//------------------------------// // The Golden Path 2 // Story: Lunar Rebellion: The Golden Path // by Chengar Qordath //------------------------------// Celestia’s throne was not half as comfortable as one might think. It should perhaps not be a surprise; thrones were designed to look grand and impress visitors with the power and majesty of the one occupying it. As with the crown, scepter, elaborate costumes, and other the royal accoutrements, comfort was at best a secondary consideration. Celestia had once confided that the old saying about how the head that wears the crown shall always be uneasy was not only true in the metaphorical sense, but also in a quite literal one on account of the weight of the crown jewels. Doubtless why she preferred to dispense with them whenever a less formal style would suffice. Even if comfort had been a consideration in the design of Celestia’s throne, it had naturally been designed with her own rather more substantial anatomy in mind. I disliked the symbolic implications of the fact that I was too small to properly fill out the throne. Pity I could not make a new one better suited to my size, but there were dozens of reasons that would end badly. And so, uneasy rested the buttocks that occupied the throne. Not quite as quotable as the saying about heads and crowns. My daughter stood nearby looking quite satisfactorily presentable. Taking the time to instruct her in the art of personal appearance clearly had not gone to waste, even if it had required disabusing her of a few of her odd notions. The skull-shaped brooch pin had been a small enough concession to her eccentricities, especially since it convinced her to otherwise conform to convention. In truth, mine own appearance vexed me far more than my child’s. I might occupy the throne, but ‘twould hardly be fitting to adorn myself in the royal style. However, that begged the question of what manner I should present myself in. My usual garb as a magus was simply too ordinary; if I looked as my old self I would continue to be treated as such. ‘Twas at times like this that I envied Shadow her culture: none would think it amiss if an old soldier of Pegasopolis simply kept to the same armor she wore on all other occasions. Her utter refusal to play the games of court politics was one of the things I found alternately delightful and endlessly frustrating about her. Mayhaps I should purge the court of all its useless nobles in Celestia’s absence. Her Majesty would doubtless be wroth with me when she returned, but her short term ire would be offset by her long term gratitude. Pity she would almost certainly not see it that way, and would likely undo the reforms. In hindsight, we should have planned to properly exploit the opportunity presented by my regency. I could ram through reforms, and upon her return Celestia could undo enough provisions to calm the nobles while leaving in place the most important changes. Alas, without some prearranged plan such a gambit would be unlikely to succeed. In any case, I had already lain the groundwork for the irrelevance of the noble class. I could wait for their downfall to come in its own time. As they yet continued to exist, I needed to play their games. I ultimately chose to take a measure of inspiration from my dear Shadow and emphasize a more martial aspect for my time as regent. ‘Twould set me apart from the rest of the court, which had largely abandoned martial fashion once the war ended. Not that I had any desire to dress in the foppishly impractical excuses for armor that had dominated when such was in fashion, but I saw no harm in a few decorative elements to my uniform. There was but a thin layer of bronze o’er my breastplate, and while my fur-trimmed cape was rather heavy and impractical ‘twould be easily discarded in the event that it became an impediment. I also altered the manner in which I applied mine own cosmetics, emphasizing lines that I normally blurred. The end result was a far more severe and mature mien than I normally favored—one that suited a ruler far better than a courtier. Though no less attractive, if I was to judge by the approving look in Shadow’s eyes when I first entered the room. I settled upon Celestia’s less than comfortable throne. “It is to be petitioners today, aye?” “It is,” Shadow confirmed. “Shall we begin?” I waved my acquiescence. “By all means.” Taking petitions was one of the oldest traditions of the royal court. The right to bring a matter before the monarch and request that they rule upon it directly was one of the oldest ones in all Unicornia and enjoyed by all citizens in good standing. Or at least, such was the letter of the law. In practice it took quite a bit of influence to even submit a petition for consideration, let alone have it actually heard by the throne. Pity I didn’t have the time and freedom to redraw the entire structure for how such matter arrived before the throne. It could be one of