Chapter 13: Quartz Junction

My eyes flew open as I jolted awake, my left hand gripping tightly onto the coach railing. I blinked a couple times as I registered the area around me and quickly slowed my rapidly beating heart. However it was already too late as I noticed Zecora looking back at me with a worried expression as she pulled the carriage along.

"Again?" She asked with a raised brow, eliciting a sigh from me as I rubbed my eyes. "Well, the sun's been up for a bit now so you may as well stay awake."

She studied me with her eyes for a moment longer, before pulling her cloak's hood down over her face and continuing the march down the path. I gave a quick stretch, before pulling up my own hood and jumping off, landing next to her.

"Sorry, I either dream about nothing at all or..." I trailed off tiredly as I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Maybe we can find a remedy for your sleep in the next town?" Zecora asked with a tilt of her head.

Shrugging, I kept my gaze forward and sighed. "Maybe… we'll see. My head is killing me…"

We continued our walk for a while longer, until I finally noticed a difference in the distant scenery.

My gaze affixed onto the small town appearing just ahead, clay shingle roofing giving a stark contrast to the thatch I'd seen prior. It wasn't without reason, as a bite had seeped it's way into the air the further north we traveled, our breath forming small clouds as we trekked.

I matched Zecora's pace as she pulled the carriage along the rough dirt path. We both wore dark clothing which cloaked our bodies, as to hide most of our discernible features. We'd agreed it was probably for the best as we would most certainly attract a lot of attention, being such an odd looking party and all… hopefully they thought I was just some starving minotaur or something.

I pulled the hood down a bit more over my face as I bumped Zecora's side with my hand, getting her to flick me a curious look. "I see it, just ahead."

Zecora turned her attention ahead once more and tried to strain her neck to see higher because of her short stature, but to no avail. The terrain was rough and uneven, mixes of rock and gravel with the occasional patch of foliage dotting the landscape. Canterlot mountain was still visible to the south, back the direction we came about two days travel as it held onto the mountain that loomed over so much of the land.

A few minutes passed and the town was finally visible to Zecora, who visibly relaxed at the sight.

"Finally… I need a warm shower and a drink." Zecora mumbled from my side.

I chuckled a bit, but otherwise didn't say anything. The last couple days had been spent mostly in silence, with the occasional alchemy and equish lesson mixed in but nothing more. No small talk, no jokes, just silence. I can't say I didn't expect the awkwardness, after all we barely knew each other… though I suppose that was something that would improve with time. On a positive note, at least I didn't need to rely on the translator anymore.

Though, I still couldn't read very well.

My armor was stashed inside one of the cabin's many cupboards and away from prying eyes, my current clothing consisting of a simple grey shirt and dark blue pants. Adorning my shoulders and covering my whole body was a hooded black cloak, much like Zecora's, which shrouded me while also concealing the axe hanging from my hip.

"What was the name of this place again?" I asked as the town began to take form the closer we got.

"Quartz Junction." Zecora enunciated clearly, eliciting a slow nod from me in return.

We both walked in silence the rest of the way as we approached the outskirts of the town. I avoided looking at any of the ponies as we entered, but took note at the surprising lack of diversity compared to Ponyville. The town seemed to mostly consist of Earth ponies, the occasional unicorn as well… however not a single pegasus anywhere to be seen.

Almost as if she sensed my curiosity, Zecora spoke up from my side. "It's a mining town, mostly. Earth pony labor is unmatched… except maybe by minotaurs." She paused for a second as I locked my gaze onto a passing unicorn, a large floating crate in tow. "Magic is always useful, though." She added with a motion towards the aforementioned unicorn.

I nodded along with her words, taking in the sights as we walked down the dirt street. We weren't the only carriage trolling along the path, maybe the oddest looking party… though that was a given. Regardless, the most attention we got from the locals were the curious looks as we passed.

I followed Zecora through the bowels of the town, until we stopped in-front of a building as she gave a huff and disconnected from the carriage.

"Be right back." She stated quickly, making her way into the nearby building.

I watched her enter before leaning on the wall by the door, observing the locals as they passed by. For once I wasn't the center of attention, in fact I was almost completely ignored as they went along with their daily business. I took in the atmosphere around me, the everyday sounds of the town drowning out all my thoughts with it's droning noise.

The world went on around me as my gaze drifted aimlessly around the town. I even spotted one daring young filly steal some fruit from a distracted salespony's stand. I couldn't help but smile at her boldness as she weaved in between the moving masses in the street, her dark blue coat helping blend in to the shadows. I noticed a small pair of wings on her sides as well, though they looked like they were in rough shape… a couple feathers obviously out of place and in need of preening. She adorned a victorious little smile on her face as she held a pear in her mouth, until she noticed my eyes on her and froze just a few feet away from me.

We exchanged looks for a moment as I could see dread fill her features, I caught her entirely red-hoofed and she knew it. A small chuckle escaped my lips before I broke my gaze off and focused on something else, whistling a small tune and feigning ignorance. She blinked owlishly a couple times before scrambling away and out of sight.

It was just a single piece of fruit after all, I doubt it would be missed. She kind of reminded me of the orphaned children you could see wandering through Stormwind. Even though back then I always had Syrus to stay with… when it mattered most you'd be happy the streets were on your side. While I wasn't certain of the filly's exact situation per se, I assumed it wasn't good considering she was snatching food.

My trance was broken at the sound of a door swinging open next to me, Zecora exiting with a small piece of paper between her teeth. Before I could say a word she zipped past me and in one swift movement took the page from her mouth and stuck it to the carriage door.

"We're in lot twelve." She said simply as she began strapping the harness back on.

I pushed off the wall and helped her set it back up, the least I could do considering I've barely helped with anything else… the harness was just too awkwardly shaped for me to help pull comfortably. Although, Zecora assured me on multiple occasions it was the 'Lightest carriage she's ever pulled'. I just chalked that up to the enchantments Mac had mentioned.

