Chapter 26:On The Way to Splinter Bay
(Theran Razorblade)
(Centauries in the past)
Today wasn’t a normal day.
Normally Theran would get up in the morning, get his Snow Steel on, greet his wife and child with smiles and laughs, then head off to the barracks to do whatever was on his to do list as Arch mage. Normally a mountain of paper work, but today wasn’t one of those days.
The mission the Prince had given him began today. All the soldiers he had hoofed picked days before had probably said their goodbyes to their families and friends and were awaiting him outside the city, by the great wall. Theran was already on his way to the city gates, now and then glancing at the many ponies watching him as he passed by. Along side him was his wife Ashtrid and his 4-year-old daughter Trisha.
Ashtrid was attempting to change his mind again. “Theran you know you still dinny have to do this. It’s not dishonourable to refuse.”
Theran could understand how she felt. If their positions were reversed he would probably be the same, trying to reason with her. But it was never so simple. “We’ve been over this Ash, I have a duty to this city.”
“Sod duty!” She whispered in annoyance. “What about our family?”
“I’m doing this for our family and all the other families in this city.” Theran shot back with a stern voice. “Something bad is bruin out there and it’s my job to stop it from reaching here.”
“But why you?” Ashtrid asked, still not backing down. “Why not some other pony that doesny have a child to raise huh?!”
Theran stopped her in her tracks with his hoof placed on her chest. He glared into her sapphire eyes angrily. “That’s enough Ash! The reason it has to be me is because there is no other pony to do this job AND what about all the other soldiers waiting out there? They have families, with wives, husbands and foals of their own. YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE!!”
Ashtrid looked shocked and was taken aback by his anger. She looked at the ground, shame welling up in her eyes. Theran realised he shouldn’t have yelled at her, not in front of Trisha and defiantly not in public. He felt ashamed of his action and embraced her in a loving hug, to her surprise. “I’m sorry Ash, I really am I…I shouldn’t have let my anger get the better of me.”
She slowly returned the embrace and held him tight. “ I’s ok…It’s ok…I…I just don’t want to loss you.” She crocked, her emotion barely contained. “I don’t want Trisha to grow up without a Father.”
“Hey.” Theran let her go and cupped his hooves under her cheeks, making her look at him. “Look at me, look at me.” She looked into his wolf like eyes. “I made a promise, I will return and when I do I’ll never leave you again. You hear?”
Ashtrid’s eyes shifted from side to side as she scanned his, while tears escaped out of hers. “Yes…I…I hear you.”
Theran nodded with a warm smile and brought his attention to his daughter. He crouched down to her level and peered into her big blue eyes. “Trish, I got a job for you.” She leaned in closer when he whispered in her ear but loud enough for Ashtrid to hear. “I need you to look after your Mum while I’m gone. Can you do that for me?”
Trisha nodded. “Y-yes Daddy.”
“That’s my girl.” Theran said with pride and kissed her on the forehead. He then went back up to his wife’s level. “You take care Ash. Remember chin up and stay strong.”
Ashtrid looked like she could barely hold it together. She quickly leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. It was a long loving kiss that felt like it would last forever but he had to move or be stuck in limbo. Their lips made a smacking sound as he pulled away. “I love you Ash.” He said as he back up.
“I-I love you too.” Ashtrid said through escaping sobs. She leaned her head down to Trisha and said. “Wave goodbye to Daddy.”
“Goodbye Daddy!” Trisha said as she was instructed but he could tell she didn’t completely understand way.
Containing his own tears, Theran waved back and then turned away to the city gates. There a cart puller waited for him. “Let’s get a move on!” Theran ordered the driver and soon they sped off. Theran couldn’t help but look back at the shrinking gate and noticed Ashtrid and Trisha watching him go. “I’ll be back.” Theran said to himself. “I will.”
(Present day)
“UUUUHHHHHHHRAAA I’m so tired!”
That was Sapphire complaining for like the thousandth time that day. The Group had finally managed to find the road after trotting through the uneven forest for about an hour. They were still technically in the forest but on a road that led to their destination.
Sapphire had practically kissed the ground and praised the damn gods when they found the road and now after hours of walking Theran had, had just about enough. “Sapphire if you so much as utter one more complaint I’ll let Teven chew on your back side.”
Sapphire glanced at Teven as they walked and got a grin full of razor sharp, purl white teeth. She gulped with a grim expression. “Oh give it a rest Theran, we’re all tired.” Violet affirmed as she walked next to Haze.
Haze by far was suffering the most do to her head injury. The hot spring this morning had given her an energy boost but it seems to have worn off. She had taken painkillers but it didn’t improve her state much, and now Violet was helping Haze keep her balance since she was being stubborn and wouldn’t let Teven carry her. On that note it was the afternoon now and they hadn’t stopped for a break yet.
