#16
Fall. Day 15. Morning. Clackerton.

This morning I awoke to a surprise breakfast prepared my my mother and sister. Father was out of the house, leaving early for work. He knew that I was okay and I understood that his work was important to him. By no means was he married to it. After a good breakfast of wheat-grass, toast, and milk I was off to work again.

Busy walked alongside me, down the foggy streets of cobblestone. Our only way of seeing what was where were the tall, brightly lit streetlamps standing at every corner. The dangling lanterns rattled lightly in the wind. The trees were a palette of warm colors this time of year, always were. The frigid breeze crisped up the leaves, turning them into something particularly fragile. But the sound of their crunching beneath our hooves were a delightful sound.

While we walked, Busy asked me how my first delivery went. I gladly told her about the stop at Dullard and I met two incredible stallions who guided me into the Frozen Desert. How they applied some strange potion to the back of a petrified wolf and it freed him from his stone prison. “Abner even had two guardians of his own. A golem made of ice and earth and just this gigantic dragon that could've easily had us as a snack. But he was friendly. Charger said that the dragon had lived for several thousand years.”

“Sounds like quite the adventure you had. You always had a knack for it. Tell me, did they guide you home as well?” She asked as she unlocked the door to the post office.

“They did, but we left the dragon, Abner, and his golem back in Canis Village.”

“I remember hearing about that place. A dragon wiped it out a couple years ago if I recall correctly. Guess they rebuilt what they had.” My sister always had a habit of jumping to conclusions, but they were always well-educated ones.

“Probably.”

We were inside the office now, dim sunrise piercing through the windows. “They didn't come into town with you?”

“Well, Charger said he grew up here but he said that it he had other matters that needed to attended to.”

“That's fine. Just as long as you're safe.” Safe? That was a word mother always used with us. Guess their likenesses in personality are becoming more prevalent.

As I gathered up the papers for my daily route, the office slowly became noisier. The other employees came in slowly one after the other. I punched in and left as soon as Busy was finished organizing the deliveries for my route.

#17
Fall. Day 15. Afternoon. Clackerton. Flight Gear's Workshop.

After successfully delivering each one paper and envelope on my route and giving Busy both my report of the extended delivery and today's punch card, I headed to Flight Gear's Workshop. I wanted to see if he had finished the equipment he was making for me.

When I arrived I found him shooing out a couple of troublesome young colts. “You two keep coming in here and playing with my stock I'm gonna have to make something to keep ya out! Ya hear?”

The two colts hurried down the narrow road, giggling to themselves. They brushed me by and for a moment it reminded me of when I was a bit more reckless. I smiled and continued on, seeing Albedo, Flight Gear's wife, standing on the roof of the workshop. Always went up there so she could give a weather forecast for the next day. I entered the workshop, seeing him hard at work crafting something small and intricate. Hard to tell what it was.

“Flight Gear!” I called out.

I had yanked him from his concentration. In his frightened fit he fired the screwdriver in his magical grasp into the ceiling and through the roof. We both heard a shriek come from the roof. “Sorry, honey!” he yelled.

Her yelled reply was faint, “What in the blazes are you doing down there, makin' a crossbow!?”

“Customer scared me, is all.”

“I better not come down there to no one at all, sugar.”

“You're welcome to check!” Once the yelling had stopped, he turned his attention back to me.

They both had some banter to say to one another when they were together. I wonder how their relationship even came to be. “Flight, I was wondering if you've made any progress on that equipment you were making.”

“Oh, I have. Not nearly as much I would've liked to, but I have.” I heard him mumble to himself while he located the different parts under his workbench. Slowly, the were reassembled again. “I keep it dismantled because of those two kids I threw out earlier. You saw them I'm sure.” he waited fro me to answer.

“I did.”

“Anyways, I found a way to get the controls entirely wing-based, so to speak.”

“So to speak?”

“It needs some tweaking, still and then the last few parts.”

“How will it work?” I moved in closer to his desk which he used as a front counter.

“Well, normally I craft stuff like this to work for anypony, no matter the race. But I'm taking some shortcuts here. It'll only work for Pegasi.” He began to point out small flaps located on the chassis of the equipment. “Your flight will be enhanced by these flaps here, here, and here. I had to develop the wing shielding to reduce both strain and improve aerodynamics.” He laid the equipment out across the counter. “I have to warn you though, this is fragile with the current material and with the increased performance comes a risk.”

“Risk?” I inquired.

“Blacking out. G-forces that forces the blood to the hooves too quickly.”

“I think I may have done that once or twice.”

He put the equipment away as I browsed through some of his other wares. “How's your leg?” he asked.

“Doing okay I guess. Doctor said it should heal up in a couple days.”

“That's good. Just don't get yourself in a sorry state.”

“I'm sure I'll be fine.”

It was amazing how much his personality changed when I first knew him. He had tossed aside his profane language and nearly quit his drinking habits. He still had a small glass of his favorite whiskey every now and again though.

#18
Fall. Day 15. Late Evening. Clackerton. Clock Tower

I went up to the clock tower again. Just wanted to view the town from up high and see if there was anything new sprouting up. The crisp cold air gave me goosebumps but I got used to it. Town always looks so different at night during the day. Any town would I'd imagine. Every place that bustled this time of night, taverns, inns, bars, kept their lights on throughout the night. In their glow you could almost hear the echo of their crowds.

