Book 8 / Chapter 1
Daring Do and the Voyage of Betrayal
(Year 5, Month 6, Day 2)
Stretching from a good night’s rest, Daring Do climbed out of her sleeping bag as she looked through the cave that the two were using for shelter. When she saw that her companion wasn’t around she sighed in irritation, “Don’t tell me…”
With the humidity thick from the falling rain outside, Daring Do put on her hat and trotted to the caves entrance as she looked out into the storm. Not far in the rain, Zeil was sitting on a large stone deep in meditation as she called out to him, “Your gonna get sick if you keep this up ya know.”
Zeil continued sitting in his meditative position as he replied without even opening his eyes, “The rain’s sounds provide better peace for meditation. Besides, I haven’t been sick in almost two years.”
Daring Do gave him a dull look, “You’ve spent the last year in an ancient city… so that doesn’t count.”
Zeil smiled as he opened one eye, “And yet, my statement remains true.”
Daring Do sighed as she trotted away from the cave’s entrance and towards her saddlebag, “Wow… I’ll say this much. You’re gonna fit in no problem when we get to the ship.”
Zeil closed his eye again as he replied, “If it makes you feel any better, the rain should end in about a minute or so… then the sun should be on the way after.”
Daring Do started rolling up her sleeping bag as she replied, “What you can read weather too? You may not know it Sir Zeil but you’re not all tha-“
Before she could finish her sentence, the rain slowly lightened up as the fading noise it emitted caught her attention. Then as she turned to the cave entrance she could only stare in amazement as the fading rain slowly stopped before the clouds overhead started to part allowing a little sunlight to shine through. Confused Daring Do stepped out into the open as she looked to the sky, “What the?...”
Zeil smiled as he opened his eyes and stood up, “There… now we can continue to Fromage.”
As Zeil casually trotted back to the cave to get his things, Daring Do looked at him and spoke, “Hey… how did you do that?”
Knowing what she was asking Zeil shrugged his shoulders, “Meditation allows me to see what can’t be seen, and feel what can’t be felt. I could see the clouds moving at a quickened pace and could feel the sun trying to push through. It takes a while but with practice you can learn a little more through enlightening the mind.”
Daring Do gave him a confused look, “I’ve seen sha-colt and monks meditate for hours on end, but I thought it was just their way of calming themselves down.”
Zeil nodded as he approached his saddlebag and pulled out his cloak, “It is, but some learn to use it for other things too.”
Daring gave him a curious look, “Really? Like what?”
Zeil smiled as he pulled out a towel and dried himself off, “Some use it for centering themselves when using magic.”
Daring Do thought to herself, “Hmm, I never thought it would have any effect on magic. Then again I don’t know much about magic anyways so I never thought about it too much. So… is that all you use it for?”
Zeil hesitated before replying, “Mostly.”
As Zeil packed up his things, he could only think deeply about why he was meditating. Not counting his year of absence, it had been five months since his meeting with the mage in the Wooden Pergola Forest. And since then, Zeil hadn’t seen Rafi even once in his meditation. Usually this wouldn’t be such a bad thing, however, Zeil was still undecided about the situation with the mage, and what he was asked to do. And with this being the day he would board the ship to Equestria, he needed to decide. Should he heed the mages words and travel south to Zebrica, or should he disregard the old and possibly senile zebra and continue west to Equestria? As Zeil thought this, His movements slowed in thought as Daring Do saw this and asked, “Sir Zeil? You okay?”
Shaking himself out of it, Zeil smiled as he replied, “Yea I’m fine, just thinking.”
Daring Do smiled as she replied, “Hmm… well don’t take up too much time, Framage isn’t far, but I’d like to get to the ship before the princess arrives.”
As Zeil started to get back to packing, Daring’s smile faded as she started to ask, “Um… Sir Zeil? I want to ask… have you ever been to...”
As Zeil turned to listen to her question, Daring thought about how to ask before shaking her head and continued, “No, never mind…”
Zeil could tell she was unsure about something as he asked, “You sure? I don’t mind answering your question.”
She shook her head, “Nah its fine, It was a stupid question anyways.”
Zeil nodded, “Well if you change your mind I’m here.”
Daring turned to her saddlebag as she replied too quietly for him to hear, “I know… and… I trust you.”
As Zeil put on his cloak and saddlebag Daring Do did the same with her supplies as the two travelers made sure they had everything before departing the cave side by side. As they trotted through the surrounding forest they soon came to a clearing as they looked passed the field towards a large city that sat just beyond the clearing. As they trotted towards civilization Daring Do spoke, “I still don’t know why we chose to sleep in the cave when we could have just stayed at a hotel or something.”
