//------------------------------// // A betrayal brings the blood eagle // Story: A strange creature in Equestria // by sykko //------------------------------// Harald and Fluttershy were sitting atop a hill eating as they enjoyed each other's company during late winter as she was talking about winter wrap-up. "So you all on the last day of winter clear the snow, break up the ice, awaken the hibernating animals and lead the birds back to your lands?", Harald asked around a mouthful of dried fruit, "Interesting." "Mhm.", Fluttershy nodded, "Did you do a similar thing in your land?" "No.", Harald replied, "Back in my lands the winters lasts much longer and the thaw doesn't come until three cycles of the moon from now." "It must be very difficult to live in your old land.", Fluttershy said with a slight morose tone, "Hunger must run rampant." "During our winters we hunt and if one clan experiences hunger the chieftains of other clans will meet to discuss exchanges to help keep each other fed. Though it is not unheard of for more isolated clans to launch raiding parties.", Harald replied as he spat out a rogue cherry pit, "By this time of the year the seas to the far north will be mostly frozen over. The clans that live there will travel out across the pack ice to hunt seals, walruses and the great white bears." "What animals did your clan hunt", Fluttershy asked. "Mostly caribou , moose and bear. But we have in hard time had to hunt wolves. Occasionally there will be a roving Ursa and several clans will gather their best hunters together to bring it down and we will split the meat, hide, claws and teeth as evenly between us as possible.", Harald said as he peeled a boiled egg." Fluttershy visibly shuddered at the image of an Ursa Major. "Do you never grow crops?" "The growing season is usually short so we can only plant grains and tubers. W mostly forage for wild berries and fruits. Some clans are fortunate to live next to hot springs, so they can cultivate fruit trees and berry bushes. Some even raise sheep and goats.", Harald replied passing the peeled egg to Fluttershy, "Plus the sun in the Rimelands isn't as strong as it is here so our crops don't grow as big, our grains are what the Apples call winter wheat." A bright golden flash appeared in the air and a scroll landed in Harald's lap. As Harald unrolled the scroll a gilded ticked fell out. Harald starred at the scroll for a moment before passing it off to Fluttershy, "I cannot read your runes, please tell me what the message the Sky Queen sends." Fluttershy took the scroll and read it outloud. "Dear Harald Irontoothson Lord-protector of Northern Equestria, You are hereby invited to the Grand Galloping Gala. I have enclosed for you a ticket. Her Royal Majesty, Princess Celestia Fluttershy gasped then kissed Harald on the cheek. "Harald! You've received an invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala! We have to get Rarity to make you a new suit." "Are you not going?", Harald asked. "My ticket is probably waiting for me at the castle.", Fluttershy replied, "Come now, let's go to Rarity's." Fluttershy flapped up in the air, grabbed Harald's wrist with her hoof and began heading towards town. As they entered Carousel Boutique, the bell jingled. "Just a moment!", Rarity called out from a storeroom in the back. She came out from the storeroom levitating bolts of cloth. "welcome to Carousel Boutique, how can I help-Fluttershy! Mister Harald! What brings the two of you in today darlings?" "Harald has received as invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala.", Fluttershy says, He's going some new clothes for the occasion." Rarity's eyes goes wide for a moment as glee goes across her face. She pulls up a measuring ribbon. "Forelimbs up please." After Harald lifted his arms to his sides, Rarity measures from his armpits to his wrists. "Forelimbs down please." She then measures his chest and shoulders. "Spread your hind limbs please." She measures his inseam, his outer seam and his waist. "Now this might make you a bit uncomfortable Mr. Harald, I'm going to measure your...ahem...stifle. If you're uncomfortable with it, I can let Fluttershy measure the area or I can have a stallion measure it for you." "If it's just for fitting clothes, then I have no problem.", Harald replied, "Though we usually call it a crotch or groin." "I'll remember that for future reference.", Rarity said as the continued her measurements. After she finishes her measurements she wrote them down on a piece of paper. She took out a jeweler's glass to get a better look at the pattern on Harald's tunic and pants, she quickly drew the pattern of the cloth on another piece of paper. "I should have something ready in a couple of weeks. It gives me a chance to try out my new loom, though I may have to see if Twilight has any research material on your culture." She began hastily tracing out a few ideas on some paper. "Ta-ta! Do come back soon." Fluttershy and Harald left Carousel Boutique, they turned and began walking towards Sugarcube Corner. As they walked down the road, her tail coiled around his leg. Reaching a nearby bench, they sat down and shared a gentle kiss. One of Twilight's guards walked up and said, "Lord-protector Irontoothson, Princess Twilight Sparkle requests your presence." Harald sighed as Fluttershy rolled her eyes. "Very well. Lead on.", Harald said as he rose to his feet. "I'll see you back home.", Fluttershy said as she kissed Harald's cheek. As they walked down the road, Harald took in the garb of the Friendship Guard. It was a simple, mostly unadorned unadorned purple suit of plate that covered from the withers to just above the flank. The helmet was the only part of the armor with any adornment, it was a simple purple skullcap with a simple ridge of gilded metal running down the middle. Reaching the castle, the guard escorting Harald stopped and snapped a quick salute to the two guards that were guarding the door. They pushed open the door and signaled for them to enter. As Harald entered the foyer, the guard escorting him stepped through a small side door. As he reached to open the big double doors leading to the throne room, a purple aura enveloped the door opening it slightly. From inside there came the sounds of shouting, roars and screeching. Twilight walked through the door rubbing a hoof between her eyes. "I swear these griffons are going to be the death of me, if I could die", she grumbled softly. Harald knelt, bowed his head