Chapter II
The sights, smells, and sounds of Skyland's welcomed Onyx like an old friend as he slipped past the guarded entry and stood there, taking it all in. This was his favorite pub in all of Romanhoof. Here, he could relax, vent his troubles, or simply drink them away.
The pub wasn't big, but it sure had a lot to do. Directly across from the entrance, just past the pool table, was the bar. A row of sturdy wooden stools sat close against the counter, and just beyond it was the biggest selection of alcoholic beverages any pony could ever dream of. To the left of the bar was a blackjack and poker table. Closer to the entry, off to the left, was a dining area, complete with nicely decorated tables, a huge roaring stone fireplace, and a row of tall glass windows overlooking the sea to the west... Perfect for a romantic sunset dinner.
Back off to the right of the entry area was a dance floor. It was a large platform made of a solid slab of the finest white marble in the country, polished and kept in pristine condition. And to the right of the bar area were the bathrooms and a big old-fashioned jukebox, usually playing something for the dance floor nearby. Onyx only frequented three locations in the pub: the bar, the diner, and the pool table area. He'd never visited the dance floor, as he wanted to someday dance with the mare of his dreams. Onyx also wasn't a professional at poker or blackjack, so he preferred not to lose too much there.
Onyx took a deep breath and glanced around the pub, checking out the busyness. It was actually not quite as active as it normally is, but then again, it wasn't the time of day of the most activity, anyways. The familiar whiffs of booze and cheap food, sweat, perfume and cologne assaulted his nostrils, while the clinking of glasses, pool balls being struck, yells of surprise and bursts of laughter relaxed his nerves. This was like a second home to him.
The parrot on his shoulder gave a loud squaw, startling him. Onyx smiled up at his shoulder friend. He'd have to name him or her soon. Calling it "it" wouldn't be practical.
"Ahhhhh, Onyx, my friend! Glad you showed up when you did! I need you to settle a bet for me!" a jovial and hearty voice bellowed from his left. Onyx turned to see an old friend from his childhood trotting up to greet him.
It was his friend, Winter Green. The mint colored unicorn with the pastel green and grey mane was his closest friend in life. Unfortunately, the two never hung out like they used to. In fact, this was the first time they'd seen each other in weeks. There were many reasons for this, the most prominent being Winter was too immature for Onyx. He attended too many parties, drank and did drugs more than any one pony should, and had no work ethic. He spent one too many days sitting around and doing close to nothing productive.
And apparently today he was in trouble for making a bet.
"Hello there, Winter. I see you've managed to owe somepony money again?" Onyx joked, only partly. The two of them shook hooves and began heading off towards the dining area.
"No, no. I'm going to win money, not lose it! The bet was you and I were friends. They don't believe the Count would be friends with me. Can you believe that?" Winter said, shaking his head. "What fools."
Onyx hummed as he thought. Perhaps they were right. It was kind of unbelievable that this stallion was friends with royalty. The two didn't have any common ground; they simply enjoyed each other's company. But he would win the bet, either way. "I suppose I can help you then."
Winter gave a loud hoot. "I knew I could count on the Count. Haha!" He bumped Onyx with his shoulder, nearly sending him into a nearby table as they approached the table full of rowdy, unruly drunks.
"Hey you guys, here he is? See? Gimme my money!" Winter ran over the rest of the way and slammed a hoof on the table, jarring all the half-empty beers and interrupting the loud conversation the ponies there were holding. They all gawked up in surprise at Onyx, their eyes wide and mouths agape.
"Uh, hello there," Onyx gave a shy wave. When it came to meeting new ponies, Onyx was as timid as it got.
The older-looking pegasus stallion snorted. "The hell is this, some kind of joke? There's no way you two are friends. You're just a cunning bum who managed to catch the Count while he was out and about and convinced him to vouch for you."
"Not true at all!" Winter shot back, throwing his forelegs above his head. Onyx shrank back and covered his eyes with a hoof, mildly embarrassed. "Onyx and I have been friends since foalhood! You guys owe me. Pay up."
The rest of the stallions groaned and sat back.
"Please, Winter. Let the Count speak. I'd like to hear it from him. Surely he wouldn't lie to us," the stallion earth pony with a brilliant shiner said, motioning to Onyx.
"Fine. But he'll agree with me," Winter conceded.
