Once more my gaze turned outward, to my grove and to a lesser extent the forest beyond my immediate presence. I began to plan once more, though that thought was cut off when I realized that Stalwart’s bones were still out there. Forgotten and discarded after I had recalled her, she rose from the bush she had been dumped in and made her way toward me.

With that done, I then found myself once more distracted, though this time it was by curiosity. You see I had noticed Quaking Yew’s severed limb laying on the ground and began to wonder to myself. Could it be raised? It was already ‘dead’ so I couldn't gain any skills but it may be able to be brought back, I thought.

I had to know for sure.

Summoning my earth pony servant, I dragged over the limb and used my magic to bring the severed appendage back to life. Or at least that was my intention, because rather then spring back up, it merely trembled for a moment before turning in the direction Quaking Yew had departed. It then twitched left, as if following the deer’s movements before becoming still once more a few seconds later.

I could feel the appendage like I could with all my servants but I couldn't move it, only put a bit more power into it. Doing this a second time just made the thing twitch, as if Quaking Yews was outside its range or my assumption was incorrect. Regardless of the answer, I wouldn't have the opportunity to figure it out at the moment so I stowed it away in my hollow.

I then moved to observing my newest servants, taking stock of what they had on them. Their armor was mostly intact, as were their weapons, though Honey Ray’s equipment was far worse off. They little in the way of personal effects or other items, or at least any that were not destroyed during the scuffle.

The earth pony’s armor was still glowing faintly though, making me curious and begin wondering what I could utilize it for. The most obvious possibility was simply leaving it on the corpse so it could have a bit more protection but I wanted to test something. I stopped myself before setting my plan into motion though, instead choosing to begin testing with the golden hammer that pulsed occasionally with an inner light.

Dropping it on my roots, I pulled as if it were a corpse, attempting to consume the enchantments on it. I had assumed this would do nothing, but my slowly growing magical knowledge hinted that it may be possible. Surprisingly I felt the enchantments begin to strain, and bend beneath my will, nearly breaking after a bit of pushing on my part.

Putting a bit more strength into it, I pulled apart the enchantment, causing the weapon to explode and my energy reserves to suddenly fill up. Bits of flying metal stuck into my trunk, and flew all over the grove, but did little damage save for leaving behind a scorch mark. That didn't concern me however, as I felt the surge of power begin to burn me from the inside, as if I had swallowed lava.

Unsure of what to do with it, I pushed it outward through the network and towards my green brethren. They seemed far more adept at putting it to use, as they happily accepted my sudden gift with open, metaphorical, arms. For a moment they shone with an inner radiance, before devouring that light and using it to grow, or repair themselves.

Those trees and bushes savaged during the attack leaped back to life, shooting back up as if nothing had happened. The grass became soft once more, and new small golden flowers sprouted all over the grove. Though it felt a bit like a slap in the face to suddenly have a bunch of yellow flowers adorning my inner sanctum I let them be. They didn't choose to be planted there, and if I was being honest they were rather pretty and reminded me of tiny sunflowers.

A sudden crack made me turn my attention skyward, to where some dark clouds had gathered. Scattered though they currently were, I could see a storm front approaching from the horizon. This in turn caused my thoughts to go back to Honey Ray’s dying words and her proclaimation that my days were numbered.

Assembling a force capable of defeating me, and also reaching my current location would take considerable time. I was hundreds of miles from the border of ‘civilization’ though I wasn't exactly certain as knowledge of maps seemed to half fall under the category of skill and half memory. Regardless, I knew that they wouldn't immediately send out someone to check on the missing group. After that it would be a while before they mustered, and then actually made the trip, giving me the time I needed.

Pushing that thought from mind, I went back to focusing on my grove, and repairing the damage dealt to it. Thankfully the power of the enchantment was such that nearly every bit of brutalized foliage had been restored. A few trees and bushes were beyond repair, and would serve as compost, their sacrifice appreciated and not forgotten.