Zeil replied, “Because a hotel cost money, of which, we are short on.”
Daring Do nodded, “Right… I forgot that part.”
Zeil asked, “You’re a writer right? Don’t you have plenty of royalties saved up?”
Daring nodded, “I do, but most of it stayed in Equestria. I only take what I need to travel and I didn’t expect to have a companion for the last leg of the journey.” She looked at Zeil, “Speaking of which, did you remember anything else about Lilith?”
Zeil shook his head, “I already told you everything I know. Sourdough was the relic, Edelweiss, or King Matthias killed him and he crumbled away into pieces. What else is there?”
Daring Do persisted, “What about the relic? There has to be a clue about what happened to it. Or its pieces at least.”
Zeil thought to himself as they started entering the city, “I don’t think there was anything left. It… or he dissolved completely away.”
Daring Do sighed as she replied, “Oh well, I guess its better it be gone forever then to risk it hurting anypony now.”
Zeil nodded, “I couldn’t agree more. So… this ship you have, is it in the port?”
Daring Do nodded, “Yep, if I know the captain, he should be there getting her ready to depart any minute now.”
Zeil have her a confused look, “Really? Will we make it in time?”
Daring Do smiled, “Well yea, we may be only guarding the real cargo, but I know for a fact that this particular crew won’t leave without me.”
Zeil replied, “Really? They fans of your work?”
Daring smiled, “Fans, Family, Characters in a few of my stories… This crew knows me more than my own parents.”
Zeil smiled, “Then I’ll take your word on it.”
After a few minutes of trotting through the city, the two travelers made it to a large port that was lining the side of a very wide and deep river. As the two trotted along the docks Daring pointed to the largest ship as she spoke, “There, that’s the one.”
As Zeil looked at the large frigate, he could only marvel at the ships appearance. The ship was much older than the surrounding vessels and by its appearance alone it was obvious that this ship had seen many voyages. The three mast ship stretched a good hundred and fifty feet along the dock with a forecastle that sat a few feet above the main deck and an aft castle that sat completely over a room which was most likely the captain’s cabin. But what stuck out about this particular ship wasn’t the size but the blood red sails which were tied in their up positions along each yardarm on each mast. After seeing this, Zeil and Daring approached the ship from behind as they could see in large text, the name of this ship that sat just on its stern right below the large glass windows. The Bloody Tide.
Although Zeil wanted to ask about it, he decided to stay quiet as the two trotted up the gangplank and stepped onto the busy deck as the two could see a dark cyan sailor with a grey main wearing a red vest and sword belt as he called orders to the rest of the crew, “Get all that slack out of the rigging and tighten the sails! You colts! Stop slouching and get that powder below deck before it gets damp! And you! That deck ain’t gonna swab itself! Get too it!!! This ain’t no vacation on the beach lads, so I expect you all to pull you heads from your plots and make the Tide ready!”
As the old and somewhat intimidating stallion yelled orders, Daring approached him as she called, “Ahoy there Uncle Point! Long time no see.”
As the Official stallion looked to Daring Do he smiled as he hugged her and replied, “Ah if it isn’t my favorite niece. How are ya lass, staying our of danger I hope.”
Daring Do hugged her uncle for a brief moment before replying, “Oh you know me, I stay out of it, but it tends to find me anyways.”
The stallion chuckled, “Ah that’s just the family luck on ya. Ya get used to it after too long.” He looked to Zeil as he spoke, “Oh and who is this? Did ya finally settle on a suiter? Didn’t peg ya for the exotic type.”
Zeil couldn’t help but smile as Daring Do blushed slightly while laughing to hid it, “Oh no no, this is another bodyguard I hired to help us out.” She stepped to the side as she gestured to Zeil, “Uncle Point, this is Sir Zeil of Lilith.”
Zeil held out his hoof as he smiled, “Nice to meet you captain, you can call me Zeil. I’m not used to the whole Sir title yet.”
At first, the older stallion smiled at Zeil but after hearing his words, the smile faded as he looked down to Zeil’s hoof and spoke, “I can’t accept that laddie until you refer to me properly. Ya see, if I accept a hoof shake from one referin’ to me as captain, then I’m acceptin’ the title which ‘round here… is borderline mutiny.”
Lowering his hoof, Zeil replied in embarrassment, “Oh… you’re not the captain? Sorry I assumed you were since you were giving orders to the crew.”
