> Kingdom of the Sphinx
>  by TheTruckerBrony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Day of Offering
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Dearest Somnambula


       I have joyous news- My pilgrimage to Pandaemonium will soon be at an end. In three days I will be confirmed and after I settle accounts here, we will be voyaging back down the river to my true home, the land of the Sphinx.  I feel so excited at the idea of entering into service of the temple, and finally putting all this learning and training to work.  My time here has been fruitful, and this mysterious city has it's charms, but I look forward to seeing home again.  I've missed my family, my friends, you most of all.  Of course I also miss Jepti, but knowing cats as I do he'd scarcely notice I'd left.  He must has grown in the years I'd been away.

     I must confess this, as it will be easier to do in writing than face to face.  I have failed my final exam to be a priestess.  I was most disappointed, but I can't say it was a surprise.  After all, only one in a thousand qualify to be a Priestess.  Pressing on, I still received the coveted position of temple warden.  While I would have preferred the life of a priestess, but I think the position will suit me well.  

     Of course, this means that I will be able to marry one day and as I'll be making my return around offering day I fear many suitors will be pestering me at the feast.  In truth, no one in court could catch my eye, not a single one.  There is but one, we both know who could possibly capture me, but I dare not write the name.  Perhaps when I attend the feast, I can rekindle this old fire.  I look forward to this most of all.

    Hug Jepti for me, and know that I look forward to seeing you again.  Your friendship has been an inspiration and has been a great comfort through the trying times of my pilgrimage.  I hope I can repay you in some form when we meet again.

With love always,
-Jasmine



         So many ponies know the story, it hardly seems worth telling.  The famine, the Sphinx, the riddle, the daring rescue, that part is no mystery.  However, in a thousand years it seems ponies have forgot the truth behind the myth.  My people lacked a written word that could survive to this day, so ponies of modern times can be forgiven for not remembering the truth of the story.  Trading the ponies who lived, and suffered those trying times for a comforting fairy tale.  

     They speak of me, Somnambula the Pillar of Hope, as if I were a saint.  Parents tell their foals tales of the adventures of courageous Prince Hisan, and many a soldier has entertained themselves by firelight with tales of the great Bomani, the soldier so powerful they called him the ender of worlds. But where are the tales of her?  Her name has been lost like nighttime dew meeting the sun.  I will remember her, and with this document, I hope her legend and what she did for the kingdom will be remembered by all.

      Another thing that I wish to clarify, while we're getting this all in writing; is the relationship we had with the Sphinx.  In my kingdom, the Sphinx was not just an evil crop stealing meanie, she was the patron of the entire kingdom.  While we did have a Pharaoh, far and wide we were known as the "Kingdom of the Sphinx" because it was her who granted us with her blessing on the crops to make them fruitful, and her wisdom to advise our leaders.  The Sphinx was not just powerful physically, she was powerful in magic, well able to keep our kingdom prosperous and safe.  In truth, we loved her for it.  Every merchant, farmer, and craftsman in the kingdom would bring her a portion of their yield as an offering.  We did this once a year, and it was known as the Offering feast.  This day was one of our most joyous days.  Everypony from the lowliest peasant to the Pharaoh himself stands before the Sphinx, and she knew all of us by name.  All our functions, be they courtships, business deals, or matters of war, where decided on this day.  For that was the day we were in the presence of the Sphinx, and had access to her great wisdom.  

      I awoke the morning of the offering day, the same way I often did, with my beloved cat, Jepti walking over my head.  This was the black and white cat's usual way of telling me I'd slept to long for his liking, and he was ready to be fed.   I opened the jar of pickled fish I kept near the bed and poured a portion into Jepti's dish.  Stretching as I stepped out of the bed.  My mother hated that I kept a jar of stinking fish by my bed but Jepti rarely got his fill of mice.  The magic of the Sphinx kept the vermin away so much, I had to resort to feeding my cat.


It was a bit late in the morning, as the night before I'd stayed up late under lamp light, writing a letter to Jasmine, wishing her luck in her new job as temple warden.  Only as Jepti walked across the letter, giving the letter the inky paw prints Jasmine was so used to seeing in letters from me, did I realize, Jasmine would be at the offering feast today, I would see her and could talk to her face to face.  She'd been on her pilgrimage for so many years I started to think of her as just somepony I wrote letters to.  The idea of seeing her in person, feeling her dark coat against my cheek as I held her.  It was going to be a good offering day.

     My modest little mud hut was at the rear of my family's lot, and it was a short flight to the main house, and I needed to pretty myself up for the festival.  I soared up and out of my window,  the hot sun against my back, rows of clay hives stretching out ahead of me With the occasional pony walking among them, doing their rounds.   Another fact lost to time for you: my family where beekeepers, we sold honey, Royal jelly and wax.  It was a good business, the bees did most of the work and only demanded flowers in return for their efforts.  My father liked to joke we had twenty million employees and we paid them in pollen.

"Good morning Skati, Lazos, Et!" I shouted at the servants, tending to the hives.

"Good Morning Sombambula!" Skati shouted, "Will you be seeing the prince today?"

I grinned sideways at the Stallion, "I probably will!" I said as I flew by. "I'll wear my good hat!" 

    I knew what Skati was talking about, but I wasn't about to feed the rumor mill.  Prince Hisan and I had been talking about entering into an official courtship, and the word on the street was that he was going to ask me at the offering feast.  It made sense, Hisan and I had all the same teachers, and spent a lot of time together in court.  My father was not wealthy, but he was well loved by the Pharaoh, I was a good choice.  As I landed in the hall of my parent's estate, my mother made her views on the subject quite vocal.

"Sonambula!  We leave for the offering feast in TWO HOURS! That's not nearly enough time to prepare!  You are being Courted by a PRINCE today!"

I sighed as I landed, my mother with her brilliant golden coat, jeweled headdress and ornate gown, was convinced that if I didn't have every hair in my coat just right I would die a pauper.  Appearance was very, very important to her, which is odd since my father was born blind.  

     My father, Zaan, was short, portly, and his eyes where the color of a stormy sky.  I love my father, but I have to admit he is not a handsome man.  My mother, who could have married any noble in the kingdom for her perfect beauty, chose a pudgy, lovable beekeeper.  My mother broke a lot of hearts doing that, and the only explanation she ever gave was that she fell in love.  My father, who couldn't even grasp the concept of physical beauty could only marry for love.  

"Mom, I have plenty of time."

"It takes three hours in the milk bath to make your coat shine,"

"I'm not taking a milk bath," I said, getting sick just thinking about the smell of all that warm donkey milk.

"Ophet, allow me to take care of our daughter," My father said, setting me down near a vanity in the hall. "And I'll speak to her on these matters, you go finish getting ready."

Mom smiled and nodded, "Of course my love," She said, two servants taking her back into the house's spa.

     My father sat me down in front of the copper mirror, and pulled out the wooden makeup case.  I know it's weird, a pony blind from birth doing my eye makeup, but my father had done my makeup since I was a foal.  He did it by feel only, and never once was there a single mistake.  

"Dad, it makes no sense, Mom spends hours getting ready for every event, it seems so tiresome."

"Beauty is very important to her." Dad said, blackening the area around my eyes. "She does it for me."

"Why? You can't see it,"

My father smiled, "I can feel the softness of her coat.  Smell her perfume." He said. "And all this trouble is her way of telling me she loves me.  Even if I cannot see it I know."

There was a bit of silence and he combed my mane.  Mom likely wanted him to talk to me about the Prince.

"So, you should know Prince Hisan came to me recently, and asked if it was okay if he courted you."

I giggled, "I hope that's okay with you, I mean if the Prince isn't good enough for you then who is?"

My father smiled, "Oh, I said yes.  He would make you a good husband, if you chose him."

"Daddy, it's just a courtship,"

"I know, but a father can dream can't he?" He said, slipping on my headdress. "To me Somambula, you've always been a princess.  It would be nice to have that made official."

"You talk like I won't marry Prince Hisan," I explained.

Father brushed my tail, "Well, I hear Jasmine is back in town, and will be at the festival." he said slyly. "Won't it be nice to see her again?"

I blushed so brightly I think Dad could see it. "It will," I said.

"My daughter, such a big heart." Father said, brushing down my coat. "You have so much love, for me, for mother, for the prince, for all the Kingdom.  If you marry Hisan, I will be happy.  If you marry another, I will be happy."

"I think I sense a 'but' on the way." I said with a giggle.

"But-" My father confirmed. "It is good for the daughter of a noble to be in a courtship when she reaches your age.  And even if Hisan had no noble title, he's a good man.  It is your decision, Somnambula.  Just keep in mind that you don't have to marry him, a courtship is just a way for two ponies to get to know each other."

"Yes," I agreed. "But I already know Hisan."

"Not as well as you could learn from a courtship." Dad said, slipping on my linen dress. "There we are, now if Prince Hisan wishes to court you, he will have to wait in line behind every Batchelor in the kingdom."

I giggled and hugged my father, "Thanks Daddy." I said. 

"Well, let us gather the offering." Daddy said, "The Sphinx awaits."



----*----


     I would learn later that Prince Hisan had chose that morning to clear his head with a little combat training. Now, when you think Combat training you might think a few exercises, and a few sword drills, but keep in mind that Prince Hisan's bodyguard, general and combat trainer was Bomani.  Growing up with Bomani, I knew him as the kid that used to sit behind me in temple, he thought the funniest thing in the world was to wait for a quiet moment in the prayers and fart as loud as he could.  However where I chose to follow my father, and Jasmine chose to go into religion, he chose battle.  And even at his young age, Bomani was known as one of the most talented fighters in the kingdom.  He got that way through hellish training, and one of his jobs was to teach Hisan to fight like him.  That was a brutal process, since combat was a brutal thing.  

"Are you Comfortable, Prince?" Bomani taunted as he stood on a raised platform at the head of the gymnasium where the Azure stallion lounged on a satin cushion while drinking his morning beer.

      At the Moment, Prince Hisan was anything but comfortable.  He stood on four wooden stools, with a block of granite on his back.  In his teeth was a great chain, where hung a ball of heavy stone.  Four soldiers with Bamboo staves stood around him, archers at the boundaries of the large room.

"I could use a little more weight," Hisan joked, muffled by the chain in his mouth. 

"Royalty is so hard to satisfy," Bomani lamented as he lifted his bowl to get a swig of the thick beer before standing and flying down to where Prince Hisan stood.

      Bomani wasn't tall, he was just a touch smaller than Hisan.  He wasn't muscular as you'd think a warrior should be, and he had no scars.  While even at that age, he'd survived dozens of battles, and had that smooth coat of his stained with blood before. . .none of it his.  I remember him being a dashing stallion, and he had a sweet smile, deceptive for a pony who had killed as often as he did. 

"Begin!" Bomani shouted.

    The four ponies began to swing their bamboo staves, striking Prince Hisan in the ribs, the legs, the sides of the neck.  Not hard enough to leave a bruise, but hard enough that he felt it.  Hisan stood strong, not shaking, not even blinking, just taking the pain.

"You are a prince, but you are a warrior." He roared, "Warriors do not feel the enemy's blows,"

     Bomani motioning to the archers, and they raised their bows, firing blunt-tipped arrows a the prince, striking him in the chest.  Still, the Prince did not react, standing as still as a statue.

"His arrows will not pierce you! His spears will not stab you!" Bomani roared, "HIs poisons will not affect you!"

       The general motioned to another pony, who had a bowl of chilies in oil, that he took into his mouth, chewed and spat upon the prince.  The searing oil spraying into his eyes, making them red and irritated.

Bomani reared back and kicked Prince Hisan in the chest, "You are unshakable, unbeatable, INVINCIBLE!" He shouted, "Now, Defeat your enemy! Ignore the Obstacles!  Ignore the pain!  Defeat the enemy!"

     Prince Hisan roared, bending down and pushing his wings upwards, throwing the marble block across the room at the archers, who Dropped their bows and got out of the way.  Instead of dropping the rock in his mouth he swung it over his head like a gigantic flail knocking over all four of the ponies with staves.  He picked up one of the bamboo rods and grinned at Bomani.

"Good work, My prince," Bomani said, picking up one of the staves, "But now it's down to you, and down to me," 

Prince Hisan twirled the bamboo rod as the two circled, "You have to weigh me down with rocks and cloud my eyes with poison before fighting me? Are you that afraid of losing to me?"

"Your Majesty, I count sixty seven times we have fought, and each time I've won." Bomani said, "What sense would it make if you were a better fighter than your own bodyguard?"

"Make the first move then, Ender of Worlds," Prince Hisan taunted, "You won't get sixty eight,"

"Far be it from me to attack royalty," Bomani said with a bow, "You make the first move, I insist."

"NEITHER of you go first!" The Commanding voice of the Pharaoh shouted.

Bomani's eyes grew wide and he bowed. 

"The Sphinx will be here soon, Hisan and you would greet her covered in sweat and," The Pharaoh bent forward to smell his son, "Is that Chili powder?"

"Part of his training my liege," Bomani said, 

"Shut up, general." The Pharaoh said, "Go get ready for the feast, if you show up looking like that your mother will kill you."

"Of course," Bomani said bowing and running off.

"The rest of you get out of here," The Pharaoh said, "See the healer if you need it."  

Soon the room was clear, and Hisan was along with his father.

"Father, I thought it would be nice to, get my mind of things." 

"I understand, My son." The Pharaoh said. "I heard you visited the beekeeper,"

"Yes, father."

The Pharaoh nodded. "Somnambula then, she is a lovely mare."

"Yes, and a good friend." 

"Well, I would ask the Sphinx about her blessing." The Pharaoh said. "Or, of Military matters.  I just received word from Aten, to the south."

"Word From Panampen?" Hisan Asked. "Has the unrest been settled?"

"In a manner of speaking." The Pharaoh said, a touch of sorrow in his voice. "All Pegasi have been ejected from the city by the Baratas, there was little violence, but they made clear that if our tried to stay there would be more."

"But, that's our primary source of Bronze!" Hisan said, "And we have an agreement with the Baratas that run the city, your people have always lived in peace there,"

"Yes, my son it seems that has changed." The Pharaoh stated."The leader of the Ghurkas, Zion has conquered many Baratas, beheading tribal leaders and adding their number to his army.  He may be trouble."

"We should ask the Sphinx," Hisan said. "I will tell her of this man, and-"

"My son, you will ask her about Somnambula, and your future with her." The Pharaoh interrupted. "I will bother her with political matters.  I will send Diplomats to Panampen, perhaps this. . .Zion character can be reasoned with.  If not, an army will follow and Bomani can MAKE him reasonable."

"He can be quite convincing," Hisan agreed. "I will worry about my courtship."

"My son, Somnambula would make you a good wife, but I did not think you looked upon her with romantic intentions,"

"Well, I'm not sure I do." Hisan admitted. "But she's attractive, smart, she makes me laugh,"

"But you speak of her like you speak of a childhood friend, not a potential wife."

"Somnambula Is a childhood friend," Hisan said with a laugh, "And I figure I've never courted anypony, I will likely court many before I marry, why not start with sompony I'm comfortable with? Somepony I respect?"

The Pharaoh laughed, "Well if you respect her, go get a bath." He said. "You smell like a spicy pasta right now,"

"Somnambula loves pasta,"  

"Son, take a bath and put on your makeup."

"Of course father," 

-;;-

    The plaza, it didn't survive.  The temples, the pyramids, they survived.  I've been back there, to the town they named after me, where the Plaza used to be and it's all but gone.  Imagine a road, made of tiles of pure blue turquoise that stretched from the palace to the temple, covered in archways of white granite.  In the center of the grand plaza, was the square, where the offering feast was held, the pedestal where the Sphinx would sit and the large fountain where she would drink.   

     IN the thousand years since that day, the precious turquoise was picked clean, the arch was topped, the fountain dry, the pedestal worn down, but I remember it all.  I remember when I saw Jasmine again, most of all.  I've done a fairly limited job of explaining it before, but Jasmine and I had a bit of romance when we were teenagers.  Priestesses had to be virgins, so we didn't go all the way, but there was a romantic fall we spent making promises we could never keep.  Promises of marriage, growing old together and all that.  Even as we said those things, we knew it was silly.  It was what teenagers who knew nothing of the world said, of course we'd never be together forever.  When Jasmine left on her pilgrimage years ago, we promised to put those things behind us and go on as friends.  Yet another promise we didn't keep.  Now, I didn't even process that Jasmine was a temple warden now.  It never even struck me that her time as a celibate, unapproachable priestess was over.  Not until I saw her again.

     The festival had already begun, wagon loads of offerings from all over the kingdom where being lined up in front of the Sphinx's podium.  When that massive purple bird-kitty finally made her appearance she landed gracefully to the sound of flutes and drums.  The Pharaoh officially gave her the offering, and the feast began.  My family were minor nobles, not the richest or the most powerful, but my father and the Pharaoh where friends from way back so we sat at the table with him.  I was sitting between Prince Hisan, and Bomani, enjoying date bread, fried fish, and piles of fruit.  I was just filling up a second plate of pasta, when I saw Jasmine again.

     She was bowing to the Sphinx, sharing words with her as the great sphinx drank wine from a barrel between her paws.  I didn't know what they were saying, the Sphinx was a big creature but spoke softly when receiving a blessing.  I remembered Jasmine's dark brown coat, her golden mane and tail, the smooth curve of her back and swell of her flanks.  Usually, this was covered by the gauzy robes of the temple but today she wore only her khat and medallion of service.  She was so achingly beautiful that the entire feast around me grew as silent as a tomb, those voices so distant I saw and heard only her.  I must have gasped when her soft eyes, the color of lapis lazuli met mine.  I could hear Bomani snicker knowingly.  Jasmine's face was filled with joy at seeing me again, and my heart started pounding as she approached.  

"Wow," Bomani said, giving voice to my vacant stare.  "Somnambula you're looking at her like I look at fresh beer," 

"How can anyone not notice Jasmine?" Prince Hisan said, peeling an orange. "I think half our class was in love with her at one time or another."

     I tried to join the conversation but I was dumbfounded, I leaned my cheek on a hoof and must have been smiling like an idiot Because the boys laughed.

"My dear Somnambula, has Jasmine cast a spell on you?" Bomani asked.

"I think she has," Hisan laughed, "She must have learned some magic while she was in pandemonium."

     I ignored their chortling, Jasmine and I locking eyes as she approached and sat, not leering, not staring, just unable to break each other's gaze. Then, in the velvety soft voice I had missed for years spoke.

"Hello again, Somnambula." She greeted. 

"Hi," I said in return.

"How was Pandemonium?" Bomani asked without greeting, as he often did.

"It was an amazing experience Bomani, but I'm glad to be home." Jasmine said, taking a serving of dried fish onto her plate. 

"I'm glad you're home to," I said with a giggle. "So you're not on duty tonight?"

"No, the honor of standing before the Sphinx is only for the experienced of the wardens." Jasmine said with a grin.

"Hold on, all the priestesses should be saying Prayers," Hisan said, suspicious.

Jasmine turned her eyes down, "I. . .I am sorry I didn't tell you in my letters Hisan," Jasmine said. "I knew it would be better to tell you in person, but I was not chosen to be a priestess."

Hisan's face twisted in anger, "Outrage!" He said, slamming a hoof to the table, "How dare they reject you!  You read cuneiform, you know all the prayers, you have remained true and virtuous your entire life!"

"Please Hisan, be calm!" Jasmine said in her soft voice,

"I'll ruin that High Priest!" Hisan declared, "When I'm done with him he'll be scrubbing privies!"

"Hisan, please." Jasmine said, laying a hoof on Hisan's gently, "I . . .respect the decision of the High Priest, please be calm."

     Hisan glanced around to see the entire table was staring at him, with with a blush sat down, waving a hoof as the assorted nobles around us went back to their meals.  

"I'm sorry," Hisan said, "I just know how much being a priestess meant to you, and I offer you no flattery in saying that you deserved it."

Jasmine smiled shyly, "Thank you Prince Hisan." She said. "But I take no shame in being appointed a warden. It is a fine position."

"Warden. . .it's a templed defender right?" Bomani said, upturning a bowl of beer.

"Yes, we also follow armies and provide spiritual guidance, maintain temple grounds," Jasmine said, "We do a lot of jobs." 

"Temple Wardens can marry, have lovers," Bomani Observed, "Suitors must be bugging you,"

Jasmine giggled, "A few, so far." She admitted. "Do you intend to quest for my affections as well?" 

Bomani laughed, and sneered at that. "I'm in no mood for a broken heart," He said holding a hoof over his heart. "But know you always be in my dreams,"

"And there is the only place you will have me," Jasmine said so sweetly it could almost be called flirting.

Bomani turned to Hisan with raised eyebrows, feigning hurt. "You see my friend, she hasn't changed.  She continues to tease me,"  

"Poor boy," I said with mock pity.

"Jasmine, you keep this up and Bomani will never marry you," Hisan joked.

"A fate to cruel to contemplate," Jasmine replied.

A Soldier approached behind me, politely bowing. "Miss Somnambula , the Sphinx will hear you now."

      I nodded, and walked from the table.  As I left, Bomani looked upon Hisan, nudging him. The Prince shrugged, honestly not knowing what Bomani was implying.

"Hisan, you gonna ask her or what?" Bombi prompted.

"Please, entering a formal courtship is no small thing.  I don't want to ask her with my mouth half full of food," 

Jasmine looked curiously at Prince Hisan, "You're going to court Somnambula?" She asked.

"Yes, well, you know how my father is." Hisan said. "He thinks if I don't enter into a formal courtship soon ponies will brand my a womanizer."

"Oh I see," Jasmine said, seeming disappointed about something. "Well, she will be a good wife."

Hisan chuckled, "Jasmine it's just a courtship.  It's politics, that's all.  You know I care greatly about Somnambula, so it'll be a lot of fun to court her.  That's all."

"I. . .never understood politics." Jasmine said, "The world of romance has been closed to me for so long,"

"Courtship is just formally spending time with a pony, that's all." Bomani explained. "It's all pretty casual, some ponies even have other lovers."

"Really?" Jasmine asked, eyes wide.

"There's no rule against it," Hisan realized, "I figure I'll likely court a few mares before I finally settle down, I might as well start with a friend."

"I see," Jasmine said with a grin. "Well, I'm sure it'll be fun."

"No, the Chaperones make sure there isn't too much fun," Bomani laughed, 

"You're awful," Jasmine giggled.

"You love it," Bomini said raising his beer.

     Across the square, I was speaking to the Sphinx.  I stood on a platform before her pedestal, giving her a regal bow as I crested the platform.  The Sphinx giving a shallow nod of her massive head as she grabbed paws full of grapes. The harvests where good at the vineyards, as they always where.  As our patron, the Sphinx used her magic to raise the river, irrigate our crops, made them big and strong.  We had such a surplus of goods, no pony in the kingdom was hungry, and there were few that could be called poor.  Our Kingdom was strong and powerful, and very rich because of her.  Our offerings where the least we could do to thank her.

"Somnambula," The Sphinx greeted in her husky voice. "You are looking well."

"Thank you great Sphinx, my family offers you 30 jars of honey, one of Royal jelly and candles of beeswax."

"That's more than last year," The Sphinx observed, 

"The harvest has been fruitful, the bees do most of the work," I joked.

The Sphinx smiled, bearing her sharp teeth, each the size of a sword. "Still, your offerings are accepted gratefully.  What do you ask in return?"

"Your blessings on our hives." I asked. "And, maybe leave a few mice for Jepti,"

"Fer be it from me to deny a fellow feline his prey, It is done." The Sphinx said, raising an eyebrow. "Do have any more to ask of me? You seem to be wrestling with something."

     The Sphinx was really perceptive, I don't know what about me clued her to what was going on in my head but she could see it.

"Well great Sphinx, I am to be courted by Prince Hisan,"

"Oh, a handsome, rich, prince is to romance you," The Sphinx joked, "That must be very troubling,"

I giggled, "Well, I do love him, he's like a brother to me." I admitted, "I'm excited about this courtship, it will be good for my family."

"Then what vexes you?"

There was no point in trying to hide anything from the Sphinx, so I just said it.

"I am in love with another." I said. "I have been for a very long time, but I never thought I could be with her,"

"And now, Jasmine is no longer a priestess," The Sphinx said with her knowing smile. "Her innocence is no longer to be maintained, she is not celibate."

I blushed, "It's that obvious, huh?"

"Your feelings for her have been apparent for many years, my subject." The Sphinx said. 

"What do I do?" 

The Sphinx rubbed her chin with one of her massive paws, contemplating. "I see one path for you Somnambula, and your love has chosen it.  You will court Hisan, this is a good thing, but do not cease to follow your heart.  If Hisan truly cares for you, and he does; he will want you to be happy and understand should you wish to be with another."

For some reason, that made sense.  So I bowed, "Thank you for your blessings, And your wisdom great Sphinx."

"I will see you next year, Somnambula."  The Sphinx said with a smile, drawing our meeting to a close.  


----*----


      After the feast, offering day celebrations usually break off into mini-celebrations at ponie's homes.  My father and mother would be heading to the Palace to break bread with the Pharaoh and the other nobles where they would be entertained by poetry, music and wrestling matches in a dignified celebration.  Bomani, Hisan, Jasmine and I all headed back to Prince Hisan's private rooms, where we would have a less dignified celebration.  Let's not split hairs, we were getting drunk.  Hisan popped the top on a cast of malt beer, and we did our best to drain it dry.  