and placed a fist over his heart. "You sent for me Sky Queen?" Twilight's demeanor rose slightly. "You have no need to kneel before blood bonded brother. Rise." "I take it that negotiations with the...what are they called...lion eagles...isn't going smoothly?", Harald asked. "Oh no, the negotiations are over, they went smoothly.", Twilight replied. "Are they still bickering over whom shall be their leader?" "No, they decided almost unanimously that Gilda will be the prime minister of Griffonstone-in-exile." Harald cocked his head in confusion. "So what are they arguing over?" Twilight gave an exasperated sigh, "They're arguing on what the formal apparel they should wear to the gala." Harald cocked his head further until he thought he was going break his neck. "Is that what you summoned me for?" This time it was Twilight's turn to cock her head. "What?" "Your guard approached me saying you had summoned me." Twilight placed a hoof between her eyes subbing the bridge of her snout. "Those Canterlotian transfers give me a headache. You they won't let me go to the bathroom to piddle with at least two of them escorting me to the door?", she grumbled, "I had asked them to tell you to come to the castle when you had a free minute. Buuuut, since you're here...I guess we can solve this little dispute." She gestured to the door. As they entered the throne room three griffons were in each other's faces each waving waving a swatch of cloth while Gilda simply held her face in her talon shaking her head and Gallus in his armor just rolled his eyes. "Gold!", the first griffon shouted, "All griffons should wear capes or shawls of gold cloth!" "Royal purple!", the second griffon shouted, "All females should wear royal purple tunics!" "Silver!", the third griffon shouted, "All griffons should wear suits of silver!" The three began to screech an roar as waved the swaths of cloth at each other. "Ugh!", Gilda groaned as she help her talons in front of her in exasperation, "I don't care! Just shut up already!" The three griffons snapped a glare at Gilda before turning back to shout at each other. Gilda pinched her claws together and shook them in aggravation. "Why why why?! Why does it matter what a griffon wears?! I say just let them wear what they want!" She looked to Twilight and mouthed "Kill me now!" Twilight shot a look at Harald and nudged her head towards the argument insistently. Harald walked towards the argument. "Lion eagles! Lion eagles!" "Griffons!", the three shouted at him. "Whatever.", Harald replied. Pointing to the Griffonstone flag hanging next to the Equestrian flag, he said, "Why not have every lion...er...griffon wear the colors of your homeland with a black armband...uh...forelimb band to signify you're all in mourning of the loss of your country?" The three griffons looked at each other in thought for a moment before giving a nod. "Agreed.", the third griffon said, "Now where shall we eat? I say we go to Sugarcube Corner for some pastries." "I say we go to the cafe for sandwiches.", the first griffon said. "I say we go the farmer's market to buy some apple pies.", the second griffon said. The three began arguing again, this time for where to eat. "Out!", Twilight snapped as she pointed her hoof to the door. The three griffons left arguing about where to eat. After they had left Twilight rubbed a hoof to her temple. Turning to a guard she said, "Get some aspirin." "Make it two.", Gilda said rubbing her talons on her temples. After a servant had brought a bottle of aspirin and two glasses of water, Twilight said chewing up two aspirin, "Lets go to the state room so we can talk about the business at hand." Twilight, Gilda and Harald walked into a long room with six thrones at the far end and a few desks against the walls. Twilight opened a drawer on a desk and levitated out three rolls of parchment, she passed one to Gilda. Twilight opened the rolled up parchment, cleared her throat and said, "Harald Irontoothson, on behalf of we princesses of Equestria we present thee with thine official declaration as Lord-protector of Northern Equestria and High Lord General of the northern regiments. Thou have the rights to tax to tax thy subjects to thy own whim. Thy own judgement over thy domain is answerable only to we the high princesses of Equestria, may thou rule with with wisdom and integrity." She laid the parchment on the desk and sighed, "I hate talking in such overly formal language.", she gestured with a wing as she levitated a quill over, "Just sign on the line and we'll make it official." After Harald signed his name on the line, twilight passed him the second rolled up parchment, "This is the map of your lands." As Harald studied the map seeing he shared his northern border with the Crystal Empire, Gilda stepped up clearing her throat. As Harald looked over to her, Gilda unrolled her parchment, "Lord-protector Irontoothson, I Gilda Swoopingfitz humble request as the leader of Griffonstone-in-exile for your help in the resettling of several griffon refugees." "How many refugees?", Harald asked. "Approximately one thousand five hundred, mostly chicks and eggs.", Gilda replied. Harald rubbed his chin thoughtfully before answering. He pointed to a castle on the map ringed by several towns and hamlets, "What is this place?" Twilight looked at the map, "That's Irontooth keep." "Very well, Gilda as leader of Griffonstone-in-exile, your people may have the use of the keep until they are able to build their own sustainable settlement.", Harald proclaimed. Gilda's eyes went wide with shock. She threw her forelimbs around Harald in a tight hug. "On this day Harry you have made yourself into griffon-friend." ******************************************************************************************************** *One week later* The sun was setting as Bonbon left her candy shop locking the door. Staring at her reflection in the reflection of the glass in the door she observed the fine lines around her eyes and the few streaks of grey in her mane. Sighing she slipped the pocket of her apron and began walking home. As she entered her dimly lit home, she caressed a hoof across a picture of her and Lyra on the end table by the door. "Where did you go all those years ago?", she whispered with a tear in her eye. Some movement in the shadows by the fireplace caught Bonbon's attention. Slowly sliding the drawer on the end table open, she slips her right hoof in grasping the dagger inside. A creak to her left catches her