Theran looked ahead. There were still miles of road left as he saw the vast mountains in the distance. He wanted to approach Splinter Bay at nightfall so they walked a few more minutes down the road, till Theran made them all stop. “Alright we’ve been walking long enough.” He looked to the side of the road. “Let’s take a break and let’s do it off the road.” He pointed off to his left. “Over there by those trees.”
They moved off the beaten path to a little thicket by the road. Sapphire literally flopped on the snow-covered ground with a heavy, over exaggerated sigh while Haze nearly collapsed without Violet’s support. She helped her lay down and quickly got her a pillow. “Stubborn filly.” Violet muttered under her breath. “You’re going to pass out again at this rate.”
“I’m fine.” Haze said groggily.
“No, no you’re not.” Violet said sternly as she slid the pillow under her head. “You need to slow down.” Haze clutched her head and let out an irritated growl. Violet just let out an annoyed tut and moved away from her over to Theran, who was watching the road.
“I don’t know what to do with her.” Violet complained. “She’s happy and sweet one minute then a moody git the next.” She sighed dramatically, rubbing her temple. “I can’t keep up Theran, it’s like her mood swings are one step ahead of me all the time.”
Theran turned his head from the road and mountains to look at her. She looked so tired, with a little bit a baggage under her eyes. Theran just smirked. “Remember Vi she’s a teenager, and with that head wound her mood will be even more random.”
“But I’m no good with teens, never have been.” Violet explained with a weariness in her tired voice. “You know that.”
Theran did his warm half smile with a little huff of his nose and put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. “Hey I know how you feel. My daughter was the same at Haze’s age, actually she was worse.” Theran’s mind just clicked as he realised what he had just said. Why was he suddenly talking about his passed daughter as if it were something normal? It felt wrong and so alien to him. He hadn’t spoken of his daughter in this way in centuries.
Violet however didn’t seem to notice his shocked expression do to his helmet and asked. “How did you deal with it? Cause seriously sometimes I feel like I’m at my wits end with her.”
Theran for a moment was lost for words but managed to string something together. “Uh, well uh you…you got to be um…patient.”
“I am!” Violet affirmed. “I’m so patient but no matter how hard I try she just keeps…”
Theran put a hoof on her mouth and hushed her. “Here, let me show you how I dealt with Trisha when she was 14.” Again Theran was shocked at how he managed to just slip into just talking about his daughter as if it were nothing.
He moved past a puzzled Violet and approached Haze. She saw him coming and rolled onto her side where she lay so she was facing away from him. “Go away.” Haze stated in a depressed tone.
He ignored her rude request and sat near her. He didn’t know why he was doing this but something inside was driving him. He took his helmet off and put it on the ground in front of him. He then reached over and pocked her in the side.
She waved his hoof away with an annoyed groan, which made him frown. He pocked her again, harder this time and he finally got a reaction out of her.
“WHAT!!??” She shouted, rolling onto her back to glare at him.
Theran smirked. “We’re going to play a little game.” He pushed his helmet over to her. “Who ever has the helmet answers the other’s question honestly.”
She rolled her eyes with a big sigh and flopped onto her side again. “I’m not in the mood for your games.” She stated grumpily.
Theran snorted. “And I’m not in the mood for your attitude. And besides this might be the only time you get a chance to ask me anything you like without any of my excuses.”
Haze rolled back onto her back and looked at him with a raise brow. “And what makes you think I care?” She asked in a snarky way.
Theran made his confident half smile, not falling for her trick question. “Cause I’m an old sod, painful to admit but it’s true and you’re attracted to the unknown and history nut. I mean who knows what secrets history holds that I may know, cause I was there to witness the events.”
That seemed to get her attention when she did that look that thirsted for knowledge. “How do I know you’re not just bluffing?” Haze asked with suspicion.
“Only you can find that out.” Theran stated with a sly wink.
Haze paused for a moment as she narrowed her eyes at him. Then pushed his helmet toward him. “You’re on.” She said with a confident grin.
Theran smirked. “Ok what do you want to know? And it can only be one question.”
Haze at that moment looked unsure, as her gaze wondered and her head tilted slightly in thought. When she spoke it was slow but though out. “I want to know more about…” She looked off to the side and her eyes fixed on Teven, who was lightly prodding the head of Sapphire, who seemed to be snoozing. She smiled. “I want to know more about Wolven.”
Theran raised one side of his brow in surprise. “Wolven ay? Well you’ll have to be more…specific with your question.”