I then ordered Honey Ray’s skeletal body to go back to the fir tree I had contacted earlier. I had a debt to repay, and some pruning to do. I would also need to weed around the cranky ancient, and remove the invasive moss growing on his east side but that was fine. I owed him one, and intended on paying him back in full.

I also made a note for Honey Rays to carry out similar tasks with the other trees and bushes that had come to my defence. It was kind of poetic in a way, that Honey Ray’s corpse would be the one to return the favor and help the plants. That would take time, but that was okay, as I had other things to focus on, like for one, my draconic servant and the injuries he suffered.

I tried to remedy this by simply attaching the missing pieces, but for some reason that didn't work. Using necromancy on them also didn't help, and it seemed to me as though they had become inanimate after being separated from the main body. I was a bit at a loss and was tempted to try making something out of wood or metal but had no tools to do so.

I then paused, and decided to ask the trees so to speak, posing the question to the council as I had begun to refer to them. I couldn't put into words exactly what was said, though it was kind of like sending them an image of the dragon and saying incomplete. That was relatively close to what happened, and it seemed to work as several plants began to grab my attention.

First were several saplings that had iron hard roots, and could grow almost anywhere with little complaint. The second were some vines that secreted a sticky sap that caused clumps of dirt to stick to it. Finally there was a moss that when left to its own devices spread far and wide, creating a thick matt that competed with others by covering their potential opponents, robbing them of sunlight.

I picked up on their intentions rather quickly, and gathered up a few seeds, some samples, and brought them over to me. Gathering up some dirt, I filled the dragon’s rib cage before planting all three of the plants inside the mass. It took a bit of power, and good amount of focus but the results would turn out to be quite worth the effort.

The vines grew quickly, becoming a sort of connective tissue that kept the dirt from simply falling back out of the dragon’s ribcage. The moss then covered the exterior, becoming a sort of skin that almost looked like scales when in the right light. Finally the trees sprouted from the dragons back and extended roots down the boney limbs, replacing the missing sections.

Seeing how successful this entire process was, I got to work covering the rest of him with dirt. I didn't want to rush things too much though so I used only a bit of power, allowing the plants to grow more naturally. Eventually I knew they would cover the entire dragon, and make him look like a walking forest complete with several stumpy trees sprouting from his back.

I planned on adding to him by planting some toxic mushrooms, and maybe even hollowing out a section inside of him. That would come later though, for now I just made sure to continuialy bail water onto the sections that were still growing. Along with plenty of light, and a trickle of energy, the plants grew steadily, creating a sort of flesh over the undead’s bones.

Regardless of how effective it was, the result would be a visage far less intimidating, or at kind of. At least the thestrals wouldn't have to look at the face of their former captor constantly, so that was something.

With that in motion, and my newest servants attending to the process, I surveyed the area once more, noting that an hour or so had passed. I didn't want to keep Pen Stroke and Tall Order waiting, but I wanted to do one last inspection first.

Ahh, of course. I thought to myself.

Dragging over the corpses of the deceased ponies that had been raised only to be killed a second time, I pulverized their bodies, turning them to fertilizer. Their equipment I gathered up, and simply left in a pile for the moment. I considered eating the magic but held off for the moment. They could be useful, though they may also have locator runes, or some other such magic that may be detrimental to me in the long turn.

I would ask the thestrals before simply destroying them all however. I hastily covered them in dirt and hid them away for the moment and put all thought of them out of mind. With little else to do I refocused back on Rainy, peering through the filly’s eyes.

What I saw was a rather chaotic affair, with thestrals arguing and yelling at one another. Arranged along a long table, the winged ponies were clearly panicking and had split into camps. From a brief listen I could tell that one group wished to flee deeper south while the other side wanted to stay.

Or at least thats what I assumed they were saying as their voices were muffled.

Rainy, dear. Could you please remove your hooves from your ears? I gently asked.

Nuh uh. They are just gonna keep yelling. Rainy retorted.

I knew I could simply force her to, but chose not to. Why don't you go inhabit that lizard and go explore some more while I borrow your body in order to deal with the hubbub?

