89 - Memories of the Heart
Extended HolidayCh 89: Memories of the Heart
Act 11
Thalia shrugged nonchalantly. “I got it when I was in that crazy garden I told you about, after I got the leaves for Zecora. It just fell off the tree. I didn’t think it was all that important, so I kept it.”
Kalima held the chain aloft as she stared into the precious stone. “This emblem belonged to your father, Thalia.”
“I think maybe, Thalia, it would be best if you told us the whole story,” Grif noted, trying to keep things from escalating.
The trio took their seats, and Thalia spent the next twenty minutes recounting her adventures in search of the tree of essence, and the events that transpired along the way. When the tale had finally finished, Kalima nodded her head in understanding.
“I see,” Kalima mused. “That would explain a great deal. Gryphons from many clans have been trying to get into that garden for countless generations. The magic that sleeps there is powerful, but it is also wild, not easily controlled. No Gryphon that ever managed to gain entry to that garden has ever returned to tell the tale.”
“Probably our stubborn pride.” Grif chuckled to himself. “Still, this is entirely unique, Kalima? There isn’t a chance it belonged to some other unfortunate one?”
“Look closely at the stone, Grif. Tell me what you see,” she said as she reverently handed it to him.
“... That’s a bloodstone,” Grif said after a few minutes of close scrutiny. “This … was from your wedding?”
Kalima nodded as she took it back. “How better to seal one’s vows than with the instrument of the Emperor’s blessing?”
“But how could it have gotten all the way to the garden?” Thalia asked, her eyes still a little wide at the sudden revelation.
“How should I know? Perhaps this tree you mentioned establishes a connection when the magic is invoked. From what I have heard from your brother, it can be a harrowing experience to confront that part of your nature with which you are conflicted. It is a magic that is not entirely of this world. It is of the spirit, but I believe it is also of the wild. When your father failed, he paid the price. Perhaps this was a part of that payment.”
“Then why give it to me?” Thalia asked.
“Because you succeeded where he could not, and cursed though he was, his spirit still flies upon the winds. You said you heard a voice. There is no doubt in my mind that it was your father.” Her voice choked up. “It was Charell.”
“Could you finish your story, Kalima?” Grif asked as he once again began to clean his wound and attempted to return to stitching it.
“It is a long one. Are you certain that you are ready to hear it?”
“I believe I am.” He nodded.
“Then pull up a chair, or else find a place to lie down. This will take a good while.” When the three had finally settled in properly, Kalima cleared her throat. “Now then, where were we?”
“You just were rescued by the escort and the healer.”
Kalima nodded. “Thank you, Grif”
To continue my narration, I was to march with the camp until we could reach a proper place for me to part ways. In the meantime, I promised to do my part to support the camp by guiding them through the area and assisting in their hunts for wild game. My help was not often looked kindly upon, but it was tolerated, for the men needed the food, and besides that, I was under the protection of their commanding officer. Had any sought to touch me, they would have suffered severe penalties. We continued like that for a few days until we arrived at a compound I recognized only too well.” Her gaze looked troubled as she gazed up into the wooden rafters of the tower, and her eyes were distant as she recalled the scene to her mind once more.
The gates were stern and imposing, with great stone Gryphons carved in full battle array on either side. A large lawn sprawled out within, choked with weeds and ill tended. An old cracked fountain spurted water from its side like blood from a wound. The sounds of revelry indicated only too well that a celebration had been planned. Either that or the owner had a penchant for fine food and drink. I turned, when the column parted, to see the hero emerge from the other soldiers’ ranks. He was garbed in full armor with thick chain mail beneath the plates to protect against most attacks. His great wings pressed against the great dark blue cloak, but did not stir from their place of concealment. The emperor’s seal had been sewn in red over the top. Two hand axes glinted in the light, having been expertly maintained. A series of daggers had been hidden in various key points for easy reach and use, in case of emergency or tight quarters. His face was obscured by a great helmet, specially forged with a unique visor that had been intricately engraved to give the appearance of warriors past. That mask never changed, and those who looked upon it only felt the fear and aggression that surely must have lain in wait behind it.”
“Why are we stopping here?” I asked.
The Gryphon looked at me, and his distorted voice echoed from his visor like a bell. “We need time to stop and let the men rest. Tired soldiers aren't going to do any good when the battle is joined,” he said.
“I am not well loved in this place, m’lord. It might be best were I to return to the tents, lest I enrage your host.’”
“Do not heap such honor on me,” he said. His voice was cold, frigid. I could not say whether it was his military upbringing, that I had caused some offense, or some other mystery that yet remained beyond my understanding. I only know that he insisted, so I decided to do as he asked. I would be very ungrateful indeed if I did not. “And stay with us,” he said. “You are protected by me, and any who raise a talon to you shall face me. Let me be your avenger.”
“‘My savior and protector you may well be, but my vengeance is my own. I will not let another take it from me so easily,’ I insisted hotly. The years had not been kind, and while I still did not approve of violence, an attempt on one’s life tends to change one’s views on morals.”
“‘Then let me aid you,” he said as his voice dropped to a gentler tone. “Let your enemies be mine.’”
“It was Father, wasn’t it?” Thalia asked.
“Hush, child. You’ll spoil the story if you rush too far ahead.” Kalima smiled a bit sadly. “And this is a tale which certainly ought not to be rushed.” She sighed, then looked to the stone once again. “I’ve seen what happens when a person rushes into something when they are not yet ready for it.” Steeling herself, she resumed her narrative.
“I will take vengeance in my own way and in my own time,” I said defiantly. “I do not need the help of the military for that.”
“I do not offer the military to aid you. Only myself,” he said, chuckling. “You have spirit. That is admirable.”
“You may not think so for long. I smirked at him then. “I have a tendency to upset other men.”
“Other men are behind the times, and arrogant. I believe in the avatar’s guidance towards females.”
“And the Emperor still gave you the honor? Astounding.”
“It was not his choice to make.” The warrior lifted his left wing and fully extended it. “It was the Winds’ choice that I should be a warrior, and it is a profession I do well. To ignore that would be sacrilege.” It was then that I noticed the small island of silver in the sea of golden feathers. I was moved to pity, and I will admit, my heart ached and burned at the sight. I remembered Charelle. I remembered what that gift did to him. I remembered what that gift cost. And so I gave him that which was his due. I bowed low to him as a sign of respect, though I gave him nothing more.