the few uses for the democratic processes the earth ponies had once used, at least once we had sufficient measures to weed out the possibility of mob rule and corruption. Perhaps once Her Majesty returned and I had the free time for such a project. For the moment I could only hear out the cases before me. Most of them were relatively mundane disputes that should have been resolved well before reaching the throne, but such was the joy of leadership. If they could solve all these problems themselves they would have no need for a queen in the first place. Another fine example of such arrived before me when the majordomo announced the next petitioner. “Dawn Cumulus wishes to the petition the throne for redress.” The mare who had once been Dawn Charger marched into the room. Her feathers were matted even to mine eyes, likely preened in haste out in the halls at the last moment, and her close-cut mane and tail looked as though they had been combed through with a barely sober hoof moments before. Some attempt had been made to disguise the bags beneath her eyes, but ‘twas ultimately undercut by the impotent glare she spared me as she grumbled under her breath. Doubtless she protested the reminder that her clan name had been stripped away as punishment for her and her brother’s crimes. She should be grateful I let her keep her head. Compared to that, a name was a small price to pay. “How fitting to have Lady Protector Shadow join us when she is the one most responsible for my current woes.” Dawn spat the title out with no small amount of venom as her eyes settled on me, and I could plainly see the resentment burning within them. “Though your presence is a surprise. Is this some jest, or has Canterlot dispensed with pretense about who wears the leash and who holds it?” I had no inclination to indulge her pettiness. “Thou art free to leave, or else condemn thyself to a week in the stocks with thy next words. The next petitioner is a war widow whose husband was slain by some of your former kin, and now needs the crown’s aid to see to her children. She would doubtless appreciate not having that delayed by thee. If, however, thou wouldst petition the crown rather than disrespect it...” Dawn scowled as the palace guards began closing in, then held up a hoof—likely the closest she would allow herself to come to an actual apology. “I have come with a legitimate petition for the throne, regardless of who sits upon it. Specifically, a stallion of Clan Kicker who has harassed me unceasingly. His superiors have ignored my petitions for redress, and no other authority will move against your Lady Protector’s clan.” Shadow let forth with a sigh that made it all too clear she knew precisely what Dawn spoke of. I turned to her. “Explain.” “She speaks of Morningdew Kicker.” Shadow spared an annoyed look for Dawn. “Her father. He has made several attempts to approach her to rekindle ties.” Dawn scowled and shook her head. “I have no father. I know my family; many of them are dead. Morningdew is naught but a stranger to me.” I sat back in my chair to let Shadow and Dawn debate the matter, that they might provide me with all the information needed to make my decision. Shadow frowned at her. “I know that Morningdew is all but a stranger to thee, but that is precisely why he wishes to become better acquainted. I would think thou wouldst seek the comfort of family and clan again.” Dawn scoffed. “‘Clan and family’? Such would be a hollow mockery of what I know. What comfort could Morningdew’s clan offer? What family could I have among strangers who so eagerly betrayed their own and were richly rewarded for it? Do not think I have forgotten that you have the blood of my sister on your hooves.” “Lance’s death was a tragedy I would have prevented if I could,” Shadow answered coolly. “And thou wouldst be wise not to make enemies out of those who offer their friendship. Thou art as much a Kicker by blood as a Charger. E’en if thou wouldst not join our clan, ‘tis cruel to deny thine own father the chance to know thee.” “He is no father of mine,” Dawn growled. “Morningdew's offers and presence are unwelcome, and I would have them cease. Immediately.” “I see.” I frowned and considered the matter. On the balance, I was inclined to ignore a spiteful mare who had nothing but hate in her heart. However, I did not have the luxury of such things. “Has he acted in violation of the law?” “Is it illegal for a father to care for his daughter?” Shadow answered at once. “He cares for me?” Dawn scoffed and shook her head. “Until he first approached me, I could not have picked him out from a crowd if Shield’s life depended on it. E’en his name was an enigma until after the war’s end, and he is only father to me in that he lay with my mother and put me upon her. I have no desire to come to know him better and would be left in peace.” I put Shadow to the question once more. “Why does he persist when ‘tis plain that Dawn wants