attention, she slips a hoof under her apron grasping the dagger under it. In a blur of unwasted movement she hurls the dagger in the end table forwards where she saw the movement by the fireplace while simultaneously hurling the dagger under her apron to her left in a spinning motion. She doesn't hear the wet thunk of steel hitting flesh or the clatter of either dagger hitting the floor. She freezes stunned seeing the two daggers floating in the air, one surronded by a deep blue aura, the other surrounded by a golden aura. Celestia and Luna walk forward releasing their magic causing the daggers to fall to the floor harmlessly. Bonbon bows before the princesses. "Rise.", Luna says calmly. Celestia levitates the picture of Bonbon and Lyra over looking at it. "You two were very close." "Yes princess.", Bonbon replies, "When I have the spare time I try and find out what happened to her." Luna rubs her chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps my sister and I could offer you a quid pro quo." "What are the terms your majesty?", Bonbon asks. "We tell thee of the whereabouts of Lyra and in turn thou become our spymaster.", Luna replied, "Dost thou agree to the terms?" "I agree.", Bonbon said, Luna raised an eyebrow to Celestia who in turn said, "Ten years ago Luna and I received a prophesy from an old friend saying that the Nameless One would return in a new body. We decided to send Lyra accompanied by Daring Do across the sea to the to make contact with the Emerald Empire and the Kingdom of Chin for we knew we would need allies when our enemies revealed themselves." Bonbon stared confounded and stunned for a moment. "Kneel agent Sweetie Drops.", Luna said. When Bonbon knelt, Luna tapped her horn on each of her withers, "Arise Spymaster Sweetie Drops." When Bonbon arose, she said, "It's Bonbon now your majesty." "Very well Spymaster Bonbon.", Luna replied. "Don't worry about your shop and house, Luna and I have it covered.", Celestia said, "Come on out Antenna." A magazine that had been laying on the floor by the couch transformed into an emerald-colored changeling with lapis multifaceted eyes and navy highlights in a flash of golden flame. Antenna clicked and chittered a few times before saying, "Greetings Spymaster." He then transforms into a perfect replica of Bonbon. Bonbon walks over to the transformed Antenna, she pokes him a few times with her hoof before silently nodding. She takes off her apron and hoof it over to him. "You'll need this.", she says with slight apprehension in her voice, "And make sure you don't run my shop into the ground." Antenna nodded before saying, "Long live Thorax's hive and long live Equestria." "Come along Spymaster,", Luna said calmly, ",we have much to do and little time to tarry." In a flash of golden and deep blue light the three teleported out leaving the disguised Antenna behind. ******************************************************************************************************** *The Grand Galloping Gala* The palace was decorated immaculately with banners flapping in the wind, magically floating lanterns, wreaths and garlands of flowers hung about the walls. Fireworks burst in the air in brilliant multicolored displays. Carriages lined for blocks filled with guests, each time a new carriage would pull up to the walkway servants would approach opening the door and helping the guests disembark. The carriage containing Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy and Harald pulled up to the walkway flanked by a dozen honor guards. Twilight stepped out of the carriage, wearing a shimmering violet dress that flowed across her form almost her form like water, deep violet horseshoes adorned her hooves, an ornate golden tiara rested atop her mane and amethysts were woven into her mane. Rarity stepped out wearing an ornate flowing golden gown, she held a gem encrusted silver masquerade mask on a thin golden rod in her hoof, crystal shoes adorned her hooves. Pinkie stepped out wearing a dusty pink dress with royal blue trim, a simple onyx tiara rested on her poofy mane, strings of white pearls weaved through her mane and tail. Applejack stepped out wearing a simple but immaculate light green dress, her mane was braided into a simple strand that hung elegantly across her shoulder with a simple emerald jeweled clasp on the end, around her neck hung an elegant braided gold chain with ruby, emerald and golden trinkets dangling from it in the shapes of apples. Rainbow wore her sky blue general's dress uniform, red piping ran along the seams and twin lightning bolt pins were clipped to her collar, A black general's cap with white brim rested on her braided mane, a black officer's crop rested in the crook of her forelimb. Fluttershy stepped out wearing a flowing leaf green dress, her mane was braided in a similar manner to Harald's hair, deep green shoes adorned her feet with vine-like embelishments wrapping up her fore and hind limbs, under the edge of her wing she held a black clutch with a silver latch. Harald stepped out wearing a simple red tunic with black intricate along the neck, cuff of the sleeves and bottom hem, simple silver pants with lapis stitching at the seams, on his feet he wore black knee-high boots with polished steel caps on the toes, an intricately carved ivory scepter rested in the crook of his elbow, his braided fiery red hair and beard were adorned with ivory, golden, bone and gold trinkets. The group approached the doorpony and showed him their tickets, taking their tickets he tipped his head gesturing for them to enter. Atop the first landing on the stairs the entered the ballroom Cadance stood greeting the guests as they entered. Twilight and Cadance kissed each other's cheeks. "How is it tonight?", Twilight asked. "Droll as usual.", Cadance replied, "Maybe you and your friends can liven it up like you all did all those years ago." The two shared a friendly chuckle before the group ascended the stairs into the ballroom. Inside the ballroom lanterns floated magically above the room, gold and silver garlands hug from the butresses, tapestries with the symbols of the various regions of Equestria and its allies hung from the walls, at each end of the room stylized symbols of the sun and moon stood atop long thin wooden poles. Long tables were laid out covered with silver trays of food. Goblets and fluted crystal glasses were filled with drinks. A quartet playing a flowing classical piece was on the stage, ponies, yaks, changelings, hippogriffs