Chapter 26

The Pyre

Together, the two Princesses lifted themselves off the ground and rose high until they spread their arms out and concentrated. They closed their eyes and felt their magic building up from within. The Elements spun rapidly increasing their power as their horns glowed bright.

“Please work,” Celelstia thought to herself as she felt her eyes opening again.

Celestia and Luna hovered high above Ponyville, their arms held out, their eyes glowing white. The Elements of Harmony continued to circle them as a wave of magic was sent throughout the land, erasing what the master of Chaos had done. The mountains returned right side up and stayed rooted to the ground. Pink clouds returned to white with no signs of raining unnatural liquid. The bended yellow brick roads straightened out, forming back to their dirt form. The unnecessary hills around Ponyville shrunk back to their flattened state. Ponyville’s houses and monuments planted themselves back to earth. The pink sky turned blue once again as the sun rose once more to replace the moon. A new day had come and this time, the morning would stay until it was time for the night to take over. When the two Princesses landed, the Elements stopped spinning and returned back inside Celestia’s saddlebag.

Celestia and Luna’s eyes returned back to normal and as they blinked, their vision refocused. Discord’s red throne had disappeared and King Night Shade’s crown lied on the grass at Discord’s feet. Looking around them, the land had returned back to normal. Weather or not he Everfree Forest was still enchanted was yet to be known but until then, they were glad that they had managed to raise the sun and moon again and more importantly; they had defeated Discord and restored their home back to normal! Back in Ponyville the fighting stopped. The guards that had once been controlled were now lying tied up together, looking around in confusion.

“Snap Shot, What’s going on?” Commander Hurricane asked in bewilderment. “Where’s Discord? Why are we tied up?”

“They did it,” said Snap Shot looking out in the distance. “It’s finally over.”

“The royal family?” questioned Commander Hurricane.

“I knew they would!” said Wind Chime excitedly. “The Princesses have never let us down before!”

“Where are they?” asked Tock helping to untie the puzzled guards. “Do you think we should look for them?”

“Can somepony please tell me what’s going on!” demanded Commander Hurricane struggling to free himself.

“I’ll tell you everything later Commander,” said Snap Shot freeing the armored Pegasus from his temporary imprisonment. “Right now we need to find her highnesses.”

“There will be no need for that Snap!” said Tock pointing his hoof to where Celestia and Luna came into view.

Together they made their way toward the awaiting herd. The stoned Master of Chaos hovered behind them. The crowd made to form a path leading them directly toward Snap Shot and Princess Aurora supporting an injured Noble Heart.

“So, this is what remains of Discord,” said Noble Heart wincing as he tried to straighten himself up.

“Incredible,” said Snap Shot eyeing the statue with interest. “But, how did you do it?”

“I think we would all like to know that,” added Princess Aurora.

Princess Celestia made the Elements of Harmony rise out of her saddlebag once more and began to explain where she and Luna had found them and guessed that the Tree of Harmony must have been what Black Wood had been obsessing over.

“Ahhh!” exclaimed Black Wood giving the ponies beside him an “I told you so” expression. “I knew there was something weird going on in the forest!”

“And you two decided to imprison Discord instead of using the Elements to destroy him,” said Aurora smiling down at her little sisters. “Truly, you two are your parents daughters!”

“Speaking of which, where are his majesty and the Queen?” spoke Commander Hurricane. “Last time I saw them was when they flew out to face Discord with you two.”

Celestia and Luna felt their hearts drop to the pit of their stomachs. They didn’t know how to break the news to the last ponies that didn’t know yet. The crowd around them grew silent. Some lowered their heads while others began to tear up. Words failed them as they tried to say what they had to, but every time they opened their mouths to speak, they instantly closed them. Their eyes met Snap Shots, then Commander Hurricane, Noble Heart and finally, they rested on Aurora. Wind Chime stepped out from the crowd and approached her stunned friends. Commander Hurricane looked up to see the crowd silently grieving.

“What’s gotten into all of you?” he demanded.

The guards that did know lowered their helmets in sorrow as one of them stepped forward.

“Captain Snap Shot, Commander Hurricane, Princess Aurora… I’m sorry, but his majesty and the Queen are…”

“The King and Queen are dead,” said Celestia at last.

As she said it, she wasn’t sure if the words that came out were really her own. It felt like a complete stranger had spoken up.

