“Obsidian killed her?” Millennium stood from the stone he was lying upon and took a step forward. With the same clear and crisp voice, one that could be heard from horizon to horizon, he continued. “I thought some of our informants in the city had word that he was calming down, that he was no longer a mad king.”

Looking like a hatchling compared to the strong form of Millennium, the messenger shrugged his shoulders, unsure of what to say.

From the flickering shadows to Millennium’s side a dragon stepped forth, his hunched posture placing his height even lower than the messenger's. Words came from his lips as a grumble, “Those were just rumours sir, we also heard tales of the pony princess bending Ember as a pet under her will. You can not believe all our informants say.”

Turning his head to the side, Millennium met the hunched dragon’s eyes with a questioning stare. “If that is true Disia, then how can we be sure these words are?”

Disia clasped his claws before his chest and forced a smile across his lips, nodding his head rapidly as he spoke. “So wise sir, you are right.” Looking to the messenger, he dropped the smile. “Who did you hear these words from?”

“Uh,” The messenger faltered, lifting a claw to scratch his cheek before answering. “It was The Snake sir.”

“Oh,” Disia mocked surprise, his neck straightening to show his full height, still incomparable to Millennium. “We have always been able to trust his word.” Turning back to Millennium, he nodded once more, the smile on his lips spread so wide it appeared to hurt. “We can know for sure this information is accurate.”

Millennium studied Disia’s eyes for a moment, quivering with the fear they held, before releasing a breath. “If you are certain Disia, I will trust on this.” He looked back to the messenger. “Thank you for bringing this message, you may go now.”

With a quick nod the messenger sped out of the cave entrance and down the tunnel beyond.

Rolling his shoulders backward, Millennium stepped forward, following the messenger’s path with strong strides. Disia scuttled behind him, half-running to keep up with the movements of his commander.

“Gather the commanders of each century,” Millennium allowed the words to fall over his shoulder as he walked. “If this mad king is showing his true side once again I want to stop him before anyone else in the city is hurt.”

Nodding along as Millennium spoke, Disia paused at the intersection they came to before calling after his disappearing commander. “I will tell them to meet you in the war room?”

“Yes,” Millennium called back. “Tell them it’s urgent.”

Watching the tall grey and gold scaled dragon disappear down one tunnel, Disia turned to another, muttering to himself as he moved through it. “So high and mighty.” He gritted his teeth thinking of the proud face that taunted him every moment he saw it. “I can’t wait to see how you look when you’re dead.”

Realising what he had said, Disia lifted his head and looked up and down the tunnel, sighing with relief when he realised no one was within earshot. The head of an ash-scaled dragon appeared in the shadow before him, a silky voice accompanying it.

“Learn to hold your tongue Disia, it will find you more trouble than you could imagine.”

Swiping a claw a the hallucination, Disia shook his head with teeth bared. That fool doesn’t know what he’s talking about either. No one does. They’ll all be bowing in fear when I’m king.

Despite the hatred boiling in his belly, he continued along the tunnel, following Millennium's order. Soon the shadows around Disia faded away as light filled his vision, the tunnel walls around him opening up into a high cavern.

Sounds of laughter and playful chatter filled Disia’s head as he stepped further into the cavern, the scowl on his lips deepening. How can they be enjoying themselves when we’re hidden away in these caves? They should be preparing for battle, preparing the victory I deserve.

Disia paused in his movement, eyes glazing over as dreams of his glorious triumph over Obsidian filled his mind. Fantasies he played through time and time again, Putting up with these idiots will make the end to that battle so much sweeter, He reminded himself.

In his dream some mourned for the loss of their commander, Millennium, who had died bravely in battle, but their tears did not last long. How could they with such a brilliant leader to take his place? All bowed as he took his place on the bloodstained throne of Rockholm.

“Disia, why are you standing there looking like an idiot?”

The mocking words and the laughter that followed them broke Disia from his daydreams. When the laughter faded into silence another voice followed.

“I think forgot where he was again.”

Another round of laughter echoed the voice, each joyful noise fanning the flame of Disia’s already boiling blood.

His lips reared back as he lifted his eyes to face the stocky swamp-green scaled dragon standing before him. Twisting his tongue, Disia’s mind flooded with hateful words, his lips shaking, barely able to hold back his wrath.

These nothings are not worth your time, He reminded himself, recalling the words his father had told him many weeks previous, before Disia had departed on this conquest.

“I know you have trouble working with those you see as lesser to you,” He had said as they sat side by side in his father’s private quarters. “But a kingdom cannot be made of just a king, you need a kingdom to rule, and that means you must get along with lesser dragons.”

As his father’s words echoed through his head, Disia released his rage as a breath, forcing a smile across his lips as he spoke. “Millennium wants you all to meet him in the war room.”

At the mention of their serperior’s name, the joking smile on the muzzles of the dragons before Disia shrunk. A murmur ran through them and the shifting of scales against stone filled the air as those sitting stood.

“Lead the way then Disia,” The dragon nearest to him said, his voice free of the playfulness it had held earlier and now fitting of the position he held.

Leading the commanders of each century back the way he had came gave Disia a small swelling of pride in his chest. They need to grow accustomed to this feeling, following me. When I am their victorious general and king they will be doing it a lot. The thought brought a smile back to his lips, the expression lasting until he entered the war room.

The room barely fitted the name it held and was a cave just like the rest of their living quarters. A table of stone was the centrepiece of the room, cloaked in maps and candles, it was the only thing that defined the space from another hole in the ground.

Sitting opposite the entrance, Millennium's eyes wandered the painted landscapes before him, lifting when he heard the sound of a dozen dragons.

“Good, he said, gesturing with a claw for the new arrivals to take a seat. “Make yourselves comfortable, we have much to discuss.”

“Will they continue to attack?” As Cadence spoke, the sun faded towards the horizon behind her, rays of crimson light slicing through the sky like fresh cuts. “After a second failure will The Whispering Wings stop trying?”

Five pairs of eyes were pinned to Moretur, although unable to see them, he could feel their weight. Holding his forehead with a claw he shook his head. “The Whispering Wings have never failed to kill a mark before, I can’t see them leaving you alive so easily.” He chewed at his lower lip as he spoke, squirming where he sat.

Hearing his words, Cadence’s shoulders fell with a sigh. “Well, we’re going to have to keep trying then.” She lifted her head as she said this, looking to Moretur’s downcast face with a smile. “If I can befriend one of you, I can do it to you all.”

“I,” Moretur lifted his head to Cadence’s voice. “I,” The absolute certainty in her words twisted his stomach in knots and punctured his heart like a sword. “I,” As her voice faded to silence, waiting for an answer, Moretur felt the weight of the words in his throat, too heavy for his weak tongue ever to speak.

When the stuttering dragon fell silent and dropped his snout towards the ground once more, Cadence reached out a hoof towards him. “What is it you want to say Moretur?”

Silence gripped the air once more, Moretur slowly lifting his head, forcing the boulder-like words up the tight passage of his throat and onto his tongue. “I can’t tell you princess, you would hate me.” With even the slightest hint of his secret free from his heart, Moretur could breath a little easier.

“Moretur,” Cadence watched the emotion twist through his face. “I could never hate you, I could never hate anyone. You met Ember today, he has come closer to killing me than you ever did, but I forgave him. I know he’s changed, and I know you have.”

Her words only caused Moretur’s heart to sink further. I know you’ve changed.

“Cadence believes lava could change to water,” Skylight joked, earning herself a chuckle from Shining and pulling Moretur’s eyes towards her. “Seriously though,” Her voice dropped into a deeper tone. “Whatever you’ve done, you can leave it behind.”

With Skylight’s words to support her, Cadence felt her smile spreading even wider. “Yes, she’s right. Everyone has good in them, they only have to choose to show it.”

“But I haven’t changed,” Moreture finally blurted, the pressure from both mares spilling the words from depth of his twisted stomach. Like spewing up a sickness, Moretur felt the confession lift ease his insides.

Cadence’s smile fell from her lips when she heard Moretur’s words. “What do you mean you haven’t changed?”

“I knew he was still a bad dragon,” Flo leapt up from her seat beside Cadence and stepped towards Moretur. “No one can ever change from being a meanie so quickly.”

Seeing the discomfort in Moretur’s composure, Cadence lit her horn and brought Flo back to her side. “Now Flo, let him speak before you make any assumptions.” Looking back up to the snake-dragon in front of her, she repeated her question. “What do you mean you haven’t changed?”

