It's Only a Game... Isn't It?
By Ganondorf8
June 28, 2016
Chapter 4: Elven Witless.
" Well, come in, come in my little friends. You have no idea how much I've been looking forward to these Friday sessions." ~Lord Fear~ Opening prior to the title sequence of episode one of Series Eight.
" What did you just say, Lissard?" Lord Fear asked, unable to contain his rage.
" Um, I said this dungeoneer can use magic of her own free will." Lissard answered. He had since cowered in fear before his master, and slowly backed away in hopes of finding a way out before things got worse. Sadly for him, Lord Fear stared at him with a piercing gaze that was enough to scare a child to death. " I know it sounds unusual that a kidsie can use the magicness without one of those spells, but that is what the Frightknights have been sensing."
Frightknight? I had no idea what that was, but I suspected it wasn't going to be something that would benefit me. I thought to ask Rainbow Dash what it was--she probably knew given how much she watched Knightmare in the days leading up to this moment--but I was still angry with her over dragging us into this world to begin with. Then I thought, what if those two could hear me were I to suddenly say something? So far, I had the element of surprise by watching their movements, but if they caught me, making an excuse would be the last thing on my mind. Would my use of magic become a detriment to my quest? If so, it meant things were only going to get worse.
" Really? So then you're saying that this dungeoneer is a full-fledged wizard?"
" I'm not sure if she is that, Lordness, but she does possess a magicness that rivals the likes of you and Hordriss."
" WHAT!?" Lord Fear shouted. He then conjured a fireball and flung it at his henchman--who barely managed to avoid being roasted alive--but it wasn't enough to calm his anger over knowing that I was now truly a threat to his dominion. " Great Goblins! All those previous dungeoneers were full of vim for wanting to take on the challenge, yet none of them were exactly brimming with power. Now you're telling me this new one possesses power that rivals mine!? Am I hearing you right?" Lord Fear asked, his anger growing more and more powerful by the second.
" Please don't cast me aside, Lordness, for telling you the truth."
" There's no point in sending you away, me old newt. Besides, you'd probably like it anyway so that wouldn't really be beneficial to me. You know, that or you end up being just like that walking cesspool of a man, Hands. No, I have to accept the fact that this dungeoneer is different from the others. Still, I'm surprised that magic even exists in the world she comes from. I always thought they used technology and spurned magic as nothing but cheap fantasy and theatrics." Lord Fear said.
" What should we do about this one, Lordness?"
" Do!? What do you think we're going to do, you half-wit? We're going to put an end to this quest before this dungeoneer can get out of Level 1. That idiotic jester is her only means of knowing the password to get by the Blocker, but I'm not going to chance it especially with that conniving Bartram holding the key. No, I need something truly sinister that can eliminate this pest." Lord Fear answered.
" You said you'd send someone."
" Hmmm? Ah, yes, of course. I just need the right person for the job. Hands? No, he's so dirty that Bartram is likely to chase him away with a broom or something. Raptor? No, as those Miremen of his are useless in anything except when in water." Lord Fear said.
" What about Maldame?"
" Are you being serious with me!? Why would I want to rely on her for anything? She took over Linghorn without a wimper from my troops, and now struts about like she owns the place which she doesn't! No, I'm not going to use another wizard. You can't trust them as all they do is stab you in the back and take advantage of the situation." Lord Fear answered.
" But, don't you do that, Lordness?"
" That's because I can get away with it, Lissard. Those other sorcerers just don't have the gib that I possess. No wonder so many of them choose to wind up pursuing lives of solitude just to gain unlimited power. They lack that true magical grit that has allowed me to remain on top as the big man among wizards." Lord Fear answered. He started pacing about and muttered things under his breath while the lizard man looked on. From what I had seen by using the Spy Glass, this Lord Fear was a combination of sadistic madman and comedian what with his gibberish whenever he went off topic. " Ah-ha! I've got it, Lissard! Why not just go with something from the classics." He snapped his finger, a book materialized out of thin air, and he grabbed it before opening it up. " I'm surprised that old fool, Mogdred, never took these when he left before I came along."
