Seeming to spend yet another day of cleaning up after one of Twilight's all-night study sessions, Spike was nearly finished with his chores. All he had left to do was find a place to hide the quills that Twilight hadn't managed to break the night before. It would seem as though some of the assignments she has been getting from Princess Luna have lately been more stressful than others.

Spike just hoped that she'd stop taking her frustrations out on her quills. If she started destroying random upholstered furniture instead of her writing utensils, then there wouldn't be a problem at all.

"Why does that guy even stock so many sofas anyway?" Spike muttered to himself, thinking about the owner of the local specialty shop known as 'Quills and Sofas,' whose title accurately reflected what happened to be its only two products. "Well, well, what have we here!"

He had finally found a good place to stash the extra quills. Twilight rarely looked through her own desk for anything, 'Especially if I take out her schedule planner and placed it on top.' Spike thought mischievously as he began to dig through the contents of the desk drawer in search of the tome. Feeling a book-like object within his grasp, he pulled it out only to be disappointed that it wasn't the document that he was searching for.

"You're not a planner. What are you doing in the desk?"

Spike pulled back the blank cover to see if he could discover the location the book's actual home.

"Wait a minute. I remember now! This is one of Twilight's old projects, but what's it doing in here?" The dragon remembered Twilight going on and on about the exploits of Starswirl the Bearded back when she was copying his journal into Modern Equestrian. If his memory served him, and it did, the old unicorn had several impressive feats under his bell-laden hat.

Spike recalled that one of the last stories that Twilight had told him about, before he had started to ignore her lecturing, was about Starswirl trying to fight a ferocious dragon. Not being able to remember exactly what had happened after that, now doubt due to Twilight's droning, Spike began flipping through the volume in an attempt to find out how it ended.

"Lets see here: ' Swarm of Fireflies...' Nope. 'A plan of attack...' Almost." Spike started turning the pages in earnest, skimming only the briefest portion of each page before turning to a new one. Eventually the word he was looking for caught his eye, "Ah, here we go! Dragon." He went back to the start of the sentence for clarification, "After I stowed the dragon eggs away... Wait. Dragon eggs? As in more than one? I wonder what happened to them?"

He looked back at the quills he had forgotten on the desk. Thinking back to his original task of hiding the quills before Twilight could destroy any more of them, he reached back into the desk drawer and pulled out the planner as a visual snare for his caretaker, should she come looking nearby. "There, that should do it."

Spike still held Twilight's copy of the journal in his claw, his curiosity getting the better of him. "I don't think Twilight'll mind if I borrow this for a little while. I don't think she's touched it since she started studying under Princess Luna anyway."

"Who?" Called a certain owl, who had just woken up for the evening.

"Not now, Owlicious. Can't you see that I'm busy?"

"Who."

"Nevermind." he said, taking the book to one of the darker corners of the library. Once he found a suitably comfortable position, Spike opened the journal back up.

I've tried everything that I can possibly think of! Mage's Fire, actual fire, and even some rather dangerous, volatile substances, but all to no avail. I'm beginning to think that I'll never figure out how to artificially hatch one of these dragon eggs, short of convincing another dragon to do the work for me. I just don't know what it is about a dragon's fire that makes it so different from anything I can seem to conjure up.

Without more information regarding the nature of the eggs, I'm afraid I can no longer continue this line of experimentation. Thinking about it, perhaps it would be in the best interest of the study if I were to take a break and clear my mind. I dare say that I've forgotten what color the sky is with as much time as I have spent indoors recently. Since the last letter I've received from Surprise only spoke praise of small inn where she worked in neighboring Gibrhalter, I think it might be time for me to pay her another visit.

But back to the issue at hoof, I believe that determining the nature of the eggs themselves is the next logical step in my research. Thinking about it, most of what I've learned of the magical nature of things is from first-hoof experience alone. I need to see if there is a way to determine the nature of something without witnessing its direct effect on the local environment. I'll send off some messages to see if anypony I know can shed some light on the issue before I go vacationing in Gibrhalter.

I have forgotten just how refreshing fresh air can be! It has been all candle smoke and dusty shutters of late. This trip will certainly help clear my mind. I've brought along the Scrying items left to me by the Alicorn sisters should they need to contact me, of course. If I weren't so caught up in my egg study I might have tried to figure out how this scry spell they've given me actually works. I'd be tempted to test some theories I have about it during this very trip if I wasn't so limited on the liquid required to perform the spell. Maybe I should spend my upcoming free time trying to figure out how to conjure up some more.

While It wasn't my first time through Gibrhalter, I must say that the 'City of Crossroads' seems a bit different than the last time I was here. This city has always been known for its rowdiness at times, but now it is quite a bit quieter than before. Granted, I was a little sidetracked during my last visit, so maybe I'm just over-thinking things now.

