Bloom will do with Billy if they when they have finished their business in Galloway… if they’ll ever make it out of Galloway. Applejack quickly pushed those thoughts out. We ain’t there yet, she told herself. Her focus was back on the road ahead.
It seemed like they were walking in circles again. Macintosh became very frustrated to the point he was grumbling to himself. Even Applejack believed they’ll never make it to Galloway. Then, just up ahead, there were approaching a small sign.
“Big Mac, look!” said Applejack. They trotted closer until they can read it clearly. GALLOWAY. 10 MILES. BEWARE.
The Apples stood and gazed at the sign. They didn’t know if they should celebrate or be nervous, especially at that last part. Macintosh furrowed his brow, Applejack swallowed the saliva that was building in her mouth. The siblings stared at each other, not sure of what to do, but after a moment’s hesitation they nodded. They already made it this far. Apple Bloom and Billy saw the sign from the back of the wagon as they passed. There was no turning back.
“Has it been ten miles yet?” Macintosh asked. Applejack didn’t answer. When he took a glance at her and saw that she had the “thousand yard stare” on her face. “I’ll take that as an I don’t know,” he said to himself.
The Apples drawing ever so close to the town of Galloway. It was the most tenseful silence they had ever felt. There was not a word that escaped the tip of their tongues during that walk. After everything they had endured, from getting lost in the wilderness and darkness, and coming from a standoff with rogues, Galloway was their destination at last. Although, and they knew why, an unknown threat still loomed over them.
Over the distance ahead Applejack could see an outline of a small town, surrounded by mountains with snow-covered peaks. A lumped grew in her throat. They were ever so close, oh so close. Her pacing slowed, along with her brother’s. Galloway was right there staring back at them.
Apple Bloom and Billy crawled to the front of the wagon, being extra careful not to knock over any barrels. They were almost there. Once they approached the town, Billy had a reaction. He hopped to the back, bleating and shouting as though he saw something terrible. Apple Bloom rushed to calm him. She spoke softly to him, stroking his back and head with gentleness. A moment later she was deep in thought. Apple Bloom sat up to look at the town again.
They were only a mere yards away from a large bridge made of stone. Then she knew the same fear Billy had.
Suddenly, the wagon was at a complete stop. Applejack and Macintosh gazed at the bridge. There used to be a river under it. Macintosh couldn’t remember if there was any water under the bridge. On the other side was Galloway. The streets were deserted, the windows and doors remained shut. Even the tranquil silence was hollow.
“We’re here… what do we do now?” he asked.
Applejack had no answer. She stared at the bridge, and the bridge gazed back at her. Not even Billy’s loud bleats woke her from her trance. Soon, everything around her seemingly began to wane into nothingness. Sounds were reduced to muffled voices and distance vibrations. Somehow, although she didn’t feel it, the breeze was blowing toward the bridge as it collided with the strands of her golden hair and orange neck. She removed the saddle and straps from her back and trotted slowly toward the bridge.
“What the hay are you doing?” Macintosh yelled. Quickly he tried to grab hold of his sister, but something was drawing her toward the bridge. Macintosh planted himself on the ground while holding Applejack back.
“Big Mac, what’s wrong?” Apple Bloom cried. She jumped out of the wagon to see the struggle, gasping in shock.
“Your sister’s gone crazy!”
It looked like she was going to escape his grasp, then Apple Bloom used her little hooves to push her back. “Applejack, stop!” she yelled.
Applejack slipped from Macintosh’s hooves and Apple Bloom fell on her back. The two watched in horror as their sister trotted toward the bridge. The little filly called for her, and in desperation ran after her. Macintosh tried to stop her, but forgot how fast of a runner Apple Bloom can be, but he caught up with her anyway. Billy called out to her friend, but stayed in place. He was afraid to be near the wickedness that dwelt beneath the bridge. She grabbed one of Applejack’s hind legs, begging for her not to go any further.
