Morning eventually came before giving way to an eventual night. The day passed uneventfully, as did a few weeks. By the end of the month, Cam and Lance wore the steel plates well. They were encumbered, yes, but still able to wear it. Once they reached this point in their training I knew we could head out. As such I gathered together a small band of a few less than two dozen other recruits. Aside from my personal selection of Cam and Lance I brought in trainees from the teachers, each giving their good word and telling me this was their star pupil. So with the recruits of all kinds gathered and the supplies stocked I decided to address them. "I've gathered you all here to test you, to see if you are all ready for the tasks of this Order. Now, it is not sparring or a death match. It is no kind of competition, where only a select few of you become Protectorates. No, in fact it is indeed possible that you all attain that rank. This is a test of mettle, of combat prowess, resourcefulness and rationalising, reasoning. It requires thought. It requires dedication and patience. It requires decisive action. I have been informed of the location of two dens of smuggling slavers. These are our targets. As Protectorates, however, it is not our duty to mete punishment to these blackened thugs. We are to avoid harming them if possible, letting law enforcement carry that out. Now, I am not saying go defenceless or to surrender if confronted. If anypony tries to hurt you, you are to first disarm the situation. If they persist, disable them. Only after this shall you destroy. Our main task in this duty is to ensure the safety of those who are unable to do so for themselves. That is why this Order exists: to defend and protect. Once we have secured the captives we are to take them to the nearest town to receive aid. You will receive further directions as it comes and as it is needed in the future. Is everypony ready for this?"

With one accord they answered with a yes. Seeing their eagerness I began the end of the preparations. To start, I placed my two large saddlebags upon my back. Afterwards I gave orders that they should strap the largest cart, a three-horse job- to my body. I figured I had a long enough torso that both the bags and the harness would fit. There were a few complaints from the recruits, mostly about whether or not I could handle the weight, but I quelled them. They silenced themselves once their doubts had been sufficiently answered and did as they were ordered. When the other four supply carts were properly secured and ready for departure I gave the order and we set out. The worried expressions of many of them were eased when they saw what little effort it was for me to pull the massive cart. We left the front gate, signalling that we were now on our way. The task ahead, though daunting, was about to be begin.

Our journey involved a special train ride in order to ensure that the carts came along with us. When we reached that selfsame port town I had arrived in originally, the which thankfully did not recognise me now that I was not currently wearing my armour, we stopped to purchase the remaining supplies I figured we’d need. With our carts entirely restocked we embarked and set sail on the next available ship for the land of the gryphons. For me it wasn't a terribly long voyage, and certainly it seemed shorter than my original trip going the opposite way. For these fresh recruits, eager to prove themselves to the Guildmaster, it most likely seemed like an eternity.

When we finally made port it was easy to see that they were more than anxious. We restocked our supplies again while in connected market. As we were about to leave, now having obtained provisions, I took the time to address them once more. "I would congratulate you on the progress you've made but we've only just begun. This part of the trek can be one of two things. It can be long and boring or it can be highly dangerous and filled with combat. It entirely depends on the fauna, the wildlife. The creatures on these flats are easily defeated, being malnourished to the point of frailty, but are many in number and ravenous in cause. Do not let your guard down. Are you ready for the test to begin?"

The yes was unanimous but it was clear there was the slightest worry in their tone. I nodded in accord before taking my armour out of my saddlebags. Once the plates had all latched securely onto my body I turned my attention to the entrance of the port. They all followed regardless of their concern as we began making our way through the barren and scorched earth plains. I knew it would be a couple of days just to reach our destination, so I had to carefully monitor those around me. The recruits were all on edge, wary and carefully looking out for trouble. The first day of hiking passed and we made camp. I took night watch, knowing sleep would flee from me anyways.

The hours of the night passed quietly; only the sound of my armour shifting could be heard as I patrolled around the camp. I made sure that I kept this little camp of mine safe. I also tried my best to ensure that this little camp remained asleep.

Morning came and we set out once more. It was about halfway through the day that the ground began to rumble very faintly. I stopped the group and waited momentarily to ensure it was what I thought it was. There was no mistaking the quaking; that cursed worm was back. My heart began to race as I began barking orders. "Unstrap me from this cart!"

They were momentarily confused by my sudden shift in tone and forceful volume. "Now!"

In a rush they undid the yoke and removed it from me. The rumbling was getting strong now, signalling the worm was close. I quickly dashed forwards, apart from the group. I intended to have good distance between the recruits and me. To ensure this, I hissed another order. "Stay put there! Don't move even a single hoof!"

This creature was not to be messed with, as it could probably devour the entire camp in a single pass, so I didn't mess around. I had created a large gap between us by the time the worm surfaced. The tremor was immense at this point. I stamped my hooves heavily a little more to assure it was only headed for me before unsheathing my blades. Instead of standing on my two hind legs like I normally do I folded up as best I could. I folded and crossed my front legs in front of me, sticking the two white hot swords out past my sides. The recruits were frozen in place with fear as they watched in horror, not knowing what was about to happen. As I got into the lowest and most compact form I could have assumed I yelled one last thing. "Don't move!"

As the last word rolled from my muzzle I was engulfed. The thing hit like a locomotive and, for a while, the only thing audible was the echoing wails of its jagged fangs screeching along my armour. The force being exerted upon my swords was tremendous, causing me to fear for a moment that my legs might break, snapping backwards from the force, or that my legs would be pulled down and I would be immobile and lost within this creature. Thankfully this was not the case. It was still pitch black but I was now plunged deep into the soft tissue of the interior of the worm. Using my full measure of strength, and aided by the hydraulics in my armour, I uncrossed my legs, circling the blades around, and extended them as far as I was allowed. It wasn't long before the crushing force, which threatened to snap my legs like twigs, slowed and ultimately halted altogether. When all was still and once the juices had settled I began flailing and swinging with whatever window of grace the muscle lined interior of this creature gave. After what seemed like several wasted minutes of frantic action light eventually shone momentarily in one spot. I tried my best to locate the point of origin and focused at hacking away a large portion of the inside of the creature, hoping to find the light again. Within the next few minutes light shone through steadily. A few moments of struggling found me outside of the worm once more. My eyes had fully adjusted again to find the entire group of protectorates galloping over, Cam being the first one moving. As she neared me she came to a halt, I suppose noticing I was covered in the interior juices, being either the mucous lining or digestive fluids, of the creature. The rest of the recruits caught up as well. It seemed they were all either too awestruck, or too frightened of the prospect of losing their guide, or so to speak. That is until Lance came up, he being the first to speak. "What was that?"

His tone sounded to be half astonishment and equal parts fear and wrath. "One of the many creatures out here, but I had been needing to do that for a while."

"Would you please not do that to us again?" It was as if he spoke authoritatively for the group of recruits, as they all seemed to be in accord.

"I don't think I'll have to. Let's keep moving, but until this gunk dries up off of my body I would ask for your cooperative help, Protectorates, in tending to the cart I pulled. Would that be alright?" Several of them nodded and went over to the cart. After a short while they worked out that five ponies were necessary in order to push the cart without extensive strain. "We should arrive at the locale by tonight. We'll bring the carts around to form a protective circle until the early morn. I will scout it out and change plans as necessary."

"I'm going with you." Cam stood forth boldly.

"I need you to help out the others and keep them safe during the night. We don't have a lot of ponies." Regardless of my words she was resolute and unchanging. I looked at the determined, albeit partially concealed, countenance she bore for a moment or two longer. "Alright, you will come with me. The rest of you will go as assigned. Are we clear?"

Another unanimous yes. "Good. Let's head out."

The remainder of the excursion to our destination was rather uneventful. There was one minor scuffle with the wildlife, but the skirmish was so undeniably easy that it is not worth mentioning further. As night descended, all grew dark. We had reached the coordinates given but were unsure if they were true. All we found was what seemed like a small mountain, possibly artificially made, with what looked like a metal wall on one side. Unless it went underground, this was far too small to house anypony, nonetheless an entire community of slaves and their masters. I ordered the recruits, except for Cam, to stay put and remain on vigil. Cam and I began approaching, albeit cautiously, with me in the lead. As we neared, not only did it finally appear as a gate but I heard the crackle of a speaker sound forth. "What's the code?"

I looked back at Cam, who looked just as equally confused as I was. I trotted over to the source of the crackling: a small box with a fine metal grate on the front of it. "Which code do I need to use?"

"You should already know that if you belonged to this place."

"What is 'this place'?"

"Unless you give me the code I cannot divulge that information."

"I don't know which code I need to use."

"Then leave. You are not meant to be here." I was playing dumb but it was not working very well.

"There are several gryphons I met who asked me to come by."

"Unless they gave you the code they do not want you here. Leave." I trotted away from the speaker and over to Cam again.

"Go stand a little ways off. I don't know what could be behind these doors." She nodded, quickly clearing away from the area. I trotted back over to the massive metal doors. I turned around and activated the anchors on my front hooves. I brought my hind legs up and bucked as hard as I could, using the help of the hydraulics on my suit. The metal warped and twisted from the resounding impact that sent a highly uncomfortable shockwave up my legs and spine. I unanchored and backed up to kick it a second time in like manner. I heard an alarm emanate from within, but figured it was no matter. After a couple more bucks of a similar fashion there was a gap under the door large enough for me to fit under. I unanchored and ducked under the door. As I went under, the few guards that had already assembled began firing off their weapons. Green bolts of, presumably, plasma tore quickly through the dimly lit alcove. I did the best I could to dodge them but it wasn't good enough. The guards were moving, extending out around the periphery of the alcove as more popped their heads up over, what I could only assume to be, a large stairwell into the earth. I broke out into a gallop, not paying any more heed to dodging. Within moments I was upon those on the stairs, blades flying. Swing after swing the number of living gryphons dropped. After more than a dozen slain their morale broke and they began to flee. Unfortunately for them I was faster, managing to kill them even with my blades retracted. After a few more minutes, the majority of them had been slain, their bodies scattered and strewn around the cavern. I took the next few moments to conceal them all somewhere nearby.

After they had been hidden I unsheathed my blades again when I was near the door, allowing them to heat up before sinking them into the massive metal slab. I cut as large of a hole as I could with my reach and pushed the large metal scrap aside. As I stepped out, approaching Cam to deliver the news, I heard a few shouts. One sounded like a scream while the others were unrecognisable at this distance. I glanced quickly at Cam, who glanced back at me in return, before I broke into a full gallop towards the noises. When I arrived I found the camp under attack by a startlingly large pack of wolves. Not bothering to unsheathe my blades I got to work with tail and hooves. It didn't take long for all of us to kill them off, and thankfully with few injuries it seemed. As victorious as it appeared to us all something felt amiss, like when you have the gut feeling that something is wrong and you don't know what. Just then we heard the scream again. Tracing the sound I galloped with full intent towards it. I found a small grouping of wolves biting and clawing ferociously at the armour of one of the recruits. I quickly came over and dispatched each with vicious bludgeoning force, the principal source being a hefty tail swing. When all the wolves were dead I looked at the recruit, noticing that one of the wolves had managed to get under his armour. The aftermath was not pretty. I unequipped my armour as quickly as I could. By the time the plates had all retracted the recruit had fallen unconscious. Lance was nearby. "I don't think he's going to make it."

"He will."

"What? Look at him! That's enough to kill anypony! How can you be so sure?"

"Because you haven't seen everything I'm capable of yet."

