Dr. Shawl worked quickly, rapidly hauling Quilt to a bed in his home and office, before calling for anyone willing to donate blood for her transfusion. As Graggle had gotten the dogs in line while we were away, and now the Sheep of Ruffleton was freely roaming, many of Quilt's friends came running to her aid. Cozy pushed past me and rushed inside, being the first to offer her blood for the procedure.
Trusting Shawl with her care and with my cape back in my possession, I beckoned Graggle over.
"Fine work," I said, looking to the town hall where the Diamond Dogs were milling around, away from the Sheep as requested.
"A lesser hound would take your praise, Master," he replied, standing before me. "But I must admit to a complication. Twenty of our number have deserted, of whom at least half plan to seize one of the other villages."
"Alright," I grumbled. "What's that leave us with, and what's the other half planning?"
"We are now fifty strong, sire, and the other deserters claimed a desire to flee Woollachia entirely, citing it to be your domain now."
"I don't know about that, but if they want to piss off, it's no skin off my nose," I said with a stretch, basking in the glow of the moon.
"Well, they aren't the only ones who hold such a view," he gestured to the Sheep still lingering nearby, most of whom were either staring at me or whispering about me, thinking I couldn't hear.
"Is he a hairless Diamond Dog?" Someone asked.
"Why did he let us go?" Another asked.
"What happened to Quilt?" was echoed a few times.
"Cozy said a monster hurt her.." was the occasional answer.
"He kind of looks like a monster.." followed at least once.
"They don't sound very like-minded," I scratched my neck, still thriving in the moon's light, when Graggle pointed to someone in particular: a mustachioed Sheep with a top hat, sash, and monocle, smiling at me. Seeing my attention, he moved from the crowd, silencing the murmuring.
"I wish to speak on behalf of all Ruffleton and express our gratitude for liberating our village!" He declared, removing his hat and bowing. Some of the crowd mimicked this after a moment.
"And who are you exactly?" I asked, slinging my cape over my shoulder. He flipped his hat back on, with shocking dexterity for a creature without fingers, and smiled at me.
"Briefs! Mayor of Ruffleton, dear sir!" He took a few steps towards me. "And if I may be so bold, who might you be, hm?"
"My name is Peter Harlow," he reached a hoof out to me with a smile, which I shook.
"Well, Mr. Harlow, again, I offer our communal gratitude! And may I ask what brought you to our rescue?" I recognized what was happening. In addition to getting the answers the villagers were after, he was reaffirming his position as the community's rock and leader. Possibly, he was also probing for an opportunity to make some demand or offer. That happened all the time with management at Butler and Sons, and he had the same gleam in his eye Martin did the other night.
My teeth clenched hard when I remembered Martin and how patchy that night was, but I caught myself before anyone besides Briefs noticed. He fortunately kept his cool and smiled.
"Coincidence, mainly," I said, forcing a smile. "I met Quilt and friends on the road, and when I heard what happened, I felt compelled to act."
"Ah hah! Much like Fleeces' parable of the Good Shepherd, aiding another for no obvious gain!" He turned to the crowd while I mentally recovered from what I prayed was a Sheep Jesus pun. "There we have it, lambs and rams! He might look sinister, but none can deny the good in our dear Peter Harlow!"
The crowd seemed appeased by his words, and the murmuring turned positive. Seeing this, Briefs turned back to me.
"And now that we've determined the quality of his character," he continued, his tone shifting to one I recognized. Here it was. "There are certain prospects I'd like to discuss with him if he'd allow."
"Sure, let's hear it," I grinned.
"Wonderful!" He whipped back around to address the crowd again. "We have all been through a great ordeal, but now it has passed! Mr. Harlow and I shall withdraw to my office to discuss preventative measures to avoid repeating such a tragedy. Return to your homes, lambs and rams. Tomorrow, I expect to have great news to share!"
He gestured to me and made his way towards the town hall. The crowd lingered for only a moment but began to disperse as requested.