" Do you think one of his incantations will work?"
" Of course it will work, you imbecile! A simple 'Sword' spell shall get rid of our dungeoneer problem, and I doubt those who guide her will be able to figure out how to dis-spell something even a novice could do." Lord Fear answered.
" Brilliant, Lordness! You are so much the craftyness!"
" I know, I know. I truly do amaze myself sometimes."
" There is one more thing to mention."
" What's that?"
" This dungeoneer is named Sunset Shimmer."
" What? What kind of name is that?" Lord Fear asked, his face changed from smug to confusion. " I've heard some strange names before that those youths have, but this one has got to be the strangest hands down. Parents can be so cruel at times, Lissard, and I feel bad that this dungeoneer was given a name like that." Lord Fear looked like he was about to cry, but quickly started laughing upon coming to the realization that my name was different. " It's hard to take her seriously if she's called Sunset Shimmer, but that will quickly pass. She has already proven to be a threat by being capable of magic."
" Do you think she will reach Level 2?"
" Only if Bartram sells the key to her. That idiot loves gold more than anything else, and is willing to sell anything for the right price." Lord Fear said. I then noticed a fireball slowing forming in the distance, and I was confused as to why it suddenly appeared without warning. " Now, I'm going to get back to making his communicator work even if I have to throw it at someone to get any kinks out of it. Speaking of kinks, I'm surprised that the security system hasn't picked up on any spying. It should have sent a fireball out by now. Perhaps it needs to be fixed as well."
It didn't take a genius to figure out that the fireball had formed in response to my spying. Had Rainbow Dash forgotten about that as well? That's what I thought, but in truth she had no idea that Lord Fear had a security system. Fortunately, my instincts told me that holding onto the Spy Glass at that point was suicidal. I placed it onto the table just as the fireball finished forming and was about to launch itself in my direction. Despite feeling dirty that I had to resort to such underhanded tactics, it had proven beneficial. I knew that I needed to find a jester locked up in a chest somewhere, and needed a key from what could be best described as a merchant.
How to find a means of paying said merchant, on the other hand, proved to be difficult. I had no money with me--living on my own in the library combined with the work I did for various clubs around Canterlot High didn't exactly pay out that much--so that meant finding gold or something that was worth the same amount.
When I put the Spy Glass down, I immediately stood still out of fear that someone had been watching me. I knew my friends were watching--they had to in order to tell me what to do next--but a part of me felt that someone else was paying close attention to my movements. That was one of the things about wearing a helmet that truly annoyed me. I had no idea if anyone was coming my way unless they made a loud enough sound that the helmet could echo through my ears. Why wear something that blinds you? Treguard said that this helmet was necessary and that meant I had to wear it, but there was another reason behind it. I wished that he had told me sooner, as that would've avoided a lot of grief.
" A most useful piece of spying you made, team, and it appears Lord Fear has definitely caught Sunset Shimmer's attention." Treguard said.
" This Motley... Isn't he the one who likes to entertain others?" Majida asked.
" Well, if you can call what he does entertainment. Still, it seems he's the one you need to find in order to get out of Level 1 successfully, team. I should warn you that Motley doesn't like to take things seriously, and isn't above throwing the occasional insult. Aside from that, he will definitely prove himself worthy of helping Sunset Shimmer assuming he doesn't make a fool out of her." Treguard answered.
" And what of this Bartram character?"
" Ah, yes. He is a newcomer to the dungeon depths. He calls himself 'Honesty' Bartram and claims he is an honest merchant who sells what you need, but unfortunately, many often wind up with something they don't need. He can be difficult to deal with, but if he does have the key needed to free Motley, it seems bartering with him is an eventuality. Now, already your dungeoneer was wise to put down the Spy Glass before Lord Fear's security system kicked in, but I suggest not linger about this chamber any longer. You've already wasted precious time trying to get the quest underway, so collecting food is now necessary." Treguard said.
" What do you guys think?" Rainbow Dash asked.
" It's obvious that the clue from the scroll refers to this Motley." Twilight answered, adjusting her glasses by pushing them back up her nose. " We need him to tell us what the password is to progress, but we need to buy that key from the merchant wherever he is."