Haze didn’t hesitate. “I want to know about Wolven culture.”
“Wolven culture?” Theran mused.
Haze nodded her head slowly so she didn’t aggravate her head wound. “Uh huh Wolven culture. Cause every book I’ve read on them just describes them as savage, mindless monsters with a lust for pony blood. There has to be more to them than that…right?”
Theran for a moment was perplexed. Never did he think Haze would ever be interested in Wolven, let alone their culture. He quickly collected his thoughts however and did his best to indulge her. “Well uh…yeah I guess so. They’re a very tribal based culture, with their population being made up of hundreds of clans. Each clan has their own set of rules and traditions and all have a very strict hierarchy.” He set his hoof low in the air and started to raise it. “They start with the minor Wolven that make up the bulk of any clan. Then you get the higher ups like, Trainers, Punishers and Shaman. Then at the very top you have the War-chief, the leader of the clan and top dog.”
Haze looked very absorbed by all this, sitting there intently listening to his every word. “That’s so cool. What else is there?”
Theran continued. “Uh…they’re very honour bound and take fighting very seriously. Actually come to think of it, they seem to just do things for war.”
Haze seemed unimpressed. “Wait that’s it? There must be more than that?”
Theran just shrugged. “I dunno. I’ve only ever been to Wolven Guard once and they weren’t very welcoming either.”
On that note Teven decided to lumber over to them after getting nowhere with a dozy Sapphire and said. “I could not help but overhear you talking about Wolven Guard. Am I correct?”
Theran nodded. “Yeah I was just telling her what I know of Wolven culture.”
“Which isn’t very much.” Haze moodily grumbled, getting a dirty look from Theran.
Teven’s expression seemed to lighten up at the word culture, and puffed out her chest. “Wolven culture? Well why not ask me? I know all there is to know about my own kind.” She sat down with them in a lounging sort of way with her legs folded to one side of her and putting her weight on one arm while the other rested on her hip. She addressed Haze with a knowing smile. “So little Hoofling, what is it you would like to know?”
Haze had a look of excitement on her face and fidgeted like a little Filly getting to try chocolate for the first time. “More about your society, way of life, history, laws…anything.” Her excitement was barely contained.
“Never took you for a Wolven nut.” Violet said as she too joined them in their forming little circle.
Haze and Teven ignored Violet to her annoyance and Teven began to speak, calmly and relaxed. “Ah well let me see, hmmmm…” She scratched her chin in thought and peered up at the trees till her eyes light up and she smiled. “Well I was never very…how do you say it…talkative when I was a youngster but Wolven culture is very war based. All pups male and female are trained to fight and kill the moment they are one cycle old, going through many deadly trials till they are ready for the final and deadliest trial, The Trial of Fear.”
“The Trial of Fear?” Haze asked in amazed confusion. “What’s involved in it?”
Teven narrowed her eyes and made her voice sound all serious. “It is a trial that tests your very endurance, mind and body. You are sent alone to a dark valley that was cursed with dark magic and in the valley you must face your greatest fears and overcome them. For no Wolven can call them self a warrior until completing this trail.”
Theran had to admit this was interesting, never had he heard of this trial before and gave his view on Wolven a little more depth. Haze meanwhile look struck with awe as she asked. “Did you pass the trial?”
Teven opened her mouth but didn’t speak for a second, but after a moment she did. “I…did…but I do not want to talk about it…It is…personal.”
“Oh…” Haze looked down cast. “I see.”
Teven took in a deep breath and let it out slow through her mouth. “Anyway that is just the beginning. There are still so many things a young Wolven goes through in their life. My favourite was the Ûnta-Grama.”
“Oonta…what a?” Haze exclaimed in confusion. Even Theran was confused.
Teven also was momentarily confused till she laughed. “Oh forgive me I forgot you are not Wolven and do not speak my tong. The Ûnta-Grama is what you Thunderfoots would call…a festival. A festival of clans gathering together to share resources, meet old friend and family, where two rivals can meet and battle for entertainment for the other clans. And the food, oh the food brought by the many different clans are almost to die for, some actually do die for the food.”
“I don’t think I want to know what those types of food could be.” Haze stated with an expression that told Theran she was thinking of what Wolven like to eat.
Teven didn’t seem to notice this and kept on rambling. “Oh and than there are the mating rituals. Oh now that makes me think back.” She seemed to be in a daydream now as she gazed up at the trees. “With the sounds of drums, the smell of willing males, the decretive body paints and the dances. Oh if only I could see that again and have a big wild male chase after my tail.”
“Ok this is getting just a little weird.” Violet chimed in but Teven kept talking as she looked to be in some trance now.