Then came the servants, along with a familiar wizened screech owl bobcat mix named Jacapo His feathers had been touched by grey from his years of service, but his smile was still the same as I remembered when Charelle and I had played within the old castle courtyards. He nodded cordially in my direction with just a hint of a smile cracking the facade of the indifferent butler. He always had been the most relaxed about my friendship with Charelle, even going so far as to spoil me with a few sweetmeats from time to time when I left the castle to return to my home. Then he turned to address my savior.
“Ah, master Charelle. It’s good to see you.” His smile broadened. “Your father has sent us to attend to your needs, and the needs of your warriors.” My beak practically dropped to the floor when I heard the name.”
“It’s good to see you, Jacapo.” Charelle embraced the older Gryphon’s arm up to the elbow, and he responded in kind before Charelle pulled off his helm to reveal the black and silver feathers of the crest I remembered from childhood. “Are my brothers here?” he asked in a jovial tone. Despite the kindly demeanor, I knew those eyes. I knew the look that passed between them was anything but happy.
“‘They are out hunting. Your father wishes for a banquet in your honor tonight. Should I see to your room?” Jacapo asked, even as he motioned for the other servants to fan out. “We’ve kept it ready for you in anticipation of your inevitable return.”
Charelle shook his head. “No, Jacapo. I think I shall tent outside during my stay. It is such a beautiful time of year. If you could do me a favor and see if Haydee would be willing to attend to my friend here?”
“Of course, sir.” Jacapo lowered his beak while the other servants made their inquiries about supplies and other necessities. He spoke briefly to one of the other servants before taking wing and making his way back towards the grounds.
Charelle walked back slowly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t plan to deceive you, but I thought if you knew who I was, you might not accept my help.” He looked almost ashamed, though to this day I still wonder just why that might have been. Was he afraid I would be disgusted at what he had become? Is it possible he feared what he himself might do if I saw him too soon alone? Perhaps it was his own self loathing. Only the Winds know the things he had to face during his time away, and to speculate further would lead to more confusion than it would revelation.
Needless to say, I was at a loss for words. Suddenly the man I had liked, mayhaps even grown to love in my early years, had returned to the land of his birth. Had returned to me. I believe I blushed then. Those visions I’d had in my recovery may have been more real than I had at first believed.
“Charelle …”
“Kalima.” He smiled. It was that same smile I remembered from so long ago, but his eyes were not the same. Behind the kindness, something stirred, barely contained. He had been hurt. I knew he would be when he left.
Seeing that pain, I did what was perhaps the most impulsive act I had ever committed. I lunged for him, embraced him, kissed him. I never wanted to let go. I wanted to take away everything that had been forced on us. I wanted it to be as it had always been, and for a while, for that magical moment, it was. It took time before I finally registered the wetness on my cheeks, the look on his face. Then fear seized me. Had I been too forward? We had only just met again. We were different people than we were before.
“You know, I thought you’d hate me when this moment came,” he whispered.
“You never asked for this,” I replied. “Why would I hate you?”
“Because I let this happen to you. I left you to this, and you deserved far more.” He held me tightly in his talons, and I felt more than a little breathless, even as the moment held.
“You deserved to be free. We were both made to face these fates.” I remember frowning then. My bitterness over what had happened had been carefully controlled over the years, but I knew I was safe to voice my opinion here. “If the battleborns truly are so special, then I wish they would let you choose your fate. It seems the respect comes only after the battle.”
“What if I told you there may be a way to choose our own fates?” His voice was so low, I almost didn’t catch what he was saying. “Would you be brave for me?”
I smirked, and my tail twitched in anticipation. It felt much like when we were children, constantly trying to outdo one another as we raced and flew among the clouds. “Is that a challenge I hear?”
“Do not ask until we are alone tonight,” he cautioned. “There are words to be said that should not reach the emperor's ear.”
My eyes widened. “Charelle, the emperor? Just what are you–?” I broke off. A quiet talon had been placed over her beak.
We separated, and he did not speak directly to me for the next few hours as camp was set up inside the clan's grounds and provisions were arranged and seen to. I was put in the care of a Gryphoness not more than a year older than I. She was a combination of a jay and an ocelot, and I had not seen her face in many a year. She’d always been so serious in our youth, and that grave expression more than anything else helped me to recognize her. It was good to renew our friendship again after all this time, and while she remained reserved and controlled, she did manage to allow a wisened smile to pass over her beak. I still remember her tease after we’d settled in.
“It’s about time you two got together.”
We laughed then, and it was almost like when we were children again, and Charelle was spying on us to try to figure out what pranks we were planning. It was only after the tents were pitched and we were supposed to be making preparations for the banquet that Charelle came to see me again.
“I hope everything is satisfactory?” His first words were said in the same cordial tone he had used before I’d found out who he was.
“More than satisfactory. I never realized your father had so much wealth. I suppose that’s why we usually played in the streets.” I smiled warmly. “I still remember that day we stole those apples from old man Farth.” Then I laughed.
Charelle gestured towards the tent door, and the curtain drew over Haydee’s face again. She nodded and left quickly and silently. Charelle produced a kite shield and a spear from outside the tent, and proceeded to impale the spear into the ground before blocking the entrance with the shield.
“Would you love me if I was nameless, Kalima?” he asked.
“Charelle, what are you saying?”
“Our lives will be decided as long as we are under the emperor’s will. I will be sent to front after front until I am no more. If I live another three years, my father will have some bride set aside for me to keep our family’s blood pure. It will be another four before I would be allowed to add you as a second bride, and I don’t want any more than you.” He looked into her face. “I don’t want to be forced to kill the enemies of an emperor who only desires my blood. Three days hence, a trade ship leaves from the coast for the northern isles, and on it, fifty skilled fighters deserting the emperor's wars. They have want of a commander, Kalima, and Equestrian mercenaries live comfortably, if not nomadically. It would be difficult at first, but we would be free.”
“Oh, Charelle!” I embraced him. “Yes. A thousand times yes.”
“Tonight a traveling monk from the cathedrial in Gryphilhiem will meet us here, and we shall make our bloodstone.” He kissed her. “And then tomorrow, your revenge and our escape.”
