Author's Notes:

I'm just going to leave this here...

In the waning hours of daylight, Luna sits in her observatory, blade pointed into the floor and her chin resting on her hands, which grip the handle tightly. Her foot taps nervously on the stone floor and her glazed eyes focus on the Fellowship in the courtyard. A breeze blows through one of the many openings and brings painful shivers all throughout her body, but she remains steadfast.

“They are going to their death,” says Nightmare Moon.

“We know,” says Luna.

“And yet you made no objections?”

“It was their choice. We have no authority over their will.”

Nightmare Moon chuckles. “No, there is more. Are you seriously believing that these mortals can destroy the Amulet and Sombra?”

Luna is silent, and her body tenses when ghostly fingers rake over her shoulder and through her hair.

“How adorable,” coos Nightmare Moon. “I cannot wait to see them die. One. By. One. Their spirits corrupted and crushed and their bodies mangled, and with them, their kingdoms. And it will all be because the Divine were too afraid to help their own creations. How funny is it that the new age of darkness will be brought by the fears of the light?”

“Darkness will not win,” says Luna. “Sombra, the Amulet, you, and all the Condemned will perish.”

The fingers dig into Luna's shoulder, and she grinds her teeth and tightens her grip as the cold, sharp pain pierces her skin, but she still keeps her eyes on the boat.

“But do you really want them to win when the Amulet's fate is bound to more than just Sombra?” says Nightmare Moon, her breath flowing into Luna's ear.

Luna swallows and blinks tears away, but more flow down her cheek and a lump in her throat chokes her.

“It must be done,” croaks Luna.

Nightmare Moon hums. “But you don't want it to. I know you, Luna, and soon you will cave to your fears. You always do.”

The ghostly hands move away from Luna's shoulder, and then the coldness fades to warmth, but Luna feels a great weight on her chest. It feels as though her heart is being crushed and no matter how much air she breathes in, it does not get any better. Soon, tears flow freely from her and she closes her eyes and rests her head on her hands, gasping for air and trembling as tears splatter on the floor.

“It must be done,” whispers Luna.

Most of the newly formed Fellowship has gathered at the courtyard during the waning hours. The air is cool, the light is bathing them in orange, and around them are supply packs stuffed with food, medicine, clothes, cookwares and other survival knickknacks.

Surrounding a map, which is held down on a crate by rocks is Daveport, Rainbow Dash, and Blueblood. Not too far off, Sweetie Belle is braiding Fluttershy's hair and Flash is patiently listening to Button Mash, Pipsqueak, Twist and Scootaloo talking about their adventures. Pinkie Pie is bringing supplies to Spike so he can organize them, and so far Braeburn, Twilight, Shining Armor, Rarity, Applejack and Apple Bloom are no where to be seen.

“We won't be able to take the boat up river, the current is too strong,” says Rainbow Dash, her eyes squinting and her finger tracing the marked river. “But if we follow it up by foot then it will lead us straight to the Frozen North and then we figure it out from there.”

“Bad idea. A lot of jerks patrol the river,” says Pinkie Pie as she passes the group with a large bag slung over her shoulder.

“Oh, yeah? What do you know about this kind of stuff?” snaps Rainbow Dash, glaring at the Ranger while said pony keeps walking with a smug smile.

It is during her distracted state that Blueblood yanks the map away, and noticing this, Rainbow Dash lunges at it, but he holds it above his head, keeping it just barely out of her reach.

“Give me back my map!” says Rainbow Dash, her hands clawing for it, but still remaining out of reach due to Blueblood's superior height.

“Technically its my map,” says Davenport with a bemused frown. “And I am sure my ship can handle the currents. Its not made like all of this modern crap.”

“But I'm the one with all the military experience and I outrank all of you in everything!”

“The ego is strong with this one,” says Pinkie Pie as she passes the group again, this time patting Rainbow Dash on the shoulder.

Rainbow Dash swats at her, snarling. “Back off, hobo!”

Pinkie Pie snickers and skips away, and Dash glowers at her for a few more seconds before making another attempt to get the map back from Blueblood. However, when her accomplishments turn to her and Blueblood walking in circles and her unsuccessfully trying to climb on him, she turns to Flash and points at the Viceroy.