"Easier than humans. Guess even talking herd animals just follow the leader," I thought. As I moved to follow, I felt chills again and saw the debris from the ruined cart nearby.
"Boss had me dead to rights but didn't finish the job," I thought, ignoring Graggle's calls. "If I get caught off guard like that again, I can't expect to be so lucky twice. I need.. I need to make a list."
"Graggle," I called and pointed to the ruined cart. "Find out what type of wood that is. And find me a pen and paper."
My pint-sized lieutenant bowed before collecting a chunk of wood from the pile and immediately interrogating the locals. The mayor and I continued our walk to the town hall. Whatever this meeting was about, the coming days promised to be uncomfortable, but I had to know what mundane objects could kill me.
Graggle met back up with us sooner than I'd expected and had secured a proper journal for me.
"The cart is ash wood, sire," he reported, handing over my book and writing supplies. I considered his delivery for a moment.
"You're pretty good at this," I praised. Graggle bowed but held an expression of contempt.
"The old boss selected his officers based on blood rather than merit. For this reason, the full scope of my," he cleared his throat. "The capabilities of individuals of talent were often entirely overlooked. I will not say this was almost as destructive to our goals as his propensity for wanton murder, but I do not deny it is a factor in my immediate support of you, Dark Prince." He finished with a bow. Briefs was chuckling to himself.
"I prefer it that way, Graggle," both of my companions looked up at my words, so I elaborated. "I've worked with all sorts over the years, and I've found guys who are upfront about what material gain they're after are oddly more dependable than those operating out of, say, loyalty or sense of duty."
"It's not universal, but I've seen plenty of people who did their work for vague reasons suddenly bail for equally vague reasons like their perceived loyalties shifting."
"On the flip side, someone just after money or recognition is trustworthy, so long as you keep them paid or praised."
"Of course, personally, the fun comes from figuring out how little you can give them and get away with it," I finished with a laugh. Golly gee, that blood and moonlight cocktail sure had me frisky. I knew it was never a good idea to say that part aloud, especially in front of the guys who could reasonably expect to be the targets of such schemes.
Fortunately, my companions seemed to appreciate the sentiment, giving understanding, almost reverent nods.
"A politician, and a toady; of course they'd agree," I thought.
The Diamond Dogs around and inside the town hall lurched to attention as I approached. I spied and beckoned Twitch from among the crowd.
"Twitch, pick a few boys you trust and get after the deserters," I pat him on the shoulder. "Tell them they're free to leave Woollachia, but if they kidnap any more Sheep, or try to hole up somewhere here, I'll find out and come for them. Got that?" I then addressed the whole crowd.
"Same for all of you. You're free to leave, but don't you dare try to cause trouble in these parts, understand?" The dogs all called in the affirmative, and Twitch turned to start choosing the boys he'd need. I pulled his attention back to me, however.
"I'm trusting you the same way I trust Graggle, so don't make me regret it," I demanded in a low voice. I didn't cast a reflection, but the look on his face told me plenty about how I looked: dreadful and terror-inspiring. I clapped him on the back and let him carry on. "I want you to report back by sundown." Twitch nodded harder.
"You count on me, Master! No worries!" He affirmed before loping off to choose his agents. I addressed the crowd again.
"For now, anyone choosing to stay needs to speak with Graggle or me before you do anything more complicated than getting food or water," I explained. One raised his paw.
"Bathroom?" He asked. I rolled my eyes.
"Anything more complicated than going to the bathroom, or getting food or water," another paw. "Or sleeping," and another. "OR talking."
Graggle snickered as he and the mayor crossed the threshold into the building. Seeing the dogs all nodded in understanding, I turned to follow and stopped dead at the door.
Something about the situation made my heart sink. I felt my breathing become shallow, and my palms were sweaty. My knees felt like they were about to give out, and my eyes were unfocused.
"Master, are you well?"