I followed Zecora to the lot we were booked in, and left the carriage in the marked spot within a decently large warehouse. Many other carriages were scattered about the lot, spaced randomly around the many available spots.

"Okay, lets book some rooms for tonight." Zecora huffed as I stepped alongside her.

I pointed a thumb behind us towards our ride with a confused look. "Couldn't we just stay in the carriage like we have been?"

However, my answer was a sudden laugh as the zebra shook her head back at me. "Well Dal, feel free to sleep in the cold carriage if you want but I'm gonna have a hot shower and sleep in a warm bed." She replied matter-o-factly.

I blinked at her and hesitated for a second, before nodding in agreement. Sometimes I forget just how debilitating the cold can be. It's not like we were both wearing these cloaks just for disguises, they're also pretty warm and break apart the icy wind well enough. I took one last glance behind me as we exited the warehouse, towards the carriage currently housing my armor.

I chewed my lip nervously at the thought of leaving my protection behind, but resigned to it as the large warehouse doors pressed shut. Giving a barely audible sigh I tore my gaze away and followed Zecora through the town which is different in almost every way to the first one I'd arrived at. While Ponyville was very tight knit and undeveloped, everypony living there depending on one another and fueling each other's businesses; this place felt more isolated and industrialized, any feeling of community entirely absent as ponies hurried from place to place without so much a greeting as they passed.

The smell of coal permeated the air with a coppery undertone, resurfacing memories of when I first walked into Ironforge… the only absence being the ever present scent of a thousand sweaty dwarves, and that I definitely didn't miss.

I followed Zecora through the bowels of the town and to another building, a sigil carved onto a wooden sign swaying by it's doorway. I glanced at the symbols etched on it as I passed and squinted at the image.

A mug of what I could only assume was ale sat next to a chair by a roaring fireplace. All in all, looked pretty cozy.

Before I could read the letters etched under it I was pulled inside, the sounds of unintelligible chatter assaulting my ears. The interior was brimming full with ponies, earth ponies to be exact, either drinking or playing the various games scattered around. There were a few outliers, however, namely the group of Minotaur in the corner that haven't taken their eyes off me since I entered. I didn't pay it much mind though, figuring it was just curiosity at seeing another biped, of course I'd stand out to them amongst these ponies.

Zecora led me to an empty table flanked by two booth seats. I scooted into one side as Zecora slid into the side opposite to me. No sooner had she sat down before she was already digging into her saddlebag.

"Welcome to the Hearthstone Inn, what can I get ya'?" Came a feminine voice from my right.

I blinked a couple times in confusion before turning to the pony standing nearby, holding a pencil in her mouth as she watched me expectantly… hovering it over a notepad laying on the table.

"Wha- huh?" I asked, shaking my head with a bewildered expression.

Rolling her eyes, she took the pencil out of her mouth with one hoof and rolled her eyes. "Your order?" She repeated, motioning to the notebook.

I finally registered what she was asking, and quickly motioned to Zecora, who had still been rifling around in her saddlebags but turned to regard the waiter.

"Two orders of Stonebrew is fine." She answered quickly as the pony nodded and jotted down the order.

I watched her dot her line with the pencil before stashing the pad away retreating into the inn to fetch our orders. I turned back to Zecora to see she'd taken out her journal and was writing… something. What it was exactly I couldn't tell from here, though I thought I saw my name. I tapped my fingers on the table before sighing and leaning back a bit, pulling my hood off my head and running a hand through my hair.

"What is it?" Zecora asked suddenly as she shot me a questioning look.

"What's what?"

"The name, I could see your thoughts blank when she said it." She chuckled as she finished writing something in her small book before closing it shut and slipping it back into her bag.

"Oh." I blinked a couple times and shook my head. "Nothing, really. Just reminds me of something back home. What is a hearthstone here?"

This seemed to get her interest as she leaned forward a bit. "Really? Well a hearthstone is what ponies would call the magic stones miners would take with them back in the old days." She began as I listened intently, leaning on the table and clasping my fingers together. "Earth ponies didn't have magic, and a burning flame wasn't always safe underground… so they used Hearthstones. They're carved from a larger deposit, it glows bright orange in the dark and can be scratched on the cave walls to help guide lost miners out."

I squinted at her explanation and nodded slowly, scratching my chin as she told me the small tale.

'So just a coincidental name after all…' I thought to myself.

"I'd like to see one sometime, if you know where we can find one." I asked as Zecora went to reply before the waiter from before reappeared, two large mugs in tow.

"If it's the hearthsone ya'll came here for, they do tours every evening at around 8." She punctuated with a nod, placing both drinks down with a smile.

I gave her a nod of thanks, which she returned happily before trotting off.

I pulled a mug closer and took a whiff, earthy spices reaching my nose as I hummed in curiosity at the drink's interesting aroma. I brought it up for a tentative sip and could taste the telltale flavour of alcohol with strong spicy undertones complementing it. Yeah, the dwarves and earth ponies would get along just fine.

"So," Zecora started again after taking a sip from her own drink, "What made you curious?"

Taking another swig, I pushed the cup away and met her curious look. "Just… funny is all. There's a 'Hearthstone' where I come from too, although they share none of the qualities you mentioned." She nodded along with what I said, but didn't interrupt as she waited for more, so I obliged. "They're magic stones in a way, yes, but they do so much more than just glow. A hearthstone would return it's user to wherever it was bound, a return home spell if you will… but usable by anyone and small enough to hide in your pocket."

I could see Zecora's eyes widening with wonder as I spoke of the stone, eliciting a smile from me and spurring me to divulge more. "Although incredibly useful, they're also exceedingly rare. I for one have never seen a real one, only heard the stories."