I looked up at the stars for a moment just to see if I could make out any of the constellations. The North Star was there, brightest and earliest as it always was. It marked the handle of the Little Dipper not far from it, the Big Dipper. I remembered the petals of the flower that Abner's mother had given to me. I don't know how but she managed to interweave them into the chain of my pendent. I pulled the locket from my chest and saw the the petals still emitted a faint blue glow. Wonder what magic causes this.

Then I opened it with a press of a button. Two portrait photos, I on the left and Apricot on the right. I smiled to myself and closed the locket back up. The clock tower's balcony always has a nice view. You could easily each end of town despite the tall inn that had sprung up in the market square recently.

I wandered my way back into the clock tower to the sound of quiet breathing. A couple of animals had curled up amongst each other for warmth. Some of them were familiar faces, they followed Apricot around town sometimes and helped her out when she needed it. I thought about sleeping beside them for a moment.

Then a flash of light blinded me. I heard paper hit the floor as I opened my eyes, straining to adjust. A scroll? It was clasped shut with a ribbon and what looked like a royal seal. There wasn't a single pony that I knew of that could do such a thing. I should check with Busy tomorrow and have her look it over but curiosity is getting the better of me.

#19
Fall. Day 15. Late Evening. Clackerton. Home.

I made my way home from the clock tower after reading that scroll. Letter, rather. I walked slowly through the house, cautious of the creaky boards that could awake my parents. Busy was a heavy sleeper. Finding the table in my room by candlelight, I pulled the clasped ribbon off the paper I had received and read through it.

It was from Princess Celestia, wishing to congratulate my safe return from the Frozen Desert and returning Abner to his home. She knew about him? How? Despite my confusion I continued to read on. The rest of the letter appeared to be an invitation to her castle. Some part of it seemed like it was a request as well. She mentioned EPPS and that she has already seen to it that I get the days off. With the letter, she had appended a single train ticket from Ponyville to Canterlot.

Canterlot? I feel deserving of thanks but not praise if that's what she wants. But I digress, royalty of the highest order shouldn't be ignored She requested that I leave in two days and that she would have someone escort me through the Everfree Forest. Still, she didn't state what she was offering or what the real purpose was behind her invitation other than the congratulations. I'll have to consult Busy tomorrow on the matter but for now I need some rest.

#20
Fall. Day 16. Afternoon. Clackerton. Post Office.

I talked to Busy. She looked over the seal on the ribbon that came with the letter. As well as the intricate stamp that had been left next to Celestia's signature. She had heard something about my days off for tomorrow. It was practically a vacation as the time off extended up to the end of next week. I guess the letter confirmed her suspicions of why I did. She promptly congratulated me on getting a visit to Canterlot and a personal thanks from the Princess. Busy didn't quite understand the reason for it but she was more than happy for me.

I'll be packing my things tonight after dinner tonight. I'm not sure how my parents will take the news, I'm sure they'll be happy about it. I just hate having to leave so soon.

#21
Fall. Day 16. Evening. Clackerton. Home.

The dinner table was a bit quiet tonight. The only sounds that really filled the air was just the clink of silverware against the plates. I sprung up a conversation about the letter I had received from the Princess. My mother and father both congratulated me but there was still some uneasy tension. I'm not sure if they both expected me to leave again so soon or if they were having trouble adjusting. Then again, maybe I brought the subject up at a bad time. They need to know, though. I just wonder what awaits me at Canterlot.

#22
Fall. Day 17. Early Morning. Clackerton.

I'm waiting for my escort to arrive, just outside Clackerton's walls. I left the house this morning, well before the rest of my family got up. I managed to give them all a hug while they slept without waking them. I packed a few sandwiches to eat on the way and headed out the door. Before I made my way off the porch, my father stopped me. Apparently he found his way out without alerting me. “Son.” his deep voice was unusual to hear as a whisper.

I jumped a little bit. “Dad?”

“Your mother and I are both taking this pretty hard. We're both happy that you get to meet the Princess but you having to leave for long durations of time is what has us worried.”

“I think I'm still adjusting to my new job for the most part, Dad.”

“We are too. We can't always stay in one place.” That rings true to my ears, they still do. He gave me a hug and gave me his goodbye. “I'll be seeing you soon. Just, don't injure yourself again, okay?”

“I'll try not to.”

“Also, you best say something to Apricot before you go.”

“I will.”

“Good.”

I went to Apricot's house and knocked on her door again. I was greeted by her mother once more, dressed in a nightgown this time. She fetched Apricot. I told Apricot I'd be leaving for Canterlot and she understood. I saw her face twinge at the thought of me not returning. I told her I would be thinking her while I was away and that I'd return in good health. It cheered her up but I know she'll miss me. I know I'll miss her and I'd rather not leave her. I don't like seeing her lonely.

I think I see my escort coming up the road now. A familiar figure. Mohawk, black and white stripes. It's Zecora. Didn't think she'd ever venture out here.

#23
Fall. Day 17. Early Afternoon. Ponyville Train Station.

Waiting at the train station now, Zecora sitting beside me. It was quiet for the most part, we didn’t have much to talk about. She asked how my leg was. I said it was fine, just a little sore. The trip through Everfree didn't seem to take as much of a toll as it did before.

