My Little Pony Chronicles (Rated PG-PG-13)

It looks good so far. You do have some grammar and spelling problems, nothing major. Magic Star is an Earthling, not an Unicorn, unless you want her to be. I also suggest on your first chapter, you also give the type the pony is to clear up confusion. You can also visit here to confirm your pony types and get their names spelled right.

You are welcome! Even I, a published author, miss things in my writing.

I wrote Murder Hotel, a murder mystery with a supernatural twist. It's on Amazon.com. I'm working on its sequel, Twilight Beach, which is about the children of my characters from the first novel.

It was nice to see interaction before everything hits the fan. Not many stories have that.

Revised chapter one is up. Chapter two is coming, but I'll post that here instead of on fanfic.net right away. If you could help me smooth out any rough edges, that'd be great.

Very good! While there are some small errors, this looks very good. can't wait for more!

My Little Pony
Chronicles:
Disclaimer: Yep. I own the rights, but decided not to make a show out of it, but rather post a story about it online where people could read it for free, instead of making tons of money off it. Naturally, my college business class teacher often pulled his hair at my results.
C=scene change
Chapter Three:
Destined Meetings
“Raise the drawbridge,” Wind Whistler called.
“But Magic Star and Northstar are still out there,” Twilight exclaimed. “We can’t—“
“They’ve turned themselves over willingly. Look.”
Twilight closed her eyes to concentrate, then teleported onto the front wall. Sure enough, the two ponies allowed themselves to be picked up and flown away by the dragonriders.
“They’ve left us! They left us,” Truly gasped.
“But observe, the dragonriders are all leaving,” Wind Whistler said. “Could they only have wanted four ponies?”
“Once they’re out of sight, I’m going after Firefly,” Medley whispered to the scholarly Pegasus.
“That’s hardly in form with your usual cautious character.”
“Medley’s my friend. I should have been right after her from the beginning,” Medley guiltily replied.
“Just four,” Amber asked Twilight.
“I guess. I don’t know what’s going on, Amber, but we’ll find out soon enough.”
“Just four?! Then why send an army to come after us? I don’t get this,” Gusty hollered.
“Do you think they’ll be back,” Shady asked.
“Count on it. Dark lords never just let things be. Tirac would have us for slaves before he’s done.”
“But we’re just little ponies? What use could he get out of us,” Shady asked.
“Better miserable slaves, then any free spirits running loose,” Paradise explained.
The white Pegasus looked at the earth mare’s confused look.
“I know it doesn’t make sense, but that’s what lust for power does to someone. Enough will never be enough.”
“That’s usually when you bite off more than you can chow,” Heart Throb said.
“Well, yes, all tyrants fall eventually, but when is the question, and will it be before he’s had his way with Dream Valley,” Paradise asked.
No one had an answer for that one.
“Well, then. I suggest we use the time we still have to weigh and measure our current situation. Then implement a plan of action,” Wind Whistler.
“I second that,” Galaxy spoke up. “I have to defend ourselves, find out what Tirac wants with our friends, and save them.”
“Right, so let’s get thinking,” Twilight said.
The light purple unicorn used her magic to levitate a pen and scroll to write down whatever they came up with. The ponies gathered and began discussing their options.
“I’d feel better about this if Magic Star were still here. She usually leads us,” came from Shady.
“Could she really have asked any of us to take her place?”
C
“This Northeast pass is the straightest path to this city that Tirac could take to get here if he has victory at the Front. Other than that, it’s forest on either side that his forces will have to cut through,” Bernard said as he pointed to a spot on the map laid out before himself, his brother, and the other officers present.
“Milords, even if your father does have success in the Northeast, Tirac himself will come to clear a path for his forces if our main army can’t stop him” a general stated. “Then because we stood against him, he will come to destroy our people.”
“I know, General. We have to evacuate our people to safety. Father’s campaign is against powerful odds and will buy us enough time for that if nothing else.”
“Odds are that he has laid to waste more powerful lands than this, milord,” Andrew the Librarian added. “Shall we fetch the town Cryers?”
“Yes,” Bernard responded. “Send the people this message, that all the people are to pack and organize, then come to the capitol. There they’ll meet an escort that will take them to one of our allies in the West, in New Delbrook. We’ll send word if they can ever return.”
“Very well,” Andrew penned the last of it and handed the page to a servant to send onto the scribes.
“As for ourselves,” Bernard said. “We will meet the forces of Tirac when they come. They might defeat us and claim the lives of those who will fight them, but what they will get is an empty land.”
Bernard then turned his attention to Frederick, who continued to pour over books, even during the meeting.
“Brother, do you have any thoughts to share?”
“Well,” Frederick turned his attention from the text in hand. “As you all know, six elements make up the forces of nature in our world: fire, water, wind, light, earth, and darkness. Each has an opposite it is weak to. Fire to water, water to fire. Wind to earth, earth to wind. Light to dark, dark to light. Has anyone ever considered that Tirac’s magical weapon is just the Element of Darkness, harnessed to his will?”
“Brother?”
“Well, the scholars that have theorized and speculated about his power have assumed it is an unnatural, otherworldly power, and all thoughts of it being a weaponized form Darkness have been tossed out.”
“That’s because darkness just doesn’t fell soldiers and bring entire countries to their knees, milord,” Andrew replied. “Besides, the records concerning the continents of Light and Dark are very vague. It’s even been suggested that they’re just a myth and the ancients never had the power at all. If Tirac has uncovered the ability to harness the Dark to his will, then I’m afraid we have still have no method of countering him.”
“We have then is a new avenue to of thought to consider. Ruins of Umbrus: The Continent of Darkness are scattered all over the land! We’ve been trying to counter him under the assumption that he uses unnatural magicks or that he has been harnessing energy directly from the Astral Plain via a pact with a spirit or devil. Nothing tried has worked, for seventy years and going. Whether counter spell, curse, or seal.”
“That would make some sense, since the Light and Dark elements were said to trump all others,” Andrew spoke.
“If so, then there’s the catch along with the answer. Both of those nations eventually fell as all do in time,” Bernard cut in. “The secrets of using Light and Dark Elemental Magicks died with them because they wouldn’t share their secrets with the rest of the world.”