Rainy considered it for only a moment before agreeing. Kay, bye. Was all I got out of her before she left her body behind and willed her consciousness to enter the undead lizard she had brought with her. My first instinct was to chide her for her impetious nature, but she was a child and should be granted whatever modicum of play I could.

“Ahem,” I declared, clearing Rainy’s throat.

“We need to flee, now!” yelled a rather large, barrel chested mare. “If her scouts are here her inquisitors can't be far behind.”

“But we don't know that for certain. All Rainy said was that Xathrid was fighting someone in gold armor,” retorted a thin, emaciated looking stallion.

“Oh right, because there are so many other golden armored ponies out there. Get real Orchid,” retorted the first mare.

I rolled my eyes and stood up before pounding a hoof into the table several times. “Quiet, quiet!” I shouted.

On the third impact, a hunk of the stone table fell off, clattering to the ground loud enough to stop the arguments. All eyes turned to me, including Tall Order, who I noticed sat at the far end.

“Good,” I proclaimed, plunking back down in my chair. “I could barely hear myself think over the clatter.”

“Xathrid, I presume,” Tall Order proclaimed.

“Indeed, and I bring news on the solar scouts,” I began.

That caused a few ponies to sigh and the general anxiety of the room to fall at least somewhat. Some looked to me anxiously, seemingly expecting terrible news, yet hopeful that they may be wrong.

“Its mixed I’m afraid,” I declared. “Diplomacy rather predictably failed, but I was able to wipe them out.”

“Thank all the stars in the sky,” muttered the thin stallion I saw earlier.

“But thats not all, right?” offered another thestral.

“No. They had a dead man’s switch in place wherein a squad will eventually go looking for them starting with their last confirmed location,” I answered.

“The sooner we pack up, the sooner we can find somewhere truly safe,” offered the large mare.

“We don't have the supplies, or really anywhere else to go. This is on the very edge of our maps,” added a voice.

“I refuse to run any further,” stated another.

“The other refugees will be coming here in a matter of days. If we leave they will be defenceless!” shouted a rather shrill voice from the back.

“Wait, there are more of you coming?” I asked.

“Yes,” Tall Order remarked. “I had mentioned this in passing once but the first wave should be arriving in less then a week. More will arrive in the coming months if they can flee the border before winter sets in.”

“So drawing the ire of the forces along the border may actually be beneficial to your kind,” I thought aloud. “I suppose thats a silver lining.”

“That may be but we should still consider departing before winter. The snows will clog the passes and make travel impossible,” offered a rather young mare sitting to my right.

“Wait. Wouldn't that hold up any squads sent to investigate the missing scouts?” I asked.

“Its possible but if they send a smaller group they may still be able to get through the pass before it fills up with snow and the skies become treacherous,” Tall Order stated.

“I don't think you all should leave. At least not yet,” I stated confidently. “They don't know about this city, and while you are recovering in my grove we can fortify the forest, while also seeking out the diamond dogs and your missing people.”

“That is a rather bold plan,” Tall Order remarked, clearly not totally convinced.

“Its the best plan we have,” added another voice.

The room became quiet, and various whispered conversations broke out. Throughout it all I eyed up Tall Order, the stallion clearly drawn inward, considering things carefully. I caught snippets and was able to deduce that they seemed on board, but werent totally convinced.

That was fine though. Not even I was wholly convinced by my own plan.

“The situation here is untenable,” Tall Order stated rather suddenly.

Looking up, I noticed that the room had fallen silent, and all eyes were on the thestral leader.

“We will move to your grove fully until such time as the diamond dog threat has been dealt with and we have had the chance to recover,” Tall Order proclaimed.

“What about the next wave?” asked a voice.

“We will make sure to have someone ready at the meeting place, and guide them to Xathrid’s grove. If we have not moved back into the keep by then,” Tall Order added.

“I thank you for showing such trust in me. I know your options are limited but I swear to you that your faith is not misplaced,” I added.