     Musicians came to us, and the more glasses I emptied the more strange the flutes and drums sounded.  Bomani at one point, did his best to dance, and dragged Jasmine up with him, the two drunkenly swaying.

"It's. . .so nice to have Jasmine back." Hisan said.

"Yeah," I said, laying on one of Hisan's silk pillows. 

Hisan cast me a look. "Is it just me, or did you two used to have a bit of a . . .thing?" 

"A thing? Whoever said there was a thing?" I spoke, feigning ignorance "I mean, a little but she was a priestess in training so. . .no fun stuff."

Hisan chuckled and upturned his mug, "She's not one anymore," he said. 

I laughed and hugged Hisan, "I don't think she's drunk enough yet," 

"Not for Bomani," Hisan joked, "I think you could close the deal," 

"Stop it," I said, hiding my face under Hisan's wing.

"You want me to draw the curtain for you two?" Hisan said, nudging me with a hoof. "I promise I won't peek,"

"You get naughty when you drink," I said.

"Yes, it's one of my most redeeming features." Hisan joked, draining his glass and stumbling to the barrel to refill it.

"My Prince," Bomani said, stumbling over to Hisan, "Look, it's getting late.  Unicorns have the moon up, you gonna ask her or what?"

Hisan dipped his mug into the malt beer, sipping it. "What, right now?" 

Jasmine giggled and plopped down next to me, snuggling against my neck. "Somnambula, I think the Prince has something to ask you,"

"Really?" I said, stroking Jasmine's soft mane. 

Jasmine nodded as she took a long drink. 

"Okay, okay." Hisan said, pulling up a chair and plopping down into it, spilling half of his refilled mug. "Somnambula, we talked about this a few times. You know, a Formal courtship? How about it?"

Jasmine and I laughed,

"What?" Hisan said.

"That wasn't very romantic," I said to Jasmine. 

"No it wasn't," She agreed.

Bomani shoved Hisan with a hoof, "Come on, this is a big moment!  You gotta be-" He interrupted himself with a pretty impressive belch, "Romantic," 

"What? Like. . .sing or something?"

"No, but don't suitors quote poetry?" I asked.

Jasmine nodded, before getting dizzy and plopping her head back on my shoulder, "Yeah, I don't think she'll say yes until you quote some poetry."

Bomani sat on the floor next to Hisan's chair, "I know some poetry," He offered. "None suitable for ladies," 

"No no Bomani, I got this." Hisan said, standing and swaying as he walked to me. "I know a poem."

"Lay it on me, Handsome." I said, batting my eyelashes and leaning close to him.

Hisan laughed, held my hooves, and recited, "There once was a Preist Named Narou, who liked to drink on the go.  He once took to flight, on a Warm desert night, and where he landed nopony knows." 

     Bomani and Jasmine Clapped their hooves and whooped.  I leaned forward and gave Hisan a quick kiss on his lips.  

"Okay, I Formally accept." I said cheerfully.

     Hisan blushed, a little surprised at the kiss but stood and spun, As the musicians played.

"Let it be known throughout the Kingdom!" Hisan slurred, as he stumbled backwards into a table, falling on the ground and scattering plates and jars everywhere, "Sombaula and I are formally courting!" He said from the ground.

"Joyous day!" Jasmine Shouted as she laughed, harder than I'd ever heard her laugh. 

Bomani bent to help up the Prince, "Prince, as your bodyguard, I'm officially cutting you off."

"That's fair," Hisan said as Bomani helped him into his chair. 

A solder chose that moment to stand in the doorway, "General Bomani, the Sphinx will see you now." 

"Is she still here?" Bomani asked.

"Yes Sir, you will be her last audience," 

Bomani threw a pitcher of water into his face to try and regain his senses. "Well, if you'll excuse me my prince,"

"I'll be fine," Prince Hisan said.

"Ladies, remember, that he's cut off," Bomani said as he walked toward the door.

Jasmine and I replied with mock salutes, and chorused "Yes Sir!" 


      In the courtyard, Bomani bowed before the Sphinx under the moonlight.

"Great Sphinx, My family offers ten Ingots of Copper, and I pledge my sword." Bomani said.

"General, are you drunk?" The Sphinx Asked.

"Only a little," 

The Sphinx laughed, "Perhaps one on these years I'll see you before you open a barrel."

"I'm much more charming sober," 

"How is it possible to be more charming than you are now?" The Sphinx joked, "What do you ask of me, in return for your offering?"

"Your blessing on my family's mines, and some advice in military matters."

"You will have my blessings as always, and my counsel." The Sphinx said. "The Pharaoh has informed me of what happened in Panampen.  The Baratas have rejected you, in spite of their treaties."

"Yes, Great Sphinx." Bomani said. "I'm worried, that it could be a precursor to another invasion."

"I agree, this new leader, Zion is a dangerous character who has his eyes on this kingdom and it's land." The Sphinx said. "The answer is clear, General.  The Baratas must be taught that defying the Pharaoh is unacceptable.  Raise an army, and destroy them, as you did with the Hyksos before."

Bomani's eyes grew wide, "Great Sphinx, the Baratas are our allies, this Zion character has beheaded his own leaders, I believe he's the instrument of this chaos and if he is defeated the Baratas will be our ally again."

"General, I've made myself clear.  I want the Baratas to be conquered, I want their cities razed and their will broken."

"I beg your forgiveness, Great Sphinx but I think this can be handled without such violence."

"I told you to do this to the Last invaders, and you destroyed the Hyksos, and shed no tears for them."

Bomani was silent for a moment. "I did as you asked with the Hyksos, and it did indeed bring peace to this land." He said silently, "But I promise you, I shed tears for every life I ended.  I see them every time I close my eyes."

The Sphinx looked sad, and placed her gigantic paw on the side of Bomani's face, comforting him. "Bomani, my child, I would never want a warrior in my service who takes joy in violence." She said. "But what matters is whether or not you are willing to do it." 

"I . . .understand." Bomani said.

"I hope you do."

----*----



     I said goodbye and goodnight to Bomani who seemed a little melancholy, which I didn't understand that night.  Jasmine asked to walk me home, and she did.  It was very late when we managed to stumble back to my hut.  We stood in the doorway, for a long moment under that moonlight that reflected off Jasmine's coat in such an amazing way.  The Sphinx's advice was still on my mind, to follow my heart.  I wasn't sure what that meant, but I knew at that moment I wasn't ready to say goodnight to Jasmine.  I invited her inside, and we layed together on my bed, Jasmine resting her head on my neck.  

"Somnambula," She breathed, touching my neck gently with a hoof. "I have to confess something."

I held her hoof and kissed it playfully, "What is it?" 

"The reason why I was not made a Priestess," Jasmine said. "It's important you know,"

"You don't have to,"

"No, I want to tell you." Jasmine said.

"Okay," 

"At some point, the high priestess asked me if there was anything I loved more than the Gods I would be serving." Jasmine said, tenderly snuggling close to me. "I could not lie, I had to tell them that for so long my heart belonged to someone."

     I looked into Jasmine's eyes again, and she leaned forward kissing me tenderly on the lips.  I was a little surprised at first, but it felt right.  As we parted, Jasmine smiled broadly.

"It was you," She admitted. "It was you I loved."

"But, wasn't being a Priestess your dream?" 

"My dream, was a dream I could not speak of until I was free of being a priestess," Jasmine explained, "All those years, being able to feel you near me, and never being able to touch you.  Sharing those letters with you all that time without telling you how much I desired you."

"I've loved you, for so long," I admitted, kissing Jasmine again tenderly. 

    We held each other tight,  passionately kissing and I felt myself grow warm, my breath shortening, her hoof wandering along my back.

"Jasmine, I know. . .this is your first time, are you sure?" I asked breathily. 

"I am," Jasmine said, kissing my neck. "I've wanted you longer than you know."

     It's been a thousand years since Jasmine and I made love for the first time, but I remember every single moment of that night.  Every touch, every embrace, every sound.  I still feel her touch when I close my eyes at night.  Perhaps when this story is printed, more ponies will remember Jasmine.  The details of that night however, will all those new sensations, belong to me and Jasmine only.
> Road to Panampen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is an old saying in the kingdom that went "What love is taken at night is all the sweeter in the morning".  It's actually a saying about how wonderful it is to wake up next to someone you love.  Though to young people like Jasmine and I, it meant doing it in the morning was a lot of fun.  Jepti woke me up, and after I fed him, Jasmine . . .quite aggressively, took me again.  Seemed she liked what she had the night before. 

"You're good at this," I giggled as we held each other in the afterglow. "Are you sure I'm your first?" 

Jasmine nuzzled my neck, the hairs on her ears ticking my nose, "Quite sure," She admitted, "You are just an exceptional teacher."

"I've gotta check the hives in the north field," I said. "Some of them might be ready to split."

"Yeah, and I'm expected back at the Temple." Jasmine said.

I let out a long breath, "Jasmine, what do we do about this?" I asked, "I mean, I'm courting Prince Hisan, you have your temple duty. . .with the way things are going in Panampen we might be dealing with another invasion soon, and we'll have to-"

Jasmine silenced me with a tender kiss. "I'll tell you what we're going to do," She said with confidence. "You are going to check the hives in the north field, and I'm going to go to the temple to do my duties. We don't need a plan for the rest of our life, as long as we know what today brings."

     I smiled, and felt my anxiety melt away, and the two of us shared one more kiss Before hopping out of bed and getting ready for the day.  Outside my little mud hut, just as Jasmine reached up a hoof to pet Jepti, she stumbled.  Something about that stumble wasn't right, Jasmine was usually very graceful, light on her hooves.  She didn't walk, she glided from one place to another like she was made of mist. . .now for no reason at all she was teetering, a distant look in her eyes. . . Something was very wrong.

     I darted forward and caught her, calling her name, and she weakly said mine.  

"Skati!  Et!" I called out, "Get the chariot!  Something is wrong with Jasmine!" 

"Yes Somnambula!" Et said running off. 

"Jasmine, what's wrong?" I asked.

"I feel, weak." Jasmine said tiredly, "It just came on suddenly,"

     Et and Skati pulled around the chariot, and within a few moments we were in town, pulling up outside Hotep's humble home.  Hotep was our family' trusted healer, a pony who had studied all over the kingdom.  As soon as we arrived the elderly Pegasus helped me carry Jasmine to a sitting couch at the rear of his house and without a word gave her some kind of broth.  Hotep was an older, bespectacled pony, who throughout my entire youth seemed to be the same age.  Whenever anyone was sick or hurt, he never hesitated to help.  He was purely an academic, not like the trained doctors of modern times, but he knew what he was doing.  I trusted him more than anyone else.

"I'm sorry to barge in," I said as Hotep inspected Jasmine's hooves. 

"No worries, my dear Somnambula, my doors will always be opened to the sick." Hotep said, dampening a cloth and setting it on Jasmine's forehead. "Now, let me guess; the young filly here collapsed, experienced a dizzy spell?"

"Yes," Jasmine said. "I just suddenly felt . . .so weak."

"Where you involved in some kind of rigorous physical activity?"

I looked to the ground, blushing deeply.

"Well, I'll take that look as a yes," Hotep said with a grin as he walked to his shelf of potions and tinctures,  "Now, young filly, what was your name?"

"Jasmine," 

Hotep looked at me with a grin as he pulled down a clay bottle from the shelf, "So you're the Jasmine, Somnambula is always talking about, you are as lovely as she says."

Jasmine smiled at me, "Such a flatterer," she said. 

"Now, Jasmine you have a somewhat common ailment, known as a weakness of blood." Hotep Explained as he upturned the jar into Jasmine's mouth. "It's a misbalance of humors that results from exposure to large amounts of smoke or volcanic gasses."

"Pandemonium has volcanos," I offered. "And she was there for a few years,"

"Ahh, that would explain it." Hotep said, "It's a good thing you caught this, with weak blood your body will not be able to fight off sickness or infection."

I held my hooves to my mouth, "Oh no!  Is Jasmine going to be okay?"

"Oh course, like I said this is a common condition and it's quite treatable." Hotep explained. "Jasmine, if you keep a diet heavy in leafy greens, and take this potion every few days you'll be just fine.  Many ponies live long and happy lives with Blood weakness as long as they take care of themselves." 

Jasmine accepted the bottle, "Thank you Doctor, I'm feeling better for having drank it."

"Just try to take it easy today." Hotep said, 

I handed to few coins to Hotep, "Thank you, Hotep."

I helped Jasmine out of the doctor's home, she was still a bit shaky on her Hooves.

"Well, I have to get to the temple to do my duties, Somnambula," Jasmine said, "Thank you so much for helping me,"

"Jasmine, you have to rest!  You're sick! You heard what Hotep said,"

"Yes I did my love," Jasmine said with calm, "He said I had a very treatable condition and that I would be fine if I take care of myself.  I can rest at the temple during the prayers."

"But I'm worried about you,"

Jasmine kissed me again, and I felt my worries melt away. "Don't be," She said softy, "There was a problem, and we solved it.  I'll have to cut back on the sweets, and take some medicine, not a big deal.  Somnambula, you need to learn to rest and enjoy life."

I smiled, "Of course," I said.

"Never lose hope," Jasmine breathed, "Bad times will pass, no matter how bad they get."

----*----

Jasmine would tell me about when Bomani came to pray.  This early in the day there was almost nopony in the temple but the Priestesses and wardens.  The Priestesses were preparing for the afternoon service, and Jasmine and the rest of the wardens were cleaning the gleaming marble floors.  Bomani bowed to the statue of Montu, the God of war with a face like a falcon.  He set a cold coin at the base of the statue, and bowed.  Bomani rarely knew what to say when praying, especially when he was vexed as he was that day.  

"Seeking guidance, Bomani?" Jasmine asked quietly.

Bomani smiled his charming smile, "Just visiting Montu," He explained. "He gets worried if I don't check in."

Jasmine looked at Bomani with her soft eyes, "My Friend, I can tell something is wrong, do you need to see a priestess?"

Bomani shook his head, "I don't really get along with the Priestesses, can.. . I discuss it with you?" He whispered.

"Of course," Jasmine said, standing up, "Follow me to the garden."

     The two walked into the courtyard, where rows of bright flowers grew next to pools of water and the Statue of Sobek looked over the canal that led to the sacred River.  As their eyes adjusted to the sun, they two where silent.

"Jasmine, when I spoke to the Sphinx. . . She said something that was most unlike her," 

"I've only known the Sphinx to be who she is, nothing more." Jasmine observed, "what did she say that troubled you?"

Bomani bent to smell a flower, "I. . .asked her what to do about Panampen." He said, sorrowfully. "She said. . .to punish the Baratas, to burn their cities, break their will.  As I did with the Hyksos."

Jasmine's look of concern grew, "But, the Baratas are our allies, things have been a little strained lately with the Zealot Zion rising to power, but this. . ."

"I know," Bomani said. "It makes no sense, this Zion is a dangerous dictator and everything the Sphinx has taught me in the past tells me that I should be liberating the Baratas from him, not punishing them for falling under his rule."

"But the Sphinx, has said over wise? You're sure?"

Bomani hung his head, "She was quite clear." He said. "Jasmine, I can't do this." 

"Bomani, you must do the sad business, as a warrior should," Jasmine said, "It is not to us to question the Sphinx, Bomani." 

"I know, Jasmine but . . .you weren't there." Bomani said, head lowered in sorrow. "The Hyksos attacked us, killed innocents, and they where assembling to do it again.  We flew in, burning their fields so they could no feed their armies.  We went into their houses, cut the throats of their Generals and Leaders in their beds.  I heard their wives scream as we flew away, waking up to their husbands dead in their bed beside them."

     Bomani's breath caught at the memory, tears in his eyes.

"With their leaders dead, the people panicked and there were riots, thousands died, then with the famines even more starved.   That's why they call me the Ender of worlds." He admitted, "Because when I came, the world of the Hyksos ended.  I carry every last life that was lost, I may have saved the kingdom that day but I ended another.  I could never do it again, especially to those who don't deserve it."

Jasmine held her friend, though Bomani did not weep.  It seemed his tears had run dry years ago.

"Bomani, I'm sorry," Jasmine said, "I don't know why the Sphinx would say such a thing."

"I know we must do as she says, but it goes against all she's taught me."

"Bomani, what has the Sphinx taught you?  About war?"

"To be honorable, to be merciful, to only attack to protect the innocent, to crave peace and not war, to love instead of hate.  Only to attack in defense of my kingdom, and to seek to make friends instead of enemies."

"And what she has told you to the Baratas flies in the face of all that." Jasmine said softly, "Perhaps, for years she's taught you to be temperate, and only once has she told you to be merciless.  Perhaps following her will is to defy this order.  What would you have done to fix this situation if the Sphinx did not intervene?"

"I would gather a party, and go to Panampen to deal with Zion." Bomani considered, "If he was unwilling to listen to reason. . .I would kill him and free those he oppressed."

Jasmine nodded, "That's a good plan," She said. "It follows all the Sphinx has taught you."

Bomani smiled, "I suppose. . .I WOULD be following the teaching of the Sphinx if I did it that way." He said. 

"Bomani, I cannot advise you to defy the orders of the Sphinx," Jasmine said, "But it is also against my teaching to tell a pony to defy what is in their heart.  Only you can decide Bomani, but I trust you to make the right decision, and I will stand with you whatever you decide."

"Thank you Jasmine," Bomani said, wiping away a tear that was beginning to streak his eye makeup. "I know what I must do."

----*----

Courtship with Prince Hisan was unlike our friendship before.  Over the next few days Hisan and I attended a few feasts, court meetings, and a wrestling match with me a his date and not just his friend.  First of all, we where always under the watchful eye of the royal Chaperones, Either Bomani or one of Hisan's other guards.  The idea was to keep our relationship "Respectful" in the eyes of the nobles.  The effect was I always felt like I was being watched, as if I was going to start making love to Hisan in front of the entire court or something.  I knew I was supposed to be getting to know Hisan but in truth we didn't even talk all that much.  We greeted Nobles, rich merchants and a few foreign dignitaries as a couple, but rarely shared words.  My relationship with Jasmine was the exact opposite.  We weren't really meeting in secret, but being that my courtship was quite public, we thought it prudent not to be seen as a couple to the eyes of the public.  My love for her grew, and I wanted everypony in the kingdom to know, but aside from a few rumors nopony did.  Hisan seemed to know, giving me a sly grin and a raised eyebrow when I mentioned I'd be meeting Jasmine later.  It was Ironic, the one pony who should be offended by Jasmine and I being Lovers, seemed fine with it.  However, if the other nobles learned about what was going on, it would be a scandal.

     There was a day when I was tending to the hives as I often did in the afternoons Prince Hisan came to my land in his chariot.  My father trotted over to greet him.

"Prince Hisan," My father said with a polite bow. "How does this day find you?" 

Hisan looked curiously at my father, "Just fine Lord Zaan, how is it you always seem to recognize me?"

"You use pine nut oil to condition your beard, yes?" Me father said, "And your chariot clanks, no one else in the kingdom has a chariot plated in gold."

"You never cease to amaze me Lord Zaan," Prince Hisan said. "Is Sombambula about? I was hoping her and I could have a picnic."

"She's splitting hives but should be just about finished." My father, said, turning to shout to me. "Somnambula! The prince is here!" 

I flew over, and saw Hisan smile up at me.  I landed in the chariot next to him.

"So, where we going?" I said with a broad smile. "Another ball? A dance?"

Hisan held up a weaved basket, "Picnic, by the river?" 

"Just the two of us?" 

"Apedi and Sedeh will chaperone," Hisan said, motioning to the ponies pulling his chariot. "But aside from that. . .just you and me."

      I never got to know Apedi and Sedeh very well, they were part of Bomani's warrior elite and two of Hisan's most trusted guards.  Apedi was a scout, who I learned could speak with animals.  His pet hawk Atanen flew high over the enemy and could report back to him.  Sedeh, was not that subtle.  Her name in the old languages meant "To Smash" and that's what she liked to do.  She wasn't cold blooded, she preferred to use her mace to maim rather than kill, but if something needed broken, Sedeh was the one to do it.  

"Sounds nice," I said. 

My father patted Apedi on the shoulder, "Please make sure they behave themselves," 

"Of course, Lord Zaan," Apedia said in his booming voice.

"We'll keep an eye on them," Sedeh added in her calm drone.

     The chariot took to flight, and Apedi and Sedeh landed us near the banks of the sacred River.  Sedeh and Apedi sat near the chariot, quietly chatting, and giving Hisan and I a little privacy as we ate our pomegranates, boiled eggs, and dried fish.  He poured wine into a set of goblets for me.

"How is Jasmine?" Hisan asked, 

"She's a lot better, on the new diet." I explained. "Hotep says she'll be just fine as long as she has her medicine."

"Delightful." Hisan said, "Bomani has a plan to deal with this new leader of the Baratas.  He wants to go there with me, a diplomat, that would be you, and a representative of the Gods, that would be Jasmine.  We'll speak to Zion, make him see reason."

"Well, Zion seems pretty unreasonable, he took over all the Baratas, killed their leaders," I said, "What if he won't honor the treaty."

Hisan drew a hoof across his throat.  "Then we will liberate the Baratas, by liberating Zion from his head." 

I shuddered, I never did like violence. "Oh, I hope we won't have to do that." I said. 

"As do I." Hisan said, "But the Baratas are good people, and they have fallen under the power of the Zealot. In doing this, we'll save them from oppression.  Once Zion is placated, or dead, you can help with the situation in Panampen.  You're smart, Somnambula and you have a big heart.  Your wisdom will be invaluable if you choose to join us."

"Of course," I said cheerfully, "But don't say I'm wise it makes me sound old," 

Hisan laughed and drank his wine, "Foolish, you are young and beautiful, and when you do grow old you will stay beautiful.  I imagine a thousand years from now you'll look as beautiful as you do today."

Hisan had no idea he was foreshadowing there, but I swear that's what he actually said.

"If you're going to flirt you better send the Chaperones away," I said, giving Hisan a playful look.

     Hisan returned my look and stood up, walking the short distance to Apedi and Sedeh.  Prince Hisan drew a few coins from his purse, lifted Apedi's hoof and set the gold in it.

"You two look very thirsty, why not head into town for a drink?" 

The two guards looked at each other, and then down at the gold, both smiling shallowly. 

"Of course, My prince." Apedi said with a wink.

"Have a good time, your highness," Sedeh giggled as the two flew off.

I couldn't stop laughing, "I can't believe you actually bribed the chaperones!" 

Hisan laid on the banks of the river next to me, holding me close, "It's a family tradition, if my father didn't bribe the chaperones when he was courting my mother I'd have never been born."

I rested my head on Hisan's chest, "Oh, so you mean to seduce me," I said.

"Well, it's crossed my mind," HIsan said.

"Well, you ruined it!" I said, "You're not supposed to tell somepony you're going to seduce them,"

"My friend, I know well the game of seduction, I've had no trouble with mares before."

"Don't I know it, all those Merchant's daughters and temple girls," I said. "How did you seduce them?"

Prince Hisan thought, "Well, I'd walk up to them, kiss their hoof, like so," He said, lifting my hoof to give it a tender kiss, "And I say, 'Hello, I am prince Hisan'"

"What then?" 

Hisan shrugged, "That's it, then they're usually all over me." He admitted. "Mares love princes, I guess." 

"Well, I'm not a Merchant's daughter, I'm a noble," 

"I see," Hisan said looking down at me, gently kissing the top of my head. "Well, I'm afraid all this time of having it easy has done little for flirting skills.  I would be content just to hold you."

    And he did, we watched the sunset together, held close without words for a time.  I rested on Hisan's chest, Listened to his quickening heart.  I was sure in one thing in this moment, I was not in love with Hisan.  He was handsome, kind, loving, everything a mare could want in a husband, but even at that perfect moment I couldn't bring myself to love him like everypony thought I should.  Even though, there was so much warmth in his embrace.  I think back on that day and I don't regret one moment I spent with Hisan.  I do however regret the kiss we shared.  

     I wasn't just a playful peck, like I'd given him to tease him.  It was a kiss of passion, a moment here I felt the need to express affection.  For Hisan however, it was the moment he fell in love with me.  When we drew away from that kiss, I saw the same look in his eyes that Jasmine had when she looked to me.  I also knew, I wasn't returning that look.  I'd given Hisan false hope and that is why I regret kissing him.  Luckily Apedi and Sedeh chose that moment to return, with more than a little wine on their collected breath.

"Somnambula, your mother sends her regards," Sedeh said to me, plainly. "And went on to say if we failed in our duties as chaperones again, she'd stab us."

"I've been in two hundred battles my Lady and your mother scares me more than any of them." Apedi said, with a sideways smile.

Hisan laughed, a bit disappointed. "Well, mothers can be like that when they fear for their daughter's virtue." He said. "But Somnambula is still innocent, she was no reason to worry."

     Only I wasn't innocent, I'd committed a great sin.  I did not tell Hisan how I felt, I let him love me when that love would never be returned.  He offered me his heart, only for me to break it.  To this day, I wish I could have given him my own. . .but Jamine had my heart.  She did back then, and to this very day.  I still wonder, why love can be so cruel and so beautiful at once.  Still, it was life as it should be, cruel and kind.  I wish I knew better back then how to endure, there was more cruelty of fate to come.

----*----

Having packed my bags and Told mother and father Goodbye, I met Jasmine, Bomani and Prince Hisan at the courtyard.  I was surprised to see we were joined by Apedi and Sedeh, both wearing their full battle dress, Apedi's hawk Atanen perched loyally on his back. Bomani was now wearing his helmet and breastplate, and was sharpening his curved sword against a stone as I approached.