"Like bringing the dead back to life?" I ignored his jabbing comment, even though I might have been capable of such at one point. When I could, I laid down beside the unconscious pony. His condition was pretty bad, but I had healed far worse. I sat beside him for a moment longer, retracing my memories to the feeling of using my healing magic. It had been so long I could only hope it worked. Once ready, I channelled the spell, yet only upon exerting my full effort of soul did I cause the bleeding to stop; the wound neither closed nor healed. As joyful as I was that he would now live my soul was anguished over my incapability of using something I had utilised so religiously in the past. My fatigued body offered no solace to my distraught condition. My magic, most specifically that for healing, was being hindered by an unknown force beyond my control. In sombreness I reequipped my armour and carried the unconscious pony back to the rest of the camp. When I arrived I set the recruit down and solemnly gave orders after standing once more. "Bring all of the carts within and rest once inside the gates. Lance will be in charge of the camp while Cam and I sweep the complex to finish the tasks before us. While inside, treat your injuries."

Within the next few moments all was in order. I placed the dislodged portion of the metal door in the gap once more before we placed the largest cart in front to fortify it. The recruits should be safe after that much preparation. Satisfied with things up here I beckoned Cam to follow, albeit at a short distance back. I knew her life was in grave peril when I finally reached sufficient light to see the numerous holes in my armour. As I passed the light she also took note with an audible gasp. "Aqua...! Your-"

"Armour?"

"Yeah, what happened?"

"A little skirmish. I guess their weapons are a bit different than any other kind I had seen before."

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, thankfully."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. None of it actually pierced the armour."

"...ok." If their weapons had punched holes like these in my armour they would tear through both sides of her armour, passing right through her like nothing. I wasn't about to let that happen. I felt much more comfortable with her a couple yards back.

As we made our way down this structure, made entirely of metal, we noticed that the stairwell was the only passageway. There was, about halfway, down, what looked like it could be a door. As we neared we discovered no handles or knobs. Being confused I trotted towards it to analyse it better. As I neared it the door opened, the two halves sliding horizontally to leave the frame open. When I looked within there were more stairs descending, such as those we were climbing down already. I beckoned Cam to follow.

The stairwell was surprisingly long, taking several minutes to descend to the next door. As this one opened, a great cavern filled with houses was what caught my view. I stepped within to catch a better gander. From floor to ceiling it was probably at least a hundred yards. The walls of the cavern gave it the feeling that this was not a natural cave. Perhaps it was dug out by the slaves of those who now dwelt here, or perhaps their ancestors. I knew not. What I did know is that a project such as this couldn't have taken less than decades. The floor of this place was all paved and, seemingly, completely even. The buildings were not as needlessly large as those in Equestria, but overly large they still were. Their design was very squared off, seemingly focusing on having nothing but right angles adorn their house. The roof was flat and, on many of them, looked accessible from the interior of the house. The principle colour here, between the houses and the cave itself, was grey. In order to get to the houses we had to descend another large set of stairs. I would have said something to Cam about the number of stairs in this complex if we weren't trying to be stealthy.

Quietly, then, we descended. Once having gone down the, as I would guess, four or five flights worth of stairs Cam and I began searching all of the houses. Surprisingly enough, as we found out, they were entirely vacant. Just to make sure, we searched each house one by one but found only the same emptiness in each. After the last house, when Cam and I managed to find each other again in this massive labyrinth of houses, we looked momentarily at the buildings. I then turned to her and spoke. "Perhaps they did vacate as I had ordered. I'm sure, though, that there are more places to check. Come."

Cam followed me back up the stairwell into the main corridor. We then descended further down the principle stairs, passing several passageways more. We explored each as they opened to us. Every single last one led to a mine or several mines, completely abandoned and devoid of light. We were spending a lot of time down here and it was getting us nowhere.

When we finally reached the absolute bottom of the complex there was another door, but larger and more noticeable. Instead of splitting down the middle and sliding to the side, this door slid up. Inside was yet another cave, a mine to be specific, that was dimly lit. When we trotted in, the door closed behind us. It took a moment or two for our eyes to adjust, but when they did we saw very large veins of luminescent blue crystals running throughout the cave. This room was massive, curling even past a distant wall into who knows what else. What caught our eyes next were the vague shadows that occasionally passed by the crystals. I noticed Cam got closer, almost into contact with my shoulder. As we continued to observe, and possibly only because our eyes adjusted further to the lower light levels, we noticed that the mined crystals were placed into carts. These carts, no larger than the average pony, were pulled along tracks that ran through the cave. Most were emerging from the area of the mines where it vanished from view around the corner. Cam and I could not tell from whence they came and to where they went. Half leaning to Cam I whispered. "I'm going to investigate. Stay here."

"Ok..." Her tone was quiet, full of fear or apprehension of some kind. Hearing her agree to remain behind comforted me, if only just a little, so I activated the folding mechanisms in my armour. Cam, apparently, did not support the idea of me removing my armour. "What are you doing?"

Her hushed tone betrayed her disdain. "This armour would make too much noise going down. It must be in silence.

"You'll be vulnerable!"

"Not vulnerable enough for them to stop me. Just watch; I promise I'll stay safe."

"Are you absolutely sure?" If nothing else she at least cared for my well-being.

"Yes." She seemed satisfied with my response. Having finished the whispered exchange I transformed into my smaller, weaker and, if nothing else, quieter form. Using the training I earned while imprisoned at Duke's place I stealthily descended the stairwell and approached one of the figures. As I neared I could tell it was a gryphon. I stopped its work and began questioning it. "Is there room for help?"

"Always. Help me haul this stuff." He seemed almost grateful for the offer, so I joined him. Shortly thereafter I continued my 'interrogation'.

"Who's the hirer?"

"What do you mean?"

"Who pays you?"

"No one."

"So this is unpaid labour?"

"Yup."

"Is it enforced?"

"I'm not sure I understand your question."

"Are you forced to work for free?"

"Kind of."

"Kind of?"

"We get food, I guess."

"That's it?"

"Yeah, just about."

"Nothing else? You only receive food?"

"Clothes and a place to sleep, too, I suppose."

"No pay?"

"No."

"Who do you work for?"

"He's on the tower, way up on top. It's kind of hard to see."

"He won't be up there for much longer." He had a look on his face of both confusion and concern. "Make it seem as if nothing has happened. I'll return soon.”

As I started stepping away from the cart he kind of protested. "Wait, where are you going?"

"To free you. You will be a slave no longer." He was too perplexed to react. I silently trotted back up to Cam, who had remained standing at the top of the stairwell. As I changed back into my larger form Cam couldn't hold back any longer.

"What happened?"

"I found out they are exactly what I would have assumed them to be. It's time we freed some slaves." She seemed to be excited. "However, there is only one creature in charge down here. What I need you to do is to be on overwatch. Make sure nothing happens down here, like guards coming from elsewhere in the mines to catch me unawares or perhaps coming from the door behind you. We want to be sure we can get these slaves unharmed and that they don't butcher any of them because of a revolt. Are you ready?"

She nodded, apparently convinced of the necessity of the task before her. As my armour finished equipping I headed back down, finding the tower mentioned by the gryphon. I set my sights there and began trotting over. My hoofsteps were loud enough to catch the attention of the overseer, apparently. "What are you doing over here? Get back to work!"

"Oh, believe me, I am working." I unsheathed a blade, allowing it to superheat. The creature took note of my appearance, probably from the glow of the blade, and became fearful.

"Wait, I don't remember one as big as you...who are you?"

"I'm the being that will bring you and those like you down to dust and ashes." As I finished the sentence I swung my blade, cutting through the support like it was nothing. I then cut through the others in like manner. The metal supports creaked, but it wasn't enough. I sent my blade through the first again, but in a different spot so as to cleave out a block of the leg. I kicked it out but found no change. The overseer was scrambling down the tower at this point in a mad effort to not be caught very high up when it fell. I quickly cut the next leg in a similar fashion, kicking out the block and causing the massive tower to, ultimately, begin falling. I decided to hit the third leg as well. As I finished the tower's trajectory curved, causing the creature, which had only made it about a quarter of the way down the ladder, to freeze. He could not descend further due to the shift in force. I was frightened that the fall might kill him, but my thought was drug away by the sound of a small scuffle at the periphery of the cave. Taking no thought of it yet, I continued to watch him fall. As the tower hit the ground a near deafening ringing emanated and pealed through the cave. I quickly approached the very dazed individual, a gryphon I managed to discern as I neared, and jumped on the situation. The workers began to gather around the fallen structure. Finding the gryphon to be in no situation to give me answers I decided to address the slaves instead. "You will all be free soon from this yoke of bondage, but I need your help. Until this individual is more coherent, and I can question him further, it is up to you to keep him here. Keep him here but keep him here alive. If I return and he has perished by your claws and hooves...well, let's just say that I don't know how many of you would leave, nonetheless alive. If he remains alive all of you will be set free. Is this clear?"

They nodded, thankfully enough, so I broke from the crowd to try and discover the source of the noise that distracted me earlier. Perhaps thinking Cam knew what it was I headed back to the doorway we came in. Instead of Cam eagerly awaiting my arrival I found two dead gryphons, two guards as I recognised them to be. I was both confused as to where they came from and absolutely and utterly terrified as to what could be or could have been happening to Cam. Approaching the door did nothing to open it and there was no mechanism in sight to do so. Rather than wait on that one dazed gryphon to recover enough to tell me how to open the door, I did what I do best. Turning around and, unfortunately having disregarded my anchors, I bucked as hard as possible against the door. Not only did the sheer force heavily warp the door but nearly pushed me off of the stairwell as well. I recovered and came back up to the door, forcing it open enough to slip through. As soon as I got past it I ascended the stairwell as quickly as possible. My mind assumed the worst of the situation. I feared the other recruits had been captured, or worse: slaughtered.

As I broke the lip of the stairwell I saw the little band camped there still. They were all looking, as my ascent was probably not the quietest thing to have occurred. They seemed perplexed. "Everypony is fine up here?"

One of the recruits responded, confused as ever. "Yeah..."

"That's good. No wildlife attacks?"

"No."

"Excellent. Wait here a little longer. We're gathering the refugees." That was a lie, but they absolutely could not discover that Cam had gone missing, and directly into the claws of sadistic gryphons. I turned and started down the stairs quickly. I looked through each doorway and their respective hallways as quickly as possible. When I reached the houses my heart sank. The need to search all several-dozen of the massive, overly massive, maze-like homes was daunting at best. I swallowed, chocking back hopelessness, and began the urgent, near panic stricken flight through the hundreds or thousands of chambers.

The whole time I was searching I kept feeling as if I shouldn't spend my time here, as if another part of me was telling me to search elsewhere. Thinking it to be pessimism I dismissed the thought and continued the search until the last room of the last house. The desperation became fury as I found not one trace. I continued quickly, albeit with excessive force to 'open' doors before me.

Leaving behind a trail of splintered wood and many loose stones, having charged through many objects to curb the wrath within and make the shortest path possible, I left, quickly getting back to the main corridor. As I went back down the stairs I noticed a steel sword on the stairwell; it was most likely Cam's, as the gryphons here didn’t use swords. Unsure of what it meant I passed it to find the gryphon I had downed. As I neared I heard a door close further up. Perplexed I returned back up and looked within each of the long hallways. Of the four not one had anypony within, and my flight had been quick enough that I knew nopony could have made it down one fast enough to leave no trace or echoing sound. Now practically flying down the stairwell I closed as much distance as possible. When I reached the door I slid under it. As I quickly approached the crowd I saw a few of the group beating the only hope I had. I galloped up quickly, probably shooting pure fear into many. The group parted very rapidly, allowing me a clear shot at the assailants. I slammed into the first, coming from under to launch him high enough to break over the group and fly, possibly, a dozen or two yards. The others I kicked or bucked roughly, sending them sprawling and more likely than not, breaking something. With all having backed off I unequipped my helmet and, in wrath, barked roughly. "What did I tell you, you worthless, pathetic wretches?! Did I not warn you that punishment was mine? One more insolent act like that and you all die by my claws! Do I finally make myself clear or do I have to commit murder first?"