Suddenly, at the middle of the bridge, Applejack stopped. Under the bridge there was a crumpling of stone and dirt, followed by a low, monstrous rumble. Apple Bloom froze, just like at the cornfield where the scarecrow attacked her. Macintosh tried to pull them away, but that same fear petrified him as well. The growl from below increased, then a large yellowish-green hand with long nails appeared at their side. Then another hand. Soon there were arms and a muscular torso, and legs with toenails twice as long as the fingernails. Apple Bloom opened her mouth to scream, only for no sound to come out. Now the creature stood in front of them; an enormous, hairless, ugly, bipedal monstrosity, with beady, black dots for eyes and teeth much like a shark’s.
It was him, the troll who lived under the bridge, and he had hunger in his eyes. He chuckled wickedly, and his mouth formed an evil grin that will be in Apple Bloom’s nightmares for many nights to come.
“Well, a gift from the gods themselves,” he growled, staring at the ponies with a lust for flesh. “It’s been awhile since my last meal.”
Apple Bloom screamed and cried, tried to pinch Applejack, but the troll reached down to swipe them off. Quickly, Macintosh pushed them away, but the troll grabbed him instead, however it was all the same to him. The troll held Macintosh to his face and soulless eyes. “I strong pony such as yourself must look especially delicious,” he laughed. “I’m going to savor every bite I take of you.”
Billy shouted as loud as he can to get the troll’s attention, which he did. The troll stared confusingly at the little goat. “Hmm… I remember you,” he said, putting his thumb and index finger on the greasy chin. And he bellowed with laughter. “Yes, of course I remember you! I ate your brothers! Don’t worry, I still use their bones as toothpicks!”
Apple Bloom glanced at Billy, and saw the sadness mixed with rage. Now she understood. Poor Billy, she said to herself.
“Once I’m done with this wild stallion, I’m going after you two next,” the troll told Apple Bloom and Applejack, “and your little goat, too!” Billy saw how close Big Mac’s head was to the troll’s sharp teeth, dripping with saliva. He couldn’t move, but there was a fire inside him waiting to be released. Apple Bloom, his only friend, cried helplessly for her brother, and he couldn’t take it anymore. Billy already lost two brothers to that troll. He was not going to lose another. With a full strength of will he stepped forward and charged at the troll, and letting a mighty bleat of a goat warrior he headbutt him in his stomach which forced the monster to stumble on his feet. Before he fell over the bridge, he lost his grasp on Macintosh, reuniting him with his family. The thud from the troll shook the earth.
“... Thanks Billy,” he said, gasping for air. He was caught in a long, tight hug from Apple Bloom. There was moaning coming from Applejack, as though she had woken from a deep slumber.
“What happened?” she asked in a daze.
“I think you’ve been hypnotized or something,” Macintosh said. “There’s no time to explain! Let’s go before that troll comes back!”
He carried Applejack on his back and told Apple Bloom and Billy to get in the wagon. The Apples raced through the bridge and into town. Unfortunately, the troll recovered from Billy’s blow. He rubbed the sore spot on his head and glared at the speeding wagon.
“Nobody crosses my bridge and live,” he growled.
He jumped to his feet, climbed to the surface and chased the wagon. This was one of the very few times he crawled from under the bridge, which is to say never. He ran like a wild animal on all fours, panting heavily and grunting while chasing the Apples. Billy yelled at him, out of fear and hatred for the nasty creature. Apple Bloom laid on her stomach and closed her eyes. She sung a lullaby to herself to drown out the noise, stumbling on a few lyrics. Macintosh looked around. There was hardly soul outside. How could they not see the troll chasing after them? He could try and scream for help, but the effort will be futile. With each turn and maneuver of the wagon, the beastly troll followed with the speed of a cheetah bound for the hunt. The chase lasted until they reached a dead-end at the dock.
“Oh no, we’re trapped!” Applejack yelled.
“What are we gonna do?” Apple Bloom cried.
The troll had them cornered, and stood on his legs once more. The Apples and Billy huddled together in what could be their final moments as a family. The elder Apples were never ponies who asked for help, but if there was a time they could use some assistance from somepony like Twilight Sparkle, now would be a good time. The troll licked his teeth, and smiled that vile grin of his.
“That was quite an exercise,” he said, “but now it’s time for a well-deserved snack!” He scanned the ponies, and had his eye on Apple Bloom. “I’ll start with the little one as an appetizer, and the goat too!”
