Forever Is a Long Time

by Hoosier Brony

Chapter 9: Insinuation

Rapid Quill arrived at his bookstore, Equestria Unbound, and unlocked the door. Turning on the lights, his eyes swept across the many shelves of books, scrolls, and parchment, and his nose inhaled the smell of the room, ranging from brand new, unused scrolls, to the slightly dusty, older tomes in the back. He sat there, taking in the entire scene in front of him, a large smile across his face, his heart dancing with excitement. This had become the daily morning ritual for Rapid Quill, his love for all things written driving him on every day.

After standing in the doorway for over a minute, enjoying the sensations he felt opening that door after a long night away, he set about getting ready for the day. This required checking the drop box for any orders that were dropped off after he closed the doors the day before, checking the register for the appropriate amount of bits for change, and turning the cushions on the furniture of the reading corner, ensuring that they would be soft for any visitors who chose to read a little before making a purchase. Once the morning tasks were complete, he went ahead and changed over the sign from “Closed” to “Open,” and went behind his counter to begin filling the orders from the night before.

He was busy in the back, excited to finally be selling one of the oldest tomes he owned, to Twilight Sparkle of course, when he heard the bell over the front door ringing. “One second,” he shouted, hurrying through the piles of books to the store beyond. When he finally appeared, he was pleased to see Twilight herself, looking around at some of the shelves. “Twilight! It’s great to see you.”

“Hi, Rapid Quill. I came to see if you had the book I asked for last night.”

“Oh, yeah,” Rapid Quill said, turning towards the back room. “I was actually in the back getting it when you showed up. Go ahead and look around a little, while I go get it.” Rapid Quill couldn’t help but chuckle as he went off to find the tome. He knew Twilight and her quirks, so he went ahead and sat in the back for an extra couple of minutes, giving her plenty of time to continue shopping. He didn’t think it was underhanded, just good business.

He came back, carrying the large tome, and saw that his counter had two more books on it. “Find something else to interest you?” he asked, a small grin on his face while her ears flattened in minute embarrassment. He began to ring up the three books, feeling a little bad about tricking her, so he threw in a little discount. “Good friend discount” he called it.

“Wow, thanks,” Twilight said. While he packed up her books, she turned towards a couple of empty scrolls behind him, asking, “How’s the story?”

“Oh, well I haven’t done much with it since my last chapter, but I might work on it some today. How about you, any plans today?”

“I think we’re going to have a picnic today. If you get done early, you should come and visit,” Twilight said, magically lifting the saddlebags and placing them on her back. “Well, maybe I’ll see you later. Have a good day.”

“Yeah, I’ll try to make it out,” Rapid Quill said, unsure of when he would close the store today. Being the owner, he had the option to close whenever he felt, but he also wanted to give good customer service, and having the store closed all day, every day, would be bad service.

After watching Twilight leave, and placing her bits in the register, Rapid Quill turned around, facing his personal desk. He had placed the scroll and inkwell on there a couple of days ago, after finishing his last chapter, in hopes that he would work on it. Instead, the scroll had sat there, unopened the whole time.

He decided that today would be a good day to write another chapter. He didn’t think that the store would be too busy, and he wanted to get some more work done on his project. Besides, he knew that he wanted to write today, it just felt right. So, Rapid Quill sat down, keeping an ear out for the door, and decided to begin the ninth chapter of his story:

Mihsori felt the adrenaline flowing through his body as he led his troops into yet another small town of Equestria. By this point, the squadron had captured the residents of eight different small villages across the border between the pony and griffon nations, but the thrill of flying over the horizon and seeing the village approaching in the distance always filled him with bliss. The griffon had been in the military for his entire life, chosen at a very young age for this duty, and had worked his way up to squadron leader.

As his formation approached the village, he began to think about their mission. He was told to bring any and all ponies he found in the smallest villages back to one of many bases, where they would be divided, sorted, and processed to their new lives. Most would become manual labor resources, slaves many would say, but many of the elderly or young would be designated for food source.

Pony was an interesting taste, one only recently discovered on a mass scale. The rouges of the griffon community had been known to pick off a pony from time to time, but it was a rare occurrence, as the treaty between the two nations forbade any such activity. Usually the rogue would be captured and punished as an example for any other griffon who thought it sounded like a good idea. With the breakdown of the recent treaty, and the decimated force that the pony nation had at its command, the griffon elite decided to whet their appetite.