“It was our plan for me to change sides all along,” Moretur admitted, his stomach growing sick once more as he waited for anger to come forth from the ponies before him. Hearing only silence, he continued, burying his snout between his forelegs. “We knew we could never pass your scentless barrier, so we needed to find another way in.”

“So you double crossed us,” Despite the situation, Cloud’s voice was full of interest, almost excited. “Gained our trust and planned to murder Cadence while we slept. I only ask why you didn’t act sooner?”

“Cloud,” Skylight punched the stallion in the shoulder with her hoof. “Whose side are you on?”

The smile on his lips fading somewhat, Cloud turned to meet Skylight’s eyes. “I was only asking because someone who truly was a killer, and was only here to kill Cadence would have done it at the first chance he got. Moretur did not.”

Seeing his point, the other three ponies nodded along, Cadence turning her head away from Cloud and back to Moretur. “See, you have changed, you just don’t know it.”

“Then why do I still feel so terrible?” Moretur half-shouted, half-whimpered, feeling the weight of many eyes upon him. “Ever since I came here I’ve been unable to believe how kind you are. I never knew caring like this existed, but I still feel sick to my stomach every night.”

Cadence felt a smile returning to her lips as she stared at the snake-dragon before her, a terror only a few nights ago now seemed as vulnerable as a foal. “Well, are you missing something, someone?”

“Brother.” Was all Moretur could say, his whole body pausing, frozen in thought.

“The one that left today?” Cadence continued for him. “Is he your real brother?”

“Yes, all of The Whispering Wings are. No one ever comes, they are only born into it. Vensol is closest to me however, we were born within the same day.” Moretur’s lips twisted with pain as memories long past resurfaced themselves. “And as cruel as he seemed, he is more loyal than I could ever be.”

Silence fell over the group as Moretur’s words faded, Cadence unsure of what to say next. Cuddled up at Cadence’s side, Flo watched the snake-dragon with unwavering eyes, ready to leap to the defence of her princess at any sign of attack.

Eventually Cloud spoke up, his brow creased with thought. “I’ve been thinking about what you said Moretur, that you were supposed to kill Cadence. When had you planned to do it?”

“As soon as I could,” Moretur admitted. “But Vensol was still trapped after I was freed, I couldn’t leave him alone to die after I killed the princess and fled. That was what I told him a least, after he was free I would strike, but I can’t do it.”

A smile played with the corners of Cloud’s lips, a hoof lifting to knead his cheek. “So The Whispering Wings think you’ve killed Cadence by now?”

After a moment of thought, Moretur spoke. “Yes, but if I don’t return by the end of tonight they will know something is wrong.”

The smile on Cloud’s muzzle spread until his teeth could be seen, a soft chuckle shaking his chest. “For tonight however, we have the advantage.”

Looking to Cloud with questioning eyes, Cadence sighed. “What are you planning?”

Drawn from his fantasies by Cadence’s voice, Cloud turned to her and shook his head. “Nothing yet, but if an enemy wants to make a move tonight, they do it thinking you’re not alive.”

Standing tall over the warroom map, Millennium swept his eyes over the score of commanders packed into the tight rom before him. “Any questions?”

The dragon who raised his voice was exactly who Millennium expected, Valibus. A century commander who thought he was more fit than Millennium to lead, always questioning his authority. “Are you sure it is wise to force our way into this city? It would be better to wait for the tunnelers to finish digging.”

Millennium gritted his teeth at the mention of Valibus’s tunneling dragons, a cowardly tactic, he had declared. “Valibus, the mad king could be taking the lives of more dragons as we speak, we can not wait. We must strike tonight.”

“But Millennium-”

“No buts. We all know what happened during Obsidian’s last rampage, he killed his son and worst of all our queen. I can not wait while innocent dragons die. Now, are there any questions regarding our plan for tonight?”

“Are you sure you should be leading the charge sir?” The one who spoke up this time was Curid. Newest amongst the score of commanders, he looked up to Millennium like a father. “It’s dangerous on the front lines.”

Turning his head to Curid, Millennium sighed, unable to keep a smile from his lips. “I know you are worried for me Curid, but I always lead from the front lines. If I can not put my life on the line for the battle, how can I ask my dragons to do the same?”

A mocking murmur ran through the back rows of commanders, the words it held too muffled for Millennium to decipher them. Pretending to not have heard, he gazed around the cave once more. “Any more questions?”

When no one else spoke up he nodded. “Then go ready your centuries and assemble at the edge of the mountain. We will move before the first star.” Millennium stood still as the commanders filtered out of the room and down the tunnels beyond, quiet voices running between them.

After a few moments only one dragon was left, but not the one Millennium had been expecting. “Belle?” He questioned as the dragon moved forward to meet him. “Should you not be readying your dragons?”

“They’ll be fine,” Belle smiled as she stopped before Millennium. “My century readies much faster than the others. I would prefer to give them the extra rest.” One of the few dragonesses within the century commanders, Belle was well-loved by her dragons, more of a mother to her dragons than a commander

She glanced backward, making sure they were alone before continuing. “I didn’t come to brag about my century though. I came to warn you.” The smile on Belle’s lips fell. “Don’t lead on the front lines tonight.”

The wary tone of Belle’s voice and her backward glances creased Millennium’s brow with question. “Why wouldn’t I. Hiding at the back is what cowards do.”

Millennium’s words stung Belle’s cheeks with red, her commanding style exactly what he had described. “I know you want to show how brave you are, but I’ve heard some of the other commanders talking about,” She glanced backward one last time before leaning forward. “Betraying you.”

Anger chased the questioning from Millennium’s features. “Who has been saying these things? I can not have traitors leading my army.”

Belle’s orange lips parted to speak, but the voice that filled the air was not hers.

“You need to control your commanders,” The grumble came from behind Belle, drawing both her and Millennium’s eyes to the cave entrance where Disia stood, a cut across one cheek leaking red. “They picked me up and carried me halfway down the tunnel as some kind of joke.”

Relief left Belle’s lips as a breath when she realised Disia had not heard her words. Looking back up to Millennium, she smiled. “Stay safe sir, I want to see you again at the end of this battle.” She slipped past Disia and disappeared around the corner.

Alone with Millennium, Disia raised his eyes to meet his commander’s pair. “What was she talking about?”

Millennium blew out a slow breath as he thought. “Empty fears,” He decided eventually, not wanting to believe that dragons among his chosen score would even think of betrayal. Shaking Belle’s words from his mind, he stepped towards Disia. “Come, we must prepare for the battle ourselves.”

Sitting with Flo cuddled up against her, Cadence gazed out over the city and the darkening sky above it. The moon shone bright and alone, not a star joining it yet. Cadence’s hoof stroked at the underside of Flo’s neck, hoping to calm the anger she had released only moments ago.

“You still can’t forgive Moretur for what he did, can you?” Cadence’s words were soft, barely louder than the evening breeze that played with her mane. Against her side she felt Flo’s head shake.

“How am I supposed to? When I see him I can only remember her.” Nuzzling at Cadence’s hoof, Flo’s scales were hot to touch, on the verge of burning Cadence. “I’ll never forget the mean in him.”

Cadence released her breath as a sigh, her eyes lifting to the slowing sea of dragons above. “Well you can’t hold a grudge forever Flo. I hope one day the good he does outweighs the bad in your...” Voice trailing off, Cadence forgot what she was saying and straightened her neck, peering at a shadowy form in the sky.

Noticing the disturbance in Cadence’s speech, Flo looked upwards as well, following Cadence’s eyes. “Is that Ember?” A shiver passed through her body at the name, limbs shifting to free herself from Cadence’s grasp. “I need to hide from that meanie.”

Despite Flo’s efforts, Cadence’s forelegs held her tight. “There’s no need to hide Flo, Ember’s changed, just like Moretur.” Realising they were in the centre of the balcony, she rose, lifting Flo with her. “We should give him room to land however.”

With a great gust of wind Ember’s claws met the balcony and his wings folded away, the sound of his landing drawing the other four from inside. “The army,” Ember said with a heavy breath, his heaving from the fast flight. “They’re assembling, on the mountain.”

Cadence’s eyes widened, looking from Ember to Cloud and back to Ember. “I thought they would retreat after you saw them?”

Nodding in agreement with Cadence’s words, Cloud shifted in his spot, wings twitching as if they could sense a coming flight. "I thought that as well, but it seems they’ve decided to attack. On the night Cadence was supposed to die as well.” Cloud’s last words were soft, spoken so only he could hear them.