“So you did pay attention in class sometimes, older brother,” Frederick laughed, impressed by his brother’s input.
“No, but you’ve been studying the supposed lost elements since childhood. So that’s the catch. We recover a secret of a nation long gone? What time do you think we have?”
“Well, I won’t deny the hour grows late…” Frederick started.
“Very late,” A magician spoke. “Magic takes years to learn. Recovering the lost Elemental Magicks will also take much time and all that have tried have failed, Lord Frederick. If Tirac had the fortune to succeed where others failed, then it is truly telling how inaccessible the ancients made the powers of Light and Dark. It will take years, possibly decades to find it, and then whoever does will have to learn an entirely new body of magic not taught in any of today’s Magic Academies from scratch to defeat Tirac.”
“Then our situation is grim,” A general said. “What matters at the moment is defending our peoples. We can chase faint hopes and chances another time.”
“We won’t have later if we’re all killed when Tirac comes for our heads,” Frederick argued.
“So we mount an expedition, then,” Bernard asked. “Which way? There are ruins of the ancient kingdoms or new cities built over or around the old ones in all direction at varying distances. We would have to sweep the entire land. The simple fact remains, we need our men here, and now, Frederick.”
Frederick was about to argue back, but when he saw that he was not going to convince anyone to help, thought better of the notion.
“Very well, Bernhard. If I may, then, could I be allowed to continue studying this? If I can find a lead, would you be willing to listen?”
“If you can find a lead, your suggestion will have my undivided attention, little brother.”
“In that case,” Frederick replied, stepping up the map. “I would we set up a battalion of men at the Northeast pass to slow Tirac’s approach, should it come to that. It will at the very least buy us a little more time to position ourselves and get the people out.”
“So you were paying attention,” Bernard grinned. “I was thinking the same thing. So it will be done, then.”
“If that’s all for now, then, Bernard, I would like to retreat back to the study.”
“By your leave,” Bernard said.
Frederick bowed slightly, and then left.
The guard opened the door for him as he passed. Outside, his assistant, Megan, waited patiently for him.
“Good evening, milord.”
“Good evening, Megan. I have some work to do. Listen, why don’t you take off early tonight. I only need you for a couple more things tonight.”
“Oh, but would that really be alright, Lord Frederick? I’m…”
“It’s alright, Megan. I’ll even make sure you’re paid for an entire day.”
“Oh, then, what will you be needing, then, Lord Frederick?”
“We’re heading to the study. Today, I will require every book on the history of the ancient conditions of Light and dark, the occult, Elements, Light, Darkness, and summoning that our library possesses.”
“Yes, milord. Will you need anything else?”
“Yes, I skipped breakfast this morning, while the librarian and myself are collecting the materials, could you run down to the kitchen and have them fix something light for me?”
“Right away, Lord Frederick.”
Megan looked like she wanted to say something, but held her tongue.
“You’re wondering why I’m letting you have the rest of the day off.”
“Yes, milord. Is the situation truly that bad?”
Frederick stopped and sighed. After a moment of deliberation, he decided to be truthful.
“Yes, Megan. I’m afraid it is. We’ve been targeted by a force that has thus far been unstoppable. To call our situation unfortunate would be a gross underestimation. Tonight, go home. Enjoy some time with your family. After you’ve ordered the food, you’re free tonight.”
C
“Excuse me,” Firefly called to some passing people. “Can anyone show me to whoever’s in charge around here?”
She had landed near the Dongard Castle Town a short while ago, and had walked up the strangers passing in and out of the city.
“Hmm,” a man stared dumbly in her direction.
“Did… Did that purple lil’ pony jus’ talk,” a woman asked.
“Impossible. This has to be some kind of joke.”
“Oooo, pretty pony.”
“Yes, don’t touch it, dear.”
“Why does it ‘ave wings?”
“It?! IT?! Excuse e, but I AM a she, thank you very much, and I am the one talking. Can any of you tell me where your leader is?”
“A talking pony?! Impossible!”
“I smell money to be a made,” one man said, grabbing a nearby rope.
“Uh-oh,” Firefly muttered and took to the sky immediately. “Hey, I’m not just some four-hoofed thing for you to sell! I need help. Please, where can I speak to whoever’s in charge around here?”
“That’d be Lord David.”
“Ah, great! Where can I find him?”
“He’s headed out Northeast…pony?”
“Oh, do you know I can find him there?”
“Well, you don’t need to, deary. His son Bernard is runnin’ things in his stead for now. He’s in the castle.”
“Oh, great! Thanks, lady! I’ll go see him right now!”
Like a shot, Firefly was off towards the castle.
“No, wait, little pony… Oh, dear.”
“How do you think Lord Bernard’s going to handle a purple talking flying pony that drops in uninvited?”
“Give ‘er to Lord Frederick?”
C
“Um, sir?”
“What is it, soldier?”
“I see something purple coming our way.”
“…Eh?”
“There!”
“Where?”
“There, sir! It’s coming out way now!”
“What in Eoland…? Archers, to your positions!”
“It looks like some kind of…flying horse…?”
“Are they coming out to greet me,” Firefly wondered as she neared.
Of the iron clad humans around the walls surrounding the castle, the one with a cape and a badge raised his arm in her direction.
“Halt, beast! Halt, I say!”
“Wha…,” Firefly uttered as she slowed her flight to a halt as she spotted the archers taking aim at her. “What are you doing?”
“You shall not enter here, beast. What manner of errand brings you to our skies?”
“Please, Mr. Knight, I have to get in to see Lord Bernard. It’s very important that I do!”
“State your business, beast.”
“I AM NOT a beast! I’m a Pegasus pony, and my name is Firefly. I need your help. Listen, dragonriders attacked my home and took two of my friends with them. If I could just…”
“No.”
“But…”
“No!”
“If I could just…”
“NO!”
“Well, why not?”
“No one gets without invite, Ms. Firefly. We’ll tell Lord Bernard that a Pegasus pony has come to see him, but you’ll not be getting in until he decides to let you in.”
Firefly’s ears fell flat at this. “Oh, oh right.”
With that, she fluttered away.
“Sir, should you not have asked her here she’ll be staying?”
