//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: Tribunal // by Carnifaxy //------------------------------// Slaar snorted awake, his room on the airship dark save for a small light that shouldn't be on. Vincent was sitting beside him, looking down with furrowed brows. The mage turned his head to look at the door and stroked his beard. “I sensed something, or someone, was trying to look into your dreams. I woke you up to stop them.” The prince yawned and rubbed his eyes. “What? Dreamwalking? Urg, that explains some things...” He sat up and looked to see Vincent frowning. “Is something wrong?” “Who killed Agathon?” Slaar felt his mouth go dry as he tried to think. “The main suspect is Equestria, but we both know that doesn't fit.” “Indeed my lord. The only one that does fit would be Chrysalis and the changelings. And yet, your anger with her had all but dissolved at the end of the Tribunal. I know you are a dragon of odd moods my lord, gods know how often we see you go from one to the other... Perhaps I am merely imagining things and the death of your friend has driven you to sorrow and that you are more focused on trying to ensure his heir is secure.” Words hanged in the air and Slaar immediately picked up on the insinuation. He glowered and growled, casting a silence spell on the room. “You dare think I have something to do with Agathon's death!?” He snapped as he stood up, stomping to a dresser to pull on clothes. “We scoured every damn inch of Zebrica together for lost ruins and adventure! I was there when he and Alexis married, and I was by his side as she passed!” His hands were trembling as he gripped a fine shirt from a drawer. Vincent's gaze hardened, as much as it pained him to inflict such misery upon his lord and master. “Were you behind Agathon's death?” “Yes!” Slaar shouted and trembled. “I-I didn't want him dead! But that stupid changeling ruined everything! It was simple dammit, simple! Go in disguised as a pony, attack the king, spark war with Equestria!” Vincent suddenly looked confused as he stood up. “Why spark a war with the ponies?” “Because they killed my parents!” The prince sat back down on the bed. “Gods. I was, so small. Mother, she was crying as she told me to go, to run away. I didn't know, I was so scared. Eventually she got so angry I wasn't moving and forced me out of the den.” “How long ago was this?” Slaar shook his head. “I don't remember. I was young. But, but I know the princesses killed my family. Seeing Succor's memory crystal just confirmed it.” He looked down, pained. “But that they were corrupted by something, I never imagined...” “So your best friend is dead and your plot for revenge is turning to ash in front of you. Have you considered what this means for Mana, for our people?” Vincent's words were harsh as he glowered. “When, not if, but when the griffons finally find out they will want your blood. The ponies will certainly not take kindly to this either! You've damn near ruined everything you built for what, for what?! And Princess Luna will certainly not think of you any better than she does already!” The prince slumped back, looking defeated. “What do I do now?” “You stay the course. You keep pushing the queen into this war against Equestria. We secret the princess back to Mana and use her presence to unify the factions under your rule. There is no other path we can go on, my lord.” The mage held his hand out. “I swore to serve you, for good and for ill. I will die for you, Slaar. I will ask however, one question more of you. Who is Chrysalis in all of this?” Slaar wetted his lips and let out a weary sigh. “She took care of me when I was a whelp.” Vincent looked surprised, then disturbed. “You've been colluding with that insect for how long?” The prince tried working his mouth, feeling exhausted. “Recently? Only a manner of months. You think I have sold Mana out to the changelings?” He snarled. “Who do you think it was that devised all of out anti-changeling techniques? How do you think I knew of such things? We shouted and screamed and came to blows when I told her I could not, will not let them feed off of humanity any longer.” “And you've recently reconciled with her?” Slaar frowned and shook his head. “Reconciled? No, not at all. I've used her, because her people are starving and she's desperate for any help she can get after the failure at Canterlot.” Vincent's face was unreadable as the mage nodded and went for the door. “My loyalty to you is unquestioned, my lord. But do not doubt, my trust in you has faltered and I know not if you can ever attain it after all of this.” Luna shook her head with a groan as Gilda looked at her expectantly. “Did you find anything in his dreams?” The griffon queen asked the princess. The mare shook her head as she got up onto her hooves. “Nothing, particular. I recall he was... yes, he was very small. And scared. But I could not stay to see more, something came and brought him out of the dream. Are you so sure of