" That'll take gold."
" Gold!?"
" In this game, gold and silver act as forms of currency teams use to buy items, use as bribes, or exchange for something else. They're usually found in clue rooms or somewhere convenient that happens to coincide with our direction." Rainbow Dash answered.
" Guess we should direct Sunset to move forward."
" Maybe you oughta do that."
" Why is she acting like a jerk towards you all of a sudden?"
" I don't know, but she needs to stop whining and get adventuring." Rainbow Dash answered. At that moment, a loud noise echoed throughout the ante-chamber--the name of Treguard's chamber-- and my friends were caught off guard. It sounded like a horn had been played and was quickly followed by a repeating of it. " What was that?"
" Warning team! That was a Goblin Horn and that means a hunting party has already detected Sunset Shimmer's scent. You must guide her quickly before they can catch up to her, but don't act too fast otherwise you may end up getting her into further trouble." Treguard answered.
The sound of the horn echoed throughout the helmet and I wanted to cover my ears in response. Whoever had just played that was terrible, but then the same noise happened again only louder this time around. It was obvious that someone or something was coming up behind me, so I needed my friends to get me out. I mean, I could've moved on my own without needing them, but then I was likely to walk into a wall.
" Sunset? Can you hear me?"
" What's with that horn?" I asked.
" It's a Goblin Horn. A raiding party is coming up from behind you, so I'm going to guide you out of this room."
" And Rainbow Dash?"
" She insisted that I be the one to help you. You know, you two really need to sort out whatever it is that's gotten you two fighting with each other. Your life is on the line right now down there, and if you two can't get over this petty argument, we'll lose our friend." Twilight answered. I knew she was right about me needing to get over the pointless bickering I was having with Rainbow, but my head was just too stubborn to allow me to drop the subject. My heart wanted to patch things up, yet it was being suppressed in favour of maintaining my temper over being dragged into this game and forced into being the dungeoneer. " Okay, take a few sidesteps right." Twilight said. I followed her instructions without question, but then the horn blared out again, and was even louder than ever.
" They're catching up."
" Walk forward as fast as you can!"
" Don't have to tell me twice." I said. I walked forward towards the far end of the courtyard, and just in time too as a pair of Goblins appeared. They acted like their vision was extremely limited, as I was at the far end of the room, yet they couldn't even see me--turned out their vision truly was bad. Before they had a chance to pursue me, I had already walked towards the door. " Are they still following me?" I asked.
" Not anymore, but now we're seeing things from a different perspective."
" What do you mean?"
" It's like we're seeing you but not seeing you." Pinkie Pie answered.
" That makes no sense."
" Oh, then let me say it like this. The Eye Shield is currently allowing us to see things from your perspective, but in actuality we're seeing what's most likely recorded footage that was later converted into the program used to make this dungeon the special effect place that it is." Pinkie Pie said. What was truly scary, was that that was how the Eye Shield actually worked during those sequences. Did it ruin the magic due to Pinkie saying that? Not really. It was its own kind of magic that embraced technology. I always marvelled over what humans had done to further technology for the benefit of humankind. Not all advancements were good and there were those who abused it, but much of it was truly fascinating.
" I could've said that." Rainbow Dash said.
" I know but I wanted to."
" Can we focus?" Twilight asked.
" Sunset? What we're seeing is the Eye Shield leading you down a path." Pinkie Pie answered.
Even though I couldn't see what my friends were seeing, I had to take their word for it and simply continue walking until I entered a new room. I had to admit that this ancient castle I was walking through certainly had a rustic feel. Her Highness told me one time that she attempted to fix up the castle that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna used to inhabit before the former moved to Canterlot after banishing her sister to the moon. That castle was truly archaic in that it needed a complete overhaul to be considered liveable. Since Her Highness now had her own castle, the old place was abandoned as no one was going to be using it.
This place reminded me a lot of Equestria, but it obviously lacked the charm that came from unicorn--and alicorn--magic. Sure, I couldn't see any of it other than what was by my feet, but my friends described in full detail what was all around me. I would've liked to have seen it for myself, but again I had to keep the helmet on.