“How hard could it be a spot a purple winged pony that talks, Wilkins?”
Firefly let herself descend to ground level down in an alley away from the loud crowds. Who could have known these humans would be such sticklers for rules? She had been tempted to just fly right past those archers and into the castle, but she thought better of the notion, since she didn’t want to make too bad of a first impression. At least Lord Bernard was going to be told of her this way.
She trotted off, taking in the sights, not sure of what to do with herself now. She had hoped to just be able to fly in and ask for help. She hadn’t counted on red tape.
“I hope they’re all holding out back home.”
C
“What was all that about, captain,” Bernard asked the officer as he approached. “We heard shouting out here.”
“Oh that. Well, please don’t think me insane, milord, but a talking Pegasus, called herself Firefly, came here, sir. It said it needed you help.”
Bernard blinked several times, taking this in. Finally, he said:
“What?”
“Sir, don’t think me insane, but I actually spoke with the creature. It tried to just fly right in to see you. Well, I couldn’t risk it being an agent of Tirac, so I forbade its entry. Well, tell him what you saw, men.”
“Ay, milord. A purple flying talking Pegasus clear as day.”
Bernard nodded, acknowledging what was being said to him.
“Very well, but why did you not detain this creature?”
“Well, sir,” the Captain said. “The airborne equestrian didn’t actually do anything illegal or act hostilely.”
“Well, capture it for the time being, anyway. I’ll see for myself what this is about when I can. At ease, gentlemen.”
“Yes, milord.”
C
Meanwhile, far to the Northeast, in Tirac’s castle, the dark lord waited impatiently. Though it had only been almost three days ago, Scorpan should have returned with all four of the ponies he had been sent for.
“SPIKE!”
A moment passed after the dark lord roared the infant dragon’s name.
“Yes, Lord Tirac! I’m coming, milord,” the small purple reptile called breathlessly as he entered the throne room.
Spike took a low bow before frightfully lifting his gaze to the master of the castle.
“What does milord need?”
“Has Scorpan returned the other two ponies yet? My patience wears thin.”
“No, not yet, milord, but I’m sure he’s on his way back right now.”
“I don’t want your assurances. I want results. While you are here, I might as well inquire about the state of the those first two that were brought in.”
“Oh, yes, milord. We’ve been taking the upmost care of them.”
“Good. They will need to in good condition still by the time of the Summer Solstice. Keep them well, Spike. You are dismissed.”
“Yes, yes, milord,” Spike bowed again and retreated quickly from the room.
Tirac smirked as the sight of the small creature practically fleeing his presence.
A knock at the door of the throne room announced the presence of another visitor.
“Enter. Ah, General Shiltarn of the Lizardmen. What news ‘graces’ me with your presence this day?”
“Milord, Dongard has refused to turn over their lands to you.”
Tirac almost laughed.
“A rare occurrence these days. So what news of the battle do you have to report,” the lord asked as he took a drink from his goblet.
“We were not able to defeat in our first engagement, milord, but their land and army are small. They will not be able to weather a second strike.”
“For your sake, Shiltarn, they had better not. Or must I remind you of what happened to General Dranga,” Tirac gestured to the head hanged from the wall above his throne.
“…No, milord. I understand. I will deal with this annoyance, myself.”
“Good. Dismissed, General.”
The General bowed, and then left the room.
“Hmm. Resistance from the Dongardians. How interesting.”
C
“Oh boy, I always think he’s going to kill me,” Spike muttered, breathing a sigh. “Well, I better check up on Fizzy and Parasol now, anyway. “
The dragon then basically the skipped the rest of the way, as Fizzy and Parasol had been much better company than anyone else in the castle, saves perhaps Scorpan.
In the dungeon, Parasol and Fizzy stared through the bars of their little cell sadly. Only three days had gone by and they’d had enough of this place already.
“I spy with my little eye…”
“A rock.”
“Wow,” Fizzy genuinely exclaimed. “How do you do that?! You ARE good at this!”
“…”
“Okay, now I spy with my little eye…”
“The guard.”
“You did it again!”
“Fizzy…”
“Yeah?”
“Enough.”
“Aw… Okay.”
CLANG! The loud slam signified that the two had a visitor, which either meant a visit from Spike, the only friendly face in the castle, or a sorely guard bringing them their dinner. They hoped for the former, but expected the latter.
“Hi, girls,” Spike said happily as he bounded into view. “How are you doing today?”
“Trapped,” Parasol said.
“Yeah, sorry about that, but hey, it isn’t all bad. I’m here to take you out to the courtyard.”
Of yes, being allowed out into the courtyard was one of the few joys outside of Spike’s company that came with this dreaded place. Not to just a joy, but a necessity, as all ceatures and beings need outdoors and sunlight in one form or another. Thankfully for the health and mental well-being of Fizzy and Parasol, and soon Magic Star and Northstar, Tirac and his subjects, despite their overall cruelty, knew this at least.
The courtyard was closed-in, anyway, and Fizzy’s magic would not allow her to teleport outside anyway, for some reason. Nevertheless, the two Pastels were overjoyed to arrive outside and be greeted with green as they were lead by Spike.
Together, the three enjoyed their time away from the dingy cell as they ran and played through the small garden of delights that had been grown there. Alas, after a few hours, they were called back and forced back into the cell again. Spike’s apologies did little to sooth being cramped back into the little stone square, though.
C
“Alright, men, you all saw the flying beast earlier, correct?”
“Sir, yes sir!”
“Alright, then spread out and put up posters of the thing, and keep an eye out for it while you make your daily rounds. Dismissed!”
The soldiers of Dongard split up and began combing the city for Firefly, ready to capture and imprison the latest ‘threat’.
“The rest of the day to myself,” Megan thought happily. “I suppose I shouldn’t be so happy about it since it means we’re likely to come under attack soon. Oh well, at least it won’t be today. I wonder if Daniel and father could use some help plowing… Hello, what’s all this…?”
Interrupting her thoughts was the sight of a wanted poster for a purple, flying, talking pony, as issued by Lord Bernard. She blinked several times, disbelieving what she was reading. Anyone who saw it was to report it in.
“What is going on,” the girl thought.