“Big warm muscles around my body and a fluffy beard tickling my nose, oh yes.” Theran was getting just a little uncomfortable when he heard something wood like break. His ears pricked up and he jumped to his hooves.
“What the hell was that?” Theran exclaimed, his mind alert. The sound came from the road and all except Sapphire who was still snoozing stood and crept to where it came from.
Theran was on his back legs with his sword hoof resting on the hilt of his sword and pulled it out slightly from its sheath. As he walked passed he kicked Sapphire, jolting her awake “Hey what the…” Haze clamped her hoof around her mouth to keep her quiet while Theran, Violet and Teven moved up to the road.
Theran pocked his head out and looked down the road. Nothing there but when he looked up the road he saw a large wagon with two ponies at it. One was a grizzly old grey Unicorn Stallion with a white beard and wearing a long navy blue coat covering his torso. He also had a lot of leather armour on his right foreleg, covering it entirely and had what looked like a big old, blue wizard’s hat.
The second was a light tan coloured, young Earth pony Mare with a white mane with orangey highlights. She wore some sort of forest green short-sleeved jacket with a folded collar and was unbuttoned. Her blank flank wasn’t covered by any clothing, except for black and white ring patterned legs warmers and some sort of checkered scarf of the same colours was also covering her face.
They seemed to be together and it looked like that one of their wagon’s wheels had broken off. He could hear the old Stallion yelling and saying things that made no sense. “FUCK SAKE GOD DAMNIT, WHY? WHY DO YOU PUNISH ME SO, MAN FROM UPSTAIRES WHY!!!!???”
“Keep your voice down.” The Mare said in a very low droned out way, like there was no emotion at all in her voice, but was loud enough for his hearing to pick up. “You might attract something.”
They didn’t seem like a threat but Theran wasn’t taking any chances. He looked to Teven. “Teven sneak up beside them but don’t let them see you. I wanna play this safe.” Teven nodded and slunk off into the underbrush like a cat. He then looked at Violet. “You stay here with the girls just in case.”
Violet didn’t argue as she drew her sword and stayed where she was. He had his helmet in his other hoof and he quickly put it on. He then took a deep breath and walked out onto the road. He approached them slow and careful since they hadn’t seen him yet. He still had his hoof gripping his sword hilt with the blade out ever so slightly. The Mare seemed to notice him first and tapped her companion on his shoulder.
The old Stallion turned and saw Theran approaching and for some odd reason, smiled. “Hey there armoured looking fella that strangely smells like a dog.” He tipped his hat to him. “Wouldn’t know how to fix a wagon would ya?”
He had an odd look in his blue eyes and Theran got a weird vibe from the old geezer. He stopped about two meters away from them and looked them over. The Stallion was just smiling oddly while the Mare was just staring with her one orange eye since her mane covered the left one. It wasn’t an angry stare or even a contented one but was a dull unblinking stare that actually unnerved Theran.
He didn’t say anything at first just analysed them but after a few seconds he said. “Yeah…I might know how to fix it. “
“Great.” The Stallion said happily. Theran didn’t move and the Stallion shifted his dark blue eyes from side to side awkwardly. “Um…what are you waiting for?”
“I dinny trust you.” Theran stated sternly. “How do I know you’re not criminals or Mercs looking for an easy score.”
“Touchy much.” The old Stallion huffed. He glanced at his comrade. She nodded without a word like she was expecting this and went to go to the back of the wagon.
Just as she was half way her right ear twitched and snapped her head toward the bushes. Moving at unbelievable speed she reached into the bushes and pulled out a rather surprised looking Wolven. Teven must of weighed a good several pounds especially with all her armour on, but this Mare lifted her up in the air like she weighed nothing and slammed her hard onto the dirt path. Teven lay on her stomach and cried out in pain when the Mare pressed one of her hind legs into one of her shoulder joints and twisted her arm backward in a painful angle.
“WOGHA!” Theran spluttered with a flinch, his brain only now taking in what had just happened and pulled his sword out on reflex.
The Stallion meanwhile had vanished from sight and Theran was shocked to find him right next to him on his left. Startled, Theran attempted to elbow him in the face but he ducked with surprising speed for his age and did something unexpected. He gripped the bottom of Theran’s left hind leg and pulled it back so Theran fell forward.
He smashed his helmeted head off the dirt path hard enough for stars to appear in his vision and was momentarily dazed. When he came to his senses the old Stallion was standing over him with his sword in hoof. He pointed its tip right between the eye slit in Theran’s helmet and smiled warmly down to him. He looked back at the Mare who held Teven in place then looked back to Theran. “This…wolf thing a friend of yours youngster?”