Conditions outside notwithstanding, my arrival at the inn where Surprise worked was met with a small party deserving of her name. I still have no idea how she manages to learn of my arrival, I thought that I'd neglected to mention my intention to travel. Either way, I appreciated the gesture.

I'm now resting on my cot in one of the guest rooms of the Wandering Spring Inn, and now that I'm here, I must say that I am actually looking forward to having a few days' rest at my disposal.

Deciding to revisit the basics of my magical theories at some point during my stay, I thought it wise to bring with me some of my usual supplies in addition to one other item. An old manuscript written by some philosipony regarding his thoughts on the nature of magic. The document was written in a time before the current taboos were so strictly enforced. Their perceptions of magical interactions were understandingly limited back then, having only observed two classifications, or forms, of magic. They referred to these as simply destruction and creation. These two branches were assigned to a great number of influences outside of the realm of pure magic, however.

For example, they'd also attributed such things as natural births and deaths to being a part of a natural magical cycle that began at birth(creation) and ended with death(destruction). Whether or not this can be seen as the cause of the current animosity towards magic research was due to this particular religious aspect of the past or something else, I cannot be certain. What I do know, is that there are far more than just two archtypes of magic available to proficiently trained unicorn. Not to mention that there are even forms of latent magic that only a pegasi or an earth-pony can use.

I'd like to continue this study a bit further, but it looks as though Surprise is going through with her promise of forcing me outdoors if I dwell inside the inn for too long a time.

I've kept today's serious studies to a minimum in hopes that I might avoid Surprise's enforcement of my vacation. Taking a long walk through the various sections of the city, I mused over some solutions concerning the construction of a device that might help with all of this magic classification business. I'm fairly certain I can create an enchantment that would emulate the Clairvoyance and Alteration that the Gem Family uses, only altered to detect a specific type of magic. The only problem I can think of is that I'm uncertain as to the set-up required if I am to see multiple types of magic used within a more, complex spell.

One solution I can think of, is to have multiple enchantments, one for each type of magic, and then use them together in sequence. I would just need to find a way to keep each enchantment from interfering with any of the others. Maybe some of my contacts can help with providing materials so that I can test that approach.

As I returned to the Inn in, just in time for the evening meal, Surprise did her best to question me about how my vacation was treating me. She may have been referring to the work I was doing instead of trying to relax, I'm not entirely sure what her motivations were. After futilely hoping that she would leave it firmly within the realm of 'it being no concern of hers', she refused to leave me be without an answer. This brought me to the point of trying to explain the reasoning concerning the importance of my research, although I may have gone into too much detail. Admittedly, I should have known that some of the more advanced topics might be lost on her, but at least I think she's managed to acknowledge that my work is very important to me.

I'm not sure how I feel about Surprise's apparent concern for my well-being. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. And besides, I'm the one who supposed to be keeping my eye on her!

Maybe trying to sidetrack myself for a few days wasn't the best idea.

I left the Inn early this morning to return home. My efforts to concentrate on something other than the conversation between Surprise and I, which had occurred the night previous, were met with much difficulty. Should I remain concern myself with how she worries over my affairs or should I just attribute her actions to her visibly outgoing personality? I'm a bit out of my depth when it comes to such topics.

Eventually though, I managed to place these thoughts away for later consideration. With some more time to ponder things whilst making my way towards the capital, I think I might have come up with a novel solution to my other problem. I think I'll put the enchantments in a series, probably using some sort of hollowed out object that allows me to remove the enchantment stones individually. Depending on which stones are placed in the cylinder, I should be able to determine which types of magic are present in whatever I point the device at.

I think I'll stop by some storefronts once I reach the city and see if I can find some construction materials before returning home.

With some of the supplies I've gathered, I have everything I need to create the base, the main mechanism, and several of the enchantments. Everything, that is, except the stones themselves. I've received some replies to my earlier inquiries, but I have yet to go through them all. I spent so much time wandering around the city in search of my supplies that I did not get back to the tower until it was already dark.

I'll look over the responses tomorrow, in hopes that somepony might have found something useful. I'll probably start building the magic viewer's base as well, provided nothing comes up.

(Reminder to self: Think of a better name for the magic viewer.)

What good fortune! The Stone Family's letter held a description of a stone with fairly peculiar properties. Gem states that they run into a specific type of rock that alters their familial spell just a bit, and that is not the most interesting, or useful, information pertaining to it. She goes on to say that every time that they are digging for a specific gem, and they run into this stone, they know to alter their tunneling course by a few hooflengths to find their gem. The best part, is that the family knows exactly how far to change their course depending on the direction of the stone's visible structure.

That means that I should be able to enchant these stones, which Gem refers to as Calcite, forcing them to separate different magical energies with little effort! If I can find enough suitable samples of this Calcite, I should even be able to accurately measure these energies in addition to simply classifying them.

To that effort, the base of the device is nearly complete, so I should have plenty of time to look for some Calcite samples tomorrow.