As I walked up a flight of stairs, my friends said I was walking along a narrow catwalk toward a doorway on the upper level of the courtyard. The Goblins were no longer chasing me, so that was a sigh of relief, yet I couldn't stop in case they decided to continue following me. I suspected Lord Fear had ordered them to pursue me in an effort to kill me. I couldn't fall victim to any of his traps. My only incentive was to complete this quest and go back home where my friends and I belonged. On the other side of the doorway was a pathway shrouded in darkness, and that was because there were no lit torches. Still, I had no other direction to go in, so I had to continue.
I eventually reached another flight of stairs that went back down again, so I slowly walked forward--I had no intention of tripping and falling down the stairs in complete darkness while wearing a horned helmet--making sure to check each step to ensure that there was one ahead of me. Rainbow Dash complained that I was taking too long, but I ignored her and focused on getting to the ground at my own pace. Twilight agreed with my decision saying that running head-long into the unknown only lead to danger, but Rainbow simply scoffed at how cautious I was. If she had been doing this instead of me, she would have said the same thing. No sane person would ever run around in the darkness without the means to protect themselves from anything lurking about.
Once I reached the bottom of the stairs, I felt compelled to continue walking forward. I had no idea where I was going at that point, but my friends said that there was a faint light ahead of me in the form of a door that had been left open. Had someone come here before me? Maybe, or was it a trap engineered by Lord Fear? Whatever it was, I had to keep going as there was no other direction to take. I thought about going back the way I came, but Rainbow said I had to keep moving forward because of one of the rules in the adventurer's code.
Walking through the door, my nose immediately smelt the lush greens of a forest. At my feet lay a path of stones and dirt with the occasional tufts of grass and weeds that gave off a natural forest feel. Crickets chirped in unison, wolves howled from a distance, and the croaking of frogs all combined together to form a pleasant, if somewhat disturbing harmony. It made sense that the castle connected to a forest. To a pony, walking through this was like second-nature only without any magic or unusual creatures.
" Where am I?" I asked.
" You're in a forest surrounded by trees on both sides of you. Ahead of you is a pathway that appears to be the only direction you can go in. Every now and then, howling sounds echo throughout the area, so I think you should continue onward in case the wolves catch up to you." Twilight answered.
" Is that Eye Shield letting you see this place?"
" Yes, and despite how there is lack of detail, there's just enough for us to know where you're going."
" It seems team that Sunset Shimmer has stumbled into Dunkley Wood, a forest that I have not seen for many years." Treguard said.
" Wasn't this forest the home of elves?" Majida asked.
" At one time that was true, but then they have long since moved on leaving behind the elf paths. Now listen carefully, team. Sunset Shimmer must remain on the path if she is to find her way through this forest. There are many branching paths that can lead to either safe or dangerous results, but I suggest avoiding the temptation." Treguard answered.
" Isn't this where your former assistant lived?"
" You mean, Pickle? At one time he called this place home, but he moved to the safety of the forest just outside this castle."
" It is sounding like you are missing him, yes?"
" Miss him!? He chose to go back to the forest despite the conflict between the Powers that Be and the Opposition. If I knew where he went in the forest, I'd personally drag him back here to face an appropriate punishment for leaving without permission." Treguard answered.
" You know, you never did say much about him."
" Pickle's purpose was to prep dungeoneers with the tools needed for survival, and to occasionally provide small amounts of advice to the advisors. He decided to go beyond his limits and intentionally interfered with the quest, and I always had to reprimand him. He told teams what quest objects to go for, wanting his opinion recognized when it was clearly unnecessary, pretending to be an advisor, getting on my last nerves, and so on." Treguard said.
" No wonder he wanted to leave."
" Despite our problems, Pickle was very loyal and despised Lord Fear like everyone else of the Powers that Be. He was also an expert at keeping track of quests for the watchers who often were curious as to the current status of a quest. Still, I refuse to believe that he wanted actual payment for his services." Treguard said.
" That's why he didn't want to be here."
