Coltyn woke in a familiar looking home, looking around he noticed the room he was in belonged to a colt from the color and general clutter of toys. It didn’t take him long to realize this was his room. He knew that it couldn’t be after having sold the place and hearing of the numerous buildings built in its place over the centuries, but here it was all the same. Curious, he headed out down the hall and it was like walking through an expansive display of his past.

Pictures of him graduating school, his last good-bye before heading off to join the army, him proudly displaying his armor, all hung as a testament to him. Then he saw pictures of scenes nopony could have taken pictures of, the lost look he held upon finding his mutilated parents, his ‘convincing’ the griffons to surrender, his success with his immortality potion, the proud soldier standing next to Nightmare Moon, the loving father at his child’s birth, his torment by Celestia. Pain struck in his heart. “These are my memories,” he breathed.

Coltyn continued the journey through is past. His escape and self-imposed banishment, living with a zebra tribe and learning their ways in magic, developing devastatingly powerful killing magic, Thunder Snow. He looked long and hard at the picture of himself standing before his daughter and her friend standing above the tiny injured foal. That was the moment that all the hate, anger, and loathing for Princess Celestia vanished.

Coltyn then noticed a glow down the hall. The light was on and there were ponies talking, familiar ponies. Coltyn walked into the familiar dining room to see his mother, father, and grandfather. Their idle chatter stopped as his mother galloped to him, and threw her forelegs around him.

“I’m so proud of you,” his mother cried, hugging him with sobs of joy.

“We all are,” his father added, putting his hoof on Coltyn’s shoulder.

“But how are you here?” Coltyn asked, befuddled at the sudden family reunion.

“Well they’re here because they wanted to see the stallion you grew up to be,” Starswirl replied. “But I’m here on a more personal task. You have found the element of magic,” Coltyn nodded. “And she holds the key to finishing my last great work. It’s missing something that is locked in her very being and she will be called to make a great sacrifice to have it surface. Once she is deemed ready you must not interfere and you must be vague in her ultimate task.”

“But how will I know when she is ready?” Coltyn asked, quizzically.

“Lucky for you, you’re just the messenger. The Princesses are the ones who will make that final call, but the first challenge is already determined. Fate has chosen her opponent and he is not one to be taken lightly,” Starswirl warned.

“What can you tell me? I will make sure she is ready and can triumph over this opponent,” Coltyn prodded, impatiently.

Starswirl shook his head.

“Coltyn?”

“Our time is up,” Starswirl smiled, fading away. “Good luck.”

“Grandfather!” Coltyn exclaimed, sitting up on the couch in Thunder Snow’s living room. Letting out a frustrated snort, he laid back down only to look Thunder Snow in the eyes. “Yaaah!” he shrieked, surprised to see her.

“I didn’t think I’d startle you that much,” Thunder Snow scoffed.

“Sorry,” he grimaced slightly, and explained, “You woke me from an intense dream.”

“Evidently. I didn’t see you bring this book in with you.”

Her comment drew his attention to a book that had been lying on the small table beside the couch she’d let him use the previous night. He blinked at the sight of his grandfather’s cutie mark emblazoned on the cover. “I didn’t,” Coltyn said, looking at the book.

Thunder Snow looked at him quizzically. “What is it about?”

Flipping through the book, he smiled at the familiar quill strokes of his grandfather’s unique script before getting to the last pages. There was no title or description; only an attempt, from what Coltyn could tell, to change destinies. “I need to get this to the princesses,” he mumbled, gathering himself to leave only to have Thunder Snow block the door.

“You wake up in my house with a mysterious book, flip through it, and want to just waltz out without explaining? I don’t think so,” Thunder Snow informed, frowning at Coltyn.

Coltyn stood frozen opening his mouth to speak before closing it. “It’s a request from my grandfather.” Thunder Snow’s expression of annoyance fell to a blank stare. “This is one of Twilight’s tests,” Coltyn acknowledged. “Something is coming and I don’t know what, who, or why,” Coltyn sighed.

“She shouldn’t face something that nopony knows anything about. She isn’t that grown up yet,” Thunder Snow replied. “That sounds more like a job for the Royal Guard.”

“I don’t disagree, I’d rather ponies that were trained handle this, but without more information all I can do is inform Princess Celestia and hope,” Coltyn smiled.