nothing to do with him?” Shadow cleared her throat. “If I might speak bluntly of private matters?” “Of course,” I threw up a quick spell to blot out the hearing of our many observers to enclose only myself, Shadow, and Dawn. Once the spell was in place Shadow wasted no time getting straight to the point. “Dawn is in a sorry state. Morningdew had all but forgotten his daughter until the guards called him after she became involved in an ... altercation at one of the local taverns. She is apparently quite notorious in most of them for her heavy drinking and belligerence whene’er the war is discussed. After she was less than grateful when last he vouched for her, Dusk was inclined to let her cool her hooves in the cells for a few days. The guards then saw her father’s name in her records and...” Shadow grimaced and shook her head. “When Morningdew learned that his daughter was a sot whose life was in such shambles that e’en her own brother seemed near to giving up hope in her, he felt he was obligated to do something. He had only remained out of Dawn’s life at Bright's request; she always felt she should be the sole parent of her brood. Now Bright is dead, and he sees a daughter in desperate need of guidance.” “I neither need nor want his help,” Dawn snarled. “Striking a few drunken fools who dared to dishonor the memory of my fallen kin is no crime.” “Thy fallen kin were traitors to the realm who broke their oath to Equestria and would have put us under the reign of the Nightmare,” I reminded her. “Many will speak ill of them, and not without cause. Learn to endure it, or thou wilt eventually give cause for a duel.” Dawn stubbornly stood her ground. “If that is how it ends, then so be it.” Shadow let out a frustrated sigh. “You see what we must deal with?” “Aye, I do.” I let the spells drop as I announced my decision. “Regardless of the circumstances, Dawn Cumulus is an adult. She is free to make what decisions she will so long as she follow the law and sees to her duties and obligations. If she wishes to spurn her father, that is also her decision. He should respect her wishes and leave her in peace.” Dawn blinked and stared at me in shock, doubtless stunned that I had ruled in her favor. She was not the only one—Shadow was halfway to objecting when I shot a rather pointed look her way. Thankfully, my dear friend was not half so ignorant of the ways of courtly politics as she liked to pretend, and she held her peace. Open discord ‘tween the two of us would end badly. E’en though I outranked her, I knew that her clan and many others would flock to her side if the Regent gave one order and the Lady Protector another. Once our business in court was finished I would show Shadow the proper solution to the matter of Dawn. Morningdew could hardly force her to see him as a father. Appealing to mere sentiment was ne’er a wise a choice and e’en more foolish when none existed. Dawn had no reason to think fondly of him, so ‘twas no surprise she rejected any effort on his part. However, her own actions offered the ideal solution. My warning that eventually she would cross a line was as close to certain as any prediction could be. History has shown time and again that those who turn to liquor for comfort meet one of two ends: either they destroy themselves, or they reach a low enough point to come to their senses and turn against their vices. Should Dawn reach such a point, she would need a father who could stand by her side and help her rebuild the life she had cast aside. Or perhaps she would ne’er discover such sense, and instead find her death in the bottom of a bottle. But that was hardly something to bring up to Shadow. And in any case, trying to badger Dawn into changing her ways seemed unlikely to work. In all likelihood the added stress would merely give her another excuse to indulge herself. Dawn, not being privy to my private thoughts, stared at me with a faintly confused frown. “I had not expected to find justice from the throne, least of all when you held it.” I saw the chance to make a statement and rose to my hooves. “This throne does not stand for the unicorns, pegasi, or earth ponies. This is not the throne of the nobles, the guilds, or the clans. This is the throne of Equestria, and all loyal citizens are entitled to equal protection beneath it.” That remark earned the approving murmurs I’d hoped for. Only a couple of the nobles grasped that my statement made it quite plain they were not entitled to any of the special privileges they felt they deserved, and none of them seemed inclined to comment when ‘twas plain the crowd was against them. Dawn Cumulus scowled faintly but said nothing more, and departed with a curt nod. I smiled and settled back into a throne that felt a touch more comfortable than it had a few minutes ago. “Send in the next petitioner.” After the public meetings and petitions came the private sessions. The first of these was one I had not been