Onyx swallowed. "Uh, yeah. We're friends. It's no secret. We've been close since we met as foals. Winter is a cool guy, though I don't agree with everything he does. Like betting," he admitted and shot a glance over at his friend, who appeared mildly annoyed by that last comment. "In any case, he is indeed friends with me."
Winter nodded. "Now gimme my money. I want another shot of vodka and I'm broke."
With defeated moans, the ponies at the table surrendered a large pile of emeralds. Winter greedily slid them off the table into a pouch, giggling like a moron.
Onyx rolled his eyes. "Am I finished here, Winter? I've business to attend to." He sighed and muttered under his breath: "As always..."
Winter set his bag beside the table on the floor and threw a foreleg around Onyx, giving him a friendly hug. "Shoot, of course. Thanks Onyx. Good to see ya. Hey, when can we hang out, eh? Been kinda slow lately."
Onyx shrugged. "Winter, I'm busy lately. Quite a bit. Even more now that I'm temporarily in charge of Romaneia," he said and stopped, shaking his head. That last part slipped out. He wasn't wanting to spread the news just yet.
The ponies at the table all expressed their surprise with various noises, same with Winter.
"Moving up to King Onyx now, huh?" the shiner stallion asked with a big grin, raising his eyebrows ridiculously high.
Onyx sighed again, wishing he'd never come to the table. "Yes, for now. I need to go now, Winter. I'll be around. Have... fun." He turned and pranced off before anypony could protest. He wasn't here to entertain guests; he was here to have a drink and relax.
Once he'd made his way to the bar, he found himself a good seat, secluded from the other drinkers. He waited for the bartender to come to him. He already knew what he wanted, as he'd ordered the same drink every time he came to Skyland's.
"Mr. Onyx! Good to see ya. Same thing as always, right?" the grey unicorn asked, cleaning a glass with a decidedly filthy rag.
Onyx winced at the sight. "As always."
The bartender nodded, pouring him a glass of creme de menthe, then adding a little brandy. He set the glass on the counter and slid it to Onyx. "Enjoy," he added as he tended to another customer.
Onyx took a long, drawn-out sip of his favorite mixed drink. The stinger always made him shiver but he loved the taste. He smacked his lips and decided to survey the bar, checking out his company.
Beside him was an old stallion unicorn, wobbling on his stool and muttering gibberish in varying volumes while the scantily dressed and clearly lascivious mare pegasus beside him tried to pick up some business with a blue unicorn stallion sitting beside her; the dance floor was clear, which wasn't unusual; the dining area was nearly full, also normal; at the blackjack table were the same stallions and mares that played there every time Onyx had been in the pub; and finally, the pool table was surrounded by at least 10 ponies, indicating some kind of competition in progress. They were responsible for nearly half the noise in the pub currently. Besides them, a few mares and stallions wandered aimlessly around the pub.
Onyx turned back to his drink, taking a more fulfilling sip this time.
"Hey, cutie. You look like you need a good ending to your night."
He glanced in the direction of the voice and discovered a pretty young mare pegasus smiling innocently at him. She flapped her wings and sat on the stool beside him, resting an elbow on the counter and her head on her hoof, her green eyes flashing mischievously.
Onyx flashed a smile. "You're a pretty little thing. Why ever would you be here, doing this to yourself?"
Her smile faded quickly. She withdrew and turned away, her yellowish mane flopping around. "Hard times call for desperate measures..."
Onyx nodded in understanding. "But there wasn't another way?" He swallowed another bit of his drink.
The mare sighed heavily, seemly sagging on her stool. "This makes me the most money. I have to, you know? I tried other things, but the payout just wasn't good enough..."
"Can I ask why you need money so badly?"
"My brother is ill. The medical expenses are sky high. My mom and I can't afford it... so I resorted to this. So far, it's been doing the job," she explained, resting her forelegs on the counter with her head on them. "Yes, it's demeaning, but I love my brother. I couldn't let him..."
"I understand Miss. No need to convince me. Here," Onyx sat his saddlebags on the counter and retrieved 30 emeralds. He passed them to the astonished mare. "These are yours, no services attached. I know it's not much, but it'll help, no doubt."
She took them and smiled gratefully at him, her eyes welling up with tears. "That's the sweetest thing anypony has ever done for me..." She rushed forward and hugged him suddenly.
Onyx was taken off guard at first, but returned the hug almost immediately. "Don't keep doing this, Miss. It's not a life to live."