She quickened pace towards home, deciding she didn’t want to get caught up in whatever was going on. She had made her way through most of the Castle Town with the main gate in sight when she heard it, a high-pitched whinny and the clopping of hooves in a nearby side street. The girl turned and down the uneven road of broken, cracked, or poked up bricks with several stairways leading don or up along the side. The way was narrow as well.
“Now what fool would take their horse off the main street and into this dangerous place?”
It was then Firefly made her appearance as she galloped into view before leaping into the air and taking flight. Megan rubbed her eyes and looked at the Pegasus again, almost certain she was seeing things not there.
“A flying pony!”
“I can talk, too.”
Megan yelped, surprised at the response.
“Hello,” Firefly said. “Listen, could you hide me? Those knight guys are after me and I don’t know where to go.”
“Why are they after you?”
“I don’t know, but please, I could really use the help.”
“Um, well… W-What have you done?”
“Nothing! I just tried to get into the castle to ask this Bernard guy for help.”
“Oh, you shouldn’t have done that, especially right now. Listen, I don’t know about helping you, but I can forget I saw you, since you don’t seen like you really mean any harm.”
Firefly’s ears fell back at the sound of that. She just nodded her response and fluttered away. A bit of guilt welled in Megan, seeing the dejected creature.
“Wait.”
“Hmm?”
“Follow me.”
Megan lead Firefly into the sideroad and took her through a few twists and turns before the two came to a narrow space between two buildings near the East wall.
“There’s a bigger space behind there,” Megan explained. “You can drop down from above and the come back out when the coast is clear. Just don’t cause any trouble, alright? The poster said nothing about any crimes you committed, so I’m willing to give you a chance.”
“Cool!”
“Well, I guess it can get a little drafty back there, but it always hid me well when playing hide-and-seek when I was little.”
“Ah, not what I me…nevermind. Anyway, thanks, er…”
“Megan.”
“Thanks, Megan! I’m Firefly.”
“Well, I have to be going, but you should ask to make an appointment to see Lord Bernard at the front gate of the castle when you can. Hopefully they won’t try to capture you.”
Just as Megan was turning to leave, a voice rang out from not far away at all.
“Quickly men! We’re gotten reports that the beast came this way.”
“Oh, no. They’ll see me,” Megan gasped. “They’ll know I was trying to help you.”
“Hope on,” Firefly said, appearing next to her. “I’ll get us back into that little hiding spot of yours’.”
“Is it safe?”
“You want to be spend all night being questioned?”
“Well, no…”
“Hop in, Meg! You can trust me.”
Megan carefully climbed onto Firefly’s back. Once the girl was secure on her back, Firefly took to the air and descended into the little space behind the buildings and none too soon. The two remained quiet until they were sure the soldiers had passed.
It wasn’t until she was sure they couldn’t hear them that Megan dared to speak.
“Hey, Firefly, what do you need to see Lord Bernard about anyway?”
“Dragonriders attacked my home. They took off with two of my friends. The ponies… We haven’t dealt an attacker, since…ever. We need help, and yours’ is the only kingdom I know about.”
“I see, that’s awful. You’ve come at a bad time I’m afraid. We have our own share of problems right no.”
“You do?”
“Our home is under attack, too. A warlord named Tirac has come with his armies.”
“Where’s he from?”
“Northeast of here.”
“Hey, those dragonriders came directly from the North to our home and we’re due West of here! You don’t think e have a common enemy, do you?”
“Probably, but what would Tirac want with little ponies like you?”
“Well, we’re all a bit magical, I guess, but we’re nothing special. Besides, we’ve always been happy to leave the rest of the world alone and be left alone by everyone else, so I can’t see why he wants us.”
“Yes, I’d imagine a bunch of flying ponies would have to be magical.”
“Oh, we don’t all fly. We also have unicorns who can cast magic with their horns and plain old earthbound ponies, but we all talk.”
“Hmm? That is interesting, but if you’ve been targeted by Tirac, then Lods Bernard and Frederick have to be told,” Megan announced. “Alright, I’m bring you home with me tonight, and this is what we’ll do after that…”
Megan leaned in to whisper in Firefly’s ear.
A/N: And that’s it for Chapter 3. Please R & R.

I tried to find a healthy midway point between Megan disbelieving Firefly and the fact that...Iit's a purple, talking pony she'd be suspicious of. I'm sure I reach it, but if there's any reworking you think I need to do on the whole "Megan meets Firefly" thing, let me know please.

Chapter Five. Well, I've been having trouble with this one. You see any way to polish this up?

My Little Pony
Chronicles:
Disclaimer: Nope. And I’d probably have to fight Faust in a gladiator-style arena to get ‘em, too.
C=scene change
Chapter Four:
Paths Converging

Firefly shivered as some cool morning swept in through the cracks between the boards of the old barn. It had been impossible to get warm during the night, but she didn’t really mind. She had a new friend. One who had decided her plight was worth taking to the current ruler. Speaking of which…
Her eyes shot open, suddenly remembering why she was here. Firefly lifted her head off the ground where it formerly rested and looked outside through one of the may cracks. The ranch yard was empty. But she could heard the crow of a cock from a nearby farm. She knew she’d have to get moving quickly if she were to meet up with Megan but remain unseen by her family. She leapt up and went over to the barn’s entrance. She pushed the door open and took to some nearby hills near the road where she could hide and perhaps eat a little.
The Pastels typically did not like eating grass, much preferring fruit and vegetables, but grass would have to make do unless she wanted to anger the locals. She was here to ask for a huge favor. The last thing she needed was the ire of the locals, she knew. Holding back a nauseous gag she knelt down and bit off a mouthful of grass and attempted to eat her fill.
“Oh God, why. This stuff is nasty. How can ordinary ponies and horsies eat this stuff,” she wondered.
She attempted a few more mouthfuls before giving and taking a low perch atop a hill to watch for Megan. She didn’t know how many hours passed, but the sun was fully in the sky before three figures emerged from the rancher family’s abode. Two of the figures headed for the fields, while one headed up the path.
“Oh good, I’ll be able to get her attention without drawing any attention.”
Megan made straight for the hill. She intended to make a break for the old barn as soon as she was out of line of sight of Daniel and her father.
“Hey, Meg,” Firefly called, standing up.