this, your highness? He was your father's friend, and to invade his mind like this for information is, unsavory.” “Don't you do it all the time to ponies?” Luna frowned. “I do it to soothe nightmares of my subjects. Tell me though, what has caused your mistrust in him?” Gilda frowned as she sat down in the makeshift cell next to the princess. “I've been talking to the others, and the assassination and everyone's reactions afterwards are all off. Slaar had been, a little kinder to Chrysalis afterwards. You've been nothing but helpful, even when given opportunity to escape you stay.” “You believe he is perhaps to blame for what happened?” “I don't know, maybe? He and father, they looked to be the best of friends. Then during that Tribunal business he was so hostile to Chrysalis only to calm down after the murder!” She ran a hand through her feathers on her head. “But then, father said Slaar was one of strange moods. Quick to sorrow, quick to anger. He never told me much of their adventures in Zebrica, but he did say when his wife passed how dark Slaar's mood turned and that he mourned worse than father did for a couple days before suddenly delving into anger and just, slaughtering local animals. Maybe I'm just thinking too much into this, maybe he's just as torn up as I am...” “And that he is helping the heir of his friend, because he wants to do right by you as he did by Agathon. Even if it means war with Equestria.” Gilda twiddled her claws. “I think at least it was Chrysalis involved. Slaar was in the room w-when...” She took in a deep breath and leaned back against the wall. “I don't want war with Equestria, but the other griffon lords demand blood. If we can just get our claws on Chrysalis and make her confess then we can punish her instead.” Luna was quiet as she gently tapped the ground. “But Slaar had already freed my ponies and Spike and let them flee. Sister will no doubt send forces to the Azures to prepare for a griffon assault.” The griffon's beak gaped open before she grimaced. “Yeah, that's right. And Barbstorm said father was already looking to claim the Azures for himself too. The islands are supposed to be a demilitarized area, if pegasus forces start building fortifications then I'll have to respond in kind.” “Tis not easy to wear a crown. Nor to wage a war either. Your people will not even consider to sit at the tables until the outcome of the Azures has been decided, and if it is in victory they shall seek to press on for greater gains. Are you prepared to fight, Gilda? You bear the Roc's Cry, and all will expect you to fight.” “I don't want to. I just, I just want to be back at the aerie, playing the violin for father and grumbling about it the whole time. I want to be soaring over the mountains, practicing the Cry and feeling it echo through the valleys. I want to go to Equestria, to see Rainbow Dash again and give a try at making amends.” She felt a hoof on her shoulder and turned to face Luna, the princess looking stern but with gentle eyes. “I wish I was home as well. I wish I was never made to face down six dragons as a filly. I wish I took the adoration that was bestowed upon me rather than shun it. What I will do is continue to be your prisoner until such a time comes that you decide to release me. What you will do is be the queen your people need you to be. Lord Nikola is your next challenge, and he shall be the greatest. It is you who will have to face him. Slaar cannot fight him for you, nor can I.” “You've been so, helpful, Princess Luna. But I can't free you. Not until there's a prisoner exchange. Otherwise they'll think you escaped, or manipulated us into letting you go and just galvanize them even more.” “That is, perhaps, what is necessary.” Luna mused as she put the magic inhibitor back onto her horn. “W-what? What're you talking about?” “Slaar is fully invested in you securing Griffdonia. I myself would be rather fond of having one of your stature in charge than someone like Nikola or Barbstorm. As regrettable as war is, I understand it is necessary at times as well.” Gilda blinked in surprise and furrowed her brow. “What?! You mean you're fine with ponies and griffons killing each other? Why?” The princess looked up to the ceiling and let out a weary sigh. “I need to make amends for sins I have committed a thousand years ago. I need to go to Mana and reconnect with the Lunarians. Slaar would no doubt be happy to escort me. Of course, my sister is no doubt beside herself with worry for me, and truthfully I do not wish for any deaths to occur.” “So why not wait until after the violence, why start now?!” It took Luna barely a moment to respond. “It is through conflict we discover our true selves, Queen Gilda. I am a vicious mare, it is hard for me to grant mercy, or forgiveness. What of you, what sort of griffon are you? Have you found yourself yet, have you been tried in the fires of battle?” “No...” “And neither have many ponies, humans... dragons. I must see what kind of folk