“Keep me informed, something doesn’t set right about all this,” Thunder Snow said, frowning.

“Of course, I will meet you at my cart after lunch to begin your magic training.”

“Alright, I’ll see you then.” Thunder Snow agreed, moving aside.

Coltyn trotted to the castle and was escorted by the guards to the royal dining hall. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were having breakfast with Twilight and her friends.

“Princesses, may I have a word with you, in private,” Coltyn asked, bowing.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other quizzically. “I don’t see why not,” Celestia said, standing from the table. “Excuse us.” The others nodded; Celestia and Luna took Coltyn to a small hall off the side of the room.

“I had a dream,” Coltyn breathed heavily, lifting the book to show the Princesses.

“Is that?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, Starswirl’s work journal. The last pages contain an unfinished spell which he has determined to be one of Twilight’s tests,” Coltyn stated. “However, she still has much to learn and do, but this will be a true test of her knowledge.”

“I see, so this will be her final exam,” Celestia pondered. “I honestly was wondering what it would be.”

“There is also something else, something is coming. I don’t know what, but I have a feeling it’s dangerous. I will keep my eyes peeled for this threat that,” Coltyn drew an uneasy breath, “Twilight must face, alone.”

“Unacceptable!” Luna exclaimed. “She is not a force to be thrown at whatever problems rear their heads.”

“I agree with you, Princess Luna,” Coltyn replied firmly. “However, my grandfather must have a reason. I can only assume it’s to further her understanding of sacrifice. His spell is not complete and he mentioned a sacrifice to call upon the power locked inside her.”

“I think I understand how things will unfold,” Celestia acknowledged, deep in thought. “Luna, I want you to hold onto the journal.”

“Me?” Luna asked confused.

“Yes, I’m her teacher and want to push her to be all that she can. However, I know that this is not something to be taken lightly. So we will only bestow the task of rewriting Starswirl’s last spell when you think she is ready,” Celestia replied.

“Of course, sister,” Luna nodded, taking the book from Coltyn.

“Then I shall see myself out,” Coltyn bowed. “I have to prepare some lessons.”

“Thank you for bringing this to our attention,” Celestia smiled. “I will be in touch with you.”

Coltyn bowed, and took his leave from the hall. He returned to his cart to start planning lessons for Thunder Snow, knowing that it was going to be a challenge for both of them. A knock came from the door shortly after noon and he welcomed Thunder Snow inside.

“Have you read the book I gave you?” Coltyn asked.

“I did. I’m realizing that unicorn magic is hard to control and from the amount of focus it seems to require even more difficult to use in combat,” Thunder Snow admitted.

“Well that is why we practice. I have decided to start where all foals usually do, telekinesis,” Coltyn explained. “The concept is very simple; you reach out with your magic and manipulate the object.” Coltyn took out a glass and set it on the table. “Focus, extend, grasp, lift, and set the glass on the table.”

Thunder Snow looked at the glass and closed her eyes. She focused on the image of the glass like the book instructed and she could feel an extension of herself touch the glass. She grasped the glass and her concentration was broke by the sound of it shattering. She opened her eyes to see the glass had been crushed inward; causing her to snort in frustration.

“That wasn’t bad for your first attempt,” Coltyn said, using circle magic to repair the glass.

“What do you mean? I broke the glass. That isn’t right, it’s like there’s too much power behind it,” Thunder Snow stated.

“Exactly, if you use too much force you will crush what you’re trying to manipulate. It’s knowing how much force to use and you already can focus and extend your magic which is going to make our progress that much quicker.” Coltyn smiled. “Try it again, and this time only put half as much energy into grasping the glass.”

Thunder Snow focused again, her horn lighting as her magic wrapped around the glass. The glass cracked but Thunder Snow was beginning to feel how things were reacting to magic. She let her grasp fall to just a fraction of her power as she lifted the glass from the table. She opened her eyes to see the glass wrapped in a blue-white aura floating just off the table. Excited, she smiled, lost her focus, and let the glass fall, shattering.

“It’s not easy,” Thunder Snow sighed.

“No, but the more you practice the more it will become like second nature,” Coltyn encouraged, repairing the glass. “I know you will get this down in no time and then will be moving on to combat and weather training.”

Thunder Snow cocked her head. “Weather training? I think I got the hang of that,” Thunder Snow replied, with an amused snort.