These raid parties had successfully captured over two hundred ponies, half of which were currently working as laborers, helping to build the camps being used to hold the “prisoners of war”. Mihsori had to laugh when he thought about that term. He had been telling these captured ponies they were “prisoners of war”, a war they didn’t know was going on, when in reality they were just being harvested, the villages of Equestria just farms at this point.

Mihsori was torn from his thoughts, distracted by a shout by one of his soldiers. They had been flying over a small farm on the outskirts of this village, not a rare occurrence in their raids. There, in the middle of the farm, next to a small, well-kept house, were three ponies, looking up in awe at the griffon procession. He instructed his troops to continue into town and flew down, a smirk on his face, relishing in the shock and fear that always followed them.

He landed just in front of two pegasi and a small earth pony and gave a low chuckle. The small colt had a look of amazement, and slight fear, across his face, yet the two adult pegasi seemed to not be surprised by his arrival. One even looked him straight in the eyes, a look of defiance on his face. All three seemed to be stronger specimens. Mihsori believed their work on the farm was the factor behind this, even for the young one. These three would make great laborers, assuming they did not put up a fight.

As the idea of a possible fight was rushing through his head, Mihsori grinned evilly and began his standard declaration: “Hello there, ponies of Equestria. My name is Commander Mihsori and you are now prisoners of the war between Equestria and the Great Imperial Order of the Griffons. I ask that you put up no resistance and come with me to the center of your village, where you and the rest of the village will accompany us to a camp. How do you respond?”

He smirked, believing that the defiant one would put up a fight, giving him a little excitement this morning. Oh how he enjoyed the feeling of his talons ripping into flesh, his break tearing through pony hide, the screaming when he dropped a pony from quite a height. Of course, this was a pegasus, a fellow flier. That made the prospect of a struggle even more enjoyable. Mihsori was an excellent flier and loved a good dog-fight when he had the chance.

The defiant pegasus stepped forward, his dark grey fur standing out compared to the white and light brown ponies next to him. Mihsori felt his muscles tense in preparation for the fight to come, the defiant one obviously about to “struggle.” Even if they were farmer ponies, these three ponies would be no problem for a trained griffon soldier.

“We will go with you, with no struggle, here today. We are your prisoners,” this dark pegasus said, his words calculated and precise. Mihsori found himself deflating, coming down off of the possible fight. He would keep an eye on this pegasus, suspicious of just why he didn’t seem surprised by the griffon arrival.

The hostile takeover of Willowhill commenced exactly as Shining Light had described to Beaming Justice all those weeks earlier. The entirety of the village and surrounding farms were brought into the village square, rounded up by many lightly-armored griffons. There was confusion and fear across the entire town, many foals crying out at the terrifying new monsters, many mares and stallions shaking with fear of the intrusion as well.

Mihsori approached, his three “prisoners” in his tow, and couldn’t help but grin at the crop of this town. Yet another farming community full of strong stallions who would make great laborers, as well as elderly and young that would make good product for the elites. Mihsori was always rewarded with some of the “crop” whenever he made a delivery, so it was no surprise that his stomach was growling already, excited for his cut.

He stood in the center of the group, which was held in by their captors, and presented his speech yet again, ecstatic with the fearful shouts. He watched closely, waiting for the eventual defiance that always came with this duty, and was rewarded when a older yellow pony, with a green beehive mane, stepped forward, clearing her throat. He whipped his head around, his pupils dilating as he prepared for the pleasure of tearing a pony apart.

“I’m not going anywhere,” this pony said, getting some looks from those around her. Mihsori even noticed the defiant pegasus from earlier shooting her a fearful look, almost like he knew what awaited her outburst. “I’ve lived in this village my entire life. I’ve watched it go from just a few farms to what it is today and no griffon is going to remove me from my home.” She stamped her hoof with this last line, sealing her fate in Mihsori’s eyes.

He chuckled and turned to one of his soldiers, shaking his head. The crowd turned towards him, scared of the small, demented chuckle he gave. “I do say this sounds like a bit of a struggle, huh?” The soldier nodded, a smile spreading across his face as well. Before even turning to look back at the elderly pony, Mihsori spread his wings and shot out at her, letting out a massive screech. He struck before she could even turn that defiant look into one of pure horror. He grabbed around her throat, squeezing hard enough to puncture through her hide, spilling blood across his talons.

