Silence pervaded the room following the ‘humans’ declaration. Bewildered, Celestia spoke. “Youve come to serve...me?”
The human shifted its gaze to Celestia, and she was struck by the enormity of its presence. “Yes, your grace.” It answered, bowing its head. It gently placed its helmet on the floor beside it before placing a hand on the hilt of its sword. The guardsmen fearfully lowered their weapons and even Luna took a threatening step forward but all were halted again by a raised hoof from Celestia. The human maintained eye contact as it slowly drew its sword and reversed its hold on the weapon to offer it to Celestia. “Most Divine Celestia. Will you accept my service?”
The question hung heavy in the air. Carrying a weight that was almost palpable. In the depths of her mind, Clairfoyances’ warning echoed.
“Misery and death, joy and life. One and the same”
“Your offer is tempting.” Celestia said. “But I'm afraid I will require some time before making a decision.” She smiled, hoping her words had the desired effect. To her great relief, the human nodded, once, and sheathed its sword and once more picked up its helmet. “As you say.”
Celestia inclined her head. “Thank you.” She gestured to a guardsmen. “Please show-” She stopped and once more looked to the human. “I'm sorry but you've yet to tell us your name?”
“Abaddon”
“Yes.” She turned again to the guardsmen. “Please show Abaddon out into the foyer so that Luna and I can converse in private.” The guardsmen appeared hesitant, his eyes shifting nervously between Celestia and Captain Steadfast. “Thats an order.” Celestia said with a hint of ire in her voice. The guardsmen immediately snapped off a salute. “Yessum!”
He stepped closer to the human and proffered a shaking hoof. “Th-this wa-way, please.” He visibly recoiled as Abaddon turned his gaze towards him. “I-if you do-don't mind.” He said in a small voice, appearing on the verge of fainting. Before he could however, Steadfast cleared his throat. “Private Fairbanks?” A Pegasus guardsmen stepped forward. “Yes, sir?” Steadfast nodded towards the cowering guardsmen. “I want you and the others to go with Bell and see that our-” He paused, glancing towards Abaddon. “‘Guest’ is seen to.”
“Captain-” Began Celestia only to be interrupted by Luna. “An excellent idea, Captain.” She said, never once having taken her eyes off the human. “Abaddon, we will summon you once a decision has been made.”
Abaddon stood to his full height and bowed low. Returning upright he spun on his heels and marched from the room followed closely by all the guardsmen. “Captain? If you could remain,” Called Luna, catching Steadfast just as he was about to exit the room. Celestia cast her sister a questioning glance but said nothing. He nodded once before closing the heavy gilded doors with his magic and returning to the center of the room. “Well your highness.” Steadfast said, addressing Celestia. “What do you make of the situation?”
Celestia gave a heavy sigh. “I don't know.” She sank deeper into her throne. “Abaddon is unlike anything I have ever seen.”
“Yet you continue to treat him as if he is no threat!” Luna said vehemently. She angrily gesture to the doors. “We know you could sense the power within him. Should he desire to he could lay waste to the entire castle with a wave of his arm!”
“You think I don't know that?! Snapped Celestia. She sat up and turned in her seat to face Luna. “Yes he's dangerous but he willingly offered to serve me. What do you think he would do if I refused him?”
“What would he do if you accepted?” Retorted Luna. “We know nothing about him! Not his capabilities, where he comes from. We don't know if what he's even told us is the truth!!” She leaned closer to her sister. “The only thing we know for certain is that he's dangerous! Couple that with what Clairvoyance told us and the situation becomes painfully clear.” Uncertainty etched itself onto Celestia's face. Luna took note of this and gently laid a hoof on her shoulder. “Above all else, we must be cautious.”
Steadfast cleared his throat, drawing the pair's attention. “With respect, I fully agree with Princess Luna.” He frowned slightly. “Taking into consideration what you've told me of the seer's prediction, then this ‘Abaddon’ will either aid us or destroy us.” He paused and raised a hoof to stroke his chin. “Now, given that assumption I believe it would be best to accept his offer.”
Celestia nodded slowly. “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.” Steadfast dropped his hoof to the floor. “Exactly. By keeping him close we will be in the best position to study him and hopefully learn of a method of combating him should he turn against us. And...” Steadfast paused and sighed. “Loathe as I am to say, if he is genuine then we will no doubt benefit greatly from his presence.”
“Do you support this. Luna?” The younger Alicorn nodded. “For now, yes. But we will be watching him closely.” Celestia smiled. “I would expect no less. Very well.” She stood from her throne as Luna followed suit. “Captain Steadfast, see our guest back in.”
Steadfast saluted. “At once.” He turned on his heels and quickly marched to the throne room doors. A white aura encased his horn moments before a similar one spread to the gilded doors. Silently, the doors opened. Just outside in the foyer, the guardsmen sent to accompany Abaddon stood in a loose circle. Each nervously pawing their weapons all while keeping a close eye on the human who stood ramrod straight at the room's center.
“AUH-TEN-TUHN!” Shouted Captain Steadfast as all the guardsmen scrambled to attention. “SIR, YES SIR!” They responded in unison. Steadfast slammed a hoof on the ground which echoed loudly. “Double up and assume assigned positions! Parade rest!” Ordered Steadfast. The guardsmen saluted and quickly assembled into a neat two-by-two row. Shoulder to shoulder, they marched back into the throne room. Once situated, they turned inward and presented their weapons, creating a half tunnel directly towards the thrones. Celestia couldn't help but be impressed.
“Their royal highnesses will see you now.” Steadfast said to Abaddon with a bow. The human nodded solemnly. With thundering strides, he made his way into the throne room. The guardsmen had to raise their halberds as he passed so as to make room for his towering height, and coming to a halt once more at the foot of the twin thrones, Abaddon kneeled.
“Divine Celestia. Have you made your decision?” Even kneeling, the human was still taller than Celestia, the base of his chin reaching just above the tip of her horn, forcing her to look up into his broad face. “I have.” A small smile graced her lips as she inclined her head regally. “I graciously accept your offer of service.”
For the first time since appearing, Abaddon smiled. “I am honored beyond words, your grace.” He thumped his right fist heavily against his heart and bowed lower, the top of his head coming to Celestia’s neck. “I swear to serve you faithfully, body and soul. To be your sword and shield, until my liege release me.” He raised up and drew his sword, again offering it to Celestia. “Or death take me.”
A golden aura encircled the mighty weapon and lifted it from his grasp to float it to Celestia’s side. “It is I who is honoured. Your fealty will never be forgotten nor your service amply rewarded.” The sword dipped as she offered the hilt towards Abaddon. “Rise now, Abaddon and take up your sword in service of Equestria and its Princess.” A armoured hand closed tightly around the hilt as he stood to his full height, sheathing the weapon. “Thank you, your grace.”
In the darkest depths of her heart, Celestia felt that a threshold had been crossed, one in which there was no returning.