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[Khenal]

'Um, yes.  That's probably a good idea.'

[Dsarker]

The gates swing open as the group approaches. Manning them are four more unicorns, all dressed in the same armour as the two other guards. They bow their heads as the group approaches.

As they pass through the gate, the scenery begins to change. Friesden has closed her eyes and covered her ears, resting a hoof on Khenal to guide her.

Unlike the valley, this area is desolate. The river is not water, but blood. There is a mountain in the distance, the source of the river, and on top is visible a throne, with somepony sitting on it, visible despite the distance. A booming laugh echoes.

[Khenal]

'That can't be good.  Who's on the throne over there?'

I strain my eyes to try to make out the figure that is apparently the cause of Friesden's troubles.

[Dsarker]

All you can tell is that it's male, he's an alicorn, and he must be huge.

[The Master]

((IT'S SHEOGORATH!))

[Khenal]

((I read that as Sephiroth and immediately wanted to punch him in the face.))

'Any ideas, Keeper?'

[Dsarker]

"Well, let's see. Presumably he's the source of the corruption. But...."

He stops, a puzzled look in his face. "I recognise him. I don't remember where I recognise him from, but I recognise him. Anyway, we must confront him, and stop him, somehow. Your construct should be able to deal with the remaining corruption afterwards."

Friesden starts repeating, under her breath, "Don't make me go don't make me go don't make me go don't make me go."

[Khenal]

I kneel down beside Friesden and nuzzle her, trying to calm her fears.

'Friesden, I won't force you to go face him, but I think you might need this.  You won't face him alone if you do.  Will we deal with him together?'


*****************

It's totally her father.  If I'm right and Khenal figures that out, he's going to get more than slightly violent.

Edit:  Retcon ahoy!

[Dsarker]

((Of course it's her father.))

"Khenal, you might need to force her. You can't confront her daemons for her. She has to do so herself as well."

[Impending Doom]

Starkey trots happily down the hall, returning from the forges. Tucked onder one wing is a finely-engraved steel hem, with a tall plume dyed the color of Carrot's mane. He heads for his new quarters across from the Countess' office, hoping to catch him there.

[Khenal]

'Forcing her would make me no better than those same daemons!'

I turn back to Friesden, my voice calm again.

'Please, Friesden, my love.  I know it's frightening, but you need to be there if that figure is to be dealt with.  It's part of your mind, and if I try to tamper with it on my own, I could cause serious damage to you!  Please, Friesden.  Lets face him together.'

[Dsarker]

"Okay..okay..just as long as you're there. Please. Don't go. Please. I don't want to be alone. Please?"



The group begin their trek up to the mountain. The red rock that distinguishes it is at least strong enough to walk on, but something sickly red comes out every so often. It's a long walk, but the group eventually climbs the mountain.

[Khenal]

'I will gladly be by your side for as long as you will have me, my love.'

[Dsarker]

As they reach the top of the mountain, the figure becomes distinguishable, though Friesden still refuses to even look at it.

The Keeper's eyes turn red with hatred again.

"I know that face."

[The Master]

Starkey finds a chest with the words "Psycho Carrot" on it.