looking forward to: Ambassador Silver Tithe. Perhaps there were greater fools than the Golden Path to be found somewhere in the world, but I could think of few. Perhaps the rebels had been their equal, but then the rebels and the Golden Path ultimately fell into the same affliction. When presented with the chance to draw their own destiny, free of some so-called higher power dictating their fate, they promptly created a false one to make slaves of themselves once more. At least when the rebels had stood for an end to immortal rule I could understand their position. Once they changed their cause to becoming slaves to the Nightmare it was naught but madness. The Golden Path suffered a similar affliction with their false gods. Alas, for now I must receive them as a dignified and noble regent, rather than a vizier who could be somewhat more open with her disdain. Silver Tithe strode into the throne room, wearing a smile just a touch too wide to be genuine. The zony had dressed himself in a somewhat understated version of the latest court fashions, eschewing the large hats and excessive jewelry that many favored even as he draped himself in blue and purple silk. The vibrant colors offset his otherwise dull coloring; between a grey coat and relatively faded striping he looked almost uniformly grey. When he spoke, his words all but oozed friendly obsequiousness. “Regent Sunbeam, on behalf of the Golden Path I am delighted to congratulate you on your ascension. Such an honor for your goddess to grant you authority over her domain in her absence. I had hoped to meet with the great Celestia herself, but it is truly delightful to know we will get to spend more time together. And really, this is a minor matter that is hardly worth troubling a divine being over. I’m sure we can resolve this quite well on our own.” If it was that minor, he wouldn’t have brought it up to Celestia in the first place. Once more I regretted that my new position didn’t give me the option of telling him to stow the flattery and get straight to the point. “Thank you for your kind words, Silver. What matter was it you wished to discuss with the crown?” “I’m sure you’ve heard by now of the incident in Manehattan,” Silver drew himself up to his full height, righteous indignation entering his voice. “I cannot imagine what your customs officials could possibly have been thinking. Can you imagine?! The sheer unmitigated arrogance it must take to seize the property of a god?!” I was sorely tempted to remark that such could only be exceeded by the arrogance needed to believe oneself to be a god. Alas, while Grand Vizier Sunbeam could make such a cutting remark, Regent Sunbeam could not. Shadow cleared her throat and filled the void. “Our port officials were performing their duties. All trade vessels are required to provide a full cargo manifest upon entering our port, as well as paying all customs duties associated with that cargo. Your master’s vessel failed to report any of the crossbows our inspectors found hidden behind smuggling panels.” Silver immediately shifted back to charming magnanimity. “Oh my dear Lady Protector, you exaggerate. Cargo inevitably shifts around on a ship at sea, and it is only natural that a few things might slip out of sight. I am quite certain that the captain had no intention of leaving such an important part of his ship’s cargo off the manifest, it was just a minor little paperwork error. I assure you, we will discipline him for this lapse once he returns.” He shifted back to me. “Now that we’ve cleared up this minor little misunderstanding, I trust we can move on to happier topics. When should the master expect to have his ship released?” My daughter saw fit to enter the conversation in her usual manner. “How will the captain be punished by your gods? Will he be set afire, his skin turned into charred flesh while it cracks away from his bones? Or will he be smote by lightning that will leave him a sizzling and twitching corpse? Or will he be simply hanged like a common brigand, his neck snapped and his body swaying for all to see and the ravens to feed upon?” She blinked, staring at him. “I think ‘twould be most useful to know what form of justice your gods bring upon those who displease them. I am rather curious—I have never met a god before.” Silver blinked a couple times, staring back at her. Hardly the most unusual reaction to my daughter’s morbid flights of fancy. Eventually he managed to find an answer. “I would not presume to know the mind of a god.” Midnight frowned, tilting her head to the side. “But surely you know how they tend to punish the wicked? Have they not punished those that displease them? I have heard that blasphemers are often dealt with harshly in Freeport.” Silver spared a quick glance for me, but when he saw I was not inclined to silence my daughter he turned to her with another one of his unctuous smiles. “Yes, the gods have many ways to punish the