"Good morning, Everypony" I said cheerfully, "I thought you were only going to bring one bodyguard," 

"Yes, that's what I agreed upon with Bomani."  Hisan said, turning to his friend.

Bomani held a hoof to his chest, his best innocent look on his face, "I did as we agreed my Prince, I bought one bodyguard." He said. "One for you Hisan, one for Somnambula, and one for Jasmine."

Hisan shook his head, "Hopefully, this mission will be one of peace, old friend.  We can't go in there with an army,"

"Three soldiers is not an army my prince, and the way to Panampen has threats that may take more than two trained fighters to deal with."

"As usual my friend, you understand these things better than I," Hisan said, before turning to the two soldiers. "You two, remember this is a mission of peace.  So no killing until I specifically order it."

"Yes my prince," The two chorused.

     Bomani tapped my shoulder, and held forward a pair of bronze daggers to Jasmine and me. It took me a second to realize he meant to give them to us.

"Thank you but I don't know how to use it," I said.

"Just put the pointed end in what you want to kill," Bomani said, 

I pushed to dagger back to Bomani, "I don't want to kill Anypony," I said.

"That's your choice," Bomani said, "Jasmine?"

Jasmine smiled and lifted her gown to reveal a short sword, "The wardens are trained to fight if they must," She said.

"Very well," Bomani said, slipping the daggers into his breastplate. 

"If everypony is ready, then we will be off." Hisan said. "And pray the gods favor us."

----*---- 

It took two days to fly to Panampen, over the deserts of our kingdom.  Following the river south until it bent to the east, then over open desert.  We camped at the river bend that first night, so Bomani could fish and we cold refill our water skins for the trip south.  I'd set up my tent as Bomani cast a net into the river for our supper.  Apedi cast Atanen into the air, the hawk spreading its wings and circling high in the sky above to look for threats in the surrounding cliffs and hills.  Sedeh set to work putting up Prince Hisan's ornate tent and Jasmine busied herself with her evening prayers.  My prince, being ever industrious was trying to help Sedeh with the tent poles but how he swung the hammer revealed he'd never done a day of work in his life.  I tried my best to help him, giggling as we both revealed we had no idea what we were doing.  He WAS a prince after all.  Atanen returned to Apedi's back, chittering and squawking in the language only Apedi could understand.

"My prince, Atanen has reported." Apedi said with a salute.

"Very well, what has she seen?"

"She reports smoke from a number of campfires to the north, along the Sendar road." Apedi repeated. "Likely a Fremen caravan."

"That's good, we can stop with them tomorrow for provisions." Hisan said.  "Jasmine? Are there any signs in the evening's first stars?"

"Venus is out early, on a red sunset." Jasmine said, "That means a deal will be struck between two travelers."

"Good." Hisan said, Satisfied.

"It can also mean someone will have their throat cut,"

"Not so good," Sedeh mentioned,

"Why are the stars never clear?" I giggled.

"Because the future is never clear my love," Jasmine said. "All is in flux." 

     When Jasmine called me "my love" I saw the slightest reaction on Hisan's face. I didn't understand, he knew Jasmine and I where together, even though we never talked at length.  He seemed not to mind before, but things have changed.  He puzzled me even more by what he said next.

"Jasmine, Somnambula, take the far tent." He said. "Bomani, with me.  Guards, you take the watch tonight." 

"Yes, my Prince."

"Bomani, are we having fish or hard bread tonight?" I called out.

Bomani lifted a large net filled with fish and smiled, "The Sphinx provides!" He shouted.

     I didn't know why Prince Hisan suggested Jasmine and I share a tent.  Perhaps he didn't mind her and I where together, to perhaps he wasn't thinking about it, so focussed on our mission.  After a meal of spiced fish cooked over smoldering coals, we retired to our tents.  As Jasmine and I laid in each other's arms, I felt the need to speak to her on it

"Jasmine, I love you." I breathed, "But I really need to talk to you about this situation with Prince Hisan."

"Somnambula, my love he understands."  Jasmine said, "And we're not breaking any rules of Your courtship."

"No, but something has changed." I said as I tenderly stroked her mane. "I think he's falling in love with me."

"That's wonderful," Jasmine said with a smile. 

"No, Jasmine it's not. . ."

"What not?  Love is always a wonderful thing!" Jasmine said, planting a tender kiss on my neck. "I'm not jealous my love, how could I blame him for falling for you too?"

"But Jasmine, I don't love him back. . ."

"Of course you do, you have spoken fondly of Hisan since we were children,"

"But there's no romance for him, Jasmine.  There's no flame, like I have for you." 

"Some fires burn bright and hot, but some smolder," Jasmine said. "A roaring fire is useful, but so is a smoldering fire."

"Oh you're right. . .if I'm in love with Prince HIsan, we'll have to get married!" 

"And that would be terrible, being a princess? Adored by all?" Jasmine giggled. 

"I only need to be adored by one, to be happy." I said, kissing Jasmine, "I don't want to marry Hisan, I want to marry you."

Jasmine giggled, "Now you're joking." 

"No, I'm not!" I said, kissing Jasmine. "I would, if you would have me.  You know you can get married, being a temple warden."

"Don't tease me about this Somnambula," Jasmine said, blushing.

"I'm not teasing," I said, "If you were to ask me, I'd say yes!  I live in that little Hutt now but I have a dowery.  We could get a little place near the north field, where the brook runs.  I could build us a house,"

Jasmine held me close, "I . . .would not want to break Hisan's heart." She said. "Somnambula, I'm sure if we all spoke together, he'd understand."

"I don't know, Jasmine.  With the situation in Panampen he's got a lot on his mind." I admitted. "We should probably wait, and talk to him about this later."

"Of course," Jasmine cooed, 

----*----

Bomani Didn't sleep much, I knew this from the time when we all shared a bunk as school.  In prince Hisan's tent, he rested near the door, eyes unblinking as he watched the opening to the tent for any threat.  Bomani and the Prince trained in a fighting style who's name I forget, but they always called it "The Method".  It's secrets also lost to the thousand years I spent in Limbo.  It allowed them to go without sleep for days, enhanced their senses, made them impervious to pain, and their skin as tough as boiled leather.  Apedi and Sedeh would be awake that entire night, and they wouldn't even get drowsy.  

"Bomani? Are you still awake?" Hisan said.

"Awake and alert." Bomani said.

"I have a problem," 

"I'll step outside if you need to use the chamber pot,"

Hisan laughed, "No, it's not that." He said from his bedroll. "It's Somnambula."

"She has her own chamber pot." 

"Bomani, please. . ."

The warrior chuckled, "Just lightening the mood," He said. "What vexes you my friend?" 

"I'm in love with her Bomani," 

"Hard not to be, Somnambula is a wonderful mare." Bomani said. "And isn't that why you're courting her?"

"The courtship was just supposed to be a way of getting used to being with a mare," Hisan admitted. "I thought if I courted a close friend, it would help me to prepare for more serious courtships later," 

"Reasonable." Bomani said, not taking his eyes off the tent's opening. "You've been with women before, but never out of a desire to build a lasting relationship."

"Exactly, I wanted to get used to a serious relationship, a public one, not just sneaking a maiden back to my bedchamber.  I never thought I'd actually have feelings for her."

"That's a good thing right? You're courting her already, saves you a step." Bomani said. "She'll make you a fine wife."

"I have a feeling she is in love with Jasmine."  

"I got the same feeling," Bomani said. "Those two are inseparable."

"You're not helping,"

"What do you want, Hisan?  I'm a warrior, I deal in facts.  Fact is, Somnambula and Jasmine are in love.  You love her, you have to look at this tactically."

"Not everything can be broken down to tactics." 

"I beg your pardon my prince, but love is much like combat." Bomani said. "You and Jasmine are competing for the same mare, and your position is favorable.  You're already courting her, it's like having the high ground.  Plant your feet, make the enemy come to you."

"I don't like you talking about Jasmine as the enemy, Bomani." Prince Hisan said, a bit of impatience in his voice.

"Sorry, I simply mean that when your army is in a favorable position you don't have to move or take serious action to attain victory.  For all intents and purposes Somnambula is already with you.   Stay the course, be your charming, handsome self and eventually this will come around to your favor."

"That makes sense... But the problem with thinking about this in terms of combat and Jasmine as the enemy is that she has to lose." Hisan lamented. "I love Jasmine like my own sister, she means a lot to me.  I don't want to hurt her,"

Bomoni turned his eyes to Hisan, then nodded shallowly. "You're right as usual, my friend." He admitted quietly. "I'm sorry, I care for Jasmine too.  She's like the light in the tower that leads me home through the fog.  I would sooner cut off my own nose than hurt her,"

"Then you see the problem." Hisan said 

"Well, I'm afraid I don't have the answers." Bomani said, turning back toward the tent opening. "But, I do know this; nothing bad comes with love that outweighs the good.  So hang in there, don't lose hope.  However this works out, Somnambula and Jasmine will always be a part of your life.  And So will I."

"Until you die,"

"Nope, Pharaoh told me I'm not allowed to die before you." Bomani said. "And when you DO die, I'll me mummified and buried with you.  That way I can watch you back in the afterlife.  When Anubis weighs your heart and it's too heavy, I'll just beat on him until he lets you in."

Hisan Laughed, "That's not how it works, Bomani."

"It's worth a try,"

"For me you would fight a God?" Hisan said, his tone suddenly serious.

"Without hesitation, my Prince." Bomani replied, just as serious.

----*----

After a quick breakfast, we took to the skies again, following the smoke of the campfires, finding a group of wagons parked near a cliff side where the shade was.  The Fremen where, as they are now, Nomads.  They'd find a nice spot like that shady cliff and stick around, watering their goats and waiting for travelers to use the roads so they can trade with them.  They usually traded in wool, then traded in all the things the wool was traded for.  Even back then Fremen could get you almost anything.  

"Allow me to go down first my Prince, and make sure the caravan is secure." Bomani said.  

"Good thinking general." Hisan said.

    We watched as Bomani landed near the caravan, a few of the black-robed ponies walking up to talk to him.  As we hovered, we saw them lead him into a waiting wagon and he didn't come out.  We were to high up to hear any of the words that were spoken, but something didn't seem right.

"What's he doing?" Prince Hisan asked. "He's been in there a while."

"Maybe it's a pretty mare," I offered.

"Nefertiti herself could be in there, and he'd ignore her if he was on duty," Jasmine said.

"Well, if there was a problem he would have flown back up here." Hisan said. "Let's go."

      The five of us landed, approaching the caravan, and the black-robed ponies stood around, staring at us.  I've been to Fremen Caravans before, they were the type that where always busy with something.  Talking, playing dice, spinning wool, eating, cooking, they never sat idle.  They never took a lot of notice of strangers, unless they had something to sell.  Now, everyone was just standing around staring at us.  That wasn't the only unusual thing, something was missing from this caravan and I couldn't think of what.  I just knew something that should be there, wasn't there.  An older pony, one of the tribal leaders most likely, walked up to us looking sad.

"My prince, I-I'm sorry," He whined, "We did not want this, if there was any way we could have avoided this-"

"What? Old man?" Sedeh asked, drawing her bronze mace off her back, "What are you apologizing for?" 

    In a split second, we got our answer. From inside the wagons, emerged half a dozen Minotaurs wearing leather armor and wielding bows and daggers.  One with a golden helmet, like their leader, waved to someone in the wagon and two more Minotaurs emerged.  Both of them where sporting bumps, bruises and cuts.  Between them, wrapped in a number of Iron chains, was Bomani.

"Hisan!  Fly!  Go!" Bomani shouted, "They got the drop on me, but don't concern yourself with me!" 

"Shut up!" One of the minotaurs said, swinging a solid wooden club at Bomani's head.

    The club did not connect however, with all his other limbs bound Bomani caught the club in his mouth, and pushed forward so the butt-end stuck the Minotaur in the eye.  The Minotaur roared in pain falling to the ground.

"Just go Hisan!" Bomani shouted, "I'll catch up!"

"I wouldn't do that," The Armored Minotaur said.  "Take a look great prince, my archers don't have their bows aimed at you,"

     I was curious what the big Minotaur Was talking about, so I looked at the archers, and he was right.  None of them where aiming their bows at us, but at some point behind us.  We turned and looked, and I realized what was missing from the Village, it was the children.  The archers where pointing their bows at the caravan's children.  There must have been 20 or 30 of them, older siblings carrying their infants brothers and sisters.  All with looks of mortal fear in their eyes.

"If you take to flight I'll have my archers open fire on these poor children."

"What is it you want?" Prince Hisan asked.

"You, my prince.  I am but a humble Mercenary, who was offered your weight in gold to deliver you in chains." The Minotaur said. "No one has to be hurt today, you, your friends, the children, we even wrestled your bodyguard down without so much as a scratch.  It took two of my men to get the chains on him."

      I knew the Minotaur was right, Prince Hisan would go with them before he allowed one innocent to come to harm.  Bomani would have been able to save the children, I'd seen him move fast enough to dodge sling stones, he could catch those big heavy arrows.  But he'd been bound.  A plan developed in my mind, and I spoke quickly, before things could get worse.

"Oh no, Jasmine they touched him!" I said, doing my best to sound panicked. 

Jasmine looked at me with confusion.

"I was hoping I'd never have to see anyone die like that again," I whimpered.

"What are you talking about?" The Minotaur growled

"The poison pelt curse!  You've never heard of it?"  I shrieked, "By the gods, I'm so sorry!  They should have warned you!"

"Poison pelt curse?!" the lead Minotaur scoffed, "There's no such thing,"

"If only that were true!" I shrieked, hold a hoof to my forehead for dramatic effect. "All the Royal family and their bodyguards are cursed, so that if anypony touches them without the special potion, they will die horribly!"

"What's going to happen to us?" One of the Minotaurs holding Bomani said, fearful.

"First, it effects your eyes," I said, "You will see colors differently, that's how you know the curse has touched you," 

"Yes," Jasmine said, Realizing where I was going with the bluff. "Like, you might see my coat as grey or blue, instead of red, like it really is." 

"I see your coat as brown!" The Minotaur said, panic in his voice. "Bandar, I have it!  I have the curse!" 

The leader, I knew his name was Bandar now, scowled at his man. "Nonsense!  I didn't touch him and I see her coat as brown too!"

"By the Gods it's in the air now!" Hisan said, joining my bluff, "It's likely they all have it, Somnambula!"

"Oh no!" I Shrieked, "Bomani, it was so cruel that you didn't tell them!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't have a chance." Bomani said, a sly grin. "I guess it's their own fault."

"What's gonna happen to me?!" One of the Minotaurs said.

"Don't worry, it's quick." I assured him, "After the curse turns you inside out, you'll likely only survive in horrible agony for a few seconds."

"You said there was a potion!" The leader said, panicked, "Give it to me now!"

"I have to apply the potion, to Bomani to lift the curse," I said, holding a vial of oil I had in my pack. 

"Do it!" 

     I walked to Bomani, pouring some of the oil onto his forehead, sneaking one of my hairpins into a wing, trying to pick the lock around his neck. I leaned close to whisper.

"Can you save those kids?" 

"If those archers panic, I'll have the time I need.  Keep up the bluff," Bomani said, just as the lock around his neck clicked open. 

I nodded and turned, "Oh no! The potion!  It's not working!" I shouted, "The curse is out of control!"

     I secreted one of the pomegranates out of my pack and pressed it to my chest and the red juice and white seeds erupted out.  It must have looked pretty gruesome to folks who didn't know I was just smoothing fruit into my fur. 

"She's turning inside out!" One of the archer roared, pointing at me with wide eyes.

"Oh no, we're next!" Another shouted, 

     Bomani saw his opportunity, and threw off his chain, he grabbed it and swung it at two of the archers while they were panicking, knocking both of them out cold.  Sedeh pulled out her mace and threw it at another, the Bronze head making a dull, metallic thud as it hit the archer in the head.  Apedi just pointed, and his hawk flew to the fourth archer and clawed at his eyes, Apedi leaping forward, kicking the Minotaur in the chest and sending him flying into the cliff face.  

"It was a lie!" Bandar roared, pulling out a massive bronze battle axe and pointing to me, "That's a Pomegranate!"

"And thank you so much for making me waste it," I said, "I was saving it for later."

Jasmine had made her way to the children, and noticed one of the older boys had a black eye. "Bomani, they hurt the children," She lamented,

     Hisan drew his curved sword, and tossed it to Bomani who caught it out of the air with all the effort of a pony picking a flower.

"So, you're mighty tough against Children, Bandar." Bomani growled, 

"Some of them mouthed off, what kind of criminal would I be if I allowed that?" 

"You're going to wish that curse was real," Bomani hissed, "Your end is far more cruel, I am  Bomani, ender of worlds."

"Oh really? The great warrior of the Sphinx stands before me? You Lie!" The Minotaur taunted, "You're short, you're young, not a scar on your body, what proof do I have that you are the one who defeated the Hyksos?" 

     Bomani moved so fast, it was imperceptible.  His sword was in one place, then another so quickly I couldn't perceive anything in between.  Then, I noticed the Minotaur's neck was bleeding.  A thin red line was visible along the front of his neck, before a fountain of blood shot out like a fan.  Bandar tried to talk, but there was only a gurgle.

"Who else but I could have killed you so easily?" Bomani said, and Bandar toppled forward.

The two Minotaurs ho where holding Bomani where the only two left, and they drew their swords.

"Gentlemen, do you really want to do this?" Bomani said, pointing the sword at the two. "I enjoy a morning workout, but will you enjoy death?"

The two traumatized Minotaurs dropped here swords, and turned to run.

"BE STILL!" Bomani roared in a commanding voice. 

They stopped as if they'd hit a brick wall.

"If you apologize to the children, you can live." Bomani shouted, "Otherwise, you won't go two more steps."

      The two looked at eachother with fear in their eyes, now knowing who they were facing.  They walked to where Jasmine was treating the children for their bumps and bruises.  The foals shrank back in fear, the children cried.  The two Minotaurs bent to their knees, their voices shaking as they spoke.

"Please forgive us,"

"We shouldn't have hurt you,"

Bomani stood by one of the Minotaurs, and smiled. "Now children, these men seem very sorry, do you accept their apology?"

The children nodded, 

"Very well." Bomani said, tossing Hisan's sword back to him. "Now go home, rethink your life.  Maybe start a farm, do honest work.  I don't have to be merciful the next time we meet."

     The Minotaurs ran without saying another word.  I always wondered what happened to them, I like to imagine they actually took up farming, started families, and lived happily ever after.  Of course the chances are equally good they Just continued being criminals in another distant land.  

    The Fremen had been attacked just before we got there.  Back then, they didn't have warriors and could do very little when the Minotaurs took their children.  Prince Hisan was understanding, and forgave them.  He told the Village elders he was just glad everypony was okay.  Hisan paid for our water, despite the fact the elder offered it as repayment for saving the children.  That sounds generous but remember, it wasn't like he didn't have the money.  The kingdom was rich, and fat and happy.  The Fremen where almost set for life just trading with our travelers.

     As I took a little time to play a game of dice with the children, I clearly saw Jasmine going to a jewelry seller.  There, she bought a string of pearls.  Jasmine knew I loved pearls, so I suspected they were for me.  A gift, an engagement gift. If Hisan was angry, or sad, he didn't show it, as he watched Jasmine secret the pearls away into her bag.

----*----

     Outside Panampen we were surprised to see one of our armies, close to five hundred of our soldiers, with tall shields and long spears standing in front of ranks of archers an a number of scythed chariots.

"That's the third army of the north, under Commander Kestrel." Bomani explained, 

"What are they doing outside Panampen?" Hisan asked as we circled. 

"Not sure, but they have standing orders to react to any threat." Bomani said, pointing toward to glimmering streets of Panampen, 

"Seems this war may start with our without us," Jasmine lamented.

"Hey, what are you always saying? Don't give up hope?" I said, giving Jasmine a kiss on the nose as I flew by.

      Hisan gave the order and we flew down into the heart of the third army, and up until that point I'd never been in an army that large.  I wasn't a warrior, nor was I interested in being one but what I saw was nonetheless interesting.  I was surprised to find an army this size was more than just ponies with swords, it was more like a little town.  There was a number of large four-walled tents built around wooden posts, most of which where filled with soldier's bedrolls but some filled other tasks.  I saw an office tent filled with scribes and long papyrus scrolls. Next was a medical tent, thankfully empty at the moment, but stocked with medicinal herbs and bandages.  There was a tent where a cook was working on a cauldron of some kind of stew, he even had a little brick oven where fresh bread was baking.  Bomani explained to me this army, like all our roving forces was capable of moving from place to place quickly, but keeping independent enough they could survive quite comfortably in the wilderness with no support.  Commander Kestrel's personal tent looked like a nice house inside with cushions, nice furniture, big cushy carpets.  As we entered, Kestral seemed to be in the middle a meeting with a few sergeants, but as they saw Prince Hisan they immediately stopped their conversation, turned and bowed to him.  It was weird, I knew Hisan so well I always forgot he was the son of the Pharaoh and the second most powerful pony in the kingdom.

"Commander Kestrel, I wonder why one of my armies is here at Panampen." Prince Hisan.  

"My Prince, there have been raids on several of the farms near here, as well as several trade caravans." Kestrel explained. "We are merely trying to stop these raiding parties."

"Day and night patrols of the local area, and placing the army within sight of the city for a little good old fashioned intimidation." Bomani observed. 

I nodded, "Yeah, they'll think twice about trying anything with an army here staring them down."

"The problem with a staring contest is that sompony must eventually flinch," Jasmine said. "I hope this won't inspire them to strike back,"

"I hope to have this resolved long before that," Hisan said, nodding to Jasmine. "Commander, you said there were raids against farms? Was it large organized attacks?"

"No, my prince.  It was just a few soldiers stealing wagons of grain, or vats of wine." Kestrel explained.  "Very disorganized, no commanders, just younger Baratas."

"Sounds like they're running out of food," Jasmine said, "They're just hungry, the poor things."

"Panampen has all kinds of grain stores, orchards and fishing streams, they have date palms on every street corner, how could they be running out of food?" Bomani said.

"Kids," Hisan reflected, "Conscripts from the tribes, not Gurkhas."

"That makes no sense," Bomani said. "This Zion character is turning everything on its head."

"Help me out," I said, "What makes no sense about conscripts? We use them,"

"Not the Baratas." Prince Hisan said. "Their society has a strict caste system.  The Gurkha is the warrior caste, Professional warriors born into their profession. No one else in their civilization fights."

"I'm betting he's withholding food from them to keep them loyal," Bomani said, 

"Those poor young ponies, hungry and far from home, they must be so frightened." Jasmine said, "We have to help them, my prince."

"We will, Jasmine." Hisan said, patting Jasmine on the shoulder. "We will go into the city and settle this one way or another."

"I'll prepare the men to March," Kestrel said. 

"No, the Baratas must know we are not their enemy, if we go in with an army we'll only unite them against us.  I will go in with my diplomats and my bodyguards, no one else will be required."

"My prince Panampen is occupied by an enemy army!" Commander Kestrel said, a bit of panic in her voice. "Can three soldiers protect you?"

"It's not an enemy army," Prince Hisan said. "It's a bunch of scared kids and one tyrannical maniac.  We'll start by seeing Dew Drop. . .commander do you know if she's still in power?"

"We have no indication that she's been ejected with the others, probably because she's only half Pegasus." 

"If I know Dew Drop she's doing everything she can to Negotiate with the Baratas." Jasmine said. 

      Dew Drop was the mayor of Panampen, and the author of the treaties we shared with the Baratas.  She was born in Panampen, half Barata, and half Pegasus so she was a fine negotiator for both sides.  

"I'll be with him Commander, along with some of my best fighters. The Prince can handle himself pretty well Too you know." Bomani explained, "Just stay here unless the prince says otherwise."

"Yes, General."

     It was a quick flight to Panampen, where I was surprised to find things were pretty normal.  Well, as normal as Panampen gets.  I'd been there only a few times and it always struck me how new everything felt.  When I was a foal, this city was nothing but a few tents and some mud huts.  Now it was rows and rows of buildings of white quartz blocks.  The whole city was impossibly clean, and smelled of newly cut stone.  It took only a decade or two for the whole city to grow, and many citizens of the kingdom opening forges and smith shops to profit from all the new mines that opened up everywhere around the city.  Here my people and the Baratas worked together to make a beautiful new city with treaties protecting everyone.  

"Dew Drop will be in the galleria, if I know her as well as I think I do." Hisan said, "She'd have brought the city elders together and will be railing against those who broke the treaty."

"That sounds like her." Bomani said. "For all we know she's already wrapped this whole thing up."

     The six of us reached the galleria, where the city elders met. . .but it was strangely empty.  It was a auditorium, with a central round stage surrounded by tiers of stone steps where the city elders and representatives of businesses would sit and determine the future of the city.  Now, it was empty and quiet.

"This is wrong," Bomani said, drawing his sword, "everypony we should get out of here, now."

"You're right my old friend," HIsan said, Sedeh, Apedi and Bomani surrounding him with their weapons drawn. "Back through the archway!" 

     We ran together, only to see a a flaming wooden cart be pushed in front of the narrow passage back into the city.  Then, from somewhere arrows rained down and we ran back in the galleria, the cruel barbs sticking into the stone of the street just behind our hooves.

"We'll fly for it!" I suggested, pointing to the open sky above the galleria.