“I mean making weather. It is clear that you can summon the same type of storm that you are named after,” Coltyn recalled. “So it seems only reasonable to explore the possibilities and potential uses of your skills. But for now let’s work on not breaking the glass.”

Thunder Snow nodded and once again focused on the glass. They practiced into the early evening and she had gotten to the point of being able to lift the glass without cracking or chipping it. Coltyn was pleased with the progress she made and ended the lesson. The two said their good-byes and Thunder Snow left for the day.

***

Coltyn made his way to the castle early wondering what his new position would involve. Coltyn was met by the guards and was brought to a meeting hall were Celestia was about to start her Day Court.

“Good morning, Princess Celestia,” Coltyn announced, bowing.

“Good morning, Coltyn,” Celestia responded. “Are you ready to start?”

“I wish to observe how your court is run and I’ll also need to sit in on one of Luna’s Night Courts to know how I might best advise you and your sister,” Coltyn admitted.

Celestia nodded. The first order of business was to see what the majority of the ponies wanted answers too. Not surprisingly most of the day’s questions involved Thunder Snow and what was going to happen because of this revelation.

“This is going to be a long day of repeating myself, again,” Celestia sighed.

“Well if I may, why not have them all come in, address the general question, and then move on to specific questions?” Coltyn asked.

Celestia pondered the idea and told the guards to let everypony in. The crowd was directed to take seats as they entered. Coltyn noticed many of the same ponies who were at the wedding had come to question the situation. He took a deep breath and steadied himself as he sat behind Celestia on her right side.

“Don’t let them intimidate you,” Celestia calmly whispered. “You’ll do fine.”

“I hope so. I haven’t been this nervous in a while,” Coltyn replied, noticing several ponies glance at him and start talking to their neighbor.

One of the guards stood in front of Celestia. “The Court of the Day will now begin. Many of you have questions as to what Captain Thunder Snow’s fate will be in light of the recent revelations of her status as Princess Celestia’s daughter, and the regeneration of her once destroyed horn. Princess Celestia will address this concern and if any clarification is required please raise your hoof and wait to be called.”

The guard left to resume his post; all eyes turned to Celestia.

“Thank you,” Celestia began. “My daughter, Princess Wintra Thunder Snow, will remain at her post as Captain of the Pegasus Guard until Prince Shining Armor returns from his honeymoon. After command of both branches of the Royal Guard is turned over to him, Princess Wintra will be assuming full command of the Royal Weather Service, and thereafter will oversee all weather plans that need approval as princess of storms.”

The nobles began to talk amongst themselves, most confused and some surprised. Coltyn noticed two whose looks of anger and resentment never faded; a grey stallion with a black mane and a butter-yellow mare with a light pink mane with a white streak. He recognized them from the wedding, and knew them from circulating amongst Canterlot society. They were social climbers, and the mare had a long-standing grudge against Thunder Snow. He mentally shook his head at their obvious discontent. He’d seen that look on ponies before and it always meant trouble.

“I know there will be many questions,” Celestia continued, “which is why I have recently hired an advisor.” Celestia motioned to Coltyn who stepped forward. “He will be training Thunder Snow, as well as assisting us with the upcoming transitions, so any questions that concern my daughter should be addressed to him.”

The statement fired up the crowd as the room came alive with chatter. Coltyn was able to hear questions like, ‘Why him? I’ve done more than anypony else! Who is he to jump that high?’ The noise grew to an uninterruptable roar as it seemed everypony tried to yell over each other. Scanning the room of yelling ponies he noticed one, a white stallion with well-groomed golden mane and tail, who seemed to want his voice heard, saying something about, ‘Aunt Celestia’. Coltyn wanted to explain but realized it would be useless unless he could be heard. He sighed, waiting for them to quiet down when he noticed Princess Celestia raise her hoof and stamp it hard onto her dais. Everypony’s ears folded back to block the harsh ring that emanated.

“This gathering was to discuss Princess Wintra. If you have questions about Coltyn and his position you will have to wait as you have before. Since it seems that there are no questions at this time you are all dismissed and we will continue as normal.” Princess Celestia looked onto her subjects, glowing with the authority of the sun. The nobles slowly started to file out, most grumbling under their breaths but none acting outwardly other than an angry glare as they left.