“If I’m with you, I don’t care about revenge.”
“No. The North Wind will see you avenged,” he said sternly, his eyes hardening. I swear I could almost see fire swirling in those eyes. “Now tonight you must not leave my side for the entire banquet,” he instructed. “I will not see my brothers be given another chance to hurt you. Finish getting ready. I will see you inside.” He kissed me gently on the head before removing the makeshift barricade. With a final glance, he slipped into the night air and was gone.
“And that is where I must stop for the day, children. This old bird needs her rest, and it has already grown late,” Kalima said.
“But mother!”
“You will learn all in time, Thalia. As I recall, the last time I tried telling you, you weren’t all that interested.” Kalima smirked. “You waited a few years. You can wait a night more.” She approached her daughter and tied the chain around her neck. “Wear this proudly, Thalia. I believe it is what your father would want, and it’s what I want, too. I at least have my memories. All you have are my stories, and now this. Keep it, and leave us a legacy we will be proud of.”
“Mother …”
Kalima yawned again. The small fire in the makeshift chimney of the tower had nearly gone out, and its embers filled the room with a dim red light.
Grif used the tip of his claw to cut the thread as he finished tying off the final stitch. “These memories can’t be easy for you. I appreciate you sharing them with me.” He lowered his beak with respect.
“You adopted me as your mother, Grif. Therefore, you have the right to hear of the father you never knew.” Kalima slowly rose from her place on the stones and stretched. “When would you like to continue, children?”
“Tomorrow evening if that’s alright. There’s going to be a lot of craziness very shortly, and I’d like to know the ending before it all starts.” Grif smiled.
“I think I can manage that. You should be there, too, Thalia. You don’t know just how close you came to a very dark part of your heritage. You’re old enough now to hear the bad and take it with the good.”
“Rest well, old one.” Grif lowered his beak one last time and stalked out the door. Shrial and Avalon would doubtless be expecting him.
“Come on, Mother. Let’s get you to bed.” Thalia took her mother’s arm dutifully as they, too, left the room and closed the door behind them. A passive eddy stirred the air, sifting the ashes to cover the remaining sparks, and then was silent before it drifted out the window and into the night.
Hammer Strike hummed to himself as he quietly sorted through several papers, collecting his thoughts as he caught up on what he’d been doing before he’d left. He frowned as he put everything off to the side of his desk. “Wow, I do not miss the paperwork.…” His ears twitched for a second. “Come in.”
Blast Shield entered the room by himself. “Sir, the head architect is here. Would you like to see him now or let him roam first?”
After a moment’s thought, Hammer Strike shrugged. “I’ll meet him now.”
Blast shield nodded, leaving the room.
A few minutes later the door opened again to reveal a grey Earth Pony with a light green mohawk and goatee. His dark green eyes looked around the room for a moment before settling on Hammer Strike. “Hello, Lord Hammer Strike. Nice to finally meet you.”
“And you as well. And please, just Hammer Strike.”
The Earth Pony sighed in relief. “That’s great to hear. Part of me was expecting I’d have to be formal every conversation I’d have with you.”
“I take it you deal with a lot of nobles?”
“More than I would like, but yeah.” After a moment he shook his head. “Sorry, getting ahead of myself. My name is After Thought.”
Hammer Strike nodded. “So, I trust you got the base idea of the layout?”
After Thought nodded. “Yeah, I got to review them on the trip here. You’re really planning on going all out, aren’t you?”
“Well, we are rebuilding an entire city.” Hammer Strike shrugged.
“Well, at least you have a foundation for it. Plenty of supplies, land, and the cash to do it,” After Thought commented, shrugging. “That, and you’re willing to actually spend it on rebuilding a city, rather than just building up your own noble house, possibly more than once.”
“That sounds like it happens a little too often.”
“Yeah, just a bit.” After Thought sighed.
Hammer Strike pulled out a few scrolls and held them out to After Thought. “I refined a few things since the last iteration of the layout. Other than that, I trust your judgement on any additional parts to the plan.” He gave a small grin. “If you have any major changes that you would like to bring up, I’m usually available at most hours, so don’t be afraid to stop by and ask. Tower Shield will guide you to the room you’ll be staying in for the duration of your stay.”
After Thought nodded. “All right. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on what’s happening and where,” He finished as he turned towards the door. “Oh, by the way, great selection in your staff,” he finished as he left the room.
Hammer Strike stared at the door for a moment before humming in thought. “Celestia did say she chose some of the best ones for the job, so ... alright.” He gave a faint shrug before looking to the paperwork on his desk. “Now do I continue paperwork or find something else to do?”
Pensword stood in a recently cleared section near the unofficially designated Thestral quarters. The same building where Kel’leam had said his last goodbyes rose into the skies, and shone a bright blue with emerald-green accents. He would have to speak to Hammer Strike about getting official documents verifying permission to build.
Still, for the moment he had other concerns to address. He stood at the drafting table with the other Demon Slayers as they looked over the paper plans for the historic site, then shifted their scrutiny to the architect that had drawn them up, a young officer from the Royal Guard. “So, would you care to explain what we are seeing?”
The young officer nodded, nervous at the cadre observing her. “Right. Of course, sir.” She moved a hoof at the outer edges of the plans. “These will be the outer walls to form a sort of gateway or fence. An enclosure if you will. They’ll reach at least three stories tall, and metal girders will be built on top to form the framework of a large dome. After that, we’ll cover the dome with glass so the enclosure can have the proper lighting. She cleared her throat. “As you can see, we’ll have images of the flags with a brief historical plaque describing the unit the flag came from, and with the history of the battle where you captured it. These will be mounted along the inner walls.” She shifted her stance to look at the Gryphons of the unit. “The grounds will be planted with a rich grass that’s weed resistant, and we’ll line the paths with thick paving stones in a grid pattern to allow easier access to the rest of the flags on display. The air space inside will be large enough for both Gryphon and Pegasus to fly, and we’ll include benches along the outer rim for visitors to sit on and rest.”
“It seems fairly straightforward,” Kahn mused with his Phrench accent. “But will it not require an … aesthetic appeal as well? Many good Ponies and Gryphons alike died in the name of those banners. Should there not be flowers, or some other form of offering? Perhaps a fountain of some kind?”