Zecora nodded as she pondered the description I gave her, taking another swig of her drink. "Well I think that's pretty neat, now that kind of hearthstone sounds even more useful than ours."

Shrugging I nodded in agreement. "Maybe in direct comparison, but like I said… very rare." We both took another sip of our drinks at the same time as I looked around the bar, noting that the minotaurs seemed to have lost interest in me. "Oh… and there's a card game." I added, getting her to tilt her head a bit.

"A… card game?" She repeated, receiving a nod from me.

"Yup. It's popular in taverns and inns back home." I explained with a twirling motion of my hand.

"Huh… may I see?" She asked, electing a surprised look from me.

I thought on the offer for a second, then shrugged. "Well…" I trailed off as I dug through my pouch, Zecora watching eagerly from across the table.

I pulled out a rolled up parchment and a small deck of cards which were bound together by a string. Rolling out the sheet, Zecora greedily scanned it as I chuckled and shuffled the cards in my hands.

"That's called the battleground, cards in combat go on the sand there… here let me show you." I offered as I dealt out the cards. "So, player one starts with the coin…"

The next twenty or so minutes were spent showing Zecora the cards and how they worked, which also meant explaining every card description as well… it was written in common after all. Before we knew it our mugs had emptied and I was rolling back up the parchment.

"There's still some daylight left, why not go check out this 'Hearthstone' of theirs?" Zecora offered with a shrug.

I was lying if I said I wasn't curious about this stone, so it didn't take much to persuade me to go. I nodded and gathered up everything I'd spread on the table as Zecora stood and made her way to the barkeep. As I tied the pouch closed I glanced to Zecora just as she finished talking with the stallion and made her way back to me.

"I was just reserving some rooms for us tonight, I already paid for it so we're good." She explained as she jingled a couple of keys by their attached string before stuffing them into her saddlebag.

I followed Zecora out as she led me through the busy streets. She explained to me she'd gotten simple directions from the innkeeper about the town, I just nodded along and pulled my hood back up as we walked. Zecora opted to keep hers down, Showing off her mohawk-like mane for the first time today.

However my attention was on the crowds that parted for us as we walked, seemingly paying us not even a passing glance.

But someone was… I knew it. I could feel it.

We were being watched.

"Welcome to Hearth Cavern!" A cream coloured unicorn mare exclaimed to the small group outside the mouth of a dark cave, of which led into the depths of a fairly large mountain. "Popular tourist destination and home of the one and only Hearthstone of Equestria!" She added as a few of the ponies whispered amongst themselves in excitement.

She continued to sell the experience to the few ponies standing nearby, the small group scanning the caves interior from where they stood. They all wore some manner of clothing to stave off the biting cold, some wore cloaks like Zecora and I… and even a few of them had cameras hanging from their necks as white flashes intermittently lit up the dark cavern ahead.

Of course my attention was focused solely on the trio of minotaurs dressed in cloaks that had decided to join the group. The same three which had been watching me from the inn just earlier. I could still feel the intermittent sensation of being stared at as they stood behind us and away from the group, however every time I stole a look their way they always seemed to be looking elsewhere… even when they shouldn't have had enough time to look away.

I groaned in annoyance and shook my head a bit, rubbing my eyes as I drew in a calming breath. From compounding years of being hunted on a daily bases, it was hard to not look for reasons to be suspicious… especially when I've had so little sleep in the first place.

I glanced over to Zecora as she studied the inside of the cave's mouth, completely unaware of my worry, and pondered if I should let her in on my suspicions. But before I could make a decision the guide at the front stomped the ground, electing a resounding 'Thud' and gaining everyone's attention.

"Alright, stick to me like glue! We're heading in!" She exclaimed as her horn shone a brilliant light blue, illuminating the cave a small distance ahead of her before cutting off suddenly into pitch darkness.

Zecora and I stood a bit further back from the ponies as they all started to move forward at pace with their Unicorn guide. I wanted to get Zecora's attention and warn her about the three, but while the ponies had stuck close to the guide… the three minotaurs were following behind us at a distance as we shuffled through the cave. Far enough away I felt a bit comfortable I could retaliate if things got ugly… but close enough to hear me if I warned my companion.

I scowled under my hood as I trudged forward, staying wary of steady footsteps behind me… lest they were to make their move now. I looked over to Zecora and gave her a small nudge to get her attention.

Hiding any sign of worry from showing on my face I motioned ahead towards the guide and the closely following crowd of ponies.

"Go ahead, I'll catch up, I need time to think." I said reassuringly.

She looked about to protest, but after once more looking towards the group trekking on ahead she relented and trotted forward to the front of the diving party.

With Zecora out of the way I refocused on the sound of footsteps behind me, and quickly noticed one no longer beat to the same pace as the rest. I felt my muscles tense up as I readied myself to turn around and strike, the heavy stomps of a single minotaur closing the distance behind me.

However, just as I gripped onto my axe and came to a stop… a sudden gravelly voice made me hesitate.

"Keep walking…" The minotaur whispered from behind me, getting my brow to furrow in confusion. "Don't leave yet, you're being targeted."

I stood stock still for a moment as I processed the information just revealed to me. I didn't start walking again, but I did glance back just a bit to see the enormous body standing behind me.

I stood alone with the group I'd previously labeled as a possible threat while the diving party trekked ever onwards… quickly bathing us into darkness. I could still see quite well in the near pitch black cavern, and watched as the minotaur who had spoken slowly pulled an orange glowing stone from his side pack. It illuminated the area in a soft orange hue as he tied it to a string, hanging it loosely from his hip.

"Targeted how." I finally asked in a serious tone.

"Group of two, shrouded in dark clothes. Likely assassins." He paused for a second, until I felt his eyes examining my stance. "We thought you knew, you seemed to be on your guard."

