Chapter 7: “Stowaways.”
The next day, Daring awoke to the sound of screaming. “DARING DO! YOU COME OUT HERE,RIGHT NOW!” The familiar voice bellowed. “WHY IN THE WIDE WORLD OF EQUESTRIA, IS AN AIRSHIP ON THE UNIVERSITY LAWN!? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH THAT GRASS COSTS TO MAINTAIN!? Daring didn’t have to get up from her couch where she lay, to know that voice belonged to Masra, the university’s normally calm and collected headmaster. And she sounded like she was about to lose her head in a second. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. A gruff voice called in. “Ms. Do, the captain advises we leave. Now!” It was one of Storm’s crew, and Daring couldn’t have agreed more. “Um…yes. I think that’s a fantastic idea.” Daring said flying from the couch and packing a small saddlebag of some essentials. She paused to smooth out her grey and black mane, and put on her stylish pith helmet. She loaded her bag onto her back and was out the door, down the hall and outside in mere minutes. Sometimes she very much enjoyed being a Pegasus.
Daring flew up the gangplank, as Storm was on deck barking orders to what could’ve been a hundred scrambling griffins. “Raise the gangplank! Prep The engines! All hands prepare for lift off!” he ordered. The griffins all flew to their posts and began prepping the ship for lift off. A loud whirring was heard throughout the area, as the great propellers of the airship began to spin. The engines roared to life, sending a great wind gust through the morning grass of the university lawn. The sound was loud enough to be heard all over campus, and yet even this didn’t mask Masra’s screaming.
“Do you have any idea how hard our staff has to work to ensure the lawn is absolutely perfect?!” Masra yelled over the roaring propellers.
Daring was astounded. How in the world was she yelling that loud? Wow. She really is mad. Daring thought, as the engines roar grew louder.
“Sometimes I don’t even know what goes through that brain of yours! Does that pith helmet even allow common sense to make it through your skull!?” Masra yelled. Daring looked to see the fuming grey earth pony march toward the airship. Daring swore she could actually see smoke coming from her eyes behind her small spectacles. “You two get back here right now, or so help me you’ll work every night for the rest of your!..."
Masra was finally drowned out by the sounds of the engines and the propellers at full power. Slowly the airship raised itself from the ground and began to head towards the skies. Daring looked back to see Masra still yelling back down on the ground. Daring took off her helmet and waved to the headmaster. “You have a good spring break too Masra!”
Storm walked over and joined Daring in watching their boss literally jumping on the lawn like a mad frog. Storm, unsurprisingly looked worried.
“I’m fairly certain that’s going to come back to haunt us.” He said gravely.
Daring put her helmet back on.”Eh, well cross that burning bridge when we get there.” She said dismissively. “Now,tell me how long it will take to get this baby to Glyphmark?” Daring asked Storm eagerly.
Storm looked out into the rising sky,as the ship lifted higher. “About 9 hours with a good tail wind.” He stated. Storm turned to leave. “Make yourself comfortable Daring.” He told her.
Daring let out a unsatisfied grunt. “Ugh! 9 hours? That’s Forever!” she complained. Daring walked up to storm. “is there any way we can go faster?” She asked eagerly.
Storm raised an eyebrow. “That’s about six hours shorter than the fastest plane currently available to civilians.” Storm stated. He turned to Daring. “And you can try flying all the way there, over hundreds of miles of open water using your wings if you wish.” Storm said glancing at Daring’s tucked wings. She unfurled one. They were strong. But not even they could carry her over that distance. Daring frowned as she tucked her wing back to her side and sighed.
“Fine, point taken.” She said annoyed.
Storm smiled. “Relax,Daring. Time will pass before you know it.” With that Storm flew off to see to his crew.
In fact time did not pass before she knew it. Daring read the books that she had thought to bring with her in the first two hours, and afterwards was at a complete loss for anything to do. She mulled around the ship in various states of boredom, having explored most of its various rooms. At least those that she was allowed into…and some that she wasn’t. She found herself with nothing to do. She attempted to make conversation with the various griffins who crewed the ship,but many were either too busy,or not friendly enough to make conversation. She settled for sitting in the mess hall, fiddling with her hooves,and wishing that something interesting would happen.