and griffons swirled in an intricate dane about on the dance floor . In one corner Celestia, Luna, Flurry Heart, Yona, Gilda, Silverstream and Thorax talked quietly. The band finished their set and took a bow before leaving the stage as the audience and dancers applauded. A new band took the stage and began lilting tone, couples took to the dance floor leaning close as they swayed to the music. Applejack and Rainbow took to the dance floor leaning close as they danced. Rarity walked off taking the opportunity to schmooze. Pinkie went to the tables, filling plates with food, then sat a table waiting for Cheese Sandwich and Lil Cheese. Twilight went and joined Celestia, Luna, Yona, Flurry Heart, Silverstream, Gilda and Thorax's quiet conversation Fluttershy and Harald sat at a nearby table. Fumbling with the latch on her clutch, Fluttershy opened it and pulled out a small silver flask which made Harald smile slightly. Unscrewing the stopper, she took a sip, winced slightly at the sharpness of the liquor and passed it to Harald. Harald took a sip, scrunched his mouth slightly, resealed the stopper and passed it back to Flauttershy who returned it to her clutch snapping the latch back. The band on stage finished their set to applause. A yak band took the stage and began playing a traditional song. Harald pulled Fluttershy onto the dance floor and taught her a traditional Rimewalker dance as yak music was similar to the music of his homeland. Soon they were leaping, spinning and squat kicking to the music. A crowd gathered to watch them in amusement, soon cheers and whistles of encouragement began to erupt from the crowd. As the yak band began playing the crescendo of their last piece, Harald and Fluttershy began slapping hand to hoof and kicking foot to hoof, they linked arm to forelimb spinning in a circle. The crowd applauded both the yak band and Harald and Fluttershy. Wiping beads of sweat off his forehead, Harald gave a bow as Fluttershy blushed slightly as she caught her breath. They walked over to the table they were sitting at and sat back down. "Oh my, that was quite fun Harald.", Fluttershy said demurely, "Are all Rimewalker dances that fun?" "Most are, some are more measured and some are only done on somber occasions.", Harald replied. Celestia walked over to the table where Harald and Fluttershy were sitting, an elegant flowing gown draped gracefully across her form accentuating her mirror-polished royal vestments. "Fluttershy? May I have a nip from your flask?" Fluttershy nodded as she retrieved the flask from her clutch and passed it to Celestia. Unscrewing the stopper from the flask, Celestia took a sip. "Thanks Fluttershy, you're a lifesaver." She resealed the stopped and passed it back to Fluttershy. A small chime sounded eight times as a unicorn back came onto the stage in traditional Canterlotian garb. Twin lines formed on the dance floor as Fluer Dis Lis stood at the head of both lines between them. "Fluttershy, Do you mind if I steal Harald for the traditional Canterlot trot?", Celestia asked. "N-no princess.", Fluttershy replied demurely suddenly feeling a bit jealous and self-conscious. "Don't worry, I promise I'll bring him back right after the dance.", Celestia said noticing Fluttershy's sudden jealously. She gently patted her hoof on Fluttershy's forelimb then turned to Harald gesturing to the dance floor, "Shall we?" Walking to the dance floor with Celestia, Harald said softly, "Sky Queen, I don't know how to do your dances." "It's okay, just listen to the cadence called by Fluer and I'll gesture on what to do.", Celestia replied in a hushed tone. Soon the unicorn began playing a traditional Canterlotian tune as Fkuer began calling cadence. Following the cadence they bowed, two towards each other, back of hand to back of hoof, quarter turn to the left, one step backwards, one step forwards, full turn to the right while pirouetting, two steps apart, bow again. As they stepped back forward to start the next phase of the dance, Celestia whispered, "Be on guard. It has just come to the attention of Luna and I that there are traitors in this room whom seek to assassinate you and seek to usurp the we princesses." She tipped her head towards Prince Blueblood II, "Keep your eyes on him, rumor has it he has grown jealous of you being rightfully instated as the Lord-protector of Northern Equestria. He's had his eye on that particular state for some time and will seek to challenge you to a duel." Fluttershy starred at the dance floor watching Celestia and Harald do the very measured and droll traditional trot. She was trying to figure out why she was feeling jealous, it wasn't uncommon for a princess to ask a member of royalty to take part in the traditional trot, especially when there was business to talk about. Cadance sat down at the table snapping Fluttershy out of her jealous thoughts. "Don't worry, I have felt his heart and it only beats for you.", Cadance said softly. She flicked a hoof in the direction of Blueblood II, "Rumor has it he may confront Harald tonight because he wanted that province that Harald rules over. If he does, I want you to stick close to me or Luna, okay?" Fluttershy's eyes opened wide at the statement. She knew what it meant, Blueblood II would seek to issue a challenge to a duel. She had seen a few duels in her time, usually over matters of insults over somepony's honor or when two parties came to an impasse that couldn't be diplomatically. Most were over quickly, usually whomever landed the first blow or drew first blood, but she had heard rumors that a few duels went to the death, she had also heard of Blueblood II being a quite skilled duelist having won several duels in his own right. There were also rumors that he was a sore loser and would waylay or even outright back stab somepony who had bested him. "I-is Harald going to be alright?" Cadance smiled gently, "I'm sure he'll be fine, after all you've seen yourself he's a capable combatant and would be more of a match for Blueblood." She rubbed the back of her head with a hoof as she had seen personally Blueblood II lose face at a duel by pulling a hidden dagger or stabbing a combatant through their flank when their back was turned after the duel, he had even lost some of his families holdings because of such dirty tricks. After the dance had ended with a final pirouette, parting and bow, there was soft applause as the dancers left the floor. Harald walked back over to the table with