What in the world could..
God damn it.
"Do you also live here?"
"Er, yes?" Briefs replied. "My quarters are in the back," I clenched my teeth into an angry smile.
"May I come in?" Graggle and the mayor glanced at each other nervously.
"Yes?"
"Thank you," I whispered and stepped inside. Right in the fucking book, first chance I got.
The interior was largely vacant, with all furniture or decoration roughly piled in a corner. The floor has loose bits of wool littered everywhere, likely shed from the stress of the situation.
Briefs brought us to a cozy little office that had escaped the same treatment. His desk still had pens, papers, and an oil lamp, chairs were still in place, the curtains drawn, and the clock on the wall still ticked away.
He offered Graggle a chair but due to my larger size, granted me the entire sofa against his wall, which I pulled closer to his desk. Once we were all seated, he composed himself and spoke.
"Now, Mr. Harlow, as you have sway over the Diamond Dogs by right of force, even bearing in mind those who've absconded, you effectively have control of potentially the largest military body in Woollachia, perhaps even in part of Trotsylvania," he leaned into his chair. "If you so wished, you could easily dominate this territory uncontested."
"With only fifty?" I asked in surprise. He nodded. "Are there no police or guards?"
"Perhaps you've heard of the Longhorns?" I shook my head, and he continued. "They were a breed of our species enriched with magic. Their horns grew long, and they could cast spells through them."
"Naturally, they became something of a magical aristocracy within the four villages, but this was not enough. They desired to expand their influence and transform Woollachia into a great principality."
"Ah hah!" Graggle interrupted. "We have heard of these creatures but merely knew them as Rams in our books."
"Well, any he-sheep is a ram just as any she-sheep is a ewe, my good hound," the Mayor said with a chuckle. "It just so happens that only rams could grow to become Longhorns, so outsiders writing of them likely couldn't make the distinction." Graggle nodded, now thoroughly interested, and I scratched my chin.
"What happened to them?" I asked.
"Well, you probably know that they invited the Equestrians in to help develop the land," we nodded. "Once the roads and Castle Ramstead were complete, and the powers of the Longhorns seemed to be at their peak, they broke their pact with Princess Celestia of Equestria."
"What pact was that? And who's Celestia?"
"She's the ruler of Equestria, Master. The Pony Princess I mentioned earlier," Graggle explained. "And she has been such for at least a thousand years." That was a shock.
"She also raises the sun with her magic," Briefs added. That was worse.
"Oh, that's just a rumor," Graggle laughed, but Briefs shook his head.
"No, no! The Elders of the four villages kept detailed accounts!" Briefs reached into a drawer and fished out an old book he gave to Graggle. "The pact she made was one of friendship and trade, nothing more. She's the type of creature to foster the providence of her allies, so assisting the development of this land was natural to her."
"Hm, and so the breaking of such a pact, formed in benevolence, was quite treacherous," Graggle noted, skimming a few pages.
"And, of course, it's no surprise that when news arrived that they'd murdered her agents to fuel their spells, she was quite cross," Briefs chuckled. Graggle sat pondering a particular passage.
"What is meant by the curse of the woods?" He asked, still studying the page.
"That was their ultimate weapon, or so they believed," Briefs explained, now pulling a map of Woollachia for Graggle to study. "The forest was enchanted to repel or destroy any who entered, who was not a Sheep."
"And Celestia simply flew over it," They shared a laugh before turning to me.
"Master?"
"Is he okay?"
She moves the sun.
Sick.
Ballin', even.
My favorite, how'd you guess?
She's going to fucking murder me.
"Master?" Graggle shook me back to reality.
"Very good!" I snapped to attention, spooking Graggle. "What happened then?" The two of them shared a look before Briefs continued.
"Well, once the Longhorns were defeated, the Equestrians met with our leaders outside the forest," Briefs explained, pointing to the edge of the map in Trotsylvania. "The Princess was willing to continue trade with us, but could no longer feasibly offer direct support while the curse lingered."