“Flash, get my map back!” orders Rainbow Dash.

Davenport throws his hands up, scoffing, and Flash looks up at her, somewhat disappointed while the foalings bicker in front of him.

“You did not kill anybody. Sprinkles did it all,” says Twist.

“Yeah. You went down like a bitch,” says Scootaloo.

“I did not!” whines Button Mash.

“Actually, you kinda did,” says Pipsqueak.

“I'm sorry, but duty calls,” says Flash.

He gently parts the foalings away so he can get through, but before he can make it, Blueblood folds the map and stuffs it in his inner coat pocket.

“The Pink Menace is right. The river is too dangerous and it will be about a six months walk from here to Mount Dread,” says Blueblood. “But if we take the Plains of Everfree we can avoid heavy enemy patrols and the rough environments of the Smoky Mountains and Everfree Forest. That will cut our time by three weeks, and then take the Sliver Pass in the Crystal Mountains and follow the Frozen Trail that will save us another two weeks, therefore taking us four months, three weeks to reach our destination. However, that will only be possible if we move at a constant pace and avoid enemy detection and the weather remains in our favor. Now, seeing as events and weather are very fluid and the Amulet is a beacon, plus us having to restock our supplies I believe the real estimated time of arrival of my path will be around five months and six days. Any questions?”

Flash stops walking, the foalings stop bickering, Pinkie Pie freezes in midstep to gawk at Blueblood while Rainbow Dash and Davenport stare at the aristocrat with bulging eyes and slacks jaws.

In the silence, leafs swirl from the cool breeze and a bell tolls in the distance, and the group's silence is broken when Fluttershy walks up to them with Sweetie Belle, sporting a Viking braid, and the duo looks at the group curiously.

“Did we miss something?” asks Fluttershy.

Shining Armor sits on a eloquently carved stone bench, canteen in hand and glazed eyes staring at a mural of Celestia and Star Swirl striking down Sombra at the foot of a volcano spewing out dark red clouds and fiery ash. The image twists his gut and he grimaces as he takes a sip from his canteen, finding very little peace in the alcohol that flows through him.

“What are you doing sitting around for?” asks Braeburn.

His sudden voice jolts Shining Armor a bit, but he relaxes right after with a loud sigh while the earth pony approaches him with his crossbow holstered on a scabbard and carrying a box of bolts.

“I'm just relaxing before we got to Hell,” says Shining Armor. He pats a travel bag in between his legs and smiles thinly. “I'm all ready to go, anyway. I'm just waiting on everypony else.”

Shining Armor takes a closer look at Braeburn and sees that on top of the short sword he has clipped to his belt, he also has half a dozen small boxes on his belt, plus the big one in his grip. There is also the large pack he has on his back.

“You got enough bolts?” says Shining Armor.

Braeburn sits next to him and holds out his hand. “You gonna share that?”

Shining Armor looks at his canteen, and then with a reluctant sigh he gives his canteen to Braeburn. The earth pony takes a large swig and thanks him after returning the canteen. Shining Armor says nothing in return. Instead he wipes the canteen's lips with his sleeve.

“To answer your question, no I ain't got enough,” says Braeburn. “We'll be going through the Frozen North to take on a dark lord and his army of abominations while trying to protect a little foaling who just happens to have the most dangerous trinket ever created. I gotta feeling that I'll be out of all this before we reach the mountain.”

“If you're scared than you can always stay here,” says Shining Armor.

Braeburn shakes his head. “Nah, I can't do that. Applejack needs me.” He chuckles and snatches Shining Armor's canteen away for another sip, much to the unicorn's disgust. “You know, it's funny, ever since the Davenports took over Everfree I thought I was the last Apple. I thought if I had ever gotten to the throne room of Ponyville then I would take the throne and do stuff kings are supposed to do. But now that I know that Applejack is alive she is truly next in line for the throne and the last family I got. I need to protect her for my sake and the sake of my country.”

Shining Armor grabs his canteen and once again wipes its lip. “So, why aren't you with her?”

Braeburn smiles and puts his pack between his legs. From the new position, Shining Armor sees a sheathed weapon strapped to it. From it, Braeburn smoothly pulls out a weapon, revealing a double headed ax with an apple cut out in each head.