     We took to flight, only to be thwarted again by a thick net that was drawn over the skylight of the building.  Sedeh went to it and drew an axe, striking sparks of the chains with all her fury.

"It's steel!  We'll never cut it!" Bomani said, "Back to the Galleria we'll find another way out!"

    As soon as we landed however, we found that the seats all around us where now filled with our enemy.  Gurkha Warriors in glimmering armor, archers behind them, and behind them hundreds of young conscripts  in black robes with wooden spears, all looking a little less than enthusiastic about being there.  I could relate to them, I didn't want to be there either.

    The ranks of the enemy parted, and I caught my first glimpse of Zion.  He was an earth pony, a dark orange in color with black splotches.  He wore the robes and headdress of a religious leader but the breastplate and swords of a warrior, and his face was so scarred it looked like his face caught fire at some point and somepony put it out with a rake.  He was. . .remarkably ugly but his deep blue eyes had a strange focus.  Every time his eyes met mine I felt on edge, as if he was screaming at me silently.

"My Fellow pilgrims, Kali is generous! For she has sent us esteemed guests!" Zion Shouted to his men, Impossibly loud. "Prince Hisan of the Kingdom of the Sphinx, Bomani the Ender of world's!  Apedi, friend of birds! Sedeh the crusher! And two other glorious nobles."

The crowd jeered at us, all but the conscripts.  Some of those Gurkhas said some things I won't repeat here.

"No no no my children," Zion Scolded, "These are great men!  We should be honored they are here with us!  It is as Kali willed!"

"It's as you willed!" Bomani shouted back, "You send Minotaur mercenaries to capture Prince Hisan!"

"Kali works though her warriors," Zion said, as if that explained everything.

"We came to talk!" Prince Hisan said, "You violated the treaties we had with the Baratas!"

"Yes, the Mayor was quite vocal about that." Zion said with a bit of a laugh. "She was a blasphemer, as all the false leaders where.  The Gurkha have be far to tolerant of the blasphemers for far to long."

One of Zion's henchmen tossed something wrapped in rags at Hisan's feet.

"We have ways to deal with Blasphemers." Zion growled. 

     Apedi delicately unwrapped the package, and it was as I was fearing.  Inside, where the vacant eyes of Dew Drop. . .still connected to her disembodied head.  Jasmine shrieked and hid her eyes in Hisan's chest.  

"She was a diplomat! She wanted nothing but to help the people of Panampen!" Hisan roared, 

"No, she was an enemy of the Gods." Zion said with calm. "You however, are a pony I respect.  You are not just a leader, you are a warrior!  You fought the Hyksos, you combatted the griffon invaders, you yourself are not scared of blood."

"I appreciate your respect, but I find there is far more courage in creation than in destruction." Hisan shouted back, "I won't be intimidated by a man so ruled by violence.  I give you one chance to stop this madness.  I will be willing to hear your grievances and will do my best to do right by your people as I always have.  Continue this aggression, and I will meet it with my own aggression."

Zion laughed heartily, "My prince, I will not be appeased with words nor intimidated by threats.  My people have spent generations squeezing water from stone while your people drank fresh river water, my people gnawed on roots while you supped on Pomegranates and sweet cakes. . . I see a land for my people and it is yours.  I will take the lands of the Sphinx, for my people.  You will be put in your place, and nothing will stop that my prince, you've been spoiled for too long."

Hisan scowled, and turned up to the young conscripts. "And are all of you willing to die for this plan? Follow this tyrant who murders innocents and starves you in a land of plenty?"

There was some murmuring and Zion seemed to get angry, "ENOUGH!" He roared. "You have been brought here my dear prince to be tested by the Goddess Kali!"

      Bomani, Sedeh, Apedia and Prince Hisan drew out their shields, even Jasmine drew her sword.  All I knew about Kali is that she was the goddess of war, and being "tested" by her would probably mean a fight.  I was not wrong, into the center of the Gallera came Six Gurkhas, one for each of us.  One was armed with a trident, another an axe, another a club bigger than me, another with a long whirling chain, another with a long curved sword and the last of them was holding the chain to the biggest lion I'd ever seen.  Honestly, it was the only Lion I'd ever seen, but it was huge.

"The weapons of Durga!  Warrior Goddess!  The great demons could not stand against them,  can you?"

Bomani eyed the sword wielding pony closest to him, "You folks best back away from the prince, I don't just kill, I kill ugly." 

"You are to be tested by Kali!" The Sword wielding pony growled. 

Bomani smiled his winning smile, "We'll see who she favors soon, and I'll warn you. . .I have a way with both women and war gods,"

"Come on!" Sedeh said, swinging her massive mace to the floor and cracking the stone below her. 

"Instead of killing you outright, I give you a chance to earn your lives." Zion said. "For Kali is merciful and blesses you with glorious combat!"

"Stay behind me my Prince," Bomani said, drawing his curved sword. "Jasmine, Somnambula just stay away from these guys, they're Gurkhas, they've been fighting since they were children."

Jasmine looked at me with sad eyes, wielding her sword. "My love, We will not fall today.  The Sphinx told me I would have a great victory, as long as I stood with the ponies I loved."

"I won't leave your side," I said. 

"None of us will," Bomani said, nodding to Jasmine. "We fight as one,"

"I hoped this wouldn't end in violence," Prince Hisan said, "But it seems Zion is beyond reason."

"I have to agree." I said with a smirk. 

"I'll play your game Zion," Hisan said, anger in his voice, "But when I'm done with these goons, you're next."
> Love Is Madness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

History records me as a problem solver, Apep the great snake wasn't beaten by my skill with a sword, becuase I don't have any.  I figured out that the snake was steadily growing due to a cursed stone, I used my brain.  I'm a problem solver, I figure things out, I put pieces together.  I just want you all to understand, I never even got the first lesson about fighting, but now here I was in a grand arena, standing shoulder to shoulder with my friends.  The puzzle I was currently trying to solve was the earth pony coming at me with a steel battle axe, an axe he seemed quite determined to bury in my head.  Yes, I couldn't fight, but I looked at it as a puzzle, how do I stop the premature end of my life via axe to my head? 

      My mind works pretty quickly, so as that big nasty pony charged me I thought about my assets.  I had my Khat, my linen dress and the contents of my saddlebag.  The bag contained two Pomegranites, half a loaf of bread, a water skin, a quill, a dried flower Jasmine gave me, a mostly empty jar of honey, my toothbrush and a small canvas bag containing my eye makeup.  Nothing in there that would make a weapon, but even if I had the best sword ever forged by a legendary sword smith I'd be in the same situation, the only thing I knew about sword fighting is that I didn't want to do it. The pony with an axe was a surgeon with it no doubt, a professional soldier, fighting him directly would be suicide.

     Okay, I catalogued my other resources, I had my friends. . .but they where occupied.  Apedi had drawn twin daggers and was fighting off the pony with the club, Sedeh was rolling out of the way of the huge lion, Prince Hisan was relieving the trident-wielding pony of his teeth with the top of his shield, Bomani was in a tug-of-war with the chain wielding one and Jasmine was crossing swords with the last of them.  Bomani had already dispatched the pony with the lance, burying his sword in his chest.  None of them could help me in time, so no dice.  

     I did have a few other advantages, this was an earth pony. . .big, clumsy, strong but heavy on his hooves and I could fly!  I was a pretty good flier too!  So just as that big axe started to come down, I few around it.  The axe threw up sparks as it struck stone, so I'd dodged it once but this guy was going to swing it again. . .so step two would be stopping him from doing that again.  He hefted the double-sided axe and swung it at me again, and I dodged out of it's path again, then a third time.  Then, I noticed the axe-pony subtly adjusting the cloth turban he was wearing. . .a loose turban, that was another resource!  I flew down and shoved the turban over his eyes, and watched him swing blindly as I safely hovered overhead.

"Hey!  I think I just fought a guy!" I laughed,

"It's a start!" Bomani shouted as he and Hisan fought the swords pony, who impossibly was skilled enough to keep up with both of them.

Jasmine rolled as the chain swung over her head, "Sombambua, bring him this way!" 

I flew toward Jasmine, and called to the Axe-Wielder who was still swinging blindly, "Hey axe guy!  I'm over here!  You're mother drinks corn liquor!" Back then that was a pretty good insult, believe me.

     I regretted jeering at him almost immediately when that axe came dangerously close to my face, but I was still quicker than him.  He Stammered closer as I continued to jeer, and that massive glimmering chain struck him as the pony swung it, wrapping around him several times.  The chain-Wielder tried to untangle his weapon but Jasmine flew close to him, smashing him in the head with the butt of her sword, knocking him out cold.  Her and I grabbed the chain and flew a few more laps around the axe-pony, hopelessly entailing him in it.

"Did I win?" I asked, kissing Jasmine on the nose as the axe-pony fell to the stones.

     Jasmine's eyes grew wide, and she pulled me out of the way as the huge club came smashing down where we where just standing.

"Not yet, my love." She said, holding her sword up defensively, as the club was about to come down again.

     Jasmine had no chance of blocking that club with her short copper sword, lucky Sedeh appeared just in time to absorb the impact with her shield. 

"I think I'll handle this one ladies, clubs are my specialty." She said, broad smile on her face.

"Be my guest," I said. 

     Sedeh drew her mace, as long as she was with a brass head shaped like a pear, and focussed.  The Gurkha was unimpressed, and lifted his club. . .thinking about it now that club was more like a support beam, like a tree shaved down with a few steel bands to add weight.  Sedeh had no trouble catching it against her Sheild however, only stumbling backwards a few steps before striking back, smashing her mace into the pony's breastplate so hard the armor was dented and deformed. 

"Should I like. . .throw something?" I asked, wondering if Sedeh needed help.

"No my dear I think she has things well in hoof." Jasmine replies.

     Then I realized, that blow was NOT absorbed by the armor, the big pony seemed to be struggling to draw a breath.  It seems that despite the armor his entire chest had been crushed.  Undeterred, the pony lifted that club in an attempt to smash Sedeh again, and she bought her own mace up with enough force to shatter that club like glass, splinters and shards of wood flying in every directed like the big beam had exploded.  The club pony drew up a hoof as if he planned to Punch Sedeh. . .for all the good it would do.  Sedeh just swung her mace again agaist his foreleg, and I winced at the sickening crunch of broken bones.

"You wanna see what I can do to your skull?" Sedeh hissed, "Stay down and you'll go home tonight."

    Apedi had unleashed his hawk, Atanen on the trident pony, and the loyal hawk was clawing at his forehead. . .but the trained warrior was unphased, and ignored the blood running into his eyes.  Jasmine and I charged over to help, when we heard a roar and took to flight just in time to avoid the loin's swinging claws.  Bomani saw our plight and rushed to try and attack the Lion's handler, but the lion was to quick and only Bomani's copper shield stopped those jaws from taking a bite out of Bomani's shoulder.

"Somnambula, you have a cat!  Try to negotiate!" Bomani joked as the lion tried to rip the shield from his arm,

"Jepti is a little smaller,"

"But he's just as cranky," Jasmine added.

"Yogesh is the mightiest Lion!" The handler said, cracking a whip over the lion's head, "And you, ender of worlds, are his dinner!"

"I'll warn you, I'm a bit stringy," Bomani roared, barely staying out of the way of the lion's snapping jaws.

     Hisan tried to come and help, but He seemed to be just holding on against the swords pony, until Sedeh joined him, recklessly swinging her mace and making the sword pony back up to avoid being crushed like an egg.  Hisan saw his opportunity and slashed his sword across the sword's ponie's face, and Sedeh finished him with a shattering blow to the ribs that sent the sword pony into a fetal positions, coughing up blood.  He wasn't getting back up.  Hisan and Sedeh Rushed at Bomani to help.

"Yogesh! You Dumb beast, kill the prince!" The handler said, snapping his sword over the lion's head and pulling on the bit in the lion's mouth making the beast Yelp in pain and charge the prince.

    Hisan was  Smart and dove out of the way but Sedeh tried to stand her ground, the Lion swiping at her shield and cutting the soft copper to pieces and shredding Sedeh's foreleg.  

"Sedeh!" Hisan said, eyes wide as he grabbed his vassal and lifted her into the air out of harm's way.

"It's just a scratch, my prince," Sedeh said, wincing as blood dripped off her leg.

"Nonsense, you're hurt.  Jasmine!  See if you can stop the bleeding!" Hisan said setting Sedeh down.

      Apedi was still dealing with the trident wielding pony, swinging his twin daggers and deftly blocking every blow, I shot at him thinking I could help somehow.  I aimed at the trident wielder's back, but he turned so quickly I could barely see the move and the next thing I knew the trident was inches from my face.

"I have no desire to kill a helpless girl," The pony said, "Fly away,"

      Considering that guy seemed to be far far more skilled than the axe pony I backed up, and let him and Apedi continue their duel, with Bomani and Hisan busy with the lion, Sedeh wounded and Jasmine helping her, I was concerned for Apedi's chances.  He was one of the best warriors in the kingdom but this trident guy seemed like one of the best the Baratas had to offer.  If I got involved he could kill me as easy as thinking about it, What to do? Then I heard the lion Yelp again, And that cruel whip crack.  I realized that the lion. . .Yogesh was just like he conscripts, it didn't want to be here either!  I saw the lion's jaws as the snapped at Bomani and noticed how raw and bloody the corners of the lion's mouth was from that terrible bit.  If there's one thing that Apedi hated with a burning hot passion was ponies who where cruel to animals.

"Apedi!  That lion!  He needs your help!" I shouted.  

     Just in time the Lion yelped in pain again from a whip crack, and Apedi's eyes where like fire.   Now, he was going to start kicking ass, but I wasn't quite sure how he'd do it.  How he close to do it, surprised me.  When the trident next tried to stab him instead of deflecting it completely, Apedi just nudged it away from his exposed neck, and allowed the powerful blow strike his bronze breastplate.  Apedi winced as the tips of the trident cut him, but the Gurkha couldn't pull his trident free.  Apedi quickly used his daggers to chop the wooden trident in three peices and sank the dagger into the Gurka's neck.  

     He didn't charge the handler as I thought he would.  Apedi just growled.  I thought it was becuase he was mad, but then I saw the lion turn, and realized he was talking to it.  The Lion turned, slowly and calmly walking toward Apedi who in turn walked to meet it.  The Lion's handler pulled on the bit, and the lion stopped and wined in pain. 

"He dousn't like that," Apedi growled at the handler.

"Attack him you Stupid BEAST!" The Handler said, an tried to crack his whip again but Apedi caught it.

"Do you know what a spade bit does to a creature?" Apedi snarled, 

"I don't care!" The handler said tugging on his whip. 

     Apedi yanked the whip out of the Handler's grip and swing it back at him, and I winced as I saw the rawhide whip had ripped out one the the Hander's eyes, and the Gurkha fell to the ground, roaring in pain and frustration. Apedi dropped the whip and removed the cruel bit from the lion's mouth. 

"There you go, you poor thing." Apedia said, "I swear as long as I live, no one will ever do that to you again, you're safe now." 

    I thought it was over, but Apedi was pissed off, and he stomped to the whaling Gurkha on the ground, put the bit in his mouth and pulled it so hard I was worried it would cut his head in half.  Blood rand down the Gurkha's neck as he roared in pain.

"You DO NOT use a spade bit!" Apedi roared, "Do you SEE how cruel it is? Do you feel helpless? You bastard, torturing a beloved creature!  You're going to die in pain for what you did!" 

    The Lion, Yagesh snuggled up to Apedi, gently purring to try and calm him.  It set one of it's massive paws on Apedi, trying to calm him. Apedi seemed to relax, letting the Halndler go and hugging the great Lion.  

"Good! Very very good!" Zion said As the warriors surrounding him cheered.  "You have survived the trial! Even your nobles have bravely stood against my greatest warriors! Oh the war to come will be spoken of throughout history!"

"You forgot our agreement!" Prince Hisan shouted, "I told you, you're next!"

Zion laughed, "Please, my dear Prince Hisan.  I have no intention of slaughtering you here, much better to do so on a battlefield!"

"Look at your men, Zion.  Look at mine, blood has been shed.  This is a battlefield." Hisan said, "And If we could settle this with two sword instead of thousands."

"No, run back to your kingdom, Prince." Zion said, looking a bit miffed. "Your business here is done.  Run home and enjoy the last days of your life of leisure."

Hisan turned to the crowd, "You see? He sends you to die!  But he's too much of a coward to face the sword himself!"

      Wow, THAT made Zion mad.  The Earth pony leapt high into the air, slamming down into the stones so hard It shook.  One thing I didn't notice from a distance: he was BIG, one of the biggest ponies I've ever seen.  

"If you want a duel, dear prince," Zion said, his voice quivering with anger, "Then you will have it.  You and me, prepare!"

As Zion walked to his Gurkhas to don his chosen weapons, Bomani quickly pulled Prince Hisan aside, using a hushed tone only he could use with royalty, 

"Hisan, are you insane? That's the lord of the Gurkhas!  I'm not even sure if I could kill him in a one on one duel!"

"Well, it's what's going to happen." Hisan said, resigned. "Any advice?"

"Fly away, as fast as you can." Bomani said, and I wasn't sure if he was joking.

HIsan smirked, "I don't think that's an option," 


Bomani nodded, "I guess not." He said "Look, Zion is an earth Pony, that means he's strong so don't let him grab you, he'll crush every bone in your body.  He'll tire easier than you, so keep moving.  And. . .my friend, don't die.  Fight dirty if you have to, remember the ways of the Method.  KNow that your kingdom needs you, and I also need my friend."

"And we need you too," Jasmine said, standing to give Hisan a kiss on the cheek.

I kissed him on the lips, tenderly, hoping to give him something to fight for.  "Survive for all of us," I said, and I didn't lie when I said what I said next. "I love you, Hisan." 

     Hisan smiled, and I saw that love in his eyes, I had to admit that seeing him willing to put his life on the Line for his kingdom, see him rescue Sedeh instead of protecting himself, made me think I could marry him.  What I time to feel conflicted, am I right? 

Bomani looked at Hisan, "Well, I'm not going to kiss you, but good luck."

Hisan handed me a bundle of clanking weapons, "Somnambula, my love, will you hold my weapons?"

"Sure, wait. . .what does that mean?"

"Just toss them to me when I call for them," Hisan said pulling a short spear of solid bronze from the pack and a few javelins that he tucked behind his shield.

     I unrolled the bundle to see dozens of weapons, long ones, short ones, curved ones, Ones that I wasn't even sure how a pony could hold without hurting themselves.  

"Geeze, Hisan how many weapons do you need?" I asked with a laugh, 

"Just enough to kill Zion," Hisan said with a wink and he fitted his bronze helmet and went into the circle to join Zion.  

"No mercy," Zion growled, "One of us walks away, the other dies."

"If that's how you want it, Murderer." Hisan said. "Look to the skies, take in their beauty one last time.  You won't see it again."

      I guess Zion was sick of talking, because he drew out his sword and worldlessly stared at Hisan.  This wasn't a normal sword, it was . . .floppy for lack of a better term.  Zion spun it above his head like a rope and when the momentum stopped it curled back up into a tiny circle.  I had no idea how that was a weapon, it looked more like a streamer children ran around with on windy days.  Zion and Hisan circled, that strange metal ribbon making whistling noises as Zion swung it.

     Prince Hisan struck first, taking one of the needle-like javelins and hurling it at Zion who deftly swatted it out of the air with his ribbon-sword.  Another javelin, Zion just swaying out of it's way this time with unexpected grace.  Zion pulled out a metal ring. . .I would later learn these where called Chakram, and spun it around his free hoof, hurling it at Hisan.  My Prince let the sharp metal ring reflect off his shield, spinning into the air.  

"Come closer dear prince," Zion said, now grinning with the thrill of combat. "So I can feel your last breath escape."

     Hisan threw another javelin, More to distract than kill and dove in with his heavy spear, Zion side-stepping the blow with practiced ease.

"A mighty thrust!" Zion complimented, "But a spear in the air never cuts the flesh."

"Will you slay me with words?" Hisan taunted, "That would be a mighty feat."

     I knew Prince Hisan very well, and he wasn't the type to toss around insults.  His taunts where tactical, he wanted to keep Zion mad.  Angry ponies didn't think clearly, and the last thing Hisan wanted was that big bloodthirsty Gurkha carefully planning how to kill him.  Zion took the bait, swinging that ribbon sword at Hisan who blocked it with his shield easily.  I was just wondering what that pointless toy was supposed to do when I saw it curl around Hisan's shield and strike his back, slicing into his flesh, spilling royal blood onto the cement.

"Hisan, no!" I shouted, 

"He'll be fine," Bomani said, "Those are shallow cuts, he dousn't even feel them."

"What if it gets around his neck?" I lamented, 

"My love, trust Hisan." Jasmine said, 

"But. . .he can't-"

"My love, hold on to hope." Jasmine said.

     I calmed, even though after a few more strikes from that ribbon sword Hisan's back looked like ground fish, red and running with blood.  Bomani was right though, Hisan didn't react to the cuts.  They must have hurt like crazy, but Hisan didn't flinch.  He kept blocking, kept taking the blows, I think he was forming a plan. Then, I was proven right.  The next time the metal ribbon came around Hisan slammed his heavy shield down on top of it, trapping it.  Hisan charged, leaping high and brining his spear down and it stuck into Zion's back, but the big pony threw him aside, the spear in his back not seeming to bother him.

"Somnambula! The Kopiss!" 

I looked down at the weapons, "Which one is that?" 

"The crescent shaped blade!" Hisan shouted.

     I tossed him the blade, and just as Zion charged him Hisan brought the curved blade down on his shoulder, the blade sank into Zion's thick flesh and stuck.  Zion kicked Hisan backwards before he could retrieve his sword.

"The Axe!" 

I knew what that was, but there looked to be about five axes so I just picked out a nasty-looking hatchet and Tossed it.  Hisan caught it and hacked it into Zion, and again the big pony didn't react, grabbing Hisan in a headlock, trying to choke him.

"The. . .long dagger, the thin one!" Hisan choked, "Then. . .the long sword,"

I was confused as to why Hisan was planning ahead how, but I did as he asked.  Hisan caught the thin dagger and stabbed it blindly over his shoulder, the thin blade sliding into Zion's forehead, just below the armor of Zion's helmet.  The Big earth pony stumbled back, twitiching and shaking, his eyes vacant.  I was so stunned at how quickly he lost, I almost forgot to toss Hisan the long sword.  When Hisan caught it, he took one mighty swing, and Zion's head rolled across the stone floor.  There was silence for the long moment after that, the cheers and jeers of the Gurkhas stopped immediately, and all that could be heard in the galleria was the hoof steps of Hisan as he picked up Zion's disembodied head and held it to the Gurkhas.

"Baratas!  This pony was my enemy, and he was your enemy!  He killed your leaders!  He starved your people!" HIsan shouted. "You, are my allies.  My army outside this city will help any of you in need of aid, we have food, water and doctors.  Zion is dead, let that be heard throughout the land!  The Baratas are free!" 


----*----


Later, Jasmine was tending to Hisan's wounds In Dew Drop's palace.  He'd insisted he didn't want to stop to rest until he was sure each one of the conscripts where fed and cared for, but the sight of his ripped up back was scaring the children so Jasmine finally convinced him to take a break and let her treat his wounds.  I was busy with those poor conscripts, trying to hide my worry about Hisan.  I'm ashamed to say I kissed him again before he went to get washed up.  He was more handsome to me as a brave warrior prince than he ever was as a womanizing prince.  I was honestly conflicted, I loved Jasmine so much, but Hisan. . .I could see him as a husband. 

Jasmine poured warm water over Hisan's back to wash his shallow wounds, blood all over the white Quartz floor.  Jasmine tenderly wrapped soaked gauze over the clean wounds, the hard medicine making him wince.

"Hisan, how is it you can be sliced across the back like that and not flinch but a little iodine makes you wince?" 

Hisan laughed, "I'm not immune to pain, I just don't react to it in combat." 

"I understand." Jasmine said, carefully wrapping the bandages. "That was a very brave thing you did, Fighting Zion.  You may have saved us from war."

"Thank you Jasmine." Hisan said, smiling shallowly. "You and Somnambula where very brave, you stood by me in combat, you two make a good team."

Jasmine smiled her perfect smile, "I'd like to think so." She said with love.

Hisan was quiet for a while, "Jasmine, I see you bought those pearls, are they for Somnambula?"

Jasmine blushed, "Yes it is, my prince."

Hisan's face seemed to drop, his smile weaken. "Jasmine, what is you intentions with Somnambula?" He asked plainly.

Jasmine stopped working for a brief moment, "Hisan, it's for her, she loves pearls."

"I'll ask you again, Jasmine and I want an honest answer." Hisan said in a commanding voice. "What is your intentions with Somnambula?"

Jasmine looked directly into the Prince's eyes, "I think you know already." She replied. "I intend to ask her to marry me."

"My Marefriend? My special somepony?" Hisan demanded, "Is it the practice of temple wardens to steal a mare out from under their best friend?"

Jasmine never got angry, but I think in that moment she was close as she ever got. "Hisan, Somnambla is not a plot of land or the last slice of honey bread, she is a living, breathing adult woman!  She can choose who she wants and I will honor her choice, so should you."

Hisan calmed, but as he sat there was still a scowl on his face, "You speak as if you know who she will chose." He said. "If she chose me, how would you feel?"

Jasmine paused, "I would be . . .happy for her, and for you."

