//------------------------------// // Secession // Story: Everfrees and Equines // by Codexwriter476 //------------------------------// “The valley had been through the toughest winters that any creature would weather in their lifetime, and a famine in between faired the settlers no better.” “What do you mean by any creatures grandpa?” “It weren’t just us ponies who made the North Everfree their home. Griffons, Bison, Zebras, even Diamond Dogs made this place home for various reasons. Though they may be different from us in many ways, we all had one common dislike.” “And that was?” “Taxation.” The sun hung high above the pristine cliff-side capital of Equestria; a perfect day to hold a meeting in Parliament. Representatives from all around the country came; a majority came by train unlike their counterparts from Cloudsdale, Manehatten and even here in Canterlot who arrived in style provided by only the best money can buy. Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the main square, the Parliament structure was of neigho gothic design from two centuries ago with a grand clock tower standing proudly above the East wing, near the cliff face. Its sandstone color stonework, rich wood framing and rather ugly green tile roofing contradicted to the rest of the city’s atmosphere, for this was a place of power as well as the Castle and the Imperial Courts just across the square. On any normal day, the square would be barren, aside from a few pedestrians and shop keepers. There would be a few ponies watch the building at the gates or from market stalls nearby, to overhear what went on within with great interest and/or concern. With the end of the Equine-Griffon War, the national treasury was nearly depleted from nearly fifty years of fighting in the northern territories. As a response to the issue, Parliament had passed several rather heavy tax acts in order to refill the treasury. Now a majority of the provinces would agree with the acts since half of them were propose by Princess Celestia herself. The tax on sugar and raw resources had restored a good percentage of the revenues, as well as the Postal Act and the Merchants Act. Today was entirely different. The representatives would decide on how to address the reconstruction of the affected territories by means of a province inhabitant tax. Parliament was in an uproar by noon. Representatives were shouting at one another as the chair ponies overlooked the proceedings. Constant bickering and arguing over pointless motives and classes represented before the court had careened the entire assembly to a standstill. “Order! The Parliament shall have order!” One of the chairs repeated slammed his gavel on the podium before the court. Some of the representatives slowly simmered as other continued to mutter profanities and insults to their opponents. The elected leader of Parliament stood. “The chair recognizes the representative from the North Everfree province.” The stallion’s voice echoed through the chamber, a touch of Trottingham in his deep regal voice. When addressed, a well dressed mare made her way towards the podium centered in the chamber and before the chairs. Her mint green coat was well groomed, to match with her white and blue coffer. The sleek black vest contradicted her appearance, but the court said nothing of it. Though representing a rough territory, she clearly had the outcropping of Manehatten. “Chair ponies of Parliament, mares and stallions of the other provinces; I wish to address the recent issue of taxation within my province. We have seen the brutality of both armies and ravages of war, and yet surely you believe we can continue paying the required amounts to refill our treasury when we have barely any to spare for our services and now with this Province Act, you’ll send us to ruins.” She started. “You continue to say this, yet the quarries and mines within your province have reaped benefits in our cause.” A delegate from Canterlot interrupted. “The chair does not recognize the representative from Canterlot at this time.” The board retorted and returned their attention to the mare before them. “The delegate is correct, but we see no need to further tax our destitute farmers, crafts ponies and traders in such degree as to result with them ending up in debtor’s prison to pay unimaginable fines. It’s not our faults that Cloudsdale refuses to send a weather team to tame the weather.” “We’ve sent three in the past month, only to be met with harsh conditions; even the formidable Everfree Forest cannot be tame.” A Cloudsdale representative hovered out of her seat, trying to intimidate the speaker. Two guards nearby took positions to subdue the flared member, only to be ordered down by the chair. “Then why do you persist in sending them to collect a fee from farmers who needed even a small maintenance of weather above their crops? Why do you all persist in forcing foreign crafts creatures out of their livelihood because they were once our enemies and refused to pay for their services?” The mare continued. The statement seemed to encourage more debacles amongst Parliament. “Madame Greenwood, Are you saying that your province should not continue paying its dues to the nation, after what it did to protect your province and inhabitants? I suggest you choose your next words carefully, for you are treading on thin ice with no hope of recovery whatsoever.” The elected chair pony asked with a brow rose. Greenwood was indeed on thin ice. Since she was selected to represent the North Everfree, she’s been