My words, tone, volume and countenance must have, all combined, struck pure terror into their hearts, for not one was within twenty feet of me by the last hissed word. I turned back down to the quivering, rather pathetic looking, gryphon. "Now, you're about to help me out."

"With what?"

"Finding a hidden chamber, one where captives are taken."

His response was pure bravado. "And why would I ever help you with that?"

I drew a blade, allowing it to heat to a glow before holding it near his neck. "Because if you don't I will personally ensure that you are slaughtered and your battered and unrecognisable remains are fed to dogs. If that isn't enough reason I'll do it to your family too. If, however, you help me out nothing will happen to either of you, you or your family, and pardon will be granted. Have I made myself clear?"

He nodded vigorously. Using my tail I picked him up by the mid-section and trotted out of the mines with him almost dragging behind me. Once in the hallway I set him down. "Alright. Lead on and open the passage way. By the way: don't try any funny business. Remember that I am bigger, stronger, faster and a lot better armed than you. Not even the weaponry of the guards here was able to penetrate this thick hull."

I hit my armour a few times for effect. It must have worked, seeing as he did not delay in going to and opening a passage way. It was very near where Cam's sword lay. I could not count the number of times I had galloped past that selfsame place in search for it and found nothing. When it opened the wall itself off-set and parted to open the way. Inside was a very long hallway with doors lining both walls. After a short moment of silence the gryphon finally spoke. "Can I go home now?"

"Yes. That was all I needed. Thank you." With that he fled towards the top of the stairwell, leaving me alone again. I entered and turned to the first door on the left. I bucked the door in, causing it to swing violently on its hinges. Inside was an empty room, devoid of features. There were, however, four small metallic rings bolted and anchored; two mounted on the floor, the other two on the ceiling. Seeing no point in staying here much longer I turned and headed to the next door, kicking this one in in a very similar fashion to the first. Inside was a very meagre prison cell, barely furnished and utterly lacking in many aspects. Cam was not here either, so I left.

After several more doors were collapsed inwards I heard, from down the hallway, a cracking I was very familiar with. I immediately ceased all action and listened intently. Another resounded, albeit faintly, from further down the hallway. I started trotting over slowly, assuring myself of its direction. Another crack, louder this time, sent me into a full force sprint. If my suspicions were correct then I needed to get to the sound, and get there immediately.

By the time I reached the sound two more strokes of the whip shot their painful chorus down the hall. The sixth stroke perfectly identified which door it came from. I bucked it in violently, almost causing the door to dismount from the hinges, and turned to find a whip-bearing gryphon standing behind Cam. Her tear soaked face was twisted in vivid anguish. My heart sank seeing her bound and beaten as such, but the sorrow I had was consumed as dross by the unmatched fury that ate me to the core. "You disgraceful, wasted sack of flesh! Leave her be!"

I charged in, causing the whip-bearing gryphon to flee as best he could. As I neared I heard clicking and a voice from behind me. "I would suggest that you do not take another step, horse."

I wheeled around, rearing up and drawing my blades. I almost hit my head on the ceiling in the process. "It's not your life on the line here; it's hers. You are familiar with our weaponry, yes? Your armour says so. Imagine it hitting exposed flesh. Not quite as easy to shake off, or would it be? All weapons are pointed at your accomplice. Take one step and she dies."

I was forced to hold my ground. I sheathed my blades and lowered myself back to all four hooves. Rage fiercely burned inside me, at them for their acts and at myself for having drug Cam into this mess. My mind raced frantically, hoping to free Cam from any more scourging. "What is she even worth to you?"

"She might fetch a decent price, that is, if we even decide to sell. We might keep this feisty one, make her pay for the harm she's caused."

"So you're looking to turn a profit?"

"Maybe. We're not sure yet."

"Let me tell you this much: there's a way you could earn a whole lot more." The gryphon that was speaking was perplexed.

"What could you possibly offer us?"

"An exchange, perhaps, would grant you more." Cam looked up finally, utterly distraught from what I could tell from my peripheral vision. "Let her go and take me in her place."

"Aqua, no! You can't do that!"

"It's fine, Cam. Trust me." In a situation like this I simply shook the fact that she had just broken her vow.

"And how would this benefit us?"

"I'm a quarter-million bit escapee running around. Imagine what my master would pay you to get me back, especially since I already demonstrated to him my capability of beating him into the dust. With me rendered helplessly submissive, especially after a show like that, imagine what a pony like that would pay you. Besides, what threat is she to you compared to me? Plain plate armour, awkward with the blade, easily overtaken." I glanced at Cam. My words had very obviously hurt her. I could only hope to make it up later, and that she realised I was bluffing to save her life. "Now, what am I to you? Bigger, stronger, faster and more deadly than all of you combined. I am an expert with the blade, nearly unparalleled, with highly sophisticated, specialised armour that your weapons proved unable to penetrate. I am driven by an insatiable and vindictive fury to guide me, yet here I am offering to surrender myself to you when your dozens couldn't stop me before. You still demand retribution for the two she killed? What about the two dozen I slaughtered just getting into this place? Besides, even if you didn't sell me to the same owner, how much more money, how much higher of a price, would a fair and appealing drake fetch for you rather than a simple, plain young mare? I'll give you two minutes to think on it."

The room exploded into a frantic discussion. Cam's disappointed and sorrowful expression cut me deeply, but it turned not from me; she stared at me intently, perhaps hoping that I would change my mind. Within a minute or so the discussion ended. They all turned to face me, one speaking for the whole group as they had before. "We'll take the offer."

"Excellent. Set her free and the armour comes off."

"Take the armour off and we set her free." I glanced at Cam, who was shaking her head. I conceded defeat and powered down my armour. When I stepped out of the plates I transformed into my smaller form, giving the impression that my larger self had been explicitly tied to the armour. At this point they undid Cam's bindings. When she arose they forced her out of the door, protesting as she did the whole way both to me and at them. Her shouts of desperation were weak at best, but pitiful all around. I had to simply let her remarks bounce off of me at this point as I sat pondering what to do next. When she was gone I made myself seem crestfallen and the gryphons began to rejoice in my 'defeat'. A few jeering taunts ensued before we started heading out.

When we reached the concealed door I had worked out an idea that had a good possibility of utter failure, but it was the only shot I had. As the leader went to open the door I snapped into action. I transformed forms again quickly and bucked backwards. I connected with one of the two behind me, sending him a long way down the hallway. I then took a swipe and caught one in the face, leaving large gashes from my claws. While taking the swipe I swung my tail at the one that dodged the buck. With careful twisting of my tail the spines on the top of the lengthy member pierced him. As I finished the swing I caught a second one between the wall and the gryphon I was swinging, hitting with enough force to incapacitate him. Three were now either limp or unconscious with a fourth further down the hallway. Two guards remained, the first finally raising his weapon. I leaped, pinning him on his back, and tore his throat to shreds with a few feral swipes. As I arose to confront the other excruciating pain shot up my leg, followed by a hit in the torso. I wheeled around as best as I could and saw the nearby guard firing his rifle. These shots barely pierced my scales, but it was enough to cause deep wounds underneath and terrible waves of pain. The shots, leaving their cauterised marks in my body, suppressed me and continued to riddle my back and legs with holes, that is, until he couldn't fire it any longer. He began fiddling with the weapon, another cartridge filled with green material at the ready. I shook off the pain and began charging. By the time the energy cell, as I could only assume it to be, was slotted I was upon him. I reared up, catching his head in my two clawed hooves and yanked him around violently, the sheer snapping force and rapidly changing directions causing a crack to finally echo down the hallway. Having dropped the limp torso and getting back down on all fours, I turned my attention to the last guard. He fumbled with his rifle and, by the time he was actually ready, started firing at me as I charged. Some of the shots whizzed by, whereas most, unfortunately, hit. The narrow hallway did not permit enough room to dodge and my charge was slowed by the crippling holes in my hind legs. The shots that did connect mostly hit my chest, leaving it entirely ruined. Many hit my face, probably hurting the most, and a few hit my legs, begging me to stumble and fall. I, nevertheless, ignored it all and, once in range, leaped upon him as a tiger would its quarry. The pinned gryphon was helplessly lying on his back. Using the bone-like ridges along my forehead I bashed his face a few times with mine, each drawing a crack, until he stopped moving. I will refrain from describing his resemblance, as it nearly made me gag. Suffice it to say he was more than killed from the blunt force cranial trauma. Once he was dead I arose, barely, and headed back towards the chamber wherein my armour was. The trip towards the cell was more than enough to demonstrate that my time was limited and I needed serious help.

When I arrived I equipped the plated suit of hydraulics in the hope of remaining standing for longer than I would have been able to. Hiding my condition from those poor recruits was another benefit, as we could make more ground in the hopes of better medical care in town. I then set my course for the mines once again.

Once within, having cut the door open this time, I stamped my armoured hooves on the metallic stairs a few times to draw the attention of all those that had remained below in the mines. Once their shadowed faces looked either eagerly or fearfully up at me I spoke. It was difficult, but I managed to do so without betraying my condition. "All those of you within this hole in the rock hearken to me. Your freedom has been restored unto you. Those of you who wish to remain here do so. We head now for the capital."

As they began to come forth I turned and headed out the doorway to begin the ascent. Difficult and painful are not words powerful enough to describe climbing the seemingly endless stairwell. By the time I reached the top the only thing I thought was possible for me to do was to collapse, but the recruits were all looking at me now. I had to continue leading, as impossible as it was, because all of these lives depended upon it. So I shook off the feeling of death as best I could and snapped back to reality. What caught my attention was Lance's determined march towards me. It was very clear that he was highly discontent. I looked down at him as his march came to an end directly in front of me. "What in Equestria were you thinking?! You almost got my sister killed, or worse! Does that not matter to you?"

I remained in stone cold silence, far too weak to engage in an argument with him. Regardless of my seemingly neutral indifference his words cut me more than the plasma shots that had riddled my body with holes. Yet still he continued. "Doesn't her life matter to you? Do any of us? Or are you simply using us like puppets and decoys so you can run free and do what you want? Do you not care if we perish?"

The thought of engaging his pointed questions was irritating at best. Shrugging it off in cold indifference I trotted past him, pushing him aside. He was almost outraged at this point. Perhaps he saw that I would not answer to him, as he stormed off to another part of the cave. I eventually made my way to Cam. When I did I sat beside her and folded my helmet back. Perhaps she might not see the holes that lined my face if I sat beside her instead of in front of her. After a moment or two I finally spoke, gently and quietly for I had not the strength for anything else. "Are you alright?"

She nodded. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. It's always a terrifying experience. How's your back?"

She simply shook her head. She didn't want to talk much, and I can't blame her. She was shaken beyond words. "You're safe now, Cam.

"The others?" Her sudden words almost caught me off guard.

"Those gryphons?" She nodded. A bit of regret bit my heart. Not only had she been emotionally torn by the brutal flogging she had to endure but now I had to tell her that I had killed six more intelligent creatures. I sighed and finally told her. "All six are probably dead. I had no other choice."

"Was it quick?"

"Yes."

"That's good then. At least they didn't suffer."

"If nothing else, Cam, I think our work here is done." As I finished this statement, almost as if on cue, I heard the sound of many creatures moving from the stairwell. I turned to see who it was, just in case it would become a confrontation. What I found, to my relief, were those individuals who had been held captive moments ago. "And there they are. You helped free them, Cam. You're a hero to them."

