Auriga followed Nimbus Gust into the director’s office in City Hall. Following the establishment of Ganzir’s Provisional Government, Nimbus was the near-unanimous selection of the new National Assembly to lead the government as director.
“Silent Eye has told me a lot about you. She says you’re special, and I believe her,” said Nimbus as she sat down at her desk. “I’m glad we finally have a chance to work together more closely.” Nimbus was strangely sweet and utterly sincere. “I’ll cut to the chase: I would like for you to be my advisor.”
“Oh, thank you ma’am!” Auriga was surprised by the offer, but accepted it without hesitation.
“The Assembly’s foremost priority is writing Ganzir’s constitution, so that is where I will be spending most of my time for the immediate future. If you have any proposals to be added to the constitution, inform me and I will do my utmost to see them through,” said Nimbus.
“Well, I have one to start with,” began Auriga, “griffons have historically controlled a disproportionate amount of Ganzir’s wealth. I propose forbidding griffons from owning land and seizing all land currently owned by the nobles.”
“Hm, I believe I will be able to do that.” Nimbus tapped her chin in consideration. “Very well.” She looked at a clock on the wall. “Shoot, I have to go!” Nimbus galloped away.
Auriga walked out towards her office when she came across the Marquis du Verrier.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for the director.” the griffon said.
“I’m sorry, she is currently unavailable. I would be happy to hear your concerns, however,” Auriga replied.
Very happy indeed.
“And you are?” he asked.
“Her advisor,” she said. The Marquis shrugged and followed her to her office.
“What seems to be the problem?” Auriga asked after they both sat down.
“The problem is your Provisional Government has allowed Ganzir to fall into complete chaos!” The Marquis’ eyes bulged, his fez skewed to the side with his intensity. “These… peasants have ransacked my estate! The constables and magistrates have all been captured! There is no order in the countryside.” He held out his claws. “What are you going to do?”
“It won’t be a problem for you once your estate is seized. It’s a new Ganzir, Marquis, one that has no more tolerance the thievery of you or your ilk.” said Auriga.
“What?”
“Don’t worry, you will be compensated. More than enough to pay for a boat ticket out of Ganzir, I assure you.”
The Marquis was speechless, trying and failing to formulate a response. Auriga immensely enjoyed seeing the pompous griffon reduced to a blubbering fool. He glared at her before storming out of her office.
***
Auriga sat writing in her office when a stallion knocked at the door. He leaned in and informed her that the High Prelate of the Borean Temple in Irkalla had arrived and demanded to speak with somepony of authority. Auriga shuddered. The Temple of Boreas would be a difficult stain to remove; it held much sway in Irkalla.
“Send them in,” she sighed. The stallion nodded and left.
A scarlet mare entered a few moments later, wearing the robes of a griffon prelate. Auriga found the sight sickening, like looking at a pony who has lost everything that made her a pony. The mare smiled.
“Hello, I am Bessel. May Boreas bless you.” She spoke slowly in a soft voice.
“Why are you here?” snapped Auriga.
“My sole aim is to ensure that the poor ponies of Irkalla are cared for,” said Bessel. “Unfortunately, the governor failed to heed any of my previous calls for action. I hope that things will be different now.”
“All ponies of Ganzir will be cared for, I promise. You can go now.” Auriga flicked her hoof. Bessel frowned.
“Do have an… issue with the Temple?” she asked.
“My issue is that the Griffon Temples poison the fabric of Ganzir.” Auriga slammed a hoof on her desk. “In time, every citizen shall have a choice to make: Ganzir or Boreas.”
“The Temple of Boreas is at the soul of Irkalla.” Bessel narrowed her eyes. “You can choose to accept that or not, but you can not change it.” She turned and left without another word.
We’ll see about that.