"The Boss believed the curse was a myth, and when we safely crossed into Woollachia, it seemed he was right," Graggle said.
"Well, it was only the Longhorn's power keeping it alive, after all," he said with a grim smile. "And after all this time, the last of their number beyond the mountains must have finally dropped dead."
"She didn't kill them all?" I asked, with more hope in my voice than I intended.
"Princess Celestia is known for her mercy, Mr. Harlow," Briefs said.
Mercy is good! Even the guys who stabbed her in the back got to live!
"I can make this work," I thought to myself, barely aware of the continued conversation.
"Regardless, this does lead me to the point of this meeting, Mr. Harlow," Briefs said, slamming his hoof on the desk to get my attention. "We in Woollachia have relied on that cursed forest to defend us for all these years, and now it is gone." He rose and walked around his desk to me.
"But here you are," he made a sweeping gesture to me. "A small army, ready to go, supernatural power in your veins, and some capability for managing creatures, I assess."
He climbed on the sofa and looked me in the eyes.
"I humbly request you use these gifts to unite all of Woollachia under your banner."
I blinked.
"You fucking what?" He blanched at my language but nodded.
"Woollachia has remained disjointed for fifty years, and despite my best attempts, the Mayors and Elders of the other villages refused to make an effort to coalesce into a proper state," he hopped down and paced the floor. "One nation, operating towards the same providence, with a proper defense force, and not just dying sorcery!" He whipped around and pointed at me.
"I believe you are an answer to a hope many of my less convicted kin keep hidden. A hope for a second chance at something truly glorious!" He stood on his hind legs and swept his forelegs through the air. "Woollachia, as was meant to be!"
Graggle applauded, but I raised a finger to protest. Then, a knock came at the door. The Mayor turned and opened it.
"Oh, hello, Frill!" He said with a smile. A ewe carrying a covered basket in her mouth entered the office, wearing a full dress with puffy sleeves, and two long strands of wool from her head done into braids. She saw me and quickly set the basket at my feet, before curtsying and galloping away before Briefs could say anything more.
Fucking adorable.
"Well, how's that?" Briefs said with a laugh as he shut the door. "Seems some of our townsfolk have taken a liking to you!"
I smiled.
"All proof positive you're perfect for the job!"
I frowned. Rolling my eyes, as he continued to pitch the idea to me, I pulled the cloth from the basket to see what was-
"Hurk-" I gagged and dropped the cloth, catching the attention of Graggle and Briefs. Graggle hopped down to retrieve the basket, and before I could object, he threw the cloth away.
"Ah! Quite a gift!" He praised. Briefs joined him, and they began sifting through the contents.
Fresh fruit, a bottle of wine, some flowers, cheese of some description, and a freshly baked, sliced loaf..
Of garlic bread.
"What's the problem, Peter?" Briefs asked as he set everything out on his desk. I shook my head, trying not to vomit from the smell, and pressed a fist to my lips. Briefs nodded. "I understand now."
Graggle, gnawing at a slice of the offending treat, and I watched as he retrieved three glasses from under his desk.
"I could tell you were on the fence, but seeing this act of gratitude must have struck your heart, right?" My watering eye twitched. Graggle gasped.
"Tears, Master?" He offered me the cloth, which itself reeked. I waved my hand.
"So!" Briefs said, pouring the wine. My foot was anxiously tapping. "Perhaps we can have a toast to your new realm, Prince Peter?"
"Fuck this." I thought and leaped from my seat.
"Great! Wonderful!" I rushed for the door, sweeping my cape dramatically to shield me from the smell. "We'll do it after handling the deserters! Good night!" Graggle and the Mayor cheered, clinking their glasses.
"Master, have a drink!" I will fucking-
"Sorry, I er- never drink-" I paused with a breath to avoid spewing. "Wine."
I practically flew from the office, nearly screaming.