"I take it by your stunned expression you were expecting something else?"

Shadow came down slowly landing on the balcony gawking at Valkardians form. He had lights all over the place cautiously moving around him as if unsure of what creature or nightmare sat before them. None dared come into contact with him and her arrival had caused some to make their way to her moving around carefully at first but like the others at the temple settling on her before moving off.

"I was a little worried they would attack you."

"Feh. There is an... "Agreement" between us. There has always been. They also know why I am here and what will happen so they have thus informed me that there will be no attempt to stop us from doing what must be done."

"And that is?"

A wicked smile crossed his face. "Retrieve an artifact and make damn sure it is never found again." The lights seemed to bob in agreement.

"So they wont attack you for being evil?"

"Not at all, like I said long ago we made an agreement. They may not like me at all but they also know that sometimes the best way to fight fire is with fire."

"Ooookkkk..." Shadow sat down on a cushion and watched the little display continue on for a minute.

"Enjoy your day at the temple? You have a "deer caught in the headlights" look to you."

"I did not realize when you said the priests "had their ways" that it would mean anything like this."

"Marvelous is it not?"

"You admire them?"

"Yes of course. They are not my enemies. While we disagree most heatedly about a great number of things that does not mean we will try and kill each other over it. Being able to summon armies of spirits and souls to fight or protect their lands is an impressive sight."

"Speaking of armies... Valkardian... Did you have anything to do with whatever happened so long ago? The description given made me think you might of had something to do with it."

Shifting slightly he adjusted himself to laying with his back and head held up by a large pile of thick cushions while the spirits followed him. "Yes I did."

"Will you tell me?"

"I did not like the invaders nor their idiotic religious doctrine but I aided them because there was something far more dangerous involved. A certain spear which is also the subject of our discussion tonight mind you..."

"The powers in this land are ancient beyond even my knowledge and powerful enough to move continents if convinced to act. I helped them... Nudge... Those powers in their favor. Beyond that my role was rather minor on the battlefield, no armies of mine marched en-mass but I did join the battle to wrest control of the spear away from its holder. Long story short we won by a landslide but the region the battlefield took place is still a battle scarred hell millennia later."

Shadow watched the glowing lights closely for any indication he was lying but the impression they gave her was nothing but truth.

"Their powers are beyond imagination... I thought only unicorns and alicorns could use magic. Could I use magic Valkardian?"

"Yes of course. Not like the other two but there are ways you can tap into that magical force that this world is bathed in. Takes time and practice but you could do it. However, you would never be able to use magic like the unicorns or Celestia. Your powers would be quite different."

"How?"

"Not really certain, depends on what interests you but I do know with enough training you could raise the dead or call on spirits."

"Are you saying I could seriously make my own undead army of servants like you have?"

"Yes."

That floored her. Common sense dictated that only and only unicorns and alicorns could use magic though it was taught that pegasi and earth ponies had some sway in their own ways. Tonight though all that had gone out the window seeing Betu summon thousands upon thousands of spirits and souls from beyond the grave without the need for pony magic. Just his chanting and actions had been enough and now she found they could even summon them to war and an army of spirits marching against an invading army was a terrifying thought.

"Arabian's and Zebra's have terrifying powers..."

Valkardian just smiled for a moment. "More than even they know or understand though I imagine Betu has figured out a great deal on his own..." He waved his hand at the orbs of light and they danced away to surround Shadow.

"Aliya and Jaf said they seem to like me a lot..."

"Indeed they do..." His eyes traced over her and locked on her arm bracelet as she peeled off some of her sweat soaked cloathing. "Found faith in something have you?"

"Oh. It was a gift from Aliya."

Continuing to watch the little light display around Shadow as they left slowly one by one drifting to the streets below a thought crossed his mind: How perfectly opposite we are, where you walk others smile and join you yet they cower from my outstretched shadow.

"Are you going to tell me about whats really going on yet?"

Her voice snapped him back to reality and slowly blinking he focused on her again.

"Yes... Come here."

Shadow moved over to him and sat where he pointed. "This will be a bit of a rush but do not fight it." Reaching out a hand he touched her forehead and power surged up his arms then into his hands before passing into her mind. Vidid color and imagery exploded in her mind as his meeting with Betu played out in its entirety before fading away.