The crowd screamed out for her safety, begging the monster before them to let her go. He just laughed, quieting them instantly, as he added an extra squeeze, feeling the last of her struggles cease. He tossed her to the ground, feeling the pleasure only death can provide, and ordered a couple of soldiers to clean up the mess. Turning to the group, he shouted, “DOES ANYONE ELSE WANT TO STRUGGLE HERE?!?” The crowd’s instant silence only made him laugh harder. Indeed, he was in bliss.

*clink clink clink*

Rapid Quill jumped, so engrossed in his story that the bell over the door scared him. He put down his quill, looking over towards the door, and was pleased to see Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie walking in together. He walked around the counter, eager to please any customers, especially his friends. “Hey Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, how are you today?”

“Hi Rapid Quill,” Pinkie began, bouncing over for a quick hug. “We’re looking for a cooking book. Well, I’m looking for a cooking book. I don’t know what Rainbow Dash wants; you’d have to ask her. You wouldn’t happen to have any cooking books here do you? I honestly haven’t been in here before.” Suddenly her eyes went wide and she gasped. Shaking her head she added, “Not that I have been avoiding it, no no no no no. I just haven’t been in here since you opened it. I just...”

“Pinkie, calm down,” Rainbow Dash said, her hoof stuck in Pinkie’s mouth, cutting her off in mid-sentence. She rolled her eyes, apologizing to Rapid Quill, “Sorry about her. I was wondering if you had the newest “Daring Do” book in yet. I had heard there was a new one.” She sat there, an excited smile on her face, slightly nodding at the store owner.

Rapid Quill just laughed at the antics of the two mares. Pointing to the other side of the shop, he added, “Well, cook books are over there, Pinkie, and unfortunately, my delivery hasn’t arrived yet, so I don’t have the new book for you yet RD. I already have the first two reserved for you and Twilight, don’t you worry.”

“Oh,” Rainbow Dash said, her shoulders slumping a little. She had be a little too excited for the release, and finding out that she wouldn’t get to enjoy it, even if for only a day, had deflated her. “Well, I guess I’ll just look around then.” As the two were walking around, looking over the selection, Rainbow Dash suddenly noticed the inkwell and scroll on Rapid Quill’s desk. “Hey, are you writing today?”

Rapid Quill stopped checking the shelves, making sure that the books were in alphabetical order, and said, “Mmh? Oh, yeah. I decided to get another chapter knocked out today. Why do you ask?”

“Well, we’re having a picnic later, and I was thinking…” Rainbow Dash began, getting cut off by Pinkie Pie’s gasp.

“You should totally come! And better yet, you can bring the chapter and read it to everypony. Oh that would be a great idea, don’t you think Dashie?”

Rainbow Dash just rolled her eyes, smiling over at Rapid Quill, who couldn’t contain a quick laugh. “Well, Twilight actually invited me earlier. I’d love to make it, but I want to finish the chapter first and I need to make sure I can leave the shop. I’ll try to make it, we’ll see.”

Neither Pinkie Pie nor Rainbow Dash found anything interesting to buy, apologizing to Rapid Quill, and invited him again to the picnic. After he ensured them that he would be there if the chapter finished and the store wasn’t busy, and waving goodbye, he returned to his desk, and the story:

So the entirety of Willowhill, with one exception, marched out of their village, led by the griffon captors. The walk to the griffon empire was a long one and no breaks were to be given. Beaming Justice, with his training as a soldier, was not easily tired out by the walk, nor were Blowing Storm or Dream Chaser, their farm work helping to build the endurance required for such a journey, yet most of the villagers were having difficulties keeping up with the pace the griffons demanded. Justice did everything he could to prevent the terror of the situation from reaching the young eyes of the colt he had grown fond of.

When Sweet Diamond had stood her ground against the griffons, Justice was able to block the view of the horrendous murder from the colt, knowing what standing up to the griffons would mean. The colt did not witness the gruesome act, but Justice knew he had figured it out. Ever since then, Chase had been in shock, a distant look on his face, his constantly questioning voice silenced. His silence was a good thing, as any talking, sniffling, sobbing, or mumbling was met with an abusive smack from one of the griffon soldiers.

Justice had worried that a peep out of one who was incapable of understanding the situation, such as the foals being carried by their parents, would draw action from the griffons. When one cried out and the griffons did nothing, he wondered about the motivations of the griffon leader. Unfortunately, the griffons made themselves clear when the first pony that was physically unable to continue fainted.

