Chapter 5

Magic in the Wind

“Mom! Mom, What’s going on?!” urged Luna hurrying beside her.

From behind them Snap Shot and the second guard appeared with one of the Unicorn guild members tailing closely behind.

“My king!” Snap Shot exclaimed looking worried. “What happened? Did the tribes… What’s wrong with her majesty?!”

“Snap Shot!” ordered Night Shade bringing his concerned guards attention to him. “Bring my wife back to the castle, I’ll be right behind you. I…”

But before he could finish, Night Shade felt his legs give way and he too collapsed to the floor and lied there unconscious. Celestia gasped as she knelt down beside her father while Luna was trying to get their mother to stand back up. Snap Shot and the second Guard hurried to help lift the king and Queen when the leader of the four unicorns interrupted them.

“Back away, all of you! Leave this to us! You there, rookie! We will need you most of all after we’re back inside the Castle! Snap Shot was it?”

“Y… Yes,” replied Snap Shot shaking a little.

“Are there more guards waiting by the gates?”

“Yes, they are waiting for their Highnesses to return.”

“Then get up there and tell them that they won’t be making it back alone. And once we are there tell them to close the gates. We don’t want anypony else to panic.”

Snap Shot nodded I agreement and with the second guard right behind him, they galloped out of the room, flung the doors back open and sped off down the road.

“Princesses, you’ll have to follow us. If anypony asks, then tell them that your parents want to speak with us.”

“Wait!” said Luna sounding scared. “Is there anything you can…”

“Princess, we need you two to stay calm and follow us out of here.”

“O… Ok. We’ll do what ever we have to do. Just get them help.”

“Of course. Guild, get to work! Lets move! Rookie stay close to me!”

Together all of them left the building and made their way through the cold streets. The Unicorn Guild formed a tight circle around the king and Queens levitated bodies while their Empire’s flag was laid over them to hide their bodies from view. How the lines their dangling tails were making weren’t noticed, was sheer luck. Once they made it back inside the safety of their castle, the King and Queen were brought back to their room. The guards outside doubled in security while Celestia and Luna were made to wait outside their parent’s room. Snap Shot waited with them. Every so often he would mutter something under his breath before looking back up expectantly at the bedroom door. His continued passing made the two sisters worry even more. Finally Celestia told him to give it a rest and he stopped and stood at attention breathing slowly as to calm his nerves. Luna had levitated their mother’s crown she had hidden underneath her wing and began twirling it this way and that. Celestia put a gentle wing around her sister’s shoulder and held her close.

“They’re going to be fine Luna,”

Luna only nodded in response as the two of them and Snap Shot waited in silence. At long last the bedroom door opened and a Unicorn popped his head out and allowed them to come inside. Snap Shot feeling slightly relieved now that the door had reopened, stood guard outside while Celestia and Luna entered and saw what was waiting for them. Inside their parent’s room, the Unicorn Guild stepped aside to allow the two sisters through. On the bed were the King and Queen who had just woken up and were being aided by the youngest of the guild. He wasn’t a Unicorn at all. He was an Earth Pony. The Black cloak he wore covered most of his grey coat and the long hood kept his eyes away from sight. With a bowl sitting beside a bedside table, a second guild member who was a Unicorn used his magic to levitate a steaming cup of what ever was in the bowl and fed to them. Night Shade grit his teeth as whatever the unicorn was giving him tasted foul, but he forced it down none-the-less.

“Thank you, lad,” Night Shade said weakly.

“It was nothing to it your majesty,” said the young Earth Pony simply. “All you two need now is rest.”

“Rest? When there is kingdom to run and preventing tribes from tearing themselves apart?”

“He’s right father,” said Celestia approaching the bedside with Luna. “You and mom rest for a while. Don’t worry, Luna and I will take care of things for you.”

“Can you manage on your own?” asked Night Shade trying to sit up but was held back by the young Earth Pony.

“Yes,” said Celestia patiently. “We can manage. You and mom just take it easy for a while.”

Star Bright stirred in her sleep before opening her eyes slowly to see Luna waiting by her side. Seeing the worried look on her youngest daughters face, she reached out her hoof and laid it gently on hers.