Celestia. Harald sat next to Fluttershy with a stern look on his face deep in thought, she looked up into his with concern in her eyes. Celestia whispered into Cadance's ear. Prince Blueblood II adjusted his cummerbund and straightened the lapels on his jacket before walking over to the table with a smug sneer on his face. He sat across from Harald as Cadance nodded for for Fluttershy to follow her to the drink station. After the two of the walked off, Blueblood II gave a sigh of contempt, "So you're the savage that has the of Equestria abuzz the last few months." Pressing his lips together, Harald set his jaw, ran his tongue across his teeth and stared Blueblood in his eyes, a spark of anger began to grow in him. Celestia spoke up, "Now let's all be civilized here." "You know nothing of who I am or from whence I come.", Harald said narrowing his eyes. "Oh I know of you and the land you come from.", Blueblood replied smirking in contempt, "I know of your land, a frozen lawless place where your kind eat their dead. I you ask me, we should invade and turn that uncivilized place into a smoldering wreck." Blueblood allowed a contemptuous smile to part his lips. Inside Harald began to seethe, he allowed his calmer emotion to temper his anger before replying, "Those whom taste the flesh of the sentient are either killed or are branded with a mark of dishonor and banished into the wilderness. And if thou art the paragon of what is 'civilized', I am not impressed." Prince Blueblood recoiled at the retort, causing Harald to give a predatory grin. "I bet your kind enjoys going on rampages of murdering and raping foals.", Blueblood retorted back feeling flustered. "You speak hollow words and insults laced with poison.", Harald fired right back, "In my land your skull would be split with an axe for speaking in such a manner to even the lowliest farm page." Harald's words cut into Blueblood II's ego like a knife. His face flushed slightly as he worked up the next insult, "I bet your mother and father were just a bunch of unwashed savages whom murdered foals for fun!", he snapped, "And what does that say about Lady Fluttershy whom allowed you to enter her?" Harald slammed his fists on the table as he rose. "Retribution!", he shouted as the ballroom went quiet at the shouted challenge. He stalked forward allowing his words to carry the proper level of the fire of his anger. "You insult me! You insult my homeland! All that I can forgive.", his words came out a a venom laden hiss, "You insult my family! You insult my betrothed! That I cannot forgive!" He reared his left hand back and backhanded Prince Blueblood II across his mouth. "I demand the right of retribution!", He snapped his eyes ablaze. Blueblood recoiled from the strike in shock, tasting the coppery sting of blood on his lips. He levitated the hoofkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth before folding it and levitating it back into his pocket. Pulling the glove off his hoof with his magic, he slapped Harald across the face with it, "Very well, I accept!" He gestured for a dark blue pegasus, "Clarence shall be my second. Whom I wonder shall be your second" Shining Armor stepped forward, "I Prince Shining Armor shall second Lord-protector Harald Irontoothson." Prince Blublood II looked around with stunned disbelief. He quickly gathered himself with a harrumph, "Very well! Long swords in an hour to the death!" With an upturn of his snout he stomped off with a huff. After Prince Blueblood II had stomped off, his father, the Viscount Blueblood I stepped to Harald, his face marred by wrinkles, his wispy grey mane hanging limply. "I must offer my sincere appologies for the behavior of my son Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II...", he said sadly, "...too often are his actions unbecoming of the title of Prince of Canterlot and the Hinterlands." He sighed, "I should have not abdicated." Shining stepped forward, "Duly noted Viscount, but now for the sake of the rules of the duel I must ask you to please vacate, the Lord-protector needs this time to prepare." Viscount Blueblood I bowed, "Many apologies." He gave a sharp turn and trotted off as fast as his bones old bones would allow him. Shining led Harald to a side room to prepare. After the door closed Harald stripped down to just his loin cloth, knelt down and began praying to the ancestors summoning the weirding. "Be cautious Harald...", Shining said, "...Prince Blueblood II has a tendency to pull dirty tactics in duels. Keep on guard." "Strength, speed and skin of iron ancestors", Harald prayed silently. Celestia sighed ans Luna waked up. "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II is going to get himself killed isn't he sister?", Luna asked. "If he's fortunate then Harald will kill him outright.", Celestia replied, "Are Thorax's changeling guards in place Luna?" "Aye sister, they are. When the Prince or any of his servants go to make their move, they will spring out on them." Celestia nodded, "Then may the Father above and the Mother below have mercy on their souls." An hour later Blueblood II and Harald met in one of the royal gardens, the gala guests formed a wide circle around them. Blueblood adjusted took off his dress coat and adjusted his cummerbund feeling the jagged dagger underneath, Harald wore only his loincloth. He and Harald walked forward to meet accompanied by their seconds. One of Celestia's butlers came forward with a long rectangular rosewood box, opening it revealed two narrow-bladed long swords with gold filigree and pearl inlaid handles and cross guards. Harald and Blueblood each took a sword and took several steps back, their seconds each took a stand off to the side of the dueling area. Blueblood raised his sword in his magic in a high stance, Harald held the blade in his hand in a low stance giving the ruse of being untrained with such a weapon. "I give you this chance now to throw down you weapon, walk away with your honor and life in place.", Prince Blueblood II said, a crude smirk on his face. "I'd offer you the same but a cur such as yourself knows nothing of honor.", Harald taunted. "Why you!", Blueblood snarled. Celestia cleared her throat and levitated a silk hoofkerchief. "I want this to be a clean an honorable duel, no dirty tricks or dishonorable tactics or the royal guard will cut you down with crossbow bolts." To add impact to her words, several pegasus guards hovered up in the air pulling back the strings on the crossbows and