On another note, it's apparent that this project isn't going to be small enough to carry around. While I am sure that it will prove to be quite useful in the long run, I should probably start trying to figure out how to make a more-compact version. Oh well, one project at a time.

I quickly discovered that most merchants of the jeweler trade had absolutely no idea what Calcite was. I wasted nearly the entire day searching for the stones. As it turns out, I was searching through all of the wrong stores. Calcite is better known as a Sunstone to those who use them. Apparently, adventurers have been using them to locate the sun during cloudy days for some time. I'm told that they can use the sun as a fixed point during certain times of day, and with this knowledge, the adventurers can find their location even when far from civilization.

When I learned of this, I headed to a nearby mercantile store and the first thing I see is a pile of Sunstone just sitting there, mocking me. I bought every last one they had. Now I should have enough to finish the current viewer as well as a few to help build a smaller model.

While I was attempting to test my new viewing device, a message was delivered to my door from an old acquaintance. The instrument maker named Tunewise, whom I rescued from a cockatrice some time ago, sent me a request on behalf of the leader of Strotland. Ensemble, as he calls himself, has apparently taken an interest in my studies and wishes to discuss an important matter with me.

Strotland isn't exactly close, but I'm sure I can spare a few more days in order to meet with him. After all, it should give me some time to rethink how I'm using the Sunstones.

On another note, I remember that my exchange with Tunewise was quite brief, I don't even recall ever giving the poor merchant my name when I saved him. Although I suppose that I might have forgotten such a minute detail due to the stress of the situation, I would like to think that I'd have retained such an event with a higher level of clarity.

Regardless, I believe that I shall head out to Strotland sometime tomorrow.

The first portion of my trip requiring me to pass through Gibrhalter once more, I decided to stay at the Wandering Spring Inn for the night. I must say that I can see why Surprise likes the place. Unfortunately, Surprise herself was kept occupied elsewhere, and I was unable to speak with her. I do hope she isn't mad at me for leaving so suddenly the last time I was here. I suppose that there's no way of knowing without talking to her, and with any luck, I should be able to do just that before I continue on my journey.

My path from here towards Strotland cuts through the very forest that I was able to rescue Tunewise from. While I have no intent of succumbing to a Cockatrice's magic again, and I'm fairly confident that I can handle anything else that the forest might have to offer, even if the forest itself isn't exactly known for it's hospitality. I should probably try and get some decent rest before attempting tomorrow's trek, regardless.

It's my first night in the forest. I'm glad for the small shelter provided by an abandoned building built in the middle of a small clearing. Why the structure isn't currently being used is beyond me. Various documents laying about lead one to the conclusion that the building was, at some recent time, utilized as a sort of outpost or checkpoint operated by the citizens of Strotland.

The only suggestion I can think of is that, perhaps, the urgent business that Ensemble wishes to discuss with me is far more urgent than I was led to believe. Why else pull guards from a checkpoint such as this unless they would prove more useful at some other location? Strotland does sit upon the only mountain pass to the Crystal Empire after all.

This still leaves me with more questions than answers, however. If there is something troubling regarding our neighboring nation, why wouldn't news of such an event have made it to the Capital? I'm not too familiar with the actions of those within that distant empire, but I don't recall them ever being troublesome or hostile towards any under the patronage of the Platinum Crown.

If only Penny and I were still on speaking terms. Maybe then I might have a better grasp of the situation, if indeed there is one.

My arrival in Strotland was met with very little fanfare or welcome. Everypony I could see was apparently too busy with their business about town, and no small number of them were working on some sort of construction project upon the cliff-side opposite the small stream that cut through the town. The various shapes that formed the outer structure of their project kept me from easily guessing its use, and its presence only added to the mystery surrounding my summons here.

I attempted to stop one of the industrious ponies, so that I might inquire about a place to stay during my visit, only to have everypony within earshot immediately stop their tasks and begin to listen attentively to my questions. As if that wasn't odd enough, instead of just simply pointing me towards the nearest inn as I'd asked, the pony abandoned the load he was carrying and personally escorted me to an establishment. As we were walking towards our destination, I chanced a glance back at the recently discarded package only to see it picked up by one of the other inhabitants, who then proceeded to carry on as though the my interruption had never occurred.

A strange place indeed. My 'patron' (who seemed reluctant to complete his end of introductions) led me to a decent establishment if outward appearances were any indication. Inside, however, no servicepony was anywhere to be found. Instead, my patron took it upon himself to see me checked into a room.

The thought crossed my mind that this pony might actually be the owner of this place. At least until he inquired about my purpose in town. When I informed him of my summons by Ensemble, I noticed a visible shift in the noticeably somber expression the pony previously wore. The change of expression didn't last long enough for me to grasp its meaning though. Patron-pony then said something about informing Ensemble of my arrival before trotting off and leaving me to my devices.