"Now you know. I have already hired a small ship to carry down the coast and up the great river. This quest takes priority over our vacation but do not worry, we will enjoy our full two weeks on the way back."

"So the vacation has been extended again?"

"Yes, it is now a... Working vacation if you will."

"So this object is why you are worried about prying eyes? What about the spies next door? Wont they listen in?"

Valkardian was laughing quietly. "Oh my no. First a spell prevents any from hearing us or even reading out lips. Also I asked the spirits to... Occupy, our would be antagonists."

"What do you mean by occupy them?" Her eyes narrowed while he just smirked.

"They will wake up long after we have left thinking they got too caught up in the revelry, even now they are influenced heavily to go partake in the festival and are doing just that. By the time they snap out of it we will be long gone and they will be unable to blame us nor anyone else."

"I can imagine they will be highly suspicious..."

"Oh of course they will be! They are spies and thieves who work for Celestia after all."

"Wont it be easy to track us? I am... Unqiue, after all."

"Got that covered so no worries. Anyway, time for dinner."

"I thought the entire city was celebrating?"

"Oh they are but someone has to do the cooking and I took care of that in advance, I just have to go fetch it is all."

"Want help?"

The look on Valkardians face was like a child asking a parent if they were certain about what they were doing. "Pah!" With that he cast off a spell disappearing for a couple minutes before teleporting back many trays, pots, bowls and plates hovering around him. Floating down to the table carefully he spread them out before sitting across from her.

"What is all this?"

"Tangine, seafood and rice dishes, vegetables..." His hand moved back and forth before the top of the clay pot was removed revealing a tall pile of sweet, spicy food drenched in sauce. Eagerly tying into the banquet laid out he poured cups of hot tea and began to fill his own plate.

"So where are we going then?" She looked up from her food waiting on him to explain the plan.

"Far to the Southwest to a little village called Tatsu. The bandits have set up their camp somewhere in the desert near there or so the spirits say. That also means they have to stay within a certain range of the river for water or farther out at an oasis. Since they are ambushing caravns they must be close to the river. Tatsu however is now under heavy guard so they have shied away for the time being and may move up or down the river thus Betu's concern over their... Neighbors."

"The sultan who is trying to gain favor with Celestia right?"

"Exactly, handing over the artifact would be... Well it would be a very large feather in his turban."

"Why does Celestia want it?"

"Misguided altruism and ambition."

Shadow just gave him a blank stare.

"Celestia has her spies gathering artifacts and hoarding them away for her own personal use or to seal away someplace she considers safe." Valkardian let out a loud spiteful laugh. "Damn fool is only making it easier for other powers to seize them all at once." He leaned forward and stared into her eyes. "There are some things that must remain sealed away no matter how good the intentions are to use them. The risk of someone else getting a hold of them and using them for other purposes is too great."

Leaning back again he scooped up some of the sauce soaked fish with a piece of bread and ate before continuing. "While I myself could use the spear I know better unlike Celestia. Some things are just too dangerous and not worth the risk. That is why I had the damn thing shattered in the first place."

"So that's why you were here back then. To make them destroy it? Stop anypony from using it against you or others?"

"Correct. I like the balance of powers to stay as it is so no one can bother anyone else not that they dont try."

"What does the artifact do?"

"Well this worlds equivalent gives the bearer not only vastly extended life but also the power to bend populations to their will and imbue their armies with great power. That is why the battle back then was so destructive. The sheer overwhelming power it took to cancel it out was so great it damaged the landscape permanently but it had to be done." Going back to eating he began mumbling. "Now that damned alabaster whore thinks she will be any different than the previous owner."

"So Celestia intends to use it then?"

"Most certainly. One of her greatest desires after her change of heart was to see "harmony" brought to the world. Fortunately for the world she lacks the means."

"Do you have the means?"

"To do what exactly? Make the world bend its collective knee to me and declare me lord god?"

Shadow nodded and Valkardian gave it a little thought. "I suppose anything is possible. Given the right circumstances I probably could or at least give it a damn good try and give the powers of the world a run for their money."

"Why dont you?"

*Sigh* "Shadow. I already have great powers. Beyond anything I could have imagined ever having when I was a young man. One thing I have learned though is that it means nothing in the long run. Nothing at all. It will not bring happiness and neither would conquering the world. Besides. I hate bureaucracy."