“There, there Luna,” she said smiling sweetly at her. “It’s alright. We just over did it, that’s all. Nothing more.”

“We will run the kingdom while you get better,” said Luna her voice sounding as if she had a slight head cold. “You have my word, we will take care of things.”

“Oh, I have no worries. You two will be just fine.”

Luna looked over at her big sister who nodded in silent agreement, confirming that she will help run things. The silent Guild stood perfectly still and watched over unsure if they should leave the Princesses alone with their parents or stay incase the King and Queen needed more healing spells or drafts concocted by their newest recroot. One of them conjured up a piece of parchment, ink and quill and began jotting something down on it.

“On behalf of our parents and ourselves we thank you for all your help.” said Luna once she had left her mothers side and stood to face the Unicorn Guild.

“Think nothing of it Princess,” said the leader of the four bowing his head. “The King and Queen’s safety and health are our number one priority now.”

“Health?” questioned Celestia.

“Its nothing to worry about dear,” said Star Bright warmly.

Celestia looked back at the Unicorn who looked like he was about to say something more on the topic, but fell silent at the look the Night Shade gave him.
“They should be fine,” he said finally scratching his head. “All they need is rest and they’ll be back.”

“How long?” asked Night Shade.

The Unicorn considered the King for a moment before replying, “The end of spring. And if you’re lucky, maybe sooner.”

King Night Shade nodded his head in agreement and sank back into his pillow. Deciding that it was best to leave their parents alone to rest, Celestia and Luna left with the Unicorn Guild. The one that was writing from earlier handed Snap Shot the Parchment explaining that on it were things the King and Queen needed while recovering. Before leaving the leader of the guild members made their youngest stay behind to look after the King and Queen. Back Inside their room, Star Bright and Night Shade held each other’s hooves. They leaned in close and made their horns tips touch.

“Dear,” Star Bright said softly.

“I know,” said Night Shade taking his wife’s hoof.

The following day, Celestia and Luna began their new roles as representatives for the King and Queen. They made sure to call the Royal Guard down to the throne room so they could tell them what going on and reassured them that the King and Queen will get better and be back with them soon. The Royal Guard obeyed their Princesses down to the tee and in no time Snap Shot had ordered two guards to be stationed outside of the King and Queens room. Healers of the castle were quick to answer the call and wasted no time following what the young Earth Pony ordered them to do. Celestia and Luna soon found their hooves berried deep in letters from other parts of the region. Some, had to do with greetings; others, replies on important progress in the growing world. Celestia was just finishing a letter in response to an expodition that had led a settlement in the west to a desert like invironment which in the end turned out to be a loss cause. Right when she had reached a following message about two unknown creatures being spotted leaving their habitat, A knock came from outside their fathers study.

“Enter!” came Luna’s voice from behind a collected mound of letters.

The door opened to reviel the young Earth Pony. He walked in looking purposeful.

“Oh, it’s you,” said Celestia looking away from her pile of letters. “What is it? You look troub… Is it mom and dad?”

“Oh no, nothing like that, but… You have visitors. Um… Sorry your highnesses, but I’m afraid the situation with the three clans has taken a turn for the worst.”

Celestia and Luna rose from their spots and hurried outside to see a group of Royal Guards standing watch over the front door.

“What’s going on? What’s happened?” requested Celestia coming to a stop.

“The tribe leaders are at it again I’m afraid,” said one of the tallest guards indignantly. “They weren’t happy with how the meeting went, so, there’s going to be another one.”

“Oh for the love of… Fine, where is it being held?”

“That’s another thing. Your highnesses, it looks like this time, the three only want themselves to attend and nopony else.”

“They can’t be serious,” said Luna frowning.

“They are, and word around the city is that it will be held on Hearts Warming Eve.”

“Great,” said Celestia starting to get mad. “Just great! And while they’re at it, why not add a letter proclaiming their declaration of war against one another the next day?”

“Sister!” exclaimed Luna shocked by her older siblings words.

“Luna, you know how they behaved last time. We have to go and make sure that somepony can calm them down before things get out of hoof!”