My room was on the second story of the inn with a view overlooking the main street in town, which was possibly one of the most impressive views of the small community. Looking out at the streets below, I was greeted with a perspective that seemed to reveal that nopony in town was lazing about. Every single pony in sight seemed to be going about their tasks in a most vigilant a manner as possible.

It was then that I noticed the faint sound of music drifting in through the window. I tried listening to it intently, but the music's source eluded me. As much as the activity was out of place compared to the rest of the village, at least it proved that somepony around here wasn't working so hard. A shame that at least one of the musician's notes appeared to be off-key, if only ever so slightly.

When Patron (I honestly still do not know this pony's name...) returned I was informed that Ensemble would send somepony to escort me to him after I had rested from my journey. A suggestion my hooves undoubtedly agreed with, and as much as I would love to have my questions answered, I dare not try argue with them.

I had a dream last night that I can't seem to remember. While normally not something I would consider important, the fact that I awoke in a cold sweat could only mean that the dream was not a pleasant one. The difficulty that resulted from such dreams meant that my sleeping was not as refreshing as I would have liked it to be. As I went to open my window to gain access to some fresh air, I noticed that the townsfolk had already started to begin their tasks for the day. Unusual, since it was still quite early, even my former family had not started to raise the sun yet. An odd town indeed.

Not long after waking, I hear a knock on my door and I soon find myself in the custody of two guards that had been ordered to bring me to Ensemble's headquarters, hidden away among some of the older buildings in the settlement. Once there, I was properly introduced to my host. Ensemble carried himself much as expected of somepony in his position. His coat was dark brown with a slate-grey mane and tail that he kept quite long, yet straight and well-groomed.

We exchanged introductions and I inquired to the whereabouts of Tunewise. He was our mutual acquaintance, after all, and proper protocol, when dealing with nobility, dictates that the mutual acquaintance either be present in order to be the one to properly introduce us or send some form of introduction letter. Not that I cared much for such matters myself, but the fact that one such as Ensemble was disregarding them would be considered highly unusual in the noble circles.

In order to answer my question, my host only asks if I'd seen the towns project being built across the stream. Tunewise is apparently one of the ponies in charge of design and construction. Ensemble goes on to express just how important and time-consuming Tunewise's work is. Silently dismissing the subject for the time being, I inquire as to why my presence was needed there.

Ensemble goes through his tale in great detail. Apparently his brother, Sombre, has fallen to some sort of dark magic and has forced the citizens of the Crystal Empire to do his bidding. If Sombre isn't stopped soon, Ensemble postures, then the army he is creating will soon storm over Strotland whilst on its way towards the Capital. The construction project in town is designed to fill the role of some sort of defensive mechanism.

Seeing as he had still not managed to form an exact answer my question, I attempt to ask Ensemble what he needs me for, precisely. He says that his brother specializes in something called Crystal Magic. Using this form of magic, he hopes to create an artificial army using special materials for his evil constructions. Materials that he has started using the Empire's populace as slaves to mine. Of course, Strotland's people are depending on their construction project for their primary defenses, but with my arrival, Ensemble hopes to strike at Sombre first.

When I question why he hadn't already voiced his concerns to the Capital's Tribunal, or even the Platinum Crown itself, Ensemble informs me that he had, only to be turned away. They said that they would need proof of an imminent attack before they could spare some troops. It's not really surprising, after all, their normal stance of 'what happens within the borders of another country is of no concern of ours' is what usually what seems to take precedence with these types of matters. At least when the Tribunal is involved anyway.

Regardless, after trying desperately to convince the authorities to help, Ensemble managed to have had the pleasure of hearing about my daring rescue of Tunewise. Indulging his curiosity, and what with his lack of other available options, Ensemble did some research of his own into my character. My knowledge of enchanting, he said, should prove to be instrumental in stopping his brother.

I was hesitant when he asked for my assistance. I'm not sure exactly why, but something about this entire situation was bothering me. I asked Ensemble if I could take some time to think about my response. I now have until the end of the day to return to him with my answer.

The first thing I attempted to do, was try and locate Tunewise and hear his take on the matter. There must have been something substantial going on in order to convince him to help with all of this. Too bad that I seemed to be unable to get anywhere near the town's special project, and nopony nearby was volunteering to assist me this time. That left me with one final option, my Scrying Spell.

Back in my room at the inn, I set up the materials I needed to contact the Alicorn, Celestia. When the spell activated, I first got a hold of her sister Luna instead. After exchanging some pleasantries, I asked if her older sister was available. I recall her showing me her most convincing pouting face before complying with my request. Once Celestia was present, I informed her of the events and information that had been revealed to me regarding Strotland, the Crystal Empire, and the brothers, Ensemble and Sombre. I also conveyed my suspicions that something seemed a little off about the whole situation.