Now standing at Cadence’s side, Shining looked up to Ember, urgency filling his eyes and voice. “We need to warn Obsidian right away. How many did you see?”

Ember let out a slow breath as he thought. “More than one thousand, perhaps two, but I’ve never had the ability to count large forces like that.”

Glancing at Cloud, Shining waited for the insightful strategy that he had come to expect from the pegasus. Seeing Cloud’s eyes were still lost in his thoughts, Shining turned back to Cadence. “We should go warn Obsidian,” He looked to Ember. “While we do that can you go organize the guards in the courtyard?”

Confusion filled Ember’s features. “Why would the guards have any reason to listen to me, anyone else would be better for this task.”

Shining shook his head. “Even if they don’t listen, which they probably won’t, your appearance will get them ready to defend the king.”

Realising Shining’s thought process, Ember nodded before opening his wings. “You should reach the courtyard quickly however. I will need someone to explain things if they do not listen to me.” He left the words behind as he leapt into the air, a sharp crack of stone reaching the ears of all.

Turning to the remaining group, Shining found Cloud’s eyes still gazing into the distance, his mind absent from the balcony. Beside him Skylight’s wings were already spread, her eyes eager and awaiting instruction. “What should I do?”

“Stay here with Cloud,” Shining responded after a moments thought. “Once he’s finished thinking meet us in the courtyard.” By now Cadence had moved to the balcony door, Shining taking a step to join her before stopping. “Moretur, I think it would be best if you wait here, Obsidian doesn’t need to know he’s had a pair of dragons from The Whispering Wings as his guest. Not yet.”

Feeling the urgency in his legs, Shining moved past Cadence and into the room beyond. His ears picked up the sound of Cadence’s voice from behind him, “Well, I’ll see you soon.” Moments later the sound of Cadence's hooves and Flo’s claws were following Shining.

At the end of the hallway Cadence and Flo had caught up, Flo setting the pace down the stairs with her first leap. She landed four stairs below, looking back up to make sure the pony pair were following.

“Flo,” Cadence called after her, taking the steps two at a time. “We’re in a rush but there’s no need to be dangerous.”

Twisting her head backward, Flo flashed a grin at Cadence. “Don’t worry about me princess. I won’t fall.” Still keeping her eyes one Cadence, Flo took her next leap, landing perfectly five steps below. “See.”

Nodding, Cadence continued her comparably slower progress, keeping her eyes more on Flo than the stairs underneath her hooves. Well, at least if she falls I’ll be ready to catch her. Another leap and Cadence felt her own hoof catch on an unseen step below, her whole body tipping forward snout first.

The sickening feeling in Cadence’s gut took notice of her mistake before she did. A falling sensation filled her body and mind, alongside an instinctual panic. Without a thought her wings spread from her sides, only a few pangs of pain remaining in them after days of rest.

One flap and Cadence righted herself, hooves firmly resting on the stairs once more. From her side she heard laughter.

“You really need to worry more about yourself,” Shining said, half-chuckling. His hoof lifted to help steady her. “Now why don’t we try catching Flo?”

The warm touch of embarrassment faded from Cadence’s cheeks as a smile filled her lips. “I’ll race you.” A twitch of her wings and bending legs followed her words, a leap lifting her into the air.

Watching Cadence soar ahead of him for a moment, Shining readied his legs as well, jumping down the stairs at a pace that matched Flo’s.

Despite his best efforts, Shining arrived in the throne room last, Cadence already moving towards Obsidian’s throne, Flo following her closely. The shaky voice of an elderly dragon was the only one to be heard as Shining stepped forward.

“-And that is why the gems in The Sapphire Tower need to be replaced. They-”

“Obsidian!” Cadence called the moment she was within his vision. “There’s something extremely important you need to know.”

The dragon she had cut off huffed, crossing his forelegs before him. “I don’t care if you are a princess. It is no excuse to be rude.”

Looking to the elderly dragon, Cadence smiled. “Well, I’m sorry for interrupting you, but,” She turned back to Obsidian. “An army is gathering in the mountains. We think they’re about to attack.” By now Shining and Flo stood on either side of her, nodding in agreement.

A collective gasp filled the room, Obsidian’s tired eyes wakened wide by Cadence’s words.

“An army princess? I have been hearing tales of this army all week but have still yet to see any proof.”

Taking a step forward, Cadence left Flo and Shining behind her. “Obsidian, I know there might have been false alarms in the past, but this is something you can’t ignore. They are gathering on the mountains outside the city and could attack at any moment.”

Seeing the pleading in Cadence’s eyes and the urgency in her voice, Obsidian’s features hardened. “How many are there? How close?” Looking to his side, he found Brazen standing, awaiting an order. “Brazen, ready the guards and ring the bell.” As the sandy-scaled dragon fled, Obsidian turned to the audience of dragons before him. “Are there any members of the militia in this room?”

At the end of the throne room a single claw lifted in response. Its owner stood a head taller than the rest of the crowd, but compared to a monster like Ember he was barely a hatchling.

“Go to the nearest tower and sound the alarm, I need every dragon awake and ready to defend this city.” Rising from his throne, Obsidian waved his claws over the still silent crowd before him. “Court is dismissed.”

Most left in silence, but the elderly dragon who had been speaking when Cadence entered stepped forward, frustration clear in his features. “Can we expect the next session to be held on the morrow? This issue with The Sapphire Tower needs-”

A low growl from deep within Obsidian’s throat silenced the now quivering dragon. “We will return to court once my subjects are safe, and only then. Now leave my presence.”

With shaky steps the elderly dragon fled from the room, forcing his way through the masses that jammed the doors.

His court almost clear, Obsidian turned back to Cadence. “Princess, will you join us in this battle? From the few times you have demonstrated your power it has been shown a great. Someone as powerful as you could be the tipping point in a battle.” To Obsidian’s disappointment, Cadence shook her head.

“I don’t want to fight, I want to stop this battle before it starts, but,” Cadence glanced at the now empty throne room and out into the garden beyond. “If worst comes to worst I will help you.” Her last words brought a smile to Obsidian’s lips.

“Hearing that brings joy to my heart princess. Now I must go and prepare myself to defend the city. I wish you safety.” Following the crowd of dragons. Obsidian exited the throne room, leaving Cadence, Shining and Flo behind.

Cadence took a few quick steps after Obsidian before stopping and looking back to Shining. “Well, we should get to the courtyard, someone is waiting for us.”

Question touched Shining’s features until realisation brushed it away. “Ember,” He breathed. “We need to get to him before Obsidian does.” He bounded forward, past Cadence and towards the door.

Eyes following Shining, Cadence’s hoof lifted to chase after him, but her mind stopped her. She turned back and found Flo still standing beside Obsidian’s throne. “Are you coming Flo?”

Flo glanced back at the door behind her before returning her eyes Cadence. “I don’t want to see you disappear princess.” A shiver passed through Flo’s body as she spoke.

Hearing Flo’s fears took the breath from Cadence’s lungs, her mouth hanging open for a moment, unsure of what to say. Eventually she managed to draw a breath and speak, “I’m not going to die Flo, but you don’t have to come. I’d rather you stay safe in our room.”

As Cadence made to turn away again, Flo’s voice stopped her.

“Why I am not safe out there? Why don’t you stay safe upstairs?”

The urge to leave filling her legs, Cadence twisted her head back to Flo, confusion in her own features. She’s right, I feel like she’s in danger outside, so why shouldn’t she think the same about me? “Well, even if I’m not going to be safe, I have to go Flo. Like Obsidian said, I could decide how this battle ends, but not how he thinks.”

Turning her body completely back to Flo, Cadence shortened the distance between them until they were standing snout to snout. “I promise I’ll come back,” The words left her lips as a whisper, Cadence planting a soft kiss on the end of Flo’s snout. “But I have to go now.”

Cadence swung her body in a half-circle before racing towards the door. I’ve got to catch up with Shining.

Passing Obsidian with a quick greeting, Cadence found Shining outside, standing beside Ember, the pair of them facing a dozen guards.

“Ember isn’t here to hurt anyone,” Shining protested, holding a hoof up in hopes that the draconic guards wouldn’t move closer.

“He’s telling the truth.” The sound of Cadence’s voice relaxed the tension in Shining’s shoulders and drew the eyes of the guards. “I asked Ember to get you ready while I told Obsidian what was happening.”

“Princess?” One of the guards questioned with slow words. “What is so important that you couldn’t wait to tell us?” As he spoke the sound of claws on cobbles came from behind him.