“Oh, Megan gasped, startled. “Stop doing that!”
“Heh heh. Sorry.”
“Well, I brought the saddle again. I had the excuse of use for it at the castle. Mother and father trust me completely, lucky for us,” Megan said, waving the seat for Firefly to see.
Megan paused and felt bad for lying. She had an important mission, she reminded herself.
“Come on Firefly. Let’s get you muddied up again.”
“We have to?”
“Unless you have less brightly colored Pegasus to bring here, I’m afraid so.”
Firefly groaned glumly. The process was quick and well…dirty. Before long, Firefly looked like an ordinary brown little pony and was saddled, her wings covered. The two were on their way again, each hoping the tall tale that this was a pony Megan bought on the way in for the ranch, but needed to place to keep it before she could take it home would work.
C
“We’re back,” Medley yelled as she flew up and around Dream Castle’s towers and walks.
It had taken them walking all night as it the trip there and again was an entire day. The six ponies that set out to the Moonshik’s were tired and in need of sleep. They hadn’t dared to stop out in the open.
“So how did it go, darlings,” Heart Throb asked.
“Well, e have good news and bad news,” an exhausted Applejack replied. “We have a plan to defeat Tirac the Conqueror.”
“…What.”
“Gather everyone in the dining hall,” Wind Whistler instructed, retaining a mask of professionalism in the face of dead-tiredness. “We’ll explain all there.”
“…And that’s the short version,” Bowtie later finished up before the sizable crowd.
“We have a Vessel to hold the Light Element and a lead to an old Magic School of the Continent of Light. However, we need a descendent of the Ancients to use it.”
“So Firefly’s impetuous actions in heading West to the human lands may just be to our advantage,” Wind Whistler included. “Parasite, have you brought that book of human history like I asked?”
“Huh? Oh, yes, yes. Give me a second, I’m trying to find the information you asked for.”
“What information,” Lofty asked.
“Information on The Dark Age, of course. It began in light of the fall of the Light and Dark Continents. There are records that show where some of the remains of the Ancients went to live afterwards.”
“The lands to the West owe their overall allegiance to the Western kingdom, Midhelm, including the land Firefly saw when crossing Gloom Mountain before.”
“Well, then, she’s a got a 50/50 chance with anyone she manages to bring with her,” Parasite spoke up. “Groups of Ancients from both nations went West, Wind Whistler.”
Murmurs broke out amongst the crowd.
“It alright to have a cow yet, Gusty?”
“Yes. Yes, it is, Shady.”
C
“So that’s the long and short, Alec,” Megan said to the guard. “If I could just keep this little pony in one of the castle stalls just for today and then take it home with me today, that’d be great.”
“Well, I’ll have to ask the captain, but I don’t think it’ll be a problem. Come on in, but stay in the yard. I’ll bring him right down to talk about this.”
The guard stepped aside and allowed Megan to enter with Firefly. He called for someone to go get the captain of the guard. Megan let out a sigh whilst they stood in the yard. Well, step one was out of the way. Step was get to Lord Frederick and introduce the two.
Firefly looked up into Megan’s worried face. She wished she could calm the girl, somehow, but she didn’t dare to speak just yet. Her thoughts were interrupted by the clank of the cpatain’s boots. She looked and recognized the same, stern-faced man from yesterday who refused her entry. Now she just hoped he wouldn’t recognize her.
“So you want to keep this beast of burden in the stalls for the day.”
“It’ll be the first and last time, captain,” Megan hastily said. “I know this isn’t a normal request, but I’m will to pay our way in.”
“Ah, forget it. It should be fine as long as that animal behaves itself. I would imagine it should, since it’s been bought for ranch life. Good day, Megan.”
“Thank you, captain.”
Megan and Firefly made a beeline for the stalls and entered. Once an empty one was found, Megan opened the door and let Firefly.
“Alright, Firefly. I’ll be back with Lord Frederick as quick as I can.”
The Pegasus just nodded and sadly as Megan disappeared. Now she was alone in a place that wanted her put in a cell and no way to get away easily. She reminded herself that Megan would be right back. Still, images of arrows being pointed her direction from the previous day did not do her state of mind wonders.
Megan made her way through the halls of the castle with haste. She didn’t trust that mud they used to hide Firefly for long. She knew they needed Frederick on their side as quickly as possible. That would hold off any guards until they met with Bernard. A hall, a staircase, then another hall, a turn to the left, another hall, and finally a door to the right, she went. She stood at the door, wondering how she was going to get Frederick to come with her to the stalls. She straightened out her maid’s uniform before knocking.
“Come on in Megan.”
“Good morning, milord. How may I serve you today?”
When she entered, Frederick was finishing hastening up his tunic. Next to him was a pile of books.
“Well, today, I’m putting together findings from my research and putting in some orders for certain books on the Elements from the Deckard Magic School. After that I’m heading down to archives to find some maps of the land as it was a millennium ago.”
“Well, you can’t overlook a meal in that time, milord.”
“Heh. No, I suppose not.”
The young lord looked over to his maid and noticed immediately the nervousness in her face.
“Is there something the matter?”
“Oh, nothing. Nothing at all, milord.”
After giving her a good look, in which time she masked her worry with a smile, he just shrugged, deciding that she’d probably tell him something of real importance on her own.
“Well, then, Megan let us get busy.”
The next few hours were spent in the castle library, as Frederick put together his notes into a comprehensive paper. Megan handled ordering the books as he worked. Her continued anxiety over the pony in the stalls did not go away and Frederick continued to notice it throughout the day. Eventually, he tired of waiting for her to come out with it.
“There is something bothering you. You’re as open as this book I’m reading from. Family troubles? Worrying about the coming of Tirac? Whatever it is, you can tell me.”
“Well,” Megan started.
She stopped talking, not sure how to go on. Finally, she just decided to let it out.
“I’m wondering about that flying horse the guards saw yesterday, milord. You don’t really think it’s some spy Tirac sent, do you?”
“If it was, it would have long since gone. You send spies to find out where your enemy is before they’re ready for you to know. If it was here to kill Bernard or myself, then it wouldn’t have given up just because the guards threatened it. All in all, I would imagine the poor thing just arrived at the wrong time. Tirac has never used subtly to get his way that I know of. And as far as I knew until yesterday, such equines were things of children’s fairy tales. So I wouldn’t worry about it.”