“N-no way,” said Snap Shot in disbelief. “That can’t be right? They must be around somewhere. Maybe I can send out a search party and…”

“I’m sorry Captain,” said the Celestia putting on a brave face.

Noble Heart looked up at his wife as she fought to keep her bravery alive. The Guards that didn’t know about the King and Queens fate looked at their comrades in hopes that they would correct the ladder, but when they didn’t, they too fell into a petrified state and slowly took their helmets off. Snap Shot sat on the field his head lowered and stared at his armored hooves. Wind Chime and the rest of Celestia and Luna’s friends stood beside them, only giving them weak smiles that they returned. The Phoenix landed on Celestia’s back and nuzzled her neck cooing softly. It looked up at the sky to see something the rest hadn’t. Making his way from the castle was Scorpan. The Phoenix clicked its beak alerting Celestia who looked up to see the creature coming closer to them. Soon the rest of the crowd looked up. Scorpan landed and made his way toward the Princesses. His eyes puffy and voice cracked as he began to speak.

“It-it is done your highnesses,” he said sniffing. “I’ve moved them back inside the castle. I-I should be going. I have to speak with my brother.”

“Thank you Scorpan,” said Celestia. “Snap Shot, I think you know what we have to do next.”

“Yes, Princess,” said Snap Shot seriously, but his lip quivered a bit as he ordered the rest of the guard to follow him back to the castle.

“Everyone else, you don’t have to show up but…”

“We want to,” said Wind Chime placing a wing over Celestia’s shoulder.

“We’ll see you two this afternoon then,” said Tock turning to leave with the rest of the herd in silence.

All of them were headed back to think things over and prepare to pay their last respects to the King and Queen. Celestia and Luna looked at their older sister and brother-in-law who opened their mouths to speak but Celstia cut them off.

“Aurora, we will take Discord back to castle as well. We can discuss what to do with him later.”

“Of course,” said Aurora bowing to the sun princess. “Is there anything we can do?”

“You look after your husband for now,” said Celestia wanting nothing else but to get back to the castle before she broke down again.

Beside her, Luna was silent. Her eyes started to water again as her hooves dug at the grass.

“And what will you do after everything is said and done?” Asked Aurora.

“I don’t know,” said Celestia honestly. “Luna and I need to think things over for now.”

Aurora looked like she was about to comfort her sisters but Celestia smiled at her and added. “For now, you two get some rest! We’ll see you in the afternoon!”

And before Aurora could respond, Celestia and Luna lifted off from the ground and headed back to the castle, the Phoenix flying close behind them. Once back inside their rooms, they sunk to the floor. Celestia fought to stay strong, but couldn’t hold her sorrow in any longer. Covering her face in her hooves, she let out all the pain she was holding back. Fresh tears fell to the floor as she continued to weep. The Phoenix staid next to her, the light she gave off slowly began to make her feel at ease once she had calmed down a bit. Standing up, she thought she could hear Luna on the other side of the wall still crying. She looked into the mirror then back at her Pheonix.

“What are we going to do?” She asked her. “How can they ever trust us again after we tell them why mom and dad are gone?”

The firebird flew up to the desk and stared into her caretaker’s eyes. Celestia smiled down at the bird and patted her softly on the head.

“You were really brave today,” she said warmly. “You helped us out a lot. You know, I was meant to let you go after you grew old enough to look after yourself.”

The Phoenix blinked and tilted her head in response. Celestia chuckled weakly.

“And now I can’t see myself without you. Something tells me you wouldn’t leave us even if I let you go.”

The Phoenix cooed softly and held out its wing for Celestia to take.

"Then it’s settled!” she said smiling as new tears ran down her face. “You can stay! My brave Philomena.”

Luna Looked up as her bedroom door opened and Celestia stepped inside.

“What are we going to do Celestia?” she asked as her big sister wrapped her in her wings.

“I don’t know,” said Celestia, “But they have to know why mom and dad are dead. After that… I’m not sure.”

“Do you think we can do this?”

“We have to,” said Celestia brushing her sisters mane. “They need to know.”

“Not that,” said Luna looking up at her big sister.

Her eyes were red but her face showed a serious expression. “I mean can we really rule over this world?”

“Maybe,” said Celestia thoughtfully. “What do you think?”