live in this strange new world I have been brought back to. Here is what I propose, your highness. You will face Nikola in combat, and afterwards I shall go with Slaar to Mana. The official story shall be that I escaped back to Equestria. This will give reason for Griffdonia to seek war with Equestria” Gilda squinted, partially confused and partially horrified at what she was hearing. “How can you say it like that, so casually?” A moment passed between then as Luna looked to the floor. “I am a relic of ages long past. The world is more peaceful than it used to be, and I cannot find my place. I was a warrior, a general. I organized armies, conducted battles, and waged wars. Now? The last war was so long ago. It pains me to think of my people dying, all because I am trying to find myself again. I'm selfish, a foal. I wish I had never been born an alicorn, so that I could have died ages ago instead. But I endure, and I must find my way.” “This is ridiculous! I thought you pony princesses were supposed to be all about peace and friendship! I-I can't just sit by and watch people die needlessly.” “But if you try to stop the war the other lords will call into question your ability to command and lead. Many swore allegiance to you because of Slaar's influence and that he had with Agathon. If you throw that away you will see civil war.” Luna's tone was not accusatory, but gentle, to try and assuage Gilda. The griffon queen's feathers were ruffled and she shook her head. “An Aerie War would be disastrous. There's so many mercenaries and adventurers in Zebrica that we're already hearing reports of coming back to Griffdonia for the conflict. If an Aerie War was to happen... it'd be my fault.” “All those that wear a crown must make harsh decisions. Slaar's continued time here means he is unable to fend off the windigoes preying upon his people, but he does so for the heir of his friend. The longer I keep from Equestria the more my sister will worry for my safety, but I must right wrongs of ages past. Being freed from the Nightmare, remembering all of the Lunarians that did not side with me, who opposed me... If I were to go home I could never convince Celestia of this course of action. I must go to Mana. I must speak with my worshipers.” Rubbing her face Gilda let out a groan. “Why are you telling me all this? Okay you know what, fine, you wanna go to Mana, help fuel the fires of this war, go ahead. But I will collect my dues from you personally Luna. For each griffon slain, I swear to the Roc.” Her mane rippled as her cyan eyes looked into the griffon's golden ones. “In the event of no clear victor, or Griffdonia winning, aye. I shall pay gilt for each fallen griffon soldier myself. I shall even ensure to pay for Agathon's funeral, when the time finally comes. I understand that he is currently being kept in a stasis of sorts, until a proper state funeral can be arranged?” Gilda nodded. “Yeah. After we unify the country I was going to have his funeral.” “Then Slaar and I shall take our leave afterwards. It is only right he say his goodbyes to his friend.” Celestia watched as Twilight and her friends brought forth two memory crystals and the remains of a blue dragon egg. She knew all of the old lords would have memory crystals give their age and power, but the egg was definitely a surprise for her to finally see. The solar princess stepped over and picked a bit of shell in her magic. “Alms and Sage had a child? Poor thing... I can't imagine what it would have been like to be born in such circumstances. Likely they didn't survive long either.” She shook her head and let out a tired sigh. “Gods be good, those were awful times. Still, that you seven managed to unlock the seals by coming together, Luna and I never imagined such could occur. That was very clever of you girls, I'm proud.” She then took the two crystals as well, gently pulling them from the group. “Are you going to show us what's in the memories?” Twilight asked as she looked at the two crystalline spheres. “No. I will not subject you to the horrible memories that lay within. I will seal these crystals away until I am more comfortable with the idea of sharing what happened in those days.” “But Fluttershy's been having nightmares since the tomb in Griffdonia was opened!” Rainbow Dash shouted in a pleading tone. Celestia paused, then frowned. “Why didn't you say so sooner? One moment, I'll have the Elements brought over. Twilight, Rarity, have either of you had nightmares?” Both unicorns shook their heads. “No Princess.” Twilight said. The solar princess sat back, lips curled into a frown as she looked at the two crystals. She examined both carefully before she motioned for a guard to go and grab the Elements of Harmony. As he left she raised one of the crystals up. “This was Sage's memory crystal. I believe now that if I activate it and we look into his memories, that you too will develop nightmares, Twilight. The same with Alms crystal and Rarity. Truth, Joy, and