“Then, what about the wanted posters the guards put out milord?”
“My brother’s unfortunate tendency to overreact I’m afraid. Can’t say I blame him, though. It’s his job to be cautious as acting lord.”
“What if they catch it?”
“Then it’ll spend maybe a night or two in the cells before Bernard or myself have a look and find that there’s likely nothing to worry about and let it go.”
“What if you didn’t have to lock her up to get to talk to her?”
At this, Frederic stopped writing and turned to look at Megan.
“Her?”
Megan gulped, then smiled sheepishly.
“Well, what if I said there was an unusual animal down in the horse stalls?”
Frederick raised a brow to this.
“Hmm?”
“Well, milord...would you?”
“Yes, I supposed. What are you getting at, girl? That you have that thing in the stables right this minute?”
He was dubious in tone, and smirking at this point, convinced of an incoming punchline.
“Ah, well… You see. I know where she is right now.”
“…You do?”
Again, he raised his brow.
“Would you be willing to follow me to the horse stalls, milord?”
“How in Eoland could you have gotten it…?”
“Her, milord.”
“…Her, into the stables?”
“Nothing some mud and a saddle couldn’t fix to look like an ordinary little pony, milord.”
He studied Megan closely. Nothing in her eyes told him she was joking. Had she really gotten the wanted Pegasus into the castle stables?
“Alright, I’m interested. You…aren’t joking, are you?”
“No, milord. She…needs help. I can’t be sure, but I think her land is also under attack by Tirac. She came to ask for help. Well, maybe I should just let her tell it. Her name’s Firefly, by the way. I thought it was real important both you and Lord Bernard by told as soon as I could get in to see you.”
She stopped.
“I’m sorry I didn’t turn her in, but I meant every word of it, milord. I’ll even spend some time in the cell if I have to over this. I just ask that you hear her out once.”
Again, Megan and Federick’s gazes met. He has nothing but resoluteness in her look.
“I will be right down to the stables,” he said at last.
Her face brightened immediately.
“Oh, thank you, milord.”
The two left the library and headed on down. Megan breathed out a sigh of relief. That had gone much better than she feared. If nothing else this showed she had his trust. Now she just hoped they wouldn’t be met with an empty stall once they arrived. The last thing she needed was interference from anyone else before Frederick had a say. A short time later, lord and servant had arrived at the stalls.
“Well we’re here, Megan. Show me this Firefly?”
“Oh yes, right this way, milord.”
“Well, here goes everything,” she thought as she him over to Firefly’s stall.
“Here she is, milord.”
She opened the door to the stall and stepped out of the way to give Frederick a good look at the enchanted equine inside. The young lord looked inside and found a sopping wet Firefly. She had become inpatient and had ripped off the saddle and dipped herself in the water container. Her violet color could now be seen clearly now that it lacked the covering of her mud disguise. The pony shook herself off. She looked up at the on-looking humans before her.
“Hello.”
Megan cleared her throat uncomfortably as she looked at Frederick out of the corner of her eyes. He stood, blinking.
“It…really is the Pegasus the guards are currently seeking out. Firefly, right? Megan told me you were having some problems back in your homeland.”
“Yep, I’m Firefly. You must be Lord Frederick, the younger of the two lords currently in charge around here. I’ve heard all about you.”
Frederick’s let out a quiet chuckle, one of his lip’s corners upturning into a half smile. Before, he was skeptical of the news the guards has reported, but actually gazing upon the three and a half foot talking equine up close was another thing altogether. He had even been somewhat skeptical in spite of Megan’s display back in the library. His first instinct was to be angry with Megan for leading it into the castle instead of just turning her in, but seeing this Firefly right in front of him made him rethink the situation. The creature was too small to be a real threat to the people of Dongard as he had previously told Megan.
“Uh, Mr. Lord, sir,” Firefly said, cocking her head to the side a bit. “You’re kind of spacing off there.”
“Oh yes. Forgive me. I’m just assessing this situation. Ah…”
Frederick put a hand to his forehead as he organized his thoughts. He grabbed a nearby bench and sat it down inside the stall. He seated himself on it and motioned for Megan to enter as well. She did and closed the door behind her. Frederick opened his mouth to speak, but hesitated. He closed it again, then at last spoke.
“Alright, first things first, Megan said you needed our help. Tell me why.”
Firefly explained the dragonriders that came from the due north and that she was told by Megan it was probably done by Tirac.
“Ai, Tirac has dragons and riders for them trained and ready to go at his command. His empire is Northeast from his land, and your Dream Valley is directly East. The geography and method both match Tirac, so there’s no doubt. Alright, next question. What could he possibly want with you?”
“Beats me, Mr. Lord. Our unicorns have magic, but he also nabbed Parasol, an earth pony.”
Frederick furrowed his brows, pondering this. It didn’t make much sense, indeed but someone as shrewd as Tirac would have to have a purpose in all this.
“Wait, Firefly. You said that you could all talk because you ere enchanted by a witch, so all of you have some magic, right?”
“Well, sure, Meg, but nothing like the power he’s packing from what you’ve told me. We couldn’t offer him anything he couldn’t get anyway.”
“Wait, you were altered magically by magic to be this way? Yes, yes… maybe…” Frederick muttered. “There is a possibility…”
“What’s on your mind, Mr. Lord, sir?”
“Well, I believe I once read that with the right spell, that something called a Familiar, a magical servant, could be created from any sort of already magical creature. I’ll have to consult this at the library, but I believe that is the case. How many of you are there?”
Firefly’s ears laid back against her head at the sound of this.
“Bu-bu-but what will happen to my friends if he does that? Will they be alright?”
A moment of silence passed, before Frederick broke it.
“I honestly don’t know, but I need you to tell me. How many other talking ponies like yourself are there?”
“Oh, I don’t know! About thirty of us, but there are more that have moved onto other places. My group just likes to stay where Olivia intended for us. There are some others that live at a place called Paradise Estate and others living in The Clearing, but we don’t see them often. If they caught us all, I guess they’d have enough for a small army of Families.”