A part of me was skeptical about his story… even though I couldn't sense any deceit in his tone I was no fool, and wasn't about to believe the word of a complete stranger.

Without proof, at least.

"I had my suspicions…" I lied back, getting no answer from him as I turned to look back down the empty cave path ahead. "These assassins, how long have they been tailing me."

"Since you arrived at the Hearthstone Inn." He answered quickly as he crossed his bulky arms, electing a raised brow from me.

"So I suppose I just got lucky that you felt charitable today?" I sneered back, electing a snort from him as he shook his head.

"We noticed them stalking you, there is no honor in backstabbing." He finished with a hint of malice in his voice.

I pondered on his answer for a moment, before turning back to give him a studying glare. "And me? From how you described it I'm dressed like an assassin as well, how do you know I wouldn't do the same to you?"

A deep chuckle rattled from him as he shook his head and pointed to my right hip. "Saw your axe, can tell you prefer yourself the frontline." He started with a nod. "Seem more like the kind that wants to keep a low profile, a little worrying… but not my business." Then he pointed a finger behind him, towards the direction we came in. "Assassins on my side of town though… that is my business…"

That got a small smirk from me as I gave him an affirming nod, perhaps I read them wrong after all.

I decided to play along. 'For now, at least until I see these 'Assassins' for myself' I thought to myself as I looked him up and down one last time, really soaking in his details.

He had two large horns protruding from his head, but the left one seemed to be cut off some ways up it's length. He wore some kind of material that resembled leather, though I wasn't sure how legal something like that would be around here. It formed something resembling a leather jerkin, but the right shoulder had extra thickness probably meant to absorb blows or ram into the enemy.

A large gold ring hung from his right ear, and his eyes were an intense red. A single axe hung from his right side, jingling in place next to the glowing orange stone, of which I assumed was a 'Hearthstone' like Zecora had mentioned. He also wore pants that were bound together by some kind of strong looking linen, albeit sporting a few tears here and there.

I sighed and gave a quick nod, keeping my eyes locked onto his. "…I trust you." I stated as I motioned ahead and began trekking forth once again. "So, what should we do." I asked as the mystery minotaur picked up the pace and quickly matched my speed… walking to my left.

"Nothing, for now." He stated simply, getting a curious look from me. "Stay close, don't leave alone. We'll stay with you until you get back to the inn. You'll be safe there and if you need us, we'll be around." He explained as I nodded along slowly.

There was a long stretch of silence as we walked through the dark cave, the wet walls shimmering in the soft orange glow of the minotaurs hearthstone.

"The names' Tusk, by the way." The large hulking creature stated proudly, before pointing back at his two flanking friends who still hadn't spoken a word. "And that there's Cragg and Khana, they don't talk much."

I let out a low groan at his persistent stare and shook my head a bit. "Dalandor." I growled back, probably more rude than I had intended as his brows furrowed a bit.

"You know, I thought you might have been a Taur' at first, but now that I'm close I can't tell wha-" Anything Tusk was about to say was cut off as a shout sounded just ahead where the party was quickly becoming visible again.

"Attention everypony!" The guide spoke up from next to a small hole in the cavern wall. "We're about to enter the main chamber, when we do I'll be deactivating my light. For your own safety please stay nearby!" She explained, glancing back towards us with a cautious look.

Zecora spotted me and waved, before giving pause at the minotaur walking beside me. Tusk just gave me a nod, to which I returned before running to meet up with Zecora and the rest of the party.

The guide breathed a sigh of relief before quickly composing herself and motioning towards the narrow passage ahead. We followed her through the entrance in a single file line, of which the trio of minotaurs behind us had some trouble navigating with their large builds, before arriving in a very large cavern.

The cavern was massive and very well lit as the unicorn guide pumped extra magic into her horn. The place itself must have been at least over a hundred feet in height or more… however directly in the center was a massive smooth chunk of rock which stood out from the rest due to it's much lighter grey hue compared to the dark grey walls.

"Welcome everypony, to the pride of our city." The unicorn exclaimed proudly. "The Hearthstone of Quartz Junction!"

As she yelled out the last line, and with a flourish of one hoof, she plummeted the room into darkness as she winked out her horn's light. A few of the ponies around shuffled worriedly at the sudden change, however not a moment later the whole cavern began to quite literally glow.

Cracks around the entire cave illuminated a bright orange color, showing off hidden veins of the mineral unnoticeable to the naked eye otherwise… however the most striking had to be in the very center.

A massive boulder jutted out from the ground, it's exterior was a completely smooth surface that shone in a bright, brilliant light… drawing everyone's attention to the beautiful display.

My eyes were glued to it as it's glow grew in intensity, until it finally stopped at what I could only compare to the burning intensity of the sun. It really was quite a remarkable mineral and no doubt magical in origin… who knows the circumstances leading to it's creation.

Nature really was something.

I managed to tear away my gaze and looked at Zecora, who's own eyes were locked onto the hearthstone in wonder. I bit the inside of my lip as I pondered on telling her the situation.

"Zecora…" I started, getting her attention quickly as she pulled her eyes away from the show.

"Hm? What's the matter?" She asked with a smile, before it fell as she took in my worried expression.

"There's…" I hesitated, before shaking my head. "Nothing, just the headache bothering me is all."

Her eyes held onto a tinge of worry, and I could see her brow furrow just a bit before she nodded slowly.

"We'll stop by a pharmacy when we leave, maybe-" I cut her off with a quick shake of my head.

"No, I'd rather just go to the inn and rest." I lied again. "We have a long trip ahead of us anyway." I added as she hesitated, before nodding softly and looking back to the hearthstone.

I felt awful for lying to her, but I didn't want her to worry about something like assassins. Especially when I'm their target.