wicked. However, that is but a single part of what they do, and not even the most important. They guide us, lift us up, and help us achieve all that we might hope to.” “I see.” Midnight went silent for long enough that Silver had presumed she was finished and was about to resume his business. When she finally spoke he jumped in surprise. “So how will the captain of this vessel likely be punished? He has violated our laws and caused a diplomatic incident. Mother is not likely to see him let go if he is not to be punished.” Silver shrugged. “As I said, that is a decision for the gods to make.” “Do your gods personally decide upon the punishment of every single lapse that occurs in Freeport?” Midnight queried. “That seems like it would quickly become dull and vexatious. Would it not be more efficient to establish general rules and guidelines for their mortal followers to enforce on a day-to-day basis?” Silver chuckled indulgently. “Perhaps it might seem that way to you, child, but the gods are far greater and wiser than us.” Midnight frowned and slowly cocked her head to the side. “Why is that?” Silver stared at her for several seconds, seemingly at a loss for words. “Because they are gods.” Midnight’s head slowly tilted back in the other direction. “What are your gods? I have only heard a little of them.” Silver smiled, evidently back in his comfort zone now that he could discuss the virtues of the beings he’d somehow deluded himself into thinking were gods. “The gods guide us, for they are wise in all things. Much like your Celestia, they teach us what is right and wrong, guide us towards a bright future, and show us the way forward. Freeport is truly blessed, for the gods walk among us and share their beneficence with us.” While Midnight considered this, Shadow leaned in and discretely whispered. “Should we be allowing her to do this? Thou knowest her questions could continue for hours.” “Aye, and it amuses me to watch someone else suffer them.” Though Shadow and Celestia had dealt with their share of my daughter’s insatiable curiosity, I would always be her first and favorite victim. Howe’er, Shadow was not wrong to raise such concerns. “I will put an end to it when the time comes.” While Shadow and I discussed, Midnight seemed to have decided upon her next inquiry. “You say that the gods walk amongst you. Is that not because the Golden Path summoned them and made them possess people?” Silver nodded along. “We followed their instructions to help them take corporeal form in our plane of existence, yes.” “Why would they want to be here?” Midnight asked. “Could they not give instructions from their home plane? An ethereal being embodying an abstract concept would likely find being confined to a single corporeal form incredibly restricting. What would a god even need with a physical body that can bleed, and grow tired or hungry?” Silver frowned at her. “They wished to bless us with their presence, for Freeport is favored above all other nations. The zebras and gryphons have no true gods at all, and even Equestria has but a single goddess to watch o’er them.” Shadow frowned. “Celestia is not a goddess, though she may seem like unto one. She is wise but not omniscient, and powerful but not omnipotent.” “That is so,” Midnight agreed. “But I have heard many call her a goddess. Most agree that while divine beings have powers and abilities far beyond those of ordinary ponies they do still have limits to their capacity. She is an immortal being of incredible power and wisdom, but she is not a goddess. Otherwise she would demand we worship her.” Silver smiled. “It reminds me of one of those delightful turns of phrase I heard once while I was taking the sights in Equestria: ‘If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, and looks like a duck, it’s probably a duck.’ Though it seems somewhat disrespectful to apply the same saying to a divine being, it would seem to be the case here.” Much as it irked me, he had a bit of a point. Though Celestia had never presented herself in a divine light she still had largely fallen into that role. And e’en if she did not declare herself a goddess, she certainly had not done anything to discourage those like the Cult of Sol Invictus who did venerate her. More fools them. Mine own opinion on her ... the old saying that familiarity breeds contempt seemed the best way to explain my feelings towards Celestia. That is not to say that I hated her or held her in contempt, but rather I knew her far too well to see her as the perfect all-knowing wise and benevolent being so much of Equestria thought they knew. She was a great mare, but not a flawless one. Her extended melancholy after her sister’s banishment had planted the seeds of the rebellion, and her hesitation in acting decisively allowed those seeds to blossom. I had long suspected that a part of it stemmed from the fear of her own power. When the rebels accused her of exiling her sister out