Pensword looked at the grounds. “The flowers will come from the from the seeds that patrons carry in their wings and fur.” He looked at the grounds. “As for a fountain, I suppose we could have one outside of the walls, but for a flying species like us, a fountain is not something you put in a memorial garden. The flowers will be collected and tended, but only flowers that come from travelers.”
“You do realize that will give you more weeds than it will flowers, and that is assuming that your visitors are not well groomed and showered, which most are,” Kahn pointed out.
“It is tradition, Kahn. As for weeds, it depends on what viewpoint you have. For example, the Dandelion is considered a weed in some human cultures. And yet here, we eat the plant, and the seeds represent rebirth. So a weed is many things, and so is a beautiful plant.” He looked at the drawings. “Change the grass. We’ll make it wildgrass from the passes of Mountainside Falls. Bring the wild flowers from the mountains of Fort Triumph.” He sighed and looked to Kahn. “Forgive me, Kahn. I am trying to be more ... tactful. My other troops tell me I seem to be lacking in that area.”
“You might want to work on making it at least seem you are taking our concerns into account then. Had you simply left it at tradition and memorial to your home for the reasoning, it would likely have flowed better,” Kahn noted. “You will improve with time.”
“Well yes, but I didn’t want to crush the dreams of the new generation,” Pensword answered, fluffing his wing feathers. “Officer Grass Whistle has promising plans. I was hoping to hear them before we made the change. A thousand years have passed. I need to hear the ideas of this generation. If I clung to the old ways all the time, we would suffer catastrophic disaster in first contact with a future enemy.”
“It might help if you told them a little of what you were hoping for before they began designing, sir,” Animal Control said.
“The commander did, but, well the commander did say that he wanted to see what a modern day memorial garden looked like.” Grass Whistle shifted some of the sheets and revealed a sketch that took Pensword’s breath away. It was exactly as he had described. “I anticipated your homesickness, along with the desire to keep an eye on the future. At some point, this memorial will not only be dedicated to the battles fought in the war, but a monument to the Demon, or Steel Wings if you prefer, and his efforts to protect Equestria. In time, I’d also like to include a segment focusing on today, and the efforts you and the Demon Slayers made to protect Gryphonia and foster peace between our nations. I already have a mock-up set up in my office if you’d like to take a look.”
“You have a mock up already?” Moon Biter gaped. “Isn’t that a little presumptuous.”
“Not really. I know how much this means, and with the walls mapped out, and the flags in their general location, I thought it best to try and get things started quickly.” Grass Whistle moved a wing to the new drawing. “Now another nod to the old ways is the incorporation of the design for the royal gardens from the past. Most memorials tend to have gardens for visitors to pass through as well, so I was thinking of something similar for this. Usually the opening is wide enough for four Earth Ponies to walk through side by side. We’ll design it with two entrances on either side so visitors won’t have to worry about so much traffic.
“For the front, I took inspiration from a small doodle I saw during a meeting with the commander in his office. That will be where we place flags of our nation and its allies, along with the future flags of our branches of the military. With these additions, the memorial is going to be a good deal larger than its original conception, at least three times.” She moved a wing along the drawing of the front entrance. “This slab will also house the town flags of all current townships, and these other walls will have the seals of the missing towns. Beneath the seals, an accounting of the population for each of the towns will be embedded in stone, segmenting between mares, stallions, and foals. A small boulder will be smoothed and rounded before the metal smiths embed a metal plate into it explaining about the loss of these towns in the raids before the Gryphons were caught in the act.” She looked to the others of the unit. “Your thoughts, cadre?”
Pensword was silent as he waited for others to speak.
“It appears functional, though you may want to include a few pieces for Gryphons as well, since this will become a part of our own history soon enough,” Kahn pointed out.
“Of course,” Grass Whistle responded. “Any notes I should take to incorporate?”
“Perhaps just leave a place open, so we can carve it ourselves? It would be difficult to explain the designs we would require.”
“What kind of open place? On the wall? A slab in the back?”
“A wall,” Kahn confirmed. “If that's not asking too much. I would hate to inconvenience such a pretty lady as yourself.”
“I can leave the back wall left section open for your carvings,” she replied, totally unaffected by his charms.
“Merci,” Hahn responded with an eloquent bow.
Pensword nodded his head. “Right. I’ll leave Kahn to help with this. I think I gave Hammer Strike enough time. I am going to see him now. Just, please do not get into a too big of a row over the details, okay?” WIth that spread his wings and flew towards Hammer Strike’s office.
Pensword entered Hammer Strike’s office without knocking. They’d been friends long enough not to stand on ceremony, despite what other nobles might say.
“Yes, Pensword?” Hammer Strike asked, not looking up from his paperwork.
“We have a problem on my end. You know the area that the Thestrals have settled in around New Unity? I cannot find the paperwork authorizing them to stay there, and we have built a religious longhouse on top of that. We are more than willing to move it to another location if that is necessary, and I am also willing to do what it takes to buy that land. I want to be in the right here. I know how much you are working on planning the city as a whole, and I fear this could, if not worked out now, become a major thorn later on.”
“I gave a warning early on that you may have to move the building. As for the land where you can have it, technically it’s yours,” Hammer Strike replied. “Construction won’t happen in that region though for some time, so you do not have to immediately pack up and move it.”
“Still, as tradition states, the sooner we move the better. When we have families born there, and bury our dead nearby, it will be harder to give it up. We built our first lodge for easy dismantling, so I suppose the real question is where can we settle permanently? Where can my people live?”
“I already marked the area for the building on the plans. You’re going to have to wait until After Thought has a team mark out the region with flags and lines, and whatever else they use,” Hammer Strike explained. “Once they have the measurements and mark the area out, you’ll know where you can build.”
“Understood. Just as long as we have the right to build ourselves. Tradition dictates we build our own homes. We are looking forward to not having to sleep in tents anymore.” Pensword smiled.
Hammer Strike gestured to a side table. “The map is on the side if you want the rough estimate of measurements and location.”
Pensword looked carefully over the map for a good five minutes before he smiled. “Well, judging by the rough estimates, I can see three families will need to shift their location, but aside from that it appears we are actually within the lands we first thought. We look forward to solidifying the plans.”
“Keep in mind, until the land is marked, it’s still up in the air,” Hammer Strike warned. “He already had to change a few points on the blueprints, and it’s still subject to further edits.”