Brazen shook his head as he approached. “I was wondering what had given the guards such a stir.” He stopped beside Cadence, making sure the eyes of each guard was upon him before continuing. “There is an army building in the mountains. Inform any guards who might not know and head for the north-”

A bell sung its long and loud song, overwhelming Brazen’s words.

Glaring up at the tower set against the night sky, Brazen shook his head till it stopped. “As I was saying, once everyone is prepared, head for the north wall, and be quick about it.”

“What about Ember?” The guards closest to Brazen asked, lifting a claw to point at the beast who towered over them.

Brazen’s body jolted when his eyes found Ember’s form above him, blotting out the moon. “I had forgotten you were there-”

“Ember?” Obsidian’s voice cut off Brazen’s, his question holding a hint of worry. “What has brought you back to the palace at such at time?”

Turning his head to the side, Ember met Obsidian’s eyes and froze, his body unmoving but for the movement of his breaths.

Taking cautious steps towards Ember, Obsidian continued speaking. “I haven’t seen you this close in many years, Ember, son.”

A shiver shook at Ember’s legs and ran up his back. “Son,” He whispered, eyes falling away from Obsidian’s and towards the ground. “I don’t feel like I deserve that title.”

Before Obsidian could speak, Cadence lifted a hoof. “I know both of you have a lot you want to say, but every dragon in Rockholm could be in danger.”

Lowering his eyes to Cadence, Obsidian looked at her with a questioning gaze. “Did you not say to stop putting the safety of this city before my family?”

“Well, I did,” A smile crossed Cadence’s lips at Obsidian’s words. He’s chosen the wrong time to finally listen to what I say. “But what I meant was stop using the safety of your subjects as an excuse, not to ignore them when they need you most. Now go.” She shooed Obsidian away with a hoof. “You two can talk after the battle.”

Still holding Cadence’s eyes, Obsidian lowered his neck further, his voice barely more than a whisper. “Princess, there might not be an after to this battle.”

The smile on Cadence’s lips shrunk slightly, before blooming back wider than before. “You’ll make it back after this, I’ll make sure we all do.”

“This will be your first battle Disia.” Standing beside the smaller dragon on the mountain top, Millennium gazed over the plains to the wall of obsidian beyond. “Will you join me on the front lines?”

Looking up to Millennium, Disia shook his head, limbs tensing slightly. Does he know about my plan? Does he want to take me down with him. Disia shook his head, resisting the urge in his legs to flee. There’s no way he could find out, He reminded himself before speaking.

“No, I’m not much of a fighter sir, but I will be encouraging you from the back.”

The shake of Millennium’s head and the sigh leaving his lips showed his disapproval. “You’ve often told me how you want to follow your father and rule over Ember, but how can you do that if you don’t put the life of those under you before yours?”

Disia breathed deeply, holding back another urge, the want to spit insults at Millennium tingling on his lips. How can this foolish dragon even think to give me advice? Another deep breath and the urge faded to the back of his mind.

“Disia, is something on your mind?” Millennium questioned.

Realising he had been standing silent for some time, Disia nodded calmly while his mind raced for an answer. “Yes, I am worried about this battle, it could be dangerous. Many in the frontlines will fall.”

Annoyance flashed through Millennium’s eyes before being replaced with sorrow. “I hate to think of it, but you are correct Disia.” Moving his eyes from Disia to the plains before him, Millennium allowed a heavy breath to leave his lungs. “I have seen many dragons fall at my sides, and I will see many more. If only I could save them.”

Disia could barely contain the smile wanting to spread across his lips. Sometimes I forget how stupid you really are Millennium, but you never forget to remind me. Instead of allowing his true thoughts out, he adopted a sorrowful tone. “If only you could, but it’s impossible.”

“Mmmm,” Nodding at Disia’s words, Millennium’s eyes were deep in thought, remembering the battles of his past on the landscape before him.

Quiet joined the two for some time, the sound of claws against stone and the distant barks of a few commanders filled the air.

Eventually a call came from behind the two, drawing their eyes to the source. “Millennium, all of the centuries are ready and awaiting your command.” The words came from an orange-scaled dragon a few steps from the pair and approaching.

“Belle,” Millennium called back, meeting her halfway. A smile spread across his lips, but quickly faded as he recalled what she had told him earlier. “Have you come to warn me again?”

Glancing over Millennium’s shoulder, Belle found Disia approaching as well and lifted a talon to silence Millennium’s lips. “No, just to make sure you’re ready for battle.”

The smile on Millennium's lips spread into a grin. “Even in my sleep I am battle ready.” He placed a claw on Belle’s shoulder, nudging her away gently. “Now go join your century, we will march in a moment.”

Returning Millennium’s smile, Belle hurried back towards the mountains where her century waited. Millennium’s eyes followed her.

She seems certain something will happen, Millennium knew. That someone will betray me. Turning to face Rockholm once more, he found Disia standing between him and the city, facing away from him. Flashes of battle played out in Millennium’s mind, his own dragons turning against him, tearing into his scales with teeth and claws.

Sickness brewing in his stomach, Millennium shook the images away. Even thinking of it is terrible, knowing those you only wanted to protect hated you. That is not how I want to die. He lifted his voice, “How do you want to die Disia?”

The smaller dragon leapt so high into the air his head was level with Millennium’s, a yelp leaving his lips. Still shaking, Disia turned to face Millennium. Seeing the warmth in his commander’s eyes, Disia breathed relief. He doesn’t know, how could he know?

“You’re acting strange tonight Disia, is something wrong?”

“No,” Disia shook his head. “I nervous about this battle, that’s all.” Control yourself Disia. “I don’t want to die either. A long life is my dream.”

“The more I talk to you, the more I find out how different we are.” Millennium released his breath slowly, a battle lighting his mind once more. “To die at the end of a long boring life is not what I want. Battle is where I wish to fall, protecting those who put their trust in me.”

The barest hint of a smile twitched at the corners of Disia’s lips. Be careful what you wish for.

“I’m almost excited.” The words came from Cloud with a shiver, standing atop the outer wall of Rockholm. On one side of him stood Skylight, her wings open and eyes fixed on the distant mass of dragons. Cadence and Shining stood on the other, a pink wing stretched over the unicorn’s back.

Hearing Cloud’s words, Cadence shook her head. “How can you be? If something doesn't happen to stop it this battle will leave so many dragons dead.” She scrunched her eyes up at the thought, an image of the scenery before her painted with blood and bodies flashing through her mind.

“It’s Cloud’s first battle,” Skylight explained, her wings twitching with excitement. “Mine too. Every soldier wants to prove themselves in their first fight.”

Cloud nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across his lips as he imagined the glorious battle unfolding before them. “I’ve been dreaming about moments like this since I was a colt. The great hero who turns the tide of a war with his skills alone.”

Reaching downward with his wing, Cloud picked up the heavy spear that lay at his hooves and leaned its shaft against his shoulder. He and Skylight had been given the weapons by the captain of Obsidian’s guard, strong enough to pierce dragon scale he had said.

Looking up at the weapon like one she had refused, Cadence shook her head once more. “Well, I hope this battle stops before you have a chance to use that.”

“Don’t be so hard on him Cadence.” Shining’s voice came from beside her, drawing her eyes back towards him. A smile filled his lips, eyes staring out over the soon to be battleground. “Most colts dream about being a great soldier one day, it’s part of who we are.”

Skylight shot Shining a sharp look, clearing her throat to draw his attention.

Glancing to Skylight, Shining chuckled before nodding. “And some mares have the same dreams as well.”

Soft laughter from all four filled the air at Shining’s correction, the worry on Cadence’s lips pushed back by a smile. When the laughter faded Shining continued.

“That doesn’t mean I think of this as a way to show what a great warrior I am though. I can feel the nerves in my stomach, I’m almost scared.”

Hearing Shining’s confession, Cadence lay her head on his shoulder, rubbing her coat against his. “Well, hopefully none of us have to fight.” Drawing her head upright, she kissed at his cheek. “Maybe if we can talk to their leader we can convince them to stop the attack, maybe make peace.”

A sigh left Cloud’s lips as Cadence’s plan filled his ears. “I know that would be best for everyone here, but I really was hoping for a battle.” His eyes lifted to the sky, and found one of the moon’s children joining its mother in the sky. “I do wonder when they’re going to approach, the stars are already coming out.”

“The first star,” Millennium called back at the dragons under his command, each one organized in neat lines. “Ready your wings, teeth and claws, the battle is almost upon us.”