of naked power lust they could not have been further from the truth. Celestia doubtless tortured herself over having not done more to save Luna when in all honesty she had gone too far. How many had died in the Rebellion that might yet live had she cut her sister down rather than allow her exile? Mine own daughter had nearly been among the fallen, and if she had been I would ne’er have forgiven Celestia for her mercy. Aye, a wise ruler must respect the power they wield and use it cautiously. However, there is a great difference between caution and fear. She concerned herself so much with the possibility of being a tyrant that she sometimes failed to be an effective leader. Or mayhaps she hoped to lead ponykind past the point of needing leaders such as herself by lifting everyone else up to her level. A noble sentiment and one I supported in conception, but e’en among equals there are those who command and those who follow. “Celestia is not a goddess,” I concluded. “Whatever her abilities and gifts, she does not choose to be nor does she conduct herself as divine. Our choices define who we are far more than a few natural gifts.” “I can think of a dozen counter-examples easily,” Silver answered breezily. “But I am sure we do not want to turn this into a debate over philosophy and theology. We would hardly want to bore your daughter.” Midnight blinked and stared at him. “I would not find such a discussion boring at all. There are many interesting matters to discuss. If you disagree with Mother about the importance of personal choice and presentation, then what makes your gods truly gods?” Silver closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “The fact that they are gods. They are eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing perfect beings the likes of which no mortal could e’er hope to match. Thy mother says that it is a matter of choice, but I would contend that I could no more be a god than thou couldst be a gryphon.” “Ah, I see.” Midnight frowned in thought. “So if your god is all-knowing, did he know that his crossbows would be misplaced and undocumented, and his captain arrested for smuggling? I would think he would not be so upset if he knew such a thing would happen well in advance.” Silver scowled, his patience plainly exhausted now that she was poking holes in his beliefs. “Children should not ask such blasphemous questions.” I knew the time had come and promptly waved Midnight o’er to my side. “I think thou hast asked the ambassador enough, child.” My daughter’s ears drooped as I put an end to her curiosity. “Oh. Very well then.” I turned back to Silver Tithe. “Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. I will consider your request, ambassador.” Silver frowned. “With all respect, regent, I had hoped to provide my master with the news that his property would be returned once this meeting was over.” “Then I am sorry to disappoint you,” I answered. “Howe’er, a matter of this much importance merits careful consideration.” I had expected him to back down at this point, going back to his usual smiling obsequiousness. Instead, Silver did something I had not been expecting. He stood his ground. “Regent, the gods do not like to be kept waiting. I am afraid that I must insist on having an answer at once.” “I see.” Evidently Silver had forgotten one of the most important rules of diplomacy: ‘If you need an answer right now, then it will be no.’ “In that case—” He must have seen how it was going to go, because he quickly cut me off, switching back to such an excess of oily charm I was surprised he did not leave a trail on the floor. “Of course, I am sure I can explain to the gods that you merely wish to ensure that their property is returned properly and with all due haste. While Celestia would of course act with utmost urgency to correct this wrong, I know that you doubtless have many concerns and duties. I would not want to deprive you of the pleasure of informing the Great God Veritanu personally that you will be returning his property to him.” That last remark was unexpected. “Did you say—” “Oh, a thousand apologies,” Silver oozed. “I suppose in all the excitement of discussing minor legal matters and the fascinating theological debate I had with your daughter, I forgot the most important fact of all: Equestria will soon be blessed by the presence of one of the gods themselves. My Lord Veritanu was most eager to visit Equestria once I sent him word of the latest developments. I do hope you will be willing to receive him with all the honors and dignity that a visiting god deserves.” Shadow and I traded a look. One of Freeport’s false gods coming here? And evidently deciding to do so immediately after he learned that Celestia was no longer in Canterlot, no less? That was decidedly ominous. However, Regent Sunbeam had only one response that Queen Celestia would approve of upon her return. “Of course. We would be honored to receive him.”