The locomotive steamed north, passing mountainous ravines and forest lined gorges, moving up towards the snow covered areas of what was the Unikon territories. Snow covered each rock and tree, the rivers below roaring with shards of ice tumbling in the torrents. Usually, it was the charge of the Weather Bureau in other parts of Equestria to handle such matters, with Pegasi scheduling these things in advanced, telling ponies in the area to be wary of what storms were to come, what was a perfect day to go out fishing and the like. That wasn't the case out in the Unikon territories; the storms were constant, and the result of a very angry tribe of Thunderbirds that made flight and viable crop growing an impossibility outdoors. Not to mention, forcing most food, water, and supplies to be transported by rail from the southern areas of Equestria.
The train sped on, chugging uphill, the headlamp brilliantly lighting the frozen bands of iron that served as its guides. The familiar timbers bound together and standing upright were soon seen, the glistening lights like stars in the skies coming into view. The mournful cry of the whistle was heard as the donkey at the controls bit and tugged at the pull. Those upon the wall began to open those massive doors bearing the symbol of Celestia and Luna upon them. The locomotive let out another cry as it chuffed through the gates, hauling a heavy load of freight and passengers, the caboose's lanterns swinging as the train soon passed the gates. The ponies upon the wall soon closed the gates as quickly as they could, the loud clang ringing in the air as the lock was soon heard. This was the mining town of Celestia.
The locomotive soon pulled into the station, various trains already at the platforms waiting. The many ponies, mules, and donkeys scurried about, moving crates, equipment, and luggage with them. They crowded the busy station, moving about their way. Several waited until the first train was empty to begin loading into it while the locomotive was detached, turned around, and put back at the front of the other end of the train. Many others moved onto the other platforms for the narrow gauge trains headed for the other two mining towns of Luna and Twilight, as well as the mining company train headed for the gold mine just up the mountain.
A map at the platform showed the only viable saloon and inn to stay at was
The Rail Spike, which seemed to sit in the center of
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