Turning to face the plains once more, Millennium spread his own monstrous pair of wings and leapt from the ground, the sails of leather carrying him high. The sound of hundreds of wings filled the air behind him.

Atop the distant wall Millennium could see the shadows of wings spreading in response to his approach, a swarm of black lifting off to meet him. He could feel the urge to fight surging through his body, the metallic handle of the long axe in one claw feeling hot.

In his mind half a hundred victories flashed by, many of them almost a century old. This will be my first battle in a few decades, a pity it will be over so easily. With a mad king at their lead this army will not be able to face mine.

Millennium was a third of the way across the plain by now, close enough to hear the wings of the oncoming dragons mixed with those of his own army. Swinging the axe in his claw back and forth, he tested its familiar weight.

Delila, He thought to himself, the name of his weapon bringing memories as sweet as honey to mind. I have not danced with you in some time, let this fight be spectacular. In the air behind him he could hear the hiss of countless other weapons as well, every dragon readying for the first clash.

With numbers as little as these this first strike will make all the difference, if I can fill their front lines with fear the rest will flee as well.

Moments from the enemy line now, Millennium flicked his eyes across their approach, searching for any holes, weaknesses that could be exploited. Seeing one to the far side, he lifted his free claw to direct a few of the centuries towards it, knowing his dragons would burst through the opening and break the enemy line. Too simple.

Millennium lifted his axe to the side, ready to swing deep into the enemy in the next moment.

“Stop!”

The voice rang over the almost battlefield, so loud it seemed to Millennium that it penetrated his head directly into his mind. It stopped both forces midair, all eyes searching for its source. Lifting his own eyes, Millennium found a speck of blue light soaring high above both forces.

“Who is leading you?”

Closer this time, Millennium instinctively winced at the pain the voice filled his head with, his mind taking a moment to realise the meaning of its words. They are asking for me. Shifting his wings, he propelled himself towards the blue speck to light, the sound of a dozen other wings joining his.

Glancing towards the sound, Millennium found the wings belonged to some of his century commanders, although it was those missing he noticed more. Where is Belle? Curid? The dragons who he thought would be the first to join him were absent.

I do not have time to think about that now, Millennium knew, looking away from the commanders who joined him and back to the growing blue light above. As he neared the light he noticed the wings attached to it. What kind of dragon can make fire like that?

Closer and closer still, Millennium realised the outlines of wings he saw were not the jagged edges of dragons, but much softer, more like the feathers of a bird. Griffons? No, we would know if they had come to this city. It must be a pegasus.

What filled Millennium’s vision as he came level with the light drew the breath from his lungs and widened his eyes. “Are you the princess?” He managed to whisper. Then the information that messenger gave was false.

At Cadence’s nod, Millennium continued. “I thought you had been slain by the mad king Obsidian?”

Cadence couldn’t help but smile at Millennium’s words, the form underneath her shaking with a chuckle. “I doubt he could.”

Looking towards the new voice, Millennium’s eyes widened even further. “Why are you riding another pony princess, you have wings of your own.” He pointed to the appendages of mention with a claw.

“Well, it’s a long story,” Cadence said, her voice friendly. “But right now that doesn’t matter. You need to stop this battle, if you fight many, many dragons will be killed. Can’t we find some terms of peace?”

The shock of seeing Cadence before him wearing away, Millenium remembered the situation below. “I only organized my army for attack because I had word that Obsidian had killed you during his madness. I feared for the safety of the dragons in the city.”

Cadence let her breath out as a long sigh, thinking over Millennium’s words. “Why do you think Obsidian would kill me? He might have different views on how to rule a kingdom than I do, but he would never lay a claw on me.”

The expression of Millennium’s features faltered, his eyes losing focus and staring off into the distance behind Cadence. Disia has told me all this time that Obsidian was a crazed king who kills at the slightest misstep. Was he lying? He shook the thought away before answering.

“All the stories I have heard tell of Obsidian as some mad king who kills his subjects without thought, and his crazed son Ember was the same. Then I heard you had come to the city and tamed Ember, or enslaved him, but,” The more Millennium spoke, the less sure he was of his own words.

None of these stories make any sense, He realised, slowing his words and meeting Cadence’s eyes once more. “Then I heard you were dead and Obsidian was rampaging, I could think of nothing else but the safety of the city.”

Cadence smiled at the dragon, “Well, you seem confused. Why don’t we call off this battle and I will explain everything to you?”

“I would appreciate that pri-”

A sickening sound filled the air, one that brought young memories back to the forefront of Cadence’s mind. The smiling face of Silvia falling forward as Moretur’s claw withdrew from her neck. No, not again.

Before her, Millennium’s features filled with shock for a moment, his lips moving but no words coming from them, and then he fell. The shadows of dragons that hovered behind where Millennium once had darted forward, claws painted with blood outstretched.

If Cadence’s stay in Rockholm had taught her anything, it was clear thought in times of near death. The burst of power as bright as the sleeping sun that erupted from her horn in the instant before the approaching claws connected demonstrated this.

Caught in the wave of blue energy, the dozen century commanders were blown back like leaves in a gust of wind.

Ignoring the now distant dragons, Cadence lowered her muzzle to Skylight’s ear. “Go down, we need to catch him.”

With a nod Skylight tilted her wings and sent them into a gut wrenching drop, Cadence barely able to keep hold with the surrounding air trying to tear her off. After a moment or two she adjusted to their downward speed, streamlining her body against Skylight’s and readying her horn to grasp the body falling below them.

As they sped by Cadence snatched Millennium out of the air with her magic, dragging him along with them.

Seeing Cadence had Millennium held tight, Skylight turned back for the wall, slowing her pace and glancing backward. She found the now recovered century commanders fleeing towards their soldiers, filling the air with shouts she could not discern, she knew their meaning however.

“They’re attacking.”

The only reply Cadence gave was a slight nod, her entire mind focused only holding the dragon many hundred times larger than her securely.

Skylight soared over the army of Rockholm and towards the two white stallions waiting for them on the wall. Her hooves clopped against the stone as she landed before a much heavier sound followed.

A sharp breath left Cadence’s lips once the burden of Millennium’s body was held by the wall, her chest heaving as she climbed off Skylight. Shining’s forelegs were ready to catch her weak form, barely able to stay standing.

“Who is he?”

Cadence heard Cloud’s voice question, and Skylight answer.

“He’s the captain of their army, or was.”

Having recovered enough, Cadence lifted her head and eyelids to find the pegasus pair staring at her. Leaning a leg on Shining’s back, she stood as upright as she could.

“Why did you bring him back,” Cloud asked, glancing at the still body beside them before looking back to Cadence.

Drawing a heavy breath, Cadence turned sideways, Shining moving with her. The pair took a step towards the motionless form of Millennium. “Well, I thought I could save him with my magic, he could stop this battle.”

A scream rang from the aerial battle outside the walls of Rockholm, drawing all four ponies eyes towards the blaze of flames and clash of claws.

Turning away from the scene, Cloud took a step towards Millennium’s body, placing his wingtip on the neck as thick as a tree trunk. “He’s not stopping battles anytime soon, or even breathing. This dragon is gone Cadence.”

“No,” Hearing Cloud’s words, Cadence looked back to the lifeless form of Millennium. She broke from Shining’s grasp and lifted a hoof to step forward, only to have her weak legs collapse under her weight.

Catching Cadence before she fell, Shining brought her head into his neck, lips kissing at her ears as he whispered. “You’re too tired to do something like that right now. Just rest Cadence.”

Unable to fight his grasp any longer, Cadence leant her full weight into Shining, toppling both of them to the stone below. “I wanted to save him, I wanted to bring him back,” She said, lying atop Shining.

One of his hooves trapped underneath his body, Shining lifted his free hoof to stroke Cadence’s mane, soothing her with the slow movements. “Cadence, there’s some things that I don’t think Celestia could even do. Bringing someone back to life is one of them.”

Having stepped back from Millennium, Cloud stood beside Skylight once more, his head nodding. “Remember how tired you were after fixing my wing, you collapsed right away. I think bringing someone back to life would drain more than just your energy.”

Whoosh! The air above them momentarily filled with the crackling of fire as a ball of flame soared overhead. It landed below the wall in a burst of orange and yellow.

Shifting his eyes back to the battle, Cloud opening his wings. “We should get back our room at the palace. With Cadence how she is it will be much safer for her there.”