Devotion would no doubt affect Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash as well.” “But why Princess? You and Princess Luna used the Elements too.” Applejack asked. “We did, yes, but we were born when the old lords still lived. You six were born afterwards, I have no doubt that your souls are all linked. Not reincarnation exactly, but you embody Harmony just as they once did.” “It was Discord, wasn't it? In my nightmares, I can feel Succor's pain at being made to do what she wasn't, and it's just like what Discord did to us...” Celestia looked away and nodded. “But if that's the case, why didn't he corrupt Twilight?” Fluttershy finished. “Well Fluttershy, we're ponies, and these old lords were dragons. No doubt Discord thought they presented a more active threat to his being than we do! After all, if I had to face Alms in battle, why, I would not be sure if I could survive! It's such a dreadful thought, but at least his underestimation of Twilight played well into our favor!” Rarity's explanation had some sense, which with Discord involved, didn't make sense. Celestia pursed her lips as the guard returned with the box. Accepting it she opened it to see the Elements within. She picked up the Element of Kindness and passed it over to Fluttershy. “Wear this while you sleep. I do not know what will happen, in truth I don't know if anything will happen at all. But it is worth a try. You may go and spend the rest of the day as you please... Rainbow Dash, I do wish to speak with you alone.” Rainbow nodded and bowed to Celestia as the others said they'll be at Donut Joe's later. As they left Dash stood there looking up at the solar princess. Celestia had a soft gaze as she smiled at the pegasus. “Rainbow Dash, Bearer of Loyalty, I have a favor to ask of you. You do not have to do this if you do not wish to, but I must ask all the same.” “What is it princess?” A mere formality, Rainbow already had an idea of what was to be asked. “As you know, the Sonic Rainboom is a powerful thing that you alone are known to wield in the modern era. If I weren't so out of shape I would be able to perform it as well.” Dash looked nervous, and spoke up to cut to the chase. “You want me to face Gilda because she has the Roc's Cry.” A brief look of shame flashed in Celestia's eyes before she nodded. “Yes. Queen Ermengilda is the first known bearer of the Cry since the last war with Griffdonia. Back then, the progenitor of the Goldenclaw clan was a griffon mercenary named Memnon. He served both sides of the conflict, until the final battle over the Fangs. After the war he settled down in the central aerie of Griffdonia, and the Goldenclaw clan had prided itself with saying they had remnants of the power of the Cry, if not the full might of it.” “So that's why she's queen now? Because the king learned she had this power?” Celestia nodded with a sad smile. “That seems to be it, yes. And we have to be sure the griffons will want her to fight, to prove her worth as their ruler.” Rainbow frowned and idly kicked her hoof back and forth. “I don't want to fight Gilda. I mean, she didn't make a great impression in Ponyville, but being mad at a friend is different from, this.” “I understand-” Dash continued, not realizing Celestia had started speaking. “But if she's going to be fighting anyways, and if I'm the only one that can have a chance of dealing with this Cry, then I have to! I just, I just hope I can talk some sense into her, maybe end this whole thing before it gets too out of hoof.” The blue mare's hopes for a peaceful resolution gladdened the princess's heart, but she knew griffons too well to rely on such hopes. Still, she gave Dash a reassuring smile. “If she's really your friend I have no doubt she'll listen to you. You'll be leave for the Azure Islands tomorrow morning with a few of our scouts. Officially you'll be a civilian weatherpony attachment to help keep the weather around the islands clear, but if Gilda engages in fighting you'll be expected to go after her. Go and try to enjoy the rest of your day Rainbow Dash, spend time with your friends.” Rainbow bowed again before she shuffled out of the throne room. Celestia slumped in her throne and rubbed at her head with a hoof. Suddenly she realized how much she missed Roland's presence, if not his words. She knew, deep down, the other ponies did treat her like a goddess even if they didn't say as such. Roland worshiped her, but treated her more like a noblemare than a goddess. The irony of it all put a little smile on her face as she sat back. “Be safe Rainbow Dash.” The next morning Dash and the others waited for the other pegasi to show up. The mood was tense and they were all nervous. Attempts at conversation were awkward and stilted. For all their time together they had done many things and encountered all kinds of monsters, but things felt different this time. Rainbow Dash was going to a possible battlefield, and no one had any idea of what to expect. Three