“Understood, but we are not going to have to say, pick up and move to the other side of the city. We just have to move about a little. If nothing else, we can dig down and build up. And the land you have marked here is roughly the size of a small Earth Pony town.”
“And I plan on making this place massive.”
“I look forward to that.” He took a seat on a stool. “So, how goes your troops? I trust they won’t be going after small demises at the moment?” Pensword asked with a chuckle, trying an old thousand joke between nobles.
Hammer Strike stopped his writing. “You know … now that I think about it, I haven’t talked with them for a while. Blast and Tower have been relaying information to and from. Doesn’t help that rebuilding a city requires a metric ton of paperwork.”
Pensword paused and put a hoof to his forehead. “Well you need to stop that. You didn’t do that a thousand years ago, so start fixing that now.”
“I wasn’t leading the reconstruction of a city a thousand years ago,” Hammer Strike countered.
“Then hire a staff to take care of the mundane paperwork, like a normal noble.” He paused. “Nevermind. You never did anything normal. What am I saying?” He shook his head. “Well at least meet with some of them.”
“I’ve met all of them,” Hammer Strike replied. “I just haven’t seen them in … however long since the last visit. I can’t remember when it was, considering the seven year gap in my memory from not being here.”
“Then start again,” Pensword suggested. “Also, get a staff. With your time travel adventures, you need folks to know what is going on.”
“I tend to be more … quiet on that. Time travel is a pain. I don’t know who I’ve met, and who I will meet, so I try to ignore it in whatever sense of the present time.”
“That is what the staff is for, to help you get acclimated to the present timeline. At the very least, it will help to cut down on the mounds of paperwork.”
“Yeah….”
“Well, if you won’t listen to me, then at least talk to Princess Celestia or High Chieftess Luna for advice.” He chuckled. “So, should we meet your troops again?”
After a moment, he shrugged. “Sure. Why not?”
The Bladefeather compound stood tall and imposing near the edge of the Everfree Forest. The main building itself was a large squared building that had taken two square acres of land, and contained, amongst other things, a courtroom where a selected council of Gryphons would solve minor or major disputes within the clan; a large rounded war room that was currently devoid of furniture, though Grif had been adamant that the room be a perfect circle, and large enough to fit a large table comfortably. A great hall stood just past the entrance for feasts and ceremonies, and a smaller mess hall was next to it with an attached kitchen. The building was all made of local granite, with carvings depicting the Winds and great acts of Gryphons from the past. In Front of this building was a large garden, which, with help from some of the local Earth Ponies, had been grown in with many assorted flowers. In the center of this garden, exactly twenty feet from the main building’s entrance, stood a large obsidian block with a large white sheet covering the surface. Over the front walls of the compound, on either side and above this block, three banners waved boldly in the wind. Each bore a different heraldic crest from other clans.
Heraldic crests were much more intricate versions of clan symbols, and considered to embody the very essence of the clan itself. On the left side of the building hung a banner of white silk with the symbol of large blood-red feather and a tiny droplet at its tip carefully embroidered. Ribbons of gold swirled elegantly around it. Behind the feather, a large silver silhouette of a dagger encompassing the feather. This was the heraldic symbol of the bloodfeather clan.
On the right, opposing it in navy blue silk, lay a symbol that had been sewn in deep purple silk, the silhouette of a hawk with large splayed wings and talons reaching downwards. A globe lay beneath its talons, as if the world’s entire span was within the hawks grasp. This was the symbol of the Farflyer Clan.
Hanging above the door, on a banner pure of gold silk, a large black shield enveloped a golden compass with a crown placed upon it. This was the imperial crest.
Behind the main building was a steep cliff face with many Gryphon sized holes carved into it. These were the entrances to the many stone roosts amongst the cliff’s walls. To the west of the main building, many ground level houses also sat in wait for their occupants. Northwest and directly adjacent from the main building was the armory. North of that was the training field. The building for this compound was far from finished, but it was likely never to be, not truly. More would be added as the clan grew. For now the building needed a traditional dedication.
This is why Grif found himself in full dress armor looking down at the faces of his entire clan before him, and the sight made his blood run cold, even as it brought a smile to his beak. The original forty or so Gryphons who had joined with Kalima’s mercenaries had swelled to over two hundred in number. Word had spread amongst the mercenaries of Grif’s offer, and many had gladly taken on the name and banner of Bladefeather. There were warriors, yes, but all gryphons were trained for warfare. What had proved unexpected was how many flocked at the chance to be builders again, and stone carvers, and farmers, and every other profession they had done back home. It was positively staggering how many talented Gryphons had been forced into combat because they were not ‘gustave le grand,’ and thus not acceptable within most spotlight areas.
Grun noted the familiar beaks of the clan’s new head bakers, Pierre and Grindel. As their names might imply, this couple both came from completely different kingdoms and walks of life. Pierre was born into a low end family, and trained as a pikeman in the front lines, but he was also one of the best bakers Grif had ever encountered. His wife had been the daughter of a clan leader, and betrothed to another clan leader to form an alliance that would benefit her father greatly. They had met when Pierre's squad had been sent to kidnap Grindel. Being the lowest born, Pierre had been given the chore of protecting the prisoner, and the two found a mutual love of baking. A week later, when the squad had been expected to report to their lord, the other soldiers claimed they had woken up to find the prisoner and Pierre gone. The two had made it to a ship bound for Equestria and never looked back. In Grif’s opinion, they made the best pretzels he had ever had.
It chilled Grif’s blood to think that they, as well as so many others, were putting their lives in his hands, but it also brought him great joy to see so many banding together to build a better life.
He looked to Avalon and Shrial on his right side, and Thalia and Kalima on his left, smiling at each of them before he finally cleared his throat to call the gathering’s attention.
“My family! My friends! Months ago I came before you with a promise. No more would you be considered nameless and without honor before your brothers because you chose freedom! No more would you sell your blood and your swords simply to exist. I promised you stability and freedom to each choose your path. Have I lied to you? Have I cheated any of you? Who here before the Winds would call me into question? I promise no one will be harmed should he find fault with me.”
There was silence. Many looked at their brothers as Grif scanned the crowd. He saw many smiles, some confused frowns, but nothing threatening or challenging. No one said anything.