Two griffons flew over, demanding that the pony stand and continue. As the tired unicorn attempted to stand, just unable to rise up and continue, the griffons continued to laugh, jeer, and demand the impossible. Finally, one reached down and slit the throat of the unicorn, quick and clean. Justice turned away, unable to see such emotionless murder occurring, and looked right into the eyes of Chase. Chase was unable to look away, seeing the death of yet another familiar figure from his home. Tears began to well up and his mouth opened, as if to scream, but nothing came out.

Justice stared at the colt, trying to get his attention without making a noise. He was panicking, trying to figure out what he could do to calm Chase down before the inevitable scream rang out. Chase was probably big enough to draw a strike from the closest griffon, and Justice was afraid of what that would drive him to do in such a situation. Fortunately, Storm bent over and nuzzled the petrified colt’s neck, calming him down enough. Chase turned to his father, tears flowing down his face and began to open his mouth again, drawing a small head shake.

Chase understood, closing his mouth and to stifle his sobs. He had guessed, based on the horrified screams of the crowd, that Sweet Diamond had suffered a bad fate. He watched as friends were stricken when they cried and wanted to cry out for them, but knew not to. Watching what had happened to the unicorn, though, had broken what little face the colt was mustering, trying to be brave for his father and Justice. He turned back towards Justice, noticing his pained look as he watched the colt, and quickly wiped the tears from his eyes, pasting a small, fake smile on his face.

Justice felt miserable for the colt. He was too young to be witness to such terrors and the fact that he was trying to put on a brave face was almost too much. Justice looked down, feeling his back tingling and his anger piquing. For the safety of the group, he kept to himself, constantly stewing in his anger. The unicorn’s fate was unacceptable, and the knowledge of the reasons for cleaning up the body, was disgusting. Justice wondered how anypony could be as cruel and evil as to approve of such things.

By the time the group had crossed into the griffon empire, three more had fallen to the long, extreme march. All three had been brutally murdered, their bodies collected for the griffon’s nefarious reasons. When they finally reached the griffon base, the entire group felt the need to drop with exhaustion. Instead, they were paraded out in front of a few griffons who would determine their fate.

Most of the village was made up of farmers and laborers, which were immediately sent off to the right, destined to be slaves until the time they were no longer useful. Many of the village, the elderly, the weak, and those too broken from the march, were sent to the left and a fate that only Justice and Storm knew. Many had insinuated, seeing which types of ponies were relegated to that group, that a cruel fate awaited them.

When the first mare carrying a foal stood, awaiting the decision, and was told to proceed to the right with the rest of the laborers, after leaving the child, the crowd grew riotous. The foal was wrenched out of her hysterical arms as she was dragged to the right, screaming in rage and pained fear. The group as a whole began to shout all sorts of obscenities at the griffons, disbelief in the injustice present. Unfortunately, the scene played out again, and again, and again as every foal of Willowhill deemed too young to work was wrenched away, destined to follow down the path that Justice knew led to the plates of some griffon.

Finally, the time had come for Beaming Justice. He walked up in the manner the griffons had demanded, his head held high, staring down each and every griffon that was watching his moves. He didn’t particularly enjoy being paraded around and feared that his face would show it. Finally, after a little deliberation, he was ordered to the right, to become a slave. He had expected this, his physical power being more of an asset to the griffons. Storm followed much in the same manner, showing his physical prowess and his lack of fear, being ordered to the right as well.

Justice felt his entire being drain out of him, waiting to see what the decision would be for Chase, who walked up next. The colt was more mature than Justice had given him credit for, being able to watch and mimic the actions of the two stallions that had gone before him. Chase walked in much the same manner, even adding a little flex to show his farm-trained muscles, and kept his head up, not shaking at all. Justice looked from Chase’s performance to the griffons that were judging his every move. He had seen a couple of young colts, about Chase’s age, getting sent to the left, and couldn’t help but feel worried that Chase would follow.

The griffons spent more time deciding on Chase than any other pony that day. Turning inward, they had a small conference to decide his fate. His finely tuned muscles, thanks to years of working the farm with his dad and months of trying to match Justice’s power, were what finally swayed the griffons. No pony this young had been spared from the elite’s crop, especially since they preferred the smaller ones, yet this pony definitely showed potential to be a strong slave that would last for some time. Chase took his place next to his father and Justice.

After the village had been divided up, and the two groups were led in opposite directions, many accurately predicted that the fate of those on the left was not a positive one. Some believed that they would become servants, working in a griffon’s house or doing simple labor; most believed they were doomed, and were right. Those deemed elderly or disabled were immediately killed and shipped off to “processing plants” where they would be easily packaged for the griffon elite. The young foals, unbelievably, were actually sent alive, many griffons preferring the young ones fresh and alive. The actions taken by the griffon elite at that time would become that of horror stories for centuries to come.