The stallion shook his head, “No, I’m this ships quartermaster and sea artist. The name is Pinpoint, though while aboard this ship, it’s Mr. Point or nothin’. Right now, the captain is negotiatin’ with the harbor master in his quarters.”
As Pinpoint gestured to the nearby door that was part of the forecastle wall, a loud glass shattering crash was heard on the other side of the doors as the sound caught the attention of all three. After hearing the crash Pinpoint spoke, “Sounds like the negotiations are about done.”
At that moment, the double doors flew open as a pegasus was tossed through the doors and onto the deck as the falling pony caught the attention of the entire crew. As the crew slowed their work to look at the downed pegasus, a larger stallion exited the captain’s quarters. This earthpony seemed much more intimidating then Pinpoint, as the large dim grey stallion with a white mane and stubby beard stepped out onto the main deck wearing an orange waistcoat and a black tricorn hat. This was all Zeil needed to see to know who the ship’s captain was as the large stallion approached the fallen pegasus as he spoke in rage, “You think you can play me like this? You don’t know who you’re talkin to boyo…” He paned his view to the surrounding crew as he called, “Listen up gents! Seems this slimy sorry excuse for an ‘arbor master has turned on us.”
At that moment, Zeil could feel an anger build up in the surrounding crew as the dockworker picked himself up and tried to defend himself, “It ain’t like that I onl-“
The captain stood over the pegasus as he interrupted, “Oh, so I understood ya wrong then did I? Well tell me then… When we arrived here three days ago, you offered us docking at a simple fee of four thousand bits giving we leave port no later than sunset today. But then, you have the brass to bring me this.”
With that said, the angry captain raised a wanted poster in the air high enough for all to see. Looking at the poster surprised Zeil as he saw that the pirate on that very poster was the same stallion holding it, as the captain continued, “You came to me and said that because of our past, you wanted us to pay double the previous fee, as well as a small addition for keepin’ your mouth shut… right?”
With nothing to say in his defense, the dockworker kept quiet as the sailor spoke, “Seems this poster is out of date… You didn’t hear? We were pardoned when our days of pirating ended almost thirty years ago. So what you tried to offer, is more of a threat than accord. And nopony… threatens Captain Crimson Bartholomew Sail.”
All of a sudden a clicking sound was heard as everypony in the area turned their attention to one of the members of the crew, a light forest green earth pony wearing a brown tailcoat, and a bandanna over his brown mane wielding a long black powder musket and aiming it directly at the dockworker. As the stallion took aim he spoke, “Just say the word captain… and I’ll decorate the deck with every bad idea that land lubber has in his thick skull.”
Seeing this made Zeil feel uneasy, not because he found himself on a ship with merciless pirates but because despite the tenseness of the situation, none aboard the ship felt the same kind of worry that he felt as the captain raised his hoof, “Now now Mr. Keg. Remember… we ain’t that type anymore… We’ve gone the straight and narrow path, so there is no need to shed his blood… yet.”
Captain Sail looked down at the pegasus as he spoke in an angered whisper, “You… get your plot off my ship… and if I see ya again before we make way… I’ll tie you to a cannon and drop you in the deepest darkest part of the river, whilst me and my crew place bets on how long before the bubbles stop. Aye?”
Trembling in terror, the stallion didn’t reply, instead he just nodded as Captain Sail took a step back and smiled, “Good lad… Now, off ya go.”
Nervous, the pegasus dockworker slowly trotted to the side of the ship as he stepped onto the gangplank and trotted back to the dock half expecting that the captain would shoot him in the back.
However, Captain Sail only watched the harbor master leave the ship before looking over his crew as he called, “What are ya’ll gawkin’ at? Back to work!”
As that was said, Mr. Keg looked over the crew as he called, “You heard the Capt’n Back to work! I want my cannons set and secured for launch!”
Rushing to get back to their duties the crew immediately started prepping the ship for departure as Captain Sail approached Pinpoint as the quartermaster smiled, “Handled with grace as per the norm captain. He must have caught ya in a good mood.”
Captain Sail smiled, “What can I say Mr. Point, I had a good breakfast.” He looked to Daring Do, “Don’t tell me that is the wee lass who I couldn’t get down from the crow’s-nest during storms.”
Daring Do smiled as she replied, “That was a long time ago captain.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Aye and yet I remember like it was just yesterday.” He looked at Zeil, “Oh… and who is this? Could it be that the thrill seeking lass has finally been tamed by a stallion worth his brass?”