“Then on this day let us swear together. The old will guide the young. The strong will uphold the weak. Those who have much shall give to those who have little. And let us never turn aside when another of us is in need. Our hearts and wings beat as one!”
Grif was surprised at the enthusiasm as the crowd responded. “They are as one!”
“Then, my family, in the name of the Winds that uplifted our race from our darkness, I dedicate this compound, its lands, its houses, its armory and training ground. All these things I dedicate to you, and to all the great Gryphons who walked before you.”
He nodded to Cheshire, who pulled the rope attached to the sheet covering the block. It slid away with some effort, revealing a familiar shield. The edges had been reforged in blackened bronze, and its front had been painted a deep jade green. Two silver swords shaped like feathers crossed over the green, and behind them, the silhouettes of the four wind embodiments lay, each in it’s own direction. From right to left across the bottom of the shield in ancient Gryphic, the shield read, “In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice.”
“Brothers! Sisters! I give you Compound Bladefeather!” Grif said before he threw his head back and shrieked like a hawk. This action was followed by the crowd. Some flew in the air, flapping their wings as if to increase the power of their cries. The winds eddied through the air, carrying the sound far and wide across the land. At last, they had a home.
Kalima sat happily in her quarters as she worked to finish tidying the new room. She easily rearranged the bedding, and shifted the new blood-red curtains to conceal the bed, then methodically began to smack them with her tail, releasing any dust that had remained on them into the air. A gentle knock sounded at her door, and she turned. “Come in, child. Come in.” She laughed. “And to think less than a century ago, I thought I’d never say those words.”
“I hope everything is to your liking. The old bird always complained about clan leaders building themselves big grandiose mansions away from their clans, and thus distancing themselves, but if you’d like a bigger house, I can make sure you get one.”
“This is fine, Grif. Just because I’m an old one doesn’t mean I should live aloof from the rest of the clan. Besides, I’d miss too much if I left now, wouldn’t I? And you and Thalia still need to hear the rest of the story.”
“Good. Do you need more pillows? Would you prefer a cloud bed? I can get you one, you know.”
Kalima laughed all the more. “You remind me so much of Charelle, Grif. He was the same exact way after we left the empire.”
“I guess I’m just a little nervous. I just essentially took responsibility for the lives of over two hundred of our kind, and that number is likely to grow with the natural progression of things. It’s a bit to take in, you know.”
“You’re a natural leader. If you weren’t a little uncertain, then I would be worried.”
“So I guess we have to wait for Thalia. Oh, that reminds me. The Ponies have their Grand Galloping Gala coming up. I have to make an appearence, but I thought it would only be fair to see if you’d like to attend?”
“Would it upset those pesky ones you don’t like so much?”
“Probably.” Grif smirked. “Between the two of us, we do represent an affront to a thousand years of tradition,” he said sternly with a false high society face. “We’re utterly disgraceful, my dear.”
“Then let’s turn some heads.” She chuckled at Grif’s antics.
“I’ll ask Rarity to come by later this week and see if she can work on something for you and Thalia then.”
“No frills,” Kalima said in a dark tone.
“Don’t worry. Between me, Pensword, and Hammer Strike, Rarity has begun to learn to deal with simpler tastes in clothing.”
“What were you saying about clothing, Grif?” Thalia asked as she entered the room.
“I was just assuring Mother that Rarity won’t get overly frilly on her dress for the gala.” Grif shrugged.
“I’m not much one for dancing anyways.” Thalia shrugged. “So, are we going to get back into that story?”
“Why, Thalia, you’re actually excited for a bedtime story? How extraordinary,” Kalima teased.
“Mother,” Thalia exclaimed.
“There is nothing wrong with being excited for a story,” Grif told Thalia. “We teach our children with stories. We tell our pasts with stories. Never be embarrassed of stories. One day that's what will keep you and me alive.” From his pack, Grif produced a small canteen and filled a goblet on Kalima’s bedside table. “Just a little grakala in case you get thirsty.”
“Thank you, Grif. One does tend to get a little dry when one does all the talking.” She chuckled. “So, are you two ready to begin?”
Both eagerly nodded.
“Then let us resume. The day had drawn to evening, and with the help of Charelle’s maid, I was able to make myself presentable for the feast.”
“Is that fitting okay?” Haydee asked as she assisted me with my gown for the banquet. “Not too tight?”
“It’s fine, Haydee. You don’t need to spoil me. We’ve known each other since we were fledgelings.”
“You’ve known only what I was allowed to show you,” Haydee said as she went to one of the bags she had brought with her and retrieved a pendent. It was brass, but well polished, with a thick rounded opal that held an emerald mounted in its center. “You know my family wasn’t born into the clan or a serving clan. Did you ever question just where this random serving maid came from?” she asked as she approached me.
“Why should I?” I replied. “We were friends. That’s all that mattered to me, all that matters now.”
“Then in that friendship, please remember everything I tell you now, for my master has charged me with your life, and I will defend it with all my arts.” Her left wing fluttered, causing her feathers to ruffle, and for the first time Kalima noticed hidden amongst her dull coloured wing feathers was a small row of black tipped feathers. “This pendent was passed down to me from my mother. It was given to her by the leader of her sect when she proved her rite of merit.”
Haydee took my claws and placed them upon the pendant’s surface, guiding them across the emerald, and forcing me to press upon it until it shifted with a click. A blade emerged from a cleverly concealed slit.
“Be wary. This blade is covered by very deadly poison. If you pricked your talon on it, you would be dead before you took three breaths. Should your enemies attack you tonight, this pendent shall be your salvation and their doom.” She allowed me to lift my talon, and the emerald slid back into place, as did the blade.
“Haydee, how long–?”
“Not when we met, but soon afterwards. The black fan are few now, and our way of life is quickly dying, but the master’s mother took me and my mother from poverty. She gave us work in her house, and we protected her and her son from her rivals and their children faithfully. When she died, I revealed myself to my master, and today he has charged me with your life.”
“The black fan? Mother, you were friends with a member of the black fan?” Thalia balked.
“Yes, Thalia, I was. She and her kind practiced honor in their dealings. They were not mere assassins for hire, like the Black Tips were. If the request was unjust, they would not accept. Now let me continue. There’s more yet to come.” Kalima took a few sips from the fruity beverage, then turned to continue her story.
