Speak only the truth (Patreon)

Celestia eyes snapped open. Gone were her usual amethyst orbs. In their place were two brilliant, blazing blue white pools of primal energy. A bubble of energy erupted from her and enveloped the dining room. With a rumbling voice that sounded like an approaching thunderstorm she addressed the filly.

     "Free n' Clear! You're about swear an oath of ancient and great importance! After you've sworn it you will be expected to abide by it for as long as you walk in the land of the living! Speak only the truth when answering. Failure to abide by it may have grave consequences for you. Do you understand? If so say yes now."

     "Yes." Said the filly meekly. Upon saying those words Celestia's horn glowed brighter and a second arcane circle appeared floating about a foot above the one on the floor. Link Slowly it began to rotate in a clockwise fashion. After a moment the princess spoke again.

     "Do you swear that your name is truly Free n' Clear? If so say yes now!"

     "Yes." Squeaked the filly. As she said this an arc of energy jumped from the second circle and became a collar of glowing, intertwined arcane energy formed around the Free n' Clear's neck. A slight tingling sensation caused the filly to make several startled, nonverbal sounds.

     Celestia continued the ritual ignoring the filly's sounds of alarm. "Free n' Clear you must keep secret the events you've observed today, or any conversations or correspondences you may have with the Crown in the future? Do you swear to never divulge them unless granted permission by the Crown itself? No word, either spoken or written, will be given to friends, immediate or extended family, neighbors, teachers, classmates, doctors or other of the medical profession, members of local government, law enforcement, or the military. If so say yes now."

     "Um, uh. Okay." The filly paused. Celestia grumbled. After a second Free n' Clear corrected herself. "Yes."

     The moment she said this tendrils of energy leap from the arcane circle. In a matter of seconds they formed a bridle of glowing power. The filly made sound like that of small mammal being stepped on.

     The Princess of the Sun wings opened wide. They seemed reach out and touch the far corner of the bungalow. "Free n' Clear from this day forward do you swear to better the Kingdom of Equestria and its subjects? Will you swear to the idea that you're part of something greater than yourself. That you may be asked to make sacrifices so that others may live their lives in peace? If so say yes now!"

     The filly opened her mouth. "Well actually your highness could you perhaps explain a bit more what exactly you mean when you say sacrifices? Are we talking about little thing, like maybe....."

     Her voice suddenly failed her as Celestia's usually beautiful mane and tail slowly ignited and became a shimmering mass of multi-color flames that lit the room in its light. The heat of from it washed over Free n' Clear causing her to sweat even more.

     "YES!" She said!

     Chains of sunlight flew from the from circle and wrapped around the filly's legs. Celestia lowered her head and looked down at unicorn filly. In a voice like crashing thunder she spoke.

     "Free n' Clear! If you are willing serve Equestria and its subjects the Crown is willing, over time, to bestow many privileges and resources not often granted to everypony. However in return you must strive to rein in those base urges, temptations, and desires that can blind one from their true mission. These will be rewards for excellence. Not preordained boons that you're entitled to you. If you understood then say yes!"

     Free n' Clear trembled and swallowed several times. Then she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The shivers in her body subsided, The filly opened her eyes and stared directly in Celestia's. In a firm, calm voice she responded.

     "Yes. Yes Princess Celestia I swear."

     A beam of energy leaped from Celestia's horn and enveloped the filly's in an ornate, intertwined lattice design. A sharp, pins and needles, electrical jolt raced through her body and the whole room vanished in a blinding flash when light slowly faded away Free n' Clear found that the arcane circle had faded along devices they'd attached to her. The bungalow dining room had returned to its normal self. Princess Celestia slowly stepped up to filly. Once again the alicorn was her normal, gentle self. Stopping in front of the filly she lowered  her head and looked pale pink unicorn in the eyes. Celestia's amethyst violet eyes were full of joy and slowly she began to nuzzle the filly. A feeling of warmth, safety and bliss washed over Free n' Clear. After a several seconds the princess spoke.

     "Free n" Clear. I want to say, I am so proud of you. What you just did took great courage, but from now on remember you've sworn that oath to not only me but to Equestria itself. You have taken a important step toward make this kingdom a better place. Thank you for doing that."

     Celestia sat down on alongside the filly and extended a wing and gently pulled her into a hug. The filly stiffened for a second and then relaxed as warmth like the sun on a pleasant afternoon day washed over her. She closed her eyes and nuzzled the princess silken, pearl white coat. Pressing her head against the barrel of of the alicorn's chest Free n' Clear could hear Celestia's strong, steady, rhythmic heartbeat. It was seemed to like the very life and vibrancy of the world was flowing through  the princess.

     The quiet of the moment was interrupted by the sharp, abrupt, ppsshhfftt sound. Opening her eyes Free n' Clear found that at some point Heartbreaker had opened the icebox and retrieved a bottle of sarsaparilla and wandered over to her and Celestia. Sitting on her haunches the mare had used the edge of one her horseshoes to pop the cap of the bottle. The Scale Bearer grinned at filly and offered her the bottle. Then the chocolate brown earth pony took a long pull on her cigar and spoke.

     "Welcome to the club!"

To be continued.