“I wouldn’t worry about that,” said the young Earth Pony from behind them.

“You again?” said Celestia turning to spot him walking toward them. “Look… Um, mr…”

“It doesn’t matter. Anyway, I wouldn’t say that everypony at the meeting was arguing.”

“And what makes you think that?’ asked Luna.

“I noticed that the very companions the three tribe leaders brought along with them didn’t look so pleased or comfortable around their charges. To me, it looked like they were trying their best to talk things out amongst themselves.”

“So, what then? Do you expect us to sit by and watch as they tear each other apart? Thank you Guild member, but I think it would be better if Luna and I…”

“No, you misunderstand,” said the Earth Pony patiently. “What I suggest is if we can’t rely on the leaders to make peace with each other. Than let those accompanying them have a shot.”

“Do you really think they can somehow find an agreement on their own if we let them?” asked Luna thoughtfully.

“I think,” began the grey pony calculating his thoughts and choosing the best response. “If anypony has a chance at making them see reason, it would be their own kind.”

Celestia searched her thoughts for a retort, but nothing that would argue against the pony’s proposal came to mind. She had to admit, he brought up a good point. Their parents refused to take part of their problems and if leaving it all to chance was the only option they had left, they would have to take it. The Guards awaited their say. Celestia wanted to make absolutely sure that they could count on them. If peace amongst the three tribes was going to be achieved she had to be sure that this was their last and only option.

“Guards,” she said taking action. “I want you to escort the Guild member into the city.”

“What?!” Luna shot up.

This wasn’t what she thought her sister was going to say at all.

“New Pony, I want you to find them and once you have, come back with a full report.”

“Celestia!” Luna hissed. “You can’t send the only pony here who can make that draft go on missionary work!”

“The Healers know what to do incase your parents need them,” said the grey pony now looking important. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you down!”

Celestia gave him a knowing look and let the guards by the front door escort him outside where their mission would begin. When the doors behind them closed Luna rounded on Celestia.

“How could you let him go out there?!” she demanded. “The rest of the Guild made it perfectly clear that they wanted him to stay here and look after mom and dad!”

“Luna,” said Celestia unfazed by her sister’s rage. “If this is the last shot they have at peace then we have to make sure that we can count on them to work things out on their own. Trust me sister.”

“I… I do trust you sister,” said Luna her anger still there as she placed her hoof on her forehead and counted to five. “I guess we should let him go if he’s that eager to lend a hoof.”

“That’s the spirit!” Celestia said clapping Luna on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

When the Guild member and the guards returned, he reported back to Celestia confirming his suspicions. As it turned out, Private Pansy, Clover the Clever and Secretary Smart Cookie were getting along much better than their companions. Clover the Clever told the cloaked Earth Pony that all three of them have been trying to get their leaders to listen ever since they left their homelands. Smart Cookie added that they will try again to make them see reason and to leave everything to them. This news made both Celestia and Luna very pleased and congratulated the new pony on a job well done. He bowed his head in respect and thanked them for giving him a chance to serve them. Before he left he eyed the two of them a moment longer.

“What is it?” asked Luna looking confused.

“Its nothing, I just never saw anything like it before. Your manes I mean.”

“Oh, does it bother you?”

“Not at all. It’s the opposite in fact. It's very nice.”

Both Celestia and Luna turned slightly pink in embarrassment. Right on cue, as if he had a feeling that he was needed, or perhaps he was just passing by, Snap Shot appeared behind the cloaked pony and moved him away from their presence.

As the weeks passed, the winter grew colder and the cities inhabitants were spending most of their time indoors. The cold proved to be too much even for the young fillies and colts. Celestia and Luna were busying themselves with their parents work along with their own. Every night Luna would climb the highest tower and attempt to raise the moon, while just before daybreak Celestia would go out onto the throne room balcony and try to raise the sun. Try as they might the sun and moon gave no sign of wanting to obey them. Celestia pored over her readings one night in wonder. At least if Luna failed at raising the moon every night, at least she had the star building and constellation making to fall back on. She rolled over in bed thinking what else does a Princess of the Sun do when the orange egg made a noise from inside. Getting up Celestia approached the basket where she had placed an extra blanket under the egg to lay on since the weather was getting colder. She watched closely and made sure that it was at the right temperature. Her ears twitched as the egg made another sound from inside.

