These pitiful creatures that you have chosen to replace us, lifting them so that they might sit atop your mantle, what makes them so righteous in your eyes? We have watched their virtues of harmony and found them lacking.

If it has passed beyond your diminishing sight to see these shortcomings, then allow us the chance to be redeemed. For soon there shall come a storm of retribution and when the steel appears, their true character will be revealed.

~Kamarag

/ / / Canterlot Castle, Royal Bed Chambers / / /

With practiced care Rush pushed open a small servant’s entry without a sound, the little doorway blending away perfectly with the wall after his passing. Taking a moment to straighten his burdens, as well as quadruple check his mental lists, the Pegasus practically floated towards the humongous bed that dominated the center of the room. His graceful hoof falls inaudible over the sounds of sleep.

Reaching the edge he took a deep bow, breath catching in his throat as his heart hammered away. It was too much, the events of the last week weighed heavily upon his shoulders.

Rush had known there was something amiss even before the birth, the way Aeterna had carried herself, quiet and aloof. It had been so unlike her. When the time had finally come and little Luna arrived, he closed his eyes tightly at the memory. There was no crying, no wails of displeasure at being thrust into the world. Try as they might the healers could not rouse her.

Then atop all of these things, casting them in its shadow, was the King’s dark secret. It was a terrible truth that Terra had confided in him just hours before the labor had begun. Rush could not condone his King’s actions, but he did understand them.

A soft rustle of the linens above drew Rush from his thoughts, shifting his gaze upwards as best his bowed position would allow. The sight that greeted him filled his heart with a tranquil sense of ease that had run rather short of late.

Aeterna, Queen of their nation and Alicorn of the sun, was smiling down on him from above. Her rose petal eyes were puffy from the tears, but the warmth and kindness she was known for had returned. With a silent dip of her head she bade him forward, the sheets hanging over the edge coming alight in her magic and rising into a set of stairs for the encumbered pony to ascend.

A lesser stallion may have dropped his burdens when faced with the sight that awaited them beyond the top step. Rush however, was well accustomed to such things, his exploding heart barely noticeable in his outward appearance. He was made of sterner stuff after all.

Aeterna was resting comfortably on her side, sparing an exhausted but contented smile for Rush as he approached. Nestled close to the Queen’s side and sound asleep were her daughters, Celestia holding her new sister tight as the two slumbered peacefully.

Rush found himself clenching his jaw, lest a dopey smile take over his mask of professionalism. Still though, he could not stop his roaming eyes as they took in their first glimpse of the new princess. Her fur was strikingly blue under the soft torch light. Mothers’ Love she was tiny…

Each step forward required a great amount of his will and effort, the desire to stay still and quiet lest he wake them a nearly overwhelming force. His hooves moved with a well practiced grace, silently gliding over the bedding as he negotiated each fold and lump. Though the journey only required a few paces it felt like years to Rush as he drew close, the breath hitching in his throat as the foal cooed in her sleep.

“Your majesty,” Rush whispered in greeting. Once again he attempted to bow despite his burdens, the pony’s wings showing their remarkable dexterity as they rebalanced the items on his back. Though he had heard it nearly every day for most of his life, the sound of his Queen’s tittering laughter still made him smile.

“Rush.” Aeterna said with faux annoyance, quieting herself with a hoof as she cast her sleeping foals a nervous glance. “How many times must I tell you to address me by my name?” She asked, her voice much softer now that her giggles were under control.

“At least once more, your highness, same as always.” Rush replied somewhat cheekily, peeking up at her from the sheets. His wings were still holding up the leaning pile of assorted necessities, keeping them from toppling over.

“You are one of our most trusted attendants, Rush. I do wish you would realize that earns you a certain amount of familiarity here.” Aeterna said, the faintest trace of a smirk on her face as she reached out with her magic for the bowl of fruit teetering at the top of the Pegasus’s pile. “And do stand up, you look positively ridiculous.”

“Apologies, but her little highness there demanded recently that I make things more, fun.” Rush said in a much more serious tone, though the playful glint in his eye gave him away as he pointed towards the slumbering Celestia. “As such I fear that I may have taken it to heart.” He added, carefully placing the various other items he had brought upon the bed before him.

“Did she now?” Aeterna queried, flashing her daughter a smile before turning her attention towards the bowl of fruit as it floated over for her inspection. “That would most definitely have been entertaining; it is good to know that there is at least one in the royal family whose orders you will follow.” She added, wiggling her brow playfully at spotting his momentary look of alarm.