Daring Do laughed as she shook her head, “Come on captain, you know well that no stallion can tame me. This is Sir Zeil, he needs a ride to Equestria so we agreed that if he were to help guard the princess, then you would help get him there.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Sir Zeil egh? So you’re a knight?”
Zeil nodded, “Yes I am Captain, but you don’t have to call me Sir all the time… Just Zeil is fine.”
Captain Sail held out his hoof, “Shame to be neglecting a title, but I’ll leave you to your scars. The name’s Captain Crimson Bartholomew Sail, but round here, it’s just captain or Captain Sail to you.”
Zeil shook Captain Sail’s hoof as he smiled, “Of course captain, I wouldn’t see it any other way.”
Captain Sail looked to his officer, “You already met my quartermaster Pinpoint. Best sea artist in all the seas. Over there barkin’ orders like a rabid dog is my master Gunner and Sniper, Powder Keg. There, now that ya know my officers I’ll let you in on the one true law of the sea. On a ship, the captain is judge, jury, and executioner. I intend you to follow my order if I give it, but don’t worry. I’m a fair captain. My crew work together and so long as you pull your weight, there won’t be any objections from me.”
Zeil nodded, “Understood captain, I’m not afraid of work.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Good on ya lad… I think you and I are gonna get along well.”
Before Zeil could reply a young hippogriff with grey feathers approached as he spoke, “Captain, The cargo is secured and ready to depart, but I wanted to go over our food stock for the next few days.”
Captain Sail nodded as he replied, “Ah, Jimbo I’ll be there in a second.” He looked back to Zeil, “Make yourself at home Sir Zeil and welcome aboard the Bloody Tide.”
As that was said Captain Sail trotted off to see to his duties as Zeil looked to Daring Do, “He seems interesting enough.”
Daring Do smiled, “When it comes to captains, He is the best there is. Sea, sky you name it. Back when he was a pirate, they called him the Crimson Ghost Hunter”
Zeil started to reply, “Really, why did they call him th-”
At that moment, Zeil felt a strange aura appear as if from nowhere, as he quickly looked to a shadow that sat below a set of stairs leading to the upper deck. As he looked to the stairs and the darkness beneath it, Daring Do saw his expression, “Sir Zeil? You okay?”
Zeil turned towards the aura as he spoke, “I know your hiding there Bat pony… Show yourself.”
Confused Daring Do looked to the shadow as all that could be seen, were two emerald green nocturnal eyes opening amongst the shadows as a mare’s voice replied, “Not bad… you sensed me before I even made myself known. You must be one skilled zebra to see me coming… let me guess… Zebrican worrier, maybe… northern tribes?”
As the mare stepped out of the shadows, Zeil felt something off about her. The grey bat pony with a navy and silver striped mane didn’t seem dangerous, though there was a scar over her left eye and the start of three more poking out from under her jet black cloak. But as soon as what was in her hoof came into view, something came over Zeil that made him feel a since of fear that was unexpected. In the mare’s hoof was a long scythe with a maroon lightning bolt curving along the blade. She wasn’t holding it in a threatening manner, or even feeling any threatening emotions, but something about that scythe alone made Zeil feel as if he were in danger. Putting this feeling in the back of his mind, Zeil watched as the mare rushed towards Daring Do and hugged her as she spoke, “DAZZY! It’s good to see you again. I told you I wouldn’t let you get away… not that easily.”
Daring Do gave the mare an annoyed look as she replied, “Silver, how many times have I told you? Stop calling me Dazzy. And while you’re at it… should I remind you that we are just friends… again.”
Silver stopped hugging Daring Do as she smiled, “Oh don’t be that way… admit it… your happy to see me aren’t you.”
Silver shifted her eyes to Zeil as her expression changed from cheery to unamused, “Oh… and who is this? Don’t tell me you’re into the strong worrier zebra type now.”
Daring Do sighed, “Is everypony here going to assume that he and I are together in that way?”
Silver shrugged her shoulders, “It only seems natural, a tough looking male. Traveling around with a smart, funny, adventurous catch like you. If your trying to make me jealous… its working.”
Daring Do rubbed her head in irritation, “Sir Zeil, this is Silvia Mist but we call her Silver. Silver, this is Sir Zeil.”
Zeil nodded, “Nice to mee-“
“Sir Zeil? As in… a knight? Now I’ve seen everything. I didn’t think any kingdom was still knighting anycreature.”
Daring Do explained, “True Sir Zeil was knighted, but… it’s a little bit of a long story. Don’t worry though.” She pulled a notebook from her saddlebag, “I got it all right here.”