" I take it you feel the same?"
" You and I have had our rough start, Treguard, but we've gotten better at it over time. Besides, you still have some work to do with your manners, but I know that this is a work in progress that will take a very long time before it shows results." Majida answered.
My friends, in the meantime, had overheard the conversation between Treguard and Majida. They had a free moment since I was just walking down the forest path, and all they saw was what the Eye Shield was showing them. Rainbow Dash was geeking out--as usual--over the bantering between the hosts with Twilight choosing to focus on getting me through to the next room safely. Pinkie Pie, in the meantime, had taken the arguing personally and was clearly distraught over what she had heard.
" I can't believe those two have so much trouble getting along!" Pinkie Pie said.
" It's what makes them both great characters." Rainbow Dash said.
" What do you mean?"
" Treguard originally was the only one helping the teams, but he didn't really have anyone to play off of. He needed someone who could keep him in check! He needed to banter with someone and express his dominance, so Pickle was introduced as an assistant." Rainbow Dash answered.
" He does sound like a bully."
" Being alone for so long gave him a gruff outlook on life."
" Maybe I ought to thrown him a party?"
" Somehow, I think that'll make him worse."
" Really? But, Dashie, he looks like he could do with some cheering up."
" Trust me on this, Pinkie Pie. If you throw him a party, he is likely to throw us out of here without a second thought. Just because we're the current team trekking through the dungeon doesn't mean we can get away with anything we want. However, if we get the Cup and win the quest, then he'd love a party." Rainbow Dash said.
" Oh, so we need to win and he'll be happy for it?"
" Something like that."
" Then we need to do everything we can to get Sunset through this. I'm going to stake my reputation as the 'ultimate party planner in all of Canterlot', so that means winning just became priority one." Pinkie Pie answered, punching her fists together. Treguard and Majida noticed what she did and immediately stopped arguing knowing the quest needed their full attention. While it was obvious that wasn't the intention Pinkie had in mind, it was still enough to get the two to stop arguing, at least, for the time being.
In the meantime, I had spent the entire time walking down the forest path unsure of where I was going to end up. Despite not liking the prospect of being attacked by wolves or some other wild animal, it was a pleasant walk as it gave me some time to think. Perhaps I had this game all wrong and should have embraced it. I still felt annoyed that my friends chose me to be the dungeoneer without my consultation, but I thought about forgiving them for their actions. That was my intention, but then someone just had to ruin it by wanting to assist in a way that was anything but helpful.
Eventually, after walking for what felt like forever, I arrived in a clearing--I knew it was because the bushes down the path stopped brushing against my body--and stopped to wait for my next instructions. The howling of the wolves had also stopped, but that didn't meant I could relax. This might have been a section of the forest that they normally didn't traverse, and could be lying in wait in another section.
" Where am I?"
" You've reached a clearing in the forest." Twilight answered.
" Figured as such."
" Aside from an old tree stump ahead of you to the right, there's nothing else of importance other than a black rectangle at the far end of the clearing. I'm going to assume that's a portal that will take you to the next area." Twilight said.
" Should I see if anything is on the stump?"
" You might as well in case there's any food on it. Can you sidestep twice to your right and then walk forward?" Twilight asked. I did as she asked and quickly found myself staring down at the tree stump. It had certainly seen better days given how it was rotted from within, but there was something on top of it that looked edible. " Sunset? Is there any food on top of it?" Twilight asked.
" There's a loaf of bread."
" Really?"
" I'm quite serious."
" Why would anyone leave a perfectly good loaf of bread in the middle of a forest?"
" Don't know, but I should take it anyway to feed my Life Force if what Treguard said--and neglected to mention it along with Rainbow Dash--about me needing food. By the way, how am I supposed to eat this? The helmet isn't exactly stopping me from putting it in my mouth, but it was still awkward just the same." I answered. I picked up the loaf of bread and began to comb over it. Upon a closer inspection, it looked healthy, yet who really knew how long it had been there prior to my arrival. After spending a few second poking it about with my finger, I decided that eating the bread was a good idea, but then Rainbow Dash spoke up after seeing my display.