The train station was quiet aside from the little filly and her parent that ran around. The stallion behind the front counter looked familiar. I think it may be Prudence's husband. The two of them have something special I think.

I can hear the train coming from over the horizon now. It was pretty brightly colored compared to what one would initially expect. Its horn managed to echo inside the station and its billowing cloud of smoke getting ever larger. The chugging of the engine is getting louder and the brakes began to squeal. A mare's voice came in over the loudspeaker, “Ponyville to Canterlot train now arriving. All passengers should prepare their tickets and luggage before boarding.”

“Guess I'll be seeing you when I get back.” I said to Zecora.

“Indeed. But first, I have something you need.” She pulled out a small corked pot wrapped in a rough brown cloth, rawhide.

“This is...?”

“A potion to help with motion. Celestia's request I'll attest. Take this brew where the storm brews.”

I grabbed the potion and placed it in my saddlebag. “I'll keep it in mind, Zecora. Thank you.”

I got on the train and sat in one of the cars towards the back. Then the train lurched forward and began taking one of the turnarounds.

From afar, the panoramic view of the distant mountains and the faintly visible castle was, well, exciting. I have to stop writing though, the motion of the train and staring at the pages of this journal seems to bugging my head.

#24
Fall. Day 17. Late Afternoon. Canterlot Train Station.

Zecora told me, before I left Ponyville, that I'd have somepony waiting to escort me from the train station here to Celestia's castle. I looked around after departing the train, my saddlebag in tow. I wore my uniform to hopefully make myself stand out from the rest of the crowd. I didn't think it helped much at first but I was found by my escort. A humble looking mare with a pair of glasses to help with her sight. “Letter Bee?”

“That's correct.” I was a bit confused at how she knew how to identify me.

She relieved a sigh, “Good. I thought I'd never find you in this crowd. I'm still kinda new to this, honestly.” Her voice was flustered, panicked, even.

“Let's find our way out of the station, shall we? Your lead”

“Right, of course. Celestia wanted to see you as soon as you got to the castle.”

“Well, let's not disappoint her then.”

We found our way through the well dressed crowd. Something that made me feel rather out of place. My escort got a bit less jittery once we did, I figure she's nervous around large groups of ponies. Canterlot was remarkable. The mountain breeze reminded me of home and I wondered if flight restrictions existed here. I thought to ask her but ultimately withdrew.

The stone for the roadways here were different than the ones back home. Brighter coloration and larger slabs overall. And everything was just so ornately designed. Every edged object appeared to end in a swirl and a majority of the roofs came to a steep point. Windows were mostly purple and blue tints and there are a vastly larger amount of stores here compared to Clackerton.

“Oh dear. I think... I think I may have gotten ourselves lost.”

“Oh dear indeed.” I humored.

Her cheeks flared up. Easily embarrassed, it seems. “Ugh. She wants us back soon and I don't want to disappoint her and it's my first day doing this and I'm still pretty new and-”

“Alright. Alright. Settle down.” I moved my mouth as if to say her name, but I found that I had never gotten it in the first place. “Say, what was your name?”

“Sitka Spruce.” Fitting name considering her cutie mark.

“Well then, Sitka. Just relax your head for a moment and think of how you got to the train station and we can backtrack from there. I'm sure Celestia won't be too worried about it.”

“Right. Right. I just- I mean, I'm just nervous is all.”

“I can tell.” I snickered.

We found ourselves back on the right road. Funny, due to the fact it's the largest friggin road in Canterlot. We chatted a bit more during our walk to the castle gates. I learned that she had moved to Canterlot from some unnamed stretch of houses that all worked together to raise tree farms. Her reason for moving here being that she wanted an agricultural degree in it. Her working under Celestia as one of her many servants was kind of happenstance. Sitka had run into her by accident and her nature had intrigued Celestia somehow.

We finally made it to the castle, pearly gates and two guards stood between us. Canterlot was a marvel of architecture and it's castle of many disjointed towers held many a wonder. Sitka said a word or two the lead guard and they opened a smaller, inset door in the large gate. A convenience thing I suppose.

When we got inside the castle, we were greeted by a line of guards stiff as boards on either side of the runway of a rug. So much fucking purple and gold. At least it actually looks nice and not some clash of neon hues of the two.

“Right, I still have to lead you to your room.”

“I get a room?”

“All guests of honor do.”

“I'm a guest of honor? Seems like a little bit much.”

“I agree, honestly. You don't seem like much of anything.”

“Because I'm not.” Her words hurt a bit but I didn't have much of a rebuttal either.

She lead me to my room, rather large and standard for royalty. The bay window even had a view of the gardens below where rich ponies could gather and mingle. Sitka left me a key and went off to find the princess. She assured me that she wouldn't get lost either.

I still hadn't asked her how she found me out from the crowd.

#25
Fall. Day 17. Evening. Canterlot Castle.

Sitka came back and told me that she had let the princess know that I'd arrived. She couldn't stay and chat, unfortunately.