It was apparently the first that Celestia had heard of such transgressions against the crystal ponies. If what Ensemble said was indeed true, then somepony must put a stop to Sombre's actions. On the other hoof, it was still true that no actual evidence had been presented to support Ensemble's claim. After relaying that she would be unable to assist me anytime soon, she told me to be careful. I acknowledged her opinion, and thanked her for her input, before ending the spell.

I think I now have an answer for my host.

Where to start? The last time I wrote anything down was just before my second visit to Ensemble's headquarters. I was firmly intending to tell him that I would have to reject his offer, at least until he was able to provide solid evidence that could support his actions. That's when things, well, went downhill.

As I was brought back to Ensemble I noticed that he had been playing a quiet tune from a small flute, made from some sort of blue stone. While attempting to explain the situation that he was putting me in, I rejected his proposal, and he seemed understanding for the most part. Apologizing, at first, he said that he wished that things didn't have to be this way. The way he said it, I half-expected his guards to rush in and seize me, but none came. Ensemble simple put his instrument to his lips and began to play once more.

The song quickly, and effortlessly, filled my head, making my body feel heavy, tired. The next thing I know I've fallen to the floor, the numerous bells of my cloak resounding from my crash, disturbing the song and temporarily breaking me free of its effects. After that, I assume that instinct kicked in, for my next conscious thought occurs as I'm looking over my shoulder just as I pass the outskirts of town. Everything about the oddities of the place finally clicking together as though they were pieces of some foalish puzzle.

First, there is the peculiar behavior of the other inhabitants of Strotland. Something about their collective demeanor was certainly not natural. Next, my disturbed sleep and the odd song, which I am now positive, holds some connection to Ensemble's song itself. Some form of magic he is using has somehow forced my body to sway to his command. I assume now that his magic involves some method of controlling the townsfolk. This leads me to think that the construction project in town is some way to further Ensembles ambitions, whatever they might be.

I'm still not sure his claims of reprimanding his brother stem from some sort of sibling rivalry or what not, but what I am sure of, is that Ensemble's song nearly had me under his hoof without me even being able to put up a fight. That kind of power to bend a ponies will to their own terrifies me to no end.

I ran through the rest of the night. I'm not sure how far Ensemble's influence reaches, but I dare not try to find out without some sort of counterspell. These unsettling events only bring me to realize how incredibly important a portable magic viewer would be. Once I reach Gibrhalter, and with it, the relative safety of the Wandering Spring Inn, I shall try to find a solution to oppose Ensemble's unsettling magic.

When I was finally able to return to the inn, my ever-present fears were the only thing keeping me from collapsing from exhaustion. I needed to warn somepony, anypony of what was happening. Almost needless to say, I was quite astonished to learn that Surprise already knew that something was wrong. Some how, I felt relieved that she did, even if I didn't know how or why. I suppose that is just one more topic of study that I simply have no time to explore. I preceded to tell her of the state of events in Strotland. The thought of how close I was to succumbing to the control of Ensemble's magic still sends shivers down my spine.

Surprise listened intently to every detail, questioning some things that needed further explanation, as well as reporting what her thoughts concerning certain portions of my rendition. I must say that it was nice to have some actual feedback for a change, even with a subject as dire as this.

When I finished my tale, Surprise told me of her speculations about a pony such as Ensemble and what his motivations might be. How, all of his actions up until his unprovoked attack, revolved around the eventual defeat of his brother. Whether the intense sibling rivalry was brought about due to Sombre being the 'more-favored' during his childhood, or that maybe he had received too few presents a colt was definitely a subject of discussion between us.

While it wasn't perfect, and it would most certainly be dangerous, our talk left me with an idea. Before I can carry out such a plan, cunning as it might be, I require supplies. Not only will I need to pick up some enchanting equipment for this operation (or waste time traveling back to the Capital for them) I also need to gather the materials for another Scrying spell.

In my haste I left Strotland with only what I had tucked away within my cloak. The Scrying gear was among the gear left in my room, and I think that the Alicorn should receive an update about everything. Provided that they aren't too busy of course. If there is a chance that my plan may fail, then I hope that they, at least, might still prove useful.

After acquiring everything I needed to bring my plan to fruition, and sent word to the Alicorn to advise them of my intentions, there is still one thing left to do. I'm leaving this journal in the capable hooves of Surprise so that nopony else might gain knowledge of my plans before I can act upon them. I'll be instructing her to attempt contact with Celestia as well, should I not return in four days.

Hopefully, if my plan does fail, there will not be enough time for Ensemble to prevent or interfere with any messages of duress on their way to those who might still be able to stop him.

"Spike?" Twilight called aloud for her dragon assistant. When she didn't receive an answer she tried again, only louder, "Spiiiike!?"

She listened intently for an answer but none came. Breaking her concentration completely, Twilight decided to look around the library for young dragon. She didn't have to search for long.

"There you are, Spike. Didn't you hear me calling for you?"

"Huh, what? Oh! Twilight!" Spike jumped, turning around to face the unicorn in mid-air. "When did you get back?"