pegasi flew on down to the platform they were waiting on and the lead stepped forward. “I'm Captain Windgust, these are Corporals Downdraft and Mist Weaver. You're the legendary Rainbow huh?” He stuck out his hoof with a smile. “I saw you at the competition in Cloudsdale when I was visiting my family. That Rainboom was certainly something else kid. You ever think of officially joining the military? We could use a mare with skills like you.” With her ego suitably stroked Rainbow gave a cocky grin and shook hooves with Windgust. “It was no big deal really. I thought about signing up when that conscription went out, but I'm Ponyville's main weathermare and I couldn't just abandon my duties there, but Princess Celestia asked me herself for this, so...” “Can't let folk down huh? That's a good quality to have. We're gonna be heading out immediately, you well fed and rested?” Dash nodded at the captain. “Made sure to get an extra helping of breakfast!” Windgust grinned. “Good, because our rations are shit and you'll be living off of 'em for a while! Mist, Down, cruising speed until we hit the ocean. Rainbow, just follow right behind us. Though you could probably make it there faster on your own, it'd look bad for a civvie to be going all alone to the Azures.” “I won't let you down sir,” the cyan pegasus said in a salute that Windgust waved off. “You don't have to call me 'sir', or salute. All right everypony, in position!” The four pegasi got into a diamond formation before kicking off of the ground. Rainbow turned and waved goodbye to the others, well wishes being passed along. “Don't you gals worry, we'll make sure everything goes just fine!” Downdraft said as he waved with a smile of his own. “Yeah, we'll treat Rainbow like she was part of the squad!” Mist gave a wave as well. All four pegasi rose a little higher into the air and Windgust barked out their headings. They took off across the sky, heading for the Azure Islands. “Dashie's gonna be okay, right girls?” Pinkie asked, trying to keep up her smile. “There's nopony or griffon faster than she is! She'll fly circles around the griffons!” “Oh yes, Rainbow is simply the fastest living pegasus. I can even imagine after this she would look positively amazing in a proper military uniform.” “Rainbow's as tough as any earth pony. If nothing else, she's as stubborn as I am.” “She has the Sonic Rainboom, it's a powerful form of magic. If she pushes herself enough she could pull off several in quick succession.” Fluttershy wasn't sure if she should speak or not. What words to say that came to mind were not pleasant ones, mired in pessimism and doubt, influenced by Succor's connection to the mare. She tried to suppress the dark thoughts. Succor, c-can you please not be so brooding? Apologies little one, I forgot you are not a dragon. Loyalty will not abandon her cause. She will do all she can for you. Finally with the courage to speak Fluttershy watched the rainbow trail grow smaller against the horizon. “Rainbow will do everything she can to help Equestria. That's just the kind of pony she is.” As they flew Dash couldn't help but start up some small talk. “So how long have you three been flying together?” “Oh Tartarus, I picked these two right out of bootcamp.” Windgust said. “I never saw a pony able to kick up a field of fog as fast as Mist here can and she was already partnered up with Downdraft and I couldn't just separate such a pair.” “I'm also Mist's back up when she blows all of her bits in Las Pegasus!” Mist huffed and glowered at her partner. “I win big all the time!” “And you lose double twice as much!” “Hehe, calm down you two, we got a guest flying today!” Rainbow could see the bonds between the three and it made her happy, such loyalty among comrades being one of her specialties. “You guys know the Wonderbolts?” “Shucks, I don't think any of us military fliers don't know 'em! Almost every pegasus that signs up does so to join them, at least until they find something else they like doing.” Downdraft said. “Not to say me and Mist here know 'em like friends, but Captain here is pretty close to them.” “It's true. I was an aspiring Wonderbolt myself, ages ago. Back with Spitfire and Soarin' in the academy,” The cyan pegasus' eyes widened. “What happened?” “You mean that kept me from becoming one? They were looking for volunteers to go scout out the Fangs, that big bird Nikola was testing the borders and the princess wanted a full report. I decided, why not? The academy wasn't going to drop me for accepting an important duty. In fact, it would've looked more favorably on my record. So I went, scuffled with a griffon or two, mapped out potential problem areas, scuffled with another griffon, then came back home. I figured, stunt flying is great and helps keep ponies happy, but being out in the field called to me more. I told the instructors I wanted to be recon full time and have been part of the 8th Scouts since.” The wind whipped by them as they flew across fields