“Of course my lady, which bears my only excuse for the earlier insubordination.” Rush explained as he busied his hooves with arranging the stack of items. “Surely my dilemma is apparent when faced with conflicting orders?”

“Quite so.” Aeterna agreed, selecting a mango from the bowl and giving it an appraising look. “In fact it was rather unfair of me to put you in such a position. I hope you will accept a much deserved apology?”

“Think nothing of it my Queen.” Rush said, holding up his wings in a placating gesture, his smile threatening to return. “My only desire after all is to serve to the best of my abilities. Alas, I must still confess the nuances of the court continue to elude me. Forgive this simpleton, but I must be the one to apologize.”

“Hardly.” Aeterna said with a calm tone, though her sides shook with stifled laughter. “I can not fault you for carrying out an order issued by one whom someday may very well surpass myself.” The Queen leaned down and gave her daughter a quick peck on the cheek, the pink maned filly humming softly as she stirred gently before closer.

Rush couldn’t help but watch the tender display of affection with a smile on his face, his heart melting just a bit more as Celestia squeezed Luna in her sleep. “She would need to move the heavens themselves.” Rush stated softly, offering his Queen a second smaller bowl as she peeled the mango, her absolute favorite.

“She will do that, and so much more.” Aeterna whispered, more to herself than to Rush. “The both of them.”

“Verily, my Queen.” Rush agreed, finally having finished with his organization, every requested item in its place for the royals’ convenience. “And forever more they shall know the love of their eternal mother.”

Rush may not have noticed, but Aeternas’ eyes grew distant at his words. Her gaze lost in ancient memory even as she watched him gather up his tray under a wing. The sight was identical to a thousand other attendants, and her smile waned for a moment.

“Nothing lasts forever, Rush.” Aeterna said in a hushed tone, her eyes drifting back to her slumbering children. The two fillies were sleeping peacefully, completely oblivious.

“This will.” Rush replied as he caught her gaze, knowing enough about her past to understand her feelings on the matter. “Love is eternal between those who share it.”

It was rare that one of her subjects surprised her, yet despite Rush’s background he had a touch of the philosopher about him and that was something she had much needed to hear. “Rush.” Aeterna queried, her tone filled with uncertainty as her brow furrowed. “I enjoy our little talks, thank you,” she said, her smile returning. Her eyes continued to search over him as if convinced they had missed something until now.

“It is my pleasure, Aeterna.” Rush answered with a smile of his own before taking a respectful bow. “By your word, I shall take my leave.”

“Of course, you must be exhausted.” Aeterna acknowledged in an understanding tone, giving him an affirmative nod when he peeked up at her. “Go now and rest, Rush. You have my blessing.”

“By your word, majesty.” Rush replied in a hushed manner, returning the nod as he finally stood and turned to leave.

Aeterna watched him leave, the Pegasus reminding her of so many others. Yet he stood apart from all the others who came before. Terra was right to chose him for this task; he was strong, dedicated, and loyal. The Queen glanced down at her daughters again, her uncertainties about their futures returning. “I love you my daughters, remember this always.”

/ / / / / /

This mysterious force, moving within the shadows of our world, though it remains unseen by most it cannot escape my sight. A good king remains ever vigilant for any threat to his people, a great king defeats a calamity before it ever arrives at his gates.

So to you who would do this world harm, know this. I have seen your movements in the dark of the night and I am watching. I swear by my precious daughter and by what strength remains within my blood, you will not come away from this unscathed.

~King Terra

/ / / Canterlot Castle, Tower of Vigilance / / /

Though the morning sun was well set on its path over the kingdom for the time being, Terra found himself reluctant to release the blazing orb from his awareness. It felt, wrong somehow. As with many things the past few days the morning had simply felt different somehow, the winds grew colder, the air drier, even the magic around him quivered as if afraid.

There was something else there as well, just beyond the veil of normalcy and order that was synonymous to their existence. It toyed with him, the way it would nearly be revealed one moment, only to squirm away and be lost to him the next. It was infuriating.

Venturing forth from where he loitered within the shadows Terra manifested himself on the balcony of the castle’s tallest tower, the west side still darkened enough for his favored method of transit. The King’s mind raced as his physical form solidified, unusually bare hooves touching the cold stone as he seemed to simply walk out from the gloomy wall.

His gaze drifted slowly over the lands below the mountain as he searched for anything out of place, any subtle detail that might show the way to what he sought. Terra narrowed his eyes; there was nothing, no sign of what he was certain to be an ominous presence. It was something he could never have explained, but out there somewhere, hidden away nearly perfectly, was something that should not be.