Her wish was granted,5 hours into the trip when alarms started blaring throughout the ship.
Daring fell off her seat and onto the floor in surprise. “What’s going on?” Daring called out from under her helmet. She adjusted her helmet onto her head and got up, fully alert. Daring ran to the doors, only to be met with a force of griffins coming in the opposite direction.
She barely avoided being trampled as they stormed into the mess hall and headed to the kitchens, Storm Talon shouting orders in their wake.
“ Find them! I want them caught and in the brig in the next few minutes! Or well just see who wants to try flying across the ocean with no rations!” Storm yelled.
Daring ran over to Storm. “Storm! Whats going on?” Daring asked,trying her best to be heard over the shouts of the griffins making their way to the kitchens. Storm didn’t look at Daring as his eyes narrowed.
“Stowaway.” He said gruffly. “Set off the alarms in the kitchen, trying to get food, no doubt. They might be a spy, or someone trying to sabotage the mission.” Storm stated still not looking at Daring,which she was fine with due to the furious look Storm was making. The last thing she wanted was to have that look directed at her.
“Well come on then, lets catch up, I gotta see this!” Daring said running over to the kitchens with Storm in tow.
Daring and Storm raced off with the griffin troops, through the double doors into the kitchens. As they entered they found several of the storm griffins, unconscious on the floor. The kitchen in disarray of pots and pans and spilled food. They stared in shock for a moment, before following the trail left by the battle.
Storm was more worried than angry now. “Who could’ve done this?” He asked.
Daring didn’t look back as she smiled. “One way to find out.” She replied. The trail led them to a storage cupboard at the back of the kitchen, the last of the griffin troops staring at it wearily. Storm pulled one aside with a rough talon. “Whats going on here solider?” He demanded.
The griffin struggled to speak. “I-It."
“IT!?” Storm exclaimed in surprise. Just what could be so terrifying that a hardened troop of the griffin air navy would call anyone IT? They heard a jar drop with a clang to the floor from inside the storage cupboard. There was definitely something in there!
Storm had had enough of this. “I'm going to put a stop to this once and for all.” He said narrowing his eyes.
Daring and Storm crept towards the door, weary of what might lurk behind it. What had snuck aboard their ship, and had remained hidden for so long during the flight? What could take out so many griffin soldiers? Who could possibly be behind that door?
Storm talon reached out, nodding to Daring to be ready, as he grabbed the knob. “Now!” Storm shouted as he swung open the door.
Daring jumped inside. “Who are you? Why are you here? And what do you want?” Daring demanded.
“Waff?!” came a voice that sounded like its mouth was full.
They found a earth pony mare in a dirty flight jacket, sitting amongst the pots and pans with half a sandwich in her mouth. The grey mare straightened her unruly silvery mane and pulled the sandwich from her mouth.
“I’m…Swift Wing.” She introduced herself. “And me, well…I guess I’m just here for the fun of it.” She replied with a chuckle. She took a bite of her sandwich. “As for your last question…” She wiped her muzzle on a napkin, then smiled. “Got any mustard?” She asked innocently.
Storm pushed passed the griffins and was clearly fuming. “Young lady! I insist you tell us your intentions beyond stuffing your face, this instant or I'll-“ Swift Wing interrupted him. “You’ll what?” she challenged, giving a sly grin. “This is the sky navy, you gonna have me walk the plank? Will I need a life vest or a parachute?” she joked. Storm was furious now. In fact he was so furious he wasn’t able to speak. He muttered and grumbled angrily but no words came out. All he could do was try and stare a hole through the earth pony, which she seemed unphased by.
He continued to grumble as Swift Wing suddenly looked concerned. Storm’s eyes were nearly bulging from his head.