Shining Armor whistles. “Very nice. But can she use it?”

“I've seen her chop wood with Apple servants before, and I'm sure she's done more chopping since being with the Davenports. She's got a good swing and she is a quick learner. Besides, I heard axes are therapeutic and she sure can use some,” says Braeburn. “But I also got her some armor.”

Braeburn pulls out a helmet with a full faced mask that he shows off by flipping it up and down. Then there is a chainmail shirt that is curved to fit a feminine body, a vest made of strips of iron held together by straps which also covered the shoulders, and a pair of iron shin pads and gauntlet as well as thick gloves, new boots and an olive drab cloak, as well as a tunic and trousers. The armor is also lined with orange on its edges that also trace the jaw of the helmet, and bordering the orange is a red layer.

Seeing such a suit, Shining Armor cannot help but brush his fingers against the smooth surfaces and rub the chainmail between his fingers.

“Alicorns sure work fast,” says Braeburn, adding with a teasing grin: “It's their magic, I tell ya. They're a bunch of cheaters.”

“Will Applejack be able to carry this thing?” says Shining Armor, now inspecting the helmet closely.

Braeburn takes the helmet and starts repacking the gear. “Never underestimate the strength of an earth pony. If she wanted to she could carry four of us on her shoulders with no problem.”

Shining Armor cocks a brow. “You sure about that?”

Braeburn pauses for a moment. “You're right. That was an exaggeration. But earth pony's are still strong, so don't go around thinking we're weak, 'cuz we ain't.”

Shining Armor holds up his hands and looks down. “Okay, okay, I get it. But she's got more armor than us, you do know that right?”

Braeburn stuffs the last of the set in the pack, gets up with his gear and looks down at Shining Armor, nodding. “I know. But I will be damned if another Apple dies on my watch.”

Applejack quietly thanks the alicorn behind the counter as she takes a bundle of a dozen and a half wrapped bread loaves. The alicorn merely grunts and goes back to his bakery, which has been emptied of just about everything, save for the discard pile. Applejack then takes the time to carefully slip the loaves in her large pack so they are not crushed and to ensure that they all fit. Unfortunately not all of them ca fit, but she came prepared with a smaller pack, which she carries with her hand instead of her back. After loading the bread, she turns around and comes face to face with spear aimed at her nose.

Applejack yelps and leaps back, crashing into the counter, heart banging like a beast in her chest and eyes wide, but, alas, it turns out to be a false alarm, for the spear lowers and a posh giggle radiates.

“Thank you so much for your help,” says Rarity, carrying a travel pack of supplies and smiling flirtatiously while she smoothly brushes her hand on the arm of a white alicorn guard. “This market is a maze. I don't think I would have ever found my companion without your help.”

The alicorn guard bows slightly, smiling dumbly. “It was my pleasure, madam.”

“Take care and stay safe.”

“Likewise.” The guard nods politely to Applejack. “Ma'am.”

Applejack smiles nervously and manages a small wave, despite her heartbeats eroding her ribs and her fingers snapping the wood. When the guard leaves, Rarity approaches her side and looks her over curiously.

“Are you all right? You look sick,” says Rarity.

“I'm fine,” croaks Applejack.

Rarity hums and places the back of her hand on Applejack's forehead, making her flinch again, but thankfully no slaps come her way.

“Well, you certainly are working up a sweat. Has the trip got you nervous? I know I'm nervous,” says Rarity.

“Eh... Maybe a bit nervous,” says Applejack.

“I understand. It is going to be dreadful, and even then that is too kind of a word for it. Anyway, I don't think I ever got your name when our 'Fellowship' was formed. They just threw us together and sent us off.”

Applejack nods. “Eeyup.”

An awkward silence comes between the two. A twirling leaf blows by with the gentle wind, the baker coughs into his fist, and Applejack looks away, scratching her head while Rarity rocks in her spot. It is after some long seconds pass, Rarity decides to speak.

“I think proper introductions are in order,” says Rarity. She steps back and bows slightly. “I'm Rarity from the Vassal House of Belle, and you are?”

Applejack swallows and looks around, seeing nobody but the baker staring at her, so she shakily returns the bow without letting go of the counter, making for an awkward motion.

“I'm Applejack,” she says.