“I used to think we could,” said Luna, her ears lowering in doubt. “But now, I’m not so sure. We really messed up.”

“I know,” said Celestia. “But who can we possibly pass the throne onto if we aren’t suited to rule over Equestria anymore?”

Suddenly the answer came to her. There was one pony that would be perfect for the throne. They were far more suited then them and more experienced. It was a long shot, but if they decided to turn down the throne, there had to be someone that would take their place.

The sun’s ray shun down on the kingdom that afternoon. The large star was brighter than ever as the warm heat told the crowd walking up the mountain, that summer was upon them. Usually ponies of the kingdoms near and far would celebrate the coming of new crops and travel to lands outside their own to take advantage of the warmth. Not today however. Ponies did travel, but not to take part in trading. The news of the King and Queens passing had spread across the lands like wildfire. Soon enough, not only did ponies venture far to pay their last respects, but others did as well. A flock of Griffons had flown from their homes in the mountains of the north. Deer from the Everfree Forest had come out wearing what looked like necklaces with peculiar markings engraved on them. Even the Unicorn Guild had made the trip. They wore black cloaks with the hoods down and carried long torches that burned bright in the crowd. The Royal Guards waited for the guests to arrive at the top of the climb. With the sun’s light reflecting off their armor, they bowed their heads to each of the guests of royalty. Just as Princess Platinum had said, her father was among the attendants. Clover the Clever hurried over to greet his King as he and the rest of the royals approached the end of their hike.

Princess Platinum’s father was a Unicorn like her. His mane and tail light blond and coat a dark brown with a bald face white as snow. A silver crown with purple emeralds sat neatly on his head. The purple cape he wore was just missing the ground.

“My king!” said Clover, bowing to the Unicorn. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“You can start by showing me where her highnesses are,” said the Unicorn King pitifully.

“They should be out at any moment my lord!” said Clover as more guests passed by them. “You should have a seat with the rest of the attendants while you wait!”

“And what of my daughter?” asked the Unicorn King following his escort.

“She’ll be outside in a bit too your majesty! You will be pleased to know that she has helped her fellow Princesses in their training!”

“Has she now?” said the King raising an eyebrow. “I have no idea what to expect from that,”

“Oh, she wasn’t alone,” said Clover coughing his urge to laugh away. “The Princesses older sister was around too my liege!”

“Older sister?” The Unicorn King said looking interested.

“That’s right! You remember Knight Shade talking about another mare he and Star Bright looked after, right? Well, she has returned to the kingdom at last!”

“Hmmm. That makes three Princesses I have to take notice of then,” said the Unicorn King thoughtfully.

The two stopped when the crowd the king had hiked up the mountain with were gathering together on both sides of the spring that lead towards the falls. At the edge of the cliff were two wooden structures. Standing next to them were two Royal Guards. Their expressions blank, but something told clover that it wouldn’t stay that way. As the guests sat silently, Princess Platinum found her father and embraced him.

“Oh, father I have so much to tell you!” said Princess Platinum as her father placed both hooves on her shoulders. “I don’t believe half of it myself, but the Princesses have an older sister and she’s to become the Queen of the Crystal Empire! And Princess Celestia and Luna have power over some kind of magical jewels!”

“Easy does it!” said the Unicorn King, struggling to keep up with this new information. “ I would love to hear more darling, but now isn’t the time! How are they?”

“Oh, her highnesses you mean,” said Platinum, her ears lowering in uncertainty. “I think they’re alright. They did tell me so, but I don’t know.”

“I will say this however,” said the Unicorn King smiling down at his daughter. “I am proud that you have helped defend the kingdom with her majesties! Your mother would be proud! Just as I am.”

“Thank you father,” said Princess Platinum feeling very important.

The two hugged again but were made to straighten up when a horn sounded off behind them. Turning around, the attendants saw four Royal Guards being led down the lawn by Snap Shot. The guards that flanked the guests slammed their spears in unison and staid at attention as the their fellow guards passed by. In the center of the group two things wrapped in carpets that bared the Canterlot flag hovered steadily. The guests knew that it must be the King and Queen and behind the Guards, Princess Aurora and Noble Heart walked with Celestia and Luna by their side. Their horns glowing told the guests that they were the ones keeping the King and Queen’s bodies afloat. As they neared the cliff the guards separated and stood by those already standing beside the wooden structures. Together the three Princesses and Prince placed the King and Queen on top of the wooden platforms. With everything now in order, Aurora stood in front of the structures and looked out to the crowd. Many were already in tears while others comforted one another.