“You mean Charelle and his mother,” I said.
Haydee nodded. “She was scared that his brothers would attempt to take his life. So few clans see all the males surviving to maturity that she decided the master should have a shadow.” She bowed her beak “It hurt me to deceive you. I hope this will never change things.”
“You used your craft to protect, not to murder. In my eyes, you are the same as ever.” Kalima embraced Haydee. “I’ll miss you.”
“I will miss you, too, but we are not done yet. I have other ways to arm you, and we only have a short time. Tell me, how do you feel about tail rings?”
Over the next half hour Haydee proceeded to equip me with a small armory of deadly baubles. My tail tuft now camouflaged a treated manticore stinger connected to a small gold ring. Each claw had been painted in colors that seemed to compliment my fur and feathers, but also contained a paralytic that would activate once it hit the bloodstream. By the time I left that tent to head for the compound, I was ready to fight a small war.
The two of us made our way to the compound entrance, where Charelle waited in full armor.
“I see Haydee has treated you well,” he said in a pleased tone. Looking to her, he offered a large stack of paper beaks and a small silver dagger. “Haydee, you have served my mother and myself well, and without question. What you have done for me tonight, I can never repay. Tonight I release you from any debt you believe you owe my mother. Take these gifts, and let us part as friends.”
It was with shaky talons and tearful eyes that Haydee took the offered items. “Live well, Charelle,” she said, giving him a hug. Then she embraced me and repeated her wish. “Live well, Kalima.”
“Fly with honor,” I whispered back. My voice cracked, and I held her for a good while before finally making my way to Charelle’s side. With no more words to give, Haydee slipped silently into the dark while Kalima and Charelle entered the compound.
“When we reach the dining hall, I want you to identify the ones who attacked you,” Charelle said. “Use your napkin to cover your talons as you indicate, okay?”
“I didn’t get to see all of them, Charelle, but I’ll point out who I can.” I remember he shifted his gaze to look up at the castle and his face was cast in shadow. If only I’d caught the sign. “Did you father invite the village as well?” I asked.
“Of course the old buzzard would,” Charelle said. “He never misses a chance to show off.”
“Then I should be able to find the ones responsible. You probably just need to look for the ones who are astonished when they see me. It’s not like they expected me to survive.”
“Then they never really knew you.” Charelle chuckled. “It would take more than what they did to send you to the Winds.”
“If it weren’t for your company, they would have.”
“Have more faith in yourself, mon amour. You are much stronger than you seem to believe,” Charelle whispered as he caressed her feathers.
I shuddered in pleasure. “Winds, you have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.”
“Remember, no matter where I go, no matter who I speak to, always be at my side tonight,” he warned, just before we entered the great hall.
There was a rousing fanfare as four armed Gryphons drew their ceremonial sabers in salute to the returning hero. The great hall was spacious and well kept, with intricately carved pillars and tables designed to reflect the four Winds and their offspring. Each Gryphon wore their best. The elders wore their old armor. The youths kept their training weapons. The adults varied in the garb they wore, some simple and homespun, others more refined. All held their gaze on the couple as Charelle’s father rose to his feet.
“My dear son. Welcome home.” He rose to his hind paws and extended his arms. “And welcome to you all, who have so graciously accepted to attend what is perhaps the greatest honor our community has yet been able to receive, for my son does not return from battle empty handed. He returns bearing the golden talon, the highest honor a soldier may bear in service to the empire. Charelle, you have faced pain and affliction. You have faced loss the likes of which only true warriors may know. You have earned your rest, and proven the loyalty and strength of our family in the heat of combat. You are a true hero, and tonight, my son, you receive the recognition you deserve.” He raised his goblet. “To Charelle Grimsight!”
Charelle waited patiently for everyone to drink, and then spoke his turn. “Unfortunately, Father, my visit is to be short lived, I am afraid. I am only able to stay long enough for my men to rest, and then we have further orders to carry out in the west.”
“I received no word of such orders,” Charelle’s father frowned, his brow furrowing.
“With all due respect, Father, it is not of your concern where the emperor chooses to send his armies,” Charelle said. I swore I could see him smile faintly, even as he held up a scroll. “I have been commissioned to lead my men to the western coast, where a crew of cowardly deserters make to escape justice and seek the protection of Celestia across the sea.”
A murmur of approval swept through the chambers. Charelle’s father cleared his throat. “Well, it would seem that honor calls you away from our halls yet again, then. But it is my sincerest hope that you will at least enjoy this night. It is not often that the whole family is together under one roof, and I see you have a lovely guest at your side. Would you care to introduce her?”
“Why, Father, do you not recognise Kalima? She has been my friend since we were cubs,” Charelle announced, acting genuinely shocked. “Did you have some reason to not expect her?”
“Not at all, my dear boy, though word had passed around the village that she’d gone missing a few days ago. We sent a search party for her, but nobody could find a trace. Tell me, my girl, is everything alright?”
“Perfectly fine, Sir Grimsight. I was merely out for a hunt, and the game sadly escaped me. I had to pursue it.” She grinned. “Wasn’t it such a marvelous coincidence that I ran into your son and his party, even as I gave chase?”
Some of the Gryphons in the crowd looked nervously at one another, even as I met their gaze.
“A marvelous coincidence indeed,” Sir Grimsight said with raised brows. “And did you manage to catch your prey?”
“I’m afraid not. It proved rather flighty, but I know where its den is now. It won’t escape me next time.”
This time more than a few choked on their wine.
“How spirited. You’ve changed since you were a cub, my dear. Come. I’m sure that everyone is most anxious for more wine and a hearty meal. Sit, eat, drink. The comforts of my house are always open to family and close friends.”
Charelle took a spot at the head of the table adjacent to his father's own, placing me on his left. “Did you recognize anyone? I saw some startled looks, but I cannot be sure,” he whispered as he poured me some wine.
“It may just be the fact that you remembered me after all this time. After all, you were sent away to keep things from going further between us as I recall.” I smiled gently then, and kissed him on the cheek. As I pulled away, I let loose the smallest of whispers. “Ten down on your left.”
Charelle nodded and smiled to keep up the act, though I’m sure my kiss certainly helped. “Yes. And that’s why I had to be sure he was not part of this,” Charelle said as he pulled some food towards them.