and forests, towns coming and going under their flight. Dash nodded along to the story, her curiosity satisfied. Sure, she would still seek to become a Wonderbolt, but now something niggled at the back of her mind, what if she found something else flying related she'd rather pursue? Being a Wonderbolt was her dream since she was a little filly, but after that story the realization hit that just because her special talent was the Sonic Rainboom, didn't mean it had to just be for airshows. All this thinking put her in a pensive mood, as if perhaps there were other tasks she could have occupied her life with- She didn't see the bird until she flew right into it, the hawk squawking angrily as his flight was disrupted by the inattentive pegasus, flapping his wings in Rainbow's face until she could dislodge him. He gave another irritated cry before he dove off to the right. Dash's face burned in embarrassment, but the other pegasi kept themselves well composed enough to not laugh at what happened. “Down has that happen to him at least once a week.” Mist said in support, which caused Downdraft to snort out. “I hate to say it but it's true.” The aerie of Lord Nikola of the Black Iron Mountains was truly a marvel of modern stonework and metallurgy, a brutalist sort of structure that demanded its occupants to either endure or flee. What warmth there was came from individual hearths as the chill wind of the mountain peaks was allowed to blow through. What prisons there were were small, cramped, and cold. Whatever criminals there were in his domain either served him as thugs, or fled his iron-taloned justice to neighboring aeries. His guards wielded only the finest steel weapons and armor, specially treated to give them a golden sheen. The halls were filled with trophies. Hides of beasts from far flung lands, treasures taken from ruined temples and the aeries of lesser foes. In his main hall sat the lord himself, a griffon of such size one could mistake him for a manticore at a distance though his feathers were a silvery gray, his fur a rich, earthy brown. Above his throne was an alcove, empty, but for a name above it. Agathon. The king's death left mixed feelings in Nikola. On one hand, dealing with the upstart hen would be easy. On the other, he longed to pry the iron crown off of Agathon's head himself. No other griffon gave him such grief, such consternation. Just thinking of that smug prick made Nikola throw his half-empty goblet across the hall, letting it clatter to the ground. Before he was even situated properly the small, green-eyed hen that had come to his aerie instantly replaced his drink with a fresh one. His red eyes looked into hers and he pulled her up boldly into his lap. She let out a squawk and a giggle as her feathers fluffed out. "Oh my, Lord Nikola! You're being so, presumptuous!" She said as she batted her eyelashes at him. "Christine was it?" "Crystal, sir." "As you know Crystal, all in my domain obey my laws. We've not had a hen on the throne since the found of the Black Iron aeries. There hasn't been a hen as monarch for longer than that. That little upstart, she'll be coming here soon enough. Would it please you for me to put her in her place?" "Well of course my lord!" Crystal said as she trailed a talon across his chest slowly. "We all must do what we can to serve you in whatever way you want us to!" "Good. Come along then." Later that night, as Lord Nikola slept under a pile of furs and hides, Crystal checked herself in the mirror. Green fire rippled across her form as Chrysalis examined any damage to her exoskeleton. Some scrapes, a couple gouges, but nothing that couldn't be fixed. Slaar had done worse when he strangled her in the cell. The love she managed to siphon from Nikola was, basic. The old lord didn't have much in the way of it, other than basic, primal urges. It was enough to feed from, but not satisfying. The changeling queen glanced at the sleeping form of Nikola, and pondered if she could assassinate him as he slept. Shaking her head, she donned her disguise and slipped out onto the balcony, feeling the cold air blow across her. It was so different from the still, dry heat of the Badlands. Part of her pondered if perhaps Griffdonia, with it's myriad mining operations, would be a better place for her hive. There's so many nooks and crannies the hive could live under their noses for so long and never be seen... She let out a sigh as she leaned against the railing. It would take months to transfer them all over. Every worker, soldier, larva... An operation that would draw too much attention. A tired sigh escaped her as her eyes were drawn to two shapes in the distance. Right away she could tell they were airships, stalled in the air, waiting for day before they would begin their final approach. "Hmm, maybe I should see how this all plays out. Oh Slaar will not be happy I haven't been able to break Nikola's will, but feh, that old buzzard is beginning to be too much of a hassle."