Nodding in agreement, Skylight opened her own wings before stepping towards Cadence and Shining. “Help her onto my back.”

Shining hesitated for a moment before nodding as well. He allowed Cadence to lean on him as she rose to her hooves, steadied her while she climbed onto Skylight’s back. “Go slowly,” He said before turning and mounting Cloud himself.

The sounds of battle faded as the pair of pegasi soared easily over the city and towards their balcony. Roaring fire and flashes of light filled the air as they neared the wall, only to collide with the obsidian, none coming as close as the first.

Feeling the body atop her slipping, Skylight was forced to grip Cadence’s hooves with her own to stop the weary alicorn from losing her grip.

As they neared the balcony the blue scaled form of Moretur moved out to join Flo beside the railing. Flo shot the snake-dragon a suspicious glance before looking back up to the approaching ponies with a wide grin.

When Skylight’s hooves collided with the stone of the balcony, Flo rushed to her side, ambushing Cadence as she climbed from the pegasus.

“Princess. You got back safely. I knew you’d get back safely. Did you beat up some back dragons? Did you win?”

Placing all four hooves beneath her, Cadence tipped sideways, forced to lean on Skylight to keep herself standing. A weak smile on her lips met Flo’s now worried features.

“What happened princess? Did one of the bad dragons hurt you? I knew you shouldn’t have gone.”

A weak chuckle shook Cadence’s chest at Flo’s conflicting words, her shaky hoof lifting to touch Flo’s head. “I’m fine Flo. All I did was use too much of my magic. Once I rest I’ll be fine.”

By now Shining had dismounted from Cloud and was moving across the balcony. When he arrived at Cadence’s side he lifted her hoof onto his back, allowing all her weight to lean onto him. “Cadence really needs to rest right now, you can talk with her in the morning.

Too weak to protest, Cadence nodded at Shining’s words before following his movements inside.

Still standing out on the balcony, Cloud and Skylight watched the other pony pair move inside, Shining forming an ethereal mattress before lowering Cadence towards it.

“Do you want to go back to the battle?” Cloud suggested as they turned away from the tiring scene and back towards the flash of lights in the distance.

Glancing towards the sky of flames in the distance, Skylight thought for a moment before shaking her head. “Next time, when there’s less fire.”

Cloud nodded in agreement. “We can still watch it from here.” Taking a step towards Skylight, he spread his still open wing over her back, the pair sitting behind the railing. Above the distant plain he could spy the swarms of dragons clashing with each other, some falling while others turned for another pass.

“It looks like Obsidian’s army is winning,” Cloud said after watching for a few moments. “I was sure they were outnumbered when we left.”

Before Skylight could reply, Moretur’s voice filled the air. “Can you describe the battle to me? I can hear their cries but from this far away it is difficult to discern one from the other. All I can smell is blood and sweat.”

Surprise filled Cloud’s features for a moment as he realised Moretur still stood behind them. “There are two massive armies of dragons,” Cloud said once he recovered, meeting the irritation in Skylight’s features with a soft smile. “One side is split into many colors by their armor while Obsidian’s dragons are all in black.”

“Colors,” A chuckle chased the word from Moretur’s lips. “I don’t think I will ever understand them.”

Ignoring the interruption, Skylight looked back to the battle, her eyes picking out the finer details Cloud’s had missed. “Some fighting for Obsidian aren’t black.”

Turning his gaze back to the distant fighting, Cloud nodded. “You’re right, it looks like some of the dragons in colored armor are fighting each other.” His eyes widened as he stood, wings spreading. “I need to get a closer look at this.”

Cloud tore his eyes away from the battle to find Skylight standing behind him, a grin on her lips. “I’ll race you.”

It only felt like moments to Cloud before his hooves were upon the outer wall of Rockholm once more. His chest puffed in and out with breath, Skylight in a similar state beside him.

“It’s unfair with those wings you have,” She breathed through a grin, eyes following the movements of Cloud’s white feathers as he folded them away.

Mind shifting from their race to the battle still raging before them, Cloud nodded, his eyes reflecting the bursts of flame they saw. After a moment or two of watching, a whisper left his lips, barely audible to Skylight above the din of claws and fire. “They’ve changed sides.”

Following Cloud’s eyes, Skylight saw that many of the dragons who were fighting had similarly shaped armor, only a difference in color telling one from the other. “You’re right, but why?”

Looking away from the battle, Cloud moved his gaze to the monstrous body that still lay on the wall. “Cadence said he was their leader right?” At Skylight’s nod he continued. “For his own soldiers to kill him there must have been some fed up in his army, but I doubt all of them were.”

He and Skylight turned back to the battle, silent for a moment or two, both already reaching the same conclusion.

“They’re not fighting for Obsidian-” Skylight started, a deafening inferno of green flame in the distance silencing her. A wince filled her lips as she watched dragons fall from the sky, knocked down by the blast.

“They’re fighting for him,” Cloud finished, once he could hear himself speak again. Even with dragons impaling each other with claws and teeth, he could not look away, eyes captured by the horror before him.

Both captivated with the battle, they edged towards each other, step by step, until Cloud’s wing rested over Skylight’s back. He took his eyes off the action for a moment to meet her eyes. “Do you want to sit and watch?”

Skylight nodded as the two lowered themselves to the stone below, her head cuddling against his neck for comfort. “If you watch with me.”

“Just wait for her to wake.”

The voice leaked into the depths of Cadence’s mind, reaching the darkness her consciousness lay within.

“But I waited all morning.”

Another voice answered the first, like a spark in the shadows, it flashed with light for a moment in Cadence’s mind. Who is it? She thought before wincing at the throb that came from her head.

“Princess, you’re awake.”

Cadence felt scales and claws brush against her coat as Flo grasped at her shoulder and tugged.

“Come on princess. Everyone’s waiting for you.”

A sharp gasp filled Cadence’s lips as the slight movement of her head brought on a wave of pain. Even opening her eyes was uncomfortable, the light seeping in like needles piercing her mind, so she allowed them to close.

“See,” With a ring of magic and the sound of Shining’s voice, Cadence felt the claw lifted from her shoulder. “They’ll have to wait, she needs to rest longer.”

Who’s waiting for me? Cadence’s mind raced, pictures from the previous night coming back to her. The dragon captain she had talked to, his face as he fell from the sky, the strain on her mind as she magically carried him back to the wall, then nothing else. That explains the pain in my head.

“Cadence,” Shining’s voice was closer now, a soft feather falling on her ears. “I know you don’t want to keep anyone waiting, but you need to stay still. It seems like you haven’t yet recovered from last night.” The soft strokes of his hoof down her side brought a weak smile to her lips.

Opening her mouth, Cadence found her tongue dry as dust. “Water, please,” She managed to say, her thirst overwhelming the pain it took to push each croaky word from her lips.

“Oh, right.” The ring of magic joined Shining as he spoke, cold stone soon touching against Cadence’s lips.

She shifted her head and cracked her eyelids open just enough to see the obsidian bowl before her and drink from it as Shining poured. “Thank you,” She said after he pulled the bowl away, the water wetting her mouth and quenching some of the thirst that stung at the back of her throat.

Laying her head back down to rest, Cadence continued to speak. “Who’s waiting?”

Rolling his eyes into his head, Shining thought back to all the faces he had seen gathered in the city centre, many, many dragons making up a murky rainbow. “Everyone.”

“Well, why?”

A heavy breath left Shining’s lips. “You remember the dragon leader you spoke with last night, how you carried him back to the wall once he had been killed?”

Cadence nodded slightly, the aching of her head a clear reminder of her struggle.

“They’re having a ceremony in the middle of the city for him. Obsidian is insisting they wait for you.”

“Why wait for me?” Cadence winced as the movements of her jaw sent a spark of pain racing through her head. “I didn’t do anything to help.”

“You saved the whole city princess.”

Looking to the dragon who sat beside him, Shining smiled at her enthusiasm before turning back to Cadence. “Flo’s right, if you hadn’t have calmed Ember down he would never have seen the army approaching.”

“But, one of the guards on the wall would have seen them.” Words came from Cadence’s lips softly and slowly, her head back and forth a little. “If I had been awake to help Obsidian less dragons would have died.”

Shining’s hoof ran down Cadence’s neck and along her back, comforting the stress held there. “Don’t think like that, if you didn’t talk with that dragon and almost convince him to stop, those wanting to betray him wouldn’t have been forced to reveal their plans so soon. He might have led his army to victory against Obsidian. Think of every dragon you saved in Rockholm.”