"I am?"

"You sure are. You helped to free all of them that you're looking at. Good job." She beamed through her more than apparent misery. When I turned a little further there was somepony standing in my peripheral vision. I arose to finally see who it was, turning completely to face them. Lance stood before me, albeit a fair distance away. His countenance had changed completely, seeming to be more humble or regretful than before. Perhaps it was my demonstration of concern and attempts to console or cheer Cam. Perhaps, instead, he saw the wounds on my face, the holes that adorned my muzzle, and realised that Cam was not the only one that suffered injury from this experience. Whatever it was it was a pleasant change. As I began trotting by he spoke.

"Hey, uh, sorry for before..."

"It's in the past. Leave it there." He seemed discontent with such an answer. As such he protested as I was about to pass him with my slow, painful trot.

"Yeah, but the way I treated you, what I said-"

I wheeled around as best I could, wincing at the undeniable pain of such quick movement and accidentally letting out the quietest of pain-riddled grunts. My tone was sharp, my comment blunt and my grace dull as I responded. "There is absolutely no point at picking at this in some effort to make yourself feel better, Lance. What has happened is in the past. I have not changed my attitude about you over it because I understand why you reacted in such a way. I might let you apologise any other day but, to be quite frank with you, I too went through more than an emotional rollercoaster trying to find her. I am also dying in brutal agony currently from wounds sustained while rescuing her, and no, I cannot and will not accept any medical care until we have reached our destination. So again, what has happened is in the past. Leave it there. Have I made myself clear?"

Although quietly whispered to him it appeared as if the tone was enough, as he quietly nodded and backed away. My soul grieved inside for my sharpness but my condition left me no alternatives. Taking in a deep breath and exhaling once more I turned and headed over to the group on the stairwell. They seemed lost, and I don't blame them for such. As I neared they perked up. "Are you all ready to leave?"

They nodded, almost in one accord. "Excellent. My Protectorates shall create a protective circle around you and we will arrive safely to our destination."

They were excited, and for good reason. Seeing them hopeful made me content, so I turned around and headed back to my recruits. I gathered them in together and spoke. "You will form a mobile fortress around them. Make sure, whatever you do, that not a single soul perishes. Now, let's get moving. I trust I don’t have to spend the time to instruct you on how to make a circle."

I let my helmet fold out upon my head once more before anything else occurred. Once that was done we moved the carts out of the way of the door, which was the easy part. In my current condition I wasn't sure I could move the large metal slab I had put in the way of the door. Whether I could or not didn't matter at this point, as it was a 'had to' this time. I neared the slab, pushing myself against it, and took in a deep breath. Using my best effort I strained against it. The slab finally began moving but I did not take a break until after the opening was entirely clear. No sooner had it opened than I heard the sounds of wildlife outside. As quickly as I could manage I got back into the doorway just in time to see those dog-like burrowers approaching quickly. I took out as many as I could with my hooves but they were too quick and my injuries slowed me too much. Thankfully enough, the recruits had been ready and the sound of steel and yipping echoed until all fell silent once more. I turned around to see my band standing triumphantly. I smiled, but the grin was soon wiped from my face by the sobering thought of the long journey ahead of us. I thought for a moment on how we would go about this. Once an idea formed I spoke. "The carts and the refugees will be kept within the circle and, if it is alright with those of you whom we rescued, we ask your help in pushing and pulling the carts so that we may more effectively defend you from the creatures like you just saw. We will have, from my band, a night watch to keep us safe during the dark hours. It shouldn't be longer than two or three days to arrive at our destination."

I had to stop speaking at this point and sit. I nodded to signify that I had finished and soon, under the surprisingly coordinated orders from Lance, all things were put in order. I’m not sure what caused him to step up and assist like this, but I was thankful for the help nonetheless. I arose once more to be the first out of the door, regardless of not having enough strength for it. My protectorates came next, followed by the refugees and carts. From here the circle formed, Cam making sure she got a spot next to me whereas Lance took the one furthest, and we departed. The others were engrossed in pleasantries and happy conversations, obviously about the recent developments and their plans when they returned. Just the opposite for us, Cam and I trotted in utter silence.

Thusly we travelled and the first day rode by seamlessly. When dusk arrived those night scavengers came lurking out. Several attacked the camp but it amounted to nothing. We set up camp when the sun was casting its last rays. I took the night watch, assuming it better than sitting aimlessly awake for the whole time anyways, or facing the possibility of succumbing to my injuries while asleep and leaving the group helpless in the Wastes. Cam opted to join me on the watch, perhaps to talk with me, but never found the courage to speak. When it was darkest out I aligned our heading for the lightest part in the sky, knowing the city remained there. Other than this, the calm of night passed without a hitch.

Dawn broke, awaking the camp. It took a little while for everypony to get everything situated, including stowing supplies and equipping armour, but once it was taken care of we set out on the new heading. Nothing of notable value occurred, as the prominent detail is that of the scavengers lurking about our camp. They never attacked us, for whatever reason.

Day passed and gave itself over to night. The night moved aside for the next day. The next day invited the next night on our journey, and it was here that Cam finally spoke. It was during our typical, silent night watch shifts when she sat beside me. She eventually sighed at one point during the night before speaking in a grave and sullen voice. "Have you ever had that happen to you?"

The question came completely by surprise and caught me off guard. "What do you mean?"

"What happened to me back there, has it happened to you?" My thoughts flashed to the agony I had suffered under the claws of Theogar and Azundir. Almost as if hoping to avoid that wound I sidestepped the question.

"How many strokes?”

"Strokes?"

"How many times did they whip you?”

"You trotted in on nine." I suppose I had missed the first three.

"It seems like you took them pretty well."

"Thanks, but you still haven't answered my question." My heart sank a little, realising it would be necessary and unavoidable. It was I that sighed this time before I finally answered Cam’s question.

"I have experienced that, yes. The brutal nature of it is…yes, I know it well. The last time I suffered those pains, it nearly brought my demise."

"How many?"

"How many what?"

"Strokes." My mind brought those harrowing memories up again. In all of that memory I could not even come close to an estimate of the number of hits.

"All I can recall is that there were more than a couple dozen."

"Oh..."

"I don't know what it is, or even why it is, but death has been utterly unable to keep me. There have been moments of pain and various injuries that should have killed me off long ago, yet here I remain."

"When you don't have your armour on you still don't even look like you've been through anything."

"I suppose, after suffering a heavy arcane shockwave, part of my nature changed so that when I should normally have scars these scales grow instead. That tells you how many scars I would have."

"And before the scales?"

"Scars, just like any other pony."

"What did you look like?"

"Before I mutated and adopted a more draconic appearance?"

"Yeah."

"Well, debatably normal."

"What?"

"I was kind of like your average pony in many senses, height and everything. My ears and tail, however, were almost always my defining characteristics. Along with this, depending on how far back one goes into my history, I had wings and a horn on top of it all."

"Wait...are you...?"

"Royalty?"

"Yeah."

"No. Far from it. There is nothing royal at all about my backstory or my nature."

"Then what are you?"

"I am a drake, a half-breed between dragon and pony. There aren't many in the world that are like me, if any exist anymore besides me."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, we're either hunted and killed for being 'abominations' or sold as expensive showcases. The first happened to my parents, as I've been told, and the second happened to me personally.”

"Your parents were hunted?"

"Yup. They were murdered in cold blood because they weren't the same as those that chased them down."

"Who were they?"

"The ones that pursued them?"

"Yeah."

"Some rather hateful individuals, I suppose."

"That's not right...they can't do that!"

"Well, they did, but they can't anymore."

"Anymore?"

"I haven't always had the cleanest hooves, and those ponies certainly left their stains. Try as I might now the haunting images won't leave me be.” There was a momentary pause in our conversation, just enough for me to notice the sunrise. “Look, the sun comes. Let us wake the camp."

She nodded, albeit still seemingly concerned for me, and we did as I had said. Within the course of a couple minutes the camp was awake and preparing itself. As they did so I sat, finally overwhelmed by the vertigo imposed by my injuries. I dropped my head and shook it, hoping to stay awake and conscious. Sleep deprivation only added to the misery. Cam must have noticed, as she trotted over to me once more.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

She could obviously tell I wasn't. She cocked her head momentarily before returning it to an upright position. After another moment of looking at me she spoke. "You need to rest."

"I can't until we get there, until I know that everypony under my care is delivered safe and sound."

"But Aqua, you can't keep going like this."

"I have to, Cam. I don’t have any other options. I’m the only one here that knows where we’re going."

"Then do you promise to rest after we get there?"

"Yes, for I will have completed my task and everypony would have arrived safely, as I had sworn to accomplish." She nodded and left me, probably to hurry the camp along. I arose once more, barely, in order to keep going while I still could. When the group had packed all of their supplies together once more we departed, hoping it was the last day.

There were a few times during the voyage in which I felt as if I was not going to make it. I almost fell from exhaustion and deprivation several times. Cam made sure not to leave my side until we arrived.

When the gates opened and the others were embraced by the city guard it became almost a city-wide festival. A show was made as the returned souls were paraded to the king. Assuming them safe and all affairs in order, I ducked into one of the alleyways not yet populated. As the sounds of the procession faded I made my way as quickly as possible to Segaran's. He was the only one here that knew exactly how to treat my wounds, as he had done so previously. From the time I spent here before, it did not take me long at all to find my way. When I arrived I anxiously knocked on his door, knowing my life depended upon it. He did not answer. Determined, albeit weakly so, I knocked again, but louder this time. Within a few breathless moments the door opened. Segaran looked up to greet me, but his reaction quickly changed. Frightened by a, presumably, unknown, massive, and armoured horse he yelped and attempted to slam the door. I put a leg in the doorway in time, preventing him from shutting it. He tried twice more by the time I began pressing in. "Segaran, we do not have time for this. Please."

Perhaps that frightened him further, as he wheeled around and fled, flying up the stairs with unmatched swiftness. Remembering what had happened to Duke's stairwell from my absolute mass I decided it best to shut down my armour and set it aside. As the hydraulics of the suit lost their effect my task became exponentially harder. Once my armour was entirely unequipped I commenced the climb up two stories in an attempt to reach Segaran before it was too late. By the time I reached the top of the stairwell my legs buckled. I collapsed upon the brink of the stairs. Try as I might I simply could not find any kind of energy to continue trudging, nay, crawling, to even one destination. All of the physical exertion, the sleepless months, the wounds I had sustained, and the mental and emotional fatigue I had suffered finally caught up with me and cultivated into this muscular failure. The house now fell eerily silent, occupied by one scared more than half to death and the other more than half dead already.

As this silence drug on for, what seemed to me at the time, an eternity I was falling deeper and deeper into despair. It was seeming a very real possibility that I might pass on until something could tear me from death's clutches once more, as it always had. I was ready to close my eyes, to give up the fight once and for all, until I heard the slightest clicking of a door lock. It came from up here, of that I was certain. It was soon confirmed as I saw motion from the corner of my eye. Directing my attention to it I saw Segaran peeking his head out from one of the rooms. He quietly and very slowly began approaching me. In my mind I screamed earnestly for him to hurry, but I found none of the strength necessary to do so aloud. When he arrived nearby he poked me a few times, probably seeing if I had died yet or not. I twitched one of my legs in response, causing him to leap back in fear. I could only assume he did not recognise me in this form, as it was nothing he had seen before. Summoning what drive I had left, or perhaps giving up what drive I was using to maintain my larger form, I shapeshifted back into my smaller, blue scaled form. Sure enough this was something he was able to recognise. When he realised how familiar I actually was he spoke. "...Aqua?"