The boredom was killing me and my mind seems perfectly ripe for thoughts of home. I wondered how my family was doing and how Apricot was holding up. It's a bit early to start the want to head back home. I remembered my father's words and somehow they settled me down. My anxiousness vanished and I refocused my concerns. I was going to see the Princess. I'm not sue what she wanted or what she was going to do but I'll be needing to mind my manners at the very least.

There's a rasping at the door. I'll be back soon.

#26
Fall. Day 17. Late Evening. Canterlot Castle.

Well, the meet with Celestia went well. She wants me to head over to someplace called the Light Fringe Kingdom. She described it as a kingdom that was slowly falling apart. So the King and Queen there were trying to work something out to create some sort of mass migration to get them somewhere safer. And while I do agree with it, why send me? I don't have the right to meddle in royal affairs. I tried to word it as kindly as possible.

“I specifically called for you because I received good word from a few friends of yours.”

“Friends? You mean Charger and Wrecker?”

“Correct. Charger sees a greatness in you, Letter. I've commanded him to accomplish many a task. All done phenomenally well. You may not have the great ability to break a storm or manipulate the weather but I see in you an earnest heart. No matter what message you may bring, you'll be connecting ponies to one another.”

“I know but I still don't understand why you'd have me do this.”

“Consider it a test. Set the bar of what couriers can do. Let them know that they don't just deliver packages and letters but that they bring together the hearts of ponies far apart. Ease their worries.”

At this point I wasn't sure if I could refuse. Her argument was solid and it is exactly what my job entails. It shouldn't matter if I'm taking the letter from a beggar or a royal. It is my job, my duty, to deliver it. And I shall. I ultimately accepted her request and tomorrow morning I shall be leaving. Debarking soon after breakfast. The method I'll be taking to get there, I'm not sure about yet.

#27
Fall. Day 18. Early Morning. Canterlot Castle Docks.

I had a hearty breakfast in the vast dining hall of the castle. I recall the most delicious thing being a pasta of some sort. It was nice, to have breakfast there and have a gentle conversation with the two Princesses of Equestria, Celestia and Luna.

Afterward, I was escorted to the dock by both Celestia and Sitka. Luna had other matters to attend to. She look tired as it was and well, being a princess of the night, I figure breakfast is probably a lot more like dinner. Celestia warned me that this was going to be a long flight and commissioned a small airship for my personal use. “You'll be quickly shown by the flight instructor how to fly it. I made sure this was easy enough to fly with just a couple pedals and the wheel. You may actually recognize a few things.”

“Really?”

“I'm sure the name Flight Gear rings a bell.”

“It does. How do you even know about him?”

“I have my ways, I assure you. I'm considering commissioning something much larger from him later. He has a very good reputation for this kind of thing.”

“Right. Anyways, when should I head out?'

“As soon as you're done with the lesson.” She called over the flight instructor. “Skip, show Letter how to operate the new ship, please.”

“Of course, your highness.” He was very stern and spoke proudly with a quick salute. He told me, “Not to worry. This thing's pretty easy to fly.” He pulled me away from Celestia and directed me to the small ship. “Silver Liner, he named it.”

Name was suitable. Small silver hull with two metal wings protruding outward. They met the hull at some enclosed disc structure. He had the same engine set up as he did in the Goshawk; a turbine system fueled by magic fluids. Never actually told me what the fluid came from. The pilot's seat was kind of strange. I would have to lay down on my chest with my front hooves controlling an inclined wheel for steering. It could be tilted up and down for pitch and I would have to lean my body in order to steer it left or right. My back legs will control the acceleration of of the vehicle. Silver Liner, quite the name considering it's dart-like shape.

This thing Flight Gear made, it's decades ahead of what Celestia has. Now I see why she's looking into him for a larger commission.

“Now I know this is all rather brief and it all sounds a bit convoluted. I think the best way for anypony to fly this thing is to pretend you're trying to balance on a pole with your belly.”

“I understand. Is fuel going to be an issue?”

“Flight Gear says that this tiny tank here should last a few months at the least. I'd suggest practicing a few laps around the docks first- low speed of course- to get the hang of things.”

I hopped into the seat and stretched myself out, surprisingly comfortable. “Um, how do you start this thing?”

“Out of all the things, I forget the ignition switch. Hold down both pedals, then hold the button on the wheel until the engine kicks in. It'll jolt a bit.”

I followed his instruction and the machine whirred to life. Noisy beast. The sound beat my chest. Soon enough, I found the machine lifting from the ground.

“Alright, that's good. Shut her down the same way you turned her on.” I did so. “How's it feel?”

I felt my breath stolen from me. “Exhilarating. Strange, really.”

My remark seemed to catch him by surprise. “Most ponies that tried this thing were scared.”

I looked around to see if Celestia was still around. She was, her face was all smiles. “'I'll be taking that letter now, Princess.”

“I'm glad to hear it. I thank you, Letter.”

“Easy now, don't need the public thinking you two are lovers.” Skip interjected. “Princess, I'm sure you've other things to attend to. I'll be seeing this young gent off. I think he's got the hang of it.”

“You're welcome, Princess. I'll be seeing you when I get back.”

I've gotten the hang of Silver now. Skip hoofed me a pair of goggles to wear and recommended that I stuff my scarf and hat for my uniform in my saddlebag. Luckily, Flight had made bars for tying things down.