Rarity raises brow skeptically. “Applejack? Isn't that a name for stallions?”

Applejack frowns. “Its unisex.”

“Oh. How... progressive.”

Applejack's frown deepens, and Rarity nibbles her lip and clamps her hands together, swaying a bit in her spot. After more seconds of awkward silence, Rarity looks at Applejack's hand, which has yet to release the bakery counter.

“Are you going to release the counter, any time soon?” asks Rarity.

Applejack looks at her hand, then at the impatient alicorn baker, and then she quietly apologizes and steps away, keeping her eyes on the ground and flinching again when Rarity puts her hand on her shoulder.

“Relax, Applejack, I am not going to hurt you,” says Rarity. “We are on a team and I will take care of you, just as you will take care of me. Honestly, you have nothing to fear from me, I am quite gentle.”

Applejack tries to pull away, but a magic tug keeps her close and an arm link locks her against Rarity's side, much to her annoyance. However, her annoyance is kept silent by her held tongue.

“Oh no, we are not separating again,” says Rarity. “I already got lost once in this place and if I am to get lost again it will be with a companion. Now, which way is the port?”

Applejack sighs and rubs her forehead, reluctantly allowing Rarity to drag her along and secretly hoping that the rest of the Fellowship is not waiting on them.

The brightly lit infirmary is a mess. Herbs, potions, cloth, strings, scrolls, books and various other items are scattered on a long counter, and behind it is Twilight, Redheart and near empty shelves. Twilight is carefully going through a checklist, marking off each item by hand and using her magic to float them into padded sacks while Redheart wraps each bottle of potions and herbs. The nurse's motions are quick, but accurate, and so far has yet to make any mistakes of any kind. Not even dropping a potion or wrapping a bottle wrong.

“Are you sure you do not want to come with us?” asks Twilight as she checks items off of a scroll. “We can use your medicinal expertise.”

Redheart shakes her head and swiftly wraps another potion bottle in a thick cloth. “I'd rather not. Adventuring is not for me. Besides, I would slow the group down.”

“Are those the only reasons?”

“I also hate your brother and I would probably stab him in the neck the first chance I got.”

Twilight stiffens. “Oh.” She takes a couple of large steps away from Redheart. “What exactly happened between you two, if you don't mind me asking?”

“Well,” begins Redheart, her motions becoming jagged as she wraps another bottle. “It all started when-”

Celestia suddenly enters the room with Eulabir by her side, and Redheart's voice drops to a grumble and she finishes tying the last potion in its protective layer.

“You're brother was unfaithful. That is all,” says Redheart.

Twilight blinks questionably, but since Celestia has approached her she decides not to prod.

“How are your supplies?” asks Celestia, barely glancing at Redheart, who is now putting away the unneeded supplies.

“Everything is all set, Celestia. We're just waiting for Pinkie Pie to pick up the last of the medicine and we will be done here,” says Twilight.

Celestia nods. “That is good. Blueblood has already found a course that he believes will be quick and safe, and-”

Pinkie Pie suddenly pops up in front of Twilight, completely blocking the alicorns.

“Load me up!” blurts Pinkie Pie.

Twilight yelps and leaps back, clutching her racing heart and the wall, and staring at Pinkie Pie with bulging eyes. Even Redheart is backed into the corner and Eulabir has his blade an inch from piercing her back while Celestia has a sparkling, gold glowing spear in her hand.

When Pinkie Pie realizes what is going on, she looks at everyone with confusion painted on her features. “What?”

“What is wrong with you? You almost got yourself killed!” scolds Twilight.

Celestia sighs and relaxes, causing her spear to disintegrate, but Eulabir keeps his pose, even when the Queen nudges him.

“Sorry, Your Majesty, but I cannot stand down,” says Eulabir.

Pinkie Pie rolls her eyes and calmly pushes the blade away, showing just the smallest signs of discomfort when smoke rises from her sizzling fur. When the blade is safely away from her, she puts her fingers in her mouth and Eulabir's eyes grow wide from horror.

“What are you?” whispers Eulabir hoarsely.

“I'm just a pony,” says Pinkie Pie. She turns around and leans on the table with her butt out and her hands holding up her head as she bats her lashes at Twilight. “So, what do you got for me?”