The other group was led to small shacks, where ten ponies would live in conditions suitable for four at the most. The walls were thin and full of holes, letting in the chill of the night. There were no beds, only spots on the floor to lie down, and there was no bathroom, a corner being all they could use. The living conditions were as expected for prisoners of war. There were guards all around, keeping an eye out for any potential conflict and stamping it out.

The slaves were used in one of three spots. One group was used to fix up the camp, add new buildings for incoming prisoners, and cleaning up the mess the large group made. Their job was not one that came with a large amount of danger, the worst thing being jeers and occasional physical abuse by the griffon sentries. The second group was taken to a nearby cave to mine for any gems that might be found within. This job was filled with danger, due to falling rocks, a labyrinth of tunnels, and isolated abuse from the griffon guards.

The final job was one filled with danger, often resulting in the loss of a pony each day. The final job was “helping” the griffon soldiers train. More often than not, the ponies that were proving too weak to continue with whatever job they had received, or those who were too standoffish with the griffon guards, were relegated to this job. The ponies would be required to defend themselves, often with no armor or weapons, from a griffon armed with spears, shield, and armor. Finding yourself in the third job became was a death sentence.

Justice and Storm found themselves in the mines, working the physically grueling job of moving the mine carts up and down the shafts. Chase, on the other hoof, was part of the camp building group, spending the majority of his days cleaning up the filth of the other ponies on the premise. This was their new life, working in the hard conditions, hoping to hide from the gaze of the griffon soldiers.

On occasion, some of the griffon elite, the dignitaries, rich, or powerful, would come through to take a look at the progress being made in the encampment. These visits were often accompanied by a few missing workers, “favorites” picked out by the visitors, who were never seen again. Justice could only guess what was being done to them, and he shuddered when these thoughts crossed his mind. The visitors came and went and, on occasion, more ponies were brought in, divided up, and introduced to the horror of the camps.

Rapid Quill looked up, hearing the bell ringing as yet another customer came in. He shrugged, not having met this pony yet, and got up, placing his story on hold. The customer was actually just a tourist, traveling through Ponyville on their way to Canterlot. They explained that the train ride was taking longer than they expected, and requested a book to read for the next portion of the ride.

He helped the customer with their request, giving them a wonderful book (“The Stallion with the Iron Bridle”) that he knew he enjoyed and hoped they would as well. It was a wonderful adventure that had become one of the classics of modern literature. Rapid Quill’s excitement, while he told them of the tale, sold the customer on the book, and he bid them farewell, knowing that they just received a wonderful story.

He returned to his desk, still smiling at the previous encounter, and picked up his quill, ready to produce a plot point that would help turn his story around:

One day, as the ponies awoke cramped up next to other slaves and began to stretch to prepare for the day ahead, a special visitor arrived. Adelram was one of the elder dignitaries of the griffon empire. He had been present for the last five treaties signed with the pony nation of Equestria and was one of few griffons that did not approve of the current pony enslavement. He had to keep his reputation up, so he visited the camp and, on occasion, picked a “favorite” that he then took away, never to be seen again. Adelram, though, had a private residence where he was hiding those he chose, until such a time he could return them to their nation.

Adelram walked through the shacks, surrounded by the guards provided for him, and put on a show of threatening and demeaning those poor pony souls. He was wandering around, staring at these slaves and trying to determine which he would take with him this time. Suddenly, his eyes fell on a pegasus with dark grey fur and a black mane, and his mind kicked in with recognition. He knew he had seen this pony, but was struggling to determine where.

“You,” Adelram said, pointing a talon at this pegasus and screeching out the word with as much spite as possible, “you will come with me, immediately.” The recognition only intensified as he noticed the pegasus’ demeanor not change. Usually the ponies he “chose” would fear for the worst, shaking and crying out for mercy as he dragged them away, leading them somewhere private where he let them know of his plans. This pony though just turned, his face stone still, as if he was prepared for whatever would come his way. This pony was so familiar, in appearance and demeanor, but Adelram just could not figure it out.

He led the pony to a private room, waiting for the door to close behind him. “Who are you? Why do you trouble this old mind of mine?” he demanded as soon as the door was closed. This pony just stared back at him, his head held high and his muscles well defined.