“If anypony has anything to say or give, please come up!”

It was amazing that even during a funeral, Princess Aurora spoke to the guests as if it was just another speech she had to give. From the crowd, many rose and formed a line leading to the resting spots. One by one, ponies of the Canterlot, Cloudsdale, Ponyville and beyond placed flowers on the wooden structures until the King and Queen were surrounded by their colorful tokens. Finally, the Griffons and Deer approached the resting spots. Several of the Griffons had placed stones with symbols edged on their rocky surface on each of the corners. When it was time for the Deer’s to give their sendoff, those that wore the necklaces placed them the chests of the bodies. As the guests went back to their seats, Celestia and Luna couldn’t help to notice that the Unicorn Guild remained seated. Their torches burned ever so brightly as they waited for the next phase in the funeral. It was time for each of the Princesses to say goodbye. Luna was first. She placed her hoof on the structures and stood still in silence for a while before moving away. Celestia saw that tears were falling down he face once more. She made to move close to her sister to provide comfort, but thought against it when Luna sniffed loudly and straightened back up. It was now Celestia’s turn. She didn’t know what she would do when it was time for her to say goodbye. Would she cry again like her sister? Or would she stay calm and collected like Princess Aurora. As she approached the structures she looked down at her parents. She couldn’t help but to smile as she saw them surrounded by the flowers and other tokens of gratitude left by the attendants. Snap Shot stood still holding an unlit torch in his mouth. As a single tear ran down his face he watched as Celestia levitated the torch to her. The cloth wrapped around the top magically ignited as she took one last look at her parents before she lowered the fire and watched as the structures were engulfed by the flames. The Royal guards stomped their hoofs in one last solute as the fire reduced the final resting place of the King and Queen to nothing but ash and charred wood. The attendants sat in silence as they too looked on as the burning structures sent smoke to the sky. The wind finally picked up once the fire began to die out. Carrying the ashes off the cliff. At last, it was time for the ceremony where the new rulers of not just Canterlot, but Equestria would be chosen. A pair of staff members from the castle approached the Princesses with newly crafted tiaras that lied on pillows. They waited for Celestia and Luna to accept their new roles, but Celestia smiled at the mares and spoke aloud so that everyone could hear her.

“Thank you, everypony for coming! I know you are expecting Luna and I to take our parents places and lead this kingdom and Equestria into a brighter tomorrow!”

She looked back at Aurora who nodded her head, encouraging her to continue.

“As much as Luna and I would love to live up to your expectations, I fear that we are not quite ready yet!”

The crowd began to whisper to each other in confusion. Celestia had to regain their attention so she went on doing what she knew had to be done.

“I know you believe in us and you think we’re the right choice to take our parents thrones! But we are not ready for that! Before you judge us, we feel that it is our responsibility to tell you why the King and Queen are dead! Discord was a foe we have never encountered before! He tricked and fooled many, including us! If Luna and I had seen through his lies, none of this would have happened! The King and Queen are gone because of our mistakes! So please, don’t be eager to crown us before you know the truth!”

The crowd was silent. Taking in everything that Celestia had said. Once more they started to talk amongst each other. From the back of the herd, Princess Platinum stood up.

“But it wasn’t your fault Princess!” she said aloud taking even herself by surprise. “Discord had tricked many in the past! If any one’s to blame, it’s him!”

Silent agreements followed the Unicorn Princess’ words. Finally, Wind Chime stood up too.

“She’s right!” Wind Chime agreed. “Celestia, You and Luna were fooled! But when you realized what Discord had done, you two never gave up! You stopped him in the end! With out you two, we would still be living under Discord’s shadow!”

“You overestimate us!” said Luna stepping forward, her eyes red from the tears she had shed. “Don’t get us wrong, we want to live up to your expectations! But for now we think it’s best to leave Canterlot to somepony else!”

“But if not you, then who?” asked Princess Platinum.

Princess Aurora and the soon to be king Noble Heart stood by the two sisters and looked down on the attendants with confidence.

