The Road to Ornithia

by The FraudulentBrit

Welcome to Ornithia

The Road to Ornithia

Part 14; Welcome to Ornithia

“That’s right lads, a little more to the left!” Old Silver called out as he and several other sailors pulled on the line lifting the crate filled with disassembled weather machine pieces. After making port the previous night, Silver had decided to allow the rest of the crew to get a good night’s sleep before unloading their cargo. Now that everyone was rested and fed, it was time to complete the final task in their contract.

As Silver and the others on the line pulled the crate until it was nearly at the same height as the sails, he called out again, “Alright, to the left!” soon enough, the crew had moved the crate to the left and were beginning to lower it onto the dolly on the dock.

From the dock, Angel Wings and Wyvern were overseeing the unloading process. “Ok, you’re good. You’re good. You’re good.” The old stallion called out in his signature raspy voice. The crate slowly descended towards the dolly, creating a surprising amount of tension.

‘Come on.’ Angel Wings thought to herself. ‘Almost there. Almost there.’ Wyvern noticed his shipmate’s anxiety and gently assured her, “Don’t worry, they’ve got everything under control.”

That was when, just as the crate was a few feet above the dolly, the rope snapped, sending wooden box briefly plummeting to the ground. It sent out a loud banging sound as Angel Wings and Wyvern were forced to step back from the force of the collision. Taking a deep breath to regain his composure from the shock, Wyvern simply said, “Alright, maybe not.” Angel Wings couldn’t help but giggle at his dry remark.

Silver then ran across the gangplank from The Hawkins to the dock, mild concern evident on his face. “Oh, bloody ‘ell.” He said as he held his head in his metal wings. “For a moment I thought we nearly had an accident.”

Angel Wings then remarked, “You know, I never thought clouds could be that heavy.” Silver replied, “Considerin’ what they use in these kinds of clouds to make weather, I’m surprised they weren’t heavier.”

From the other end of the dock, the trio heard the sound of someone’s voice call out, “What’s going on over here?” Silver and Angel Wings turned to see the dock official, a bipedal being with the backward knees of a bird and the long beak and white feathers of a stork. “I heard a crash and want to know if everything’s alright.”

“Everythin’s alright sir.” Silver replied. “Just a close call with some bad rope.” The deck official let out a relieved sigh as he replied, “Oh, grazie al cielo. That’s good.” Silver then asked, “Is there anythin’ we can do for you sir?”

“Now that you mention it….” The official began. “I’ll need you to fill out a few forms regarding your cargo and crew.” Silver nodded as he replied, “I understand.” He then turned to Wyvern and Angel Wings as he remarked, “Don’t you just hate bureaucracy?”

Wyvern simply gave Silver a cheeky smile as he answered, “Go on boy. We’ll take care of everythin’ here.” Silver let out a “resigned” sigh as he replied, “Alright. Make sure everyone gets paid.” He then turned to Angel Wings as he added, “And as for you. Once I’m done, what do you say we take a look around town?”

“I’d like that very much.” Angel Wings answered, her face blushing with excitement from the prospect. She’d have continued, but the sound of Perry calling out, “Careful with that, it’s not a toy!” followed by a loud crashing sound.

“I better go see what’s up with Mr. Perry.” Angel Wings said as she made her way towards the gangplank and back onto The Hawkins. Silver could only marvel at how much his mare-friend had matured and adapted to life as a sailor since the day they met. With that, he made his way to the dock official, hoping that the paperwork he had for him wouldn’t be too taxing.

One Hour Later

“I don’t wanna deal with any more paperwork for the rest of the day.” Silver muttered to himself as he rubbed his eyes, trying to keep his sanity. Now that he had dealt with the bureaucracy and straightened everything with the port’s authority, it was time to return to his ship and organize the pay for the crew. As much as he was more than willing to do jobs like this for nothing more than the joy of sailing, he knew neither he nor the other sailors could live off enthusiasm.