I barely shifted my head as if trying to nod, barely able to do more. "Aqua, what are you...how did you...those wounds! Wait here!"

He bolted past me down the stairs, disappearing into the lower levels of the house. At first I thought he had left, running to get help of some kind. When I heard panicked rummaging downstairs I was assured he was still here. A few minutes, I'm assuming, later he came rushing back up with a large bundle of items in his grasp. He began treating and binding my wounds in a desperate, hurried manner. As he continued working I felt as if I was slipping. I tried to hold on for as long as possible but my efforts were proving to be in vain. Seeing the end inevitably coming quickly I exerted what little I had left to lift my head, look at him and speak. "Keep the others safe."

My head dropped back down onto the floor, hitting with a resounding thud. Despite any effort I tried I still approached the self-same fate; my body gave out from the exhaustion and the world very quickly fell dark.

When next I became aware of my presence I was standing in inky blackness so thick it was palpable. I turned entirely about, searching for even one particle of light to guide me. What I found was nothing; no point of reference appeared, no objective became clear. I was simply lost in deep darkness with a tinge of fear creeping in upon me. Seeing no other solution I began trotting forwards. After a short while there started a slight chuckle. It was deeply resonant, echoing from all around. I stopped dead in my tracks. My blood ran chill as a shiver hurried up my spine. Every fibre of my being begged me to flee, to panic. I almost did so but managed to get myself under control. I needed to find a way out and panic would not help. I trotted further, trying my best to disregard the incessant noise. I looked around a few times, hoping to find anything. After a short while I heard what sounded like a hoofstep behind me. I turned and looked, seeing only two piercing red eyes in the direction of the sound. I just about panicked here; fear was definitely present at this sight. The chuckles became full-fledged laughter before the air fell silent again. In the silence, as I continued trotting away, the voice spoke. "You can feel it, can't you? You can taste it, hear it, see it. I can certainly smell it, and it is enthralling. You want to give in. You've denied yourself for so long. You deserve it. Let your fear loose. Embrace what you had when you were young. Enjoy it. Your body pleads for it, aches for it, so just panic."

With each word he spoke the dread was only growing deeper. He chuckled one last time and spoke again. "Then again, where are you going? You cannot even see. You'll never make it out. For all you know you might not even be moving anywhere. Just give up. It'll be quicker."

"No!" It was the only word I could manage before my tongue was sealed. I tried to give utterance but found myself physically incapable of such.

"Hush now. Let the silence speak for you." One last chuckle echoed before it fell deathly silent. The quiet now was almost more agonising than his words. Undaunted I marched forwards, hoping perhaps to keep him from catching up. As I continued, seemingly through the trials and fears, there were tinges more of light. At this point I could tell and perceive shapes but could neither see nor distinguish them. Trudging further, hoping for more light, I passed through the inky blackness. I began hearing noises, whispers as it were, echoing around me. They continued to increase in volume until they reached normal chatter. I recognised the voices, as they were all from those I knew and loved. Segaran, Ajiin, Galaxia, Lazuli, Storm and even Cam's voices all rang out in condemnation. Their cries echoed accusation and disowning, hate and retribution, disgust and reviling.

"I shouldn't have saved you from Theogar."

"You don't deserve the trust of the Order."

"All of that training, and for what?"

"You never really did care about anypony else but you."

"You treat everypony else as resources to be used for your own gain."

"You're nothing more than a murderer. How could you have killed them? What did they ever do to you?"

"Look at yourself. You're an abomination. Give up." My own voice jutted in. I was trying my best to block them out, but such harsh comments flew like daggers, piercing me to the soul. I was snapped back to reality when the creature trotted beside me. I still could see no more than his eyes at this point.

"The truth hurts, doesn't it? You see, as much as I'd love to lie to you and get this selfsame effect from my words instead of theirs it simply cannot be done. But, you know, this is what ponies think of you. You've simply scared them too much with what you have done for them to ever tell you. Let that sink in." He faded once more. He couldn't be right, I thought, he had to be wrong. I kept moving, trying my best to block the shouts of accusation. As I continued on they began to silence slowly as the world grew a little lighter. Colour finally accompanied the increasing light. It was all lightly tinted, not enough to distinguish between hues, but a little less dreary than utter darkness. As I began marvelling at the change a pained scream tore through the silence. It was one of fear, pain and death. One became two. Two multiplied into several. Several compounded into multitudes. The cries of the helpless were entirely unexpected and drug my soul into deep sorrow. The volume of the voices was neither loud nor harsh, but perfect for the creature to speak once more. "Do you hear that? The aching cries of the doomed? You put them in here yourself. They all cry their last breath's tones and words before you murdered each and every last one of them in cold blood. They draw your symphony of slaughters into a perfect chorus."

He laughed and faded once more. This was when the volume increased. One might compare their wails to the cries of the damned. It was long, drawn out and sopping wet with agony. It hurt body, soul, and mind to no more than passively hear them. I did my best to block the incessant despair but it reached deep. As sorrowful, baleful, and regretful as I was I had to continue. One hoof stepped in front of the other, head held painfully high as I trotted, hoping this would end as the others had. It took a while but the wails eventually died. As they did, objects faded into view, enough so as to distinguish them. I now stood without a town, no, a metropolis; it was absolutely massive. The street before me, narrow and lined with houses joined together, mostly, at the sides gave me an impression like those buildings that I had trotted through in the land of the gryphons. After several houses there was a pattern-less, periodic break represented by an alleyway. I felt strongly that I needed to get to the other side or the centre or something. I started in to the street to see if it was true or not. Before too long the shadow appeared before me on the path. It was entirely visible now. The jet black hide of his face had two distinguishable features: his piercing red eyes and a wicked, toothy grin of fangs. Within his fangs was a black-grey dirk ornately decorated in gold lines running around the hilt and blade. He, himself, was intimidating and his presence commanded pure fear. I was strongly tempted to give in, but yield I did not. "You're strong. You're resilient. You're courageous. You're stupid. You've run for too long, worked too hard and suffered too much. You gave in to your own weakness. Now you are here. Strength, resilience and courage don't matter anymore. Your time has come. You will never leave this place."

His tone was different, almost determined. He had no laughter to add this time. He was no longer playing. Seeing as he blocked my way I attempted a side passage. As I approached the alley, shadowy wisps of smoke flew by, forming once more into my attempted tormenter. Seeing him there caused me to turn, hoping for the main passage. Again the shadow shifted to bar my way. I turned to the last option. From the corner of my eye I could see a large wall where I had entered, signifying no escape. The only chance I had was this passage in front of me. I trotted over, making it through. As I passed the walls I heard the wisps once again, forcing me to look. He stopped dead in his tracks, seemingly unable to cross that threshold. With a frustrated grunt he left in a poof of smoke. I turned back to my original heading and trotted out. Another long, stretching street was where I ended up. It appeared almost the same as the first, albeit the alleyways were located differently. The shadow again barred my path to what I felt like was my destination. I began searching for the next opening.

What seemed like minutes turned into what seemed like hours, perhaps days, as I continued trotting around this labyrinth. As I wandered I noticed more and more how maze-like this place was. Granted it was trying to kill me, but I was working my way through it. As I slowly got closer and closer to my destination there was less and less warning before the shadow appeared to try and strike me with the dirk. The world also became lighter and more vibrant. Another detail I noticed was that this maze was circular; I was only able to discern this from points when streets combined into each other, eventually leaving less than a dozen paths. I had been wandering considerably closer to the center than before, just leaving a transitional alley when I heard a shriek of fury. "No! Your sentence is death! You cannot escape; I will end your pathetic existence!"

I looked to the sound to see the shadow galloping quickly towards me. I, myself, bolted, heading towards the centre where the light was the strongest. It was a frantic chase. As I was galloping I suddenly felt an imbalance. I looked down momentarily to find my left front hoof was shorter than the rest, as if I had forgotten but now remembered the stark difference, or as if it was suddenly shorter now than it was before. The shadow was now outpacing me and the distance I had between us could only last for so long. As I was near the light I felt a sharp pain about a quarter of the way up my tail. In one last act of desperation I kicked off as hard as I could, gaining a slight boost as I became airborne. I landed within the light, skidding painfully to a stop as my side scraped across the rough cobblestone road. I looked behind frantically only to find the shadow blasted into nothingness upon reaching the periphery of the light. Where next I looked was my throbbing tail. I saw the stab wound, yet no blood flowed from it. What instead caught my attention was that the scales of my tail, about halfway up to my torso and down to the tip of my tail, had drained of colour, leaving grey scales. These faded into darker shades the closer it was to the epicentre of the stab. Directly beside the injury was pitch black, almost as if it could have faded into nothingness.

As I marvelled over recent events gentle whispers perked my ears. I listened intently, trying to discern them. I was utterly unable to do so until one soft voice spoke out clearly. "Arise, come, the others await you."

I was unsure of what the voice meant but I found no other option. As I arose and looked about I eventually found a pony trotting towards me. His hide was light, almost shining. His mane was also very light with the same glimmer that his hide carried. White robes trimmed with gold adorned his body. Every part of his appearance was very clean and pure. His eyes were amber. Simply looking into them soothed any fear one might have had and left what I can only describe as contentment or peace. As to who it was I know not. All I recall is that he was familiar and he meant me no harm. "Who are you?"

"We must not keep them waiting my child." He turned to leave, as if he had not heard me.

"What is your name?"

"Follow; I will lead you." I was frustrated. He seemed unwilling to identify himself and his familiarity nagged heavily at me. My tone got more determined as I spoke again in some hope of learning his identity.

"I must know who you are." He stopped and turned back to face me. Serene his face was still, gentle and soft, but one could sense the urgency of his tone.

"We must get there soon. Come." Defeated in my pursuit of knowledge I bit my tongue and followed. We trotted silently through the maze-like buildings, which had so long denied me entry into the centre of town, without any problems. After a while, we reached one that I could recognise; we stood before Segaran's home. The tranquil pony bid me enter. Unable to argue, I did as directed. Almost as if without the chance to choose I began heading downstairs. As I reached the floor shapes started becoming apparent. As I paused I noticed that the shapes were creatures and that these creatures were familiar. I recognised them as Segaran and the recruits from the Order being crammed together in the basement of the house. Lance stood in the back as opposed to Cam trying to be as close as possible. "Your time has not yet come. Go and live. You will know when it is enough. Trust."

I turned to the voice, finding the same pony beside me. He was bidding me into the room with a hoof outstretched towards the group. I nodded, turning back to the group. I started moving in and finally took note of my body on the floor. As I approached myself my eyes closed of their own accord. The world fell dark as I was seemingly lowered. "Now what must I do?"

"Open your eyes, Aqua." I did as the voice commanded. I heard cheers and screams before being hugged rather violently. When I finally had a hold on reality almost everypony was joyfully thronging me. I pushed them back and sat up, which prompted another hug. When everything settled, more or less, the bombardment of questions began. Some I could answer, others I could not. As best I recall it went a little something like this.

"What happened?

"Did you die?"

"What was it like?"

"Did you dream?"

"I need you all to calm down and ask me your questions one at a time. I can't answer that quickly."

"Tell us what happened." One of the stallions spoke first.

"Well, I succumbed to fatigue, sleep deprivation and injury."

"Did you die?" It was the same mare from before. Apparently she really wanted to know.

"I'm not actually sure."

"Was it like dreaming?"

"Kind of, but I was fully capable of controlling myself and everything seemed too real to be just a dream."

"Did you do anything awesome?" Everypony looked at the stallion that said such momentarily. "What?"