"I've been her for hours already." Twilight replied, pointing to the clock hanging on the wall. "What have you been up to that's got you so distracted?"

Spike looked at the book that he still grasped in his claws. Quickly, he tried to hide his contraband behind his back. "Oh, um, nothing Twilight, nothing at all..." he assured her using his best innocent smile.

"Spike, why are you trying to hide that book behind you?" Grasping the article in question with her telekinesis, she pried the book from the dragon's claws and pulled it into view.

"No! Wait, I can explain!"

"Let's see... Wait a minute. This is that copy of of Starswirl's journal that I made. Where did you find this Spike?" Twilight asked accusingly.

"Um, well..." Spike gulped audibly before continuing, "The thing is, I was, um, trying to find you some quills for your next study session and, because of that, I ended up going through you desk. That's when I found the book, and I was going to put it back, but then I remember how you used to go on and on about Starswirl's adventures, but then after a while you stopped talking about him completely. So I figured I'd look for that part about the dragon again-'cause it was the last thing that I remembered-and I guess I got caught up in it. I was going to put it back when I was done, I promise."

"Oh Spike, I'm glad you've finally taken in interest in history, and I'm really glad you found something that you decided to read on your own, but I'm not even supposed to have this book in the first place. Besides, Starswirl's stories aren't exactly fit for a baby dragon after all." Twilight turned around with the intention of secreting the journal away once more.

"But, but I wanted to know what happened to all of those dragon eggs!" Spike cried out, surprising even himself, if only a little.

Startled a bit herself, Twilight turned to look at her assistant once more, only to become entrapped within Spike's puppy-like gaze. "Oh, all right," she said, handing the journal back to him, "But remember, nopony is supposed to know about this, so try to keep quiet about it. Okay?"

"Sure thing Twi! You can count on me!" shouted the now exuberant dragon.

"Pinkie Promise." Twilight said in complete seriousness.

Now it was Spike's turn to be a little concerned. Twilight had never asked him to do something under the threat of one of Pinkie's promises before now. She was definitely serious. "Alright, if you insist. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." he said while completing the accompanied motions, "There. Are you happy now?"

"That'll do for now, I suppose. But before you head off for more literary exploration, I need your help with what I was originally calling out your name for..."

My return to Gibrhalter was, I think, less than triumphant. While my overall mission was a success, the ponies that fell to Ensemble's influence now have a difficult road ahead of them. Since this is supposed to be an accurate account of my life, I should probably set out to describe everything that occurred while Surprise was watching over this very journal.

After my preparations were ready, I had set out to Strotland once more. Upon reaching the once-abandoned checkpoint, I was surprised to find that it was fully staffed, probably as a consequence of my earlier escape. I didn't attempt to resist capture, after all, it was part of my plan to be taken as Ensemble's prisoner. If he wanted me under his control, he would have to face me again, or so I hoped.

Once the guards had seen to my being properly apprehended, they carted me off to Strotland. During this entire process, and having nothing else to do except focus on my captors, I was able to note some of the limits to Ensemble's controlling magic. For one thing, the guards almost always acted together as a group. I'm not sure about the reasoning behind this, but none of the guards was left alone during the entirety of my detention. Even when returning me to the city, they had to abandon the checkpoint again.

It was almost as if they couldn't operate on their own at such an extreme distance from the music that controlled them. As it was, I can only assume that their orders were simply 'bring any intruders to the town dungeon.'

I ended up sitting in that damp and musty jail cell for over a day. Even though I made it known that I was only there to talk with Ensemble once more (his 'subjects' observable competency notwithstanding), I'm not entirely sure that my wait was caused by the drones. If I were in Ensemble's horseshoes, I'd probably want to ensure that a visitor such as myself had arrived alone as he had claimed.

An entirely reasonable approach, all things considered. Although I also consider myself lucky in the fact that they didn't try to strip me of my belongings. The gift I brought with me in, hopes that it might buy some leniency, was meant for Ensemble alone, and I'd hate to think what would happen if somepony else had managed to mess with it before I could give it to their leader.

Eventually, it was decided to bring me before Ensemble during his evening meal. The dining hall was surprisingly opulent for such a small town. It was also empty save for Ensemble, the guards escorting me, and myself, something that tilted the odds of whatever was about to happen into my favor. There were, of course, more guards just outside, but with what I had planned they would not matter. My escorts were ordered to remove my cloak before any dialog could begin. No doubt so that my bells would not be able to interfere with my host's spell again.

But I obliged anyway by removing the cloak, waiting only until after I had removed my gift and placing it on the table between Ensemble and myself. After I was seated, my host started the conversation by exchanging some forced pleasantries, which I returned. Some agonizing silence followed and Ensemble decided to get down to the heart of my return, questioning my motivations.