bickering with the elected chairs on numerous occasions. This subject would eventually be her downfall and to the delight of her opponents within the chamber. “With all due respect head chair pony, this country only “protected” its own inhabitants; ponies. What of the diamond dog miners who fill your shops with metals and gemstones? What of the zebras who treat the sick and wounded from battle? What of the Griffons who resided in the province long before the war, how they were harassed and assaulted because of their species and refusal to support it? Now they must pay nearly twice as much as the poor famers and shop keeps who barely keep their livelihoods afloat with the recent Merchants Act. Is this how you treat those who risked everything they had to aid our wars and deliver us victory?” With this said, Parliament was again in an uproar. “How dare you think of yourself? What of the families of those lost in battle? The ones that sacrificed their lives in order to keep your province safe and in Equestria’s fold.” A Filidelphian shouted. “You mean the families of the poor and “unworthy” that fought and died while your sons and daughters continued living a posh lifestyle in their bucking mansions on Neigh Street!?” Greenwood flared her response back. In one fell swoop, the Filidelphian charged from her seat and tackled Greenwood. Two more representatives; one from Ponyville and another from Appleloosa entered the fray in hopes of separating them, but to no avail. The Royal guards charged onto the floor and forcefully separated the two fighting mares. “Escort the delegate from North Everfree off of the premises.” A chair pony nearly went horse shouting to the guards and his hoof sore from banging the gavel to the point of snapping. The guards holding Greenwood quickly escaped through the side doors back into the main structure. The doors leading from Parliament threw open and Greenwood was tossed out by the guards. “Miss Greenwood, consider your position in Parliament suspended. A finer and more reasonable delegate will replace you until your suspension is revoked.” The elected chair said. The doors slammed behind him. She slammed her hooves on the doors to no avail as deep inside, delegates greeted the new “representative of North Everfree” as he agreed with the proposition of the act. Her pupils shrunk when the muffled voice of the elected chair announced the result of the votes rather quickly. “The Province Act is passed. Fifty-four to Ten in favor” Sulking away from the doors, Greenwood could do nothing but inform the province that the Act had passed. Much to her distaste, she couldn’t inform them of the occurrence within those walls and her “replacement” but they will eventually find out anyway. There was, however, a bright side. At least her little speech had inspired ten delegates to vote against it; despite being in vain. ======================================= The sun started to rise over the West Rocky pass the next day, only to be met with an uproar. The township of Hayvenport; the largest territorial city nestled on the Chippasaw River junction, had just learned about Greenwood’s dismissal and the approval of the Province Act. Ponies, Griffons, Zebras and some Diamond Dogs had rallied before the courthouse where Greenwood was telling the township’s officials and the territorial governor. “The nerve, the nerve of it all!” One pony cried out in anger. “They had no such right to do this. Suspending our representative and having a toadstool take her place. You told them of our conditions, yet here you are with this gravest of news. “I’ve had to send nearly half our miners to prison for not paying their taxes alone. Our farmer’s crops are still trying to recover from the devastating blizzard last month and are being threatened by tax collectors with evictions. With this new act, the province won’t last a week.” The governor shook his head. “I’ve seen the records from other provinces, being the province’s record keeper.” A unicorn with a quill and a bag of bits for a cutie mark replied. “I’ve noticed that Canterlot, Cloudsdale, Manehattan and Filidelhpia are barely paying twenty percent of the taxes according to last year’s records; where as our province, Appleloosa and even Ponyville are nearly paying a majority of it. I wasn’t able to get access to the others, but they are almost fifty-fifty.” The courthouse raised their opinions in anger. “Every pony, settle down. I’m sure we can find a peaceful solution to all this conflict without the need of violence.” A rather posh looking pony stood up. “My business is suffering because of posh pony.” A rather upset Diamond dog stood up, the small dust cloud evaporating from under his collar and ragged vest. “We give ores and gems to ponies. We expect to get pays for them. Instead we pay posh ponies and get nothing in return. Not a single gem.” “My family cannot afford enough food to continue through the winter because of tariffs on goods coming from my homeland. Do you expect my family to live off oats and apples all our lives, or do you intend to see us suffer in the streets, begging for scraps?!” A griffon merchant stood up as well. Both creatures faced the pony. “Well, I’m suffering as well you fleabag and feather duster! It’s not like the Act is helping me in any other way.” The pony snapped back. “You’re a Tax pony and you say your suffering?! I bet my money goes into your pocket!” the Griffon roared threatening to bit his head off. “And it goes out of mine as well! I barely get a percent of the profits