“Ah,” she said in a curious tone. “Are you ready?”

The egg stayed immobile. The sound from inside subsided and all was quiet.

“Not yet eh?” she said to it.

The egg remained motionless for some time. Celestia hadn’t even noticed that the orange color was turning red and before she knew it, the basket, blanket and towel were on fire! Celestia shrieked with fright as the flaming red oval burnt its way through the safe haven and began to singe the table. Acting quickly, Celestia scooped up the egg and flew out of her rom at top speed.

“Out of the way! Hot egg! Coming through! Clear a path everypony!”

With her hooves burning from the heat, she furiously began to toss the egg from one hoof to the next as she made her way outside. Like a flaming ball of fire she dove right into the snow where a loud hiss came from the imprint she had made. A couple guards came rushing toward her, Luna bringing up the rear. Inside the deep imprint, Celestia watched as the red egg melted the snow around them. Sizzling whenever water dripped down on it. She could hear Luna’s voice through the wind asking if everything was ok. Celestia looked at the egg that grew brighter as the heat from inside her hole increased. Suddenly without warning, the egg quivered and like a rocket shot upward! Celestia pulled herself out of the hole and looked from a confused Luna to concerned guards and then to the bright red light that was coming from behind them. She raced toward it, everyone staying close behind. The egg had regained its original colors and was moving around in the snow. Celestia Luna and the guards watched as the shell began to crack. The top of the shell opened and steam came out. Luna let out a sigh of aw as small beak was seen pushing its way out of its once solid home. The thing inside it wiggled this way and that trying to set itself free. There was another loud crack and this time a tiny wing came out from the side. The top of the shell lowered one last time before a full head popped out. The tip of the shell was resting on its head. Celestia and Luna looked at the baby Phoenix as it too was scoping out its surroundings until it spotted them. The Phoenix clearly wanted out of its prison and began wiggling again.

“Here, let us help,” said Celestia laughing slightly.

With her horn glowing she levitated the egg and Luna took one of the guards spears and tapped the middle of the shell with the wooden pole. The egg cracked just enough for the baby to kick itself free. Celestia took the last piece of shell off its head and headed back inside with the newborn bird. The Guards seeing that nothing was to be worried about dispersed and went back to their stations. Luna flew up to the balcony where she saw Celestia inside the throne room calming down one the staff mares who had ran downstairs screeching about how the Princess’ room was on fire. When Celestia managed to calm her down at last Luna stepped in and together they and the little Phoenix went back to Celestia’s room.

“Luckily they put the fire out before it spread,” said Celestia looking at the burnt table and charred remains of what had once been the basket, blanket and towel.

“Luckily, you moved the egg outside before it caught anything else on fire,” added Luna noting the smell of burnt wood.

Celestia replaced the basket with a cage she had taken the time to pre-make. The Phoenix shook its head as it hopped its way inside. Celestia and Luna watched as it wobbled around the cage for a while before settling down to rest. Luna couldn’t help but to smile at the bird while Celestia looked at it as if daring it to cause another fire.

“It looks fine now,” said Celestia closing the gate on the sleeping bird.

“She’s so cute,” said Luna happily.

“She?”

“Why yes, can’t you tell?”

Celestia shook her head.

“It’s obvious,” tutted Luna. “The way she was trying her hardest to escape. Eager to get a move on and all.”

When Celestia looked blankly at her she said grinning broadly. “She’s a Minnie you sister! I think you two will get along just fine once she’s grown.”

“Oh, be quiet,” said Celestia pushing Luna slightly with her hoof.