“Is he alright?” she asked generally concerned. Her eyes flipped over to Daring who was watching Storm’s episode Swift Wing’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Oh hey! Your Daring Do, aren’t you?” Swift Wing asked excitedly. Daring turned to meet her eyes.
“Daughter of the famous, Daren Do?” the earth pony asked.
Daring rubbed the back of her head as she gave a weak smile.
“Oh my gosh, I love your work!” Swift Wing said,apparently having forgotten about the current situation. Swift Wing continued to voice her admiration of Daring, as Storm continued to try and make words. “That Sapphire Stone caper! That was just awesome!” the earth pony gushed.
Daring smiled. “Oh! Well…thank you.” She said, taking admiration for her awesomeness. Something she was used to.
“Daring!”
Storm had finally found his voice again.
“What? A compliment is a compliment, even if it is from a spy.” Daring stated.
Swift Wing raised an eyebrow. “Spy?”
Daring turned to her. “That’s what you are, aren’t you?” She asked. “Come to spy on me for some mysterious boss, I'll have to find out about later?”
Swift Wing laughed. “No! I’m just here because it seems like a pretty cool ship!” she replied. “And a pretty cool crew, and a pretty cool adventure.” She added.
Storm looked cross. “Sorry if were not inclined to believe you, after taking out half of my guard squad and raiding the pantry!” he stated gruffly.
Swift Wing waved a hoof and smiled. “Oh, its just a little food between friends,water under the bridge right?” she asked.
Daring could read by Storm’s expression that the water was not under the bridge. In fact the water had flooded the city and destroyed the bridge, from just how angry Storm looked.
“Wrong.” He replied in a very scary tone.
This was apparently enough to get to Swift Wing. She stuffed her sandwich into her coat. “Uh-oh, time to go!” She said making a break for the doors. But Storm was fast. He caught her by her flank and pulled her up off the ground, clutching her whole body to his chest as she squirmed, trying in vain to get free.
Swift Wing struggled as Storm held on. “You’ll find I’m a lot harder to deal with than my men!” he stated. “Now, most civilized griffins have a policy of not eating ponies...but.”
Swift Wing's eyes widened as her struggling grew more fierce. She grunted trying to escape the old griffin’s talons. She leaned in towards Daring ”Hes not serious is he?” she asked, concerned.
Daring shrugged. “I don’t know. Ive heard his mother’s brisket is pretty tasty. Never did hear what kind of meat she used.” Daring said with a sly grin.
Swift Wing knew she was made. She gave a nervous chuckle. “Well, um. Why don’t we just go down to the brig then? Put up my hooves? Take a nap? Wont resist I promise.” Swift Wing gave a weak smile.
Storm carried the stowaway down to the belly of the ship,as it continued on its way to Zebrica. True to her word, she didn’t struggle as he tossed her into the small cell in the brig, and closed the door.
With their uninvited guest out of the way, Daring and Storm discussed the matter in the brig, while the kitchen was cleaned up.
“Do you really think whoever sent me that letter, might have sent her?” Daring asked, unsure of what to think.
Storm thought for a moment. “Well,will do this by the old law of the sky. “ he stated.
“And whats that?”
“Guilty,until proven innocent.”
Swift Wing rolled her eyes. “Oh, nothing could possibly go wrong with that philosophy.” She said sarcastically.
“I don’t know Storm,she just doesn’t scream “hired spy assassin”,to me.” Daring inquired. “she’s too loud for one.”
“Hey! I got on board didn’t I?”
Daring and Storm were only a few feet down the hall from her cell, so Swift Wing didn’t really need to struggle to hear what they were saying.
“Yes. Yes you did.” Storm said, implying his point. “Admittedly impressive, but all the more reason we shouldn’t trust you.” Storm said coldly.
Swift Wing sighed. “Fair enough,Fair enough.” She said, slinking back to the cot in the cell. She laid down as she said. “But would you really have just let me come if I asked?” she asked.
Storm was hesitant. “Were still not clear on why you’re here in the first place. So I'm inclined to believe whatever reason it may be, its not in our best interest.”