“Well this will be interesting to read in the morning paper,” Coltyn snorted as the last of the nobles left.

“It’s normal. They will try to ruin me and fail as they have for years. My only fear is the slander they will use against my daughter,” Celestia stated, worried.

“I will try to curb her icy rage but I will not lie to her. She has been hurt enough by lies,” Coltyn sighed.

Celestia nodded. “Then I trust you to make sure we don’t have an unexpected blizzard on our hooves,” Celestia smiled, looking down at Coltyn.

“Of course, your highness.” Coltyn bowed.

“Good. I had a room set up for you to conduct your business as advisor and a suite set aside for you to use when you are in Canterlot. Space has been allocated in the royal carriage house for your cart, of course.”

“You’re very generous. Thank you, Princess.”

“I can handle the rest from here. You should get settled into your office so you can begin handling the many visitors you’ll have tomorrow,” Celestia chuckled.

“I can’t wait,” Coltyn said sarcastically. “I’ll start getting things in order.” Coltyn bowed as he left via a side hallway.

Coltyn was led to a small study located near the main library. The room was lightly decorated with the royal symbols emblazoned on the drapes hanging on one wall. A small desk and a few small pillows were in the center of the room and pair of bookshelves containing some law books lined one of the walls. The back wall’s window had a view of the palace labyrinth and the statue garden.

Coltyn went back to his cart to pack supplies he would need; quills, paper, and a few books of his own. A knock came to his door as he was finishing his packing. He welcomed Thunder Snow in as he placed the last of his books into his bag.

“Going somewhere?” Thunder Snow asked, looking at the saddlebags.

“No, just moving a few things into the new advisor’s office,” Coltyn said. “I’m to be dealing with the nobles and their most likely endless list of complaints about you and me.”

“Why do you say that?” Thunder Snow asked.

“Well most of the nobility seemed indifferent about your new station, however; the fact I was appointed advisor got under some ponies’ fur. I have this feeling that we are going to be the front page news in the gossip columns tomorrow.”

“Well that is just a great way to start out as a princess, being slandered in the press,” Thunder Snow snorted.

“Well, if something really gets to you don’t hesitate to come to me or one of the other princesses. Sometimes a little reassurance can help,” Coltyn smiled, closing up his saddlebags. “So shall we continue our lesson from yesterday?”

Thunder Snow nodded. “I’ve been practicing and I think I’ve got levitation down.”

“Well then let’s see what you got.” Coltyn pulled down a glass and a pitcher filled with water.

Thunder Snow picked up the pitcher and poured a glass and set it back down, picked up the glass and took a slow drink before setting the glass back down.

“Well done. You must have practiced a lot,” Coltyn said, smiling.

“Not really.” Thunder Snow shook her head. “Once I figured out how to control the amount of force I’m exerting it just seemed to come naturally. I even used my magic to put my armor on today.”

“I see,” Coltyn said, rubbing his chin. “Well then maybe we should start looking into more specific uses of your magic.”

“Excellent, I’ve kind of wanted to see what my magic can do.” Thunder Snow smiled excitedly.

“First the basics, then we’ll move on,” Coltyn replied.

The two practiced into the evening and Coltyn gave Thunder Snow a few different books on elemental magic and advanced magic before parting ways for the evening. Coltyn retired early to be well rested for the day ahead of him.

Coltyn pulled his cart to the royal carriage house as the sun was breaking the horizon. He gathered his bag and a few other things he would need and went to his new office. Upon entering he noticed the Canterlot Chronicle sitting on his desk. Setting his bag down he began to read, focusing on the big news and gossip columns. Reading the random accusations, he shook his head in bemusement at the terrible gossip, including one editorial letter claiming the entire series of events was the result of a conspiracy by the entire royal family, who had been replaced by changelings and the Elements of Harmony were subsequently under their control. He shook his head in disgust, discarding the paper, and began to pull some quills and parchments from his bag.

“You have a visitor,” a guard said, knocking on the door.

“Come in,” Coltyn replied, setting a quill into his ink jar.

“Have you read today’s paper?” Thunder Snow asked, closing the door behind her.

“I have and the absolutely ridiculous ideas these ponies have come up with is simply disturbing,” Coltyn sighed.