“We will,” said Princess Aurora proudly. “I owe a lot to King Night Shade and Queen Star Bright! I feel it’s time that I return their kindness! So, until Celestia and Luna are ready to take their places at the thrones, Noble Heart and I will step in to fill their place!”

The Unicorn Guild didn’t look pleased by this announcement and wasted no time objecting.

“But, but Princess Aurora!” shouted one of the cloaked Unicorns with a long silver mane, blue eyes and dapple grey face. “You and Noble Heart have the Crystal Empire to rule over! The Empire won’t last without a Queen and King!”

“Then I suggest you find somepony else to take those titles!” said Noble Heart calmly but the look he gave the Guild made it perfectly clear that their decision was final. “And I thought we agreed to give you our answer by the time we returned to the Empire!”

The Guild member who had spoken before opened his mouth as to argue his case but closed it when he saw the looks the Royal Guard were giving them. He sunk back into the cloaked mass he was with and remained silent. Princess Aurora and Noble Heart made their horns glow and placed the new tiaras on Celestia and Luna’s head.

“For when you’re ready,” said Aurora to them sweetly and turned back to face the crowd. “As Prince and Princess we accept to take the thrones of the King and Queen! And we vow to keep this kingdom safe!”

Snap Shot looked like he was at a loss for words but when one of his fellow guards nudged him he cleared his throat and spoke aloud to the attendants.

“Mares and Gentle Colts, I present to you Princess Aurora and Prince Noble Heart!”

He along with the rest of the Royal Guards stomped their hooves and saluted to their new Prince and Princess. The guests along with Celestia and Luna bowed to them. The only ones that didn’t bow was the Unicorn Guild who remained silent until after the funeral was over. Celestia and Luna were thanking the Griffons who came when the same Guild member from before waved them over. Celestia and Luna were willing to bet everything they had that whatever he was going to tell them, it wasn’t going to be anything good. Sure enough, once he was sure that no one was going to overhear them he started.

“First off Princesses, I am sorry for your loss. Mother and father were respected by many in their time. Sure we may have had our disagreements, but I think we kept our bonds despite them.”

Celestia and Luna had a feeling that this guild member was trying to tell them something, but didn’t want to cut to the chase. They stared back at him with curious expressions.

“If you must know your majesties, we had a run in with your father before one of our own returned to us.”

“You mean the new pony?” asked Luna “Why did he have to leave so soon? We never got to say goodbye. Come to think of it, where is he? I thought he would come with you! He did look after our parents while they were ill!”

“Ah,” said the Guild member rubbing his head with his hoof nervously. “You see your highness, the new recruit has been let go.”

“What?” said Luna raising an eyebrow. “Let go? How?”

“He was tampering in magic to which he had no right!” said the Guild member a little harsher than he had intended. “Surly you must understand that we cannot take any chances after what happened last time with that other Unicorn!”

“That Unicorns name is Nimph!” said Celestia standing tall. “And she deserves to be treated with just as much respect as he does!”

“Of course your highness,” said the Guild member bowing to the sun princess. “I meant no harm by it. But I must insist that we get back to business!”

“What business?” said Celestia starting to feel a little suspicious towards the cloaked Unicorn.

“Your parents and the Guild have kept an agreement amongst each other during their time of rule. It is only right that we tell you two about our deals to insure that our pact is kept!”

“I see,” said Luna remembering how her father seemed to loath being apart of their arrangement.

“But if anypony needs to be told about this, it has to be Princess Aurora and Prince Noble Heart.”

The cloaked Unicorn seemed to keep his obvious frustration in check as he was given this information. His temper wouldn’t be kept at bay for much longer.

“Believe me I would, but since you two are the rightful heirs to the throne…”

“Why does it matter who you tell this too anyway?” Celestia asked.

Her patience at this point was being tested too and she knew if Luna didn’t lash out at him soon, she would.

“Excuse me?” said the Guild member taken aback.

“You heard me,” said Celestia pressing forward. “Why tell us when Princess Aurora and Prince Noble Heart deserve to know about this as well?”

“Because they don’t need to know!” spat the Guild Member his temper finally showing. “They will be to busy with plans for the Crystal Empire to worry about minor dealings such as this!”

“But they aren’t a part of the Crystal Empire yet are they?” asked Celestia standing her ground.

The Cloaked Unicorn approached the sun princess trying his best to over tower her, but Luna marched forward and stood beside her big sister.