No… it's definitely best she stays oblivious to this until I handle it. I could see Tusk standing off to the left with his own party, and he gave me a single slow nod… to which I returned.

Now to see these would-be 'Assassins' for myself.

My eyes screwed shut as the evening sun assaulted them, it's warmth quickly swept away by a cold gust of wind as we finally exited the cave. Many of the ponies bid their farewells and thanks before parting and going their separate ways.

However, my attention was currently fixed on my surroundings as I quickly scanned the area… looking for these apparent stalkers. I couldn't see anything at first, but before I could look any longer I felt a tug on my cloak that pulled me from my stupor.

"Wha- huh?" I blurted out as I looked down to Zecora, who seemed to be looking up at me in worry.

"I said, is everything alright? You seem on edge." She asked with a curious look, betrayed by the worry in her voice.

I waved off her concern quickly, motioning forward. "Yeah, like I said... just don't feel well."

She studied me for a few more seconds, before nodding with a sigh. "If you say so. Come on, lets go."

The walk back to the inn was spent in silence, the only sounds coming from the increasingly intense wind and the ponies still out this late into the evening… which was a lot more than Ponyville that's for sure. I still couldn't spot any suspicious targets, but that didn't mean I stopped looking.

With so many ponies passing by me it was impossible to notice any one of them staring at me, but they had to be out there.

Tusk and his party were a ways back, but every now and then when I looked behind me I could see them following from a distance.

I growled in annoyance to myself and clenched my fists, electing small *cracks* from them as we walked.

This was always the worst part, the anticipation of the first strike.

It wasn't much longer until we arrived safely at the Inn as Zecora entered quickly, shivering while a particularly strong gust of wind blasted past. I followed her, but hesitated for a moment by the door as I peered back out into the crowds.

Still nothing.

My face darkened as my eyes scanned the masses, until I pondered if I was being made a fool by that minotaur after all.

'What if he just wanted some information from me? I didn't tell him anything important except my name…' Possibilities flashed through my mind, but I couldn't think of what I may have done to attract the ire of anyone yet, 'It's not like my name has a bounty on it…' I groaned and rubbed my eyes in defeat, before relenting back inside the Inn.

Zecora and I stood in the center of a hallway adorning many marked doors. I turned to look back at Zecora as she lifted a hoof, a small key dangling from it.

"You're room Eight. I'll see you in the morning okay?" She explained with a small jingle of the key.

I reached to grab it but hesitated for a moment, before looking back at Zecora with a serious stare. "What's our plan now? You know I don't want to take a detour like that…."

Sighing, Zecora shrugged. "I don't know Dal, it's already a long trip from here to the empire… and a lot more dangerous if we bypass a major city like that along the way." She repeated the same answer she'd been using since the trip here, electing an annoyed huff from me.

During the trip we'd gone over the map, and possible routes we could take on our trip towards the Crystal Empire. However, one roadblock we seemed to be hitting was that many of the safe roads available also seemed to travel through Manehatten… which was a considerable detour east. Any of the more direct roads north were apparently plagued with bandits, or worse.

I guess not everything is so different in Azeroth, were you to venture off the main roads you'd no doubt find yourself in a heap of trouble there as well.

My thoughts were put on pause as, for just a moment… I swear I could sense someone's eyes on me. The feeling came and went in a flash, and I barely noticed the chill before it was covered up by a sudden gust of cold air. The stairway we came through was suddenly filled with the figure of a large earth pony stumbling up the steps.

He regarded neither of us as he drunkenly shambled towards room 7, fighting with the lock for a few moments before collapsing into a heap as the door flew open. He remained on the ground for a few seconds, until the sound of snoring made its way down the hall towards Zecora and I.

We shared a look before snickering a bit at the stallions expense. I walked over and pushed him further into the room using my foot, before taking the key out of the handle and dropping it next to him. With a small nod I closed the door before regarding Zecora again, who was holding back another chuckle.

"You were saying?" I asked nonchalantly, electing the laugh from the Zebra.

Clearing her throat, she shook her head and regained her composure quickly. "I'll ask around tomorrow… a lot of these maps were made a long time ago. It's possible they don't reflect *Yawn* today's roads accurately." Zecora explained as she rubbed her eyes with a hoof, presenting the key to me once more.

That left me with two options, either take the road leading through Manehatten and put up with the large detour… or spend another day in the city tomorrow, risking a possible attack from assassins I still don't even know exist or not.

I reached down with a sigh of defeat and took the bronze key dangling from her hoof, noting the faded 8 engraved on it's side. Glancing back I caught sight of Zecora's tail as it disappeared through the door to room four, a solid thud ringing out from the door followed moments later by the click of a lock. A shiver rattled down my back as I scanned the area again, before I finally relented and ignored my paranoia… retreating to my own room for the night with key in hand.

The room was pretty empty, consisting of a single bed accompanied by a night stand and unlit oil lamp. The setting sun's light draped across the floor from the window at the end of the room, filling the area with a gentle glow. I moved towards the corner where a coat rack stood and doffed my cloak. As I moved to hang it up, I hesitated as I thought of a third option I hadn't considered yet.

I never was one for playing the passive role anyway.

A Few Hours Later... Third Person Perspective

As the night rolled on the streets of Quartz Junction quickly calmed from their usual bustling state, instead filled with a long silence occasionally broken by a pony either up a bit too late, or stumbling home after a few too many drinks. One of these however happened to fit neither of these descriptions, as they snuck around the Hearthstone inn's walls.

A small pegasus filly with a dark navy coat skulked around in the shadows as to not be seen as they quietly peeped through the inn's windows. She knew the risks of being around such an area at this time of night, but she couldn't help it. That creature she saw earlier she'd never seen before, and not only that it had seen her stealing but didn't rat her out.