Terra began to pace, back and forth in agitation at first, but then around the full circle of the balcony as other thoughts pushed their way in. Chief amongst them was sweet little Luna, his heart soaring at the mere image that came with the name, so perfect and innocent. Damn this threatening menace to the darkest pits for daring to rear its head now! Somewhere overhead a dull rumble of thunder echoed across the sky.

Terra sucked in a breath and held it, lifting a foreleg and watching it shake with his fury. Terra hated this diplomacy game, he needed to act! But today’s world required niceties and tact. The King could wipe away an army in a single moment if needed, yet as the world had grown and healed around him the necessity for violence had fallen by the wayside. He would need to do things properly, which meant waiting for the official methods to run their course.

It was all the fault of his wife really. When the old ways fell Aeterna had been the one to finally convince him to align with the surviving races, to join the world in one harmonious blunder after another. It brought a smile to his normally stony face; he loved her unconditionally. But there were times that mare made him think that a night that lasted forever would be the way to go…

With no conscious action of his own the King’s hooves stopped moving and his gaze drifted north, to the distant Crystal mountain range just visible to his eye on the edge of the horizon. What drew his senses to that region he could not say; but he knew that there must be a reason.

Just when he felt certain that he had something Terra was distracted by the approach of one whom he had been expecting, the nearly silent wing beats drawing closer signaling the soon arrival. Reluctantly turning away from his suspicions Terra waited as the new arrival flared his wings and fluttered gracefully to the balcony floor, not missing a beat as he immediately took a knee and bowed low.

“His Majesty’s servant, Tiberius, reporting as ordered sire.” The comparatively tiny Pegasus stated smartly from the floor.

“Rise, Rustwing, and report.” Terra commanded, his tone a touch harsher than intended, but there was not time to be concerned with such things now.

“Our forces have mustered below the city.” Tiberius said quickly, rising to meet his Kings’ eye as he spoke. “I have two thousand blades at the ready, with messengers en route to recall all nearby paladin watchers.” The pony paused for a moment, his next words bothering him. “Still no word on the Ambassadorial convoy bound for the Griffon homeland, it may be possible that the ocean storms have slowed them.”

Terra felt his eyes narrow; a storm was of little concern to those he had sent. “Perhaps, but relations with the other nations have grown strained as of late, and Fate favors the prepared.”

Tiberius seemed unsettled by this, his wings fluttering in agitation at his armored sides. “If it is not speaking out of turn, my king. To what matter of conflict are we making these preparations?”

Stepping past his soldier Terra wandered back to the west side of the tower, his vision searching out the gathering troops far below, watching as the distant figures moved into formations. With a calming sigh he looked back at Tiberius. “That remains to be seen. For now, we wait…”

/ / / / / /

I understand my King’s desire to seek peace with the Griffons, and in fact I share it. Diplomacy will always deserve its day in court. However, they are stubborn and opinionated creatures and I find it doubtful that they hold such beliefs in high esteem.

Still, all ill thoughts aside I have never known their kind to be fools, certainly they will see reason. The ancient threat must remain buried within the past, and by Terra, if it should come down to such a thing as war; the grand army of the King is close at our backs.

Alicorn Paladin Mars

/ / / Far to the East, Over the Celestial sea / / /

The winds out of the north were bitingly cold for this time of year, whipping the sea below into a frothy frenzy of mountainous waves and frigid spray. Any sea going vessels were certainly in for a spot of bother, the morning sun bringing only fiercer gusts to feed the squall. Far above however, gliding in peace over top the highest clouds with a grace expected of their positions was a pair of Paladins.

Remnants of the Grand Cromithian Royal Army, the purpose of the Paladins now was mainly to serve as keepers of the peace and guardians of the people. Though they had not been called upon to fulfill their original roll in nearly a millennium, the Paladins remained a ready and capable force. Ever waiting, ever prepared to answer whatever need their King and Queen might have of them.

It was in answer to this need that saw two of their finest winging with all haste towards the Griffon home land. With diplomatic relations having been already strained near the breaking point between the two races in recent years, it would be prudent now not to seem threatening. Which is why only these two would set hoof upon Griffon soil.

Paladin Mars, many times distinguished in his duties and steward to the throne, traveled with confidence in the knowledge that one hundred of his hoof picked fellows were not far behind. The other, Paladin Scipio, was highly regarded among his peers as a tactical genius in battle. He had led many successful ambassadorial endeavors as well.