Theran didn’t know what to think at that moment, he was still stunned at what had just happened. There was no way this old geezer just did what he did, moving like that. He looked about 80 yet moved like a well-trained Stallion in his youth, and that Mare.
She wasn’t even that big, much smaller than him yet handled Teven like she was nothing more than a feathered pillow and Teven looked ready to burst into tears as the Mare applied pressure to her shoulder joint. At that moment Violet came running up with sword in hoof and Theran tried to stop her. “Wogha Violet I thought I told you to…”
“Shut it.” Violet snapped and Theran clamed his mouth shut. Violet glared at the old Stallion. “What the hell is going on here?! She looked over to the Mare that had Teven on the ground then back to the Stallion that had Theran’s sword. “You better put that down and let them go right now or I swear to the gods…!”
The Mare released Teven and she rolled onto her back clutching her shoulder as she let out pained sighs and groans. “I apologies.” The Mare said, still with no emotion. “I didn’t realise she was with you.”
“Uh same here.” The old Stallion backed up and dropped Theran’s weapon. “No need for any more trouble.”
Theran got up and reclaimed his sword, slamming it back home in its sheath angrily. He then came to Teven’s aid while Violet stared down the Stallion and Mare. “Teven you alright?” He asked in concern.
He helped her sit up and she gasped in discomfort and was breathing deeply. “What the in Fenrear’s name are you?!” She yelled at the Mare in anger. “You piece of shrakh!”
The Mare regarded Teven coldly but was polite about it. “If I caused you bodily harm I assure you I left no permanent damage.”
Teven snarled at the Mare but Theran gave her a quick push on her good shoulder and she quieten down. He regarded the Mare with a querying look. “I’ve never seen a pony your size take down a full grown Wolven like that before. It’s like it took no effort for you.”
He didn’t admit it but not even he could lift Teven like that, and that’s without her armour. And then there’s the part of keeping her down. Theran would have trouble with that but not for this Mare it seemed.
“I work out.” Was all the Mare said dully.
“Must work out a lot then.” Teven remarked. “I swear for a moment I thought you were going to pop my arm from its socket.”
“That was my intention, yes.” The Mare admitted emotionlessly but was still polite. “But again I apologies.” She gave a small bow as she said that.
Theran assisted Teven in standing but she only grunted and shrugged him away to her discomfort. While Teven moodily groaned, he addressed the odd per. “Who are you two and where are you heading?”
The old Stallion briefly eyed Violet who hadn’t put her sword away yet and looked toward Theran. “Uh, we are just simple traders, traveling from place to place to sell our many goods from many places. It’s what I was going to show you before our little play session.” He put a hoof on the Mare’s shoulder. “This is my assistant Tasumi. A bit shy but good at what she dose.”
“Shy?” Teven growled while still rubbing her shoulder. “Not what I would call her. More like a Rûga-Dosima.” Theran’s eyes went wide in pleasant surprise as he bit his lips together to hold back a laugh but let out a few snickers.
The old Stallion seemed to take offence to that as he furrowed his brow. “Hey that’s not very nice, she’s not…Um I mean those words sound like an insult…whatever they mean.”
Violet narrowed her eyes at the Stallion’s odd behaviour but Theran was still trying to contain his laughter. He managed to speak however after a few deep breaths. “It means, Midget of Pain.” He couldn’t contain it any longer and let out some hearty laughs, while Violet kept on staring at the so called traders with a look of suspicion on her face.
The old Stallion brushed something off his hat and looked calm again. “Ah well, still not very nice.”
“You still haven’t told us who you are.” Violet chimed in, her eyes fixed on the Stallion.
The Stallion smiled, took off his hat to reveal his balled head and bowed. “Tinker Joe at your serves but please call me Joe.” He put his hat back on and looked over all of them. “And if you help me out with this wagon here I’d be more than happy to sell you some of my best goods. Sound fair to you?”
Theran and Violet looked at each other, silently expressing their thoughts. After a moment of consideration Theran spoke up. “Alright but these goods you speak of better actually be good.”
“Oh I assure you they are.” Joe promised, with another confident tilt of his hat.
“I’ll go get Haze and Sapphire.” Violet stated and finally sheathed her sword.
While she turned and walked off to get said teenagers, Theran went over to the wagon and looked at the broken wheel. Tasumi was next to him as he examined the damage. The joint was still intact and it only looked to be that the part that keeps the wheel in place had come loose. “Well you got lucky, looks like it just slid off. Nothing a little magic can’t fix. But how am I going to prop this up?”
