The trip wasn’t bad. I saw nothing but sea until the last minute, but I blended in. ‘least I attempted to. Stomach butterflies were so lousy throughout; I just wanted to have a decent conversation with anyone… which was bizarre. I was socially OK with other humans but got terrified talking to anyone else. Maybe that’s normal. Or maybe I’d start a war if I said the wrong word.
Talking to zebras was enlightening. Who knew asking for water could be an art? But they did it. They rhymed everything without fail. Me? I tried. They politely told me to drop it, covering their ears and all.
While we talked, I watched them do their thing: weaving clothes, brewing potions, cooking good food (but no meat). It was fun.
Still, the really good times happened before the really bad times. For a second, I thought we’d fall from the sky and drown or crash into Dhamana and burn. Even if we made it, I didn't know how I was going to be a decent guest. My professors hadn’t said much about Dhamana because it’s mostly reclusive… ‘sclusive. I knew only the basics: “loose ten-tribe federation made up of many sub-tribes; leaders change every ten years on a tribe-rotation basis.” (Had good memory if I put in the effort, I’ll tell ‘ya that.)
I got so distracted by everyone doing their thing, it took Ember three taps on my shoulder to get my attention. And a punch to the face.
“Ow! What was that—“
“Called you a dozen times, Sight See!” she yelled. Had her claws on her hips. Sassy annoyed dragon. “Oh, by the way, is on-the-spot deafness a human thing I have to ge tused to?”
If you keep shouting like that, I would’ve said. “Um, n-no…?”
“Alright. It’s just… argh, do you know what we’re dealing here? Any idea?”
Knew too well that feeling. Getting called to answer a question, but just turning up empty. Said professors would vouch for me on that.
I raised a finger, mustered my confidence. “Uh… it’s something to do with portals and how they are produced—yes, my superior?”
I think I came off cocky.
She punched me again. Hurt so bad. Almost fell. Then I actually fell. Couldn’t get up for a sec.
“I don’t know what’s your game here, Sight… but I’m the Dragon Lord, not you.”
Afterwards, a zebra bandaged my face. I was then helped up to face my uncooperative boss. Day’s not over yet, already had a bruise. At least a dragon gave it to me. How many people got punched by a dragon anyway?
Ember didn’t say sorry at all. She just went on about the deal like punching people’s socially acceptable.
“Long story short: Dhamana’s leader wants to finalize our trade-and-cooperation deal to get this portal thing a move on. They got their resources, we got our resources. We’re both ready. Problem is, huge things like this in Dhamana… we gotta present them to the ten-tribe council. That means enduring weeks of rhyming battles before it pushes through.”
I shuddered. Weeks out there. Weeks separated from all I knew. Weeks away from meeting a human again. On the bright side, Dhamana was connected by land to Equestria, but still…
Two hours later, I saw land. Large lands. Large savannas and shrublands. Dirt roads where zebras trotted, some with wagons and carriages. Looked farther down, saw a port. A few airships were there, but most were boats and ships. Many dhows there, sitting by the docks while zebra sailors unloaded their cargo. Up ahead, more plains, some cities, and a huge mountain.
This was it. Dhamana.
Our airship landed smack in the middle of land. That added to the charm. We were on a mission, after all.
It felt hot here. Colder than the Dragon Lands, but still hot. The spicy smells made it hotter. Now I had sweat and a burning throat.
Before I could ask for water, another zebra came up to us. Had lots of rings on his neck, a few on his ears, and a colorful robe. Must be important, so I waved at him when we got down. Wasn’t gonna do much if I just stood around. Hoped he wasn’t the supreme leader of all zebras.
“Shush!” and Ishara struck my shoulder.
“Ow! Not you, too!”
She clucked her tongue at me. “You had to be hushed, unless you be crushed.”
Alright. A dragon almost had me for lunch. Zebra martial arts wasn't a far fetch for me.
After Ishara cooled down, Ember and I let her talk it out with the mysterious zebra. The crew maintained the ship, but they had their eye on us. The I'm-watching-you kind of eye.
We kept quiet on the savanna grass. However, I felt the tension. Ember was glaring at me. Must be my pathetic excuse of a greeting.
Ishara returned to us. Didn’t take her long, but she looked agitated.
“Alas! Time outpaces even I. A thing—“ she pointed at the sea “—broils without me to die!”
I… didn’t understand it at first. “So is this a funeral?”
Both Ishara and Ember dagger-eyed me.
