In Search of Rhapsody
Chapter 2
Once the poem ends and is stored away yet again, the room grows silent, everyone eager for an explanation. "Ajax here acquired the original scroll during his travels and returned to Canterlot to further his research." Ajax nods in confirmation of Twilight's words. "Soon after, he requested an audience with Princess Celestia."
"You wished to see me, young scholar?" Princess Celestia addresses Ajax as she enters the conference hall.
"Yes your majesty." He rummages through his pack, pulling out an old yellowed scroll. "I discovered an ancient scripture on my journey through the Galloping Grasslands. It may be a clue to foretelling , but I can't seem to decipher its origin."
Ajax levitates the scroll to Celestia, who looks it over with a thoughtful look. "Hmm... it seems quite illegible. However, maybe if-"
"May I ask, is there something you know that could help me decipher its origin?" Ajax asks, his face showing a hopeful glow.
"No. Well, possibly." Celestia calls to a nearby servant to bring her a mirror. When she returns, Celestia holds the scroll up to the mirror, reading it back to Ajax word for word.
Ajax looks on, both embarrassed he hadn't thought of such a solution sooner and relieved to finally know its contents. "Your majesty, if I'm not mistaken, this seems quite similar to the recent events at the hands of Nightmare Moon. She even seems to be mentioned as Nightmare's passing. Um, your majesty... Princess?"
Celestia remains still, a intensely serious look plastered on her face. She remembers back to her sister's banishment when her father- "Princess Celestia!"
Ajax's words bring her back to firm ground. As she shakes the clouds out of her head, she resumes the discussion. "Ah! Yes, well, it would appear to be a matter of utmost importance. I may have just the pony to help us locate the origin of this scroll. Please, follow me." With Ajax tailing behind, she then leaves the meeting hall, steering them toward the royal barracks, more specifically, to the captain of the guards.
"Your majesty, what a pleasure it is to see you. Is there anything you require?" The noble war-pony asks of Celestia, bowing his head in respect.
"I require your assistance in transporting my friend here to Ponyville." As Celestia says this, Ajax looks on, perplexed. Ponyville? What is she planning? "Ajax," He jumps with surprise, forgetting Celestia knew he was still there. "when you arrive, I'll need you to seek out my apprentice, Twilight. She knows more about our topic at hand than most mares in Equestria."
After arriving by daybreak, Ajax follows the princess' directions to Ponyville's library. After knocking at the oaken door and taking a slight pause, the door swings open to reveal a small purple dragon with green spikes. "Oh hey, who're you?" the dragon asks, a snarky tone hidden in his words.
"Spike! Who's at the door?"