Before anything else could be said, a voice came from the dock, “WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU IDIOT!!!”
Confused by the outburst, the three approached the ships railing as they looked down at the docks to see a local guard talking with a hippogriff royal guard next to a carriage as the royal soldier continued, “THIS, is the royal carriage of Princess Skystar of the Hippogriff Kingdom! By objecting to its movement amongst the docks you are obstructing royal matters of which you cannot comprehend! I will be sure the prime minister of Prance is notified!”
The local guard Stumbled in his words, “B-but monsieur, i vas only saying zat carriages aren’t allowed on ze pier.”
The soldier replied in anger, “Yet you still object to her majesties actions? Even after knowing who you are interfering w-”
At that moment, the closed top carriage opened as a faded yellow hippogriff with a blue mane wearing a strange necklace stepped out of the carriage and looked down at the local guard as she smiled and waved, “Oh, hello nice to meet you. I’m Princess Skystar an- well of course you already know who I am… since my general said so. Um General Arnold, it’s not a good idea to scare everypony we meet. I mean, he is only doing his jo-”
“Princess with all due respect, will you please start acting like a proper ruler. How can you demand respect form your subjects without showing some authority every now and then.”
The hippogriff princess replied, “Authority? But… mother said this was a peace mission. We can’t really show peace if we go around scaring every creature.”
The general straightened his stance, “That is why I’m here. I will be sure to thwart any who feel the need to react with hostility towards your authority. A queen must demand and maintain respect from any around her… even a future queen.”
The hippogriff princess rolled her eyes as she replied, “I know… trust me, mom reminds me all the time. But for now, let’s not scare every kingdom we visit. If we are parked in a bad place then we can have the driver move the carriage. It’s not that big a deal.”
The local guard smiled slightly at the princess’s cooperation as the hippogriff general sighed in irritation, “Fine… I suppose we can forgive him just this once.” He looked at the guard, “But you better watch yourself… her majesty might not be so forgiving next time.”
Princess Skystar sighed as she looked to the driver and spoke, “Excuse me? Can you unload the chest here? Then you can return to… wherever it is you need to go. And thanks for the ride, it was fun.”
The driver nodded as he and another escort unloaded a large iron chest with multiple locks keeping it shut. As the chest was sat on the dock, a few sailors from Captain Sail’s ship stepped onto the dock to meet the princess. One was the same hippogriff that Captain Sail was speaking with earlier as the sailor bowed in respect, “Princess Skystar, May I help you with your cargo your majesty?”
Before the princess could reply, the general spoke first, “Good, seem this ship’s captain has some sense employing a hippogriff in his crew. Take that chest and stow it in the most secure place that this hunk of driftwood has. It’s worth more than your life so I would suggest you guard it as such.”
Slightly nervous the sailor looked to the chest as he replied, “Really? What’s in it?”
The general gave him a disgusted look, “That is none of your conc-“
Princess Skystar put her talon on a small trinket that was hanging around her neck as she replied, “It has the rest of this inside. This is a shard of the pearl that we use to turn from hippogriff into sea pony. Since the fight with the storm king is over, we can no-”
“PRINCESS!!!”
Princess Skystar silenced herself as the general rubbed his head in irritation as he spoke, “Please your majesty, can you at least have some sort of subtly in this matter. If you go passing on every secret that the kingdom has, it will only make this job harder.”
Princess Skystar shook her head, “Yes but since this sailor is a hippogriff, he is entitled to a peace of the relic if he wants one. Who knows, maybe he has family living in Seaquestra.”
The young sailor shook his head, “With all due respect your majesty, I hail from the Isle of Home in the leviathan sea so I see no need in having a shard of the pearl. But rest assured, I’ll guard this chest with my life.”
The general stared up the gangplank as Princess Skystar replied, “Really? Ive never been to the Liviathan Sea. I mean I know the Leviathan just started allowing passage to Home and that the pearl was once protected on Home, but I-”
“Your majesty!” The princess looked to General Arnold as the soldier gave her an annoyed look from the top of the gangplank, “Lets proceed with why we are here… no need to burden ourselves with the help.”
Jim smiled, “it’s alright your majesty, if you want I can tell you about it later.”
Princess Skystar smiled at the sailor, but before she could reply, General Arnold spoke up, “There… see, now it’s time to go your majesty.”
Nodding, Princess Skystar trotted up the gangplank as she and her general stepped onto the main deck of the Bloody Tide with the two sailors carrying the chest behind them.