It's getting close to early noon now. I think I'll be heading off. Flying in the direction of Light Fringe should be easy enough. I wonder what it's like out there. Celestia told me that it shouldn't be too hard to find. Remarking that it's a castle in the middle of the ocean. Interesting.

#28
Fall. Day 18. Late Evening. Eastern Ocean

Not sure how far out I am. This ocean is strange for the most part. It's as if an entire mountain range, continent even, was just dropped into the ocean. When I broke beyond the land of Griffons and reached the Flatwall, all I was met with was this damned ocean. The Flatwall extends forever. It could wrap the world as I know it, twice. Maybe thrice. I felt so miniscule.

I've stopped at what was left of an abandoned town. Nature hadn't been kind to its stonework. It's dock remained partially intact. Lucky for me. I wonder what happened to those who lived here. I would assume that moving elsewhere would be the answer. The noise of Silver still rings in my ears a bit.

The sky is pretty nice tonight. I can almost see Luna's face in the moon. Stars were clearer than they were at home. The ocean breeze is quite a bit different than Clackerton's. The smell of water and salt compared to grass and dirt. I think, I can see a storm in the distance. Further east. I hope it's not there tomorrow. I swear I've seen lightning flash through the ghostly wall a few times. I can't hear it, but I'm frightened, to say the least. I'd rather my journey not end here.

#29
Fall. Day 19. Morning. Eastern Ocean.

I did not sleep very comfortably last night. Nightmare after nightmare of nothing but seeing my home up in fire followed by an unsettling rage. But as soon as I saw the apricot tree, I'd break down and then I would wake up. Strong headaches abound until I got my bearings straight. It's been a long time since I've had a nightmare to shake me up that bad.

The storm in the distance is still there. That's gonna be hard to drive through. Rain stings pretty bad if you're flying through it quickly enough. And now that I look over Silver Liner again, I can relate it to a bicycle, just rather large and built for speed with knife-shaped wings.

I looked to the ruins on the sunken peak. Somehow, they made me think of home, despite their emptiness. For a moment I thought I saw a spark of light, followed by a stream of light finding it's way through a non-existent street. I rubbed my eyes and it vanished.

I ate some breakfast that I had packed from Canterlot. Sitka had packed it out of her own concern. Packed lunch and dinner, too. She was sweet and I'm grateful for her kindness. After I was done eating, I thought I saw that wisp of light again. The ocean's reflection must be messing with my head. Enough delay, let's be off.

#30
Fall. Day 19. Late Afternoon. Light Fringe Kingdom.

That storm was surprisingly easy to get through. All the rain appeared to vanish around me. I wonder if Flight Gear had engineered that. The rain was still pouring when I got to the docks of Light Fringe. The entire place is one massive floating arpeggio cloaked in rain. But it's chained down to giant pillars into the sunken mountains below. Celestia was right, this place isn't that hard to miss. How much land did this kingdom truly hold because my first impression lead me to believe that it had fallen apart long ago. It's walls were even taller. What in the world were they trying to prevent?

I was greeted by unicorn cloaked in cloth, soaked to the bone. “Good afternoon! How may I be of assistance?” I wasn't sure they were expecting me so I announced that I was delivering a letter on behalf of Princess Celestia. “Celestia, you say? We haven't heard that name in years.”

“Years?” It was hard to see any good glimpse of the pony.

“Yea.” He faced the windy rain. “Shoot. Let's get you and your vehicle inside.” He montioned with a flick of magic to another guard on the wall. A small gate opened in the wall and out came a drawbridge, lowered by braided chains. I hopped back on Silver and started her up. The unicorn guided me to something of a stable. “We used to keep drakes here, long time ago. I think they were driven out by the maelstrom.” Sparking a fire with a thatch of hay, he added, “Com'ere. Warm up a bit.”

“How long has the-”

“I don't know. None of us do. Texts don't mention it. The only ponies that'd know are the King and Queen.” Unveiling his head with a swift pull of his hood, a unicorn with a dark complexion all around. Royal purple, gaudy yellow mane and tail and green eyes. His face held the stroke of fire, clouding one eye and the disappearance of an ear. “That machine of yours, rather noisy. What's it called?”

“Silver Liner.” The fire gave off an odd blue glow, but it was warm. “I need to deliver-”

“I know, settle down. Plenty of time. 'Sides, Queen Radiance is a busy gal these days. King went off to the other branches on some business.” I found myself staring into the fire, holding my breath. “Breath, buddy. Good grief.”

“Sorry, I've had a long day.” He laughed at that until he choked on his own breath. “Are you alright?”

“'Long days'. That's somethin' I haven't heard in a while. Let me show you why this place is called Light Fringe.” His magic found the shutters to a nearby window and they fluttered wide. “You see that beam of light out there?”

I had to strain my eyes a bit, it was faint enough. The veil of rain wasn't easy to break. “Yea. That's the eye of the maelstrom?”

“You bet. We look to it for hope. We've sent in a few soldiers to see what's there once or twice. Only to have them return with nothing to say for it.”

“That's unfortunate.”

“Yea. Good lot of us out here have had to deal with broken lives. It's tough but somehow, we make due.” He broke away from the window and sat back beside the fire. “Say, boy. What's your name.”

“Letter Bee, sir.” I felt I owed him at least some respect. Stallion must have been through hundreds of fights.