Luckily, the Ornithians had paid very handsomely. Just listening to the jingling of the sacks of coins on his back (courtesy of the dock official and a representative of the client) filled his heart with joy. In one week, Silver and the crew had made nearly two months wages from work in the Equestrian market. Silver knew some of the crew would probably blow through most of it in a few days, he could at least trust himself and his close friends to use their pay wisely.

The moment Silver made it back to The Hawkins, he could hear the sound of Perry cry out, “Payday!” As soon as the gunnery officer cried out, sailors began to line up, eager to collect their money.

“Alright, alright! Settle down boys.” Silver reassured his crew as he began to set down the sacks of gold coins. “Let’s get back on the ship, and then I’ll begin to hand out the pay.” The rest of the sailors, including very depressed Skibby and Perry, agreed and reluctantly returned to the ship.

Once everyone was back on the ship, Silver began to take the sacks of coins and began to open one of them, pulling out a small bag filled with coins. Taking the bag and began to call out, “Alright, Mr. Wyvern?”

“Present Sir.” Wyvern said from behind Silver, hoping to have given his captain and friend a good scare like the old days. Silver, however, simply turned to face the old earth pony as he said, “You’re pay Mr. Wyvern.” Wyvern took the small bag as he “indignantly” huffed, “You’re no more fun.” Silver could only reply, “Maybe next time.”

One by one, the rest of the crew received their pay. Soon enough, only one pony was left; Angel Wings. “And for you Miss Wings….” Silver began, trying to at least maintain at least some professionalism. “This is for you.”

“Why thank you captain.” Angel Wings said as she took the small bag of money and placed in one of her coat pockets. She then asked, “So, what’s next?”

“Now that The Hawkins is all secure here in the harbor?” Silver replied. “I have no idea. Probably just keep me ears out for any job offerings.” When Angel Wings gave him a concerned look before he replied, “Well, to be honest I never really had to worry about this part of a voyage before.”

Angel Wings then began to speak. “Well, since we’ve been cooped up here for a few weeks, I was wondering….” She trailed off, trying to hint at something. “Do you want to take a look around this place?”

“Would it be considered a date?” Silver asked, a cheeky smile growing on his face. Angel Wings, now starting to blush, replied, “Maybe.” Silver, now starting to blush himself, replied, “On second thought, I think a little personal fun is in order.”

With that, Silver extended his metal wing to Angel Wings, who wrapped her own wing around it as the two ponies made their way into the city.

Ornithia

Angel Wings had never seen a city as magnificent as Ornithia. Everywhere she and Silver went, there were grand buildings of stone and marble. Even though Canterlot was a city primarily built of stone, Ornithia was almost entirely a city of stone.

But as the stone structures were impressive on their own, Ornithia had another impressive infrastructural design. The city had no streets, but instead great canals that served the same purpose. Boats and gondolas drifted down the canals, as if there was not a care in the world. It was clear that she and Silver had left Equestria, for they were now in what could only be described as paradise.

“This place is amazing!” Angel Wings nearly shouted, unable to contain her unbridled joy. “I’ve never seen a place as beautiful or fantastic as this!” Silver called back, “And we’ve only been here a few hours!” Hearing this, Angel Wings managed to calm down, replying, “Sorry. I’ve just never been anywhere like this before.” As she took a look at the stone buildings around them, she asked, “I wonder how they made all this.”

Silver then pointed off into the distance as he replied, “They probably do it like that.” Angel Wings followed her colt-friend’s finger to see a structure under construction. There the Ornithians, bipedal bird like beings with feathers and beaks of all colors, shapes, and sizes, using simple cranes and pulleys to lift large stone blocks into position. Others were carving into the rock, forming ornate sculptures that were nothing short of art. And they were doing all of it without the magic or technology that ponies like her took for granted.

The sight of such construction made Angel Wings ask, “What do you think they’re building?” Silver shrugged as he replied, “Could be anythin’. An indoor market, government building, maybe an apartment complex.”