Opening her lips to protest, Cadence found she could only produce a sigh, her tongue too weak to form words.

“See, you’re too tired to argue.” Shining lowered his lips to Cadence’s cheek and laid a gentle kiss there. “Now get some sleep.”

Cadence nodded slightly, allowing her worries to flee from the weight of sleep that filled her mind and body, allowing the warm darkness to overcome her once more.

When she next woke Cadence’s eyelids opened immediately, a gasp of breath filling her lungs. She lifted her head and found the pain was gone, her body feeling almost weightless compared to the last time she had woken.

Scanning the room, Cadence realised she was alone. The light that filtered in from the balcony a lazy golden.

It’s almost sunset, She knew. I hope I haven’t kept them waiting all day.

Cadence sprang to her hooves before racing towards the balcony door. The centre of Rockholm was not visible from her room with many tall tower blocking her vision, but she could still see dragons flying towards it like bugs to light.

I have to get there as soon as I can, I don’t want them to wait any longer. A slight panic filling her limbs, Cadence felt her wings open at her sides by instinct, their aching now gone. She tested them with a soft beat, feeling their lift.

Satisfied with their strength, Cadence bent her legs, readying her body for the burst of lifting off. A sickly nervousness tainted her stomach as she looked up at the golden sky, the sensation of something missing causing her to pause. It’s strange not having Skylight with me.

“Cadence!”

“Princess!”

The pair of voices drew Cadence’s eyes back towards the balcony door, her tense limbs almost losing balance as her body turned as well. A flutter of her wings kept her upright, completing her turn.

Her eyes found Flo racing towards her, Shining some distance behind, Moretur at his side. Cadence managed to sneak a smile to Shining before Flo tackled her with a hug, pinning her to the ground like an excited puppy.

“You’re awake princess. Did you miss me when you woke up? He forced me to leave you alone.” Flicking a claw back at Shining, Flo pouted. “I knew you’d wake when I left.”

Giggling a Flo’s energy, Cadence pried the dragon off of her body and rose to her hooves. “Well you’re here now, there’s no need to worry.” She patted Flo’s head with her hoof, holding the blue eyes with her own pair.

By now Shining had reached the balcony, his lips greeting Cadence’s cheek with a kiss. “I see you’re feeling better.”

Turning away from Flo, Cadence returned the greeting, nuzzling at Shining’s neck. “I feel much better, but,” She glanced back over her shoulder before returning her eyes to Shining. “They’re still waiting for me at the ceremony, we should hurry.”

Shining lifted a hoof to Cadence’s shoulder, kneading gently to calm her. “Don’t worry about that either, I told Obsidian you still needed to rest so he’s organized a feast for all the soldiers to pass the time.”

Satisfied with Shining’s explanation, Cadence allowed her breath out as a sigh before inhaling deeply. The sweet scent of berries and chocolate filled her snout, reminding her stomach how empty it was. “Is that raspberry and chocolate I can smell?”

Nodding, Shining brought the pie from behind him forth, holding it before Cadence’s eyes. “We went to the feast without you, sorry. I brought this back for you though.”

Taking the pie in her own magic, Cadence met Shining’s eyes with an amused look. “You didn’t overeat did you?”

“He ate so much,” Flo answered from her side. “There were pies bigger than my head.” She held up her claws to show the size. “He had two.”

With a guilty smile on his lips, Shining glanced back into the room. “Why don’t you come inside and have something to eat, then we can catch the end of the feast.” Gesturing for her to follow with his head, he stepped into the room.

“Well, I could just wait till we get to the feast before eating.” As the words left Cadence’s lips her stomach roared, a stab of pain reminding her of its hunger.

Chuckling at the sound, Shining glanced back at Cadence with the shake of his head. “You haven’t eaten all day Cadence. You should eat something now.”

At Shining’s words Cadence lowered her eyes to the pie she held, its perfectly browned pastry bringing another grumble from her stomach. “Well,” She said with a smile. “If you’re forcing me to.”

Following Shining inside, Cadence noticed Moretur standing at the door, half-facing away from the entrance, his head turned completely away. She moved to the ethereal mattress she had slept upon, stealing glances back at the still unmoving Moretur.

“Are you going to join us Moretur?” Cadence asked as she sat, her voice containing a hint of worry.

Moretur’s head tilted slightly towards Cadence’s words, the tip of his snout visible to her. “I don’t think so.”

Looking more closely at Moretur’s barely visible features, Cadence noticed a gouge of red below one nostril. “What happened to your snout? Did something hurt you last night?”

Realising his secret was uncovered, Moretur turned completely towards Cadence, fully revealing the crimson gash that ran from his snout down the length of his neck. Another formed a crescent along his side, its edges blackened. “I had I fight I wish to forget.”

“Oh, no. Come here, I’ll heal those wounds for you.” Cadence tapped her hoof on the stone beside her before turning to Shining. “Why didn’t you tell me Moretur had been hurt?”

Instead of Shining’s voice filling the air, Moretur answered her. “I asked him not to, I didn’t want to trouble you any further while you were resting.” He lowered himself beside Cadence, gasping and wrinkling his features as the movement tore at his injuries.

Cadence lit her horn, lifting the flap of the saddlebags beside her and pulling the stack of papers from within. “Well,” She smiled to herself. “The spell I was looking for is still here.” Taking the top page from the stack, Cadence held it before her, reciting the words a few times silently before placing it beside her.

With closed eyes she encased Moretur’s neck in blue, speaking as she did so. “Tell me what happened.” Her voice was soft, barely a whisper above the hum of magic.

“Are you sure you should heal him now?” Shining cut in before Moretur could respond, placing a hoof on Cadence’s shoulder. “You remember what happened last time you healed something this large, you collapsed the moment you were done. You might not make it to the ceremony.”

“Shining,” Opening her eyelids and silencing her magic, Cadence turned to meet his eyes with a sorry look. “Moretur needs me more than the ceremony does. If I collapse they’ll have to have it without me.”

“Right,” Realising what he had proposed, Shining felt a pang of guilt in his stomach. “I was just being selfish, you’re right.”

With a smile, Cadence nodded back at him before closing her eyes once more, the blue of her magic flowing down Moretur’s neck like water. It spilled from his shoulders along the torn blue scales of his chest, before spreading to catch the smaller cuts and scratches with its grasp.

A drop of water sprung forth from Cadence’s horn in time with a deep breath from her lips. It grew in size with each calm movement of her chest until it was as large as her head. Its first stage complete, the orb of light moved towards Moretur’s chest, spreading itself over the charred flesh there.

Cadence’s breaths increased in noise and pace as the sparks of her magic worked away, a wrinkle of strain appearing on her brow. Once her magic had completely sunk into Moretur’s scales, Cadence’s breathing settled a little, her features calm once more.

Another deep breath filled Cadence’s lungs, this time coinciding with a thread of magic escaping the tip of her horn. This time it moved towards the tip of Moretur’s snout, leaping back and forth between each edge of the tear, leaving brand new scales behind.

Seeing Cadence’s breathing shake and body shiver as she poured out her magic into Moretur’s wounds, Shining lowered a gentle foreleg over her withers, stroking slowly at her side with his hoof. The movement seemed to steady Cadence, yet the pace of her breathing still increased, her chest soon heaving.

Watching the laboured movements of his loved one, Shining couldn’t keep back the annoyance wanting to seep into his mind. Why did Moretur have to get injured now? It looks like she’s going to lose consciousness again.

The moment Shining realised his thoughts, he gritted his teeth, pushing them back. No, I’m just being selfish again. Moretur saved our lives last night, it’s the least I can do thank him. Forcing a smile to his lips, he met Cadence’s closed eyes and continued to comfort her with the stroking of his hoof.

By now Cadence’s magic had travelled down most of the tear in Moretur’s chest, her teeth clamping tight around a pink lip and brow filled with as many creases as waves on a beach.

You can do it, Shining thought, silently encouraging her, not wanting to take her concentration away from the task for even a second. His eyes followed the glowing blue thread as it finished its journey down Moretur’s chest, then darted back and forth across his body, tidying up the smaller cuts.

After what seemed like an eternity for Shining, Cadence finally released one heavy breath. The light of her horn faded away, and the glow of her magic disappeared from Moretur’s chest, yet her eyes did not open.

“I will never be able to repay you for what you have done princess,” Moretur whispered, breaking the eerie silence left by the ringing of Cadence’s horn.