placing bolts in each. Around the perimeter nopony or creature noticed a dozen stone scuttle up to the edge of the crowd. She continued, "When my hoofkerchief hits the ground, you both come out fighting and may the best duelist win." She released her hoofkerchief from her magic. When the kerchief hit the ground Harald and Blueblood charged forward. Blueblood made the first attack giving his sword a high thrust, Harald leaned away from the thrust and gave an off-speed upwards slash with his sword. Blueblood leapt back narrowly avoiding the slash that traveled mere inches from the tip his snout, counter attacking he swung the blade of the sword in a horizontal slash at Harald's waist. Harald caught the slash on the flat of his sword and pinned Blueblood's blade to the ground. "You're going to have to be faster than that.", Harald taunted. Blueblood feeling incensed, began pulling the blade hard with his magic to free it. Harald lifted his sword slightly allowing Blueblood's to slip out easily from under his. Blueblood cried out in pain as the pommel of his sword smacked him in the nose as he wasn't prepared for it to come free easy. The two began circling each other slowly looking for an opening. Rarity swooned, Fluttershy trembled, Applejack shifted from side to side uncomfortably, Rainbow Dash chewed on her hoof, Pinkie Pie bounced up and down excitedly, Twilight Sparkle looked remembering her grappling match with Harald. She leaned over to Luna a whispered, "Harald has just about sized him up and will make his move." "We know Twilight Sparkle...", Luna Whispered back, "...we are well versed in all human fighting styles." Twilight blinked in thought as she turned attention back to the fight. Harald and Blueblood finished circling each other, standing a few paces apart waiting to charge. Blueblood charged forward giving several rapid thrusts with sword. Harald backpedaled easily countering each thrust, he gave a quick riposte flipping Blueblood's blade aside, gave an advancing spin past the charging unicorn and slapped blueblood on his rump with the flat of his sword. Blueblood yelped in surprise as Harald taunted him, "It appears first strike goes to me." Harald gave a malicious smile. Blueblood gave an angry huff and charged forward giving a mighty thrust of his sword. Harald turned the attack aside, allowing the tip of his sword to graze Blueblood's cheek, drawing a crimson line of blood. He had him figured out, Blueblood was competent with a sword and a highly experienced duelist, but he allowed his vain pride and anger to blunt his actions. Harald gave his sword a quick flourish into a tight defensive stance as he crouched in a wide stance and slide his foot forward slightly, he decided to taunt Blueblood once more, "First blood goes to me too. I thought you were an accomplished duelist." Blueblood snarled as he wiped the blood from his cheek. Readjusting the sword in his magic, Blueblood charged forward with a shout. Harald knew he had him, he decided to bait the trap to pull in his opponent. Harald feinted left giving the impression that he was dodging out of reaction and panic, predictably Blueblood thrusted his sword to the left, Harald charged forward snatching the the sword out of Blueblood's magic and laid the flat each sword against each other in a V. Blueblood tried to rear up to escape the deadly V coming at him but tripped over his hind hooves falling hard onto his back. Harald placed the edge of both swords against Blueblood's neck. "I-I-I yield!", Blueblood shouted in a panic. Harald removed the swords and turned to walk away as Blueblood rolled up to his hooves. Feeling humiliated and incensed, Blueblood reached inside of his cummerbund drawing the black jagged dagger. Leaping in the air with a scream, he aimed the dagger between Harald's shoulder blades as the crowd gave a collective gasp. Harald quickly turned, slapped the dagger out of Blueblood's hoof with the flat of one sword and chopped his horn off with the other. He have a swift kick driving the unicorn's chest, knocking him to the ground. As Harald stood over the unicorn with the tip of the sword at his throat, Blueblood shouted, "Now!" Blueblood's second, the dark blue pegasus with greying mane flew at Harald pulling a black jagged dagger from under his wing while a brown and a red earth pony lunged at Celestia and Luna with similar daggers drawn. Harald turned quickly decapitating the pegasus with a quick slash of his sword as three crossbow bolts imbedded in the pony's ribcage. The changeling disguised as rocks sprung upon the two earth ponies. As several royal guards forced Blueblood up to his feet, Luna walked forward kicking off her horseshoes. "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, you are under arrest for the attempted assainatiom of myself, Princess Celestia and Lord-protector of Northern Equestria Harald Irontooth.", she snarled. Throwing her hoof forward, she struck Blueblood II across the jaw knocking out cold. "Take them away." Celestia levitated one of the black jagged daggers getting a closer look at it. "Sombra!", she snarled. Clearing her throat, she spoke in a clear loud voice, "Alright every pony and creature, the Grand Galloping Gala is officially over! Go back to your rooms and await the royal guards to search you and your belongings." Harald and Fluttershy sat in their room in the castle side by side on the bed. "Wh-what d-do you th-th-think this m-m-means?", Fluttershy stuttered trembling. "War,", Harald replied. Fluttershy began to cry. "I was so scared that you would be hurt or worse.", she said between sobs, "Hold me!" Harald wrapped his arms around Fluttershy, gently rubbing his hand between her wings as she wrapped her forelimbs around his neck crying into his shoulder. A knock at the door drew attention from the embrace. A guard opened the door saying, "Princesses Celestia and Luna request an audience with the two of you." As they left the room a contingent of guards followed them. They were soon joined by Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie and Rarity, each with their own contingent of guards. "This is bad.", AJ said softly. "Do you think they'll cancel future galas?", Rarity asked. "Well duh Rarity!", Rainbow said annoyed, "Four ponies just tried to assassinate Celestia, Luna and Harald, I think future galas are the least of our concerns." "What do you think this means?", Rarity asked. "War.", Harald and Fluttershy said at the same time. Pinkie said