She pulled away and gave a single nod. "Of course. Thank you, Count Onyx. Thank you..." She clutched her purse full of emeralds to her chest and flapped off, leaving the pub in a hurry.
Onyx returned to his drink, relaxing a little better now that his good deed for the day was done. And although he'd paid for services like the ones she'd just offered before, today he wasn't feeling that way. Paying for love wasn't right. Helping somepony in need was much more fulfilling.
The parrot on his shoulder cawed, adjusting its wings.
Onyx smiled back over his shoulder at it. "Yeah, yeah. We'll get out of here soon, my friend."
The brisk, dusk air greeted Onyx as he stepped out of the pub several hours later, woozy but not drunk. He never drank enough to get there.
As expected, the town was bustling with those out enjoying the nightlife. After dark, the adults of Romanhoof came out to play.
Onyx inhaled a lungful of cool air and looked around him at the ponies wandering the streets. Most of them were groups of friends or mares looking for business. Since harlotry was not a crime in Romaneia, many mares used it as a way to fill their saddlebags. Although Onyx disagreed with the prostitute-friendly attitude, he had hired a few mares for a night of fun when he was feeling particularly lonely, though he usually felt a strong sense of regret afterwards.
Onyx began calmly walking home, taking his time. Why rush? Tonight wasn't any different than any other night. Besides, tonight was one of those cursed nights that he longed for some female attention. Perhaps he'd find some if he took his time getting back to the castle.
His parrot squawked loudly, clearly in distress. Onyx stopped and glanced curiously back at it. "What's wrong, little bird?"
It seemed to be looking off in the distance and making a ruckus. Onyx followed its gaze to the very same bizarre business he entered earlier. The window was covered by a curtain on the inside, but it was clear that there was a lot going on within. Brilliant flashes of multicolored lights constantly lit up the window, casting an eerie shadow from the curtain on the ground just outside with every burst of light.
Onyx considered going to the place and finding out what was going on, but thought better of it. Tonight was not a good night to be exploring the unusual.
"Shhhhh," Onyx quieted his bird down, giving it a pet on the head. "You're like an alarm for me, you know? Hmm... Perhaps I should name you... Beakon. Yeah, that's clever and nice. You like it, Beakon?"
The bird gave a chirp and began preening the feathers of his left wing.
Onyx chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes." He resumed his path back home, unable to take his eyes off the strange but intriguing old shop with flickering lights.
Back in the keep, Onyx lay sprawled out on his bed, having been unable to bring himself to taking home a mare for her services. It just didn't feel right. But he wished he didn't have to want the attention so badly. The loneliness weighed heavily on his mind; some days were worse than others. In any case, romance was not his strong point.
A gentle breeze streamed through the room, the twin doors to the balcony open wide. The curtains flapped around, and the fireplace crackled as the wind fanned it hotter, the bright yellow embers floating up the chimney and out into the night.
There wasn't much to do up here, as he was alone. This late in the evening, everypony was either finishing up supper or heading to bed. Besides that, Onyx didn't have anypony to invite into his quarters anyways.
Onyx hopped out of bed and out onto the balcony. He peered into the night sky, admiring the infinite number of stars that sparkled against the endless black background. The moon was waning and clear, and shone brilliantly down on the land like a giant white lamp. It illuminated the hedge maze and garden below, where Onyx noted the brown showing here and there. He'd have to get on the gardener about that.
Out across the sea, Onyx could count three yellowish specks of light. They were merchant ships on their way out of port, or in. Their work never ended; they sailed in and out of the Port of Romanhoof day in and day out. Onyx had high respect for the ponies at sea.
The Count sighed and rested his head on his hoof, his elbow on the edge of the barrier. He gazed out over the sea and let his mind wander.
Tomorrow he'd have some work to do, but the real effort would start days from now, when a town meeting occurred at the Romanhoof Rectangle, a park in the center of town. The residents of Romanhoof would gather and listen to whatever the King had to say, regarding new or changed laws, the illnesses, crime rates, land development, treaties, and other varies important things. Onyx would have to compile a list of said things, and after presenting them before a crowd of over 10,000, take questions.
Onyx did not like crowds. His stage fright weighed him down, but he figured what better way to rid himself of the affliction than standing before an entire town?
Of course, he'd do fine. When put under pressure, Onyx did not crack. He did what he had to do, whether it bothered him or not. It was his duty to serve this country and make his father proud. Especially after having power bestowed upon him at such a young age.