Apple Bloom held Billy, and Applejack wrapped them both in her arms. The ponies closed their eyes, but Billy nudged Apple Bloom’s cheek with his head. Getting her attention, he pointed to the wagon, quietly bleating, as though he thought of something.
Then Apple Bloom understood.
“Wait!” she cried. The troll stopped on his tracks with a frustrated look. “Before you eat us… would you like to try some of cider first?”
Upon hearing that, Applejack let go of her in disgust. “Are you out of your silly filly mind?” she shouted. “Why would you give cider to a monster that’s wants to eat us? Don’t you remember what nightmare we had to go through? And you want to give it to him? You’re insane!”
Apple Bloom ignored her. “Please Mr. Troll, we won’t taste as good if you don’t try at least one of our cider. Here, have a drink on us,” she said with the sweetest voice and a lovely smile.
The troll took a moment to think. “Hmm… nobody has offered me something like that before. Alright, I’ll have a drink. It better be good for your sake.”
“It is! Sweet Apple Acres cider is the best in Equestria!” Apple Bloom responded.
The troll approached the wagon and punched a hole on top of one of the barrels, whilst Applejack mumbled and grumbled about how they’re down to “eight stinking barrels.” He stuffed his nasty troll face inside the barrel and drank for several minutes. When he released his head the barrel was empty of cider.
“How do you like it?” Apple Bloom asked the troll.
Her answer was a loud belch that covered the salty ocean air in a foul stench. “I must say, little one, that cider was tasty!” he bellowed. “Now where was I? Oh yes, I was going to eat you!”
He approached Apple Bloom with great anticipation. Then he stopped. The troll’s face changed from wickedness to that of a pony who was lost. The Apples heard a low grumble, finding out that it was coming from the troll, but it wasn’t his growls. He placed his hands on his stomach. “I don’t feel so good,” he mumbled. He groaned and fell on his knees. The elder siblings just stared, having no idea of what to make of this. It seem the effects of the cider have gotten worse, because he was lying on his back with his hands to neck, choking.
“What have you done to me?” he asked through gritted teeth.
“That’s right! My brother and sister made that cider themselves!” Apple Bloom said, approaching him. She didn’t how she found herself so fearless after witnessing the troll trying to devour her family, but that was no matter. The troll began to cough violently. “You wanna know what the secret ingredient is? It’s love, an old family recipe! You see, trolls hate everything that’s good in the world, especially something like love! And it seems like you’re getting a heavy dose of it! And love hurts, doesn’t it?”
The troll screamed in pain, squirming on the ground, his hand remained on his neck. It caught the attention of the townsponies; many of them opened their doors and windows to see what the commotion was about. They held their breaths, fainted, scream and shouted when they saw the troll at the dock, but something was happening to him and they didn’t know what or why. Are those three ponies with the wagon responsible? The crowd gathered, shocked to learn that the troll was dying. The monster was holding on to dear life, but was on his last breath. Foam overflowed from his mouth. He gagged, took a last glance at the ponies who defeated him… then he fell away.
The town was dead silent, but it was much different than the silence they have known, gazing at the lifeless body of the one who held them prisoner for a long time, the one who devoured their loved ones and other innocent ponies and creatures. When the citizens of Galloway surrounded the Apples, it came to a surprise for Apple Bloom to learn that the town was only composed of earth ponies. She guessed none of them had the bravery to stand up to the troll.
An elderly mare approached them, watching them carefully. The Apples took heed to not make a move, but Billy was ready for another headbutt, although Apple Bloom had him stand down.
“... You killed him,” she finally said. “You’ve killed the troll.”
“My little sister did,” Applejack said. The elderly inspected Apple Bloom with eyes of a hawk, making her nervous.
Another moment passed. The elderly stomped her hooves on the ground, applauding Apple Bloom’s effort. The citizens of Galloway followed until the town filled the air with cheers and the ground with happy stomps. No, it wasn’t a dream. Yes, it was real. The troll was dead, and an eight-year-old filly killed him.