The following days blew past and the Hearts Warming Eve was upon them. The castle, city and forest below had become a windy, wintery wonderland. A strong gust blew across the land creating a snowstorm. Concerned about their guards Celestia and Luna gave them the day off to take refuge inside their living courters. The night’s dinner included small rations again. It was necessary that they saved as much food as possible since this winter promised to be worse than the one last year. The cloaked Earth Pony came down to eat after his task of feeding the King and Queen their daily healing brew was done. He bowed to the Princesses before taking his seat with the rest of the Royal Guard. Outside, the wind continued howl. The snow clanked against the glass making it feel more like a thunderstorm. Celestia and Luna brushed their manes nervously with their hooves while Snap Shot snorted into his goblet.

“So, New Pony,” began Luna Breaking the silence. “Do you have a first name?”

The Earth Pony took another swig of his drink before replying. “I’ve been trusted with the secrecy of my Guild to not say who I am.”

“Huh, imagine that,” said Snap Shot plainly with his eyes shut.

“Don’t mind him,” said Celestia also closing her eyes to hold back a spark of anger. “He’s like that to everypony. You’ll do best if you ignore him.”

“Excuse me, Your Highness,” said Snap Shot lowering his goblet. “But I have nothing against him.”

“Oh yeah? Then why do you get all surly whenever you see him wondering around the castle?”

“Its not that I feel threatened by his presence.”

“Whoever said that? I was only wondering why you get all defensive?”

Snap Shot’s eye twitched a little as he realized what he had let slip.

“Listen,” he said trying to recover form his mistake. “I have no problem with the newcomer and… Luna, would you stop that.”

“Stop what?” questioned Luna looking puzzled.

“Hey, don’t mind her buster,” said Celestia warningly. “Don’t try and change the subject!”

“No, no sister,” said Luna now eyeing the tensed Captain. “I want to hear what he has to say to me. Does me fiddling with my mane bother you in some way?”

The two sisters smiled wickedly at the nervous Captain and when the cloaked pony was about to ask what was going on, Celestia and Luna broke out in laughter.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“Oh, tis a game we like to play with the Captain every now and then,” said Luna clutching her stomach as she leaned over snickering.

“Yes,” confirmed Celestia trying her best to control her laughter. “You see, while we were learning how to fly, Snap Shot taught us.”

“And you think that gives you the right to tease me?!” Snap Shot roared.

“It’s just our way of thanking you for all the years of learning,” said Celestia raising her goblet up as if to toast him.

Snap Shot face flushed with embarrassment. For he knew what was going to happen next.

“Sorry Snap, but to us your still “Captain Grump.”

Snap Shot felt his face grow pink as he gritted his teeth and lowered his head. The tiny Phoenix had hopped its way across the table and took the Captains momentary distraction as an oportunity to nab one of the bread slices on his plate. Right on crew a Royal Guard raised his glass and toasted the new Captain by the nickname the Celestia and Luna had given him. The two sisters laughing went on for a bit until they calmed down and wiped away tears from their eyes. Even the rest of his fellow Guards chuckled at the show he was putting on with the two Princesses. The cloaked pony looked around the table noting that almost everyone there was enjoying themselves. He couldn’t help but to smile. It was perfectly clear to him that they all cared for one another and this was certainly a unique way of showing that. A hush fell over the table as Celestia and Luna’s ears twitched. The wind from outside seemed to be blowing harder than ever. Through the loud whistling, something unnatural was heard. The wind suddenly took on the form of distant cries of rattling anger. Right when they were about to question the strange phenomenon they felt it again. This time it was clear as to what it was. It was a strong burst of magic. The two shot up from their seats making everyone else rise with them. As the two made their way to the balcony doors the wind from outside was dying out and as soon as the feeling of strong magic was felt, it had vanished.

“What is it?” asked Snap Shot. “Is something out there?”

“Strange,” said Celestia still looking through the window to the darkened sky outside.

“What’s strange?” repeated Snap Shot looking through the window too.

“It’s probably nothing,” said Celestia reassuringly. “Come on everypony, where were we again?”

As Celestia and Luna continued their cheerful conversation with the rest of the table they felt like what ever had made that magic appear was powerful enough to stop the winds from blowing. Sneaking another glance out the window their thoughts turned to the night’s hidden meeting and hoped that the outcome would settle the tribes’ issue once and for all.