" You don't actually eat the food." Rainbow Dash said.
" Then why even have it out for someone like me to pick it up?"
" A lot of the food are just props they use to give off the impression that you're actually finding it. If you eat that, Sunset, you'll likely throw up later. Look, just place the bread into your knapsack and it will be like you ate it." Rainbow Dash answered. My brain was telling me to ignore her, but fortunately my heart was smart enough to convince me to follow her suggestion. I placed the loaf of bread into the knapsack and it disappeared without a trace. Had I just witnessed this game's magic at work? It lacked creativity, but I supposed it was better than holding a piece of food and looking like an idiot. " See? Simple, wasn't it? No need to make things more difficult than they really are."
" If you think you're all that, why not be the dungeoneer instead of me?"
" You were the better choice."
" That's a poor excuse and you know it!"
" We all agreed."
" But that's--" I began before being cut off by the sound of a Goblin Horn echoing in the distance.
I thought they weren't able to catch up to me after I eluded them back in the castle, but it appeared I underestimated their ability to track down anyone. Then again, I suspected this game was already against me by pulling such a stunt. Twilight suggested I run forward towards the portal, but no sooner had I walked a couple of pace was I suddenly surrounded by additional Goblins who entered the clearing from the east and west directions.
How did I know that? My hearing did get stronger due to the helmet restricting my vision. Also, it became apparent to me that Goblins stumbled about with loud, brutish steps that made it impossible for them to sneak up on anyone without them hearing their approach.
The Goblins slowly surrounded me, the sounds of weapons being sharpened along the cold sent a chill down my spine. I wanted to pony up and use my magic to get rid of them, but I didn't have my guitar to play. I doubted that I could pony up anyway. This world prevented my magic from being used. It was something I figured out moments after starting, and it proved to be inconvenient. For a moment, I honestly thought my death was imminent, but then the sound of a trumpet coming from behind me alieved me of my fears. Unfortunately, what happened next only served to further add to the reasons why I didn't want to be the dungeoneer.
Following the trumpet were the sounds of hooves galloping in the dirt--a pony or perhaps a horse--but I didn't know if whatever it was would help me or the Goblins. The noises continued getting louder until suddenly a loud neigh sounded out, frightening everyone in the clearing.
" Ta-rump, ta-ra, pa-roo, pa-roo, tis old Sir Hugh to rescue you!"
I had no idea who it was, but already I could tell that I wasn't going to enjoy the company.
" Treguard, who is this strange man riding on the horse?" Majida asked.
" Well, it seems its not just the dungeon that appears to be bringing back old things. Team, this 'knight'--if you can call him one--is Sir Hugh de Wittless. He is very brave but unfortunately lacks common sense and is several plates short of a suit of armour. Years ago he was enchanted by Hordriss to go about and rescue anyone he deemed was in danger. The problem is that most of the time those he tries to rescue don't exactly want to be leaving them miffed." Treguard answered.
" Sounds like the kind of fellow they want to avoid, yes?"
" Sir Hugh isn't necessarily evil by any means, team, but Sunset Shimmer needs to convince him that she doesn't need further rescuing."
" Oh, so he is going to be saving her?"
" I should certainly hope so unless he thinks the Goblins need it."
" I say, Neddy? Neddy? Where are you galloping off to this time? Neddy? Oh, I say what's going on here? Excuse me, madam? Yes, you, the one wearing the helmet. May I ask your name?" Sir Hugh asked. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was surrounded by Goblins on all sides, and this man wanted my name. Why would he ask such a stupid question when obviously something had to be done about the Goblins.
" Why are you asking me a question? Can't you see I need help?" I asked.
" Of course you need help which is why I'm here to rescue you, but I would like the name of the person I'm saving."
" Oh! In that case, I'm Sunset Shimmer."
" Ah, splendid, splendid. Then allow me to take care of this little problem you have." Sir Hugh said. I could hear the sound of him brandishing a sword, swinging it around in an insane fashion, and the footsteps of Goblins scampering about in an effort to not get their limbs chopped off by this erratic man.
" Sunset? Are you okay?" Twilight asked.