“No, your highness!” said the cloaked Unicorn through gritted teeth. “No they are not! We have you two to thank for that!”

“Is that what this is about?” asked Celestia bravely. “You hoped that talking to us would convince us to make Aurora and Noble Heart change their minds?”

“Oh, there’s much more than that Princess, I can assure you!” the Guild member growled.

“Wait!” said Luna suddenly making the Unicorn turn his attention to her. “I think I know why! This deal of yours is all about magic that even your guild has no right to!”

“How would you know?!” demanded the Unicorn firing up. “Don’t talk about what you don’t understand!”

“That’s enough!” said a strong voice from behind him.

Princess Aurora, Prince Noble Heart and Snap Shot came hurrying up to the three. Snap Shot looked like he was about to draw his sword when Noble Heart stopped him.

“Your majesties!” said the Guild member straightening up at the sight of the new Prince and Princess. “I was just informing your sisters about the deal the King and Queen had with us!”

“Indeed,” said Aurora calmly raising an eyebrow. “And why wasn’t I or my husband invited? If I recall correctly, all of us need to be present during important topics like this.”

“O-of course Princess!” spluttered the cloaked Unicorn. “But you see…”

“There is no need to continue,” said Aurora patiently. “It just so happens that the King had a word with me about your dealings and had, to use his words, “a heated discussion in his studies.”

The Unicorn didn’t speak. He was rooted to the spot as sweat started to run down his face.

“A lot of things he told me too,” continued Aurora calmly. “How you let one of your own go after he failed to bring vital information back to you! And after that, Night Shade made it perfectly clear to you that the pact between the guild and the royal family was over!”

“Is that true?” said Luna looking at the scared Unicorn.

“I’m afraid it is Luna,” said Aurora but her eyes glared at the petrified Unicorn in front of her. “The reason why the new pony had to leave was because his cover was blown after the King discovered he was a Unicorn in disguise and he had to return to his sick sister.”

Luna and Celestia couldn’t believe it. The new pony didn’t only lie to them as well, but he was only looking after their parents so he could get close to them and obtain whatever he was after from the start.

Luna felt her anger rise as her magic began to build. Celestia saw what was going on and stepped in front of her.

“Luna calm down! I know how you feel, but you mustn’t let your anger get the better of you!”

“We were lied to Celestia!” roared Luna, her voice magnified to twice its normal volume. “We were tricked again!”

“I know!” Celestia said grabbing her sister by the shoulders. “Listen to me! They were wrong for lying to us, but…”

“But nothing Celestia!” protested Luna looking past her big sister and staring straight at the Unicorn with hate filled eyes.

She broke away from Celestia and in the blink of an eye she was one up on the Unicorn who fell backward; cowering as the Moon Princess glared down at him. Snap Shot made to stop her but was stopped again, this time by Aurora who spoke up.

“Luna, the new pony felt terrible for what he was doing!”

“How do you know?!” demanded Luna looking up at her elder sister.

The magic flowing through her made her mane and tail flow violently without help from the wind.

“Because I believe he didn’t want to face you two after his true self was revealed! If you don’t believe me then, why don’t you ask him yourself?”

Luna felt her chest throb again as her elder sister seemed to have conjured up the new pony out of thin air. But it was no trick. There he was, standing sheepishly beside Aurora. Luna felt the magic flowing through her settle down and her mane and tail returned to flowing softly. She stepped away from the frightened Guild member and started toward the new Unicorn who waited for his judgment to come.

Celestia looked down at the Guild member in disgust.

“We have nothing else to say to you,” she said darkly. “The pact you had with our parents is done!”

“Y-you have no idea what you’re doing!” the cloaked Unicorn growled as he stood back up. “Without us, who will you trust to unlock the secrets of new magic?”

“I guess it’s about time we let the rest of the Unicorns make their own discoveries from now on.” Celestia said plainly before she bypassed him.

Before the cloaked Unicorn could respond, Snap Shot marched forward and blocked his way.

“Should I arrest this hooligan?” he asked staring the Unicorn down.

“No Snap Shot,” said Celestia calmly. “Let him go. We have nothing else to discuss.”

Snap Shot stepped aside and allowed the Unicorn to leave. Still, he kept a close eye on him until he rejoined the rest of his Guild and left. Their torches still burning bright as they started their journey down the mountain.