“See that it isn't,” Tall Order declared rather firmly. “I detest being in another’s debt you have already assisted us quite a bit.”

I smiled. “Hey, what are friends for?”

That seemed to soften Tall Order’s expression somewhat, and he grinned back at me. “Well said. We’ll finish preparations to move within a day’s time and set out as soon as we are rested and ready,” Tall Order stated.

“I will keep a close eye on the deathguard in order to ensure that no more diamond dog’s catch you by surprise,” I added.

“The deathguard?” Someone asked.

“The uh… volunteers,” I murmured. “I know we had a different name for them but this is way cooler.”

“I suppose it is fitting,” Tall Order muttered. “But we can discuss that later. For now, I’d ask that you leave us to our deliberation.”

“As you wish,” I replied, silently quite glad that they wanted some privacy.

Rainy had been caught up in the whole debacle mostly by accident and had been too polite to simply leave. At least now she could go back to doing whatever it is she was doing before I had accidentally incovnienced her. Stepping outside, I noticed that we were in one of the upper levels of the keep, one ill used and more damaged but safer from diamond dogs.

You may have your body back. I offered.

Nah I kinda wanna be a lizard some more. There are so many cool places around here, like this weird door I found a while ago. Rainy offered.

“Weird door?” I muttered aloud. “May I see?”

Sure but make it quick please. I like being a lizard. Rainy replied.

Switching places with the filly, I found myself within the diminutive form of the undead reptile. Its sight was magical, allowing me to see in the complete darkness I suddenly found myself immersed in. Looking around I found that there was indeed a large steel door directly in front of me.

There was no handle visible, or any method of opening it, and it was almost completely featureless save for a keyhole. Clambering up the remarkably slick door, I peered through the keyhole, but could see nothing at all on the other side. I noted that the door was strangely cold and seemed to pulse faintly with energy. Energy that made me feel uncomfortable yet was also slightly familiar in a way that I couldn't quite put to words.

Back on the ground, I noticed that there was only a foot or two of space and then simply another wall. Down at the bottom right there was a tiny crack, one just big enough for a fleshless lizard to squeeze themselves into. After doing so I once more inspected my surroundings and found I was in a seemingly random hallway in the upper levels of the keep.

Up here the floor was in a poor state, with chunks having fallen away, creating a hazardous area few were brave enough to explore. Despite how destroyed it was, I could tell that it had likely served as a home away from home for foreign dignitaries or perhaps a royal family. The decorations that were visble were lavish, but utterly ruined by the passage of time and decades or centuries of neglect.

The wall I had just emerged from was perfectly flat, and looked totally normal, with not a single brick out of place. It seemed to me as though someone had essentially bricked up the entrance, though why I couldn't comprehend. They were protecting or perhaps hiding something but given my non existent knowledge of who had called this place home I couldn't even make a guess as to what that was.

Weird, huh? Rainy asked.

Quite so Rainy. I thought. Quite so.

If you want to read the next updates for my biggest stories at the begining of the month rather at the end, or want to get a commission from me as well as access to patreon exclusive content, and the chance to submit story requests every month, head over to my patreon!

Join me over on patreon and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.

This update was made possible by the wonderful support of readers like you: Ech, Tailsic, Chrisb32, Nightwing, Tonoz, CoreyPeters, Thane, Renegade, Sunset Flash, Kyokimute, Monsterkittie, Louts Petals, Tacocat, Tom, MestreJ, Aang Slyver, Canary in the Coal Mine, Ceepert, Starless, Vi Watch, Facinus, M, Nfreak, Venerable Ro, Blade Tech, Cryil Shadeclaw, John Gonzales, Nightwing, Peter Coulthard, Srgtartman, Thane Kull, Victor, Dale, Dragons' Sheppard, Egery007, Gear change the earth pony, Ivar, James, Kali, Lich Lord Krosis, Menthol Qtip, Midnight Serenade, Mop Hop, Nathan Brown, Octavia Lowbar, Pacsik, Soundtea, Hannibal, Fiamgoku, Grub, Matias Duran, and Steven.