“Ooh.” Angel Wings replied. “Sorry, it’s just I’ve never seen this many stone buildings before.” Silver nodded as he replied, “I can’nae say I know this place like the back of me hand meself. I’ve only been here once, and it was years ago.”

He then wrapped a wing around the pink mare as he added, “Which means we can learn about this place together.” Angel Wings returned the gesture as she gave him a peck on the cheek as she replied, “In that case, how about we grab a bite to eat?”

A Café

Silver and Angel Wings sat under an umbrella just outside a small café, enjoying a nice meal. “I gotta admit, this stuff is good.” Angel Wings said as she took a bite from her dish, a type of pasta in a creamy white sauce. “Maybe we should see if Bully Beef could make this “Fettuccini” for the crew sometime.”

Silver, taking a sip from his drink, replied, “Maybe. He’s a good cook but not the most open to new ideas.” When Angel Wings deflated with mild dejection, he continued, “Then again, I never had such problems.”

“That and you’re a better cook.” Angel Wings replied. Silver blushed as replied, “Maybe not that good….” “Don’t doubt yourself.” Angel Wings interrupted. “You’re a great cook, a skilled captain, and in general you’re an amazing pony.” Silver couldn’t help but reply, “I could say the same for you on the last part.”

After the two love birds finished trying to out complement the other, Silver asked, “So, how did you enjoy your first voyage?”

“It was nothing short of amazing!” Angel Wings enthusiastically replied. “I mean, there were some parts I could have lived without, such as Arrow Bolt being a jerk and that incident with the flogging, but otherwise it was probably one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had.”

“That’s good.” Silver replied. “I’ll admit that sometimes life in the skies isn’t always easy, but it’s a life that is unlike any other.” Angel Wings replied, “And the best part is the ponies you meet.” Knowing what she was implying, Silver and Angel Wings leaned into each other for a kiss.

That was when Silver and Angel Wings heard the sound of two people arguing. One voice, a rich, and raspy voice that spoke in the accent most Ornithians seemed to possess, said, “I assure you Crassus, we are taking precautions to prevent such an incident from happening again.” The other, a deep booming voice with the same accent of Nelson, replied, “I hope so, because I lost thousands of denarii worth of silk and other goods to those pirates.”

Silver and Angel Wings turned to see who was speaking, only to be surprised and amazed by what they were witnessing. Walking past the café were two beings; one a tall Ornithian with brilliant scarlet feathers, a white beak, and a green suit, and another a massive bipedal being with dark brown feathers, large hands with long claws on his fingers, a long neck, a short beaked head, and a white robe and tunic.

The red Ornithian spoke again, saying, “I apologize for the incident. I should have known some of the Storm King’s bastardi were still skulking about.” The other being replied, “I know. I’d have brought soldiers with me, but I would never hear the end of the Senate for it. You fail one invasion of the deserts and you can’t even lead a crack team of mercenaries without being accused of incompetence.”

Angel Wings leaned to Silver and whispered, “What is that tall guy? I’ve never seen anything like him before.” Silver, however, was stunned speechless. After a few moments, he muttered, “It can’nae be!” “Wait, you know who or what he is?” Angel Wings asked. Silver wasn’t quite paying attention, instead consumed by an almost euphoric sense of joy.

Just as the large being and the scarlet Ornithian began to walk away, Silver called out, “It’s a Dinosaur!” Before Angel Wings could react, Silver leapt from his seat and ran up to the creature. As he approached the creature, he began to ramble, “Oh my goodness. A real life dinosaur! I’ve read all about you’re people but I’ve never had the chance to meet one before! It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Old Silver, Captain of the….”

Silver was rudely interrupted by a back hand from the large creature, sending him crashing into the nearest canal. “Ugh. Disgusting mammal.” The creature angrily remarked.

“SILVER!” Angel Wings shouted as she rose from her seat, flew over to the canal, and dove in after her colt-friend. Once she lifted him up from the water and flew him back to the sidewalk, she asked, “Silver, you alright?”

