“The more different the friends, the stronger the friendship and the more powerful magic is. The larger the group of friends the more powerful as well. Understanding this led to the deliberate creation of powerful coalitions of friends. The Mane Six, friends of Twilight Sparkle that included the Elements of Harmony were one such group. Smolder the Dragon had her Young Six, were an even more powerful group. Then there were Discord’s friends, and himself. These groups overlapped and shared members.
—Pena, Reply to Prince Habib re: “On the Origins of Ponies*(*and Others) and Magic”
The docks were full of ships. The ships were full of fruit. The fruit was full of flies. The water was also full of flies. So was the air.
It was a carnival atmosphere despite the annoying insects. Minotaurs lined the docks, and an occasional zebra, kirin and arabian looked on.
A band played the old Equestrian song ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ and other more traditional patriotic tunes as the final passengers ascended the gangplank. A kirin, zebra and tall arabian with fresh letters of patent marking them as military observers and brevet officers of Istanbull marched up and shook hooves with Admiral Perfect Storm and his young nephew Lieutenant Close Shave. The young Lieutenant was swaying on his hooves and appeared very hung over. A pair of equally hungover ground pounder lieutenants, friends of his were cheering him loudly. It made king Iron Hoof happy to see members of rival services getting along like that.
General Clip Clop was there with a detachment of ground pounders. He joined his two young lieutenants in belting out the march of the Iron Throne. His stentorian voice was quite distinctive.
At last, the gangplank was drawn up and the rowboats began to drag the Sea Cow née Manatee into deeper waters.
King Iron Hoof clapped and cheered along with his chief ministers. Even the aristocrats had turned out, probably more from a desire to curry favor with whomever would eventually be named successor than from any true patriotic feeling.
Wind Bag was there. The old minotaur seemed to be in a good mood for once. Iron Hoof briefly exchanged courteous pleasantries with him.
“Well, I think this is for the best. The needs of the realm will be taken care of after all, and you can be sure the nobility will support whoever remains once this race is over.”
“Well, that is very encouraging Wind, I take it you have a favorite?” The ships began to be drawn out into the channel by three naval galleys, their oars rising and dipping as they fought into the wind. Eventually the black smoke belching contraption began to chug away, and water was thrown into the air behind the Manatee. The crowd cheered.
“Oh, I think they are all equally qualified. I’m sure it will work itself out eventually, your majesty. These things always do. Good day.” The old bull smiled and took his leave of the king.
The palanquin ride back to the Taurkapi palace was smooth. The steers made good time. He bade the eunuchs to tell his harem to prepare and after he washed and brushed himself, he walked boldly through the doors to his private pleasure sanctuary.
Squaring his powerful shoulders, he posed dramatically. “Ok, where were we and who wants to go first?” He tossed his fez crown onto the side table amidst the delectable food and snacks.
The seven minotaur cows giggled. The youngest and current favorite heifer Penelope smiled and handed him a cup.
She led him to a seat, kissed him on the cheek and said, “Actually I believe it was your turn, your majesty.”
“Well let's get this show on the road then.” Smiling, he surveyed his domain. King Iron Hoof relaxed into his chair and sipped a fruit beverage. The minotaur ladies on the pony team had been putting up an excellent defense, but he saw a weakness in their unicorn troop deployments. He drew back, rattled his cup and he threw the dice into the dice tray. He pushed his griffon miniatures forward from his dragons. They unicorns were too far forward from the pegasus air cover. He would take advantage of it. Surrounded by his friends and fellow gamers he quoted a play line “It’s good to be king.” The ladies all laughed.
The game lasted until night fell and a bit beyond.