Generations-Chapter 4
Generations-Chapter 4Twilight looked up at the castle as the sun fell. The torches were being lit in the battlements and along the walkways. The grey stone walls reflected the last rays of the sun. Of course, you could see the castle from anywhere in Dream Valley, but up this close it was awe-inspiring: an impressive and grand fortress.
As she approached the castle, it almost seemed to loom over her. Her pace slowed and her heart quickened. She knew what an honor it was to be invited here. Most ponies that were not nobility would ever even get this close, much less go inside. For her, it was an even greater accomplishment because she was a woman. She hated the way women were excluded in this patriarchal society, but that was all the more reason to continue with her education and try to make a name for herself with the Rosetta.
Well, make a name for herself might be the wrong phrase. She came from a long lineage of citizens. Her father was extremely well-respected throughout Ponyville. He was a tradesman, ran a bookstore to be exact, owned his own land, and even had several servants in his house. Or, at least he did before he died.
Twilight was actually very fortunate that her father was not nobility. If he had been, the estate would have been entailed away from her since she had no brothers. As it is, he was free to leave his possessions and wealth to his daughter since he owned the land on which the house and shop sat. This allowed Twilight to continue to work for a living. Again, something most women didn't do, unless they were servants.
As she crossed the moat, she was stopped by a young guard named Sunlight. She knew him from around town. He was younger than she; he hadn't even grown fur around his feet yet. He must have been new to this position, but at least he hadn't had time to let the power go to his head.
"If you please, Miss, I can't allow you to pass," he said nervously.
"I have the special permission and invitation from Prof. Sparkler," She said boldly, trying to hide her anxiety. "I believe he may have spoken to another of the guards to say I was coming."
Sunlight turned to his companion. "Gusty, did Prof. Sparkler speak to you about a young lady allowed to enter?"
"Yes," Gusty walked over. He was much older than her, probably middle aged. He had a steady, powerful presence about him, and a smooth quiet coice. "Twilight, I presume?" Gusty asked. Twilight nodded. "I understand you're Thundercloud and Northstar's daughter." She swallowed hard and nodded again. "I knew your father; he was a good pony. I'm very sorry for your loss."
"Thank you sir,"
Gusty turned to Sunlight. "She has permission to come at any time, but only into and out of the library. Will you show her the way?"
Sunlight nodded. "Will you follow me Miss?" The barred gates lifted and the two ponies passed through. They entered a magnificent courtyard, and just ahead was the castle. "That's the main entrance there." Ahead of them loomed a set of ominous double doors. "We won't use that way though. There's a back way much closer to the library and it'll make less noise." He took her around the side of the building to a smaller door, up half a flight of stairs and down a corridor.
He tried to be amiable while they walked; he could tell she was nervous. "So, you run the bookshop right?"
"Yes sir."
"Oh, you don't have to call me sir. I'm just Sunlight." She smiled. "So, how's business?"
She sighed. "Going downhill I'm afraid to say. Many of my father's customers are not coming to the shop now that it's being run by a woman. I still have some loyal customers, but I've had to let go of most of the servants. I simply can't afford them.�
"That's right, you don't want to spend all of your father's money and have nothing left for a dowry." He was trying to be friendly, but didn't realize how rude it sounded.
She rolled her eyes. "Oh yes, marriage. Maybe that would bring back business if I got a husband to run the shop. But when do I have time to find a husband between running the shop and writing this book?"
Sunlight shut his mouth; he realized he had stepped on a sore spot. They reached the library and Sunlight stopped. "I beg your pardon Miss Twilight. I meant no offence."
"Thank you."
"Will you be coming at this time every night then?"
"Yes, this seems to be the most convenient time."
"Then I look forward to seeing you. And I won't give you any trouble getting in again," he chuckled. "Good evening."
"Thank you. Good evening."
She pushed the door open to the library and stepped in. There was a nice fire burning, and several candles to see by. She looked up at all the books and whistled to herself. "Looks like I have my work cut out for me."
Sweetsong had been working diligently to decipher and translate the ancient text for several weeks. She was becoming quite adept at the language, and only had to refer back to the Rosetta when she got stuck. She spent hours a day in that library; it was almost an obsession. Every once in a while she'd go and read an entry or two from Twilight's diary, but mostly she preferred to learn.
She had learned so much already. She read the stories of romance and bravery. She had covered math books, astronomy books, medical books, and many others, but the one she kept coming back to was the atlas. In fact, that was the first book she translated. She was fascinated by these far-off places, and the descriptions did the pictures justice. She was never disappointed that she took the time to translate something.
Today she was working on a history book, and was happy that she had already translated the atlas and had it as a reference. The book told of many herds of ponies that lived around the world. She was most excited when she read about the Tropical Ponies. They were all brightly colored, vivid ponies who lived on an island. She opened the atlas and looked up Butterfly Island. It had a perfect climate. The ponies spent their day on the beach or fishing or playing in the sea. It must have been a perfect paradise.
Interestingly, the history book said nothing about them leaving the island, or having a war, or dying out for some reason...perhaps they were still there, or at least their descendants. She would love to meet ponies like that.
Sweetsong was brought back to reality by the tolling of the bell. It was five-o-clock already. She closed the books and neatly put them away.
Wysteria was working busily in her garden, one of her favorite activities. Sweetsong came trotting up, her eyes dancing.
"Hi Sweetsong, how's it going with the books?"
"Oh it's great. I read today about a fascinating group of ponies that live on an island."
"Oh, that sounds exotic," Wysteria was suddenly interested. "Can't you just picture lying on a beautiful beach, the warm sun on you, the pleasant sound of the waves," she sighed as she got back to work.
"I know; it must be amazing," Sweetsong walked around to the other side of Wysteria and said casually, "So, why don't we go there?"
Wysteria snorted. "What?" She chuckled to herself, but then looked up at Sweetsong's serious face. "Are you crazy?"
"No, you just said you'd love to see the beach,"
Wysteria interrupted, "Yeah but that doesn't mean I'm going to risk my life on some wild goose chase to find one. Don't you realize no one's ever been there?"
"Exactly! No one's ever even been outside Dream Valley. Who knows what kind of adventures await us."
"And what kind of danger. Besides, if no one's ever been there, how are you going to find it?"
"I have maps, a complete atlas."
"What about food?"
"We'll bring food."
"What if the natives are 'restless'?"
"Then we'll leave, we're not there to bother anyone."
Wysteria paused; she was out of excuses. "You're crazy."
"You said that already." Wysteria rolled her eyes. "Look, just think about it. I want to go with or without you, but with you will be a lot more fun. Let me know tomorrow morning." Sweetsong walked back to her house, hoping she'd convinced her friend.