Daring put a hoof to her chin. “He’s got a point: Why are you here?” Daring asked.
Swift Wing smiled. “I told you, I’m just here for fun. “Y’know yucks,laughs,giggles,chortles,the thrill of adventure!” She reasoned.
But Daring Do was not one to be fooled so easily. She may not have been a spy,but she was definitely hiding something.
“And to get a look at your ship! Pretty nice ride if I do say so myself.” Swift Wing added.
Daring smiled slyly. “Well if you’re looking for adventure, I guess we can drop you off in Mulegascar on the way. There's lots of cool temples and stuff, if you can get past the natives. I'm sure you'll have lots of laughs!"
"Sound like a good idea, Storm?”
“A fine one to me.”
Storm grinned as he turned to leave. “Come along Daring, I'll plot a course for this little pit stop.” he said making his way up the stairs to the deck. He peeked his head back down. “I hope you remain comfortable until we arrive,Ms.Wing.” he joked.
Swift Wing suddenly looked very worried. She put on a brave face as she called out. “Heh, wait! Wait,wait,wait a minute here!” She called.
“Can't we talk about this?” She asked sincerely.
Daring eyed her. “Not if you won't tell us the real reason you snuck aboard.” She explained. “Until then…toodles!” Daring said tipping her hat and giving a smile.
“I wanna see the cloud city.”
“What?”
“Cloud city, Kamara Mista. I want to see it!”
Swift Wing sighed as she took a seat on the cot. “Look, haven’t you ever had something you’ve wanted to see since you were a foal?” She asked.
Daring and Storm looked at each other.
“That’s me.” Swift Wing turned so they could see her cutie mark. A pair of wings adorning her flank. “How many earth ponies do you know with a flying cutie mark, huh? Not many.” she asked. “When I was a filly, my sister told me stories about the city. A cloud city that earth ponies lived on! Do you have any idea how much of dream that is?” Swift Wing asked.
Daring didn’t say anything, nor did storm, as the earth pony continued. “For an earth pony to walk on clouds? A pretty darn big one!”
Swift Wing turned back to face Storm and Daring and smiled. "I wanna see it for myself. I heard about the trip from a griffin in a local tavern and snuck aboard. It was the only way I could come along.” She explained, looking hopeful.
So she just wants to see Kamara Mista? I guess we cant be too mad at her then. Daring thought, as she rubbed the back of her neck, looking a little sorry.
“Well we don’t have any proof of that, though.” Daring said. Its not that she didn’t believe Swift Wing’s story. Its just that she didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks.
“Indeed we don’t.” Storm agreed.
Swift Wing looked taken aback. “Your…not really gonna leave me in Mulegascar are you?” she asked nervously.
Storm sighed. “No, not really. But you’re staying in there.”
Storm called for the cadet who watched the brig. “Make sure this young filly stays here for the remainder of the journey.” Storm ordered. He looked at Swift Wing. “And make sure shes fed. She apparently gets disagreeable when shes hungry.” Storm added.
“What! Y-you, You cant just leave me here!”
“Can and will.”
Storm turned to Daring. “Come along Daring, just about an hour till we reach Zebrica.” Storm called, making his way up the stairs to the deck.
As Daring followed him,something occurred to her.
“Hey, Storm?”
“Yes?”
“She said she heard about the trip from a griffin in the tavern. I thought this was an off the books trip.”
Storm stopped halfway up the stairs. "it is."
He turned to face Daring,leaning in and lowering the volume in his voice. “And it seems I was right to be concerned.” “I don’t truly believe she’s a spy, but we cant be too careful.” He said cryptically.
“Whoever is spreading word of this mission,has connections in griffin circles. And probably ties to whoever sent you that letter.” He whispered.
He walked out onto the deck,with Daring following. “keep on your toes, Daring. I doubt they were spreading the word for fun.”
Daring nodded. “Agreed. We'll have to be careful.” She replied, looking around to see if anyone was listening in. To her it seemed that everyone was too busy with their workstations to pay heed to her and Storm’s conversation.