EPILOGUE

We sat in our dining room, finally home at last after our long adventure. Typically, we used the smaller kitchen table for our eating, but this night, we were all seated at the large mahogany table, an antique carved piece of furniture which eight ponies could sit at comfortably. Budder always referred to it as "The Big King Table", and said it reminded her of a huge dining table in a castle somewhere. If it was a table fit for royalty, it was only appropriate for our meeting. Across from the three of us sat the Princess of the Night herself.

"We...um...I want to thank you again for clearing up the mystery surrounding the mine, Drake." Luna said. "I hope the sum I have given you three is what you consider..."

"Enough?" I interjected. I grinned. "It is, Your Highness...more than enough, actually."

"It is the very least I could do." Luna Replied. "And as to the request you made..."

"Can we speak privately about that?" I asked. I glanced over to see Dashie staring at me questioningly. "It's nothing...just some private matters Her Majesty is helping me with, sweetheart." I said with a smile. Rainbow Dash nodded as I stood, mussed Budder's mane, and walked out of the room with Princess Luna. I found myself standing in the formal parlor, and poured myself two ounces of cognac in a crystal highball glass. I felt Luna's presence behind me.

"Milady..." I said. I turned to the princess.

"We closed the door." She answered.

"Hm. Can I offer you a drink?"

"Mmm. Do you have a nice Pinot Noir?" She asked.

"Heh...of course the Princess of the Night wants Pinot Noir..." I replied with a small smile. "I have a Chateau Le Tour Pinot." I pulled a bottle from the rack below the small bar. I sat down my glass, and used a corkscrew to open the wine bottle, then gently poured a gold-rimmed wine glass full and handed it to the princess. She took it in hoof, and swirled the dark red liquid, smelling the aroma lightly.

"It smells...heavenly." She remarked. "Thank you."

"The least I can do." I said. "To the pony who cured me of my night terrors."

"After confronting your past on your latest excursion, you will no doubt be freed of the darkness that has plagued you all of these years." To that, I just sighed, and raised my glass in a toast.

"Your Highness, you have a magical way of coming right out and sayin' exactly what you mean." She smiled, and we both took a sip of our drinks. We were both silent for a few seconds.

"The fort will be preserved." Luna finally stated. "I have seen to it personally that the structure, as well as some of the surrounding land has been purchased by the government, and will be made into a historical site." I turned away, and took another drink of my cognac, my hoof shaking slightly.

"Thank you, milady..." I whispered. "You don't know how much this means to me..."

"You only wish to honor the memories of those dear to you..." Said Luna, her voice full of compassion. "And it is good to honor those who have gone. Leave it to me, my dear Drake. I will see it done." I took another drink, and let the fine brandy sit on my tongue for a moment, then swallowed.

"Again...thank you so much, Your Highness." I turned to her, and she was looking at me somewhat sadly. I gave her a smile and a nod. "I mean...thank you, Luna." She smiled back. "How can I ever repay you?"

"By continuing to be my friend." The princess replied.

"That, I can promise you." I returned. She took a drink of the wine and smiled warmly. Luna held up the glass.

"And thank you for the wine, my dear friend. To repay you, I shall send you a bottle from my own private cellar. Perhaps a twenty year old Syrah..."

"You spoil me." I smiled. "That's a very expensive drink, Luna..."

"I know...but I'll never drink it. I am not a...fan of that vintage. You will be doing me a favor by taking it, really." She said, her voice getting rather haughty. Then I saw her open an eye and glance at me, obviously to see if I were buying her story. I chuckled.

"Alright...you talked me into it." I said. She shot me a smile.

"I will take my leave now, Drake." Luna stated. "I am sure you wish to spend some quiet...relaxation time with your family after your adventure and whatnot." She sat the now-empty wine glass down on the mantle and leaned in, kissing me on the cheek before I could say anything. When she again looked at me, the princess had a slight blush to her cheeks. "Farewell for now, my loyal detective. I shall be in touch." With that, the Princess of the Night exited the room, leaving me to roll my eyes and finish my cognac. I looked at the four books in their special place on the mantle and smiled. I scoffed, and drained the glass.

"Well troopers..." I said, looking at the books. "If only you could see your lieutenant now...paid in gold, and getting smooched by a princess."

So ends volume 7 of One Pony's Tale: The Drake Chronicles. I hope this was an enjoyable read for all of you. The saga is not over yet, and volume 8 is one of my personal favorites. You will no doubt enjoy one of Drake's zaniest adventures yet, coming soon. Very soon, in fact. I may have chapter one up tomorrow! So stay tuned for more of The Drake Chronicles, and I will keep writing them. Thanks for reading, everypony.