Just as he said that Tasumi put one hoof under the wagon and lifted it up till it was level. Theran looked at her in astonishment. This wagon must of weighed more than Teven and that’s without the goods in the back but this Mare held it up like it was as light as cardboard. “You going to just stare at me or are you going to fix it?” Tasumi asked dully.
Theran shook his head to clear his fizzled mind and got to work on the wheel. He used his magic to lift the wheel and slide it in place. Then he got the nut and blot that kept the wheel on the screwed them back in place. “There good as new.” Theran stated and placed a small rock under the wheel so it didn’t roll away.
Tasumi let go of the wagon and the wheel held true. “Impressive.” She said but still sounded bored. “Joe take a look at this.”
Tinker Joe came over to them and inspected the wheel. “Wow that’s some pretty fine work.” He smiled and moved past them. “Now for my promise. This way if you please.” Theran followed him with caution since he still didn’t trust this per. Joe actually brought up the topic to his surprise. “You seem a bit on edge Mr…?”
“Theran.” He said with a little stutter. “Theran Razorblade.”
Joe smirked and Theran didn’t know why but Joe spoke again before he could think. “And may I ask Mr…Theran, why you and your fellas are on edge?”
Theran took off his helmet and clipped it to his belt before speaking. “Let’s just say we’ve had a run in with some…unpleasant characters.”
“Oh I know that feel.” Joe mused. “Fucking twats running around all over the place just looking to cause trouble.” He snorted. “Nuttin me and my assistant canny handle though.” He looked at some fabric covers and pulled them off. There were bundles of bags underneath fill with stuff but with what Theran couldn’t tell. “Now lets see what we got here.” Just as he said that Haze, Violet and Sapphire appeared from around the wagon. “Ah just in time.” Joe mused again. “Let’s have a rummage.”
He pulled a bag out from the bundle and set it on the ground. He did this two more times and now there were three bags. He untied them and showed their contents. A lot of old junk. “Go on look through them, pick out something you like the look of.”
Theran was unimpressed and didn’t move but Haze and Sapphire bug through the bags with eagerness. Haze with her clock back to hide her bug wings, looked through a bag of metal and plastic things while Sapphire look through a bag of clothing. Almost immediately she found a purple Pegasus jacket in perfect condition and she was overjoyed. “Awww yes! How much?” She looked at Tinker Joe.
“That’ll be one bit please.” Joe stated with a joyful smile.
“Really?” Sapphire asked in disbelief.
“Yep.” He insisted.
“Aww cool!” Sapphire was ecstatic as she slipped into her new jumper and winced when she forgot about her damaged wing.
Violet helped her get it on while Theran eyed Joe. “One bit huh?” He asked in a low suspicious tone. “Looks worth at least ten.”
Joe calmly adjusted his hat. “Are you complaining about low prices for high quality goods?” He gave Tasumi a sly wink and she rolled her one visible eye.
Theran didn’t notice this however and felt a little lost for words. “Uh…I um…I…no?
Joe smiled with delight. “Well then we got nay problems now.”
“NO WAY!?” That was Haze and she had something in her hooves.
“What?” Violet looked over her shoulder. “What is it?”
Haze held up two identical devices that looked to be made of plastic. “Awwww these things are so out dated but still so awesome.” She put one to her ear and pressed something on the other. She gasped. “They still work (makes a squealing sound) Ohhhh this is unreal!”
“What are they?” Theran asked as he leaned in for a closer look.
Haze had a crazy beaming smile. “They’re Trotty Talkies!”
She clicked one of them again and squealed with delight once more. “Trotty whaty?” Sapphire asked, zipping up her new jumper.
“Trotty Talkies.” Haze hugged them to her chest. “Me and my Mum used to have these when I was a foal. We used to act like spies with them and ease drop on my Dad or random ponies in Canterlot.”
“Uh…what do they do exactly?” Theran asked.
Haze turned her happy gaze to him. “They let you communicate over long distances in real time.” She handed him one. “Here I’ll show you, uh go up the road there.”
Theran was puzzled as he stared at the device in his hoof for a moment, and then did as Haze told him. He walked up the road till he was ten meters away and stopped. He looked over at them still confused till the device made a crackling sound and he heard Haze’s voice. “Hey Theran can you hear me?”
Theran was astonished. He was so surprised he actually flinched. “Haze?” He spoke to the device but nothing happened. “Haze can you hear me?”
Her voice came through again. “Are you talking to it? Press the button on the side to speak.”
Theran pressed it and spoke. “Um…hello?” There was cheering back down at the group. Theran actually cracked a smile. “Huh, damn thing actually works.” Haze was quiet all of a sudden. “Haze aren’t you going to speak?”
“THERAN!!” Haze yelled over at him. “TAKE YOUR OFF THE BLOODY BUTTON!!!”