Hisan scoffed, "I know that, but how else would you feel? Be honest with me Jasmine, you owe me that."

Jasmine realized what Hisan was getting at. "I would be heartbroken." She said. "I love her with all my heart, I will never love another, she completes me."

"And. . . I could never forgive myself for doing that." Hisan admitted. "I love your optimism Jasmine, I truly do.  However you must realize that some things can have no silver lining.  However this turns out, whomever Somnambula chooses one of us will be eternally happy, and one will be heartbroken."

"I understand that my prince," Jasmine said wrapping an outer bandage over Hisan's wounds. "I just. . .don't understand how both of us loving her is a bad thing."

"I don't think it is." Hisan agreed. "But, the method has taught me, that when something you must do cases you pain, don't let the pain control your actions.  Do what you must do for the greater good."

"For Somnambula, I'd do anything." Jasmine said, "Even stand beside her, as she marries another.  It would be painful, but still there would be happiness."

Hisan nodded, a tear forming in his eye. "I appreciate that Jasine, I really do.  So what I'm about to say, might come as a surprise." He said. "Ask her to marry you, and when she says yes, you promise me you'll spend the rest of your life, making her the happiest mare in the kingdom."

"Really?"

"Yes." Hisan said. "I know she feels for me too, but you belong together, and I can't stand the thought of coming between that.  It will no be easy, but for her I would do this."

"What if she says no?" 

Hisan laughed though his tears, "Well, polygamy is still legal, I could just marry you both of you and you two can have a torrid affair behind my back."

Jasmine laughed heartily, "You know, that wouldn't be so bad," she said, "Even sounds kinda sexy,"

"And maybe I'd have the option to join you two on occasion," Hisan joked.

"Oooh, it just got sexier," Jasmine laughed, "But. . .seriously Hisan.  No matter what, you and I will always be friends, and I will always love you."

"I love you too, my friend." 


----*----



Bomani was quite a pony, I tried my best to keep up with him as he supervised the forces to help the starving conscripts but after eight straight hours of pulling wagons of supplies and carrying cisterns of water from the river, I had to head up to palace to get some sleep. Bomani had fought a battle that included a gigantic lion but he was showing no sign of stopping when I wished him a good night he was supervising the medics, who were treating hundreds of young Baratas who were suffering from dehydration.   It must have been late when I got back to the palace, the servants had lit the oil lamps lining the white marble halls.  Jasmine told me she'd be treating Hisan in the guest quarters of the palace.  This was Dew Drop's palace, and she was dead now, I wondered who would take charge here now, who were all these servants serving?  Who was going to lead the city now?  What would become of Panampen when we left? Would there be new elections? THe Baratas had almost no leaders left. . .it may be turbulent times for them.

When I got to the quarters, I saw the exhausted Jasmine and the wounded Prince Hisan laying together in the expansive four-post bed.  Hisan was awake, and cradling the sleeping Jasmine.  He motioned for me to be quiet, and I realized Jasmine hadn't had much sleep on the trip here, she must had been even more exhausted than me.  I didn't say a word, I wiggled under the covers and slid up between Hisan and Jasmine, doing my best to snuggle up to them both.  I cradled Jasmine, as Hisan held me, and soon found myself asleep in that tender embrace.

I don't remember my dreams very well, I just remember flashes.  I remembered being torn in my dream between loving the most lovely mare in the kingdom, and the most handsome stallion I ever knew.  I could feel both of them, and I knew as much as I liked being in the middle of this pony sandwich, it was a short term solution.  When finally Awoke I was surprised by a very rare sight indeed; a slumbering Bomani in a chair next to the bed.  I swear I hadn't seen him sleeping in years.  Hisan was already awake, I knew this because he was gone, and Jasmine was sitting quietly by a window, watching the dawn.  I trotted to her, giving her a tender kiss.

"Look," Jasmine said pointing, "The southern cross is still visible with the second light of dawn,"

"Really?" I asked groggily, "What does that mean?" 

"It means somepony will receive joyous news," Jasmine said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "Judging by the violet in the dawn, it will regard love."

"Well, that's good." I said with a giggle.

"It can also mean difficult news," Jasmine said, "Not bad news. . .just hard to take.  I'm honestly not sure, I've never seen these signs before."

We heard Bomani moan, waving a hoof at us and rolling over so he didn't face us.

"We'd better leave him to his rest," Jasmine said. "Poor Bomani is good at most things, but not getting good sleep."

We puffed up a pillow and stuffed it under Bomani's head, pulling one of the silk blankets up over him and stepped to the dining room where the servants brought us a morning meal. Baratan food was a little spicy, but it was a nice change.  The entire time We ate Jasmine and I talked about mundane things, taking a break from the excitement of our quest.  

"My love, I think I should assist the medics." Jasmine said as we finished the meal. "I think Hisan is gathering what is left of the tribal governments, to figure out who will be in charge."

I nodded, "I should help." 

"That's why the prince brought you." Jasmine admitted. "Somnambula, I have something important to ask you you. . .tonight.  If you will meet me near the date palms at the square."

My heart thumped, "Sure," I squeaked as Jasmine gave me a kiss and flew off toward the medical tents.

I must had had the biggest, stupidest smile on my face as I walked down the street. . .the stars was aligned for love and Jasmine needed to "Ask me Something" What else could that possibly mean but her asking me to marry her? I imagined that first kiss of our engagement, telling my father, going to the seamstress for my wedding dress!  

Then, amidst my joy I thought of Hisan.  I thought of how he would feel when the news came to him, I could almost hear his heart break.  Then I wondered how we'd go about breaking off the courtship, every noble in the kingdom had gotten used to seeing the two of us together, what would they think?  I had to admit I felt a sense of loss when I thought of not going out with him anymore.  No more picnics, or social events.  I realized I'd miss the feeling of his kiss. . . Jasmine would understand if I wanted to wait, right?

How in the world could I sort this out? I loved them both!  I had no idea of what my next move should be, I was totally lost!  Then I realized. . .I really was lost!  I hadn't been paying attention to where I was walking as I thought about all the goings on, and currently I was headed down some dark alley.  A local child, a short earth pony in a huge white turban held my shoulder.

"Miss, you don't want to go down there," The child said. "A unicorn witch lives there, she turns ponies into frogs!"

"Wha- really?" I asked, the strangeness of the situation snapping me out of my musing.

"Yes, she's a fortune teller, but not many ponies are brave enough to see her for guidance."

Back then, unicorns where somewhere between a rumor and a myth in southern Equestria.  They seemed to exist nowhere but in fairy tales.  I had things to do, but I'd be no good to Hisan if I came to the meetings as flustered as I was then.  Perhaps a little adventure would clear my head, and if this unicorn was a fortune teller maybe she could help out.

Down the alley there as just one door, a crystal ball carved into a wooden sign by the door, and I pushed it open.  Behind the door was a simple stone room, shelves all around filled with books, scroll and what I assumed was magical trinkets.  There was a few rough wooden stools and tables.  Then I spotted the unicorn, a real unicorn! I don't need to tell you, that the white coated unicorn with the tri-colored mane I saw in the shop was the most beautiful unicorn I'd ever seen.  She was real, horn and all!  The unicorn smiled at me pleasantly, as if she was expecting me.

"Hello," She said breathily, 

"Hi, I'm Somnambula," I said quietly.

"Don't be shy, I'm not going to turn you into a frog."

"Good," 

"I mean you cast a transmutation spell on ONE crooked sheriff and you wind up with a reputation!" She said.

"What can I call you?"

"I am the wind, I am the stars, I am the earth.  I came to commune with the realm, and learn it's secrets," The unicorn was interrupted by a frog jumping access the floor in front of her. "Don't worry, that's nopony important," 

I wasn't sure if she was joking, but I still laughed. "I heard you're a Fortune teller,"

The unicorn grinned, "Oh yeah!  I can do that!" She said, as if she'd just remembered.

The Unicorn set out a seat for me, a small wood end stool and patted it so I would set down.  I watched her retrieve an oak box off a shelf, and from it levitating a smooth crystal ball. . . I'd never seen a pony levitate anything before, that alone was worth the detour.  She put both forehooves onto the table.

"Now hold my hooves," The unicorn said.

I gently took her hooves, "Is this for. . .psychic energy or something?"

"No," The unicorn said with a smile as she tenderly stroked my forelegs.  "Mm, you must take milk baths, your coat is so soft!"

I blushed and pulled my hooves back, "Aren't you a sweet talker." 

The unicorn giggled, "Okay, all fun aside readings are one copper," 

"That's pretty reasonable for seeing the future," I said, pushing the coin across the table.

The unicorn bit it, and levitated it into a clay pot on the shelf. "So, what do you wish for me to see when you gaze into the ball?  Certainly you aren't in need of Beauty tips."

I giggled, "Well. . . I'm in a bit of a spot.  I'm in love with a mare, and In love with a stallion.  I don't know how to deal with two ponies wanting me at once."

"Well. . .three now that I've met you," The Unicorn said with a wink.

I blushed again, this unicorn was a flirt.

"It's just. . .If I choose one I break the other's heart," I lamented. "It's a bit of a pickle,"

"Well, it sounds like it." The Unicorn agreed, gazing into the ball, "I can see you clearly love both of them. . . If you have a token of them I can look into them."

I thought, and realized Hisan gave me the broach I was wearing and put it on the table.

The Unicorn waved her hooves over the crystal ball, and I could swear as she did it her eyes change colors for a brief second.

"Ahh, he is of royal blood, an important, brave stallion," She said, distantly. "He loves you, so much, he would spend the rest of his life using all his riches to give you happiness, but there would always be something he could never give you."

"So. . .don't marry him?" 

"He would make you happy, he would do his best." The unicorn said, not quite answering my question. "Do you have a token of the other?"

I picked out the dried flower Jasmine gave me and gently set it on the table.

"Oh my," The Unicorn breathed, "By the sun, I've seldom felt a love so pure, so deep as her love,"

"That's Jasmine," I said with a warm smile.

"Yes, the other will make you happy but this one. . . With her is joy eternal. . .for not just you but for all," The Unicorn's eyes turned dark, "But with it is suffering, pain like a scarcely know how to describe,"

"How can it be both?"

The Unicorn shook her head, "I'm not sure, I don't know how this can be, but with her I see so much joy, and so much pain."

"What should I do? Should I marry her?"

The Unicorn looked up at me, tears running down her cheeks, "You love her so much, you have already decided." She said. 

At that moment I had no idea why she was crying, but I felt the need to comfort her.  I touched shoulder, and she seemed to collect herself.

"Somnambula, I will say this. . .you fret over an abundance most would wish to have, so many ponies love you, and far more will in the future.  And while the future is dark, I see great victories, wonderful times ahead among the darkness.  You will not just endure Somnambula, you will thrive."

I smiled, "Thank you."  I said, "I'm actually on the way to a meeting of elders, I'd better go."

"Of course." The Unicorn said. "I will see you again."

I stepped back into the street, mind far more clear than it was before.  I still felt uneasy about how Hisan would feel, but I knew what I had to do.  Then, I realized I left the flower and my brooch in the the shop and realized what the unicorn said was right. . . She WOULD see me again!  She was good at what she did all right!

I turned back around and pushed open the door. . .but I was stunned at what I saw. . .no more was the room full of books and artifacts, but brick ovens, and ponies kneading dough on wooden benches.  The floor was covered with flour and sesame seeds, and the ponies working on their dough gave me curious looks.  

"Where's the unicorn?" I asked, 

"Just bread here, My lady." One of the bakers replied.  

And as I turned to the door, neatly set on the shelf next to a jar of honey, the flower and the broach along with a small parchment note that simply read: "love her, cherish every day."  I nodded, and decided I liked that advice, that's just what I would do.

----*----

Prince Hisan and Bomani where quite right about the Baratas, they where no fan of Zion.  He demanded loyalty from them, and those who didn't train he'd starve.  Some of the conscripts where so starved Jasmine and the rest of the medics had to mash rice into a paste and give it to them a spoonful at a time, as solid food could have killed them.  Zion had killed all the tribal leaders except for his loyal officers. . .luckily they where the six we where fighting.  ALl of them where either dead or so maimed they where no threat.  

Hisan and I spend the entire day with the conscripts, many of them no more than teenagers, they where so sick and hungry they didn't even know how they'd get him.  The leadership of Panampen soon came out of Hiding when word go out that Zion was dead and while Hisan and I tried our best, they didn't want to allow any of the Kingdom citizens back into Panampen just yet.  There where a lot of ponies who agreed with Zion's philosophies and the counsel was reluctant to have a whole bunch of Pegasi come storming back into the city before things calmed down.  The Noble's and the merchants wouldn't be happy that their operations here would be on hold, but it was for the best.  Things would be shaky with the Baratas for a while but at least there wasn't a war.  

We'd just said our good evenings to the counsel and the conscripts, feeling the cold breeze of the dessert night just before the sun dipped low in the sky.  We paused at the square, where the date palms where, Hisan just stood by me, taking a brief moment to take in the sky.  

"Well, quite a day." Hisan said. "I'm glad you where there, Somnambla."

"Oh, I don't know I did that much."

"Nonsense." Hisan said, dissuasively.  "Due to my military history, ponies often find me intimidating.  I rarely get anypony to open up, but you have genuine compassion, and caring and ponies see that."

"Aww, you really think so?"

Hisan turned to me and smiled. "It's true Somnambula, it's very true.  You are so warm and caring, it's why I love you.  For how you seem to light up every room you come into, for how when I'm with you I feel like I can do anything.  You are a special Mare, and you've made me very happy."

I gave Hisan a curious look, he was speaking in past tense, did he know about Jasmine coming here?

Then, before I could say a thing Hisan started walking back to the palace, I went to follow and he looked back at me, eyes bearing a kind of sadness.

"I think, It's time to put an end to our-" His voice became weak and distant, interrupted by a sharp breath that was holding back a sob. "Our courtship.  I will inform the court when we return, it's been wonderful, I will always love you." 

Before I could ask him why he was saying such things. . . I saw Jasmine enter the square, looking at me though soft eyes.  Then I realized, Hisan did know, he must have known.  Hisan wanted to take the conflict from my mind, get out of Jasmine's way as much has it caused him pain.  He really was a sweet guy.

"Somnambula, you came." Jasmine said, breathily.

"Of course I did," I said, giving Jasmine a tender kiss. "How did things go with the medics?"

"Just fine," Jasmine said, "There's some of the conscripts who will need some time to recover but they'll be just fine.  How was the summit?"

I nodded, "Good." I admitted. "There's going to be a lot to work out, but the Baratas are our allies again."

"Wonderful." Jasmine said, nodding. "My love, I'm going to be honest with you. . .I'm very nervous."

I giggled, "Don't be nervous, you're with me."

Jasmine smiled, Holding my hoof, "Yes, and being with you is all I want." She said. "You are . . .will be the mare I love.  I can imagine no other life, but a life with you."

Jasmine produced a string of glittering pearls and hung then around my neck, now I was nervous to.

"I offer you this, Somnambula Daughter of Zaan, as a promise." Jasmine said, "If you choose to accept it, you and I will be married."

I shivered with excitement, held Jasmine close and kissed her tenderly. "My love, I accept your gift, and I would be honored to marry you." 

And, on that cold dessert evening Jasmine and I became engaged, and it was the beginning of the happiest days of my life.  From Panampen, we traveled back home and as promised Hisan announced the congenial end of our courtship, and Jasmine and I met with my parents to give them the good news.

I wasn't so worried about Daddy, but I was a little concerned with Mom.  Where I thought she'd be a bit crass toward Jasmine for stealing me away from a rich prince, but I shouldn't have underestimated her.  My mother cried with joy, holding Jasmine and declaring her excitement at having a new daughter.  Then, she started intricately planning what the two of us would WEAR at the wedding.  I think Mom was more interested in how beautiful we'd both look than any other aspect of the ceremony.

Of course, this was not easy on Hisan.  Though he hid it well, informing his father himself and the Pharaoh sent us wine and dates as an engagement gift, Hisan himself sending fine pottery for our future home.  I couldn't help but notice, he didn't come to deliver these himself.  He was in a lot of pain, and I later learned how his best friend Bomani helped him through that pain. . .he took Hisan to a brothel.


----*----


"The Shining world" was the name of our cities brother, and naturally Hisan had never been there, but when Bomani led him to the unassuming stone building he was surprised at how close it was to the Palace.  Of course being a brothel, where ponies came to forget their troubles and enjoy a little harmless pampering it was a place to go alone, and anonymously.  So naturally there where no signs.  To keep rumors from circling, HIsan was wearing none of his royal vestments, and was wearing a simple hooded robe.  

The first thing that struck Hisan was that he didn't see any other customers, it was only him and Bomani as they walked to the beautiful veiled mare next to the narrow door.  Immediately the mare bowed when she saw the prince, recognizing him.

"My Prince!" She breathed, "You honor me,"

"Etta, relax!" Bomani said, helping the mare up. "This isn't prince Hisan, It's my good friend Ephram, the grain merchant!"

The Mare looked, "Oh, I see." She said. "Well then Welcome to the Shining world, Ephram, seller of grain.  Great Bomani, would you and your friend like to be serviced today?"

"No, just a hot bath and a shampoo." Bomani said. "we need but to relax."

"Of course, follow me." 

Entering the building the two where lead through winding corridors, like a maze.  Hisan realized that the building must have been constructed to keep customers from seeing one another.

"She believed your lie about me being a merchant pretty easily," Hisan observed.

"That's just the standard fake name ponies use when they want to be treated like a normal, average pony and not a noble, or a prince." Bomani admitted. "I've been Ephram a few times.  It's quite refreshing to just being a boring pony."

"I see," Hisan said. "And they won't be offended I don't want. . .service?" 

Bomani laughed, "No, this place isn't as salacious as people make it out to be." He said. "Most ponies just come here to relax and soak in a hot bath, or listen to soft music.  It's more about luxury than sex."

The two were led into a candlelit room where a sizable raised pool stood over a smoldering fire, warming the water.  Several beautiful mares sat at the side of the bath, playing harps and flutes softy, Bomani took the lead, slipping off his armor and clothing and slipping into the hot tub with a relieving sigh.  He motioned for Hisan to join him, and the Prince followed suit, finding the warm water carried away quite a bit of tightness in his muscles.  Even Prince Hisan rarely had a bath, with water an important commodity in the kingdom almost everyone just scrubbed up with a sponge and a bowl.  A hot bath was a decadent luxury indeed.

"Ahh, now isn't this nice?" Bomani asked.

"I can't help but think I'm in a In a gigantic stew pot," Hisan laughed, "but it is very nice."

A mare sat next to the bath with a serving platter of sliced pineapple, "May I serve you?" She asked sweetly.

Hisan's eyes grew wide, "No, Maddame that won't be necessary," He said, blushing.

"She means the fruit," Bomani laughed, 

"Oh, I'm sorry," Hisan said, "That would be delightful, thank you."

The Mare just smiled, not seeming to mind the implication as she tenderly fed the fruit to Hisan.

"My friend, you don't need to worry.  This place isn't as scandalous as you might think, actually it's all rather innocent."  

Just as Bomani finished his proclamation, a sizable earth pony stallion entered the room, twice the size of Bomani with unshorn fetlocks and sizable muscles.  He rubbed Bomani's shoulders a bit to rough to be called "gently" and grinned a seductive grin.

"Mmm, my pretty little mare as come back to me," The Stallion said in a deep, commanding voice. "How I've missed the way you satisfy me,"

Bomani blushed as Hisan held back laughter. 

"Innocent?" Hisan asked with a chuckle.

"Oh my little mare is anything but Innocent," The Stallion said seductively.

"Not today, Millstone." Bomani said To the big stallion. "I'm entertaining a friend."

"Lucky Friend," The Stallion pouted, as he left. "I guess I must endure another cold night without you.  Call me if there is anything you need." 

Hisan smiled knowingly at his friend, "Well, quite an interesting choice of companions. . .my little mare."

Bomani chuckled nervously, not responding as he dipped his head under the water.

"This trip was worth it just to learn that little bit of trivia," Hisan teased.

Bomani popped his head back up, claiming some pineapple from the serving mare and sneering.

"It's not as if I judge you, I just never thought you the type."

"Well, I'm usually not." Bomani said, clearly embarrassed. "Understand, my prince that when I am with a mare, she knows I am a warrior, a man of strength, she expects me to- how can I put this politely?"

"Take charge?" Hisan offered.

"Exactly, and usually I don't mind." Bomani said, "But, sometimes it's nice for another pony to be . . . the aggressor.  If that makes any sense." 

Hisan nodded, "Millstone seems very aggressive."

Bomani chuckled shyly. "He really is."  He admitted. "But enough about me, this trip is for you."

Hisan sighed, "Well, I thank you for that my friend.  It's good to know you think of me. . .but I honestly don't know if this is going to make me feel better.  I doubt I will feel better for quite some time."

"You really do love her,"

"I do." 

"I was in love once, My prince." Bomani said, leaning back in the steaming water.

"Who, MIllstone?"

Bomani sneered, "No, I refer to Miriam." 

"The one from the vineyard? Hisan asked. "I know we spent time in school together but I didn't know you where aquatinted,"

Bomani nodded, "We where." He said. "All through school, and after school for a few years.  Her father wouldn't agree to a courtship, since my family is common born but we still saw one another.  Those where the happiest days I can remember.  We'd sip the new wine in the cat tails near the river and just. . .lie there until the sun came up.  I could talk to Miriam about anything, and I did.  She made me feel alive, I loved her so much."

"You never told me about her,"

"Well, it ended badly." Bomani lamented. "She is staunchly against war, and violence.  She never even ate fish, she said she couldn't abide taking a life.  This when I was just starting to get my reputation, I'd already fought the Black Claws.  She tried to deal with it, but I could tell it tore her up inside to know I hurt others.  So I told her I'd go back to my family's mines, give up the sword and ask her to marry me." 

"You where willing to do that for her?" 

"I was willing, but I wasn't able." Bomani admitted. "That was when you asked me to join your personal guard, and I that I could not turn down. I had a futile hope Miriam would understand, that maybe she'd be okay with it because I was protecting instead of attacking.  In the end she called it off.  We havn't spoken since."

"I'm sorry," 

Bomani shrugged, "Don't be." He said. "It's as it should be, you see Hisan, I was born a warrior, and she was born a pacifist.  I couldn't deny who I was, neither could she.  Somnambula and Jasmine are in love, can't deny that."

"I realize that, What's the point?"

"I don't know, I just thought it might help to know I'm right there with you, my friend." Bomani said.

"Well, how do you deal with it?  How did you get over Miriam?"

Bomani sighed as the mare served him another slice of pineapple, "That's the worst part my Prince, I'm not over her.  I'm just used to not being over her." He laughed. 

"Again, not helpful."

Just then a veiled white unicorn entered with two tabs of soap and a wash bowl, sitting down near Hisan, gently setting his mane in the bowl of warm water and gently shampooing his mane.  

"I'm a mane therapist, and I can tell you carry a lot of stress in here." The unicorn said.

"Matters of love," Bomani explained.

"Ooh, poor thing." The unicorn said, reaching up to wash Hisan's beard with the suds from his mane. "You must have loved her very much."

"I did." Hisan said, relaxing at the Mare's attention. "She was one in a million."

"It must be so sad, to love a mare so much and not have the feeling returned."  The Unicorn said rinsing the soap from Hisan's mane and beard. 

"Well, she does love him," Bomani offered. 

"Oh, I see." The Unicorn said, moving on to Bomani's mane, massaging it gently. "It must be even harder to be in love and never see her again."

"Well, I will see her again, We work together, she's just marrying another." 

"Oh, she's being forced to marry some fat, ugly noble or cruel merchant Baron, so sad."

"No, you have it all wrong," Bomani laughed as he relaxed into the mane massage, "Somnambula is marrying Jasmine, His- that is Ephram here, really cares for them both and he stepped aside so they could be happy."

"Oh I see, that's so wonderful!" The Unicorn said happily as she rinsed Bomani's mane, "So Ephram bravely stepped aside becuase he cares so much for his friends and now two ponies who are in love can be together."

"You know, when it's put like that it doesn't seem so bad," Hisan said, reflecting. "I'd much rather be with her, but I think we're in the best of all situations," 

"I suppose we are." Bomani admitted, he turned to the unicorn, squinting. "My dear, I don't recognize you, did you just start working here?"

The Unicorn giggled as she leaned in and kissed Bomani gently on the lips, "I don't work here!" She said, and without further explanation she left the two stallions to their bath.


----*----


Neither Jasmine, nor I had any desire for the grand weddings that where so common in the kingdom.  The idea of thousands of ponies who barely knew us milling about, using our wedding as some kind of social gathering bothered me.  My mother was reluctant, as was Jasmine's but they trusted our wishes and only invited a few to our special day.  Since the Pharaoh and the Prince where invited, we practically had to keep the date of the wedding secret so jet-setting nobles didn't crash the party.

We had our wedding three days before offering day, with only a few dozen close freinds and family invited.  We bowed and drank from the same wine, spoke the rites of marriage and then I was Jasmine's wife.  Even though the wedding was small, the celebration was large.  We opened the good barrels, music played, and I danced with Jasmine for the first time as her wife.  There was so much joy that day, in that moment that I still feel whenever I think of Jasmine.  

I remember every moment of that day, the Pharaoh congratulating us, Hisan hugging us both, Apedi setting Atanen on my shoulder so I could feed him, Sedeh getting far to drunk on the wedding wine and smashing pumpkins with her mace to the delight of all.  Bomani, singing along with the musicians.  If Bomani never became a warrior, he could have been a singer.  He truly had the voice of an angel.  The song he chose was a bit sad, as beautiful as it was.