Great. I angered two bosses.
Ishara groaned, very disappointed in me. “Let me rephrase, restructure my words: ‘tis diplomacy, conducted by their herds.”
Still didn’t get it. “Herds? You mean Equestria?”
That’s when she smiled. I could tell it’s forced. “Undeniably so… and now you really do know?”
“I mean… you could’ve just said so, right?”
That doesn’t feel good to tell. I rub my aching forehead. Ashamed at my disgusting words from the past.
Clean Desk just stares at me. “Wow. That’s... really insensitive.”
He’s drunk, I’m not, but he’s making more sense. Yes, I was a cocky collegian. Doesn't excuse my utter stupidity.
After almost strangling me to death, Ishara left us, leaving on her airship.
By then, it’s just me and Ember as the other zebra got closer. I instantly wore a big smile. Didn’t know what to do. I just stood there, a smiling statue.
“Good afternoon, guests beloved!” he said, bowing down. “Apologies—she’s wrongly rubbed!”
… if I knew I was gonna talk to zebras a lot, should’ve brought a rhyme dictionary.
He grinned. “Your vexation before me unravels! Variations mine—are these your babble?”
“Cut to the chase,” Ember said, tapped her foot again. “Who are you?”
He stretched his hoof to us. “You shall call me by the name of Telat’e: Dhamana’s he who others’ tastes do much see.”
My brain hurt processing that. “OK… uh, I’m sorry, sir, but what does that mean?”
Telat’e chuckled. “That means I’m Dhamana’s cultural mediator. Happy now?”
I almost fell down again. Took me off guard. “Wh-what? I-I thought—“
“Our speech is for others… not quite easy. Therefore, I won’t with you be queasy.” Caught himself rhyming before he coughed. “For those unaccustomed to our speech, I strive to speak as… straightforward as possible.”
“But I thought you all—“
He turned his head around and yelled… a native word, I think. A couple more zebras trotted from behind a tree. They had this decked out caravan fit for a king.
“Come, you and the Dragon Lord, with me. On the way we shall talk more—you’ll see.”
We got inside. It’s big enough to fit us, and there’s lots of fancy stuff inside: spices, herbs, fabrics, and gold.
The caravan zebras pulled us through the endless and hot savannas. Felt like forever. Or we’re going in circles as a prank and I was too dumb to notice.
“It’s true we speak in rhythms and meters,” Telat’e went on, “but it’s not as simple as using our tongue mindlessly. This is an art, making extraordinary even the most ordinary in our weaved words. It stems from the dawn of time and our herds.”
I digested that information. I also realized we’re getting off-topic.
“Uh, that’s good… but, how come you’re here to meet us?” I looked ahead. Still saw nothing but trees and dry grass. “Are you taking us to your leader or—“
“Our ruler, Medebenya, hurried to Equestria so he may speak with the princesses about… well, your kind.” He gently gestured at me.
So he’s the substitute. So far, so good.
“Medebenya is very much progressive… he’s truly opened up our lands to the larger world, to see that an abundance of extraordinaries exists beyond our limits, ready for us to behold if we open our forelegs—or arms, as you say.”
We talked like this for the rest of the trip. He’s fun talk. Even without rhyming, he still sounds like a mighty poet. Ember joined in, and we talked some more for the rest of the trip.
“Ah, raise your eyes!” Telat’e said much later. “There—our crown jewel lies!”
I looked up.
It's a sprawling city. Towering over the land: structures of stones, woods, bricks, mortar. It’s all held inside a city wall plus lots of gates. Outside, plenty of tents stretched out. Saw many zebras living their lives outside: singing, playing, building, telling stories—all in poetics.
“What never ceases at all: sharing this my joy… of our Idayimani, to these guests deployed.”
Telat’e is happy. I’m doing good so far.
As we got near, I noticed some zebras stand up and bow at the caravan. Felt the pressure. Don’t mess this up, they could see me. No burping. I almost burped. That would’ve been horrible. My first word to zebras, a burp.
Wasn’t all pressure, though. Lots of them smiled at us guests. Must be glad to see us non-zebras. A dozen foals galloped to keep up with our caravan. Must be excited. One of them kept raising their hoof, catching up to us. He almost hit me.
And then I high-fived the foal.
His friends cheered the lucky colt on. I think those were That’s cool!’s in another language. Now I’m the cool kid. Getting better now. Much better than being choked by a dragon.