She wouldn't admit it, but she was nothing but grateful. It'd been a rough week and she'd barely gotten scraps to eat, but she could see there was something about this guy… he's been through it all too. She could see it in his eyes when they saw each-other, she had to see him again! If even at least just to thank him.

And who knows, maybe this could finally be her ticket out of the city!

However, her thoughts were quickly cut short when she heard the sound of a window sliding open. Instinctively she froze up, before darting away with a quiet flap of her wings. She darted across the street, her coat blending in with the night like a shadow in the dark.

She prided herself on her abilities, even in plain sight ponies would have trouble noticing her if she really tried to avoid detection. It was a skill trained through years of isolation and thievery, a kind of life deserved for none.

Which just makes that creature so much more interesting, for no one had ever spotted her so quickly when she'd meant to hide away.

And so here she was, skulking about in the late hours trying to catch another glimpse of the thing…

'Hopefully this time without being caught' She thought to herself as she crouched low behind some crates, stacked just across the street from the inn.

And that's when she finally spotted movement from the second floor of all places, a skinny figure could be seen scaling down before leaping off and landing with almost practiced efficiency.

It was him! No doubt about it.

This time he wasn't wearing his cloak, his features all on display to see in the moonlight. His mane was short, almost like a small tuft of hair on the top of his head. She examined his strange physique and how he walked on two legs so gracefully, not making a single sound even in the dead of night.

Until he stopped in the middle of the road, and stared.

The more he stared the more she began to feel uneasy. He couldn't have been looking at her, right?

Something was wrong, the tone of the night had shifted and the small filly could feel it. The pleasantly chilly night had suddenly changed to a sickening cold, like it was sapping the strength from her very being.

Then, he spoke.

"I haven't all night. Lets make this quick." His gravely voice echoed out into the empty night, the tone just dripping with malice.

The filly couldn't help but start shaking, he knew she was there and he was angry! Maybe she'd read him all wrong!

This was a mistake!

She wanted so badly to flee but couldn't move. Her whole body sat like a statue as her eyes glued to the display before her.

Then, there was a small flicker of light from his waist, followed by a sickening crunch.

It happened so fast she didn't even catch what happened. She rapidly blinked, regaining her composure and taking in the scene.

And oh, how she wished she hadn't.

The figure was crouched low, holding an axe in his right hand that glinted in the moonlight's glow… a ghostly white mixed with a deep crimson hue. The body of a pony lay beneath him, head completely severed from their body.

It twitched once, twice… then stillness took hold as blood silently poured out of the exposed neck.

And like a rubber band snapping back the little filly suddenly came back into reality, and did the first thing that came to her mind.

She screamed.

Perspective: Dalandor

*Thud*

The pony's body fell to the ground in a heap, their head rolling to a stop shortly after as blood quickly pooled around me.

It seems, the assassins were quite real indeed.

I had felt their stares the moment I'd landed outside, and knew they'd cease this moment to strike, after all how could they resist such an easy target. I quickly took in my surroundings, looking for my next attacker. I thought I felt at least three pairs of eyes on me but now I couldn't be sure, the adrenalin coursing through my body clouding that sense while the sick satisfaction of a fresh kill flowed forth.

At least, until a certain sound pulled me from my haze.

A sudden scream pierced the air, not quite causing me to recoil but catching me off guard. A small filly, the same I'd seen earlier by the shop stalls, leapt out from behind some crates and took off in a panic. The distraction was just enough for me to barely notice the three daggers zipping towards me.

I stumbled back as I swung up with my axe, deflecting two of the projectiles away but failing to stop the third. It stuck itself hard under my right shoulder, electing a pained yell from me as I as gripped the dagger's handle tightly with my free hand.

I turned to where they had come from, and froze at the sight. The second cloaked figure had ceased his chance to catch the filly who had been making a break for it. He restrained her in place as we both locked eyes.

I began to walk towards him, until his horn lit up and he stomped a hoof into the dirt. "Stop!" The figure ordered as I halted my advance.

He pulled the quivering pony against himself with one hoof, while a magical aura held a small knife against her throat. I stood only about ten feet from where he was, staring him down as he used the filly as a shield.

"Drop the axe or it's her life!" He threatened as I gripped my axe a bit tighter.

"You think her life has any weight to me?" I shot back, getting a small smile to creep onto his face. "These ponies are all strangers to me anyway."

"Then why'd you save the Zebra?" His reply caused my stoic mask to fall for a moment, getting his smile to widen even more. "You're worth a lot of money, you know. Drop the axe, last chance."

'THAT'S what this is about? Because I got in the way of their 'Hunt'?' I stored away that bit of info for later as I regarded the unicorn with my undivided attention.

My scowl turned into a full blown look of rage as I watched him press the dagger harder against the filly's neck, electing a panicked yelp from her as a trickle of blood flowed from where the blade touched.

"Alright!" I yelled back, raising my empty hand in front of me.

He watched me intently as my eyes bored into him, until I finally let go of my axe and let it fall to the ground. He motioned to the left with his head, and I sneered at him before kicking the weapon away with my foot. He hesitated for a moment, before throwing the filly away with his magic and lunging at me.

He made almost no sound as he stabbed towards me, but I quickly stepped back and out of the way of his attempts with ease. He was fast, his attacks blurring together as the small knife jutted back and forth trying to weave it's way through my defense. A couple times I had to smack the attack away with my hand, lacerating the skin a bit but all in all still preferable to being stabbed.

After missing the flurry of attacks, the unicorn let out a grunt of annoyance before stepping back and readying himself for another attempt. I prepared to cast a spell of my own, but a sudden yelp of pain broke my concentration as the assassin reared onto his hind legs in surprise.

At some point as he was distracted with me, the filly had ran up behind him and gripped onto him… with her teeth; biting down hard on his left hind leg electing quite a high pitched scream from him. He yelled in pain as he brought up his other hind hoof and bucked her hard in the face, sending her sliding across the ground before coming to a full stop. I took the moment of confusion to my advantage and rushed forward, gripping his horn with my left hand and the dagger with my right as I sent a blast of frost magic through his skull.