“Familiars.”
“Yeah, those.”
“So, milord, are you going to help us get an audience with Lord Bernard,” Megan asked.
Frederick looked at her with absolute certainty.
“Yes, Megan, I am. As I have said, I’ll have to check my facts on this matter once more, but if I’m remembering this right, then this can bring whole new problems for all involved. These poor ponies will be robbed of their lives and forced into another form entirely then turned onto the peoples of these lands. My brother must be informed at once, for all our sakes.”
Smiles crossed Megan and Firefly’s faces at this news.
“Oh, thank you, milord. I knew we could count on you!”
“Yeah, you’re the best, Mr Lord, sir.”
“Don’t thank me yet. Dongard has its own share of problems. I can get my brother and our generals and advisors to listen. I can’t guarantee any action will be taken on Firefly’s behalf.”
“Yeah, Meg already told me hat yesterday,” Firefly responded, now a bit deflated.
“Ah, yes, but I will do what I can on my end,” Frederick hastily added.
Firefly managed a partial smile in response to this.
“One thing, though, girls, it would probably work in our favor if Ms. Firefly wasn’t free to go where she pleases when presented to Bernard.”
“What do you mean, milord?”
“Well, it would put a few minds at ease, I’m sure, if Firefly’s at least collared for the duration of her time here.”
“Again with this,” Firefly moaned.
“I am sorry, Firefly, but you made quite a scene by flying straight at the capital of a land under fire. The reaction you received is unfortunately to be expected. It will only be for a little while. Bernard may be suspicious and stubborn, but he will see the truth of the matter if he can just speak with you for himself.”
“Oh, alright,” Firefly sighed. “Whatever it takes.”
“That’s the spirit, now,” Frederick urged.
The young lord got up and left Megan and Firefly alone for an instant while he fetched a guard. The servant girl tried to smile optimistically at the frowning Pegasus to little affect. An instant later, Frederick reappeared with the captain and a few guards. The subordinating officials looked quizzically at their lord, who held up a hand as they reached for their blades.
“Just collar her. I can promise she’ll cooperate. Then bring her along with me. We’re off to see my brother.”
“In all due respect, milord, our orders to take this creature down to the cells came from Lord Bernard.”
“Then he can give that order once we’ve been to see him. First, though. Collar the pony here and have two guards stand by this stall to keep an eye of her. I need to take care of something but I won’t be long. I will send for Meganto fetch you when I am ready to go to Bernard’s office.”
“…Yes, milord.”
And it was done. Firefly allowed herself to have a steel collar clamped around her neck and the other end of the chain was locked clamped to a pillar in the stall.
“Captain, you may return to your duties. I will take care of this matter personally.”
“Yes, milord. You’re going out on a bit of a limp for this creature, though.”
“I understood, captain, but if you’ve ever trusted me. Trust me now.”
“Very well, milord. By your leave, I return to my duties as ordered.”
“Yes, dismissed, captain. Alright, Megan, a quick trip to the library and we’re all set.”
“Yes, milord.”
“Then let us be off.”
Firefly watched as the other people left, leaving her alone with the two guards. Awkward silence set in almost immediately.
“So… You guys had this job long?”
No response.
“You guys are real professionals. Maybe too good. No one’s looking. Wanna talk?”
C
“Ah, Lord Frederick, back so soon,” Andrew greeted.
“Quite. Andrew, I need Magi Sevulia’s Book of Familiars right this instant.”
“Of course, milord, but I implore… Why?”
“I think luck may be on our side at last, Andrew,” Frederick stated, setting aside the books he was reading from earlier to make room. “We may have just uncovered another piece of the plot we currently are entangled in and it just flew in on dark violet wings.”
Andrew threw up his arms, giving up on understanding the young noble and went to fetch the book he requested.
“Creation, creation, creation…” Frederick mumbled, flipping through the pages, a finger kept at the front index. “Here we are. Creation of Familiars… Let us see… The Basics… Talking animals… Ah-ha, here it is! “The easiest method to create a Familiar is to use an already enchanted creature. The preexisting magicks make it easier for the being or creature in question to change forms and the end result will be more powerful for it.” I knew it!”
Frederick marked the chapter of the book. It had all the proof he needed to show that Firefly was of an enchanted race and why they would make ideal specimens for a line of Familiar Attack Beasts for Tirac.
“Megan, go fetch Firefly and her escort from the stables. I’ll meet you out in the hall just outside Bernard’s office. Be swift.”
“Yes, milord.”
And Megan was off like a shot.
“Andrew.”
“Yes Lord Frederick.”
“Could you help me carry these papers?”
“Of course.”
Shortly thereafter, Megan, Firefly, and the two guards met Frederick just outside of the Bernard’s office. Frederick had done some last minute compiling of his findings concerning Tirac’s power source in case that was also demanded. Once they arrived, he had had a quasi-finished version of it under his arm along with the book of Familiars.
“Well, then, shall me,” Frederick stated, and knocked on the door.
The butler answered.
“Ah, yes, Lord Frederick. I’m afraid that Lord Bernard is a very busy man. Unless you have important business to discuss, he has informed me that it will have to wait.”
“Oh, believe me, Francis. It doesn’t get any more important than this,” Frederick gestured to Firefly.
The butler raised a brow.
“Very well. Milord Bernard will see you, then.”
“Hello, brother,” Frederick greeted upon entering the office.
Bernard was filling out papers. The other occupants of the room were an adviser, a mage, and one of their generals.
“Frederick. What can I do for you,” Bernard asked, not looking up from the papers he was signing.
“You may want to see this, brother.”
At last the heir looked up from his work to the mob that had entered his office.
“What.”
“Good heavens, you’re brought that beast here,” the adviser gasped.
“What is the meaning of this, Lord Frederick,” the general asked.
“Interesting,” the mage said, his gaze fixed on Firefly, studying her every move.
“Yes, brother and esteemed gentlemen, I present you with the equine terror of Dongard. I’ve already looked into the matter of her presence here and I believe this is something you need to hear.”
Bernard set his pen down and gestured for them to continue.
“Is this really wise, Lord Bernard,” the adviser asked. “We have pressing matters to attend to.”