“For the most part.” Silver replied as he rubbed his face. “Though I think I deserved that.” Angel Wings rubbed her wing against his now bruised cheek as she added, “Though I have to admit that was adorable.”

The scarlet Ornithian made his way up to the couple and said, “Are you alright my friend?” He extended his wing to help Silver up, an action Silver reciprocated. Once he was up, the metal winged Pegasus answered, “Aye.”

“Molto Bene. Molto Bene.” The Ornithian replied. “I must apologize. Crassus here is not the most welcoming person I have ever known.” He then held his wing out again as he introduced himself. “I am Garibaldi, Prime Minister of Ornithia.”

“Old Silver. Captain of The Hawkins.” Silver replied as he shook the Ornithian’s wing. Upon hearing this, Garibaldi asked, “As in the Old Silver I take it? The Equestrian who delivered the weather machines this morning?” Silver nodded as he replied, “One and the same sir.” He then turned to Angel Wings and introduced her. “This is Angel Wings, my weather officer and mare-friend.”

Angel Wings extended her wing and said, “It’s nice to meet you mister Prime Minister.” Garibaldi shook her wing as he replied, “L’onore e mio, signora.” When the pink mare gave him a confused look, the Prime Minister replied, “It means the honor is mine ma’am.”

“Ooh.” Angel Wings said in amazement. She then apologized as she said, “Sorry. I’ve never heard anyone speak like that before.”

“It’s alright signora.” Garibaldi replied. “Not many outside of Ornithia have heard our native language, even fewer of them being ponies.”

He would have continued, but the Prime Minister was interrupted by Crassus calling out, “Prime Minister, are you done playing with the equines?” The long necked creature made it clear he was not happy with the interruption caused by the appearance of the ponies, and he was not going to allow them to further hinder his business meeting.

At least he wouldn’t until Silver stepped towards him and introduced himself. “Sorry about gettin’ in your face. My name is Old Silver.” The pony then extended his wing to the large being.

“I am Marcus Licinius Crassus.” The large creature said as he shook Silver’s wing very loosely. “And for your information…” he took a deep breath of annoyance before finishing, “yes, I am a dinosaur.”

A large smile returned to Silver’s face as he said, “You know, I’ve read all about your Republic, and I must say I have been fascinated with your people ever since I was young.”

“I can tell.” Crassus deadpanned. “After all, it’s not every day that a mammal runs up to you without intention of bodily harm.”

This was when Garibaldi approached Silver and Crassus. The red feathered Ornithian said, “Capitano Silver, I need to say something.” When Silver turned to speak with the Prime Minister, the latter continued. “You see Capitano, I was actually planning on meeting you at your ship once I wrapped up business with Crassus here, but by the stroke of luck, you have made sped my plans along.”

“Really?” Silver asked suspiciously. The last time anyone had said that they had sped up their plans, it was when Wind Rider gloated to him, Rainbow Dash, and Spitfire.

“Oh yes. I have a business proposal.” Garibaldi replied. “I had heard much of you and your crew, and considering your reputation, I knew you were a perfect choice. Now, if you and your crew will join me tonight at my residence, I have a proposition that should be mutually beneficial.” The scarlet Ornithian then reached into his suit and pulled out a small paper card. Handing it to Silver, he said, “Come to this address tonight at eight o’ clock.”

Silver took the card as he replied, “We’ll be there. See you then.” The Prime Minister then bowed as he said, “Ottimo.” He turned to Crassus as he said, “Crassus, I believe we can continue at my place. Come.” The large dinosaur nodded as he walked next to the Prime Minister. With that, they soon disappeared down the sidewalk.

Angel Wings asked, “So, that was interesting.” Silver replied, “Aye. Guess we’ll have to go tell the others we’ve been asked to see the Prime Minister himself.” The pink mare then asked, “What do you think he wants from us?”

Silver could only sigh as he replied, “Guess we’ll just have to see, won’t we?”