"I believe so." I didn't want to so much as mention the shadow or anything he said. Cam asked the next question, thankfully enough to keep me from having to answer any further.

"Are you going to be alright?" Everypony turned to me anxiously and with great concern showing on their faces.

"I believe I will be just fine." It was as if a sigh of relief silently emitted from the collective group. "We should be able to return home before too long."

There were cheers before Segaran spoke. "You need to rest. Your body gave out under its own pressure. You need to make sure that doesn't happen in the Wastes. Not everyone can carry a half-dragon half-pony as big as you, and being in a coma for weeks out there like you were in here wouldn't be any help to anyone."

I couldn't believe that I had been out for weeks. Other than that, though, I believed him. Surprisingly enough I was humble enough to acknowledge that he was right. "I think that would be a good idea. I will rest here for a few days before I again venture with you all when I have recovered. I hope you all are alright with that decision."

They nodded emphatically. It wasn't much longer before the group dispersed. Segaran saw to it that all arrangements were in order. After I finally managed to get up he helped me to a room, one I'm assuming had been prepared shortly after my initial departure.

Once the visit was finished and our band, for my sake, was fully rested and rejuvenated we set out to resupply our carts. When we arrived we found them to have already been taken care of, prepped for the pending journey. Theogar, surprisingly enough, was the one that approached me. His helmet was removed, revealing his face once more. His sharp red eyes seemed to be a mix of emotions that I wasn’t sure how to read. He spoke, ensuring me of what he was feeling at the moment. "Both as thanks for rescuing our missing brethren and a personal apology from me we have supplied you with the finest provisions Anthakar has to offer."

The recruits seemed confused. Lance voiced what they probably all thought. "An apology? For what?"

"I know what he's referring to." As I spoke the recruits looked to me expectantly. It seemed like dread struck Theogar's face. I kept my tone cold when I spoke again. "While I appreciate the gesture, no quantity of apologies could ever make up for that hell you put me through. We thank you for the supplies, as it will help us on the journey, and we are sincerely grateful. Retribution, however, is not something I'm looking to exact. You left your mark. Marks, I should say. How many was it again? How many times?"

He looked down shamefully. "One hundred it was."

"I was always curious. It's not something one can just forget. While I don't hold it against you it will always keep our relations bitterly cold. Again, thank you for the provisions. You are dismissed." He walked away as a dog whimpers and shamefully retreats with its tail between its legs. After a silent moment of the recruits awkwardly standing around Cam asked a question to break the silence.

"What was that about?" I turned to her solemnly, the raw memory of the unquenchably bitter pain still fresh in my mind.

"You had asked me earlier if I had felt what you had in that mountain city with the slaves. There is your answer. It is not a memory I wish to remember but the trauma was simply too grand for me to ever forget. That was not all they did, by far no, but it is all I wish to share at this time. Now," I turned my attention to the rest, "let's get to the other set and bring them freedom."

I expected a cheer or something. Stone cold silence reigned. Directions were given and orders carried out. Before too long we were standing before the main gate, ready to embark. The guards stood before us as the gates opened. It took a minute or so for them to clear the entry of the creatures of the Waste. After that, we set out. The journey itself was dull, barely filled with any notable events. The gryphon port town was as rough as ever. Probably thanks to my size and appearance we were given accommodations almost immediately. It was not long before we finally set sail for Equestria.

The sea faring was not notable in any definition of the word other than the exceeding length of the journey. When we arrived in the port town we were addressed by several ponies about what we were carrying. Everything checked out, and I suppose it was some kind of customs or something, and we disembarked into town.

What we found was an absolute ghost town. Not one soul beside us stirred. Perhaps they had seen me on the ship and I had not noticed them, I thought. It was the only explanation that made sense. We went to go buy victuals but found nopony at the stands. Unsure of what to do I simply began loading the carts, ordering the recruits to take only what was necessary, and left behind some coin to pay what I thought appropriate. Once we were reloaded we headed out from the port town. We departed hence, our course set for what I knew to be the town where Duke dwelt.

Due to the time we left and the pace we had kept it was well into the night by the time we arrived. In the silence therein I gave orders for the plan of attack. I divided my band into four teams, one for each entrance. They would assure that none fled as Cam and I cleared this den, as well as protect those slaves that had been freed already. The recruits were in accordance, so we divided up and got into position.

The night was probably half spent when I finally approached the guard house. Surprisingly enough, even after the events that transpired last time, there were still ponies on duty. When they saw me, nonetheless recognised me, the alarm sounded and the gate raised. I trotted casually up to the guard post. The two within grew nervous. I leaned near, almost touching the glass with my armoured face, and addressed them. "You remember me well enough to know why I'm here. Perhaps, however, not well enough to remember what happened last time you tried this. If you don't you can ask your captain. He should be able to tell you all about it. So, I'll ask you this one simple thing before I do anything rash: lower the gate."

They looked apprehensively at one another but did nothing. "Suit yourselves."

I backed up slightly before wheeling around, whipping my tail along. The heavy, heavily armoured appendage shattered their reinforced glass and bowled over the supporting frame, leaving the gatehouse wide open. The guards had already scrambled out by the time I climbed in. I exited by means of the door to find a large grouping of guards assembled. A few of them had strange machines upon their backs connected to an apparatus within their hooves. As soon as I left the doorway they fired, electricity shooting forth from their weapons like lightning bolts. They arced off of every surface possible but never quite reached me. I drew a blade and began moving towards them. As I neared, the arc finally connected with me. I felt no different; my armour was fine at first. As I approached, forcing the lightning to arc less before hitting me, my armour began having electrical problems. By the time I arrived it all but shut down. The electricity ceased as I got into their midst and they all turned and fled. My systems recovered and I began galloping after them. No sooner had I started than I heard Cam's voice. "Aqua!"

I whipped around, trying to see if she was in danger. She was safe. She was leaving the guard post, approaching quickly. "Let them go."

I stopped moving, allowing her to catch up. When she got near her tone was quieter, softer. "Let them go. It's just their job. Besides, we have more important things to do, remember?"

"You're right. Let us finish our work here." She nodded, so we proceeded. The first house that we went to, by sheer necessity, was Duke's house. We approached his freshly repaired gate. It was more secure than the last and more durable by far. Perhaps he had 'precious cargo' within, or perhaps he hoped to keep me out. I chuckled and backed up. I was not in the mood to test the strength of his new gate, so I aimed elsewhere. I charged, working up a vast momentum before slamming shoulder first into the brick wall. I felt the accompanying force, likely fatal to those less prepared, and heard the raucous echoing of crumbling stone. As I stumbled to a halt and got my bearings once more I found myself within his front yard. Cam entered shortly thereafter to follow me as I approached his door. I tried to open it, finding it to be locked. It was slightly unusual for Duke to lock his door. No matter, I thought, it just makes it all the better. I kicked his front door violently, causing it to splinter. I then charged through it, shattering it completely. Wood chips and splinters scattered across the floor as I moved in. I did not so much as pause before I began storming up his stairs. The hallway at the top gave me sufficient space to begin galloping. Again I blasted through his door, spreading wooden shrapnel across his quarters. He was shocked awake but did not have enough time to move before I was upon him. My tail wrapped about his midsection as I drug him roughly from his bed. He began screaming pitifully for help before addressing me. We were in the hall as he did so.

"What do you want from me?!"

"Open this door!" I placed him roughly in front of one of the chambers. He did as commanded, opening the ebony wood doors. I then drug him within, finding nopony therein. I recognized these as having been my quarters, my prison, that I had dwelt in just before fleeing from Duke that fateful night. With a grunt I turned and drug him behind me, placing him before the next, equally gold-ornamented ebony wood door. Again my gruff order came and he complied. This repeated for several doors, finding them empty. Perhaps he had hid them or maybe he didn't have any slaves anymore. Either way I needed justification for all this destruction, so I searched floor three in equal manner, dragging him along. These were more populated. Finding these individuals here gave me confirmation on one variable. Now I just needed to know their status. I approached the third floor balcony and vaulted it, Duke screaming in terror as we dropped. I caught him, of course, but my landing did immense damage to the carefully cared for, and meticulously polished, flooring. He was whimpering at this point. I drug him around into my view, turning to ensure I could see him. In a rough manner I spat my question. "What is the meaning of all these ponies?"

He reacted fearfully to my harsh tone. "T-tenants!"

I looked over to Cam, who was, herself, shaken by my behaviour. In a soft tone I spoke. "Cam, I need you to find out from the ponies in here whether they are slaves or tenants."

She nodded and headed towards the residency rooms of the first floor. Duke blurted a fearful response, perhaps hoping to dissuade me. "There are no slaves! I don't have any slaves! I swear!"

"Silence! We will know that within the next few minutes. Until then you are not to so much as mutter a single word."

We waited several moments in silence. I'm sure the dread, for him, was palpable. He trembled as I held him firmly. When Cam returned she reported. "They told me they receive nothing."

I looked at Duke, his eyes growing wide. He knew exactly what would come next. In rage I threw him against the nearest wall and marched over intimidatingly. The force of the impact must have knocked his wind out, as his breath was short and he didn't move much. I put my hoof on his muzzle, over his mouth, and activated the anchors. The five prongs shot out, flipping down and digging harshly into his face. He left out a muffled groan or scream of pain. Blood began to well up before it ran and dripped. I then drew my sword, readying to strike his exposed neck. "Wait!"

I turned to see what the matter was. Cam was addressing me. "You can't kill him!"

"And why is that?"

"Is it really worth death? The slaves?"

"Before I found you, Cam, I broke into here, drawing a promise from his lips. On his life he vowed to have no slaves upon my return. As there are slaves here still I have a promise to uphold."

"Isn't this exactly what made you into that thing you hate so much?" I looked at Cam for a couple of seconds. She was right, and letting Duke go was probably the right thing to do. I turned back to the crying, bleeding wretch. I sheathed my blade once more and unanchored, shoving his face aside roughly. A couple of moments of deathly silence passed, broken only by Duke's sobs.

"Cam?" My tone was somber and quiet in a manner foreign to me.

"Yes Aqua?"

"Round up the slaves into the front garden."

"You got it." She headed off to complete the task. When she was gone I turned back to Duke.

"You're lucky, you know that?" It merited no response. "If Cam hadn't been here I would have butchered you. I hope you have learned from your mistakes."

I trotted off, leaving him to bemoan his fate. It took Cam and I a few minutes to awaken and gather all of the slaves from the extremities of the mansion. When we were finally together I spoke. "My fellow slaves. Some of you might remember me as that scaled mare, others as the one with insurmountable strength, others yet as the maid that broke ribs. Whatever your memory of me is I bring news. I am the one that made it out. I was the one that escaped. I have now returned to herald your freedom. Make your way to the North Gate. Cam will protect you as you journey there and, upon arrival, she will free you. Once every slave in this compound has been gathered we shall depart."

A cheer was heard from the crowd. Cam trotted up to me as they did so. "Please, just don't kill anypony."

"I will try my best. If a life is in jeopardy I will defend it by any means necessary." She nodded, apparently content with my answer. Once the rejoicing began winding down Cam and the slaves left for the gate. I returned back to Duke to emphasise once more what I had stated. "Find your fortune another way. The next time you own a slave will be the last day you live. Cam will not be there to save you. Am I clear?"

"...y-yes..."

"Hopefully clearer than last time. Know this: I am a pony of my word. Unless death has a hold of me, which it seldom can keep, I will return and I will find you. If necessary I will end you. Now clean yourself up and go rest. You've lost quite a bit of blood." He nodded, arising and staggering off. I believe I had successfully made the impression that time. I trotted out to begin work.