It was a time of great joy in the town of Galloway. Musicians of all kinds played triumphant songs, while others danced and sang with them. Children played on the bridge. Others ran out out of town to inform the rest of the world of the good news. Finally, during the midst of the celebrations, the town decided to put the troll under the earth. They wanted to bury him so deep that his body will fall into Tartarus.
The Apples didn’t join them. There was still work to be done. They have finally arrived in Galloway after experiencing the most perilous journey of their lives. A delivery was still in order.
No matter where they turned, how far away from downtown they were, the jubilant ponies of Galloway could not be escaped. And that was fine with them. The ponies deserved to be happy after being held prisoners in their own home, watching in horror as that monster their friends and neighbors. They can make all the noise they darn well please.
The wagon entered a small neighborhood with small houses that were only two colors: white and beige. Once in awhile they spotted a house made of bricks. Journeying further, they found themselves out of the neighborhood by going on a road that stretched farther out until they reached a large, white beach house that stood over the ocean.
“We made it,” Applejack said to herself. Before she proceeded any further, she took off the straps and turned to gaze at her family. She removed her stetson for full effect.
“... I just wanted to thank all of y’all for hanging in there with me,” she said with full humility. “I know this whole trip was rough, but we made it. All of us, together, in one piece.” She sighed. “And… I apologize for the way I’ve been acting. I didn’t to say or do anything y’all didn’t agree with. It’s just this delivery was so important to me… that I got carried away. Big Mac, Apple Bloom… I’m terribly sorry.”
“I’m the one that’s sorry,” Macintosh said, raising his hoof. “I forgot the map. If I hadn’t done that, the trip wouldn’t have gone downhill like it did. I also made my two sisters eat something that could’ve killed them, and I almost lost the wagon. I goofed
They gazed helplessly at themselves. Applejack nodded. “We both goofed.” She knelt down to Apple Bloom, guilt weighing down on her. “Apple Bloom, I’m sorry for putting you in harm’s way during all this. That ain’t what a big sister is supposed to do. I know you wanted to learn how Mac and I get things done, and we failed. I understand if you don’t want to go on another business trip with us again,” she said sadly.
“And I’m sorry, too,” Macintosh said. “I’ve should of had better judgement as an older brother.”
Apple Bloom tried to wrap her little arms around to pull them in for a hug, and Billy joined when they sat on the ground embracing each other. Applejack pat Billy on his white head, thanking him for all the help. They were Apples to the core once more.
They pulled the wagon in front of the beach house. The wind was gentle and the ocean smelled fresh. Looking downward they saw seagulls flying and standing on the sand as the foamy waters crashed into the shore. Applejack counted the barrels on the wagon. They were down to eight.
“You’d think… whoever it is will be disappointed?” Apple Bloom asked.
“I don’t know, but I am disappointed with myself,” Applejack said.
She stared at the wooden house. Now, after everything that happened, after all they’ve been through, Applejack wasn’t sure if she wanted to go through with it. Macintosh’s large hoof touched her. He gave her an approving nod, and a look older brothers gave to their sisters whenever they’re proud of them. Applejack nodded in return, and the Apples walked toward the front of the house together, with Billy following.
They waited, and Applejack reached out to knock on the door. Apple Bloom enjoyed the sounds of the water on the shore. She hope someday she’ll live in a house like this, away from all the noise of the city. It must have a balcony with a fantastic view of the beach, not to mention the sunrise and sunset.
Finally, somepony answered the door. A young, maybe about Applejack’s age, stood before them. Her skin was blue and her hair was white. Apple Bloom took a good look at her cutie mark, seeing seashells on her hind quarters. Her eyes widen and her mouth fell agape when she learned that Applejack was standing in front of her, as if she was a ghost.
“Aqua Marina, we’re here,” Applejack said. She pointed to the wagon. “I know you ordered twelve, but we have to give you eight. I’m very sorry.”
“Applejack… you made,” she said astonishingly. “How?”
“It’s a long story.”
Aqua Marina welcomed the Apple clan in her home, although Apple Bloom asked if Billy was allowed, which she agreed. Later, they watched the sunset from her balcony, and Apple Bloom was right when she thought it had a pleasant view. They shared remaining barrels they had left and Aqua Marina had them stay overnight in her home. It was the least she can do for travelers who came such a long way.