“You do realize if you go through with this, he’ll never forgive you.” She casually pointed to a young smug gryphon with a pelican beak sulking at the end of the main table.
“The second my mother died, he began looking for ways to be rid of his dangerous son. It wasn’t until my name brought him honor that he started caring about me. There is no love lost between us,” Charelle said.
“I think there might,” I said sadly, “but I’ll do my best to help with that.”
Over the rest of the dinner, more than three quarters of the males our age had been pointed out. It had been quite the attack indeed, and Charelle didn’t know whether to be enraged at the cowardice these warriors had shown, or proud at how well I must have defended myself before they had their way with me. He settled on both.
Sir Grimsight rose and tapped his glass for attention. “And now for my son to address us. Long and many have been his exploits, and I am certain more than a few of you are anxious to hear from his own mouth of the events.” A polite applause filled the chamber as Charelle arose. He stared pensively into his goblet for a time, like an oracle to her basin. Then he took in the crowd and began to speak.
“My friends, my family, many of you have seen me grow up when I was just a self-centered, brash fledgling running around the grounds. You taught me, you protected me, and many of you mourned beside me when I lost my dear mother, may her loving heart carry her far in the warmth of the South Wind. It has been my honor these last few years to defend you against the enemies of our great empire, though it pained me greatly to leave you. So I raise this glass to all of you. May you all enjoy tonight as though it would be your last!”
The applause and cheers that rose were filled with exuberance and excitement, and more than a few of the fledgelings looked on anxiously as their wings twitched and they shifted on their haunches. It was rather clear they wanted to meet the great warrior face to face, rather than simply hear him and eat, but manners and honor required they remain at their table until the dancing began.
“Should you mention the proposal, love, or are we going to keep that our little secret?” I asked as the main course was brought out by the servants.
“The less they know the better,” Charelle whispered back.
“So dinner, a date, marriage, then leaving town behind for honor and an honest life.” She smiled and kissed him again. “I’m just glad you’re still yourself.”
“Well, I could have skipped the dinner and the date altogether, but that was out of my talons.” He chuckled.
“Well how about you show me some of your tactical prowess out on the dance floor, hmm?” I asked, then hit him with my most mischievous smile.
“Lead the way, mon cherie,” he said.
“As you say.” I rose, curtsied, and offered my arm with a cheeky grin. Charelle took that arm, and the two of us together walked to the center of the room, clearing our throats and motioning to the musicians.
On our cue the casual air of a waltz began to drift across the room. We rose to our hind legs and bowed to one another, then clasped talons and began to twirl across the dance floor. We hovered across the floor more than once as we danced, and my heart was pounding not with battle, but with another sensation altogether. In due course, Still we danced on, our whole world in the other’s eyes. I sighed and laid my head on Charelle’s shoulder.
“I never want this night to end,” I said.
“I do. Because for once, after all these years, I’ll have you in my arms.”
“You already did. You always have.”
“Yes, but for the first time our lives will really begin. Together, no clan, no class, no emperor. Just you and me.”
“I guess I can afford to let the night end then. After all, I’m sure I have so very much to look forward to.” I smiled at him as we settled back down to earth. An uproar of applause, cheers, and bird whistles showed just how successful and popular we had become.
About an hour later Charelle cleared his throat as he stood. “And now, Father, my friends, it is unfortunate, but I must leave you for the night. I have much to take care of in the morning. Please do not stop your celebration on my account. Enjoy yourselves,” he said, bowing graciously.
“Of course, of course. You must be tired from the rigors of your travels. I will make sure your men are well stocked on supplies and a hearty breakfast before you march. Will the lady also be retiring with you? We’ve had quarters prepared if she would prefer to sleep in the compound.”
I already had my story ready. “My thanks, Sir Grimsight, but I must decline. I haven’t seen your son in far too long, and I only have this one night to get reacquainted before he leaves again. I believe I will rejoin his camp.” It took another ten minutes or so, but we finally managed to get out of the compound and back towards the camp.
“Well that went as well as can be expected,” Charelle said as we made our way across the grounds. “With some luck, they’ll keep gorging themselves long into the night.”
“I’m guessing you’re not going to trust luck, though, are you?” I asked, letting the cool night breeze ruffle my feathers. It helped to clear my head.
“My men have been instructed to rest early tonight and eat well. They will be up early tomorrow,” he said.
“And we’ll be up all night,” I purred.
“If you can’t keep up tomorrow, let me know, and I’ll carry you,” he teased as we entered the tent.
“How about you carry me after we’ve gotten married? Where is that priest, anyways?”
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The Ballad of Kalima and the Griffon Escape?
Thats a nice collection of decorative items there. Something youd expect more in Special Circumstances.
Will be intresting to see how the family retainers and planning teams are integrated with the Rincewind class timeline, as even Celestia and Luna are not as old as Hammerstrike? Or maybe thats what the architect meant when he said Celestia had a team selected. Its the associated clusters of families that have worked for Hammerstrike over teh millenia and know of his temporal displacements and disjunctions?
Will Pensword, the historian, remember one of the most important ports of anhistorical memorial, is a way to ensure it can be understood through the ages. A Rosetta Stone, with expansion room? A major current translation added each centuary?
What is it with weddings and disasters? They give invitations out to Everything?
Sweet chapter, now i wonder what will happen next! Cant wait for the update.
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Hello, Hakume. I'm Vital Spark, the head editor of this project.
Yes, I know the grammar is atrocious in the first thirty or so chapters. I wasn't brought onto the team until around the mid thirties, and I have slowly been working to edit backwards from that point while helping prepare the new chapters for posting. Rest assured, those chapters will be fixed and edited in due time, and even the later chapters from when I first started editing will need to be gone over again now that I've graduated from school and received proper training as an editor. There's just a lot for me to go through and fix in each chapter on top of real life issues, so it will take some time before I can get it all taken care of. In the mean time, I ask you to be patient and try your best to endure the rigors of reading those segments, because the story itself is actually very good as it progresses, especially once you get into the war arc.
Thanks for understanding, and I will do my best to get the work done as soon as I'm able.
Sincerely,
Vital Spark
Head Editor for An Extended Holiday
Well this is going to be enjoyable, but why does this sound oh so familiar?
7387705
Which part?
7387896 last of the story being told to griff, the "lets run away" part, just sounds like a story I know but I can't remember which