As soon as the royal hippogriff was on the deck Captain Sail trotted to her as he took off his hat and spoke, “Princess Skystar I presume, my name is Captain Crimson Sail, and let me be the first to welcome you aboard the Bloody Tide.”
The captain bowed slightly as the princess smiled, “Ohhh so you’re Captain Sail. Mother has told me all about you.”
Captain Sail smiled as he put his hat back on and replied, “Did she now, good things I hope.”
At first Princess Skystar smiled and nodded yes to his statement, however her smiled slowly faded away as her nod turned to a shaking as she replied, “Actually… no. not at all no… in fact when she told me about you… she used language I’ve never heard her used before… like… ever. It made the rest of the evening really awkward actually.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Oh, good, then she remembers me well. Last time the queen and I saw each other… she and I had a… misunderstanding. Thankfully it was one sided. I never blamed Novo for putting a bounty on my head after our last rendezvous. To use the local language freely.”
With Captain Sail’s smile seeming proud, Princess Skystar gave him an unusual look as she spoke, “There is no chance that you’re my dad… right?”
As soon as that was said, Captain Sail started laughing out loud as he spoke through his laughter, “Nah lass, not at all. She and I knew each other but not that well. The royal lass was quite the excitable one, but she was already pregnant with you when we first met. Though her demeanor changed when we last spoke.”
The general spoke next, “Yes… if I remember right… you threatened her. After killing her best friend.”
Captain Sail’s expression stayed the same, but Zeil could feel his emotions change from a humble welcome, to a threatening rage as the captain replied without showing even a hint of his anger, “So you were there were ya… good. Then ya know what buttons not to press while aboard my ship. Here… my crew follow a strict set of rules. And top of that list… is that no pony holds a rank here, that is above its captain. Not even a royal.” he looked back to the princess, “With all due respect of course.”
The general started to say something but Princess Skystar put her talon in front of him as she spoke first, “Aye aye Captain. We won’t be any trouble at all… Right General Arnold?”
The general sneered at the sea captain as he replied to the princess, “As you wish your majesty.”
Captain Sail smiled as he replied, “Good, then we are at an accord.” He looked to his sailors carrying the chest as he spoke, “Jimbo, secure that chest in my quarters. I will be guardin’ it personally.”
After hearing that the general stepped forward, “I would advise that it be secured in a more protected pla-”
Captain Sail glared at the general, “There is no more secured place on this ship then my own quarters. Nopony nor creature enters there without my say-so… not even you. So if ya want it safe… that is where it’s goin’. Ya don’t like it? Feel free to go ashore before we cast off.”
The annoyed general started to reply but the princess decided to intervened, “Um… maybe it would be a good idea to just listen to the captain… he does know more about his own ship then we do.”
General Arnold sighed as he replied, “If the princess agrees then my say so is irrelevant. Though if I should speak freely, why her highness would place her trust in a former pirate… I will never know.”
That said, the annoyed general turned away and trotted to another part of the ship to cool down as Princess Skystar sighed, “Don’t mind him captain, General Arnold may be a little rough around the edges, but he has been a loyal soldier for my mother since before even I was born.”
Captain Sail gave the soldier a distrusting look as he replied, “I’m sure he has… If you will excuse me, I have to prepare to cast off.”
That said, Captain Sail trotted off again as Daring Do, Silver and Zeil approached the princess with Daring speaking as she bowed slightly, “Your majesty, it’s good to see you again.”
As soon as she saw her, the princess smiled, “Daring Do, I’m happy to see you too. Thanks again for setting up this ride to Equestria.”
Daring Do nodded, “Not a problem at all your majesty. Since you mentioned it in Spring Haven I though you would need a way back across the sea once your peace tour ended.”
Zeil was surprised, “Spring Haven?”
Daring Do nodded, “Yea, she has been traveling to many cities far beyond her borders establishing peace and trade for other nations. And… don’t think I don’t know what you did for Spring Haven Sir Zeil… Queen Blossom and King Reiner mentioned you a few times when he agreed that expanded trade was a great idea.”
Princess Skystar smiled, “Oh so you’re the one who saved Spring Haven?”
Silver gave Zeil a surprised look as Daring Do spoke, “Sure is, your majesty. This is Sir Zeil of Lilith. I found him when I went to the ruined city of Lilith.”
Princess Skystar smile with glee, “Oh so you’re a knight? Wow I thought knighting was a little out of date. I don’t think my mom has ever knighted any creature.”