"Love is madness, and Quick to burn, lying in the Embers, is where we are.  If if my promise, is unreturned, before the day is over, I will Depart."

I don't think he was singing it for Jasmine and I, I think he was singing it for Hisan.

"If I'd chose, I'd have you stay, but I gave my heart to you and it's yours to break,"

As we danced, I saw Hisan looking at us joyfully, and somehow sorrowful at once.  I saw him take a long drink from his goblet, and somewhere during that sad song his mood improved.  He walked up to Jasmine and hugged us both at once, without words.  In that embrace, I think Hisan finally let me go.  

Our wedding was only a few months after Panampen, but my family had just enough time to prepare our dowery.  Father gave us twenty acres of the family land, and all our friends had chipped in to build us a house, Jepti had even made himself at home, already claiming a comfortable spot by the window when we arrived.  I walked though those doors for the first time with my wife, Which was a feeling beyond joy.  We looked upon our comfortable sitting room with a handsome fireplace, the kitchen with it's clay stove, the bedroom with it's large oak bed.  We walked to the small pond on our land, and together saw the sun set over the fields of our new home.  

"This is so amazing," I said, petting Jepti who had come outside to rest on my lap. "We're going to live here,"

Jasmine nodded, resting her head on my shoulder. "Oh yes, we'll have so many memories here," She said. "You'll come home after a long day on the hives, and I'll have your dinner ready. I'll make fresh bread in our oven, fry fish in the fireplace, and after dinner we'll sit out here and watch the sunset."

"What if I want to cook?" I said with a giggle. "I make good fried eggs,"

"That you do my love, but that's for breakfast." Jasmine said. 

"So, I'll handle breakfast, you can do dinner. . .what about lunch?" 

"Silly, you don't PREPARE lunch, it's just fruit." Jasmine said, kissing my neck.

"I usually have rice for lunch, or a nice spicy pasta" I said, "You just eat fruit?"

"You didn't know that?" 

"Now that I think of it, I've never had lunch with you." I said as I stroked Jasmine's mane tenderly. 

"I guess we're going to learn a lot about each other, now that we're married."

I felt my heart beat a little faster when she said that, and I got that big goofy smile of love on my face. "Yeah, married. I'll never get tired of hearing that."

Jasmine kissed my cheek and headed back toward our hose, pausing in the doorway, looking over her shoulder with that perfect smile.  

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"The sun is set, my love." Jasmine said, "It's officially my wedding night, I was going to our bed."

"Ohh, mind if I join you?" I joked, standing back up.

"It wouldn't be much of a wedding night, without my wife." Jasmine said,

I had tears of joy.


----*----






Offering day was different that year, because it was the first year that Jasmine and I would stand before the Sphinx as a married couple.  It was her advice that brought the two of us together a year ago, her advice is why I followed my heart.  I coulnd't wait to tell her I was Jasmine's wife, there would be such joy on that enormous face.  At the Appointed time, the Pharaoh and Hisan awaited in front of the podium, the musicians waiting with instruments poised to play.

The Sphinx, did not come.

In hundreds of years, not once was she late.  Not once did she not appear in the early afternoon to begin her meal and teleport her offering to wherever she kept them.  No one started the feast before the SPhinx arrived, the food sat around the tables uneaten, growing cold as we all turned to watch the skies, hours past, clouds gathered, a light rain fell.

The Sphinx, still did no come.

The Pharaoh dispatched scouts to the Sphinx's temple, to the lake where she bathed and drank, to palace the ancients built for her, all the places where the Sphinx spent her time.  Bomani sent scouts to the nearest caravans in the deserts, to ask the Fremen and other nomads if they'd seen the Sphinx.  Apedi sent out his hawk, and loyal Atanen came back, each time reporting she saw no sign of our Goddess. We huddled under the canopies on the great plaza, waiting for word, fear growing that something was terribly wrong.

The Sphinx, still did not come.

As the sun started to set, the food on the tables had been taken away uneaten.  No joyous words where shared, no business deals discussed, the children did not play, it all felt wrong without that wonderful Sphinx looking upon our joy.  The scouts returned, and found no sign of the Sphinx anywhere, nopony from here to Pandemonium had seen sign of her.  Talk started to grow fearful, this had never happened before!  Could the Sphinx be hurt? Is it possible for her to be harmed? Was she sick? Would she ever return? What if we were alone now? What did this all mean?  Fear was rapidly growing, panic was edging closer and closer.  A child cried somewhere in the crowd, none of us knew how to comfort them.

Then, as the sky grew dark, as lighting leaped from cloud to cloud, the Sphinx came.

None of us knowing what to do, why she was so late, we bowed to her and cried.  I was so happy to see her, so happy that she hadn't been hurt and we weren't alone!  The Sphinx wasn't her normal joyous self as she collected the offerings and teleported them away.  Pharaoh stood before her as the thunder cracked, Unconcerned that the rain was pouring down upon him.  

"Great Sphinx I-"

"Bring me Bomani." The Sphinx said abruptly.

I couldn't tell if it was sadness or anger in her voice, or both.

"Of course," The Pharaoh said, confused as he motioned for Bomani.

Bomani gave Hisan and I a look, and climbed the pedestal to stand before the Sphinx. "Well, great Sphinx you finally caught me before I opened a barrel." He said, trying his best to be charming.

"General, I have just come from the land of the Baratas.  I was surprised at how intact the cities where, considering I blatantly told him to set them aflame."

Bomani bowed, "Great Sphinx, I'm sorry, I know what your orders where but I could not bring myself to do harm to innocents again." He said. "That is the honest truth."

The Sphinx turned her eyes from Bomani, and there may have been tears in here eyes but it was impossible to tell for all the pouring rain.  We where silent, our joy of the day turning to fear.  I held Jasmine close to me, and she kissed my cheek, and when I looked to her, I saw no fear in her. . .only hope.  

"I see your honesty, and I know you could not have done what I asked." The Sphinx said, "Your heart is to big, your mercy more powerful than your blade.  The fact still remains, you defied me Bomani.  For two score and ten generations I have watched over the lands of southern Equestra and no pony has ever once had the courage to defy me.  You are a rare sort, Bomani Ender of worlds."

A peal of thunder, a moment of reflective silence.  Then the Sphinx spoke again.

"There will be no blessings this year." The Sphinx said, quietly, sorrowfully. "Your mines will not be made abundant, your fields will not bear a surplus in the harvest, the rivers will not rise to water them.  The vermin will not be stopped, and the fish will flee from your nets.  If you double your offering on this day next year, I will reconsider giving you my blessings.  This decision is final."

None of us knew what to say, could we even survive Without the blessings of the Sphinx?  Then just before the Sphinx took flight Bomani rushed to her, and drew his sword, turning it around and pointing it to his chest.

"Great Sphinx!" Bomani shouted, his lower lip quivering, "It was I who defied you, It was I who failed you, I beg of you allow me to end my life in penance!  Say the word and I'll drive this sword into my heart, just don't hurt my people, let my life be my final offering."

The Sphinx gave what might be called a smile, if it wasn't tainted by such sadness.  With a flick of her paw, the sword was torn away from Bomani's grip.  

"You are more charming when you're sober." She said, comforting Bomani with a paw. "And, you did not fail me.  I would not want you to end your life, your people will need you now more than ever."

Without another word, and the Sphinx took flight, disappearing back into the dark clouds. Jasmine and I ran to Bomani, Hisan joining us, and the warrior cried into our embrace.  The Pharoah stood high on the podium, the wise old ruler trying to find the words to say.

"People of the Sphinx," The Pharoah said, "I don't know how to say this, but it appears the blessings of the Sphinx have been. . .rescinded." 

The crowd shouted out questions, 

"What does that mean!?"

"How will we survive?!" 

"The Fields will wilt without the water of the river!" 

"How will we double the offering?  What will be left to eat?" 

Then, my wonderful, beautiful wife Stood, and spoke.

"People, we are not helpless!" She shouted, "I am but a temple warden but I've seen the strength of our people!  The Sphinx has not just blessed us with her magic, she has taught us how to survive!  She taught Bomani the lessons he used to free the Baratas and avoid a war.  She told me follow my heart, we cannot loose hope!  Together we'll survive on our strength alone!"

The Pharaoh smiled, and hugged my wife, turning back to the crowd. "This young temple warden is wise beyond her years, and she is right!  The Sphinx has taught us what we need to know.  It will not be an easy time, but together we can do it!"

And just like that, there was hope in the eyes of the people, joy in their voices as they shouted and cheered.  I kissed my wife, and there was a fragile hope in the kingdom, that we could survive.  Even Bomani, in his grief stood tall and proud with his people.  IT was not the joy we had last year, but it was deeper than that.  It was pride, and tenacity.  We were determined to survive at any cost.

Do you see this tear in my eye? We come closer To the darkest days in the Kingdom. . .but what is it Princess Luna always says? Only in Darkness do the stars shine.  If only I could tell my younger self that. . .it might have helped that frustrated young mare get through those terrible times.  It's what you came for though, right? To hear my darkest secrets? 

I've been dancing around this long enough, and you deserve the whole truth.  Next time, I promise I'll tell you the part of the story nopony has ever heard before.  The best times of my life, and the worst.
> The Darkest of Days
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first year, wasn't so bad.

    I mean, without the Sphinx's blessings things did get pretty serious.  Where the fields would normally be irrigated by the overflowing of the sacred River, there was no overflowing this year.  Ponies tried their best to irrigate the fields themselves with buckets and vats, but when harvesting season came the fields looked anemic, and shriveled.  The fruit from the trees still grew, but where just last year the dates, apples, pears and pomegranates where big, juicy and perfect, this year they all seemed small, bruised and tasteless.  Bugs, mice and locusts came, gnawing at our feeble crops, and we had no idea how to fight them off.  Even my hives produced poorly, and several of my newer colonies collapsed totally.  While we where all sure we could squirrel enough away for the double offering the Sphinx demanded, there wasn't a lot left over for us.

     In anticipation of some kind of disaster, The Pharaoh and several of the high temple officials had stockpiled corn, wheat, vats of pickled vegetables and assorted other emergency staples.  So as I mentioned, this year wasn't so bad. The Palace and the temple distributed the food to those that needed it, so that the Sphinx's offering could be gathered.  The first year of Jasmine and I's marriage was bliss of course, even if we had to spend every meal figuring out how to turn pickled corn, barley and dried rice into a filling meal.  No more sweet cakes, no more spicy pasta, even the breweries had a shortage of beer, but we would not go hungry.

     Still, our home was a place of joy.  On temple days, Jasmine and I would have modest dinners for guests.  Bomani, Hisan, and friends and family would gather in our parlor and while the food wasn't as rich or flavorful as we were used to, it was by far the best days of my life.  We honestly thought we were going through the worst of it, the topic often came up.  Bomani was always silent about it, thinking he was the one who brought down the wrath of the Sphinx on us.  Even after we lamented our troubles, we all concluded that the Sphinx would reward us for doubling the offering.  We were all so confident that this little dry spell would be over soon.  Bomani never talked about it, but he seemed to know better.

     Offering day came again, and there was little left for a feast.  We made bread, and vats of rice with butter.  There was joy everywhere, we where convinced that after we presented the gifts to the Sphinx she would tell us Bomani was forgiven and all would be made well.  Bomani for his part, didn't say anything.  He just sat at the table across from Jasmine and I, looking like he was right on the edge of crying up until the moment the Sphinx came.

    The Sphinx landed, and the Pharaoh came to greet her but just as before the Sphinx seemed to want to get right down to business.

"Pharaoh, I see you have doubled my offering as ordered." She said before the Pharaoh could speak.

"Yes, yes we have." The Pharaoh said.

"How did you do this and still have food for yourself?"

The Pharaoh looked confused for a moment then spoke out. "Years ago the Temple and I, along with a few nobles who where experts on agriculture stored staple foods that could feed the kingdom in times of crisis."

"What of the fields?"

"We. . . Have had trouble growing enough food just for your offering, great Sphinx." The Pharaoh said.

"So your fields are not producing enough to feed your people?"

"No, Great Sphinx.  Without your blessing how would we grow such abundance?"

The Sphinx looked down, disappointed.  "Pharaoh, have I not given you wisdom on the rotation of crops, irrigation, fertilization?"

"Yes great Sphinx, but-"

"Next year the offering will be tripled." The Sphinx interrupted. "And you will not receive my blessing this year."

     There where gasps in the crowd, one of them mine.  I held Jasmine close, hardly knowing what to do or say.

"I gave you my blessings, not because of your offerings." The Sphinx said, as she spread her wings. "But Because I truly love all of you, and because I still love you all. . .I deny them to you.  I will reconsider this next year."

     There was no speech from the Pharaoh this time, just confusion.  We thought the offerings would bring us back into favor of the Sphinx.  Now, we where to triple the offering, and the reserves of food wouldn't even last another month.  Most of our crops would go to the Sphinx now, and while we still had plenty of seeds the chances of us growing enough food was almost impossible.  We where all so scared, soon we'd have no food!

Jasmine . . .was still smiling at me when she turned my face toward her's and kissed me passionately.

"My beautiful wife," Jasmine said, "There is nothing to fear,"

"But-"

"No my love," Jasmine said. "I know how we'll survive."

    When I looked into Jasmine's eyes, I couldn't feel fear, only love and hope.  I ran a hoof through her mane, As my anxiety about the days to come washed away.  Jasmine turned to a nearby soldier.

"Sergeant," Jasmine said. "Would you and some of your friends do something for me?"

"Yes, Warden We serve the Nobles and the Temple." The Soldier said.

"Gather all the shovels you can find and bring them in a wagon to the riverbank near the Obelisk."

"Shovels, Warden?" The Soldier said, confused.

"You know, flat pieces of metal on the end of a stick you dig with. The Castle has some right?"

"Yes Warden, the supply rooms have shovels and picks and the like."

"Oh, good thinking!" Jasmine said. "Bring the picks too!"

The Soldier first turned to Bomani, who nodded. "It will be done Warden."

Jasmine gave me one more gentle peck on the nose, the same kind of kiss she gave me every morning as she made our morning tea, then ascended the Podium.

"People of southern Equstria!" Jasmine shouted. "I know you're all afraid, I know you're all confused.  But if we're going to survive this, we can't waste time by feeling sorry for ourselves.  We have to do something, and now is the perfect time to start.  I humbly ask you to join me by the river, near the Obelisk."

The Pharaoh, himself reeling from the less-than friendly encounter with the Sphinx nodded in agreement.  He smiled at Jasmine, how could he do anything else?

"Yes, Jasmine is right.  Now is the time for action! Follow us!"

    Encouraged by Jasmine's words, or perhaps not having anything better to do, most of the ponies at the feast followed Jasmine and I.  We met at the Obelisk that marked the place where the river always flooded it's banks to pour into the basin, where the fields where.  Jasmine smiled as when we arrived a few soldiers had already brought wagons of Shovels and picks and where giving each other confused looks.  Jasmine thanked them politely, grabbed one of the Shovels and landed on a hill overlooking the Obelisk.

"Our fields need irrigated, and buckets won't do it." Jasmine said. "In Pandemonium we helped the locals dig channels from their river to their fields.  It was difficult work, but it watered their fields well."

"The Basin is many miles away!" One of the Older nobles shouted.

"Then we will dig a Chanel that goes many miles!" Jasmine shouted. "We have to bring the water to the fields!  If we work together it can be done!"

"What will we do for food until the crops come in?" A mare shouted.

"We still have gold, we can trade it for food!  We'll send words to the Fremen, the Baratas, even from the Hyksos if we must!  Whoever we can! We'll put out the word and the world will answer!  But there will be no more food at harvest time if we do not dig!"

"We should go and pray to the Gods!  Beg for forgiveness!" A pony offered.

"No, we must destroy the Baratas! Then the Sphinx will forgive us!" Another shouted.

"There is no way to triple the offering, we're doomed!" Someone else shouted in panic.

"Ponies of the Kingdom please!" The Pharaoh said, "Now is not the the time for rash ideas.  Let us rest, I'll call a conference of our best minds to determine a corse of action. . ."

"No!  Pharaoh, with all due respect our path is clear!" Jasmine shouted, "We must irrigate the fields!  Without this we will not survive!"

    Not a single pony was sure what to do, except for Jasmine.  We where all so scared, so fearful, feeling so abandoned.  I understood their apprehension, so many of them lived lives of privilege, leisure, not since the nearly forgotten times before the Sphinx have anyone in Southern Equestria had been poor, or starving, and the idea of a life of poverty struck us all with terror.

"My people!  When the armies of the Hyksos attacked, murdered us in the streets, toppled our homes we stood together and we survived!  I beg of you, stand with me today!" Jasmine cried out, but when she saw nopony was coming to help she flew to the bank of the river, and began digging. "If no pony will help, I will dig this channel alone.  I heard of an earth pony to the North who was so strong he dug a channel in a single day, if he can do that so can I."

    None of us where sure what to do, so for a few moments we just watched Jasmine dig.  I was worried. . .Jasmine's medicine was getting harder and harder to come by and she'd been taking less and less.  I saw her out of breath after only a few moments, and I flew to her and held her.  Her strength was almost gone.

"Rest, Jasmine." I asked of her, "Don't over-exert yourself."

"My love, if you wish to help. . .get a shovel." Jasmine said with her perfect smile.

"I'll use yours." I said as I took the shovel from her. "You can supervise, okay my love?"

    Jasmine smiled, and nodded as I started Digging.  Soon, I realized another shovel was digging into the clay beside me, and I looked up to see Bomani digging next to me.  He smiled his winning smile and turned over his shoulder to shout at the crowd.

"Come on!  You going to let a Temple Warden and a beekeeper do all the work?" Bomani roared, "Any Pony without a shovel in their hooves is a coward!  So says your General!"

    The Soldiers present grabbed shovels and picks and joined us, Then the Priestesses and temple wardens.  The Nobles and commoners still held back, until Prince Hisan. . .then the Pharaoh himself grabbed shovels and started helping.   Soon hundreds of ponies where with us, digging, as one, as a kingdom.  Only a few of the Older nobles held back, looking upon us with suspicious eyes.

"This is Madness!  Digging without direction, We'll never get anywhere like this!" An old Noble said, "I'm going to get with the royal architects and draw up a detailed plan for all of you."

"We'll need wood for supports," An older mare offered. "And carts to carry away the dirt, I'll go into town to retrieve them!"

"Let's go back to the Plaza, get some of that food, these workers will need energy!" Another offered.

     And so, on that offering day instead of drinking ourselves silly, watching musicians and wrestlers, the entire Kingdom banded together. Together we worked the rest of the day, under torchlight under the stars, and into the rising of the sun the next day.  When we where finally done, a channel of amazing size led from the river to the basin. A floodgate was installed, and opened. The fresh water of the sacred river flowed into the valley, quenching the thirst of our dehydrated fields.

     Just as Jasmine suggested the Pharaoh put out the word that we where in the market for food to get us through until harvest time.  Fremen, Baratas and even Hyksos refugees heard of the promise of money and arrived in droves offering food from every corner of Southern Equestria.  Some even came from further, the people of Sultana Amira, Pegasi from the distant mountains, Earth ponies from the north, even a band of griffons with baskets of hard bread and barrels of Meade.  All the towns in the Kingdom where visited by this multitude, creating thriving markets where the foreigners sold everything from food to medical supplies, blankets, even crafts.

    Being that trade was on hold for the previous year, few of us in the kingdom realized how cash-poor we where.  Gold was in low supply, but most of the merchants where reasonable.  I'd just used the last of my loose gold to trade for a few vats of pickled cabbage, when I saw Et, one of my father's servants trying to trade with some Griffons.

"Please, I don't have that much, will you accept four coppers?"

"We got no use for your copper, pony." The griffon growled. "We want gold, jewels, we want riches!"

"Please, I'm just a worker, I have nothing else!" Et Said, "My children are hungry,"

"They'll stay hungry if you don't get me some gold." The griffon grumbled.

I honestly didn't think about what I said next, "What about pearls?" I said.

The griffon's eye grew wide with desire, "Pearls?" He said.

I removed the necklace Jasmine gave me, and held them up. "Fremen pearls." I said.

"Mm, That's worth five loaves of bread," The Griffon said.

"It's worth twenty." I said, knowing the griffons desired this necklace desperately. "Or I'll trade it to the Beduin."

"No, We can do twenty." The Griffon said, fearful I'd walk away with the object of their desire. "We'll throw in some picked beats!"

"Done." I said, putting my pearl necklace in the Griffon's Talon.

"Somnambula, thank you." Et said, bowing to me. "Thank you so much, I owe you my children's lives. . .but. . .your pearls."

My heart dropped as I realized what I'd done. "It's well worth it." I said through my sorrow. "Your family has worked with mine for generations."

    I wept as I ran to Jasmine, who was dealing with a unicorn with an eyepatch.  I held her, weeping into her shoulder at what I'd done.

"My love, what's wrong?"

"Jasmine I'm sorry," I cried. "Et was trying to buy food but the griffons wouldn't deal with him, I traded my pearls for bread. . .I'm so so sorry,"

Jasmine Gasped, "Oh no, Somnambula that's terrible," Jasmine said, "I never even thought of the workers, they haven't made a lot of money last year, they won't be able to trade for food! but you have a good idea Somnambula!"

"What?"

"We have jewelry, ingots," Jasmine removed her head dress, her mane tumbling down. "This head dress is pure silk, it could feed a whole family!"

"But. . .I didn't want you to be upset. . ."

"I'm not my love, I know it must have been difficult trading those pearls, but you did it to help others.  I'd never be upset at you for that."

I smiled, "Well we still have each other."

"We do, but let's do what we can to help the workers!" Jasmine said with joy as she climbed atop a barrel and waved to get everypony's attention. "Everypony!  PLease hear me!  Our workers are struggling, and I know we don't have much but we must do what we can to help them, we have to get through this as one!"

    In front of the gathered crowd, Jasmine pulled off her bejeweled bracelet and, handing it to the Violet colored pony.

"Sir, however much fruit this will buy, please distribute it to the workers, can you do that for me?"

The Pony smirked, "This is solid gold," he said. "This will buy a lot of melons,"

"How much will THIS buy?" Bomani said from nowhere, handing the Pony a dagger with an ivory handle. "This was a gift to me from the Pharaoh himself for saving his life during the war."

"Bomani, I won't be out done by my bodyguard!" Hisan said with a broad smile as he removed a medallion from his neck. "For the orphans and widows, good sir."

"Well, this is more than enough to buy out my entire Supply," The Eyepached unicorn said. "I'll see that those in need, get what they need."

"Come on everypony!" Jasmine said, "It's only jewelry!  Trade your baubles to these merchants to help those who cannot help themselves, show your love for this kingdom!"

     All around Nobles came forward, giving rings, bracelets, necklaces, colorful clothing, and giving them to the merchants to turn into food for those that couldn't afford it.  Again Jasmine inspired the kingdom to come forwards to look out for one another.  Every pony walked away from the markets with carts of food, and the nobles walked away looking a bit less glamorous but a lot more content.

     It took some doing but Jasmine and I finally found a trader that could sell us her Blood medicine.  The Buffalo rubbed his chin, and disappeared into his wagon for a few moments, returning with a large crate clinking with dozens of bottles of the medicine Jasmine needed.  We were overjoyed, it would be enough to keep her healthy for months.

"You are lucky," the Buffalo boomed, "The herb that makes this medicine grows more and more rare.  My people are one of the last that grow it."

Jasmine pulled out the last of her coins, "Is . . .this enough?"

"Oh yeah," The Buffalo said, "More than I would make in Panampen."

"Panampen?" I asked.

The Buffalo nodded, "Many children there have weak blood, because of all the smelting." He said. "Their parents would pay top dollar since the blood weakness is so much harder on children. But this gold is more than they can pay."

I saw a look of sorrow in Jasmine's face, "Is. . .there anypony else who sells this medicine?"

"No, in fact I was going to Panampen specifically to sell this, you saved me the trip."

Jasmine put her coins away, looking at me apologetically, knowing what she had to do. "Sir, go to Panampen, sell this to them."

"I could sell you one or two bottles," The Buffalo offered,

"No." Jasmine said with sorrow. "Every dose I took, would be taken from the mouth of a child who needs it."

The Buffalo smiled, "You're something else, lady."

"She really is," I said, hugging her closely.





----*----




    We were at our home, and Et and his wife offered to make us a dinner as a thank you for me trading my pearls to feed them.  It was only a few weeks after the market, we carefully rationed our food and thought we'd have enough to last until the harvest.  Et's young son played a flute while his wife cooked, and there was that boundless joy again.  We were together, in our beautiful home.  I wish it would have been forever.

     There was no more of Jasmine's medicine available, so we tried our very best to keep her comfortable.  She ate the foods the healers recommended and tried not to participate in strenuous tasks.  I noticed little things, she tired more easily, took longer to get out of bed, spoke more softly, but we figured she had this condition years before she knew about it and was just fine.  If she took good care of herself, she'd be okay until we could find more of her medication.

    That night was the last night I saw Jasmine on her hooves, as she danced gleefully with Et's daughter.  We ate a modest meal of bread, honey and dates.  When Et and his family left Jasmine and I opened the windows to the bedroom, letting the cool evening wind blow through, and we made love it's the cool desert breeze blowing across our bodies.