“OH!” Theran took his hoof off the button. “Woops.”
Haze’s voice came through again. “Only press it when you need to talk, don’t hold it forever.”
Theran pressed it again. “Should of told me that before.” He complained.
Haze sighed into the device. “You’re so annoying sometimes.”
Theran smirked. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He walked back over to them and gave the Trotty Talkie back to Haze. “These things are amazing.” He admitted. “And would be very useful. How much?” He asked Joe.
“One bit.”
“Wait what?” Theran was confused. “One bit for each or…”
Joe cut him off. “Together they cost one bit.”
Theran was confused. If he were selling these he would have put them up to at least fifty. Was this trader crazy? Theran’s mulling was interrupted when Haze gasped excitedly. “WHAAAAAT???!!!” She hopped about with joy. “OH, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you…”
She stopped hopping when she gripped her head and growled in pain. “What’s wrong with her?” Joe asked, in concern.
Violet went over to Haze and put an arm around her. “She recently hit her head and has a concussion.”
Joe came closer and examined Haze’s eyes. “Hmmm, that don’t look good.” He quickly went into one of the bags and pulled out something. “This should help.” What he had in his hoof was a black eye-patch and he strapped it on, over her right eye. “There yee be lookin like a pirate now aarrrr, and it’s completely free.”
Haze looked confused as she lifted the eye-patch up slightly to inspect it, but then put it back on and grinned happily. “Now you can wear your pirate hat Haze.” Sapphire stated playfully. “Then you can act like a pirate captain and say ARRRR, all day long.”
Theran smirked at that and then he noticed something else. Violet was beaming with joy at the sight of Haze being happy, and in return Theran felt a warm tingly feeling in his chest. There was just something about their smiles that tugged at his old beaten heart, rekindling something inside of him. He shook his head and came back to reality. “Thank you Mr Joe.” He hovered his bit pouch out of his bag. “But it’s time we set off.”
“Wait, hold on now.” Tinker Joe put up a hoof and made a frowny face. “You and the other lass havny looked in the bags yet.”
Theran rolled his eyes in exasperation, letting out a big sigh. “I’m not interested, I just want to pay for their stuff.”
Joe was having none of that. “But I have so many nice things. You never know what you might find useful out there and after all, a storm is coming.”
Theran’s eyes widened slightly as he recognised that sentence. “What did you just say?” Theran asked in a low threatening tone. He moved about an inch toward Joe and Tasumi moved to block him, glaring at him with her intense orange eye.
Joe coughed and lightly made her move to the side. “Sorry she’s a little overprotective.” She snorted lightly at that. “But what I meant was I heard from a Pegasus or two that a rather nasty storm is blowing this way. I just think it would be in your best interest to, I dinny know…stock up?” He looked at Violet and she looked at him. “You won’t get these kind of deals anywhere else.” Joe insisted.
“I’ll pass.” Theran huffed.
“I’m not.” Violet stated boldly. “Let’s have a look at what you got.”
Tinker Joe smiled warmly at her. “Wise choice lass. Now take as long as you like.” He then turned to Teven. “And what about you Miss…” She snarled at him with a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. “Ok noted, dinny bother you…right.”
Violet looked through the many things in front of her, pushing item after item away till she frowned. “Meh, there’s not really that much.” She straightened up and looked at Joe apologetically. “I can’t seem to find anything that useful.”
“See.” Theran stated and hovered his bit pouch. “So can I…”
“Wait.” Violet said as her gaze went to the wagon. “What’s that?”
She pointed at something on the wagon and Tinker Joe looked at it. “Oh that, I was just about to show you. You know, one last attempt to change your mind.” From the wagon he hovered a small box in his magic and offered it to Violet. “Go on take a peek.”
Violet took the box in her hooves and opened its lid. Her eyes seemed to widen and she smiled. “Wow this looks good.” She took it out for all to see. It was a flip-open compass, pained a very fine shade of green, had sliver forest markings on the lid and was polished into a nice shine. “This is so beautiful and very well made.” She stared at it in awe. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a compass like this before.” She opened it and looked even more amazed. “Wow are those crystals?!”
“Yes.” Tinker Joe stated proudly. “The cog, the spindle and even the directions are carved into the crystal itself.”
“I take it this will cost us a lot?” Violet asked. “It looks so…”
“One bit!” Joe said suddenly and Violet was taken aback.
“You…you mean just…one?” Violet asked, unsure.
“Yep.” Joe insisted. “One bit.”
“N-no…” Violet looked at it. “It…it looks too good. It must be worth at least…”
Joe cupped his hooves on hers and gently pushed it toward her chest. “One bit, no higher or lower, one bit and that’s final.”