Daring Do continued, “It’s a long and complicated story, but don’t worry, I wrote it down so I can tell you later. Either way I decided that this was a good opportunity to invite an actual knight to help protect a princess. So… Sir Zeil, this is Princess Skystar of the hippogriff kingdom. She is the princess we will be protecting on our way back to Equestria.”
Zeil bowed slightly as he replied, “It’s nice to meet you your majesty.”
The hippogriff princess smiled, “Nice to meet you too Sir Zeil.” She looked back to Daring Do as she continued, “And who is your other friend?”
Daring smiled, “This is another body guard I’ve asked to help. This is Silvia Mist… AKA the Reaper.”
General Arnold gave her a distrusting look, “The Reaper?... As in, the Cutter’s Reaper?”
Zeil gave Silver a confused look as the batpony nodded, “I was… but the Cutter’s disbanded many years ago. Now… I’m just Silvia Mist. Or Silver to my friends.”
Princess Skystar nodded, “Silver it is then, any friend of Daring Do is a friend of mine.” She looked at Daring, “So how was your journey here? I remember you mentioned you had to go to Lilith and another place, the um… something forest right?”
Daring Do hesitated as Zeil could since a slight hint of worry in her response, “Oh… well… the other place… was a bust. Nothing there worth mentioning.”
As that was said, Daring looked at Zeil then back to the princess as Silver saw this action but before she could say anything, Pinpoint who was standing next to Captain Sail on the upper deck called over the ship, “ALL ASHORE THAT’S GOING ASHORE! The rest, PREPARE TO CAST OFF!!!”
After the quartermaster gave the order, the sailors raised the gangplank and started readying the sails to open as Captain Sail looked to the guests on the main deck as he called, “To all those who are here for passage, feel free to view the launch from here next to the helm. I promise its better then down there.”
The Princess smiled as she replied, “Oh my gosh, that sounds so cool. I’ve never been on a ship launching before. How high will we go?”
With a roll of his eyes, General Arnold followed the princess as he replied, “It’s not an actually ship launch, it’s just refers to the cast off from a port. Really your majesty, can you show at least some composure?”
As he started to follow, Zeil looked to Daring Do as he asked, “You coming?”
Daring Do shook her head, “If you’ve seen one ship launch you’ve seen them all. Go ahead I’ll be fine down here.”
Zeil nodded as he followed the princess and the general to the top deck as Daring Do and Silver stayed below and trotted to one of the railings to view from the main deck.
As soon as the rest were on the top deck Captain Sail smiled as he looked to his quarter master, “Well Mr. Point, feel free to give the order.”
Pinpoint nodded as he replied, “Aye captain.” He looked over the ship, “All hooves to stations! Raise the anchor! Let loose foresails! Take her slowly gents, no need to rush.” He looked to the helms colt who was standing at the helm next to them, “Take her out slowly lad, make for the mouth of the river and out to sea.”
The helms colt nodded “Aye aye Sir.”
Pinpoint looked to the main deck, “Jim! Get to the bow and watch the river! We will need your sharp eyes to watch for shallow water.”
The young hippogriff on the deck called back, “Aye sir! I’m on it!”
As the anchor was lifted from the water, the sails in the foremast of the ship dropped open as the wind pulled the ship from the dock and away from the pier. As the sails opened the sun shined through dark crimson sails as the light reflected and passing through cascaded a reddish hue across the deck of the ship. Seeing this Zeil couldn’t help but feel a foreboding feeling from the red as the princess looked to the sails and spoke, “Oh my gosh, I’ve never seen red sails on a ship before.”
The general beside her spoke, “Must be symbolic of these pirates, in some way.”
Down on the main deck, Daring Do stood watching the docks list away from the ship’s railing as Silver approached her, “Hey Dazzy… why are you down here instead of enjoying the view from up with the rest?”
Daring Do replied, “Just enjoying the fact that somepony else can do the traveling for me.”
Silver asked, “I was meaning to ask you… about that knight guy up there… he a part of your next story? Didn’t think you would resort to pony tales. Sure it will attract all the little foals who want for stories about Princesses and knights. But usually ancient mysteries and magic relics are more your style.”
Daring Do sighed, “He had information on the ruins of Lilith. I almost had to help him for that.”
Silver asked, “Sure, so the relic in Lilith? Did he have it? Or was he a bystander of it?”
Daring looked into the river, “Just a bystander, or a hero in this case. The relic though is destroyed, so there is no need to worry about it hurting anypony from this point on. But what really concerns me… is the other place I visited.”