Twilight hesitantly pulls away from the wall and places the last of the potions in a padded sack before giving them to Pinkie Pie.

“This is the last of what we need. Please make sure everypony has an equal amount of everything,” says Twilight.

Pinkie Pie grabs the bag and Twilight's hand, and pulls the unicorn close so that they can see each other in their eyes, with hers reflecting Twilight's drooped ears and anxious face, and the unicorn's reflected her perverted smile.

“Got it, Twily. By the way, I had a great time last night,” says Pinkie Pie lecherously.

Twilight's cheeks flare and she pushes the Ranger away, growling viciously. “Why you insufferable little- GAH! Just go!”

Pinkie Pie giggles and runs away with the stuff, leaving Twilight fuming with smoke rising from her mane and her teeth grinding against each other, all while Redheart and alicorns stare at her in silence. Though, after some two seconds of silence, Celestia gets a wicked grin and leans close to Twilight.

“So, you two had some fun last night?” teases Celestia.

Twilight groans and covers her face.

Apple Bloom feels heavier than she would like. She is not accustomed to wearing armor, and while the farm loads were heavier, she did not have to carry it all day, plus there were wheel barrows, carts and some poor, unfortunate sap that would try to impress her with their strength. It usually worked pretty good since they got to show off, she didn't have to lift heavy stuff, and the lifter good food and a drink instead of her hand. It was mostly a happy ending. However, now times have changed. Now she is wearing armor. Beautiful armor. But it is still armor and she knows the weight will get to her.

“I am glad the Queen let them fetch my armor from my home. No telling what would happen if it was left alone a bit longer,” says Purity. She smiles gleefully and escorts Apple Bloom to a mirror, and she sighs nostalgically as she rests her hand and chin on Apple Bloom's armored shoulders. “My goddess, you look so much like your mom. And me. Ah, those wonderful memories. So, what do you think?”

Apple Bloom stares at herself in the mirror, not really sure if she is in a dream or if she is facing a reality she does not want to be a part of. The armor is still beautiful, despite the grim circumstances. It has a brown color with dark brown trim and dark green straps that hold the metal straps of her pauldrons and tassets in place. The tassets move easily and stops her knees, and the breastplate has an apple inside a shield above the heart with vines curling along her ribs. Her vambraces are secured tightly on her arms, her gloves are thick like the underlayer of clothing, the belt around her waist has a clip for a sheath, and clipped around her neck is a green cloak with a golden apple pin.

“Do you like it?” asks Purity.

Apple Bloom nods and smiles nervously. “It is nice. I just never saw myself wearing this sort of thing.”

Purity waves her hand and hobbles towards the bed. “Singing to the choir. I never thought I would nearly everything I did and yet I did it with hardly any regrets.”

“You have regrets?”

“The nightmares are a pain.”

Apple Bloom turns away from the mirror and watches Purity grip the bed frame, sighing heavily with her shoulders sagging.

“So many nights missed because of those cursed memories. So many problems are now popping up because I hid that thing instead of destroying it. Now you have to suffer for my mistake,” says Purity.

Apple Bloom hastily approaches Purity's side and hugs her from behind. She hears Purity sniffling and she closes her eyes when her grandma strokes her red mane.

“It's going to be okay, Granny. You'll see,” says Apple Bloom.

Purity sniffles, wipes her nose and turns to Apple Bloom, smiling thinly and gripping her hands as her wet eyes lock with Apple Bloom's terror stricken eyes.

“Brave words from a scared foaling,” teases Purity.

Apple Bloom's lips twitch to a smile. “I know.”

Purity pats Apple Bloom's hands and then grabs a sheathed sword from her bed.

“There is something else for you, too,” says Purity.

She easily draws a broad sword from the sheath, and Apple Bloom's jaw drops as the elder holds the blade up so its runes can be displayed. The blade is polished, shining and its runes run along the whole length, and its handle is cushioned with simple brown pads and has a cross guard.

“This is Angurvadal,” says Purity proudly. “This beauty and that armor were made in the Halls of Svartalfiem after we helped a bunch of outcasts throw out Nighogg's pals. Though, to be quite frank, I think that stunt of ours is what led to the bloody war at Lookout Mountain. Good times.”