We passed by the tents and entered the city city. Got a lot louder there. Crowds of zebras went everywhere, and it's not just zebras too. Griffons, hippogriffs, yaks, other dragons roamed about as well (no ponies, sadly). Lots of caravans and carriages, stalls and open-air markets, town squares for zebras to share their tales and verses to everybody.
At least zebras don’t have fire breath. Martial arts isn't off the table yet though.
“Stop!”
And the caravan stopped at Telat’e’s order. We’re in the center of Idayimani, the federal capital of all of Dhamana he said.
“Stay outside a bit, if you desire!” Telat’e said. “I shall have my lunch.”
With him and his lunch there, it’s now me and Ember outside, leaning our backs on the caravan. The zebra drivers unhooked themselves and ate their lunches too.
“Might eat as well,” Ember told me and so she went back in the thing. She had spicy cocoa beans. Too much for my weak tongue.
That left just me outside, watching zebra society and hoping I’d learn something.
Felt a tap on my hand. I turned around.
“Greetings to you, fortunate wanderer!” It’s a zebra with bags full of coins and other shiny stuff. “Shall we talk soon, about your gorgeous wealth?”
“My… wealth?”
“For shrewd merchants live in this land!” he continued. Pointed at the road of stalls and vendors. “They know some secrets—hear, and your riches will be grand!”
His words were in poetics, but I smelled this get-rich-quick scheme a mile away… half-meter away. Anyway, no way he’s gonna rob even my tie.
“May I inquire about your tie?” and he put it on his hoof, feeling it. “If it’s just right, bidders shall stand by!”
He was definitely gonna rob it.
I yanked the tie back. I said to the gaping-mouth conman… conzebra, “Thanks for the offer, but no thanks.”
“Do you not know how rare such—“
I stared at him, put my hands on his hips. Wore my serious face. “No. A no is a no. Scram!”
That might be cruel, but I learned in international relations class that sanctions are pretty good if talking just won’t do. Now if I could just sanction all concreatures…
Ember got out of the wagon, munching on cocoa beans. “I don’t get why you hate these. They’re so—what?!”
Had my face decorated with spit-filled beans.
“What’re you doing talking to Atalayi?” she shouted, pointing at the zebra.
So that’s his name. Good to know. He's using me as cover. “I’ve no time for wares to be rotten fruit, treated such by a savage and a brute!”
“Wait, Ember!... you know each other?!”
“Yeah, buddy,” and she was mad. “‘bout time we meet again.”
She pulled up her imaginary sleeves and approached a whimpering Atalayi. Which meant she’s approaching me. Ember had everything on her person now: fangs, claws, heat, a fire-spewing mouth.
I could’ve run away. I was on her side, had important business, and was decently honest. For all I knew, Atalayi was a crook who probably got this dragon mad. Probably even scammed her. Must've had it coming.
I kept standing between Atalayi and the raging dragon. Stupidity prevailed once again.
“Stand aside, Sight See!” she shouted. I felt things getting hotter. “He won’t get away from me this time!”
Now was a good time to run. But I felt pity for the poor zebra. He’s holding my knees, and I felt like I was standing between life and death. Then, for a second, I didn’t care about dying. I was gonna stand up for him and be a hero.
When she grabbed my neck, I regretted it. The hero's life wasn't for me.
She threw me away and I hit a wall.
My head hurt. My back hurt. Heard screaming. Too much screaming everywhere. Migraines came on. Heard Atalayi scream in his own tongue. Dreadful. Everyone running away, Ember picking up a crying Atalayi, opening her mouth wide for the burn—
“Ember, what misdeed are you committing?”
That’s Telat’e to the rescue. He jumped from his caravan.
“What is this I see? Setting chaos free?”
That’s when the zebra guards arrived, coming in capes and armor and spears and blades. Also sported chains.
“Wait… you can’t arrest me!” Ember cried out. “I’m visiting for diplomatic reasons!”
“That may be true, but crime is crime.” He turned to the guards to finish the rhyme: “Bring her with you; she’ll serve her time.”
I think Ember almost complained again, but cooler heads won and she let herself into custody. She’d be unprofessional if she kept whining at Telat’e in his lands.
So she's taken away along with Atalayi. Guess they finally caught him red-handed. No, red-hoofed.
Another guard propped me up. Gave me a bowl of something. Drank it while he massaged some powder on my forehead. After a minute, most of the pain was dulled. Still felt some, but it wasn't not breaking my head anymore.