Still watching Cadence, Shining’s heart fell as her head tilted towards him, resting on his shoulder. Her breaths were slow and steady, features free of any expression. She’s asleep, He thought. There’s no way she could still be awake after a healing that big.

“Has she gone to sleep?”

Shining heard Flo’s voice from over his shoulder, holding a mix of worry and sadness.

With a heavy breath, Shining nodded. Yes, I’ll have to wait another day to spend time with my princess.

“No Flo.”

The voice didn’t just fill Shining’s ears, but moved through his whole body, causing his heart to leap in his chest and the overwhelming warmth of joy to rush through his veins.

“My eyes are a little tired,” Cadence continued. “But I’m still awake.” Shifting her head against Shining, she lifted her muzzle towards his. “Could you hold the pie you brought me?”

Lighting his horn, Shining brought the chocolate and raspberry pie to Cadence’s lips, holding it steady as she bit into it.

Cadence moaned softly at the taste, a trickle of red juice running down her muzzle. Another bite, and another, soon the pie disappeared between her lips, pink eyelids fluttering open as she wiped crumbs and juice from her mouth.

Shifting her eyes towards Moretur, Cadence allowed a satisfied sigh to leave her lips before speaking. “Well, can you tell me what happened now?”

“I, it is, a shameful story.” Moretur’s nostrils flared as he drew in a deep breath, lips twisting with pain. “But if you wish to hear it I will tell you.” Taking Cadence’s silence as a cue, he continued.

“Late last night, or early this morning, after the battle was almost over, I was curled up in this room, trying to sleep, when a strange smell came to me.” Moretur fell silent for a few moments, his head shaking from side to side. “It was Vensol.”

He was here last night? Cadence thought, a small flame of worry igniting in her mind. Her lips opened to question, but she held her tongue. Whatever happened is over now, he can’t get me while I’m awake.

“I do not know how he did not pick up my scent, whether it be the bloodlust clouding his mind or that my scent has changed after being here. However his scent was clear to me, the sound of his wings closing and claws moving on this stone pushing my sleep aside.”

“At first I thought you were safe, that the strange magic you use would fend him off, but I realised I could no longer hear it. So I rose and moved to block his path, only to have one of his claws greet me.” Moretur ran a talon down the scales of his neck, tracing where the gash had been only a short time earlier.

“He, I, he struck at me while I defended, a violent and noisy battle. I begged him to stop with each breath while he cursed my name.” The pace of Moretur’s breathing increased, pain obvious in his features. “I knew if we continued to fight I would lose, there is no way I could strike a brother. It was luck your prince came to my rescue in time.”

The words of Moretur falling away to quiet, Shining realised his cue to speak. “The noise they made woke me up.” His eyes were distant, head shaking back and forth as he spoke. “I could barely see anything in the darkness, my only thought was to defend you Cadence, so I reached out with my magic to hold the nearest shadow.”

Looking to Moretur, Shining lifted his free hoof and touched the dragon on the shoulder. “I’m sorry for what I did, that wound down your chest was all my fault.”

“I hold no hard feelings.” In the tense atmosphere Moretur managed a small smile. “All my wounds have been healed thanks to your princess’s generosity, I am grateful to the both of you.”

“Thank you,” The smile on Moretur’s lips spread to Shining’s for a moment, before the memories of the previous night washed it away. “As I was saying, I was holding Moretur in my magic. His cry of pain made me realise who it was, and who the other dark form was. So I let go of him and picked up Vensol.”

“My brother was in a spitting rage,” Moretur picked up where Shining left off. “I could hear him thrashing in the air as I fell to the ground, my worry for him overcoming my pain. I tried talking to him, telling him everything I had realised after being with you these past few days, but he wouldn’t listen. He….”

Moretur’s voice trailed off, leaving the room in silence and both storytellers with their muzzles lowered to the ground.

“Well? What did he do?” Worry shook Cadence’s voice as she looked from Moretur to Shining and back, both of them not responding to her words. After a lengthy wait, she sighed. “If you don’t want to tell me, I won’t force you.”

“He made himself disappear.”

The sound of Flo’s shaky voice caught Cadence by surprise, the dragon having slipped from her mind.

Hearing Flo as well, Shining lifted his head and turned his eyes towards her. “You saw what happened as well?”

Flo nodded, memories dancing through her eyes. “I pretended to be asleep. I couldn’t stop watching though. That other bad dragon burned himself up.”

Swinging her head between Shining and Moretur once more, Cadence’s brow creased with question. “What does she mean?”

“There’s a special technique only The Whispering Wings know,” Moretur answered, his words so soft Cadence slowed her breathing to hear him. “A final resort, we can harness the power of our own inner fire to burn ourselves to ash. It is only supposed to be-” A sob cut Moretur off, the dragon swallowing noisily before he continued. “Used when there is no other option, when your life is already over.”

Cadence’s jaw dropped when realisation struck her, a pink hoof lifting to rest upon Moretur’s shoulder. “I, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be, it wasn’t your fault, more the fault of the twisted upbringing we both had.”

With her hoof Cadence kneaded comfort into Moretur’s scales, the four sitting in silence for a few moments. Cadence’s thoughts drifted as her foreleg moved in slow rotations, eyes unfocusing. Another one who’s lost someone they love, and once again I have nothing to say.

Underneath her hoof Cadence felt Moretur’s body shifting, the movement drawing her from her thoughts.

“Don’t let my sorrow spoil your mood princess,” He said, a small smile on his lips. “Go to your ceremony, I will be fine on my own.”

Moving her foreleg back to her side, Cadence stared hard at the scales where Moretur’s eyes might have been. “Well, are you sure?”

“I am. Your magic has healed more than physical wounds princess.”

The smile from Moretur’s lips spread to Cadence’s as she rose, looking to Flo. “Are you going to come?”

Springing upright, Flo pouted at Cadence as if the question were absurd. “Of course. I never miss a crazy show.”

“And those things will stay with me forever.”

With those words Belle stepped from the granite podium and moved back to her place at the front of the crowd. She was the last of the three speakers, Obsius, one of Millennium’s still loyal commanders, and Obsidian had been before her.

Cadence had been asked to speak as well, but refused with the excuse of tiredness, a disappointment for many in the crowd when they were told. Gazing over the sea of scales before her, she was glad she had.

Anything I would have said would have sounded foalish compared to their speeches, She thought, shifting her head to find comfort on Shining’s shoulder.

As Belle sat, Obsidian rose and moved to the podium for his second time since Cadence had arrived, his voice booming throughout the city centre. “Now the burnings will commence in the order organised this morning. Will the first group step forth.”

Cadence could feel the stone beneath her rumbling as half a hundred dragons rose from the first of the great stairs and moved forward, leaving Shining, Flo and her alone. Knowing what the ceremony would hold, she had chosen a seat some way back as to avoid being scorched.

The air crackled as the first body was consumed by yellow flames, Cadence’s eyes flickering with color as more and more joined the first.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” She whispered to Shining, eyes still pinned to the scene before her. “Much better than any pony funeral I’ve been to.”

“Mmm.” Shining nodded in agreement. “It almost makes you forget the sadness of the whole event, and rather remember the beauty each dragon possesses.”

The fires of the first group fading away, Cadence allowed her eyes to wander to the sky where many dragons hovered, their wings casting a shadow over the city centre. “I wonder if Skylight and Cloud can see this?”

Bored of waiting for the ceremony to start, the pegasus pair had taken to chasing each other through the sky, only to find themselves lacking a seat when the time came.

“If they look,” Flo answered, her words missing their usual pace and were instead thoughtful, as if she were picking each one. “The burnings of dragons can be seen from horizon to horizon. That’s what old crazy Delce always said.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Cadence’s lips as she lifted a foreleg over Flo’s back, pulling her closer. “Well, I’m glad all of us made it through this alive.” Her own words filled her lungs with a gasp, eyes widening and neck straightening. “Where is Ember?”

Tearing his eyes away from the flames of the second group, Shining met Cadence’s waiting eyes. “He’s uninjured outside the city. Still hiding from his father I guess. Skylight and Cloud said he fought well in the battle.”

Relief left Cadence’s chest as a breath, her body relaxing against Shining’s side once more. “That’s good to know.”

The groups of flame all seemed to blur into one for Cadence as she watched them with lazy eyes, the occasional bright pink or green flame startling her. Despite her best efforts to keep her eyelids lifted, she found them growing heavier and heavier, drooping down to bathe her world in darkness.

I’ll have a little rest, Cadence thought as the warmth of sleep washed over her mind.