//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 - Road to Encounter // Story: Flight of the Golden Eagle - A New World // by Acacia Sgt //------------------------------// March 19, 1825 AD Beach The sun was already rising high into the sky. Activity in the camps was bustling as usual, except that compared to yesterday, the signs of inter-camp mingling were beginning to form. While most were keeping to their own, human and pony alike had begun to engage in activities together. It had started during breakfast. A small group, which combined were no more than seven individuals, had sat together to eat. It wasn’t evenly shared, with more ponies than humans present, but this small daring act had served as an icebreaker, with two or three more small groups forming as well, all at points between the two camps. Though one could still see some doubt and wariness in the faces of the humans. It showed it had been a daring act for them, to approach creatures they knew and understood so little, and unable to communicate with them. But after what they’ve seen the last two days, perhaps they were slowly coming into terms with it. As such, not much went on, not even talking between same species. But it still proved a chance to learn. The humans were still a little baffled at the dexterity of the equines’ hooves, as they held the food despite the lack of digits. The ponies, for their part, were intrigued by how diverse the humans’ food were. They themselves had only carried mostly fruits and vegetables, some cereals and hay, and there was always the option to graze whenever they landed. But the humans’ diet seemed to consist of different things, which to their surprised included fish and eggs. The revelation they were omnivorous creatures was perhaps a concern to one or two of them, but the rest were taking it better. They had already spent enough time with them to know they had nothing to worry on that front. Although, what most took their attention were the pieces of thin, round, cooked dough. It didn’t go unnoticed by the humans, for at least one grabbed a few of them and extended them to the ponies of his group, as an offering. Food which was accepted, and from the looks after trying them, didn’t found them that bad. Whether or not this would prelude to more interaction, it was yet to be seen. The day was still young, after all. West of Equestria Midday was approaching, the sun glaring down over the land. Sticking close to the river, the Equestrian delegation made their march. They went at a fast trot, westward to the coast, to meet with their guests. They traveled at a steady pace, and had yet to stop since they departed. At the float, Starswirl sat at the front. He had several books piled up next to him on one side, and rolls of parchment on the other. He paid little attention to his surroundings, for he was holding unrolled parchment with his magic, and was reading its contents. The princesses were at the back, sitting in thrones built for the float. Celestia sat still, her head turned slightly downwards to her right, reading a book resting on the throne’s armchair, though held within her magic aura. Occasionally, she would glance to the moving countryside. Luna looked at the countryside all the time, but resting her head on the throne’s armrest, a bored expression on her face. It wasn’t long, though, Celestia rose her head to look at her. “Do you plan to remain that way throughout all the journey?” she asked, before glancing back to her book. Luna straightened out her posture slightly and turned to face her. “I’m bored,” she merely replied. Celestia shook her head. “You should have though on bringing something to occupy yourself with, then,” a page from the book was flipped. “Other than Melvin,” she then added, without even glancing away from her book, as Luna was about to speak up again. The younger sister quickly closer her mouth again, briefly. “I still think we should have brought him with us,” she instead said, crossing her forehooves, annoyed. “I don’t think our guests would have been thrilled to see a manticore as part of the delegation,” Celestia replied. “If they even know what a manticore is, anyway,” Luna said. “We barely know anything about them, Luna. Maybe they do have them in their homeland,” her sister said. “Whatever, I’m going to stretch my wings for a while,” Luna rose from her throne. “It’s not like we need to remain here until we actually meet up with them anyway.” And with that, she took off. Celestia shook her head again and sighed, before flipping another page of her book. Beach Scud flew as fast he could, being currently over the mountains that separated the beach from the rest of the mainland. He turned his head back. Thunderbolt was not far behind. Their journey back had, as expected when one of them was Scud, turned into another race. At least for the stretch after they had to stop for the night. Scud’s lead was not big, but they were so close now to their destination. There, I see them! Just a little more… Though never been to the actual beach, they had been told of the location, from what Keen Eyes had reported when he first spotted them. Not to mention, something big like the ship was not hard to miss, without much else on the beach to confuse it with something else. As such, both pegasi had begun to descend once they had the mountains behind them. As they did, Thunderbolt began to take note of the beach. They’re camping close to each other? So, things went without issue. He could almost sigh in relief. I just still hope Thundershock still didn’t got into any sort of trouble while I was gone. Caught in his thoughts, it was the likely reason he was still behind Scud, but at this rate, it didn’t matter to him. Soon, their approach was noticed from the ground by human and pony alike. “… I see, that is some big news,” Wing Shield said, as he heard the two pegasi. They had arrived at the