//------------------------------// // 6. Sword’s Edict // Story: Auriga // by Knoster //------------------------------// Nimbus Gust sat at her desk leafing through a stack of papers with her wings. “Our first priority must be a program of degriffonization to undo the cultural rot that has occurred under Griffonstone,” said Auriga. “The Borean Temple presents a danger to the future stability of Ganzir. As long as it has sovereign power, it is a vector through which Griffonian sedition can reach ponies.” “Ban public worship, outlaw tithes?” Nimbus made a moue of hesitation as she read through Auriga’s proposals. “Forbid Temples from engaging in primary education or owning property? Have you considered the possible repercussions of these actions?” she set the papers down. “Y-yes.” Sweat started to gather on Auriga’s face. “Measures such as these, when aimed at an institution such as the Temple, can potentially have dire consequences.  But if you are absolutely certain, I defer to your judgement,” Nimbus seemed to loom over Auriga. “Yes, this must be done.” Auriga replied automatically. “I am certain.” “Then it will be done,” said Nimbus. “But we have more immediate concerns. The Assembly has decided to abolish the feudal levy. Nobles will no longer raise their own armies, instead Ganzir will have one army: a newly formed National Guard.” “Good idea,” said Auriga, “who will be the commander?” “A unicorn by the name of Kampilan. He is a veteran of many conflicts in Griffonia, having served under the Marquis du Verrier. There is nopony in Ganzir more qualified. I recommend you meet him whenever you get the chance.” *** Kampilan was a large unicorn, so large that Auriga at first mistook him for an earth pony. He had a strange horn that curved upward to a sharp point. Auriga had to focus on not staring at it as he levitated a cup of water over to her. “I gathered you have a lot of combat experience,” said Auriga. “That is correct,” replied Kampilan. “Well, whatever medals you won down in Griffonia mean nothing to me.” Auriga held up a hoof. “Remember you’re not fighting for some noble anymore, you’re fighting for every pony in Ganzir. Keep that in mind and I’m sure you will do well.” “Thank you, ma’am,” he said flatly. “I should warn you, the Assembly will soon be taking measures to curtail the influence of the Temple,” Auriga said. “Be prepared to suppress any resistance that arises in response.” Kampilan furrowed his brow and slowly nodded. *** After the fall of Griffonstone, the Sword of Dawn was able to come out from underground. No longer meeting in secret, they now gathered in city squares and plazas, reaching out to new ponies. Auriga walked through the streets when she came across one such gathering. “Auri!” Scrimshaw shouted and waved from a distance. She galloped towards her and almost tacked her. “I haven’t seen you for days!” “Things have been hectic lately,” replied Auriga. “Yeah, everything’s really changed.” Scrimshaw looked to the sky. “It’s still kind of hard to believe we did it.” “I’ve always thought that as long as you fight for a righteous cause, the only thing limiting you is willpower,” said Auriga. Scrimshaw giggled. “You know, I never met a pony like you before.” she said. “Huh?” “I never met a pony who believes in things like you,” Scrimshaw explained. “I’m pretty sure I’m not the only pony in Irkalla who believes in something,” said Auriga, glancing down at the ground. “Well, it’s not just that you believe it, it’s like you ARE it!” Scrimshaw took Auriga’s hooves. “I don’t know.” Auriga frowned and pulled away. “Things were simpler before: just fight Griffonstone. Now everything’s so complicated...” “You just have to trust yourself, I know you’ll do the right thing,” affirmed Scrimshaw. “Ah, there you are!” a voice boomed. An orange stallion in a purple suit walked towards them: Prime Meridian. “You all did a bang-up job storming that fortress!” He shook Auriga’s hoof vigorously. “Wish I could have been there myself.” “Of course, Mr. Meridian,” said Auriga. “I have something to ask of you. My house is nearby, so why don’t you two be my guests!” He tipped his top hat to Scrimshaw. Auriga and Scrimshaw followed him to the Meridian House, but instead of going to cellar as they had so many times before, Meridian led them to a lounge. “Can I get you anything?” he asked. “Just tell us what you want,” replied Auriga. “Ha!” Meridian stomped a hoof. “Mare of action, I like that!” He cleared his throat. “You see, the Meridian Company is at the precipice of a technological breakthrough that will revolutionize life in Ganzir!” He gestured at a metallic contraption in the center of the lounge with a black circle at its center. “It’s called an Ether Port.” “What does it do?” asked Scrimshaw. “How about a demonstration?” Meridian took a card out from his jacket pocket and presented it to Scrimshaw. “Enter these three numbers into the machine, and prepare to be amazed!” He galloped out of the room. Scrimshaw walked over to the Ether Port and pressed the button for ‘zero’ three times. After a short pause, the circle at the center of the machine lit up and Meridian’s face appeared inside. “That’s right, I’m talking to you in the lounge, from my study! And the range goes far beyond that: it’s practically unlimited!” Meridian bragged. “Every Meridian Company office in Ganzir already has an Ether Port. Imagine the possibilities if every pony in Ganzir had their own!” “That certainly sounds revolutionary. How does it work?” asked Auriga. “Magic crystals, and that’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.” Meridian sighed. “The Verrier mountains are rich in crystals, but the Marquis would never agree to a deal to let me mine the mountains to extract them.” His eyes twinkled. “However, I understand that soon it won’t be the Marquis’ decision to make.” “Mr. Meridian,” said Auriga, “this was a very impressive demonstration, and as thanks for all you’ve done for the Sword of Dawn, you have a deal.” Meridian smiled on the screen.