Apple Bloom scrunches her muzzle slightly. “Um, Granny... what?”

“Just thinking about boring stuff. The good thing about Angurvadal is that he never dulls and he glows when danger is afoot.” Purity grins and gently runs her palm over the runes, gazing at its broad blade. “He is swift, light and can slice through dragon limbs like veggies on the chopping block!”

Apple Bloom cringes. “You would know, huh?”

Purity smoothly slides Angurvadal back into the sheath and hands it to Apple Bloom.

“I have plenty of experience,” says Purity as Apple Bloom gently takes the weapon and inspects it. “Unfitting for a lady, but they were unfitting times, just like now. Really, it seems that peace is just a pause in time. It ain't ever gonna last, even if you destroy the Amulet.”

Apple Bloom's ears droop as she latches the blade to her belt with obvious difficulty. “You don't think I can do it?”

“Nothing is ever certain, Bloom. I wish I could say you will destroy it, but it is a craft made from the darkest of souls. Even in this holy place I can feel it calling me.”

Purity's eyes move towards the bulge in Apple Bloom's pocket and she steps forward, forcing Apple Bloom to step back. And out of the corner of Apple Bloom's eye, she sees a light blue glow seeping out from the sheath.

“It wants me to take it and hold it once more,” whispers Purity.

“Granny, you're starting to freak me out,” says Apple Bloom, her hand gripping the sword tighter and her heart racing as eyes try to focus on the elderly foaling. But her focus is split between her and a creeping smile growing on the shadow behind Granny.

“You don't feel that? That darkness? That body?” asks Purity.

Purity stops and looks around at the shadows, and the smile slides above her as incoherent whispers flood the room, and when Purity looks back at Apple Bloom, her eyes are bright and darkness deepens her wrinkles. Seeing this, Apple Bloom gulps and her legs quiver as she backs towards the door, too afraid to break her eyes off of her grandma.

“It is always calling, always listening from the shadows and dreams,” says Purity. “The closer you get to harming one's heart the more vicious they become, and I am sorry, Bloom, but the nightmare for you will only get worse the closer you get to Mount Dread. It will probably kill you before you reach the slopes.”

“But I have to destroy it,” says Apple Bloom meekly. “I have to destroy it for both of our sakes.”

“NO YOU DON'T!” roars Purity. She lunges at Apple Bloom and pins her against the wall with a loud thud and a yelp from the younger foaling, and she keeps her fingers tight on her shoulders. Her face gets close to Apple Bloom's to where she sees her horrified face in the solid green eyes and her teeth sharpen to fangs as she drools all over herself and Apple Bloom. “You don't have a chance of destroying the Amulet! Keep it here! Keep it with me!”

The door bursts open and a trio of alicorn guards rush in. One's hand and horns glows gold and strikes Purity in the side with a glowing ball that splashes all over her. The old foaling crumbles on the ground and thrashes as the light solidifies into thick crystals, immobilizing her into a contorted mess on the floor.

As this happens the second rushes Apple Bloom out of the room while the third puts up a shield, and the last Apple Bloom sees of her grandma, is her thrashing and foaming out of the mouth.

“KEEP IT HERE!” yells Purity. “KEEP IT WITH ME!”

Then the shield covers the door and all goes silent.

All but Apple Bloom's weeping.

Trixie Lulamoon stares at the throne room door with heavy, sagging eyes. The Seeing-Stone is cuddled on her lap and her gauntlet glows and hisses words into her ear that she cannot understand, but the flaming buildings and corpses swirling in the Stone translate for her.

Next to Trixie, Gilda keeps watch of the door. Her hand has yet to leave her blade's hilt, and when the door creaks open her plumage bristles and her hand tightens while Trixies frown deepens. Gnashing teeth then gnaw at Trixie's covered arm, forcing tears out and a pained wince. When the door is all the way open, a Sanctuary guard walks in with a pair of stallions trailing him, followed by more Sanctuary guards.

When they are halfway to the throne, they stop and the lead guard bows.

“Madam Lulamoon, I present to you Naga Morich and Tam o'Shanter of the Knights of the Five Circles,” says the lead guard.

Trixie motions him up, her hand quivering, and she swallows the pain whe she speaks hoarsly.

“Which one is which?” asks Trixie.