I travelled from house to house, breaking and entering, and not always the most quietly, to round up those within. It was true that Duke's neighbours all had more under servitude than he, each in worse conditions than his. It seemed like I had gotten a lucky draw when I was purchased. Disregarding that, I continued. By the time dawn threatened to break through the night’s grip Cam and I had managed to gather all the remaining souls in the complex. The group was reassembled further away from the town by the time the sun first peeked over the horizon to see what we had done in night's secrecy. The group now was colossal. We had to heavily ration the food in a hope of making it through the estimated three day journey to the capital. We set out as soon as possible, heading for the tallest mountain.

By the end of the first night of our journey we ran out of supplies, having hardly partaken of any to begin with. Hunger was sweeping the camp and I was doubting that they would make the mountain trek while on the brink of starvation. I knew that not all of this band would survive if nothing was done. I spoke to Lance and Cam privately that night, hoping to not merit panic. "Lance, Cam, how good are you two at navigating?"

Lance's answer came first. "Good enough to not get us lost."

"Perfect, because I need your help." That was something I certainly did not say frequently.

"You didn't get us lost, did you?" If the situation was not as dire as it had been in that moment his comment would have made me chuckle.

"No, thankfully not. What I need is fairly simple. You see that huge mountain?"

"How could we not?"

"Excellent. I need you two to lead this group as you all continue to that mountain, the one we've been heading towards for a while." Cam spoke next, puzzled and worried.

"Why won't you lead the way?"

"I'm going for help. Whatever I can get I will. This little band, er, massive band won't make it to our destination if I don't. Keep as straight of a path as you possibly can, got it?"

"Yes."

"Good. I should be able to return within the midnight hours as tomorrow ends. Whatever you do just keep moving, alright?" They nodded. Satisfied, I left them. Once I was a little ways in front of them I channelled my magic and teleported to the best remembrance I had of Canterlot Palace.

I ended up outside of the palace. I headed quickly towards the gates. I was, expectedly, stopped by the night watch, the Princess' Thestral guards. "State your business."

"I must speak with the princess. It is a dire emergency.

"To which do you seek audience."

"Either, any, both, I don't care."

"What is the nature of the request?"

"There is a group of at least several hundred, if not nearly a thousand, in the wilderness heading towards here and they will perish before they arrive if they go unaided." After the guards nodded they trotted within, leaving me without. The lives of all those ponies currently rested in my hooves. Waiting out here at the mercy of others left me anxious, worried about those forging the hills of Equestria. Thankfully enough, before too long, they returned. "The princess has approved an audience with you. You may enter."

I nodded in thanks. The large palace gates opened before me and I trotted within. The princess of the night sat upon her throne, awaiting my arrival. As I approached I unfolded my helmet. When I was near I halted and kneeled before her, bowing. She arose in accordance. "Arise. What dost thou require of us?"

"There is a small group of ponies under my direction and jurisdiction forging their way here through the open plains to the north of here. We are a convoy of protection for a group of at least a few hundred refugees. There are not supplies sufficient to keep this company from the clutches of starvation, as we have absolutely no supplies remaining."

"How didst thou manage to come hither prior to them?"

"Teleportation."

"Canst thou not teleport them as well?"

"No, your majesty. I have not the capability of such currently, as my own was hard enough. I am not rested well enough to perform such an act of magic. I am requesting supplies in order to aid them in the long journey here."

"How seekest thou to deliver such a task as this? Didst thou not say they were lost amid the plains?"

"Not lost, your majesty, but forging. This mountain is visible to them as they approach. I will deliver the supplies myself if needed. The largest cart, loaded with supplies, rations of food and water, is all I ask. I will personally deliver it."

"Hm. Very well then." She turned to the guards beside her. "Begin preparations."

They nodded and galloped off to fulfill her command. "Tell us about these other ponies that thou hast found. From whence came they?"

"A few years ago I found myself in the clutches of slavers-"

"Slavers? Here?"

"Not anymore, your highness. My Order has taken care of it."

"We must thank thee for purging our fair lands."

"Thank you, your majesty. Continuing on, these ponies, these refugees, were the slaves of the selfsame ponies that sold me as property."

"Hopest thou to bring them here?"

"Yes. It is the closest place where they can receive help and become accustomed to society once more."

"Very well. We thank thee for the assistance thou hast rendered. Thy supplies shall be ready momentarily."

"Thank you, princess."

"Thou art most welcome. We thank thee again for the service thou hast rendered. Go with safety." I nodded and left. There was no security in the task ahead. I took a deep breath and continued. Once I was outside one of the guards beckoned for me to follow him, so I did. After a short trot I found a massive walled cart, larger than those I had used to haul marble as a slave, being loaded to the brim with food items. The stack was immense; this was no small gift of food. I got strapped in to one of the five yoke slots on the cart. They seemed skeptical of my capability to push the cart until I tried. Using my monumental strength and mechanical assistance of my armour I managed to exert enough force to get the cart rolling. As I did the guards cheered and wished me a safe journey, with all speed. Some of the guards even followed me down the mountain pass, down the frighteningly steep switchbacks of the rugged face of Canterlot Mountain. They made sure that I arrived at the bottom unharmed. Once there, however, I was all alone.

I began the fatiguing journey. The only other time I had to continue moving at this pace for this long was during my flight from Duke. My pace was swift, never slower than a brisk canter, for uphill struggles, and occasionally reached a full gallop, being swept downhill by momentum. The daylight hours passed as I made my way as quickly as possible to where I hoped they were. Night descended swiftly upon me; no sign of the group was present. I stood now, after dusk had become dark, where I thought they should have been. I was the only one here. I ascended a nearby hill to search. I scanned the entire horizon and found no traces of them. I looked again and thought I saw shapes moving. I quickly headed in that direction only to find it had been a trick of the mind. I grunted in frustration and figured that I would best be able to find them by returning to where I was before I left them to begin with. I sighed, my fatigued body already begging me to cease, before taking a deep breath and continuing the desperate journey.

Nothing more than a quarter of the night remained before day break when I had finally caught up with the band of travellers. By this time I suffered sharp head pains, my breath was short and raspy and my heart felt as if it would simply cease to beat. As the others began crowding around the cart I locked the armour to prevent myself from collapsing onto the ground. No sooner had I done so than my legs buckled. I simply fell against my armour and decided it was rest enough for the time being. I could tell Cam was approaching; my breath had not recovered enough yet by the time she was before me. "You certainly do keep your word. Where did you get all of this?"

"Canterlot. The Princess." My answers came out short and breathy. Cam must have picked up on it.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh yeah, just fine."

"Aqua, how long were you galloping?"

"Little after I left."

"You didn't stop?"

"Nope."

"Aqua, you need to rest up. You can't be working like this."

"No time. They need help."

"You're going to kill yourself if you keep this up!"

"So be it. I'd rather die saving these hundreds than live regretting their death. I cannot be the cause of their death."

"We need you, Aqua. Think of the Order!"

"Ajiin led it for nearly eleven years in my absence. I have been training you in case that happens and Ajiin refuses. Not only that, but this is fulfilling my vows, my pledge and oath to protect."

"What about Storm? What about me? What if we lose you?"

"Death cannot hold me. It will not be the end."

"But-"

"Take the supplies from this cart and put it in all of the ones that this group carries once all have partaken. I will see if I can obtain more to make sure you all can make it up the mountain. No ifs, ands or buts, got it?"

"...ok."

"Good. Keep them in good care, Cam. I trust you."

"Thanks." She finally smiled, apparently comforted. After several moments the cart was emptied, the carts of the band having a few supplies within them. I set my course for the mountain once more and began anew my gallop. Perhaps I could deliver supplies one more time before we trekked up the mountain.

I scaled the mountain and entered the city as quickly as I could. Once at the castle I sought out the guards again. As it was daytime now the guard had changed. They stood in the same position as those Thestrals, these normal royal guard did. I approached the guards swiftly, causing unease. It almost seemed as if they prepared for a fight. "At ease, guards, I am not here to harm you. I seek an audience with the princess."

"On who's part?"

"Aqua, Guildmaster of the Order of Protectorates." Once of the guards nodded and went inside the gate. I remained outside with the other one until the first returned. While we waited other guards came and removed the cart from my personage to take it back. When the first came back out I grew hopeful, wishing to get the supplies before dusk.

"I'm sorry, but the princess is not currently accepting audiences."

"When will she?" Perhaps even a day's time would not be too detrimental.

"She said she can in a week's time."

"She cannot do so any sooner?"

"No."

"This cannot wait that long."

"I apologise. There is nothing I can do."

I had to think quickly; my window was fading. Suddenly an idea came to my mind. "Actually, there is something you can do."

"Like what?"

"Lend me the cart again." The guards seemed perplexed but went to it. After several moments six guards came back, towing the cart with them. "Excellent. Now, I will take this cart to the base of the mountain. What I need from you six, and probably two more, is to tie long ropes to this cart. It will need to be very long sets of rope, as in rope that will reach down to the bottom of the mountain. I will load the refugees into the cart and, with your help, haul them up the sheer face of the mountain one load at a time. Do you think you can help me with that?"

They seemed cautious and perplexed but nodded before moving out to find such a large quantity of rope. Night had fallen, and a good chunk of it had passed, before they returned with a great number of bundles of rope. With the ones too short for the task they began trying together at the ends, making sure it was very secure knot. Most of the night had now passed by the time preparations had finished. The guards then strapped me into the cart before tying the four prepared lengths of rope to the front of the cart accordingly. "Now, when I tug on the ropes I want you all to begin pulling. Is that clear?"

They all responded affirmatively. I nodded before beginning the descent backwards accordingly. It took a good amount of time before I reached the bottom, which made me nervous for the hauls ahead. It was when I reached the solid ground below that I waited for the others to arrive.

The sun was around the midday mark when I saw them on the horizon. I could not travel further, so I patiently awaited their arrival. I assume Cam saw me first, as one of the armour clad ponies bolted forward, away from the others. As it drew close I could finally tell it was, indeed, Cam. She slowed when she was within an audible distance. "The cart's empty? Where are the supplies?"

"There are none."

"Will we be able to get any?"

"No."

"Are you sure we can make it?"

"It'll work itself out. Don't worry yourself about it." She was definitely still worrying about it. She did not, however, have time to say much more; the recruits were arriving. They seemed worried and were conversing among themselves. I noticed that they had absolutely nothing for rations once more, hitting me with a bit of despair as I had been hoping for something to help me get up the face of this mountain. I disregarded this, hoping I could do it without such help, and got their attention quickly. "So, as you can see, there is no food in the cart. It is, in fact, entirely empty. So here's how this is going to go down, since I don't anticipate or hope that you would make the perilous journey up the switchbacks. As many as possible will load into the cart. Guards are stationed at the top and will pull the cart up. It will not be the most comfortable near-four hour ride, but you will all survive. We will continue taking group after group until all of you are safely standing in Canterlot. Are you all ready?"

They nodded. Cam quickly came up, almost seeming to be frightened. "Aqua, you can't do this! You've already done too much!"

"I still have more to give, so I will give."

"You're going to kill yourself!"

"I appreciate your concern, but we have been over this matter before. This is how it must be, Cam. There is no other way."

"But-" I shot a glance at her, moving my covered head to so indicate. She sighed. "Alright."

"Good. Now, if you could unstrap me from this cart I'd appreciate it." She nodded and did so. The recruits and I then loaded the cart with the refugees. Once it was full I ordered Cam to strap me back in. I then told them to pull the ropes. To the refugees I said to hang on. The cart then lurched and I began pulling in accordance. When we hit the steep slope was when I felt the crushing burden of the task before me. One shaky step in front of the other was the only way I could work this out now. I bowed my head for the oncoming agony.