“I give you my sincerest apologies,” Telat’e said as he came over. Sounded a little rattled. “I should’ve been better, watchful with my solemn eyes.”
I told him I’d be OK and then the both of us got back into the caravan. We saw the other zebras return to business as usual. No rabid dragon to run away from.
“For now, lamentably, we shall merely be two. Yet do not worry... Ember’s freedom? When the day is through.” Then he called out to the drivers, “Bring us to the Council do!”
Then we’re on the way to that council, wherever it was. Should’ve been wowed by this new land, but questions filled my mind. Would I really stay here for weeks? Was Ember gonna be fine? Was snail mail the only way to talk to my friends and family?
“Your features betray your thoughts,” he said, cracking a smile. “You worry about Ember, but you ought not, for she is not stuck in a cell.”
Now that’s out of the way. Aside from reading my mind. “So what’s she doing?”
He leaned back on his cushion. “The Dragon Lord shall do service to our fair community.”
“... like, um, sweeping the streets?”
“That,” but he smirked deceptively, “while being taught the basics of our rare rhyme.”
Rhyming lessons didn't sound so bad. Unless they handed out exams while someone spilled ketchup and mustard all over the road. Or pepper. Pepper-sneezing dragons should be avoided.
“I perceive other troubles ail you,” he said. I could feel his sympathy there. “Do not fear. I hope to bring you comfort without fail.”
A bump on the road rocked the wagon. Hit my head on the ceiling. That was fun, but not too bad… so I went back to him: “Well, how long am I gonna stay here?… in Dhamana, I mean.”
“Not too long,” he replied. Made his signature laugh again. “I take you are worried by our filibustering throng.”
Yup. Worried about filibusters speaking me to insomnia.
He cleared his throat. “They do debate and discuss quite lengthily. ‘tis useful since we are renowned for our premeditated, healthy rulings.” Looked out the caravan, very serious. “Be that as it may, we must comprehend the current speed of this world… and yours too.” Another chuckle. “Try as we might, it’s not sensible to fit such deliberations in a day.”
I chuckled back, hoping to be chummy with the guy.
He blinked at me weird.
Wrong timing. What was I thinking? What’s the protocol for chuckling with zebras?
“Ahem!… um, so, uh, we’ll help you speed it up?”
“Of course,” he answered, “but not without a loophole’s support.”
“Loopholes?” Didn’t sound so legal.
Telat’e pointed at me. “You and Ember are foreigners to Dhamana, correct?”
For some reason, I felt unsure. Suddenly being asked wasn't my forte. “Um… yes?”
“And you have your own schedule, surely different from ours, correct?”
“… y-yes?”
He leaned back again. So Telat'e's kind but smug and subtle. Ember’s opposite. No war between them yet, so I’m safe.
“Those who visit us have their own timetables, their own pace,” he went on. “We desire to respect that, for some equate our higher patience with analysis’s paralysis. Out of such a respect, an exception was created for a council meeting’s foreigners—that is, their reception would be shortened to reasonable hours.”
Had my mouth open at all those big words.
Telat’e groaned, scratched his mane. “Let me simplify: we can finalize the deal by sunset. No waiting for a week. Have you gotten that?”
That’s much better. Still: “… but I have to make sense to everyone with some rhyming, right?”
“Undoubtedly… oh, we’re out early.”
Past the window, there it was: one huge wood-stone dome, decorated with more tribal-like patterns. Stadium-esque.
We got off the caravan, got inside the massive lobby. Zebras filled the place. Like the markets but bigger and actually a little scary with so many zebras roaming around. When I saw the zebras speaking on soapboxes, though… this was politic’s town square. Talk and debate on laws, government, reforms, changing the official name to the Zebra Federation of the Ten Tribes, et cetera.
“Please forgive me for the disarray,” Telat’e said as we budged our way through. “Medebenya’s thoughts are the most forward of our day. Our generation hence feel unrestrained about their views.”
I nodded, we kept moving. Hard to resist activists shouting at me to help a cause; it’s all in attractive rhyme.
We got to some quiet halls and opened some big doors.
“So is this the room before the council’s room or—“
“This is the council’s room.”
I froze.
Looked up, saw the ten zebras with their fancy clothes and gold and facial markings. Sat on thrones around a big table.
This was it. Life-or-death situation. Glory or shame.