Thunder Snow breathed deeply and exhaled slowly. “I trust the other princesses to take this new slander with grace. But the fact that they call me out on abandoning the guard is absurd and the column that claims I’m a windigo is just… painful,” Thunder Snow said, hurt evident in her voice. “I’m doing what I’m supposed to do as a princess of Equestria.”

“You are and they will figure it out, in time, but there have been some big changes in such a short time that it scares them,” Coltyn said softly. “I’ll have a talk with the editors and see if I can convince them to not print such nonsense.”

“That would be appreciated,” Thunder Snow smiled. “I have to get back to my station. I’ll come by later and we can have another talk.”

“As you wish,” Coltyn smiled, as she left.

He worked on filling out the paperwork to make his new position official as another knock came on his door. “A reporter from the Chronicle here to see you,” the guard announced.

“Come in,” Coltyn replied. A young earth mare, gold coat with a slivery mane and a fedora with a reporter tag on the side, entered the room. “How may I help you?”

“I would like to ask some questions,” the young mare said in a very serious tone, picking up a small recorder and set it on the table. “First off,” she cleared her throat, “why does Princess Celestia suddenly feel the need to have an advisor and why you?”

“Well I’m not sure on the answer for the first, but I have known her for a while and she trusts me,” Coltyn replied in a flat tone.

“I know there are others who would object to such claims. Where are you from? For somepony to ascend to such a rank without any history is very odd.”

“You mean without any evident social standing, do you not? Most of the objection to my advancement by the Princesses is due to the fact that I do not bother playing the status game with the upper echelons of Canterlot society. I was born in the Manehatten area,” Coltyn began. “I left to see the world and learn what I could from various places. When I returned, I came to study from the archives here.”

“So you’re a scholar? What area do you focus on?”

“Magic and augmentation, it’s a passion of mine.” Coltyn replied. He was getting the disquieting sense that she was digging for more than simply the reason Celestia and Luna had promoted him to be their advisor.

“I looked into finding out more about you but there isn’t anything,” the reporter said, looking at a small notepad. Coltyn nodded. “I looked for anything at all, but found nothing until a few years ago. It’s just interesting that no school records exist on you when you have a passion for magic. I would have thought that Celestia’s School would have a record of somepony like you.”

“I didn’t attend her school. My early training was handled by my grandfather,” Coltyn offered, feeling cornered. Then he looked pointedly at the clock, and stepped away from his desk. Ushering the reporter to the door, he smiled professionally and said, “I would love to continue our discussion, but I have other matters to attend,” he smiled, moving some papers into his bags.

“Very well,” she said, taking the recorder and placing it in her bag. “By the way, I will find the truth.” She left but before the door closed he finally got a look at her cutie mark, a magnifying glass with a question mark inside.

“She’s going to be trouble,” Coltyn sighed. Grabbing his bag, he left his office. “Please tell Princess Wintra that I would like to meet her at the café.” The guard at the door nodded and walked away.

Coltyn made his way to the café, but had a feeling that he was being followed. Turning his head, he looked for anything, but nothing stood out. He wasn’t going to concern himself with ghosts that weren’t there and continued to the café. Taking his seat he pulled out some paperwork and took to looking for what might have caused him to feel like he was being followed. Seeing nothing, he set to finishing the paperwork for his new position.

“Hello,” Thunder Snow said, approaching Coltyn’s table.

“Hello Princess,” Coltyn said, standing up till Thunder Snow sat down.

“That still feels weird to be addressed as Princess,” Thunder Snow stated.

“I’m sure you’ll get used to it.”

“So why are we here?”

“Two reasons. One, I needed to get out of the office and two, I’ve got a feeling that the reporter who came to my office may be prying for information.”

Thunder Snow’s interest peaked, raising an eyebrow. “You were approached by Truth Seeker?”

“So that’s her name,” Coltyn said, pondering.

“She’s very persistent and will do almost anything to get the answers she wants. You’re going to have to be extra careful as long as she’s on your tail.”

“I just hope she doesn’t get in trouble. I’ve stirred a few nests back in the day and I’d hate to see another pony get hurt in the crossfire.”

Thunder Snow nodded as the two enjoyed lunch together, Thunder Snow showing her abilities to use magic.

Unbeknownst to them, a cloaked figure in an alley nearby smiled, whispering a triumphant, “Bingo,” before disappearing into the dark.