Silver nodded, “I noticed… you didn’t want to talk about it in front of the princess.”
Daring Do shook her head as she replied, “It’s not the princess I wanted to keep it from…” She looked at Zeil on the upper deck as she replied, “It’s him.”
Silver looked at Zeil then looked back was curious, “Sir Zeil? Why?”
Daring replied as she looked back into the river, “I went to the Pergola Village, deep in the Wooden Pergola Forest… A ghost town with a mystery spanning for over a year now. But… what I found there… Makes me wonder if I can really trust him.”
Up on the upper deck next to the helm, Zeil stood watching the city pass by on the riverbank as Captain Sail spoke to his helmscolt, “Steady as she goes lad. Chart us safely to the coast then due south to Zebrica.”
Zeil gave the captain a surprised look, “Zebrica?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye, we have to drop some cargo there before crossing the sea.”
Zeil was confused, “But… I thought this ship was going to Equestria?”
Captain Sail nodded, “It is lad, but we have an important stop to make first. Don’t worry, I said I’ll see ya to Equestria and that’s what I intend to do. I’m a sailor of my word after all.”
Zeil hesitated with his reply, “Oh… o-okay.”
Seeing the unease in his expression Captain Sail asked, “Sir Zeil? Might I ask ya something?” Zeil looked at him as he continued, “You have the face of a stallion lost at sea. You have an idea of a course to set… but either you don’t have the means to make it, or… you don’t think that’s where you should be going.”
Zeil replied, “I… I have to get back to Equestria soon as possible.”
Captain Sail looked at him out the corner of his eyes, “Do ya now? And you’re sure you ain’t better suited somewhere else?”
Zeil replied, “No… Equestria in my only goal. There is n-“
“it’s a mare… isn’t it?”
Zeil was surprised, “Wh-what?”
Captain Sail continued, “I may be a humble sailor, but I’m no fool when it comes to castaways of the heart. You have your goal set on Equestria… but something says that you should go elsewhere first. Either you tend to make a new life in Equestria, but need to gather the love of your life first, or… your love is in Equestria, but you must take care of something else before meetin’ with her.”
Trying to dodge the subject, Zeil replied, “It’s not… I mean… I’m…”
Captain Sail looked forward over his ship as he spoke, “It ain’t my place to decide what you should do next… but we have a few days before we reach Zebrica, so I’d suggest you decide quickly. I will see ya to Equestria, sooner or later, but first you have to decide if that is where you’re supposed to be.”
With that said Captain Sail turned and started trotting to a barrel and pulled out some sea charts from his coat. As Zeil watched the captain trot to the side, Pinpoint who heard the whole thing was standing nearby as he spoke, “Don’t take it too personally. A good captain knows his crew. Their skills, their strength, their weaknesses… and a great captain can even read the expression on their faces before they even make them. When it comes to being a sailor, or a pirate, Captain Sail is the best.
Zeil nodded as he replied, “So I’ve heard”
Pinpoint spoke, “So… is the captain right, do you have somewhere else to be? If so then it’d be best you be there.” He looked over the ship, “Then again, I plot a course best for my captain and this crew… only you can plot your own.”
With that said, Pinpoint spoke to the helmscolt before turning away, “Stay the course and come for me once we meet the sea.”
The helmscolt nodded, “Aye sir.”
As that was said, Pinpoint turned towards Captain Sail and stepped beside him as he spoke, “A word Captain?”
Captain Sail continued looking at the sea charts as he replied, “It’d be your right, speak freely.”
Pinpoint smiled, “It’s an interesting group that we have the privilege of ferrying cross the sea. A princess with her general, a scythe wielding assassin, an adventurer and writer, and now… a knight of all things.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye, if I would be so bold to say. A gatherin’ of creatures like this would seem to be a writer’s last ditch effort to keep readers interested.”
Pinpoint chuckled, “I doubt it, ya remember what my niece always said. She only writes to tell the tale. No need for fame or recognition.”
Captain Sail smiled, “No I s’pose she wouldn’t. Still, quite the company.”
Pinpoint’s smile faded as he spoke with a serious tone, “Speaking of which… did you notice the one who snuck in here weain’ a face that isn’t his?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… the snake in the mix… I saw ‘em. Traipsin’ in her like he were a king.”
Pinpoint asked, “What should we do about him?”
Captain Sail folded up the sea chart as he replied, “He’s a snake… sooner or later he’ll bear his fangs and show his true face. And when he does, we will deal with em’ as all ponies deal with snakes… we will remove his head, and watch him sink into the sea.”