coast, and landed not far from the ponies’ camp. They took notice of the humans, but it was a brief glance, for captain Wing Shield was soon upon them. And thus, they immediately began to report. Other pegasi approached throughout. “Yes, captain,” Thunderbolt glanced in the direction they came from. “They estimated the delegation would arrive here in two days’ time from today, but even they weren’t sure,” he glanced back. “Two days? That is still too much of a wait,” a pegasi commented. “Do you think they would wait that long?” another asked, looking over at the human camp. “Maybe if we could explain it to them… somehow,” Keen Eyes said. “We will worry about that in a moment,” Wing Shield shook his head. “I am surprised the princesses themselves will be coming.” “Unfortunately, we were not told much on the matter,” Thunderbolt said. “Well, not that it was that important to know,” Scud shrugged. “I’m sure we’ll find out once they get here.” Wing Shield looked over at the human camp. “In any case, since they are on their way here, we must prepare ourselves as well,” he said. “We must continue to know more about them. What we can, anyway. Soon, we’ll have to send someone to meet with the delegation to update them on what we find. We may be mostly assured they have no hostile intentions, but we still cannot afford to look ourselves weak. The princesses will need to prepare in advance how to approach them. If they are really arriving in two days’ time, then we must use today and most of tomorrow.” He turned back to the group before him. “Those that sat together to eat had good initiative.” “Ah, that reminds me, captain,” one of the pegasi opened the saddlebag he had. “I saved one of those round things they gave us to try.” He took the mentioned item from the bag with a hoof, and extended it towards Wing Shield, who took it. “It probably may not taste as good since it has cooled off, but I figured you may still want to try it,” the pegasus continued. “I think they called it tortilla, if I recall correctly.” Wing Shield eyed the tortilla, before moving it near his mouth, and took a bite off. Not bad, he thought. Meanwhile, the humans were taking Scud and Thunderbolt’s arrival in their own way. “Two of them, you say?” Lemaur asked a man. They were a small group, by the camp’s edge. They looked in the direction of the other camp, where the group they were watching had begun to break. “Yes, sir, they flew from the east,” the man replied. “I don’t recall that any of them left since their arrival,” Austin mentioned. “We had reasons to believe they knew of us before showing themselves,” Lemaur said. “Perhaps it was true, and they sent word back to their superiors before meeting with us.” “What does it mean? That they already know we’re here?” another man asked. “Most likely, and now they got word back,” Lemaur continued. “What does Captain Guerrero think on the matter?” Austin asked. “He expects this means we won’t remain in this beach for long.” “They likely received further orders; and if it pertain to us, they might try to let us know.” “Thank God, I want to return already,” someone spoke, followed by murmurs of agreement. Lemaur shook his head. “We will see about that. It might still take some time.” West of Equestria The delegation had stopped to rest. They had covered a good distance since leaving the border outpost, but expectations were still a two-day trip. As such, after moving almost non-stop since dawn, they finally gave themselves to take a longer rest than usual. As such, after picking a suitable spot by the river bank, they began to slow down until coming to a stop. The float was set down on the ground, after which Celestia stepped down, Starswirl following shortly after. From the sky, Luna flew down and landed. “Attention!” one of the earth ponies spoke before the group began to disperse. “We will stay for one hour, then we will resume the march. Make use of this time well.” As the ponies began to go their own ways, he turned to the princesses, and made a small bow. “Your highnesses, if you feel the need to stay for a while longer, feel free to say so. We will leave at your command,” and with another bow, he walked away as well. “Ah, the perks of authority,” Luna cheerfully said. “Now this I can get used to.” Celestia shook her head. “Luna, you better not be getting ideas,” she warned. “Whatever you mean, dear sister?” Luna feigned innocence. Starswirl chuckled. “Worry not, your highness,” he told Celestia. “Though I doubt she would really abuse her authority, there is not much you two can actually do that couldn’t be overruled by the king. Or even the council.” “She might still let it get over her head,” Celestia pointed out. “Quite possible, your highness,” the unicorn replied. “But are you not her sister? Don’t you know her well? If so, then you more than anypony else would know if that is a real risk or not.” A few seconds passed before Celestia sighed. “You’re right, Lord Starswirl,” she said. “Thinking it over, I can place my trust on her.” “Then there is not much to fear,” Starswil said. “Besides, in the case we do are wrong about it, there might still not be much to fear. At most, it might just be demanding small or petty things.” “I suppose that does sound like her,” Celestia gave a slight giggle. “Hey, I’m still here, you know,” Luna spoke up. The unicorn chuckled again. “Oh, worry not your highness,” Starswirl told her. “We do trust you will fairly follow what responsibilities you and your sister will have, even if few they may be.” “We move the sun and moon just fine,” Luna said. “That should be enough.” “Perhaps, but now you will have more to do,” Starswirl then lit his horn, and some of the books hovered from the float. “So, we will use the better part of the hour to focus on how to proceed once we meet our guests.” “Now?” Luna was surprised. “You got plenty of time to spend at your leisure