" I'm fine now that this man has rescued me." I answered.
" You might want to leave while he's busy dealing with those Goblins."
" Why? Is he a threat?"
" He'll try to rescue you even further by taking you against your will until you're safe."
" What!? Better direct me to that door before he realizes I'm still here." I said. Unfortunately, it was already too late. Sir Hugh, as he called himself, had already forced the Goblins into running away into the forest depths, so now I had to deal with him.
" Huzzah! Those Goblins were no match for my sword! Oh, I say Neddy? Did you witness my display?" Sir Hugh asked. The horse neighed from a distance and I knew that it was impressed with his master. Being a pony meant I could understand what horses were saying. " Now then, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Sir Hugh although some call me by the names 'witless wonder' and 'idiotic knight' though why they do is beyond me. Anyway, I believe that you need some further rescuing."
" Excuse me!?"
" You see there are plenty of other horrid creatures lurking about in Dunkley Wood, so I figure you need someone who can rescue and take you back to the beginning. No need to thank me for this service as I aim to ensure your safety." Sir Hugh said.
" I don't need that kind of rescuing."
" Nonsense, so allow me to pick you up and take you over to my horse. Neddy? Neddy? He's such a remarkable horse but can sometimes wander about leaving me to go after him to make sure he doesn't get into any trouble. Now then, let me just grab you and carrying you off to safety." Sir Hugh said. He then reached out and grabbed me around the waist, and I immediately punched him on top of his helmet in response. I should've realized his helmet was made of a sturdy metal, as my hand writhed in pain. " Not sure why you decided to hit me on my noggin, but no need to resort to that. I'm trying to rescue you, you see." Sir Hugh then picked me off the ground and began walking towards his horse. I was surprised the helmet didn't fall off of my head at that point, but clearly this knight was too stupid to understand that I was no longer in need of help.
Since my hand didn't convince him, I decided to head-butt him instead. My helmet collided with his and it was enough to make him drop me to the ground. I landed hard on my rear but quickly got back up on to my feet before he turned around.
" Sorry I had to do that, but I don't need any further rescuing."
" You don't?"
" No! I need to keep going forward in order to find a Cup so that I can go back home."
" Well, if you don't need me to rescue you then I guess I should leave you to it."
" Actually, I might need your help in the future. After all, you did rescue me from those Goblins, so I know I can rely on you when I need it." I said. I had to say something to makehim feel better as it sounded like he was about to leave feeling dejected. I had personal experience when it came to making people upset--and it wasn't a proud accomplishment. " If I need your help later, is there a way I can call on you without having to look all over the place?"
" Help you later on? As in, you need to be rescued later?"
" If I need it."
" Sunset? What are you planning?" Twilight asked.
" For the future."
" Well, normally, I don't do such a thing as I'm inclined to rescue someone straight away, but I'll make an exception for you, Sunset Shimmer. I'll give you this spell called 'Hero' that can summon me whenever you need it. I can only be called upon once in this manner, so make sure to use it if you're in dire straights. Now then, Neddy? Neddy? Excuse me but I need to tend to my horse. Neddy? Come on now! We must tally ho and find someone else who needs rescuing." Sir Hugh said. He then walked off, the sound of his armour clanked all around as he left, but I was relieved to know that I didn't have to deal with him for a while. If that was the kind of character I'd be encountering throughout this quest, I was in a lot of trouble. I doubted my temper could take it.
" Is that idiot gone?"
" Yeah."
" Sometimes I question why Hordriss had to enchant him in the first place."
" He was enchanted?" I asked. I quickly realized that someone else was talking to me, but I had no idea who it was. " Who are you?"
" Me? I'm just an elf who wanted to come back to Dunkley Wood for nostalgia sake. I'd have greeted you earlier and saved you from the Goblins, but that witless ninny came by and decided to do his usual act of stupidity."
" I take it you don't like Sir Hugh?"
" Rooten-fen! It's not that I don't like him, but rather I don't like how he trapeses about the dungeon thinking he can rescue anyone who isn't glued down."
" Do you have a name?"
" Call me Pickle."