“This will be just a moment, brother. I swear it,” Frederick assured.
“Very well, why then has this Pegasus paid our land a visit at this troubled hour,” Bernard asked.
“The floor is yours’, Firefly.”
“Firefly?”
“That’s my name, Lord Bernard…sir.”
“….Alright.”
At this point, all eyes were trained on Firefly. The general had heard the beast could talk, but had not believed it until now.
Firefly cleared her throat as she was met forward to the center of the office.
“Well, here’s how it happened…”
Firefly explained her plight to Bernard and his company. He listened intently and did not speak until she had finished.
“I see,” He said after. “Well, as I hope you have been made aware of, this land has also standing on the edge of disaster. I do sympathize with you, Firefly. I really do, but we just don’t have the resources to allow us to split up our forces right now, unless it is absolutely necessary.”
“But-but…” Firefly sputtered almost in tears.
“I am sorry,” Bernard replied. “But no. We have too much that needs doing and our troops are needed in too many places right now.”
“I would concur,” the general put in. “Our men are stretched thin as is.”
“I wise answer, milord,” the adviser said.
“Why our land,” mage asked. “There are other human nations you could have picked from.”
“Yours’ was the only human nation I knew of.”
“Well, just what do you think Tirac would want with you…Pastels, you said you were,” the mage asked. “You seem a very humble sort of creature.”
“They are enchanted creatures, dear water mage Christopher,” Frederick said. “A witch placed a spell on them to make them as they are now. Meaning they are rife with magical energy already. Just what plans could someone like Tirac have in store for them?”
“Oh yes, we were originally just ordinary ponies. It’s thanks to the witch Olivia I can talk,” Firefly smiled.
Bernard blinked.
“Little brother, I know you must have a point, but it is lost on me.”
“Yes, what does that have to do with anything,” the adviser asked skeptically.
“Well, creatures that have been previously altered by magic are easy to manipulate once subdued and with the right implements,” the mage, Christopher, explained. “You could strengthen the enchantment and thus make the creature a more potent specimen. You could put a whole new spell on them and alter them to your will, creating Familiars, which are magical servants that can be used for any purpose. They could also be joined with other creatures to create chimeras. The applications are nigh endless.”
“Mage Christopher, can you verify that an enchantment has been placed on this…Firefly,” the general asked. “As it stands, we have only the word of this creature as proof.”
“Well, yes, of course. Spells to identify hexes and enchantments are First Year level spells.”
“Do it,” Bernard ordered.
Christopher, the water-based mage bowed, and then the wirey little man walked over to Firefly and knelt before her. He brushed back his shaggy raven hair as his baby blue eyes met Firefly’s dark violet ones.
“This will not hurt a bit,” he said.
He reached and touched Firefly on the forehead and began to chant a spell. He released her and immediately a glyph made up of a circle with various symbols on it became visible before him.
“What’s that,” breathed Megan.
“The spell glyph,” Christopher answered. “Mages can make them visible to identify what kind of spell has been placed on an object or being. Indeed. There is something here. It’s not a spell glyph like any I have ever seen, but with time and a team of mages I could decipher the entire coding of the spell. As it stands, all I can really tell is that this particular enchantment and Firefly was fused to the core. Not a natural creation, yet not artificial.”
“Meaning?”
“There is no removing this enchantment using even the most skilled wizard in the world. What you see is what you have before you with this Firefly. The magic and her are one. This is who and what she is born from day one. There is fraudulence about this creature. She really just is a talking, flying, oddly colored being. So rendering them ordinary hoofed beasts of burden is impossible. Yes, so obviously Tirac’s intentions are to use these…”Pastels”, as likely to create a force of Familiars or Chimeras.”
Christopher snapped his fingers and the glyph vanished from view.
“Would Lord Bernard have me have the glyph studied?”
After a moment to think it over, Bernard shook his head.
“No, Mage Christopher, that won’t be necessary. What I want to know is why not to create his own Familiars to begin with.”
“Using pre-enchanted entities is a big shortcut in the magic world. Enchanting an object or entity is a very long and difficult process. Using something like these Pastels allows you to skip the entire Enchanting process and go straight to manipulating what’s already there. You can need to fully decipher the glyph to understand what you need to do.”
“So… What’s your decision, Lord Bernard…sir?”
Bernard sat in thought for a while.
“General?”
“If we remove any troops from their stations as it stands, there will be holes in our defenses, and it will take months to train the new recruits we will soon have coming in. If we can ever render aid to this Pastel, it will be months from now. Near the end of summer at the soonest.”
“How many Familiars or Chimeras would we be looking at if Tirac’s dragonriders tried to capture all of your kin?”
“Oh, hundreds.”
“Hundreds,” Bernard breathed, feeling drained now.
“Well, the situation would be disastrous if Tirac were allowed to create these things,” the adviser said.
He turned to Christopher.
“Mage Christopher, what are the military applications for Familiars and Chimeras.”
“As created by someone like Tirac: one who holds to the power to flatten armies before him? They’d be ideal killing machines as he could shape to them to meet any deadly form he wanted.”
“Then we can’t let him have his way, one way or the other,” Frederick said.
“Indeed. Alright, you’ve convinced me, Frederick. George, send for my generals and other officials. We’re going to hold a meeting about this.”
“Yes, milord,” George the butler bowed and was off.
“Guards, you may uncollar…Firefly, and send her to some guest quarters. Megan, since you are the one who brought her here, you can tend to her. Dear Frederick can handle his own papers for once. Frederick, General Thomas, Adviser McGovern, Mage Christopher, you’re all coming too, naturally. Megan, Firefly, we will send for you once we’ve come to a decision and inform of it.”
And so it was done.
C
“And over here is a guest chamber, Firefly,” Megan gestured to a nearby door in the hall.
She opened it up and in zipped the eager pony.
“A BED,” Firefly cheered happily.
She jumped into the air and then flopped onto the bed in absolute ecstasy. Megan giggled as she watched the equine stretch and then curls up on it. The guards watched the creature with a mind sense of interest. Now really wonder or alarm, though.
“Awfully relaxed, aren’t you, Firefly?”
“Nah, we have their attention. They can’t just ignore what Tirac’s doing to my friends now.”
“No, I supposed not.”