on the way to this spot,” Starswirl merely said as the books now piled themselves on the grass. “So now, it is time to learn.” Luna groaned, but she and her sister proceeded to sit down. Beach “… really, brother, I’m fine.” After his report to Wing Shield, Thunderbolt went straight to find his brother. “I didn’t step out of line,” Thundershock continued. Well, mostly, he mentally added. “I’m sure the captain has already told you.” “I wanted to hear it straight from you,” Thunderbolt said. “Well, now you know,” was his brother’s reply, annoyed. “I’m not a colt anymore.” “You still act like one sometimes,” Thunderbolt pointed out, sighing. “Ah, whatever,” Thundershock promptly walked away. Thunderbolt sighed again. “Was never on board with him joining the military… still aren’t.” “Hey, take it easy on him.” Thunderbolt turned around to see Scud. “Keep it like that and he might consider transferring to another squad.” “What would you know?” Thunderbolt asked. “Personal experience. Though not with a brother, I don’t have any,” Scud shrugged. “As he said, he’s no longer a colt. But unlike some who turn too serious and boring when that happens,” Thunderbolt rolled his eyes at the comment, “Some of us don’t. So that naturally put you two at odds. So, do try to tone it down.” Thunderbolt blinked. “Who are you what did you do to Scud?” Scud laughed. “Surprised I can be serious as well? I get along fine with Thundershock. He certainly needs a less serious role model to follow,” Thunderbolt rolled his eyes again. “It’s only natural I care about him. And you as well.” He then proceeded to turn around. “Scud…” Thunderbolt was at a loss of words. “Besides, I can’t let you get too distracted, otherwise your performance would slip. Beating you then would lose its meaning. I did notice on this last race. So, it doesn’t count. We’ll break the tie next time!” Chuckling, he walked again. And there’s the Scud we all know, Thunderbolt thought. I should’ve guessed it had to involve the races somehow. Still, perhaps he has a point after all. West of Equestria “… communication will be among the biggest obstacles to face,” Starswirl explained. The unicorn’s lecture went as the designated period of rest went on. Most of the delegation had also joined the sisters in listening. “Unfortunately, there is not much evidence that a country from across the sea will speak the same tongue as ours.” He lit his horn, and the silhouette of a pony of each tribe appeared, and next to them that of another creature’s. “From salvaged records, which I can confirm due to being present, what little outside contact the pony tribes had in the time before unification was with nomadic yaks. We spoke the same language, but they also had of their own. Naturally, repeated visits enabled them to learn our tongue. Just what was necessary whenever they passed through our old lands; but there’s no indication we ponies bothered to learn theirs.” The silhouette of the yak disappeared, before being replace by that of another creature, on the other side of the ponies. “Rarer reports mention half-mammal, half-bird creatures, living beyond the eastern sea. While I personally never saw them in the flesh, I knew of ponies who did, including my own student Clover. Recounts also said these creatures spoke a different language.” His horn dimmed down, the silhouettes disappearing. “As such, I don’t expect they will be any different.” “In that case, Lord Starswirl, what can we do?” Celestia asked. “I suppose Wing Shield and his squadron will have started on that front,” Starswirl began. “But that does not give us enough time. As such,” he waived a hoof at the books, “I am looking if there is any way we can bypass the problem, if only temporary.” “You mean like some sort of translation spell?” She asked again. “Oh no, there is no such thing,” Starswirl shook his head. “We never had a need, so nothing was done about it. But now there is, and as such, it is one thing I’ve focused the most ever since Discord’s defeat. I think I am in the verge of procuring of having a workable spell that will… well, why not show it instead? Though, I will need a volunteer for this.” A few ponies looked at each other, some with worry on their faces. “Now don’t fret, the spell should be safe. I’ve tested beforehand in its earlier stages and results were promising.” They stilled looked wearily at each other. “Perhaps one of us should do it, Lord Starswirl?” Celestia offered. “Hey, don’t count on me,” Luna protested. “Luna, we would be better suited of going through any unseen complications if the spell doesn’t work correctly,” her sister scolded. “I-I’ll do it,” a voice spoke out. They all turned to see its source. It was one of the earth ponies, who rose and took a step forward. He looked a bit nervous but held his ground. “Your highnesses,” he turned to face the princesses. “That m-may be true, but we can’t afford something happening to you, n-not on something as important as our diplomatic mission.” He turned back to face Starswirl. “Lord Starswirl, I’m willing to be p-placed under the spell.” “You don’t need to go through it if you…” Celestia began, but Starswirl raised a hoof, and she stopped. “No, your highness. It would be best if you don’t,” he said. “While he has a point, there’s also the matter that the effects on you two would not really give an indication of what exactly could be wrong with the spell. It needs to be cast on someone more… ordinary. No offense,” he added, facing back to the pony. “N-none taken, sir,” was the reply. “Well, without wasting more time, I will cast the spell right now.” Starswirl’s horn began to glow once more. He closed his eyes and lowered his head, until the horn was now pointed at the pony, who stood still. He braced himself for it, turning his head away slightly, eyes closing. The rest just watched the whole thing unfolded. And immediately after, the spell fired.