Together they were a formidable pair, the two of them more than a match for the Hyperion Guards that would be accompanying the Griffon dignitaries. Not that such a meeting should ever come to blows, it certainly was well worth being prepared and both Alicorns knew to expect similar posturing from their avian neighbors.

As the Griffon shoreline came into view, the late morning sun high above the coastal hills. The two ambassadors drew closer together as they approached the shore. “I do not see the Griffon delegation.” Scipio called out, a touch of suspicious concern adding an edge to his voice. “Perhaps they have been held up and are late?”

“That would be very unlike them indeed.” Mars agreed, his horn sparking momentarily. “They are there, seeking shelter within that structure from the weather no doubt.” He said, pointing at a speck nestled between a pair of hills further inland.

“I have never known them to shy away from bad weather.” Scipio replied heatedly, having to raise his voice as a distant crack of thunder rolled over them from the north. “Even a day as foul as this.”

“Indeed, changing the meeting place is certainly irregular but I will not fault them if it means dry feathers and unfettered dialogue.” Mars narrowed his eyes as they started their descent, squinting at the new destination as the rain began anew, pelting them with large cold drops.

Scipio wanted to protest such an unexpected turn of events but had to agree that it would make for a much more tolerable experience if they did not have to endure the brutish birds on top of their stormy climate. “Very well, let us simply be done with it then.” Scipio muttered half heartedly as he angled to follow his fellow through the rain.

The distance required only a minute or so before the pair of Alicorns were flaring their wings for the landing, touching down on ancient flagstones that were half lost to nature. The stone building was in little better shape, covered in bramble and moss. One wall partially collapsed where a tree had fallen against it.

The little gully in which all this was located seemed to at least be blocking the worst of the wind, for which Mars was grateful. His senses scanned around every inch of the surrounding cliffs. The rain was picking up now, streams of water were running down the rocks or falling off edges, soaking the ground as well as the newcomers.

“What a pleasantly cheerful place, reminds me of those who live here.” Scipio mused to himself as he looked towards the dilapidated structure, the dancing light of a fire flickering out from the doorway. “Shall we?” He asked casually, indicating the way with a hoof.

“Be nice.” Mars chastised as he folded his wings and walked past, giving the satchel full of parchment at his side a gentle squeeze. “The hills have eyes, and ears. So do try to at least appear chivalrous,” he added. With a nod he glanced up at one of several Griffon guards expertly concealed in the rocks around them.

“I can do chivalrous.” Scipio scoffed indignantly, catching up as they neared the entrance to what could best be described as a stone cottage in the middle of nowhere. It was far from a glamorous place to discuss business, but if it kept the rain at bay then it would do.

As they approached the stone doorway a pair of well equipped Griffon soldiers appeared from the shadows. Their polished spears level and ready for a moment as they confirmed the identities of those whom had arrived. After a few seconds of staring the towering equines down the Griffons wordlessly lifted their weapons and motioned inside.

“Many thanks,” Mars offered as he stooped to enter. His massive withers barely clearing the threshold. The guards said nothing, their eyes only following him for a moment from within their helmets before snapping back to peer into the rain.

A moment later and Scipio joined Mars within the single room structure, the pair taking up nearly half the space on their own with a small fire pit in the center. Seated against the far wall speaking in hushed urgent sounding whispers was the Griffon ambassador and a few of his advisors, none of them looking particularly confident as they noticed the new arrivals.

What put the Alicorns on edge however, was that they did not recognize any member of the delegation. Every face was young and unfamiliar. Mars was rather unimpressed with the situation, finding this turn of events quite unacceptable considering how accommodating they had been in the past.

“What is the meaning of this?” Scipio demanded, taking a step forward as he scrutinized the new faces arrayed before him. A few of the Griffons cowering under his gaze. “Where is ambassador Chras?”

The seemingly newly appointed Griffon ambassador straightened up, his nerves suddenly under control. “He was a weakness!” He cried, standing up as the winds outside began to howl. “Master says that our time is now, and that our weaknesses must be shed!”

In nearly that same instant the roof over the Alicorns’ heads was crushed in, the stones exploding into rubble under the tremendous force of what struck them. Right before the Griffon’s very eyes two of the most powerful beings he had ever seen were crushed into the ground, the earth beneath his paws shaking from the impact.

“And yours, vanity. Is the greatest weakness of all,” the Griffon said as he wiped bits of rock and dust from his chest. He looked up to see the giant scaled fist that had delivered the blow. “And so, he has come to cast you aside…”

Next Chapter: IX: A Mere Taste of Our Strength Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 23 Minutes