He placed a hoof over his heart and held his head high, “Name's Royal Rain, son of Black Rain the Third.” Then he pointed at me, “Where ya from?”

“Clackerton.”

“Haven't heard of it. I shall call you Letter of Clackerton, Messenger of Celestia.”

“I hope that's only for introductions.”

“It shall be.”

#31
Fall. Day 19.Evening. Light Fringe Palace

Rain left some of his subordinates to take his place at the gatehouse. Saw his guidance of my trip to the palace something that he needed to do. He told me a great many things about the palace and the city that surrounded it. The palace was grand, more so than the richest mansions in the city. He did point out something about the many statues around and within the palace. Kingfishers, molded from bronze or silver usually placed around fountains or in front of pillars. Recently, ever since the King's leave to the other three kingdoms, the palace has started to fall into a state of disrepair. Apparently it's been several months now since the King had left for something that normally only takes a week or two.

The city kept within the walls of Light Fringe was quite crowded. Could easily fit the castle of Canterlot and its surrounding city three times over. How long has this kingdom been sitting here? Its citizens all seem to carry with them a device which could keep them shielded from the rain and it seemed that there wasn't a single pony that wasn't a unicorn. I noticed the writing that marked the stores was vastly different than that of Equestria. Every building was constructed from stones and plaster plain as could be aside from the stripes of red or blue that marked the arched doorways. Everypony just radiated this discomforting feel of sadness and despair.

We made it to the castle, through a crowd of beggars and protesters. They spoke a different language as well. Royal yelled at them to open up a path, in their language. It was a course language, hard and throaty. It demanded attention. I asked him what they were gathered in front of the palace for.

“They're asking for a new King. They've grown impatient with the Queen. She cannot move the army without his consent nor can she pass new laws without him.” He answered.

The crowd whispered aloud. I wore my uniform. I heard Canterlot mentioned a few times. I suppose a name like that is the same in any language. Some of their voices sounded like they were getting happier.

We climbed a flight of stairs through a straight colonnade and past the wall behind it. What was on the other side was a large courtyard drenched and dead by over-saturation. The kingfisher statues that I saw have been worn down and rounded down. Remnants of what they once were. Some of them were in a more pristine condition but they look as if they'd been crying. I remember the story that mother had told me, a royal couple brought together by their kingfishers. Perhaps it wasn't a fairy tale after all.

We went through hall after hall of nothing but columns and stone guards until we reached the throne room. The curtains had fallen about the windows, torn from rods. Vases and drawers thrown across the floor as if the place had been ransacked. Chandeliers and lamps torn from the walls and ceilings. The king and queen were to sit at the top of a raised platform in this circular room with an ornate rug red and gold stretching from their chairs. The larger one had been knocked over and the disheveled queen sat in the other. She was the only one in there aside from us.

Her coat was a bright white, almost glowed. Same with the rest of her.

“My Queen.” Royal bowed.

She lifted her head, her cheeks stained by the eyeliner she used to wear. I think she's lost more hope than her subjects. “Ah, Captain Royal Rain. I hope you've good news.”

“I bring you Letter Bee of Clackerton, Messenger to Celestia.”

Her voice became more lively, “She finally sends me a message after all these years. That old crone. Let's see what she has to say.”

I pulled the letter out from my bags. It remained untouched by the rain. Pulled the ribbon off and unwound it from its collapsed form. That's when the queen took it from my grasp.

Her eyes scanned through the letter and rather vaguely, her heart dropped. “I can't accept this. We've several times tried to send word to her but our ships have failed and finding a pegasus in this city is hard enough as it is. I can't simply moved my subjects out from this storm.” She set the letter aflame and tossed it. “Royal Rain.”

“Yes, my queen?”

“Find my husband.” She morphed a large key from the air around her and placed it in front of him. “Take this key and go to the vault. You'll find the portals to the other three lands there.”

“But your majesty, you kno-”

“Better I lose one stallion than an army, Royal.”

Royal stood taller than before. “Very well. I shall complete your task.”

“My husband went there to charge the crystals, you'll find them on your own And take this 'messenger' with you.”

#32
Fall. Day 19. Late Evening, Midnight? Vault of Light Fringe.

We dragged the key with us. Royal seemed to already know the way to The Vault. Its path down another set of halls away from the throne room. “You'll have to forgive the Queen. She's not been herself. The King's absence has left her in disarray. Shame you have to get involved with this.”

“It is.”

Soon enough we found our way outside and before a large large set of peaked doors guarded by a tall iron rod fence. Lush gardens flushed outward from its frame and climbed over the walls. The rains were quite a bit lighter here but the winds were still swift.

“Only ever seen this place once, every guard does. Most of us forget the path.”

“Say, Royal, what are the Other Lands?”

Royal hefted up the key and unlocked the gate. They slowly creaked open on their own. “You ever hear the tale of the Kingfisher Couple?” I shook my head, I wanted to confirm if my mother's story was the same. And as it turns out, it was despite Royal's shortened version of it. He added that three of the kingdoms had fallen, not from a war, but from dark magic.“I don't know what we'll come across when we get in The Vault. Every step must be cautious.”

“Does the Queen trust you with this?”