“What does it matter?” he began, the voice tearing into Adelram’s memory like a knife, “Am I not just food at this point? I know what you’ve been doing with those too damaged or useless for your labor camps. Why should I tell you anything?” His voice was cool and calm, starting to worry the elderly griffon. Why was this pony, of all of them, less afraid?

“Son, I am probably the only griffon you will ever see that wishes to see you, and the rest of the ponies in this camp, free. Do not assume anything around me, ok?” Adelram said, noticing the way this pony tilted his head, calculating his next words carefully, knowing the wrong thing would be detrimental to his survival. Adelram couldn’t handle it anymore, saying, “I know you. I cannot remember where, but I know you. Your appearance, your quirks, your voice, they all scream out to me that I know you. So I ask you again, who are you? Where do I know you from?”

The pony just sighed, his eyes never leaving the griffon in front of him, and he began, “My name is Beaming Justice. I am just a simple farmer in the Willowhill community, which was brutally captured one month ago. Now what was that about seeing us free?”

Adelram just couldn’t shake this feeling. That name seemed so familiar, but never had he been to any small villages of Equestria. No, this pony was something else. “You haven’t lived in Willowhill your whole life though. Why would a pegasus tend to a farm? Tell me about your time before Willowhill.”

He watched as the pony sighed, knowledge that answering this question would grant him answers to his questions on freedom. “I once lived in Canterlot, where I was a member of the royal guard. I…”

“That’s it!” Adelram shouted. Finally he remembered everything. “You are Beaming Justice, Chief Lieutenant of Princess Luna’s personal guard. I remember now. You and I once talked about the stability of the treaty between the Great Imperial Order of the Griffons and Equestria. It was a couple of years ago, at your Grand Galloping Gala. I remember you were going on about the need for personal guards, even in light of the peace that had come to your land. Whatever happened to you? How did you end up in Willowhill?”

Adelram listened to the story that Justice told, from Nightmare Moon’s arrival and defeat, to his time in Willowhill, and even his warning from Shining Light. He was amazed by just how far this pony had fallen in the short time since he had impressed many with his elegance and political views at the Gala. When the pony had finished, Adelram offered him the chance to leave the camp, staying in hiding until the raids had stopped.

“I cannot leave,” Justice declined, shaking his head stubbornly. “I have to help my friends. Blowing Storm and Dream Chaser are all that I have left in this world, and I cannot leave them to rot in this place. Is there nothing you can do? We must find a way to stop this madness.”

Adelram felt for the pony. He had been trying to talk to the emperor for weeks now, always getting shut out, and knew that nothing he alone could do with Princess Celestia would be enough. “I’m sorry son, but there is nothing I can do. I’ve done everything I can to sneak out one or two ponies from each visit, but even that cannot last forever. I understand your concerns, but if you do not come with me now, I cannot guarantee your safety in here.”

As the noble pegasus shook his head, declining the offer of freedom yet again, Adelram began to formulate a plan. It was a dangerous one, one that would most certainly result in much death on both the pony and griffon sides, but a plan none the less. He explained his idea to the former co-leader of the royal guards, getting more and more excited as it was hatched out. Soon, the plan would be set into action, and hopefully many lives would be saved.

Rapid Quill sat back, excited for the soon to be enacted plan to come to life. He couldn’t wait to show off his newest chapter to his friends, sure that they would be pleased. He rolled up the scroll, stuck it into his saddlebags, along with his ink and quills, and quickly closed up the shop. This was only a matter of counting out the register, balancing the accounting books, ensuring that any leafed through material was put back in its rightful place, and turning out the lights.

He then grabbed his saddlebags and ran for the door, wondering whether the mares would all still be together at the picnic, if not, who he would share his story with first. When he reached the door, opening it with a vigorous tug, he felt his ears fold back. Staring at the darkness of the late evening, Rapid Quill was upset, knowing he wouldn’t be able to share this story tonight, as most of his friends were probably sitting down for dinner or heading to bed early.

With a shake of his head, dispelling any upset feelings, Rapid Quill locked the bookstore behind him and turned towards home, a smile on his face. If tomorrow was when the mares would be able to read this chapter, then that would be enough for now. He headed home, happy to feel yet another completely filled scroll rubbing against his side with every stride, where he fell asleep, dreaming of the adventure awaiting Beaming Justice in the next chapter.

Comments

[benjiboots]

this is getting more and more epic! XD
cant wait for next chapter!

[FuntimeBrony]

yes me too XD