I opened up the case that held the pendant and offered it to him as a form of apology, suggesting that our earlier encounter had us both starting out on the wrong hoof. Picking up the trinket, Ensemble was seemingly pleased with what he saw.

That was, until Ensemble placed the pendant at his side instead of trying it on. He mentioned that he knew all about my enchanting and he wasn't about to risk getting caught up in any scheming of mine. Clever. After motioning for his guards to hold me down, he pulled his flute out of his jacket.

I did the only thing I could in such a position. I stalled for time by asking him about his plans. Would he release those under his influence after his brother had been defeated? I needed to know what his long-term goals were. Ensemble admitted that having everypony doing their best to fulfill his every whim was the best thing that could happen to anypony. When I asked about the condition of those he controlled, whether they still had any bit of free will at all, he stated that his "Sway Sonata" was perfect. Nopony could do anything without his say so. Nopony would ever be able to defy him willingly again.

I brought up my concerns about how my advanced knowledge would be useless to him if I was as dull as those under his sway, but the dark unicorn just laughed my concerns away as he picked up his flute again. I pulled on my magic to set up a shield for protection. Noticing this, Ensemble just laughed some more, knowing that his magic would be completely unaffected by a mere magical barrier.

That's when things got really interesting. My shield wasn't for him or his magic, it was for what awaited inside of the pendant.

The enchantment etched upon its surface was designed for a delayed reaction, one that was set to stir up the ingredients sealed deep inside the heavy trinket. Ingredients that, from my attempts to hatch the dragon eggs, I knew were quite potent.

The pendant glowed red and Ensemble turned his attention toward it just before it's contents violently blew it into pieces. The shock it caused knocked Ensemble clean off of the now-demolished chair, as well as knocking everything not behind my barrier all about the room. The ponies holding me down now lying dazed at my feet, I rushed to secure the dark unicorn before others could arrive and investigate.

Seeing the effects of my dangerous device, I'm kind of glad Ensemble chose to not wear it. The damage it had caused him was quite significant. I didn't think that it would be this powerful, but it's not as though I had time to properly fine-tune the mixture beforehoof. The right side of Ensemble's face was covered in blood and singed flesh, and I could tell that he would never again be able to see out of that eye on the right side of his face. I only meant to stun him!

Still conscious, he tried to reach for his flute that had landed nearby. It was almost completely destroyed, but I couldn't risk anything. I crushed what was left of the instrument beneath my hooves before casting a calming spell upon the stallion. Content enough to fall asleep, his pain forgotten, I retrieved my cloak and bound Ensemble's legs with a small rope I had tucked away.

I tended his wounds as quickly as I could, but not as complete as I felt comfortable with, because the other guards were attempting to burst through the door. Apparently my host had foresight to lock them on my behalf, so as to prevent an easy escape. Ensuring Ensemble would not bleed to death on the floor, and making sure the other ponies in the room would survive as well, I made my way to a door that wasn't actively being pounded on. I still needed to find the machine that was controlling everypony in town, after all.

If I could hear its music from the inn then the device should be placed somewhere so that its sound could easily carry over the village's buildings. That could only mean that it was placed somewhere up high, like in the attic or upon the rooftop itself. I only hoped that there were not more of these devices hidden around Strotland.

I raced through the hallways, attempting to avoid the guards along the way. There was no way to be sure of what they might try to do, but I assumed their orders were something along the lines of 'stop anypony that isn't Ensemble or under his spell.'

Attempting to listening for the source of the faint music, I realize that I cannot hear it over the ringing in my ears. Eventually, however, I came across the entrance to the attic from where I suspected such an odious machine would be located. Sure enough, by opening up the door, I was instantly greeted with a headache despite my perceived deafness. Braving it as best I could, I found the device sitting next to a set of open windows, so that the noise it produced might carry farther.

The machine was quite impressively intricate. Several funnel-shaped pieces were attached to a central mechanism, I assume this is what allowed the sound to resonate as it did. The main mechanism itself consisted of a spool of hardened, etched wax that had a needle following in its grooves while it spun about a central axis. The whole device seemed to be powered off of some internal enchantment, probably even something of my own design.

As much as I admired such an interesting machine, I still had a job to do. Not wanting to risk a similar situation in the future, I simply cast my Flare spell, melting the wax initially, and after a short time the bits holding the machine together started to melt and burn. And not a moment too soon, my pursuers had reached the attic entrance just as the music had stopped.

The abrupt halt to the magic that was keeping them under control caused everypony that had been under its effects to fall unceremoniously into unconsciousness. Every last one of them. I made my way back to the dining hall to ensure that my captive remained where I had left him, I also hoped to find something to eat. I hadn't been given anything that could be considered subsistence while I was being held in that cell.

Ensemble, thankfully, still lay where he fell, using his remaining eye to scowl at me with such a hatred as I had never known before. I'll admit that I was sorry for physically harming him as I had with my pendant. It was an accident. Whether or not he could hear me as I attempted to justify my reasoning or not, I could not tell. As it was, the ringing in my ears had only then began to die down, and I had been fortunate enough to be shielded from the brunt of the dangerous magic.