He shrugged just before we pushed the larger doors open. We were met with a blinding flash of light. When our eyes came to, he spoke, “So that's how.”

A small room greeted us with a fountain circled by four doorways in a sea of white. There was no rain, no wind, no whisper of a cloth. Above each door was a small banner with an emblem. One of a golden tree, another of a bear-like creature, crossed spear and axe, and the fourth was the kingfisher.

Above the fountain stood a massive crystal floating rather precariously. I approached the crystal, I could hear a voice. “Come here.” it whispered. Royal seemed to be frozen in time. When I got a step away from the fountain, an immense amount of pain came over me. All my muscles exploded and then the pricking of a thousand needles pecked out my nerves.

I collapsed and my eyes gave way.

#33
Fall. Day 20? Time of Day? Vault of the Four.

I awoke in a fever, cold sweat across my brow. In a panic I tried to look myself over but Royal stopped me. “Easy kid. You'll hurt yourself. What happened?”

My vision was in dissonance. “I'm... I'm not sure, Royal. I just heard a voice. 'Come here.' it said.”

Royal pulled back and glanced at the crystal. “Stay away from the thing, then. Haven't made it to the Other Lands and you're already hurtin'.”

“Sorry.”

“Its quite alright. Feeling well enough to move?”

“Give me a moment. Head feels like its been cracked.” I sluggishly got back on my hooves and something of a stream floated between the doorways. “Are you seeing that?”

“See what now?”

The streams washed away as my dizziness faded. “Nothing. Nothing at all. Which way should we go first? Go for the Axe and Spear first?”

“Thinkin' the same. I'll lead, kid.”

#34
Fall. Day 20? Noon? Land of Axe and Spear.

We stepped through the portal behind the doors and on the other side were the ruins of an military driven castle. Its walls had crumbled and its palace razed to the ground. I looked up to the sky and saw that it was nothing but ocean, sunlight faintly passing through the waves. What kept the water out? Rain and I walked through the front gates which still hung from their hinges, broken as they were. Regardless of everything being either in ruin or outright abandoned, it was clear that the battle that happened here was caused by internal strife.

We made our way to the fallen palace I noticed that a lot of the architecture was nearly identical when compared with Light Fringe. Coming upon the armory just outside the palace, we found a good supply of weapons and shields and almost all of them were broken beyond repair. Royal had his own spear to wield but suggested that we might find something useful anyways. I found an old wand that appeared to come to life the closer I got to it. I grabbed it and put it in my saddlebag.

After our scouring, we continued on to the palace. Parts of the ceiling had fallen down and left skeletal remains of those unfortunate. We followed their trail and eventually came to a door behind the throne. It wasn't anything like The Vault but it was haunting nonetheless. And it was open.

Rain ventured in first and came back out once we knew the room was clear. “I remember this now. This kingdom fell to a rebellion. The citizens became unwieldy and overwhelmed the guard. The Queen who ruled here put an end to it.” We both stared at the crystal that emitted magic of its own. “What we've seen is the result. Queen vanished after that.”

“That's... rather tragic.”

“Looks like this one is already charged, let's head to the one with the tree next.”

#35
Fall. Day 20? Late Afternoon. Land of the Golden Tree.

Rain told me what he knew of the tree here. Said that it was once a lovely place where songs sang and everypony was prosperous in heart and mind. The tree had grown so large that it could protect the entire kingdom from the weather with its golden branches. It was really the only one of the three that they actually had solid information on. What caused the kingdom to become abandoned wasn't in the books though.

But now we know. Something had caused the tree to flay out its roots and consume everything. The town shimmered under the waves, the gold glittered. The roots had formed a straight path to the palace and as we progressed, the worse things got. Trapped within the roots were the frozen faces of terror and pain. Some protected their children. Others stood strong against what consumed them. Many more were outright slaughtered by the trees roots stained by blood. I retched at the sight of that. The tree had been cut down and it came alive.

I remembered a proverb, “Greed is a dangerous fruit. Delicious though it may be, the stomach empties more.”

We passed through the halls of the palace and came upon the throne room. Same as the others. The least they could do is hire a a different architect. The room behind the throne here had its crystal charged as well and so we moved onto the next land: The Land of the Beast.

#36
Fall. Day 20? Evening. Vault of the Four.

We took a break to rest and eat what food I had. I was thankful again, Sitka had packed extra for me. It was good despite its humble looks.

“Letter, you don't have to continue this, you're not fit.” I didn't answer him. The sight of the golden aftermath was still fresh. I couldn't veer my eyes from seeing it every time I blinked. “Go home.”

“No, Rain. I'm not going to run. I don't want to. I'm willing to see this through.”

“Stubborn boy, aren't ya?” He laughed.

We rested a bit before taking the last portal, to the the Land of the Beast. I saw more streams of magic dance around the Vault and swirl themselves around the crystal in there. Rain still didn't pay much mind to them. Maybe he can't see them. What in the world is happening to me?

#37
Fall. Day 21? Early Morning? Land of the Beast

We ventured into there, greeted once more by a large village before the large palisade walls. The city was torn apart and incredibly strong barrier that had fallen apart. Rain told me about this place too. Said that it was a kingdom geared more for defense. The reason why the walls were bolstered and reinforced with latticed rods was because the King who ruled here was afraid of something. Rain didn't know what, though.