nothing, her mane hung limply as fear filled her eyes. As the seven of them entered the throne room, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart were softly talking with Silverstream, Yona, Gilda and Thorax. Celestia quickly waved them over. "Guards! Leave us.", Luna commanded. "Listen every pony and creature...", Celestia said with a dead serious tone in her voice, "...this is officially an act of war. Sombra has decided to make the first undeniable strike against Equestria and her allies." Turning the the group as a whole Celestia said, "The day and night guard will be ready to march in force by the end of the week. How long will it take each of you to have your respective forces ready?" "I can get my 'bolts recalled into a full fighting force in three days. It'll take me a week, ten days tops to recall the reserves.", Rainbow said. "You have five days to call up as many reserves as you can.", Luna ordered. "Yes princess.", Rainbow bowed. "If Harry goes to fight, then the griffons will flock to his banner. It'll take a month to call up all the griffons from across Equestria and beyond.", Gilda said. "Yona can have yak army in Crystal Empire in one moon.", Yona said. "If I leave in the morning, it will take me two months to have the hippogriff army and seapony navy here in two months.", Silverstream said. "I can mobilize my hive and have them here in two weeks.", Thorax said. "Ah c'n have th' Apples and th's Pears in Ponyville by th' end o' th' month.", Applejack spoke up, "We might no be a proper-like army, but we c'n serve as militia tuh help keep th' peace." "I can have the Everfree Rangers ready to deploy in full force by the end of the week.", Twilight said, "They may not be in large numbers, but nopony is better at hit and run tactics." Celestia clicked her tongue. "That just leaves the dragons, Saddle Arabians and the kirin.", she said, "I know Spike can talk to Dragon Lord Ember, but it'll be at least a month, maybe more before they arrive. The kirin are trickier as they're generally isolationist when it come to matters of war, if there was a representative from the Emerald Empire or the Kingdom of Chin they might be more amicable. The Saddle Arabians may be able to come, but it would be at least six months before they come." "The subjects under my rule depending on how well they are trained could be mustered into an army. Though if they're not well trained, it will take at least a full cycle of the moon to get a single company ready to fight." "That just leaves the zebras.", Luna said, "But it would take Zecora at least six months to reach Zabrbobway and another six moinths to return if she can convince the chieftans of her homeland to come." Celestia looked over the maps trying to crunch the numbers. "The factors we don't know is how many changeling Chrysalis has managed to breed, what her and Sombra wanted with the griffons and if there are any other creatures they have managed to sway to their cause or force into their service." She tapped her chin with a hoof, "There's some piece of information we're not getting." "I can have the Spymaster send her agents out immediately to gather intelligence on the whereabouts of our enemies and their numbers." "With the allies we know we have that equals to around three million strong for a fighting force.", Celestia said thoughtfully, "Until we have better information, we have to assume the enemy has at least that number, safe to assume at least half as many more." Celestia began writing down military calculations. "Twilight, Luna, Cadance and I will need you to begin running calculations on how much this war will cost in bits, supplies, military and civilian casualties and how long before we finally run out of everything." As Twilight began jotting down the numbers as she crunched from memory all the military manuals she's ever read. "Well we can definitely account for five thing we know Sombra and Chrysalis doesn't have...", she quipped in thought, "...alicorns." Luna looked to the group, "You are dismissed. Go gather your forces at the first available opportunity." Three days later the trial of Prince Blueblood II commenced. He wound up defending himself as every given to him he fired claiming he knew Equestrian law better than anypony other than the princesses. Over the next three days evidence was presented as his two surviving co-conspirators had turned state witnesses in exchange for a guilty plea and banishment. The state made arguments as Blueblood II made counter arguments. On the final day of the trail, the judges allowed Blueblood II to make his final arguments first. "Mares and gentlestallions of this esteemed jury everything I did was for the good of Equestria!", he stated, hoping to convince any potential firebrands amongst them, "For too long have we suffered under the iron shoe of the princesses whom at any time the whim comes to them, they can overturn the law implemented by the vote of the citizens and councilponies of any province or city-state of our fair country. I simply wanted to depose their tyrannical rule and instate a more democratic rule by the by the ponies for the ponies. It was not my intention to kill any pony or creature, just remove them from power and have them banished. Thank you, that is all." He took his seat back at his table. The prosecuting attorney rose from the table and began addressing the jury in an Appleoosan accent. "Mares and gentlestallions of the jury, now Ah'm not some highfalutin' well educated noblepony from Canterlot, Ah'm just some poor ig'nit farm pony from 'round Appleoosa ways that got lucky enough tuh save up enough bits tuh be able tuh afford law school, but Ah know a load of hooey when Ah hear it. Is it true that th' princesses reserve th' right un'ner our constitution tuh countermand any law if they so choose? Yes. But if'n any of y'all were to remember y'allses history lessons or ev'n look in any law book, y'all find that not ne'rry one time in th' last three hun'ed years when they had done so an' the last time was durin' a massive plague that threatened all the lives of th' ponies. Th' res' o' th' time they's allowed th' locally elected officials to make th' local laws. Th' only time any royals have done so was when they taxed they's own provinces or city-states an' if'n Ah'm not too forward in statin' so, Prince Blueblood II until recently was was a member of said royals an' even held a seat on th' royal house of our noble parliament. All Ah ask of of y'all is tuh please