"You just want to be happy? Is that what all this is about?"

"No. Not really. I also learned long ago that being happy is something that is... Beyond my reach. So I quit trying. Celestia and being friends with Blood Lily were my last attempts."

Shadow felt sad for the evil creature that sat across from her eating slowly though why she could not really figure out. Something inside just pulled at her a little when he said that.

"What about me then? Im your slave and your saying that I have not gotten you to feel a little happy?"

"Oh come now Shadow lets just drop the false pretenses. You are no slave and have never been and we both know it." He gestured at the table then beyond. "What master would treat their slave like this let alone train them and arm them no less."

"So what am I then?"

He was about to take a bite of food but that stopped him. His eyes betrayed him as he glanced at her then away again thinking.

"I have no idea anymore."

"Would you kill me if I tried to escape?"

"No."

"Why?"

Their eyes met, her boring into his for answers while he tried to figure out an answer to her question.

"At minimum you are a student of mine but I will not deny you have become... Important... To me somehow."

"What if somepony just up and cut my throat. What would you do?"

His eyes flashed a little anger. "I would flay them alive."

A smile spread across her face and she continued eating letting the matter drop. What Jaf said the other day had come back to mind just moments ago and she had played on it to see Valkardians reaction. He was awful at showing how he felt about anything which only added to his intimidating presense but deep inside he wasnt all that bad really.

"Thank you."

Curiosity crossed his face as he examined her raising an eyebrow and turning his head to the side slightly.

"For what?"

"So how many bandits are there then?" Shadow had decided to drop it and change the subject.

"Hrm. Alright. There are supposedly around two hundred or so of them."

*Urk* Shadow choked a little on a piece of shrimp at hearing that. "How are we going to deal with that many?!"

Valkardian looked rather offended. "First you doubt yourself to the point of inaction and now you doubt me?"

"NO! No... Wait. How do you know there are two hundred? Betu never said anything about their numbers."

"I asked the spirits here earlier."

"They can talk?"

"Oh yes. But you must be willing to listen."

She mulled that over for a minute before urging him to continue.

"That's couscous by the way... At any rate it just depends on where they are and how the force is deployed. I fully intend to attack them at night and get the spearhead first so there is one less variable in the ensuing fight."

"What role will I play?"

"None. On the way you will be a lookout for any of Celestia's spy's but otherwise you will play no role in the battle itself."

"Why not!?"

"You doubt yourself too much and would be a liability. You were unwilling to face down ten half assed guards and soldiers despite being superiorly trained and armed. How can I trust you now to join me in a battle against two hundred hardened brigands?"

His comment burned away at her and tore deep into her heart. She was no coward! True she had hesitated then and been captured but...

The flurry of emotions tore their way through her heart and soul struggling to come to grips with his words. They were true after all. It had been her big chance to prove her training and she had blown it choosing to be captured. "Try. At least TRY." But instead of giving it her best shot and taking the risk Shadow had backed down. In a one on one fight or two on one there was no doubt in her mind but ten to one... One hundred to one?

Biting down into a piece of shrimp angrily feeling its flesh shred from the force of her chewing Shadow calmed herself down a little. Somehow she would have to prove to him that all that training and fighting had not been for naught. Maybe she would get another chance to prove herself to him. Why did she care? What was so important about proving anything at all to him?

Looking over at him a moment before scooping up a few more spoon-fulls of seasoned rice Shadow remembered back to the time she had seen him fully unclothed. His body was covered in scars some large others small. Until now she had not realized what they were: a story of his own attempts and failures. Experiments and battles that had not gone as planned resulting in some rather vicious injuries. But he had tried.

Valkardian had not always been a powerful wizard or master of sword and spear, once upon a time he had been much like her but through millennia and countless battles he had carved out his own bloody little piece of the world for himself. How much misery and paid had he endured to pull it off? How much did he still endure?

Tomorrow would begin the journey to retrieve the artifact and make it disappear again. Not one bit of doubt crossed her mind that somewhere along the way a chance would present itself to regain his trust in her abilities beyond being a cut-throat. If he was willing to admit to flaying somepony alive for harming her and even giving her such grand gifts as this vacation... The least she could do was return the favor somehow and that would mean having faith in her training and proving those long weeks of hard training had not been for nothing.