Prime Minister Garibaldi’s Residence, That Night…

Silver had to admit one thing; Ornithians knew how to live in style. He, Angel Wings, Nelson, Perry, Wyvern, Ishmael, Skibby, and even Major Andre had arrived right at the appointed hour and dressed in their best clothes. Silver wore his jacket, boots, and a shirt with his trademark hat, Nelson and Perry were clad in their old officer’s tunics, Andre was clad in his red coat, Ishmael was dressed in a double breasted suit with a shirt and tie, and Angel Wings was clad in her now iconic brown coat, vest, white shirt, black boots and tri-corner hat. She had considered wearing her flight suit or jacket, but she decided not to risk getting any stains on them.

“Uh, Captain?” Major Andre asked nervously. “Are you sure it is a wise idea to bring me to this little meeting? I hardly doubt that the Prime Minister will tolerate the presence of a former enemy combatant.”

“It was either that or leave you with Aquamarine, and I’d prefer you not turn into a puddle in my cabin.” Silver replied as he took a deep breath. “Besides, I’d like to have you nearby in case you try anything.”

As Silver made his way up to the door, Perry asked, “So, what do you think these bird brains want?” Angel Wings, Nelson, and Wyvern gave the unicorn stern looks as he replied, “What? You gotta admit that it’s pretty shady for this guy to invite us to a fancy dinner right after paying us to deliver weather clouds.”

“Maybe it’s a way of saying thank you?” Angel Wings offered. “I mean, when Silver and I met him earlier, he seemed friendly enough.” Many of the other sailors nodded their heads, signaling that they agreed with her point.

Taking the opportunity Angel Wings provided, Silver made his way to the door and knocked on the large wooden door. After three good knocks, the door opened. Silver figured that it would be some sort of butler or servant.

To his surprise (and Perry’s disgust), the door was opened by none other than Captain Celaeno.

“Old Silver?” Celaeno asked, now surprised herself. “What in the name of Celestia are you doing here?”

Silver, having regained his composure, replied, “Prime Minister Garibaldi invited us.” Celaeno was silent, simply giving a surprised look. Silver then asked, “I take it he invited you too?”

“Yeah.” Celaeno answered. “We were visited by some official this morning. They said the Prime Minister wanted to see us for a business deal.”

Angel Wings, on the other hand, made her way up to Celaeno and said, “Celaeno, is that you?” The lean Ornithian performed a dramatic bow as she replied, “In the flesh. How’s it going kid?”

“I’d say I’m doing great.” The pink Pegasus replied. “What about you?”

Celaeno shrank back a brief moment before she replied, “Pretty good. Not exactly great, but pretty good.”

Wyvern then walked up to the two and asked, “What are we doing standing out here? I’m starting to burn up in this suit here.” With that, the small group of sailors made their way inside the mansion.

Silver and the others were stunned speechless by the beauty of the mansion’s grand foyer. It was almost as if they had entered a massive palace. As the group made their way to the center, a butler (specifically a toucan), emerged from a door on the left side. “Ladies and gentlemen…” The butler began. “The master has dinner ready in the dining room. Please follow me.”

Silver and the others followed the butler through the door and into a large hallway, each side possessing ornate suits of armor. Wyvern leaned into Silver’s ear and said, “I got a bad feelin’ about this.” Silver nodded as he replied, “Aye.”

After a few minutes, the group made their way to a door guarded by two Ornithian guards. “The Prime Minister is waiting for you.” The butler said as he opened the door.

As Silver entered the door, he was greeted with a room filled with a large dinner table. Spread all over the table were numerous pieces of food, both dishes that ponies as well as Ornithians would find appetizing.

However, what really caught everyone’s attention was Prime Minister Garibaldi, seated at the head of the table. “Ah, Capitano Silver.” The scarlet politician said as the group began to sit down. “I have a proposition for you…..”

Author's Note:

Next Time; we learn what Prime Minister Garibaldi has in mind.