consider may argument when Ah say that if'n he was concerned with givin' the common ponies more electoral power, why dinint he vote fer laws to give 'em more gov'mental power or e'en pass lawws in th' provinces an' city-stated he ruled o'er to give th' common ponies more gov'mental say so? In conclusion Ah'm sayin' that his move was tuh grab more power fer hi'self. Ah thankie y'all." The prosecuting attorney sits back at his table. As the jury goes back to deliberate, Blueblood II fumes and trembles as he stares around the courtroom giving pleading stares to any pony or creature that would lock eyes with him. Twenty minutes later the jury comes back out to their box and the forepony stands. "Has the jury come to a unified verdict?", the judge asks. "We have your honor.", the forepony replies. "Would the forepony please read the verdict?", the judge asks. "*ahem* We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II guilty on three counts of high treason. We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II not guilty on the three counts of conspiracy to commit high treason.", the forepony reads off causing a stir amongst the courtroom. "Order! Order!", the judge calls out clapping her gavel, "Please continue forepony." "We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II guilty on one charge of attempted murder on Lord-protector Harald Irontoothson of Northern Equestria.", the forepony continues reading, "We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II not guilt on the charges of conspiracy to commit murder. We the jury finds Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II guilty on two counts of attempted murder on a high ruler of Equestria We the jury find Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II not guilty on two counts of conspiracy to commit murder on a high ruler of Equestria." The forepony passes the paper off to the bailiff who passes it to the judge. As the judge reads the verdict statement, Celestia rises in her royal box. "If it so pleases this court, I'd like to pass the judgement." The judge rubs her chin with a hoof for a moment, "It so pleases the court. The condemned will rise for judgement from Princess Celestia." Blueblood II hesitantly rises to his hooves. Celestia clears her throat before speaking, "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, you are to have your name blotted from every book in Equestria, all statues bearing your likeness shall be turned into gravel, all pictures and paintings bearing your likeness shall be burned, your holdings shall be seized by the state and transferred to a proper party as deferred by the house of nobles, your marriage is hereby annulled and finally with no small amount of regret I pass upon you the judgement of death. The means of your execution shall be determined by Lord-protector Harald Irontoothson." The judge says, "What say you Lord-protector Irontoothson?" Harald rises and say, "Blood eagle!" Those two words makes Celestia and Luna's eyes go wide with shock. The judge quickly calls for a book on all means of evecution, reading it her eyes goes wide with horror. "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, you shall in the morning be sentenced to death by the blood eagle. May Celestia and Luna have mercy on your soul." The jury forepony shouts, "You got off too easy having to deal with some eagle! Our verdict was to have you sealed in an oubliette until you died of thirst and hunger in the darkness." "Order! Order!", the judge shouts slamming her gavel down, "Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, you remanded over to the royal guard until commencement of your execution. Court is adjourned." Twilight leaned in close to Celestia and whispered, "What is the blood eagle?" "It is one of the most painful and brutal forms of punishment that can be inflicted on any creature, it would be more merciful if he had been sentenced to be burned at the stake or drawn and quartered.", Celestia replied. The next morning two beams of wood were laid out in an X as Harald stood by it with a sharp curved knife and four long nails. Blueblood II surrounded by dozens of guards with a magic restraining ring on his horn, he gasped in surprise at the twin cross beams and Harald standing with his means of execution, he faltered dragging his hooves until two guards shoved him forward. The gathered crowd jeered and booed as he bade his way to the execution platform. Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart and the six elements made their way to the royal observation box. Celestia raised a hoof silencing the crowd, "Give this condemned pony silence as this is the only mercy he shall receive from this point forward." Blueblood II was placed on the crossbeams and his limbs were held in place by magic. Harald lined up the first nail at the base of Blueblood's hoof and began driving it in until pierced through and into the wood. The elements hid their faces in horror as Blueblood screamed and cried for mercy. Harald did the same for the other three hooves. He then stood over Blueblood's back and began cutting an incision into the left side of his back in a large U pattern, then peeled the flesh away from the ribs in a massive flap. Harald the did the same for the right side. Putting the knife away Harald gestured for a bonesaw and began cutting the exposed ribs away ribs. The crowd began crying out, "Mercy! Mercy!" Harald ignored them as he discadred the ribs one by one in a nearby bucket, he then reached in the holes and pulled Blueblood's lungs through the holes and let them hang over the sides of his body. Mercifully Blueblood had long since passed out from shock and blood loss. Harald gestured for a pulley, rope and hook. He raised Blueblood's body on the top of one the spires of the royal castle where a team of pegasus guards affixed it to the side of the golden dome. As the crowd looked on, many ponies remarked that Blueblood's body looked like some perverse pegasus, griffon or eagle. He mercifully died shortly before the ravens and crows began to peck at his body. Harald pointed a finger at the now mercifully dead body of Prince Reginald Champton Blueblood II, "Look upon and behold what conspiring with dark forces earns you! Take what you have seen here and tell all you see what happens when you side with the dark ones! He shall hand there as food for the carrion birds until his body rots and falls from the precipice, then what remains shall be tossed into a bog!"