I'm not sure anything I could have done over the course of my life could have helped me during those nearly four hours. By the time I reached the top my legs nearly buckled. My heart raced like never before and breath was the shortest it has ever been in my entire life. Once the cart came to a stop safely atop the hill eight guards came over to unload the refugees. As they approached I spoke. "Four of you: go get more of you to pull the cart up. I can't...I can't..."

I didn't even manage to finish my sentence. I buckled onto my front left knee before struggling to rise once more a little while later. The guards were shocked by my statement, as if they had known me previously and knew I never asked for help. Nevertheless they nodded and four broke off into a gallop. As they left the other four began unloading the refugees from the back of the cart. Once they had all filed off I had the nearby guards prepare to lower me once more. From there I nodded and the descent began.

Down I went again with the cart, moving more quickly than before. It was a couple of hours before I arrived at the bottom, dusk having crept in around the corners of daylight. The next load boarded and, shortly thereafter, we began climbing again. It was far easier this time, thankfully, due to the extra pull on the ropes. It was, nevertheless, a very long climb up a very steep mountain. It was, all the same, a torturous pain that shot through my entire muscular system.

When again we reached the top I found the pleasant surprise of twice as many guards as there were before. As they helped out they seemed more than eager and their efforts showed it. At this point I didn't care enough to speculate the sudden increase in morale and their personal drive; I was just thankful that they were helping me. Once they had finished unloading the ponies I was lowered back down the face of the mountain.

Two more trips passed under the thick, blanketing shadows of night. With the last cartful they finally unstrapped me. I was thoroughly tempted to surrender, to collapse under the overwhelmingly crushing weight of my privation and fatigue. I knew I couldn't. I knew others yet counted on me, and I knew I had to keep going. So I lifted my spirits and channeled a teleportation spell through my pearl, my source. I was quickly brought back down to the base once more. I looked around to gather my bearing before trotting over to the largest cart. The three that were currently strapped in looked at me expectantly. They all looked, waiting for my first command, each and every one of the recruits. "Unstrap from the cart. I can handle it from here."

It certainly was not what they were expecting. It seemed almost as if their countenances dropped. They were puzzled and concerned. Nevertheless they did as directed. Before too long after that I was strapped in instead. Cam, of course, protested. She came swiftly. "Aqua!-"

"Yes?" She came over, speaking to me quietly when she neared.

"How are we going to get up? You don't have the cart."

"The mountain pass."

"I don't think all of us will be able to make it all the way."

"Whomsoever cannot trot any further we will place upon this cart. If too many fall we tie the empty cart to it as well."

"But-"

"That is an order, Cam. It is not a suggestion. If I must carry the whole burden I will." She saw that, as before, she could not win this argument. She simply nodded. She was not content in the least bit but knew there was nothing she could do. Satisfied now I directed myself to the others. "We head for the switchbacks. We make the journey."

One of them piped up. "It's so much further and we'll have to climb so far. We have no supplies. How are we going to make it up?"

"If any of you can trot no further we will place you in the carts. If need be we will tie the carts together and I will continue pulling. Either way we will all make it to the destination. All I ask for is your best. You have already given so much. Just a little more is all I ask. Now, let's get moving. Daylight approaches and time is our enemy here." With that we began moving again, as stiff and sore as I was. I wasn't sure how much I had left at this point either, but it would not, could not, stop me. With hope again I moved on.

We arrived at the trail leading up to the mountain a little before dawn. Already had one of the recruits fallen and been placed in the cart. The journey was deathly silent, each of them focusing intently on remaining up and moving. Switchback after steep switchback came and passed, occasionally heralding a pause as they loaded another into the cart. Around halfway up, there only remained enough of us to pull the five carts, but that quickly changed. Soon it was only Lance, Cam and I, but even Lance's determination wore thin and he, too, fell. Not long afterwards, despite her unquenchable spirit, Cam also succumbed. When she dropped I had to use my magic to detach her, levitate her to the cart and strap the remaining one to the train I had been pulling, draining me further. All this had happened by the breaking of the first day following our commencement. Several times my deprived body tried to give in. It fell once but I managed to arise once more. My whole frame was numb. I was trying more than my best and only getting the most sluggish pace possible.

The day was drawing to a close by the time I set my hooves on level ground. I still had a small distance to go before I arrived at the gates. I was unsure whether or not I would actually make it at this point. I moved on, nevertheless, until I arrived at the gates. The sky was a deep red and orange colour by the time I entered. No sooner had the last cart slowly rolled in than I collapsed on the floor, utterly unable to give any more. Others, presumably guards, were galloping fiercely over as I began desperately clinging onto reality. Fearing the worst I cried out for Galaxia, Storm or anypony. The cries, however, did not make it to my lips, leaving me silently pleading. My world was rapidly fading in and out, growing the fear I had of falling under. The world seemed nothing more than dim shades when I perceived who I thought to be Galaxia. They took me and bore me thence. Where I ended up I could not tell. Everything around me was nothing more than blurry shapes. Perhaps, I thought, I only need blink and I could discern my surroundings.

When my eyes opened once more I was in a room I did not recognise. Surrounding me was Storm, Galaxia and, to my surprise, Lazuli. I sat up, the three of them watching me intently. Surely I was safe, but I still wished to know where I was. Turning my attention to Galaxia, likely the one who knew best, I spoke. "Where am I?"

She, of course, responded. "You are safely within the walls and borders of my principality."

"What happened to the recruits?" Storm was the next one to answer my question.

"I took them back." Galaxia shot him a glance and nudged him. "Er...we took them back."

The change in response merited a nod from both Galaxia and Lazuli. My question, however, still lacked a key point. "Are they all alive and well?"

It was Lazuli this time that responded. "Of course. We knew that would be one of your main concerns, so we personally made sure they were taken care of."

Her response was comforting at the least. Making sure I didn't forget any other details I sat and pondered for a moment. I was struck hard by another question, almost fearing the answer I'd get. "How long have I been out? How long have I been trapped and asleep?"

All three of them looked at one another, almost not wanting to answer the question. Galaxia finally broke the silence. "Four weeks."

A slight panic set into my heart. A frantic pace set into my body, a feeling that I had to get back to what I did best. As I tried to arise and set forth both Storm and Lazuli restrained me. It was fairly easy for them, so I assume I had taken my smaller form after I had dropped. Galaxia stood in front of me and spoke. "Cease these useless, futile actions at once!"

I did, more confused than anything. It wasn't often Galaxia spoke like that, if at all. "You drove your body to the brink of extinction. We barely managed to rouse you again. You disregarded my counsel given at the time of Erazul and it nearly cost you dearly. Your body needs rest, rejuvenation and recovery. I suggest you take it at this time before you go and overwork yourself again."

Seeing no other alternative I did so. Storm and Lazuli seemed as if they sighed in relief. Perhaps resting up was not a bad idea. I consented to her advice and relaxed once more.

Another week drove by in painstaking sluggishness. When it was over I was more than ready to leave and go about my business once more. Galaxia teleported me out of her domain when she thought that I had recovered adequately enough. Where she had left me was none other than my own chambers within the Sanctuary. The sun shone brightly through the window, signalling that it was during the day currently. I decided to make my way out to the courtyard to see what was new. As I left the Main Hall I found the Order moving about its normal business and at its usual pace. While I was standing there, observing the movements of all the Protectorates I heard a loud gasp. This was shortly followed by galloping hooves. By the time I turned to face the sound I was hugged so fiercely that I nearly got bowled over. Cam was thoroughly latched to my body. "I'm so glad you're ok!"

"Of course I'm ok. I told you I would be." Her concern was heartwarming at the very least.

"It's just that when I woke up you weren't there. I wanted to ask the guards what had happened to you but these three ponies led us all the way back here. I recognised one of them. The other one was blue with a tail like yours. Another one had a mane that looked like it had stars in it."

"Probably Storm, Lazuli and Galaxia, in that order. They have all had a lot of contact with me over the years, so they knew to take care of you."

"Since then I've been looking all over for you. Nopony was home, either."

"Well, there is no more need to look for me. I have returned to lead this Order once more."

"So what's next?"

"Now? Now we have a gathering. It's time to let you all know how it went." She nodded excitedly before turning and galloping away fervently to announce it. I then awaited the arrival of the Order.

It didn't take too long for groups to begin trickling in. Not much later than that, the whole assembly was gathered together before me. Some of them had their eyes fixed firmly upon me, while others spoke one with another. I eventually got all of their attention. "Protectorates, I have gathered you all together here for a welcoming ceremony. I ask those who recently participated with me in the expedition to come forth."

In no more than a minute's time all eighteen stood in the open space between me and the remainder of the Order. All eyes were upon them until I spoke again. "These ponies arrayed before you here accompanied me on a quest about a month or two ago. The quest was to protect and free those who had lost their freedom to slavers. These ponies fought those vile individuals and helped to free hundreds of souls. They gave it their all and then some. They laboured more fiercely for the deliverance of those rescued than I had ever seen recruits do before. I am happy to announce that not one soul perished during this two-part operation. Their deeds were valiant and proved true their desires to follow the values we hold dear. We welcome these eighteen into the Order with open hearts. Protectorates, arise and congratulate your new associates."

Suddenly, on cue, the crowd came forwards to greet and talk with the new Protectorates. They were swarmed suddenly, probably being bombarded by a large number of questions relating to the recent excursion. Satisfied with the general friendliness I beheld, I turned around and trotted into the Main Hall once more. Once the doors were shut, blocking most of the sound, I began looking for Ajiin. Not finding him with an initial sweep I called out to him. This merited no response. Perhaps he was about some kind of business, I figured, so I shrugged it off and continued the day's tasks.

As much as I beckoned and called for Ajiin the next couple of days he never hearkened. Neither at night nor at day did he respond. I was planning on returning to the Wastes to visit Flowing Hammer for the first time since my disappearance. After several days of frustration I sought and alternative. The only other pony I figured I could trust was Cam. I sent a messenger to bring her to the Main Hall. As this pony left I began pacing back and forth, from one side of the large room to the other. Before too long Cam busted in, excitement clearly showing on her face. "You wanted me to come?"

"Yes. Thank you for coming promptly."

"What did you need me for?"

"Cam, I need your help." She got even happier than before.

"What is it?"

"I need to visit my sister."

"You have a sister?"

"Yes, I believe we have been over this before."

"Oh, right."

"I need to visit her, let her know that after these near-twelve years I am actually still alive."

"So what do you need help with?"

"I will be away from the order for a while, but I cannot contact Ajiin. I've tried for a while with absolutely no response, so I must turn to somepony else. I must entrust the Order into your care."

"Wow. That's a big responsibility. What am I supposed to do?

"Simply make sure the Order runs smoothly in my absence. It's a simple task, really."

"Ok."

"I'll be in the Badlands for a while. Can I trust you with this?"

"Yes, Aqua."

"Good. I don't know when I will return, but return I will, ok?" She nodded. "Excellent. I have a lot of trust in you, Cam."

"I won't let you down!" She was adamant in her tone.

"Great. Now, I must make preparations. I will see you later, Cam." As I was finishing the sentence she approached me. After the last word she hugged me again.

"I'll miss you, Aqua." I was a bit confused at the gesture but accepted it anyways, returning it by wrapping one leg around her in response. She then let go and headed out, leaving me to prepare. From thence I turned my attention to preparing for the journey ahead. It had been a while since I had seen my sister; that's for sure. At this point I wasn't sure whether or not she would be able to recognise me.

Next Chapter: 6. Fiery Wastes Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 15 Minutes