“Oh, um, uh—“ I bowed, waved my hand, smiled, stretched my hand, and flailed said hand. “G-good afternoon?”
Scattergun greetings. Yeah, that’s gonna work.
The zebras rose from their chairs.
I thought, Is this actually working?
One of them smacked a hoof on the table.
“To every zebra on this world’s face, you have proven yourself a disgrace!”
Anger a dragon. Anger the Dragon Lord. Anger all ten Dhamana leaders. Great. Can’t believe I was that stupid guy ten years ago.
“Our apologies we advance,” his neighbor said, pushing him back to his seat. “Unfortunate, his day, but only by chance.”
Keep calm. Keep cool, said that to myself. You’re not dead, you’re not dead. You’re still alive. I'm still alive. Why am I about to run to the toilet to cry?
I confess. I would've done it. Didn’t know where the toilet was though.
“Sight See is this human’s name,” Telat’e said, stepping forward for me. “And our deal with the dragons… that’s his game.”
The ten zebras nodded. I’m not gonna get executed yet. Hooray.
”Then we are pleased and welcome you to our fold. Now we’ll assume your best in our dialogue.”
Great. Unsarcastically great. Things were looking up.
“Oh, before I wholly forget—“ and Telat’e rummaged his saddlebag, took out something “—be armed with this resource… so you shall improve yourself yet.”
I took the thing.
It’s a book. The Anglish Dictionary of Rhymes.
The zebras gazed at me weird, just like the dragons.
Why do you do this to me?: My thoughts on Telat’e’s nice gesture.
“Do you not know our good rhyme’s flow?” yet another zebra leader asked.
He sounded innocent, but he’s putting nails in my coffin of shame. I gulped—don’t know how many throat lumps I ate.
Now you think I’d have learned my lesson.
“… well, uh, I know how your rhyme flows. I just need, um, more words!… ‘cause more words means more rhymes, am I right?”
Proof that I didn’t learn my lesson.
I’m sure it was Telat’e’s smile that made them accept me. Not my butchered non-rhymingness.
“… but you had those talks, right?” Desk asks.
“Yeah, we did.”
He takes another sip. “So how was it?”
I can answer, but I want some rest. Way too much story in a single block. So I look around, refresh my eyes.
Huh. Don’t remember that many Equestrians here before we started. Now there’s a pony couple in love, singing karaoke way better than my “screechy singing voice”. There’s a kirin spouting way too many words thanks to our truth serums… A.K.A., vodka. There’s a griffon bringing wine to the table. Don’t know how he isn’t kicked out yet.
That’s a good break.
I turn back to Desk to say: “It was… humiliating.” Takes time to tell the hard truth, you know?
Desk chuckles. His cheeks are red. Clearly in I’m-not-thinking-straight territory.
“It’s not that bad, but still...” I sigh, shaking my head. How did I get to this point? But go on: “I sounded like a toddler there. I… I was talking to Shakesplintian researchers!”
Desk rubs his hooves, not chuckling at my joke. “Well, what did you say?” Narrows his eyes at me. “Worst example?” So pesky. Wish I got the diplomatic permission to punch him.
Have to answer, though. I breathe in. “Um… ’We shall provide the glass heated by their volcanoes, but only if you accept this compromise… of—wait, what word rhymes with volcanoes—um... buenos?’”
He laughs. Laughs so loud. Everyone’s looking at us. Stop looking at us.
“Laugh that up, furball,” I say. No, I’m not drunk, I tell you. Seriously. “I’m much better these days.”
“Really, really?” he says. Still suspicious. Don’t like his tone. “What’s that ad they had for the phones? ‘Anything you need, we have an app for it?’”
How does he know I have the Anglish Dictionary of Rhymes app?
I don’t let it get to me. “It’s… agh, the meeting went OK. Telat’e gave me guidelines, official reports, had the draft deal on paper. The prepping lessons turned out useful… though I still had to keep up that smile. No one’s supposed to ask me too many questions.”
Desk nods. Looks pensive. Pensively pie-eyed.
“They didn’t get mad?” he asks. Keeps asking the right questions at the wrong time, this pony.
I just sit up. “OK… right before Ember arrived, we’re wrapping up. Just talk about last details, wait for Ember to arrive so she could catch up, sign the thing. The zebras were drinking, relaxing while we waited. I wanted to sample some of their drinks… sampled a bit too much.”
Desk chuckles again. I need the permission to stop his chuckling. Or sanction it.