But what about his personal problems? How could he continue to be alone, whether romantically or socially? It always seemed that ponies were intimidated by his royalty; attempting to make friends only led to him being rejected, either gently, or vehemently. Lately, he'd been trying much less.
This was not his priority; no, not now. His priority was to keep Romaneia running smoothly. To make his father proud to call him son. What else could a young stallion wish for?
Onyx returned to reality, taking a deep breath and rubbing his temples. All this was giving him a headache. Or perhaps it was the bit of booze he had earlier. In any case, it felt like bed time.
He turned and went back into the keep, closing the balcony doors behind him and tossing another log into the fireplace to keep it going. If he didn't, the room would cool rapidly, as the castle was so tall, clouds sometimes enshrouded the towers and the keep, especially on rainy days.
Beakon gave a single caw as Onyx dressed for bed. The parrot sat on the top of the dark oak wardrobe, staring down at his owner curiously
"I am indeed heading to bed, Beakon. I urge you to, as well," Onyx said as he slipped under the cotton sheets, relishing in the warmth and softness. He could get used to this.
Beakon decided to instead preen his feathers, inciting a laugh from Onyx.
"Well, as long as you're quiet, preen all night, my friend. Goodnight." Onyx blew out the lamp on the bedstand and rolled over, pulling the covers to his chin. He fell asleep soon after.
"Sir? Are you awake yet? Sir?" A loud voice perforated by heavy knocking pulled Onyx from his slumber. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, groaning groggily. He rolled and collapsed on the floor, banging his head and crying out in pain. He sat there and rocked back in forth, clutching his throbbing head.
"Sir? Are you alright in there? You sound as though you might be in distress."
"No kidding," Onyx muttered, climbing to his hooves and making his way to the doors, pulling one open to see Ironhoof standing there with a tray of breakfast foods.
"You didn't call for breakfast, so I took initiative and had it made for you," the servant explained, holding the tray out to him.
Onyx hesitated before taking the tray and plopping it on his bed, sitting beside it. "What's new, Ironhoof?"
Ironhoof entered the bedroom and stood near the doors. "I'm sorry sir?" He clearly didn't understand the question.
Onyx stuffed a breakfast muffin in his mouth, chewing it slowly before swallowing it with a gulp of tangy orange juice and replying, "I'm asking how your morning is going, Iron."
Ironhoof seemed to have an epiphany. "Oh! It's gone quite well, sir. Nothing out of the ordinary or worth discussing, I'd say."
"I have the feeling you just don't want to discuss it, Iron. Am I correct to assume this?" Onyx polished off a hashbrown and the rest of his orange juice. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hoof and set the tray aside.
Ironhoof nodded. "I'd say so, yes sir."
Onyx slipped off the bed and stretched, his joints cracking. He extended his wings and gave them a flap. "Very well. I suppose I'll just have to order you to tell me." He eyed the servant to see his reaction.
Ironhoof seemed to dislike that, and quite much. He curled his lip and narrowed his eyes, shaking his head.
Onyx couldn't help but burst into laughter. "I'm kidding," he said, coming over to Ironhoof and giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Don't be so serious all the time."
Now he seemed confused. "But sir, you told me the other day to refrain from using humor."
"That's... not entirely true. It was the kind of humor- You know what, all irrelevant. Let's move on." Onyx stepped over to the wardrobe and opened the big doors, peering in at his limited selection. Beakon flapped off the top and soared over to the fireplace, landing on the mantle.
Ironhoof glared at the bird. "What in Romaneia is that doing in here?"
Onyx scowled at the servant. "That would be Beakon, my pet. Is there something wrong?" He threw on his coat, sliding his forelegs down the sleeves and buttoning up the front.
Ironhoof smiled nervously. "No, not at all, sir. I was just curious is all." He side-stepped into the doorway, half out of the room. "He's magnificent," he added, the smile never fading.
"Uh huh. Ironhoof, I'm taking my morning walk. When I get back, please have my parchment and quill ready. I've some notes to take. Royal Court is soon." Onyx walked past Ironhoof out into the hall and towards the exit. "And while you're at it, bring me some bird feed. Beakon should be hungry. And a bowl of water, too."
"Absolutely, sir. I'll get right on it."
Onyx stopped in the doorway of the exit and said over his shoulder, "Tell my father when I get back in an hour, I would like to speak with him on an important matter." Then he descended the stairs to the first floor of the castle.