When dawn came Shadow was raring to go which was a little surprising to Valkardian. There would be one stop along the way to the docks and if she wanted to say goodbye to anyone she met now was the time. Choosing to visit the school first Shadow left a note to Nata, Aliya and Jaf thanking them, it was poorly written in their language but she did the best she could using the dictionary to find the words.

Despite the festivities having died off in the night the temple was still crowded as some came to pray or meditate while others busied themselves with cleaning. A priestess told her Betu was quite busy but he had left a message of his own for her if she stopped by. Leaving one for him in kind the priestess smiled and left her to read the short message.

Shadow,

Good luck and may the spirits protect you on your journey. Should you ever find yourself in the city again never forget you are welcome here and I hope you speak with you again one day.

Betu

Valkardian had not put one hoof past the temple entrance choosing to just stand outside leaning on his staff while waiting on her. Exiting the temple and joining him they hustled off towards the docks. Along the way they passed through a small gatehouse that walled off the docks from the city proper.

Clanging greeted her ears not long after and soon they were among the many blacksmiths who kept the city's gears moving. Wagon wheel's, anchors and countless other bits and pieces of equipment were displayed while the smiths worked furiously at their anvils beating out metal.

"Alright, we have about thirty minutes now so if anything catches your eye feel free to stop and look."

Gesturing towards the long line of blacksmith shops along the way Shadow let her eyes wander over the merchandise before picking out one farther down. Many pieces of armor and weapons were being sold while two giant zebra's worked in unison to batter a piece of metal to death forcing it into the curve of a sabre.

Taking notice of her the stallion nodded to the mare who stopped and signaled to an apprentice to take her place. Quickly changing places the zebra came over and towered over Shadow, at least a good seven feet tall or more. While what was on display was excellent Shadow was looking for something more unique to remind her of the time here. Saying as much the mare just nodded and inquired as to what she had in mind.

A kopesh. Shadow had not actually gotten a good glimpse of the one in the market the pot seller had and moments later the mare returned with several magnificent weapons. Eyeing them with great scrutiny narrowed the selection down to two masterpieces. A small smirk came to the zebra's face as she put the others aside before exchanging glances with the stallion behind her.

Settling on the one with the strange layered pattern on the blade Shadow inquired about it.

"Layered steel. Many layers to make it stronger." Her voice was deep and heavy. "Damascus style steel, best you will find anywhere."

A quick glance at Valkardian who was eyeing the spears resulted in a small nod. She would take it. It was not a cheap blade but it came with an ornate sheath and continuing to browse the weapons for sale Shadow found a similar dagger and purchased it as well. Both the smiths and the apprentice were smiling ear to ear when she left belting the new dagger onto the side of her leg with a special leather holster the zebra offered up.

Valkardian came over at that point and said it was time to go and sword slung over her shoulder they departed the smithing area and were soon passing warehouses. Wagons were being pulled quickly about by teams of Arabians or Zebra's in a rush to get the goods loaded or unloaded from the ships.

Oh the ships. Grand galleys sat waiting with large eye's painted on their brow while others were slimmer and sleeker looking. Everything was abuzz as tall wooden cranes lifted the ships contents out and to waiting teams with wagons while others did the opposite loading huge sacks of grain, others amphora.

Their destination though was farther off to the side where smaller ships moored. Smaller fishing vessels were being prepped for the day while one was unloading its catch. Ponies would never so much as touch fish save for pegasi who sometimes did. Zebra and Arabians though seemed to have little qualms about eating fish and shellfish if last night was any indicator. That dish of rice, fish, shrimp and clams had been delectable. Shadow hoped she would get to eat it at least one more time.

What awaited them was a colorful little ship with three zebra's crewing it. Upon their approach a skinny mare with powerful arms approached and announced the ship was ready and they could set sail at once.

"What kind of ship is this?"

Valkardian went to respond but the sharp ears of the mare beat him to it.

"This is a dhow. Some are quite large but mine is smaller and faster. Her name is Lightning and I am the captain. Qufai. These two are my brother Yajfa and sister Kalai. Quickly stepping down the plank and onto the ship the mare hurried her family along as Yajfa undid the mooring ropes as they boarded.