But I’m in too deep. Gotta confess. I sigh. “OK… I said, ‘Hey! You got to think before you drink. Right, right, right?!’”
That pony’s jaw drops to the counter. “No. Way. No way you did that!”
“Yes way I did. Did that in front of Dhamana’s ten leaders… who, by the way, were completely sober.”
He holds his laughter in. Please keep it quiet. “D-did they try to kill you?”
“Even worse.”
Desk leans in. This is gonna be a good one to tell.
“They laughed.”
Yeah, I let them laugh. They smacked the table, hugged each other so they wouldn't fall. All of them. Even Telat’e. Et tu.
The first time they saw a drunk human goof around, it’s me. Glad to be breaking ground with y'all. Cultivating friendship between the worlds unexpectedly. Yay.
Don’t remember what happened after ‘cause I was plastered. Strong drink, I tell ya'. Yes, keep that mouth open, Desk. You’ll be a mosquito-eating champ in no time.
Next thing I knew, I woke up. Thought I was back in the caravan because of the wooden ceiling. That was until Ember’s face covered my vision.
“Rise and shine, sleepyhead!”
Rise and shine? That’s when I figured out: I was lying on a bed. Add to that tons of pain in my skull.
“Argh!… wher-wh-what a-am I?”
“You’re a human… with severe amnesia apparently.” Even when I’m down, she still strikes.
I sat up. My head hurt lots. Reeked of alcohol; I could smell it. The spices in the room didn’t help. They attacked my poor nose.
Speaking of room: I didn’t remember having a huge bedroom in a caravan. Threw me off.
“Ah, Sight See awakens!” Telat’e said. He’s sitting on a bedside chair, probably waiting for me to wake up. He held out a bowl of a weird liquid. “But first, take this medicine unshaken.”
I heard medicine, I yanked it (spilled drops on my knees). It looked like goop with pepper all over. Wasn’t inspiring, but Telat’e was the expert.
I drank it. Extra bitter. I bit my tongue. Did work, though: ‘round 75% of the hangover left me.
“He looks brand new,” Ember remarked. “Not sure what we’d do without you, Mr. Telat.”
Instead of saying, you’re welcome!, he flinched. “Ember! Do you dare devalue the honor of our names?”
Did he hate nicknames? Was this a cultural thing? Yes. Don’t tell me it’s obvious, Desk. It’s before we knew a lot about each other, and I still had a quarter of a hangover.
Ember rubbed her eyes. “Can’t you give me a break? I’m exhausted from your exhausting rhyming lessons.”
“At least we bring our felons back on their hooves, unlike how some deprive their villains of goods.“
Ember glared at him. “Was that an insult?”
“… I have spoken no indignity.”
Ember grumbled but calmed down quick. She yawned. Her breath was hot like summer (had to fan myself). “I’d like to clear myself, but… sleep.”
She turned away, headed out the door, yawned again.
“Catch me when we’re there,” she shouted down the hall.
Now it’s just me and Telat’e. We stared at each other. Didn’t know what to say.
“So,” Telat’e spoke up, smiling at me, “how are you this fine evening?”
“Less horrible… wait, evening?”
Looked around frantic for a clock. Found it. Somewhere around eight o’ clock. Enough time after the meeting to be lots of time. Too much time.
“How did the meeting go? Did we do it? Did we win?”
“The council was pleased with your surprising ease. I can surmise it is with the help of your institutions and their degrees.”
“Wait… you mean universities?”
Telat’e chuckled again. I wanted to ask why he’s laughing out of nowhere.
Oh. He set me up for a rhyme. He’s good.
Telat'e waved his hoof again. “Our analogue is rather freeform—not a teacher, but a mentor. One-on-one or ten at most taught for.”
I took the info in. Must be proud to share his culture with me. Might even ask advice from me. If he did, I'd tell him I had none.
But I had more important stuff to worry about. “Um… where are we?”
Telat’e stroked his chin, made him look wise. “We all are on board an airship, now on its way.”
“Um… what? On its way where… and what?” Didn’t expect to be in the sky so quick. What if I got sudden airsickness? Lame excuse, but you never know.
The zebra chuckled another time. Sure, this might abe a thing, laughing smugly at me. “What else but to begin our contract, in Ponyville’s Mirror Pool—for our pact?”
I heard those words.
My brain stopped working.
You know what? I shouldn’t be there. Or here. I should’ve been dead a long time ago. I just couldn’t believe it.
I slept.