It did not take long for the townsponies of Strotland to awake from their brief rest, as I could hear the start of a commotion taking place in the streets. They were free of the Sway Sonata for the first time in who-knows-how-long, but from the sounds of things not a single pony was happy with what had been done to them. I assume that Ensemble could hear them now too, as the look on his face changed from hatred to fear as loud, threatening calls were being made for his head. A mob had even began to form at the doors, with pitchforks and everything.

The situation called for me to do that which I hated most. Diplomacy. Ensuring that my prisoner's bounds were still tight, I picked him up with my magic and carried him with me towards the door. I set my captive down, out of site in the foyer, before I opened the door to greet the growing mob of angry citizens. Their animosity already at it's climax, I calculated that, should they try to attack the now-helpless Ensemble, I likely would not be able to fend them off.

I was almost grateful to learn that it was none other than Tunewise leading the charge. At least he was being quite a bit more reasonable than the rest of the majority that had gathered. Through him, I was able to learn of more of the atrocities that Ensemble had committed during his magic-induced reign, and with more detail than even I would have preferred. The list of things that some of these ponies were put through breaks my heart. Worst of all, they remembered everything in vivid detail as they were forced to do anything that their master pleased, and may the heavens help any young mare who happened to catch his eye.

They had every right to want Ensemble dead. I almost even let them have him. Then I thought about he had said of his brother. If any of it was true, then he might still possess information that the authorities did not. Information that would help nopony if lost. After no small amount of heated discussions, I was finally able to convince them to send for representatives from the Capital so that punishments might be handled in a fair and just way.

The only thing left, after the crowd had calmed down a bit, was to see to the destruction of the giant controlling machine that they had labored on while under Ensemble's control. Seeing the task as a way to vent their frustrations, they were all too happy to see to its demise.

After the majority had left, I entrusted Tunewise to keep watch over Ensemble, as I had to return to Surprise before my fast-approaching deadline had passed. The old instrument maker seemed to be the only one to be truly thankful for my efforts in breaking the town from the Sway Sonata. And, getting his word that no further harm would come to the fallen unicorn, I left for Gibrhalter.

Which brings me to today, I'm still staying at the Wandering Spring Inn, and I've had to report my version of recent events several times over. The Alicorn and the Capital representatives wanted to know my opinion on how the situation should be handled. Surprise has just happy to know that the situation was resolved, even if she didn't much care for my solution to threat that Ensemble personified.

It's her belief that nopony is beyond salvation, and that, if given enough time and love and whatnot, even one as evil as Ensemble might be brought to the light. I could probably just summarize that as Surprise just being herself, but I did get the feeling that Ensemble was at least a little delighted when I returned to meet with him that night. He was still a monster, and deserves whatever punishment he is sentenced with, but maybe there were parts of him that weren't so terrible.

Either way, Surprise has deemed it necessarily for her to return with me when I decide to head back to the Capital, so that I might learn of the values of friendship or some such thing. Not that I'm entirely against it, she's volunteered to help me out around my tower in exchange for letting her stay there. I've reserved my judgment on the matter until she has proven useful, but I would welcome having more time to perform my research, and not be bogged down with various chores.

When I asked her about whether or not it was a good time to leave her current employer, Surprise simply stated that she was only working at the inn to help a friend. Now that it seems that I could use her help more, and her other obligations are more or less complete, it seems that I have very little else to say on the matter of her accompanying me.

It's starting to look like the only respite I can get anymore is when I'm working on one of my own projects.

Yet another late night of studious endeavors was just beginning for the bookish unicorn when she was interrupted by Spike, the dragon whom she was certain had been put to bed hours ago.

"What are you still doing up Spike? Is something the matter?"

"No, nothing's wrong. It's just... Twilight, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure thing, Spike. Ask away."

"Well, it's about the egg you hatched me from. Do you know where it came from?"

Spike could almost see the gears turning in Twilight's head.

"I'm sorry, Spike, but I don't know where exactly your egg came from. I do know that hatching your egg was part of the entrance exam for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorn, but with everything that happened that day it just never occurred to me to ask."

"Oh..."

"This is about the journal isn't it? Listen, if it'll help, you can ask Princess Celestia about it. It is her school after all, if anypony would know where your egg came from it would be her."

"Thanks, Twilight."

"It's not a problem. Just try not to mention the journal when you ask, the fewer ponies that know about it, the better."

"Don't worry Twilight. I still remember my Pinkie Promise." Spike said as he acquired the materials he needed to send a message to the princess. Hopefully she would be able to shed some light on whether or not his egg came from the same brood as Starswirl's collection.

Author's Notes:

Aha! Done in time to start concentrating on mid-terms. At least this portion of the arc is done, anyway. Enjoy!