      In Jasmine's state, her body could not handle even the slightest ailment or infection.  I never knew what it was that finally afflicted her, but when the morning came after that wonderful night, I kissed Jasmine's cheek and Jepti took his morning trek over our heads.  Jasmine cooed at my touch, but did not embrace me.

"My love," Jasmine said, "I. . . .I don't have the strength to stand,"

"Oh no," I said, holding Jasmine.  "I'll go and fetch Hotep, immediately."

"Yes, that would be best."

    I flew into town as fast as I could finding the Hotep already had a line of ponies waiting for help.  There was much need in the kingdom in those days, so I waited patiently, breathing heavily and panic growing.  I told Hotep Jasmine was sick and he flew with me back to the house.  When we arrived I saw my father and mother already at the side of Jasmine's bed, giving her water.

"Now Jasmine, what's the trouble?" Hotep said kindly.

"I fear I have very little strength." Jasmine said, "I. . .don't know what's wrong."

    Hotep shooed us away from the bedroom, and my parents and I sat in the parlor, for what seemed like days.  We didn't talk much, my mother just holding me as I trembled, for fear of what Hotep would say.

As you've been guessing I'm sure, the news was not good.

"Somnambula, Lady Ophet. . .Lord Zaan," Hotep said, emerging form the room. "I fear I've reached the limit of my knowledge, I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do.  Even if we had her medicine, her malady is to far along."

"No," I whimpered,

Hotep bowed to me, "Somnambula, I am sorry." I said, "I will return to my archives, I will contact all my associates and see if there is anything I can do to at least make her more comfortable."

"How-" I began, my voice catching in my throat. "How long?"

Hotep paused, trying to find words to say. "She is very strong, but. . .not long."

    So I went back to our bed, and I crawled into the bed beside Jasmine and held her as tightly as I dared.

"My wife," Jasmine said weakly.

"My love." I said back.

"Hotep. . .did all he could, do not have ill will," Jasmine said.

"No, of course not." I said, "Don't worry about anything, I'm going to stay with you.  Stay with you as long as I can."

     And I didn't. Bomani and Hisan came by as soon as they heard what happened, bringing Jasmine fruit and wine, giving it to her as she had not even the strength to lift her head.  Apedi and Sedeh came by, and shared stories of our adventure to Panamen.  They hugged Jasmine, told her they'd never forget her, said their goodbyes.  Jasmine's mother and father came by, kissing their daughter lightly, setting flowers by her head on our large marriage bed.  I held on, stroking my wife's mane, giving her tender kisses, holding on to every single moment I could.

    Jasmine's parents where quite elderly, and as the sun set they retreated to the guest room to rest.  Hisan and Bomani stayed with us, refusing to say their goodbyes.  They spoke about so many things, our time in school together, even laughing at the time Bomani let a snake loose and scared one of our professors so much she flew out the window.  Jasmine laughed softly, having joy in that moment.  The time came however, when my dear Prince, and brave Bomani had to admit that the light of our lives, was dying.

"Jasmine," Prince Hisan said, softly. "I spoke with my father before I came here, he's agreed to adopt you posthumously so that you may rest in theTomb of the Kings."

"I'm- not royalty, I'm not worthy."

"Nonsense," Hisan said, "Jasmine, you've done so much for us, for this Kingdom.  You've inspired us to survive this catastrophe.  You've done more with kind words and compassion than I could do with all my power.  The only reason why you should be entombed with my family, is that there is no higher place."

Jasmine smiled, "Thank you dear prince.  I accept your generosity."

Bomani removed his sword from his saddle, setting the bejeweled scabbard on the bed beside Jasmine among the fresh flowers. "My dear, it would be my honor if you-" Bomani choked back his tears, and continued. "If you would carry my sword with you into the afterlife.  Anubis will test you, and while I know your heart will not be found wanting I want him to know how much you were loved.  Thank you Jasmine, for being with me through all this.  I will weep with ashes for you."

"Thank you brave Bomani," Jasmine said, "If I can ask one thing of you, please learn to forgive yourself.  You did not fail this Kingdom."

Bomani was quiet for a moment, averting his gaze. "For you beloved Jasmine, I will try."

"And. . .find a wife." Jasmine said with a giggle, "It would be a shame for such male beauty to be wasted on bachelorhood."

Bomani smiled kindly, and kissed Jasmine's hoof. "Well, when you meet Hathor, tell her to send me a mare with soft eyes and generous flanks and I'll make her my wife."

"Why not a stallion?" Jasmine said with a playful wink. "Handsome and demure,"

Bomani turned to Hisan, "You told her!"

"I tell her everything." Hisan said with a shrug.

    We all shared a laugh, and there was a silence.  It was now their time to say goodbye.

"Well, we'll leave you two alone." Hisan said. "Goodbye my sister, I love you."

"Yes, farewell until we meet again, Beautiful Jasmine." Bomani said. "Be brave,"

The two of them left, and I was alone with my wife.

"The hour grows late." Jasmine said, "I think I may sleep soon."

"No, Jasmine, please.  Hold on."

"It's not for us to determine when the light of our life begins, or ends my love." Jasmine said.

"But I can't go on without you, there is no joy without you my love, my entire life will be darkness I'll never love again!"

"No, Sombambula no, you will go on!  You are young, healthy, you have friends and family.  You will fly with the sun on your back and you will have have so many joyous daysm, so many adventures.  You will find love again, I know this."

"What kind of life can I have with you?" I asked.

"A wondrous one," Jasmine said, "I will look at you from the beyond, always with love. I won't have your life end with mine.  Never lose hope, never let that beautiful smile of yours fade. Never lose hope."

"How can I have hope without you?" I cried.

"Hope is always there, even if it cannot be seen."  Jasmine said, using what little strength she had to kiss my neck. "To have it costs you nothing, but to loose it costs you everything.  Do not loose it my love, never loose hope."

I cradled Jasmine close to me, kissing her forehead. "I won't my love.  I promise you, I swear it.  I'll love you forever and never let go of hope."

"Thank you Somnambla." Jasmine cooed. "I love you,"

"I Love you too, my flower in the desert, my beloved wife."

      Night crept on and Jasmine used what strength she had to draw herself as close to me as she could.  There was no more words, only the soft sound of her breath in the dark.  I don't know how long I held her, I lost all track of time in that calm void as we cuddled tenderly under the light of the moon.  Jepti climbed into the bed, purring and cuddling with us, seeming to know we needed his affection.

    Then somewhere in that time where late night becomes early morning, Jasmine of the Kingdom of the Sphinx, temple Warden, and my beloved wife, breathed one last time softly against my cheek.   It was then I knew Jasmine was lost to me, and I wept until morning came.



----*----



      What strikes me most of all, is how incredibly unfair it all felt.  I waited for years, unable to even kiss Jasmine, then years apart, loving her deeply while she was on the other side of the world on Pilgrimage.  All that time, feeling desperately alone and then she was with me.  I’d hope she’d be with me forever.  Our years together felt like the beginning, but now here I was, at the entrance to the royal tombs, wearing my funeral dress.  Almost three years ago I wore a wedding dress of brilliant gold, now I wore the veil of a widow.  What did Jasmine do to deserve it? Unite a kingdom? Inspire it’s people? Help a people in despair recover? Give her LIFE to save a bunch of children she never met?  Make me the happiest Mare in the land? Was that what the gods deemed worthy of such a young death?

Like I said, Unfair.

     A pyre was burning, and those of Jasmine’s household and friends spread the ashes on their faces and necks to show their mourning.  Jasmine’s sarcophagus was simple stone, there where precious few jewels and gold left in the kingdom at that time.  Only a medallion and a few spots of glowpaz decorated the vessel she would take into the afterlife.  I myself pulled the cart with her remains on it, Bomani, Hisan, the Pharaoh and Jasmine’s Parents carrying the canopic jars to set beside her in the tomb.  I walked inside the silent stone room at the base of the pyramid where Jasmine would prepare herself to leave through the gates of the afterlife.  Since Jasmine’s death was so sudden, there was precious little time to prepare her sarcophagus, much less decorate the tomb with the hieroglyphics and murals that would chronicle her life.  In the week it took to mummify her remains, the Pharaoh’s artists carved out and painted one picture, Jasmine standing on the podium bravelybefore the kingdom’s worried masses with a look of resolve.  It was The most they could do.

     We entombed Jasmine with some of her favorite things, her marriage gown, her own sword, and Bomani’s.  We carried in the reed canoe she often took into the river on sunny days, and the pet finch she had as a child, which was mummified when it died years ago.  It even had it’s own tiny sarcophagus inside it’s brass cage.  I guessed Jasmine would be joyful to see that little finch again after she reached the final gate.  After the last of Jasmine’s things where packed away neatly inside the tomb with a few jars of rice, barley and honey, the temple wardens rolled he heavy stone in front of the door, pushing it into it’s narrow place, fitting so tightly that not even air would pass through.

     My Wife’s tomb would remain undisturbed for over a thousand years, until an archeologist by the name of Daring Doo Dazzle opened it on a routine investigation of our culture.  What was left in that tomb was catalogued, preserved and put in a museum exhibit in Baltimare that to this day.  I haven't had the heart to see it yet but I understand it’s a popular attraction, “the Tomb of the lost noble”.  You see, because of the lack of hieroglyphs and other carvings, nopony knew who‘s tomb it was, they only that it belonged to a very important pony.  Some theorized that she was the Pharaoh’s mistress, others think the rumors of my disappearance where false and it was MY tomb.  This is how she was forgotten, she died too soon and nopony had time to chronicle all the wonderful things she did.

Again, very unfair.

     You might assume that the raiding of my wife’s tomb bothers me, let me assure you it doesn’t.  First of all, those museum ponies where very respectful to all the items in her tomb where cleaned and meticulously preserved, then put on display in a place of honor, not so bad.  Secondly, my wife was done with those things.   The Canoe, the finch, the swords, the food, all were meant to help her on her on her long path to the afterlife.  She’s there now, among the gods, in a state of being that nopony among the living can comprehend.  Jasmine has no more sickness there, no weariness, she runs without tiring, swims in the rivers without slowing, and flies among the brightest of stars.  Let those museum ponies have all those dusty old things, the only thing Jasmine lacks in the afterlife is her wife.

    I’ll return to her one day though, after a long life filled with other adventures.  I’ll join her there, among the gods and spend my eternity with her.  Not just yet though, I still have things to do, things to see, adventures to have.  It’s what she wanted.




——*——



     Back then, a thousand years ago, I wept for days.  I saw nopony, never went outside, it felt wrong to sleep alone in the bed we shared, so I rested on the seats in our parlor.  Mom and Dad visited me, as well as Hisan, and Bomani a few times, mostly to bring me food and check on me, but they know I needed some time alone.  Seven days of this, was all I needed.  And on the seventh day, Prince Hisan payed me a visit.

    The Prince came in with a jar of hearty grain beer, one of the only kind of alcohol still available in the kingdom.  He poured a bowl for himself and me and set them on the rug in my parlor.  I found myself thirsty, so I took a long swig of beer, it’s mild sweetness and tinge of alcohol making me feel a bit warmer, a bit more relaxed.

“The rain is coming soon,” Hisan said, talking about the upcoming rainy season.

“Yeah,” I said quietly.

“You know what they say; in Southern Equestria there are four seasons: Hot, Hotter, hottest and Mud.”

I giggled a bit, the old saying bringing me joy. “Yeah,”

“Your father tells me the Hives are doing well, so well there may be a few ready to split.  With the rain softening up the clay near the river it may be time to make a few new hives.”

I nodded, “That’s good.” I said. “We. . .We’ll make the offering, have a little left over to make cakes.”

With that, Hisan stood and walked to my window, ducking back a bit as a few curious bees flew inside to search for flowers.  “That’s. . .just what I meant to talk to you about.”

“Well, don’t worry.  We won’t come up short.”

“No you won’t.” Hisan agreed. “Neither will any pony else in the kingdom.  The Sphinx’s offering will be two thirds of our yield.  Most of our crops.”

“That’s. . .more than I realized.” I said. “Jasmine's canal saved us, but there may not be enough for all of us.”

“And the royal treasury is almost empty.” Hisan said, “We won’t have enough food until next harvest, not near enough.  We’ve been going over it again and again in court, and there is no way for that amount of food to last more than a few weeks.  Two hundred thousand ponies sure can eat a lot, when it comes down to it.”

“You’re smart enough to figure it out.” I said, “Jasmine had faith in you, and so do I.”

Hisan was quiet for a moment, and seemed to change the subject. “Somnambula, I saw the Sphinx at the Funeral.  You where in the Tomb, she was near the oasis, sitting by the spring.  She was crying Somnambula, and she wore ashes.”

    That confused me, the Sphinx only came out of her temple on rare occasions, and even then it was just for a quick trip to the river for a bath, or in times of great importance.  The idea that she was at my wife’s funeral, and mourning her in the traditional way, it was both very comforting and a bit confusing.

Hisan continued, “I asked her what she was doing there, she told me she was mourning Jasmine’s death.  I got a bit angry, as I am want to do.  I told the Sphinx, how she can mourn my beloved sister, when it was HER who killed Jasmine with her bitterness.”

“Hisan-“ I whimpered, “You said that. . .to the Sphinx?”

“Yes I did.” Hisan admitted, “And, it’s not untrue.  The Sphinx created this famine.  I expected the Sphinx to be angry at me, she’s killed ponies for less Blasphemy.  However, she did something I didn’t expect.  She agreed with me.  The Sphinx told me she would never forgive herself for what happened to Jasmine, and told me. . .to let you know.”

“I don’t think blaming her is going to make things better.” I said, “The Sphinx Loved Jasmine, and mourns her too.  It was big of her though to admit fault.”

“Yes, and Jasmine wasn’t in favor of grudges, when I shouted at the Sphinx, I could almost hear her saying ‘Hisan, be calm’.  So, I have forgiven the sphinx, and told her that.   I won’t let her pettiness harm any pony else.” Hisan said.  “She gave Bomani an impossible choice, kill thousands of innocents, or allow his people to suffer.  He chose sparing innocents, even offered his own life as penance, that kind of courage is rare.  Now she offers us another impossible choice, feed our people, or give the offering to her.  Let all that food rot in the temple while our people starve.”

“What are you saying?” I asked.

“I’ve discussed this with my Father.” Hisan said. “We’ve decided that this offering day, we will give the offering back to the people.  I will decree that no one in the kingdom will go hungry and I don’t think ponies will argue.”

I wasn’t sure what to say, the first thing to escape my mouth was, “No offering?” I said, as if I didn’t understand the words. “B-but we’ve always given offerings, what will the Sphinx do if we refuse her?”

Hisan Shrugged, “Perhaps she’ll just leave, or take the offering by force, or burn the entire palace to a cinder.  To be honest, I don’t know.  I do however know what will happen if we give the offering.” Hisan said sadly. “Our people will run out of food, and starve. We have to choose the unknown, because the known means certain destruction.”

    I drank the rest of the beer in my bowl and joined Hisan by the window, resting my head on his neck like I did when we were courting.  He wrapped a foreleg around my shoulders, and I could feel his body relax and his breath slow.

“You’re very brave,” I said.

“Thank you.” Hisan said, a tremble in his voice. “I have to admit, I’m terrified Somnambula.  I feel like everything will end soon and all my courage, all my power, it means nothing.”

I smiled up and my friend, “Hisan, What would Jasmine say?”

Hisan smiled, “She would tell me to never lose hope.”

“Yes, and since she’s not here I guess I’ll do that.” Somnambula said. “Jasmine taught me that no matter how hopeless things seem, we have to believe that things will get better.  Even as she died, she was so brave, she spent her last moments making me promise her that I wouldn’t give up hope.  Don’t be scared Hisan, no matter what happens I’ll stand with you.”

“Thank you.” Hisan said.

“The best days are ahead.  We have to believe that.”

“I do.” Hisan said, holding me close.
> The Riddle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

   True to my promise, I stood by Hisan, quite literally on the next day of offering.  I arrived at the plaza, to find that only Hisan and the Pharaoh where there, the rest of the kingdom having been told to stay at home.  The public response to Prince Hisan’s decree was mixed, of course they where all relieved that there would be enough food but knowing the Sphinx would be denied made many very afraid.  Some ponies even chose to leave the kingdom, so afraid at what the sphinx might do they gave up on the kingdom.  Nopony did anything to stop them, this was a terrifying time, who could blame them for protecting their families?

     Hisan, the Pharaoh and I where joined only by a few select Nobles, and Bomani with a few honor guards, the Pharaoh’s personal guard, all in full battle dress.  This meeting had the feeling of a Parlay between enemy armies, not a day of celebration as it was before.  That along made me sad, my fondest memories of the Offering day.  Family, friends, great banquets, music, laughter, all things denied on their dark day.

    The sphinx seemed to know something was different as she landed, her face neutral as she stood on the Podium.  She said nothing as she sat there, looking us over each on turn.  Something about her face, told me she missed the celebrations we used to have as well.  From the time I was a foal I remember the Sphinx swaying her head to the music, drinking wine by the barrel, and her smiles of joy.  Faced with only soldiers and diplomats, she knew something was wrong.  This time, Prince Hisan stepped forward instead of his father, and without greeting he began.

“Great sphinx, we have not been able to produce enough food to both feed our people and make our offering.” He said without emotion. “We have chosen to feed our people.”

I expected instant rage, or at least surprise but the sphinx only closed her eyes and nodded. “Pharaoh, do you agree with your son’s choice?”

“I support him fully, Great sphinx.” The Pharaoh said, patting Hisan on the back.

“Somnambula,I see you stand by your friend.” The Sphinx said addressing me.

“I do, Great Sphinx.”

“I offer my condolences for your wife.” The Sphinx said quietly, “when her heart is weighed, it will not be found lacking.”

“Thank you great Sphinx.” I said, politely bowing.

The Sphinx turned back to Hisan. “Dear Prince, you must know that this is unprecedented.  Nopony has ever refused me an offering.”

“I’m aware.” Hisan said. “You’ve forced this choice upon me, I will not let my people starve.  You taught me that I was responsible for every life in my kingdom and that I should do anything to protect them.  So there will be no more offering.”

The Sphinx’s upper lip curled in a snarl, and she was surround in an aura of flame.  “That’s where you’re wrong dear prince.” She said. “There will always be an offering, if you will not give me the fruits of your labors, I will take you.”

    None of use expected that, and before we could even figure out what she was talking about, the Sphinx reached forward with one of her massive paws to grab the prince.  None of us had ever seen the Sphinx show aggression, and it scared the soldiers so much that as she lunged those battle-hardened veterans jumped backwards.  All but one of them, that is.

    Bomani lept in front of Hisan, and deflected the Sphinx’s paw with his shield.  He stood with his calm, nuetral face, pointing his solid bronze spear over the crest of his tall Shiled, eyeing the sphinx.

“I made an oath to you Great Sphinx, that I would protect Hisan and his kingdom from all that would harm him.” Bomani said.

“Your courage is noted, Bomani but I don’t wish to hurt you.” The Sphinx said, “Get out of the way.”

“I promised Hisan that for him I would fight a God.” Bomani said, the head of his spear not wavering. “If you’re not careful today I will fulfill that promise.”

The Sphinx scowled, “Be reasonable, Ender of Worlds.  What chance do you stand alone?”

“Who said I was alone?” Bomani said with his winning smile. “NOW!”

    Quickly, the nobles present threw off their cloaks, and I recognized Apedi and Sedeh, fully armed and armored under their robes along with a few more of Bomani’s elite soldiers.  A hundred combat veterans, fully armed with spears, swords, axes, and tall shields rushed into the Plaza.

    Archers popped up from the top of the white marble gates of the plazon, raining down long arrows in large swarms on the Sphinx. The arrowheads where sharp but the Sphinx’s soft fur hid her thick, nearly unbreakable skin.  The archers couldn’t hope to harm her, but they where protecting their prince.

“Nets!” Bomani shouted.

    A team of ponies flew overhead trailing what looked like a massive fishing net, dropping it over the Sphinx, as her wings tangled in the net the foot soldiers rushed forward, pulling down on the ends of the net, trying to hold the great sphinx down as she roared and thrashed.

“Hold her!” Bomani said, hundreds of ponies pulling on the net with him, “So I can finish this!”

    Bomani hefted his spear, and flew upwards then down with his spear forard, turning himself into a dart.   I realized he was actually going to bury that spear in the sphinx!  I didn’t know what to think, I almost shouted out to Bomani to stop, but I know almost nothing could stop him.

    The Sphinx wasn’t ready to give up either, she roared and a shockwave of flame incinerated the net and threw back all the ponies holding it.  Bomani was tossed backwards like a doll, but caught himself before he landed.  Bomani looked at his solid bronze spear to see that the flame of the aura had softened it, and bent it.  Bomani tossed the useless spear aside and drew his axe.

“Formation!” Bomani roared, “Protect the Prince!  Artillery Open fire!”

    I wondered what Bomani was talking about then noticed two wagons that where parked near the back of the plaza turned around, revealing that in the rear of these wagons where scorpion baristas, gigantic bows that fired heavy stones over enemy walls.  They weren’t very accurate, and fine for when you were aiming at a building, but the Sphinx moved.  The fast moving stones whizzed by her as she calmly moved out of the way.  Still, the rocks where the size of my head and when they did connect they impacted with enough force to make the sphinx stumble.

“Link Shields and spears forward!” Bomani shouted as a hundred foot soldiers locked their bronze shields together, foot soldiers armed with swords and axes standing behind the shield wall, protected. “Forward March!”

    The impressive formation moved forward step by step, shouting in unison at every hoof beat, the Sphinx eyeing them with unimpressed impatience.  I was stunned, what where they expecting to do? Stab a god?

“You, the ones throwing rocks!” The Sphinx said, blocking a boulder from hitting her face. “You need to leave, now.”

    The Ponies reloading the ballistas paused and when they saw the Sphinx raise her paws with a fireball in each one, throwing them at the wagons.  They got out of the way just before the the carts and the Balistas exploded in fire and flame.

“Halt and open fire!” Bomani instructed his elite cohort, “Bring her down!”

    The ponies compiled and threw sharp javelins and darts, slingers spinning their leather straps and casting fist-sized sling bullets at the sphinx.  The missiles hit, but where harmless to the sphinx who simply stared indignantly at the formation.

“This is foolish,” The Sphinx said. “I salute your bravery and creativity but you’re in my way.”

    The Sphinx spread her wings, the feathered limbs as big as the main sails of a ship and flapped them fiercely, and there was a great wind in the plaza that blew back at every javelin and bullet, and caused the entire formation to lower themselves, straining to stay on their hooves.  I was standing far back, near Hisan and I almost lost my dress in the deluge.

“Brace and advance!” Bomani roared, “Don’t you DARE give up!”

    Despite Bomani’s encouragement, the wind was getting more intense and one by one the soldiers lost their footing and where blown backwards, tumbling across the plaza, their armor and weapons flying about like leaves in a hurricane.

“Advance!” Bomani roared over the wind, “Advance and Attack!”

    It was no good, soon the entire formation was tumbling across the plaza, scattered like dust.  The Sphinx strode confidently toward the Prince again, before Apedi flew strait at her face, both daggers drawn, Atanen his loyal hawk flying beside him.  The Sphinx rolled her eyes and puffed out her cheeks, blowing a column of wind at him, pushing him so far away I didn’t see where he landed. Sedeh wasn’t ready to give up either and roared as loud as she could as she swung her mighty mace with all her might, connecting with the Sphinx’s forehead with a pathetic little “plink”.  The Sphinx grabbed Sedeh and scowled at her.

“Go home!” The Sphinx roared at Sedeh as she threw the pegasus high into the air.  I’m not sure where Sedeh went that day but I think she listened to the Sphinx.

“Regroup!  Regroup!”  Bomani shouted as he hefted a wooden spear off the ground, “Grab whatever weapon you can find and Charge!”

     The scattered soldiers complied, grabbing swords, spears, axes, mace, even pieces of wood or discarded arrows and galloped at the sphinx full speed, not willing to give up.

“I’m growing weary of this,” The Sphinx said, her aura of fire igniting around her.

     The sphinx held forward her paws at the scatted soldiers and flames leaped from them. even the hardened veterans knew they where in over their heads, and at the first lick of flame dropped their weapons and ran for cover.  Soon, Bomani was the only one still in the Plaza, the only one not hiding or running away.  Bomani held his shield forward, the flames surrounding him.

“Bomani!  Stop this before you get hurt!” The Sphinx said, roaring as she narrowed her flames against Bomani’s shield.

“One of us DIES TODAY!” Bomani spat back defiantly. “We fight to the END!”

The Sphinx shook her head, “No, we do not.” She countered, sadly.

    I knew Bomani would never give up, he would never surrender, he never once did.  He never was beaten in battle, never once retreated from an enemy, and today was no exception.  The wooden shaft of his spear caught fire, his shield deformed against the heat of the flames, and Still he marched forward.  There was a sound like frying fish and I realized with horror that Bomani’s helmet and shield where so hot his skin was sizzling!  Bomani threw off the helmet and tossed the flaming spear aside. He emptied the water from his canteen over his head to douse his burning mane and drew a dagger from his belt as he continued to advance.  Now he was underneath the sphinx and the roar of flames was defending as it spread around him.

“Surrender!” The Sphinx Commanded.

“YOU FIRST!” Bomani roared, his voice hoarse as he threw his red-hot shield at the Sphinx’s face.