"While the name sounds fancy without translation it is called Bariq."

The way Valkardian said it made Shadow stare at him oddly before remembering the magic was translating the words. Why had it not translated names though? Was there a translation for some names? Every pony had a name that meant something. Every. Pony. Maybe that was no the case here or it just did not translate?

Using a pole to push them away from the dock Qufai gave more instructions as the other two manned some oars to get them out into the water where the wind could catch. It was slow going at first but when they had manged to get out into the sheltered harbor Kalai shimmied her way up the mast and undid a rope before coming down then joined Yajfa in heaving on ropes to bring the sail up.

The tall angular sail quickly billowed out when the wind caught it and the ship lurched forward picking up speed. It did not take long to clear the harbor and put distance between themselves and the city as the little dhow zipped out into the open sea hugging the coast. Qufai steered them South past a lighthouse high up on some cliffs.

Everything settled down after a bit when Qufai was satisfied with preparations leaving the rest of them to dally about somewhat. Kalai and Yajfa busied themselves with checking ropes and the cargo for a bit before settling down to watch the coast past them by. Kalai pulled out a fishing rod and cast a line over the side as they sailed on looking rather bored.

Shadow stared out over the water for a while as Valkardian quietly talked to the captain before coming over.

"If you watch the water closely you can see the currents. There. See how the water calms and then changes direction?"

Looking to where he was pointing she watched the water weave an odd pattern along the coast.

"Qufai is keeping us in a current that leads south. Between that and the wind we are moving rather quickly."

Looking back at Qufai as she just sat on a cushion up on a small deck that looked out over the ship from the stern. She looked somewhat bored before catching Shadow watching her and gave a toothy grin.

"No worries, we will get there in just two days if the wind holds."

Valkardian took a seat near Kalai and began talking. He was not going to pass up a chance to go fishing. What an odd obsession with a being that lived sealed under the world above.

Qufai switched places with Yajfa hours later after Valkardian had materialized his own rod and begun fishing. Taking a seat near Shadow she looked the bat pony over for a minute before settling on looking her weapons over.

"Expecting a fight? Pirates perhaps?"

"Are there pirates?"

*Hahaha* "No. This coast is patrolled by the merchant's guild navy, it is very safe. Pirates only attack far out at sea towards the island in the far North. Sometimes bandits get some ships together on the river and try to rob a ship now and then. Very rare. Ends badly for them too."

Qufai's sinister grin told her all she needed to know never mind that by pulling a part of her robe aside revealed rows of knives, daggers and a scimitar.

"You are very... Prepared."

"There is no such thing as too many weapons. Especially knives." Qufai patted her well armed belt. "Many interesting weapons you have." All attention was back on Shadow again.

"Bought two of them before getting on the ships, the dagger and kopesh."

"How well can you wield them?"

"Well enough."

"Mmm... Wielding a kopesh is different than your sword. Remember that. Very nice one too."

Laying it out for her to examine Qufai went over the sheath before pulling it free and examining with diligence and care.

"Very good blade. Must have been expensive."

"It was."

"Ah well. If you can afford to rent a boat for a journey all the way to Tatsu then you can afford this." She ran her fingers carefully along the flat of the blade. "Best move your other dagger to the other leg and keep both swords at your waist. Maybe sling one dagger across your back with the handle down so you can draw it quickly without cutting your wings."

Shadow nodded as Qufai stood and began to examine the ship before standing at the front looking far off into the distance before joining her brother. Watching the coast go by fascinated her with its rocky cliffs or gentle slopes covered with trees and the occasional cluster of houses.

Pulling her journal out she began to sketch the landscape and even the crew. Lunch came and went with a simple meal of fruits and bread. By dinnertime her journal contained rough sketches of everything she could remember over the past few days including the temple. She was not a very good artist but she had done her best to capture the moments now lost to time. Turning to a new blank page Shadow looked down at it thinking about what else would be written here in the days to come, what new pictures would be drawn and committed to history. Would anypony ever see this book? Would they care or just dismiss it as one more curiosity.

Sun dipping low Kalai brought her dinner and began setting out the sleeping rolls, come dawn they should be more than halfway to the mouth of the great river.

Author's Notes:

Okay. Curious as to how many readers actually listened to the music suggestion with the last chapter. Did it fit?