The spell was more effective than I expected as his whole body shuddered and collapsed, the aura around the knife fading as it's weight returned in my hand. The pony rolled around on the dirt as he held onto his head, moaning in pain. Without missing a beat I spun the knife upward and crouched over the suffering unicorn.

A quick jab under his jaw and he went limp instantly, the ambience of the night returning to a dead silence once more. I slowly stood back to my full height and surveyed the area. The two bodies lay nearby and saturated the dirt around us.

My common sense finally began to flow back as my adrenaline slowly receded. My first thought was what I should do with the bodies, as there would definitely be too much attention here come morning if I left them. However, before I could ponder on it any longer, a sound suddenly reminded me of another important situation.

A small whimpering could be heard from nearby, and I turned to look at the curled up form of the small pegasus filly. I quickly moved over to her, and gently reached down to place my hand on her back. She jolted at the touch and let out a gurgled cry as she tried to pull away from me.

"Shhh." I said quietly, holding her in place as I knelt down next to her. "Be still, child."

Her crying was a series of hiccups and sputtering by this point, but she managed to slowly look up and meet my gaze. That bastard really did a number on her, one of her eyes were completely swollen shut and blood poured freely from her broken muzzle and split upper lip.

"It h-hurts…" She mumbled out, "r-really bad…" She choked back another sob as I pulled her over to me.

She didn't resist this time as I pressed her against my chest, comforting the crying filly as her blood soaked my clothes. I reached into my pouch for a potion, but realized I didn't have any weak ones for her and giving her a runic potion may cause even more pain than it's worth.

I slowly stroked her mane, coating it in a bit of blood in the process. I doubt she cared at the moment, however. She shivered in my grasp, though whether that was due to the cold air or my own freezing touch, I wasn't sure. Regardless, I comforted the poor thing the best I could.

"I have something that can help, but you have to stay strong for me, okay?" I whispered to her as I rummaged one hand through my pouch, gathering the herbs I needed.

She didn't speak this time as she slowly nodded her head, her eyes screwed shut tightly in pain. I quickly got to work preparing a weaker potion for her, crushing the herbs in my one free hand and messily pouring them into a vial as it reached a simmer. I gave the potion a quick swirl as I corked it, the brilliant crimson enveloping the waters within in a matter of moments.

"This is gonna burn a bit, but it'll help. Trust me." I whispered as I brought the vial up to her lips.

She cracked her eyes open a bit, and looked at the red bottle I help up to her mouth.

"N-no..." She mumbled out as she pulled away.

"It's ok, its a healing potion. Look." I reassured softly.

She slowly looked up to me as I pulled a runic potion from my bag and downed it in one go, pulling the dagger out of my shoulder a moment after. I clenched my jaw in pain as liquid fire rolled through my veins, but as it faded so did the ache in my shoulder. A moment later and it was almost like it'd never happened at all, my whole shoulder had sealed up with the only remnant being a single scar.

The filly sniffled to herself, staring at the site of a once terrible wound… now completely healed. She hesitantly brought her lips to the vial before drinking it down greedily. Her good eye clenched shut as the burning liquid slipped down her throat to where it was needed, quickly reverting the damage she'd taken. She whimpered a bit, but not nearly as much as I'd expected.

I continued to stroke her mane, until her ragged breathing slowed to a calm rhythm. Carefully I lifted her head with my free hand by supporting under her chin, and could see the potion had done it's work beautifully. The little thing was snoozing away in my arm now, her muzzle covered in drying blood as the swelling was visibly receding on her eye.

I was pulled out of my stupor a moment later at the sound of a door flinging open behind me. I quickly spun my head around from where I was sitting and locked eyes with Tusk in the doorway. I could see him taking in the scene before him with wide eyes, the innkeeper visible just behind him and trying to peek around the large minotaur.

"You were right. There was two." I said aloud, looking down at the sleeping form in my grasp.

I slowly stood, carrying her in my right arm as I held her against my chest.

Heavy footsteps could be heard behind me, approaching slowly as I turned to see Tusk rubbing the back of his neck as he viewed the scene. The innkeeper still hadn't moved from his spot at the door as he stood there almost like a lookout, watching the area for any signs of other ponies.

"Well… I'd say you got em'." Tusk finally admitted as he crossed his arms. "Sheesh kid, you really can swing an axe…"

I didn't react to his comment as I came up to his side, keeping my eyes forward towards the inn.

"Are we good?" I asked coldly, waiting for his reply as he let out a quick huff and sighed.

"Go." He answered with a groan, scratching his neck again as he turned to the headless corpse still slowly leaking blood. "I'll uh… clean up. Just ask Herb if you need anything."

"Herb?" I asked with a raised eyebrow, electing a quick wave from the pony in the door as he ushered me over.

"Sorry, it's actually Herbal Remedy but everyone just calls me Herb." He explained with a nasally voice and a chuckle, before clearing his throat and ushering us forward some more. "No matter, come on lets get you both inside!"

The earth pony gave one last nervous look around before closing the door and pointing to an empty table.

"You can come sit here, who is it you've got there?" He asked as he tried to get a look at the small filly in my arm.

I lowered myself a bit to give him a look, and he recoiled a bit with a huff. I raised an eyebrow at his change in demeanor as he shook his head.

"S-sorry but she has to go. I'll have no thieves in my inn." He said with a curt nod.

I pulled back a chair and sat in it, making sure not to disturb the sleeping filly in my arm.

"Not happening." I replied simply, getting him to shake his head in annoyance.

"N-n-no… no. She has to-" He was cut off as the front door opened suddenly and Tusk came walking through.