“Why?” Theran asked. He really didn’t like this, it was very odd and very suspicious. “Why the charity?”
“You fixed me wagon.” He just shrugged sheepishly. “So in return it only seems fair right?”
Theran and Violet just stared at each other in silence for a moment before Violet spoke first. “Uh…thank you, uh…I-I don’t really know what to say.”
“Oh no need to worry lass, I’m just a humble merchant.” Tinker Joe gave her a tip of his hat and turned to Theran. “Will that be all?”
Theran nodded. “Yes.”
Joe didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure you don’t want a peek?”
Theran shook his head. “No, nothing for me.”
Joe sighed with a shake of his head. Then brushed off his hat and gave them a respectful nod. “Well I guess our business is concluded. That will be three bits please.”
Theran paid him and he gave one last tilt of his hat. “Well, so long. May we meet again sometime…somewhere…or just sometime.”
Before Theran could figure out his meaning, Tasumi hooked herself up to the wagon and they left. He watched them as they moved down the road, till they vanished around the corner. “What an odd per.” Theran stated aloud, mostly to himself.
While he pondered, Violet came over to him. “Theran?” She asked. He looked at her and found her dangling the compass in front of her. She was blushing and he didn’t know why till she said. “I want you to have this.”
Now Theran was the one who was red-faced as he stared at the compass. “Uh…what?” Was all Theran could muster.
She glanced away embarrassed but still she insisted. “I never wanted it…I…I just…” She shyly looked him in the eye. “I just thought you should have something…to help you navigate. You’re terrible with maps.”
Theran, speechless, took the compass in his magic and looked at it. He was stunned by its simplicity and elegant design. He then looked back at Violet’s flustered face…and felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time. “Um…t-thank you.” Theran managed to say at last.
Violet looked at him with a shy smile. “It’s the least I can do.”
“What?” Theran moved closer to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Vi…you don’t own me anything.”
“No, I do.” She sated and stared into his eyes “More than you know.”
He didn’t realise how close they were. He could feel her warm breath on his face, tickling his sensitive nose and her eyes had had his fixed attention. He didn’t pull away and nether did she, as they inched closer. Why was he feeling this way, why couldn’t he shake it? For a moment he thought nothing could stop this, till there was a load cough and Theran snapped out of his trance.
He looked at Teven, Haze and Sapphire and noticed the odd looks they were giving him. “Uh, what are you lot looking at?” He sputtered, red-faced.
They all chuckled and so did Violet who was also red-faced with embarrassment. “Oh nothing.” Teven stated dully, seemingly uninterested.
“Nothing at all.” Haze smirked.
“Nah why would there be something.” Sapphire also said while not making eye contact.
Theran caught on to what they were doing and sighed. “Come on.” He sighed, rolling his eyes. “Might as well set up camp. I want to reach Splinter Bay in the morning and tell you what we’re going to do when we get there. Any questions?”
Teven raised a paw. “When will you tow kiss?”
“Shut it Teven!” Theran growled but everypony started laughing. “Oh come on. This can’t get any worse…can it?”
(Stat System)
Theran Razorblade:
Strength: 78
Endurance: 110
Intelligence: 76
Agility: 89
Perks: (Blood Rage)(Combat Expert)(Quick healer)
(Keen senses)(Sneaker)(Strong back)(Magic expert)(Cheese lover)
(Heavy fit)(Quick reflexes)(Immortal)(Pack Leader)
Violet:
Strength: 83
Endurance: 109
Intelligence: 72
Agility: 75
Perks: (Survivor)(Swordsmen)(Strong back)(Strong Stomach)
(Head strong)(Stallion killer)(Swift knife)(Quick reflexes) (Battle Rage)
Summer Haze:
Strength: 23
Endurance: 48
Intelligence: 71
Agility: 31
Perks: (Shape shifter)(Love sense)(Natural healer)(Book Junky)
(Cookie monster)(Survival instincts)(Heavy sleeper)(Magic deflect)
(Quick reflexes)(Cannon ball kick)
Sapphire:
Strength: 27
Endurance: 39
Intelligence: 64
Agility: 28
Perks: (Hot head)(Heavy hoofed)(Light weight)(Sneaker)(Rebel at heart)
(Two heads)(Fast Flier)
Teven:
Strength: 160
Endurance: 205
Intelligence: 54
Agility: 63
Perks: (Battle Born)(Blood Rage)(Keen Senses)(Berserker)
(Duel Wielder)(Savage Blow)(Pain Lover)(Charger)(Deviant)
(Exile)(Paws or Death)(Loyal Servant)