     The Sphinx batted the shield aside and Bomani, with speed and skill impossible to comprehend leapt into the air and buried his dagger into the Sphinx’s chest with all his strength.  The Sphinx reared up and roared so loud I had to cover my ears.   Perhaps out of reflex, she backhanded Bomani with her paw sending the loyal soldier, my best friend, flying into a pillar.  He fell to the ground, and did not stand.

“Bomani, no!” I said dashing to his side, I lifted his head and saw he still breathed, but shallowly and in a short rasp.

    The Sphinx had grabbed Hisan, and flying high into the air looked down upon us with rage.   The Soldiers where scattered, not a one still wanted to oppose the sphinx.

“Pharaoh, generations ago I gave the first of your royal line a riddle.” The Sphinx said, “If you wish to have your son back, one of you must come to my temple and answer it.”

     And without another word the Sphinx flew away, all of us dumbfounded at what happened.  Medics where rushing to see tend to the injuries of the collected Soldiers, and for a second I almost called for Jasmine to come and help Bomani. . .and with sadness realized that call would go unanswered.


——*——


    I flew Bomani to Hotep as quickly as I could, only realizing after I got there that being an general, Bomani had his own private surgeon.  I never thought of Bomani as the leader of our armies, I still thought of him as that kid I grew up with.  Hotep was glad to help however, quickly tending to his injuries.  The Pharaoh and Bomani’s surgeon soon realized where I’d taken him, and joined me there.  The Surgeon going to help Hotep as The Pharaoh and I waited in silence, not even sure what to say.  Finally after some time I had some small talk.

“Your Majesty, what. . .what will we do?” I asked.

“For now, we make sure Bomani is okay.” The Pharaoh said. “The Sphinx won’t hurt Hisan, so we’ll have time to formulate a plan.”

“Was any pony else hurt?”

“Surprisingly no,” The Pharaoh admitted. “A few bumps and bruises, minor burns, nothing serious.  Though I firmly believe that the Sphinx could have killed all of us with only a little more effort.  This is why I’m sure Hisan will be fine.”

“I’m sure he will too.”

Hotep approached us, “Your Majesty, Bomani will survive.”

“Very good, healer. What where his injuries?”

Hotep sighed, “He has serious burns on his legs and his head, and despite being thrown like a toy he has no broken bones.  I treaded his burns so he will be free of infection, He’ll need to lay in bed for a while until the burns heal.”

“Thank you, healer.” The Pharaoh said. “May we speak with him?”

“Yes, but be aware it will be very painful for him to speak.” Hotep said. “He breathed in a lot of flames, and it scorched his throat and lungs.”

“Oh my,” I whimpered,

“He will heal, Dear Somnambula.” The Pharaoh said. “Let’s go and and see him.”

    As we entered, the Surgeon was letting Bomani drink from a canteen.  What I saw, shook me to the core.  Bomani, who’s flowing mane made mares coo in delight, now was totally bald, a few bandages covering the gruesome burns from where his brass helmet rested.  The leg that carried his shield was wrapped in gauze.  Bomani’s eyes where bloodshot, and for the first time since I’d seen this mighty warrior, Bomani actually looked weak.  I knew he might not want it, but I hugged him closely, and he rested his good arm across my back.

“Hisan,” Bomani croaked, his voice sounding like a coarse whisper, “Safe?”

    Bomani winced as he spoke, it seemed like every word was a struggle.  Bomani’s strong baritone, the voice that could command legions or sing with immeasurable skill was gone.  Replaced by a coarse croak that sounded nothing like he did before.  I’m sad to say, that his heavenly voice never quite came back.

“The Sphinx has him.” The Pharaoh said sadly.

Bomani let out a sad, defeated moan, closing his eyes, turning his gaze away.

“General, you fought braver than ten armies.” Pharaoh said, “And we don’t believe the Sphinx will hurt him.”

“I . . .tried,” Bomani whimpered, eyes filled with tears.

“Shh, rest your voice,” I said,

“Should. . .have-“

“Bomani, stop.” I said, “He knows you did your best, but look who you where fighting!”

“You will be remembered as the best warrior our kingdom has ever produced,” The Pharaoh said, proudly. “Mighty Bomani, the one who made the Sphinx bleed.”

Bomani couldn’t smile, but nodded his head humbly at the Pharaoh, he touched my chest with a hoof, and croaked out the words, “Bring him home. . .promise.”

“I promise, Bomani.” I said, kissing him on the cheek. “Whatever it takes I’ll get Hisan home.  You just rest, you deserve a break, okay?”

Bomani nodded, his surgeon setting a soft blanket over him so he could get some rest.


-----*-----


    The Pharaoh called a meeting of all the Nobles, and I joined my father and Mother at the meeting.  Usually these meetings where really boring, and had to do with some tariff or a proposed effort to expand some nobles land, but today there was the pressing matter of how we where going to get Prince Hisan back.  Honestly, these meetings where pretty unproductive most of the time, we didn’t exactly have democracy yet (Us Pegasi would get that going later) so the Pharaoh or Hisan where the only ones who made decisions, these meetings of the court of nobles were only held so Nobles could voice their opinions, offer suggestions and bring the Pharaoh the benefit of their wisdom.  Nobles where chose back then for their skill at their trades, so we were all really good at something.

     Today was strange, if we were talking about an export tax on radishes or something we could all chime in, but what to do about the prince being captured by a god?  Our greatest warriors had failed to stop the Sphinx, the only reason she was slowed down at all is that she didn’t want to kill them.  Our long talks seemed to always come around to the riddle, when everypony fell silent.  It was all we had, the only course that the Sphinx gave us.

“Ponies of the Kingdom, answering the riddle may be our only course of action” The Pharaoh said with sadness. “Fighting the Sphinx will Yield us nothing, bringing her the offering would only ensure our destruction.  We must answer the riddle.”

      The Pharaoh motioned to a group of scholars who produced a dusty scroll that looked older than the kingdom, as they likely where.  I glanced at the writing, it was a very very ancient pictogram that was total gibberish to me.  It was the language of the old dynasty, what we often called the first people.  Many believed they were formed from clay at the banks of sacred river by the gods.  These four scholars I recognized as some of the few ponies who had a grasp of that old language, but only as an abstract.

“I am Ahmed, and along with my fellow royal scholars have studied the text of the Riddle as given to the first Pharaoh.” The Impossibly old stallion in front of the scroll said. “Those of my order, in seven hundred years have never once been able to make sense of this riddle.  I’m afraid today is no different my Pharaoh.”

The Pharaoh nodded, as if he expected that answer. “Ahmed, read the text of the riddle to those gathered.”

Ahmed looked horrified, “My Pharaoh, this is not done, the Riddle is for the ears of those of the royal line and my order only!”

“Your order has failed, Ahmed.” Pharaoh said, sadly. “Somepony else should have a try.”

There was a faint disappointment on Ahmed’s face, but he seemed to realize the Pharaoh was right and without preamble he read the text of the Riddle, “What is invisible, and burns? What is Worthless and costs nothing?”

There where murmurs, but nopony jumped forward with an answer.

“Mr. Scholar?” I asked, raising a hoof. “Pardon me but that makes no sense whatsoever!”

“Young filly, this is a riddle!  It’s not meat to make sense.” Ahmed answered.

“I know that,” I said with a grin. “It’s just I’ve heard the Sphinx recite her poetry.  She had a way with words and what you just read is a mess!  Are you completely, totally 100% sure you translated it right?”

Ahmed opened his mouth as if to answer, but stopped, then thought.

“It is a really old language, it’s probably all mixed up.” I said. “And the guy who wrote that down didn’t HEAR the sphinx say it, he just wrote down what somepony told him she said.”

Ahmed nodded, “Yes. . .there may have been some. . .loss of the original intent of the text over the years.”

“So you didn’t really FAIL,” I said with a smile. “You just didn’t have the right tools to work with!  Riddles have to be clear to be solved and that wasn’t clear at all.”

“Than somepony must go to the sphinx. . .and ask for the riddle anew.” The Pharaoh said. “I will ask for volunteers to stand before the sphinx, but know that if you answer the riddle incorrectly, it is the only situation where the sphinx will take your life.”

     The room gasped, the very idea of the Sphinx taking a life was beyond them, but that part of the legend was well known. It’s the reason only a few ponies in our long history have attempted to solve the riddle.  They’d all failed, and where killed instantly.  Needless to say there were no volunteers.

“Nopony will face the Sphinx?” The Pharaoh said, sadly. “Then. . .there is no hope.”

“There is always hope,” I said, as if Jasmine were speaking through me. “I’ll do it, my Pharaoh.  I will face the Sphinx.”

“Somnambula, are you sure?” The Pharaoh asked. “Can you answer the riddle? You know the consequences if you fail.”

“I know my Pharaoh,” I said, “But when I go swimming in the river I don’t think about drowning, or being bit by a crocodile even if those things MIGHT happen.  I just swim.  Today, all I have to do is answer a riddle.  I won’t think about what MIGHT happen.”

I felt my father hold me close, he was supportive, but I knew he was afraid he might lose me.

“I’ll be okay Daddy.”

“I know,” My father said. “I’m just proud of you.”


——-*——-


    A military escort of soldiers, chariots and skirmishers escorted me to the temple, silent and contemplative the entire way.  I remember that day very well, most of of I remembered not being afraid.  Then I felt a little concerned about not being afraid, and tried to remind myself just how serious the situation was, If I didn’t answer the riddle correctly, I was going to die.  This would be it, I’d walk in that building and never come out. . .the end of my story.  I wasn’t able to muster any panic or fear however, I knew what ponies said, but despite all of that I could not immagine the Sphinx ever harming me.  The Sphinx challenged us, gave us tasks, but she never gave us one we couldn't handle.  I had gone beyond fear, let it pass me and now I only felt peace.

     We reached the ornate pyramid, a temple where nopony had set hoof in hundreds of years.  There was no ceremony, no speeches, how could there be a ritual when nopony had ever done this before?  The Pharaoh just looked at me, and met my eyes.  He wasn’t a ruler in that moment, he was a scared father who’s beloved son was in danger.  I broke just about every rule of decorum in the book when I gave the old Pharaoh a tender hug.

“I’ll bring him home, I promise.” I said, before soaring toward the temple without another word.

    I realized as I stepped through the Sphinx-sized door that I had no idea what was in this temple, and even in that desperate moment I found myself excited that I was going to see a place nopony else alive had seen.  Except for Prince Hisan of course, who currently was tied to an Obelisk at the center of the temple, over a deep chasm that glowed green.  Hisan look frightened, but he was unhurt, he smiled shallowly when we saw me, but seemed to know it wasn’t the time for words.  The light was dim in the temple, and after my eyes adjusted to the light of the oil lamps I noticed huge statues of the gods lining the edges of the enormous room.  This was indeed a temple with idols all around, but they were Sphinx-sized.  All the walls were covered in jade and blue topaz, with delicate carvings that scholars could send a lifetime reading and analyzing.

    The Sphinx was waiting for me, sitting proudly as she always did, the wound Bomani gave her was still fresh.  She looked at me with the regal bearing she wielded ceaselessly through her long life.  Proud, but wise, strong but loving, powerful yet not threatening. There was no greeting, no preamble, she knew why I was there.  She knew I was there for my friend, and being that I wasn’t the stabbing type, like Bomani, I was there to answer the riddle.  So, she gave me those famous words, that would outlive most of the history of the Kingdom:

“I Shine Brightest in the dark.  I am there but cannot be seen.  To have me costs you nothing.  To be without me, costs you Everything.”

Just like the Legends say, I knew the answer instantly: “Hope.” I shouted.

      Here’s where things are different than the legends: The sphinx wasn’t angry when I answered the riddle correctly.  She just closed her eyes and nodded in acceptance, as if she was fully aware I knew the answer to that riddle, long before I came in here.  Indeed, I truly did.  Even if I didn’t know the WORDS to the riddle, I knew the answer.  Jasmine had long ago given me the answer, even if she didn’t know it.

“Such a terrible thing, hope.” The Sphinx commented, and I wasn’t even sure if she was really talking to me. “To give one strength in secret, in quiet places, but never the solution to suffering.”

“I disagree, great Sphinx.” I said. “Today I freed prince Hisan, because I didn’t lose hope.  And because the kingdom did not lose hope, we will survive your famine.”

“MY Famine?” The Sphinx said, scowling. “How is this My famine?”

     I grew up with the Sphinx, held by her when I was a foal, taught by her on temple days and offering feasts, like everypony else in the kingdom I loved her.  That moment however, I started to realized what she truly was: The Sphinx was a tyrant.  A benevolent one to be sure, but a tyrant nonetheless.  I never realized my entire life that all my people where at her mercy, and we did not truly have freedom.  We only had her orders, her rule, her rein.  When we defied that by not committing genocide. . .she turned on us.  I realized the sphinx I loved, that we ALL loved was a convenient illusion we all learned to live with.  The truth was too terrible; we were all playthings, toys for a tyrannical god, and subject to her whims.  Naturally, this made me angry.

“You watched over us for centuries, took care of us, then you made impossible demands and left us on your own.” I said, my anger growing. “And you STILL demand we make offerings to you when you offer us nothing?  You punished us because Bomani did the right thing!  You took our food . . . made the crops wilt . . .if not for this Famine my wife would sill live.”

     I saw the sphinx shrink back like a scalded dog, tightly closing her eyes. . .what I said must have hurt.  Good!  It actually felt good to know this situation hurt HER too!  I opened my mouth to twist the knife.

“I’m starting to think Southern Equestria would be better off without you.” I muttered in anger.

“Without me?” The Sphinx repeated, “Well then, it’s good that I do not come and go at the will of a beekeeper.”

“Just give me back Hisan,” I muttered.

“Very well,” The Sphinx said waving a paw toward Hisan, “Walk to the Prince.  But you will do it in the manner of your father, Blind. . .and without flight.”

     The Sphinx summoned a blindfold, and covered my eyes, then there was a brief tingling in my wings.  Trying to move them, I realized they were frozen in place like they were made of stone.

“Walk to the Prince.” The Sphinx said again, and I felt her soft paw push me to the edge of the precipice. “The bridge is narrow, and the fall quite long.  This will be your second challenge.”

“Okay, if this is a challenge then I should get something if I win.” I offered.

“You will get your prince back,”

“I already earned that when I solved the riddle, I want something else.” I Muttered, “I want you to leave from this kingdom, Forever.”

I was blind in that moment, but I could almost hear the Sphinx’s heart break.

“So be it.” She said. “Walk to the prince.”

     When I was little, I always wondered how my father could walk from our front door to the fields, then to the river without being able to see.  Nopony guided him, he just did it.  I used to try it, closing my eyes and walking toward the shed, or the palm trees by the road.  If I didn’t trip over a rock or bump into a hive I usually  wound up wandering aimlessly.  Dad never could explain to me how he did it, he never could see, so he had no idea how we navigated with sight.  Point is, as I dangled my hoof over the edge of the chasm I realized I had no idea where that bridge was.  I could hop off safe ground and into open space. . .or hit the bridge haflway and tumble to my doom.  There was no going back, I promised I’d get Hisan home!  I had a chance to free the entire kingdom!

“Somnambula,” I heard Hisan say, calmly and deliberately.  “I believe In you, I know you can do this, follow my voice.”

     I nodded, too scared to speak and reached a hoof forward to step onto the bridge.

“You have to take a leap of faith, follow my voice Somnambula, and we can all go home.”

     I don’t think Hisan meant a LITERAL leap, but that’s what I did.  I figured if I was going to plummet to my death I’d want to get it over with all at once.  I let out a sigh of relief when all four of my hooves met the wooden planks of the bridge.  I felt the bridge wobble and pitch beneath me, and I lowered myself, afraid to move.

“Don’t give up, Somnambula!  It’s just a rope bridge, you’ve crossed dozens of them.” HIsan said, “Come one, one hoof in front of the other, I know you can do it!”

Despite the pitching and tipping I did as Hisan said, stepping intentionally, with confidence.  I had no idea how long the bridge was, but Hisan’s voice kept getting louder and closer as I went on.

“That’s it!  You’ve got this!  Just a few more steps!  You’re almost there!  Don’t stop now, you’re doing It Somnambula!”

    Then, I felt stone under my hooves and I knew that I’d made the crossing! Hisan pulled my blindfold off and tossed it into the pit (I would later learn that particular blindfold clogged the drain, whoopsie daisy!) and I pulled the rope to untie Hisan.  Once again, things are different here than in the stories, the Sphinx didn’t just fly out of there in a blind rage.

“As we agreed,” The Sphinx said, “I will leave this kingdom, and never return.  Know that nothing you said to me is untrue, Somnambula.  I hope you and the rest of this kingdom will grow and flourish. . .and perhaps one day forgive me.  Farewell.”

    The Sphinx lept into the air, and there was a gust of wind as her massive wings propelled her through the open roof of the temple, and she disappeared, and we never saw her again.


----*----


    The news of the Sphinx leaving us completely brough celebration, it seems most ponies in the kingdom had some to the same realization I did.  Our crops grew big under her blessing, but it was us who wilted.  If not for Jasmine and her strength none of us would have had to will to go on without those blessings.  We were growing complacent, like a bird refusing to leave it’s nest.

    The Sphinx will always be remembered as a villain, of this I have no doubt.  I know however the truth of the matter: She knew she had to leave, and she knew if she just disappeared one day we would never have the will to go on.  So, she prepared a situation where we had to unite against her, and MAKE her leave.  I may have been the final agent of this defiance, but it was all of us that made it possible.  I hope she knows that at least I forgive her, and love her for the benevolent teacher and protector she was.

     Things were quiet in the kingdom again, and just as Jasmine promised the channel worked!  Working with the fields in the basin was difficult, without the blessing we had weeds and pests, but with the lessons we were taught the fields grew abundant.  My family's hives thrived and when it came time to tally up the exports I had plenty of beeswax, honey and royal jelly to sell.  We made some money in trade, not as much as we usually did but it was clear that after a little time our kingdom would prosper again.

     On the next offering day, we gathered together for a feast.  The Pharaoh had announced that instead of giving an offering to the Sphinx, we would gather an offering for those in need.  There where meetings of compatriots, dancing, music, heaps of good food and wine, and an empty place at the table where my wife joined us in spirit.

     As always, after the main events of the night Bomani, Hisan and I gathered in Hisan’s private residence where we shared drinks, and song.  This year Bomani brought a girl he was dating. . .Sedeh.  Their relationship didn’t last more than a few years, a general dating his subordinates didn’t always work and the eventually broke up, but they had some fun.  I think Bomani only courted her because he promised Jasmine to find a wife.  They made a cute couple for the time they were together however.

    As the night wore on, and we drank and danced, sharing the joy of a fruitful year.  As the late night rolled around we all relaxed on the silk pillows in the room and rested while we drank the last of the wine. Sedeh cradled Bomani on her lap, petting his head a bit firmly.  Bomani’s mane only grew in with patches with the burns on his head so he often just cut the whole thing off earning him another nickname: Bomani the bald.  Sedeh admitted to me that she liked Bomani’s scars, so much so that in their courtship SHE was the one who bribed the chaperones so they could be alone.

“Somnambula. . .I got a confession.” Prince Hisan said,

“He’s still in love with you!” Sedeh said, “Bomani, let’s make ourselves scarce so they can do the deed!”

Bomani Laughed, and said in his raspy voice, “Dear don’t push them!  Let them come to that conclusion themselves!” He joked.

“It’s not that,” HIsan said, giving Bomani and Sedeh a look. “I was going to ask you if you wanted a job.  My father is giving me a lot more responsibilities and my Advisors are all so dull.  I’d like YOU to be my advisor Somnambula, as an official position.  It would mean a suite at the palace, if you’re interested.”

“Wow, sure I’d love to!” I giggled, “But if it’s all the same, I prefer to live at home.  I like the palace but I don’t want to be to far from my hives.”

“Wonderful! However let me know”  Hisan said, “I was hoping to get you a present this offering day.  I was going to get your pearls back.”

“You would do that?”

Hisan nodded, “I tried my best to find the Griffons you sold it to.  You know griffons, They just disappear into the mountains.  I had no chance of helping them.  So. . .I got you these.”

    Prince Hisan lifted a necklace of glowpaz to me, it’s light illuminating the entire room.  He put it around my neck and Bomani and Sedeh said “Wow” in a hushed chorus.

“Hisan, it’s beautiful!” I said as he slipped it around my neck. 

“They’re cut from the same crystal that decorated Jasmine’s sarcophagus.” He said “ I hope you will wear it, and remember her always and maybe spare a thought for me.”

    I know what you’re wondering. . .is the last part of legend true? Did they really glow bright enough to light the whole kingdom?

Yes, they sure did.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s been over a thousand years since those days, since the cool desert nights in my wife’s arms, since the great battles, the epic adventures, both with Hisan and later with my good friends in the Pillars.  Equestra has really changed!  Trains, airships, steam engines, hayburgers, and phonograph records!  No more hiring musicians every time you want to listen to music with your friends!

    Still. . .I really miss the quiet, lazy nights.  Swimming in the river, eating honeyed sweet bread under the stars.  The River in Southern Equestria is dried up, gone with the kingdom I knew, no one makes honeyed bread quite like it used to taste, and city lights are bright enough that the stars are harder to see.  I miss the world I grew up in, but don’t most ponies?

    Only a low stone foundation stands where Jasmine and I’s house was, and a few of my hives are now on display in the Manehattan library!  Not everypony can say something they built is in a museum.  Since the land still technically belonged to me, I had a house built right on the same spot.  A thousand years since Jasmine passed, and my house still feels a little empty without her.

    I spent some time looking up my old friends, sitting in libraries for more time than I thought I ever would, using history and archeology to piece together what happened to my good friends after I came to the future.

    After I disappeared, Hisan and Bomani gathered an army of twenty thousand soldiers and marched them to Unicorninia, thinking that Starswirl the Bearded had done something that lead to my death.  He was willing to go to war to avenge me!  Hisan always did have a bit of a temper.  Fortunately Hisan was given a letter when he reached the border, written by Starswirl himself.  I never learned what was in that letter, Swirly never told me about it. . .but I’m betting he told Hisan that I was okay.  I found no record of Hisan holding a funeral for me.  I sometimes Worry that he was waiting for me to return the rest of his life.  Poor Hisan, it seems I just couldn’t stop breaking his heart.

    I am glad to say that Hisan eventually got married.  He found a beautiful mare named Sandy Oasis from the eastern province and made her his queen.  She was a compassionate, beautiful woman, really smart too!  She opened a university in southern equestria that still stands today.  They had four children, three girls (one named for Jasmine) and one boy who grew to be the next Pharaoh: Hashi the merciful.  I miss Hisan every day, but he  lived a long, happy life of prosperity and peace.  Can’t ask for more than that.

    Apedi and Sedeh where commoners, and their wasn’t a whole lot of records of their lives but there where a lot of pictures of them in combat.  Sedeh swinging her mighty mace and sending the enemy flying like sand in a storm.  Apedi flying alongside his beloved hawk, and in one relief riding the massive Lion he rescued from a cruel trainer in Panampen.

    Bomani Died in battle, as he would have wanted it.  Of course before that he lived a pretty good life too.  He eventually married, though his spouse’s name wasn’t recorded.  She was a real knockout if the statues are to be believed.  Some historians theorize his spouse was a Stallion but just a fairly feminine one.  I know better, Bomani was bisexual but he liked big guys, not petitie ones.  I think he had kids too, but like the others Bomani was a commoner and records of his life was focussed on his military exploits, which are to many to recount here.  Though I think you’d like to know how he died:

    At the age of 50 Bomani went to the village in need of help, where thousands of raiders where going to ride into the kingdom and take all they could.  Bomani stood on the only bridge across the river, and with a sword in each forehoof he continued to fight after every other soldier under his command fled for their lives.

    The invaders crashed against him like ocean waves crashed against rocks, thousands of the enemy falling to his swords.  Bomani was so tired at the end of the second night two children from the village had to hold him upright as he continued to fight.  Bomani knew that if a single marauder passed him they would harm the kingdom he loved, so no pony passed.  The blood of the slain warriors stained the bridge, but only the half Bomani didn’t protect, so for as long as that bridge was there it was called “Half-Red Bridge”.

    The Marauders sent their greatest warriors against Bomani for three days and three nights, but he killed each of them without setting a single hoof backwards.  After the third night, when the last of the enemy toppled into the bloody river, Bomani’s heart gave out from exhaustion.  It is said that his died on his hooves, not even willing to fall in death.  In fact, he was mummified standing.  “So he can look the Gods in the eyes, and let them know he is not afraid.” Hisan said at his friend’s funeral.

    In his entire life, Bomani’s skin never once was broken by an enemy’s blade, and he never shed a single drop of his own blood on the battlefield.  He’s remembered as one of the greatest warriors of all time.  Bomani the Bald, Bomani the Unbeatable, the Sphinx Slayer, the Ender of Worlds.  Funny,  I was there for some of his greatest battles, and his friendship is what I remember the most.

     It brings me peace to know they both lived so well.  In a better world, I would have been there with them through all the ups and downs of their lives.  But just like Jasmine, I’ll see them again.  Until then, I have more adventures to go on, more exciting days ahead.  Hisan, Bomani and my Beloved Jasmine would want me to live like they did, and have a life of joy and fullness.

    So, this whole story is a way of explaining why I’m an optimist.  Why I always see the best in things.  Jasmine made me promise her I’d never lose hope, and when I see her again and kiss the tears from her cheek. . .I’ll tell her I fulfilled that promise.