One of the guests steps forward. He is like the average pegasus, slender in comparison to the unicorns and earth ponies, and he has a well groomed red coat and a long green mane that he has tied back into a ponytail. His clothing consists of knee high boots, brown pants, a green tunic that reaches his thighs, and a red belt around his waist. Slung around his shoulder is a strap with a quiver of arrows and a bow resting against his back, and a broad knife is strapped to his upper arm while a curved sword is sheathed on his belt.

“I am Naga Morich,” says the pegasus, “and my companion is Tam o'Shanter.”

Trixie looks past Naga and sees that Tam is a massive earth pony with muscles the size of a head, a chest ridiculously puffed out from muscles growth and he easily towers a foot and a half over everyone in the room. Even Gilda squawks a little at his sight. Tam is also armored, unlike Naga Morich. His armor consists of metal scales sewn into linen, which, from what Trixie can see, is then sewn into his chainmail armor. He is also wearing a full faced helmet with bull horns on the side, is wearing thick boots and gloves, and has a rectangular shield strapped to his arms as well as a spiked mace slung on his back. In fact, now that Trixie actually looks at him, she realizes that he is completely covered and she really wishes that she had archers in the room. A thought that the Gauntlet does not like for it bites her hand again.

“Have your friend remove his helmet,” orders Trixie, wincing and trying to comfort her arm.

“I cannot do that,” says Naga.

“Why not?”

“He likes it too much and last time his helmet came off people died very unpleasant deaths, and seeing as you are part of the mission I do not wish to jeopardize my pay as well as tarnish the Knights' unique relationship with Lord Sombra.”

Trixie raises an eyebrow. “Were you a politician?”

“I was under one's foot long enough. Do I have permission to approach the throne?”

Trixie leans close to Gilda and whispers: “If he tries anything funny, get rid of him.”

Gilda nods and the Stone and Gauntlet both growl, and Trixie curls over, whimpering and clutching her trapped arm as cold, sharp teeth sink into her bones. She can feel them cracking and her flesh ripping, but she still looks at Naga through her hanging, sweaty mane, breathing heavily through her nose and nodding.

“You may approach,” says Trixie, now with tears drenching her cheeks.

Naga smiles and approaches the throne, holding up a wax sealed envelope with the seal pressed to show a trio of crystals with an eye in the center.

“Am I correct to assume that Lord Sombra already told you about our arrangements?” asks Naga.

Trixie nods. “Yes, and Trixie is going to tell you to turn around and go back to wherever it is you came from. I already sent a company after the Amulet, so your assistance is not required.”

“But Lord Sombra has already paid for our involvement and I already offered a generous discount since this task involves somepony special,” says Naga. He looks out the window at the rings of homes and shops populated by the oblivious citizens. “I should also inform you that Lord Sombra said that if you do not cooperate he will ensure that your Sanctuary becomes a graveyard. I myself am above such barbarism, but I know a few Knights in our organization that will gladly take up such a task.”

Trixie pales and looks at Gilda, who has yet to break eye contact with Naga, and now a blood thirsty growl rumbles from her as she exposes her fangs. Naga, meanwhile, glances at her without much worry burdening him.

“Growl at me all you want, griffin, but the deal is done and all parties must abide or suffer the consequences. All I need from you, Madam Lulamoon, is the route for which you sent your troops, the name of the one in charge, and a formal letter in your writing and seal saying we have full permission to assist,” says Naga.

Trixie glares at Naga, and when she feels the eyes of the room fall on her, she looks at her guards, then at Gilda, and finally back on Naga, who is still smiling like a smug piece of dung.

“Time is wasting, Madam Lulamoon. We wouldn't want this beautiful sanctuary to burn down, now would we?”

Trixie swallows a lump in her throat and looks down, shaking her head.

“No,” she says quietly as she stands up. “Follow me to my office. I'll give Sombra what he wants.”

Trixie descends from her throne with Gilda by her side and Naga steps back and his smile broadens.

“Excellent,” says Naga. “Sombra will be pleased to hear about this.”

Trixie holds up her gauntlet and glares at the stone attached to it. “He's already heard.” She then clenches her fist, puts her hands behind her back and walks faster, leaving a trail of tears blood. “And he will continue hearing.”