The interior wall appeared to have been erected as containment. We carefully walked the abandoned streets, wondering what the large and relatively fresh footsteps in the cobblestone were from. It created path of ruin through homes and flattened many more. There were no bodily remains left in the streets but there were blood stains blackened by time.

As we approached the Palace entrance we could hear the roar of something shake the halls. A step collapsed part of the ceiling above us. Rain saved me from that with his magic, crushing it inward and throwing it behind us. We rushed closer as the roars began to sound more like pain and retaliation. Then there was silence. We stopped.

It was sudden enough. A crash through the wall and another fearful roar. Debris crashing down on us, deflected by Rain's shield. Before the dust even settle the beast charged through to catch something in its gaping maw of a thousand teeth. Seated in rows. It failed at that. Thrown back by a powerful blast of magic.

“Your Majesty, King Radiance!” Rain saluted quickly as his King rose from the fallen dust.

“Captain Royal Rain?” His voice was shaky, exhausted. Legs quaked. Even before he could stand he collapsed on himself. “Help.”

Rain sprinted over and protected him with his shield, I stayed as close as I could. “My King, how well are you?” I realized Rain spoke more clearly to royalty than peasants.

“Enough to trot on a limp. This creature had never been a problem befo-” The King quickly scanned me over, “Who is this you've brought. Civilians should not b-”

“It was by order of the Queen, your majesty.”

“Bloody...” The beast pulled itself up from the hole it charged through. It was a strange mixture of things. The head of a bear, antlers of a stag, legs like a lion, and a tail of a serpent. “Not a time to ramble about that. Lend me your strength, Captain.” The King seemed more laxed than his wife.

“Yes, your majesty.”

So they fought blow by blow with the massive creature. It was easily overwhelmed by the two of them but whatever mat of brown fur was burned away by their magic regrew in an instant. And their magic only served to further enrage the beast. Rain would strike low and King Radiance would strike high. The beast could only swing wildly at this point.

I stood on the sideline, watching it all. A faint humming came into my ears, progressively louder. A glow from my saddlebag caught my eye. The wand and then that ethereal voice again, “Recite the spell.” It felt almost second nature to draw out the wand with a firm grasp. Then the words in my head were not my own. The waves of magic I had seen before came upon me and gathered around the wand. I planted my hooves firmer than my grasp. Then it came again, the pain I had experienced before. I collapsed yet again but remained awake for the ordeal.

A twisting beam of magic poured out from the wand, surrounded by hundreds of little wisps. Struck the creature right in the chest, where the heart should be. A tunnel runs through there now, charred like coal. It fell to that. Kicked up the dust and debris, crushed the throne with its corpse. The wand's glow faded. How did I succeed where they failed? How?

Rain carried me into the Crystal Room, where King Blue Radiance charged it. I wonder how he held such a large pool of magic. He was like the Queen, only blue in place of white. He held onto the wand for me.

Once more to the courtyard and into the Vault of the Four.

#38
Fall. Day 28. Early Morning. Light Fringe Palace.

I've spent about a week out here now, healing my wounds. The magic that had besieged me had caused a fever that kept me well bedridden. I haven't had a nightmare since our return either. The Queen was overjoyed, she should be. She's a brighter pony now, her glow even more so. The King was happy too. They offered to build a statue of Royal Rain and I. I declined as politely as I could. Better a brave knight than a humble messenger, I think.

However, they still wanted me to do one last thing, now that the maelstrom had lightened up. Something only I could do. Take the wand I had and take it to the center. The King had his suspicions ever since we brought it back and discovered that it was connected to one of their ancestors who.

I took the wand and Silver Liner to the maelstrom's eye. Just in case, I left Silver Liner on a small island below and flew up. A beautiful place it was there. Calm surrounded by dissonance. In the sky I could see those wisps again, and a twist in the light. “Come to me, my child. My wonderful child.” they whispered in echoed unison.

I can't quite remember how things went, but I gave the massed magic the wand and it unfolded itself. Shaped itself into an alicorn. Revealed no name, remained silent, and took with it, the maelstrom in a swirling mass unto its horn. “Thank you, my child. The suffering has ended and light reigns once more.” As it turned away, the alicorn was joined by others like her and I could've sworn that she had a kingfisher perched upon her back.

I didn't say anything, I had her thanks and she had mine. That's all that was needed.

I told the King and Queen what had happened. They knew the tale as well as I and they would give Royal the credit for saving the King and bringing the storm to an end. I was fine with that, I didn't need the fame, really. Honestly not one for it.

#39
Fall. Day 30. Evening. Clackerton

Finally home. The trip back seemed a lot shorter than the trip to Light Fringe. I told Celestia what occurred and why I had returned two days later. She appeared to have known about the cause of the maelstrom but she kept her mouth shut. She congratulated me to say the least and sent me back home. I thanked Sitka for the food. She was happy about that. I'm sure anypony would be, honestly.

To be honest, it was exciting traveling somewhere new but the dark history, no thanks. I'm still quite tired from all that. Sometimes I still feel those needles digging at me and I'm still seeing those wisps too. Maybe I'll have to see a doctor about it. After this Welcome Home Party, of course. I'm glad I'm back, but I'll have to leave again.

What the heck am I going to put in my report?