He had a bit of blood on his hands as he crossed the inn and washed his hands behind the counter.

"Is there a problem, Herb?" Tusk asked in a tired voice.

"Actually yes! We both know this… thief has no place here!" He stated angrily as he pointed to the figure still sleeping peacefully despite all the yelling.

"They just had a brush with death, give her a break." Tusk explained in a warning tone.

The innkeeper didn't seem happy at the order, but surprisingly he backed off. Letting out a sigh, he rubbed his eyes once before looking at me.

"She's your responsibility, I want her out by morning!" He finished with another nod, before turning around and walking through the door behind the counter.

Silence reined for a bit as Tusk stood tall behind the counter and reached up to the many bottles lining the shelves, browsing over them for a moment before pulling out a nearly empty one filled with a light brown alcohol.

"Drink?" He asked, pulling two glasses out and setting them on the counter.

I looked at him for a moment longer, before getting up and moving over to a bar chair. He slid the glasses over in front of me and threw some ice in, before topping both glasses off with a bottle of brownish liquor. I shifted the sleeping filly in my right arm a bit so she was lower, and picked up the glass with my left hand to give it a whiff.

The drink smelled strongly of vanilla and butterscotch, with of course the strong tone of alcohol mixed in. I swirled the liquid once, before taking a long swig.

"Sorry about Herb." He apologized as he took a sip from his own and motioned at the snoozing pony. "That one's given us some trouble in the past."

"So what now? The guard already on there way I presume?" I asked, downing the rest of my drink.

"Celestia no, you're just lucky no one else came across your little scuffle. You weren't exactly quiet." He warned as he refilled my glass again. "I can tell you've got your reasons for being so reserved, I'll respect that for now." He paused as he slid the bottle back onto the shelf, before turning to look me in the eyes. "However, I don't want that kind of attention on my side of town, do well to remember that… yeah?"

I grasped my glass and looked down into it, before taking a smaller sip this time. "We'll be leaving tomorrow, so don't sweat it."

I finished my drink as Tusk left me alone, electing for locking back up the liquor cabinet and leaving through the same door the innkeeper had. I let out a slow, drawn out sigh before making the journey back up to my room.

I let the filly sleep in my bed for the night as I elected for the chair in the corner. I had a good view out the window from my seat as I peered outside, the spot where my 'scuffle' was in perfect view. I could see the other two minotaurs that had been with Tusk down there, spreading loose dirt around wherever the blood had previously saturated it.

My exhaustion quickly crept up on me and I must have lucked out, because I dreamt of nothing all night... and it was the best sleep I've had in a while.

Perspective: Luna

I sat alone atop my balcony as I stared up into the star filled sky. I couldn't help but wonder which of the countless twinkling lights the strange creature my sister had met calls home. I tried to picture what she described him as, a tall and pale figure. Stands on two legs like a minotaur but with little to no muscle.

I let out a small snort at the strange amalgamation I'd thought up and shook my head, I'd see for myself soon enough anyway. Breathing a slow sigh I lit up my horn as a serene cool enveloped me. I'd been scouring the dreamscape for the last couple days but I believe I finally found his signature.

Opening my eyes revealed an endless expanse of turquoise, softly glowing stars marking the wispy paths tangled throughout the realm. Bubbles floated aimlessly, each containing small glimpses of another ponies subconscious… their own personal dreamscape. Even now, in this tranquil abyss, I could feel waves of cold numbing my skin… the feeling of pins and needles washing over me.

The world shifted around and moved, rocketing by me at astonishing speeds… until it all came to a sudden stop in front of a very peculiar orb. While every other orb in the dream realm displayed a glimpse into the mind of the pony it was bound to, whether it be a joyful fantasy or terrifying nightmare; this orb was so much different, sporting a jet black exterior that seemed to not reflect the light… but completely absorb it.

This was it, there was no doubt about it. I'd never felt such an aura from a creature's dream before.

I could feel it all, the cold… the hatred. An intense malice directed towards… something.

I lay my hoof on the bubble's exterior, it's smooth glass-like texture not showing a hint of even my own reflection. Igniting my horn, I concentrated on the floating object. I couldn't let any time go to waste, who knows when he'll wake up and cut me off. I poured even more magic into the orb in an attempt to penetrate it, but to no avail.

The creature going to such efforts to mask it's subconscious… it surly must be hiding many terrible secrets, I had to keep trying.

So try I did. Over and over again I poked and prodded at the thing with my magic, trying to gain access to the hidden secrets underneath. Never before had a mind resisted my magic so easily before, and with a snort of annoyance I poured as much magic as I could into the spell.

Then, for a fraction of a second, a crack appeared on the orb… and everything disappeared. There was no sound, no explosion or… anything.

Just dark, dark silence.

Did the spell fail? Backfire? I could feel my anxiety slowly climbing as a numbing cold almost seeped into my skin from the shadows.

Slowly I took in a breath, and spoke.

"Hello?" My voiced echoed out, and I quickly realized something.

The spell worked, there was just... nothing here.

He hadn't been shrouding his subconscious because this was his subconscious, memories and thoughts so suppressed it's like a dark abyss. It was something I'd never seen before… not in all of my years governing the dream realm. Even when ponies slept through the night with not but a dream or even a passing thought, their mind still filled in the gaps with… well anything it could.

Yet there was nothing here for as far as I could see. I noticed now, there wasn't just anger and malice permeating this realm... but fear as well. I lit up my horn in an attempt to brighten things up even a bit, however it was as if the darkness around me actively absorbed any light which touched it.

I sighed, before letting the spell unravel around me. The dream realm came apart like yarn, falling away as the real night sky once more revealed itself in all it's glory.

'I guess there's always tomorrow...' I thought to myself, before jumping off the balcony and taking flight.

Perhaps, Twilight can help.