and I don’t even have a family to care for. The guards come by every week to get the collections. They’ve even threatened to break down the door to get it because we were closed that day.” Before any arguments could continue, another pony rushed through the doors. “Beggin’ your pardon boss, but we’ve bein’ robbed!” The pony looked up to his boss. The tax pony rushed from his seat and out the doors, the committee right behind. Sure enough, the collector’s office on Kipper and Hayseed was being raided by a detachment of guards. The doors were busted open as burlap sacks of bits were being carried out to an armored wagon nearby. “What’s the meaning of this?! It’s not even Tuesday and you’re taking this week’s collection.” The tax pony shouted at a guard posted outside the door. “Orders from Parliament. All new taxes are to be collected immediately as well as this week’s taxes.” The guard replied. The tip of his bayonet glistened in the sunlight. “We’re still collecting the rest of it from the other townships. You have to give them more time.” The pony replied . “Look, mister-“ “Taxer, Henry Taxer.” “Look sir. I’ve got my orders from Parliament and the paperwork says that the taxes are due today.” The guard explained as a second emerged from the building. “Captain. The collections short. There were only ten bags.” The guard turned back to Taxer. “Well, where are the other twenty bags?” “That’s what I was trying to tell you. The rest of the taxes haven’t arrived yet.” Taxer explained. By now, a crowd was forming around the scene and on lookers were being held back by bayonets and spear tips. “Until we collect the rest of the taxes, you’re coming with us. Perhaps they’ll send a more efficient collector in your stay.” With that said, the captain nodded to two unoccupied guards. They took hold of Taxer and shoved him within the armored wagon along with the sacks of bits. “They can’t do that!” A citizen shouted and started shoving his way through the golden armor clad guards, followed by many more. “He’s only doing his job!” “Sergeant, get the wagon out of here!” The captain shouted. Rearing, the sergeant and another guard started the ascension towards the sky, only to be detained by diamond dogs holding the back wheels below and griffons laying their paws on the guards. “You dare touch a Royal guard, feather brain?” The sergeant shouted and quickly took out a blade with his mouth. Before the griffon could move out of the way, the blade struck the wing, cutting through arteries. Reeling in pain, the griffon released his grip only to be stabbed again. The blade had pierced his chest. The other griffon quickly released his grip as the other guard attempted to do the same. The diamond dogs below fared no better as guards quickly dispersed the group with spear tips and bayonets, leaving cuts on their hind legs and one losing his tail. With the wagon freed, the guards quickly took off into the sky with their loot and prisoner. In their flight, they had left a scene of chaos and agony. Five dogs were injured and the griffon was bleeding to death. “Some pony get Shaku! Everyone else give them space.” Greenwood shouted out orders. Everyone around quickly abided, with remorse and anger towards not only Parliament, but now the Royal guards; the same ponies who protected them during the wars. “Why isn’t the princess doing anything about this? She could have gone against the Act.” One pony said. “I bet she came up with the Act in the first place. Why else would we be paying the most taxes out of the other territories out here? Even Manehatten is facing the same thing, and you don’t hear them complain.” Another replied. As they continued to mutter about themselves, Shaku, the township’s medicine zebra arrived. “Stand back everyone. There is work to be done.” He rhymed and began his procedure. After several intense minutes, he turned to the governor. “The blade barely missed his heart, but this is only a start. He must come to the hospital in hopes for his survival.” “Do whatever you can Shaku. I’ll send word to his family. They should be there in case it turns for the worse.” The governor replied. Shaku shook his head and received assistance from the wounded dogs still able to lift the griffon. The trio soon took off as quick as they could towards the hospital some blocks away, the other wounded dogs followed suit. “The committee will return to the courthouse to decide on the necessary action for this… this crime against the province.” With that, the committee slowly retreated from the scene. The public started making their way as well, leaving a down trotted pony before a broken office of his former boss. It began to rain. The following day the storm had cleared away, leaving behind small pools of water. The birds were chirping in the trees before the courthouse. No residents were on the streets and many businesses were closed. The faint whistle of an approaching train echoed into the soggy morning, drowning out the birds. However, the tone was not as cheerful as the days before. This train was going north towards the border, with one flatbed and a wooden box. The passenger car behind it was reserved for those who wish to see the box home, including a small detachment of guards from the Griffon Kingdoms serving as protection for the family. “I’m sorry for your loss Miss Sparrow. Your husband was a good griffon.” The governor spoke softly to the widower, dressed in black. Many others in the committee wore black in respect while seeing the mourning family depart on the train. The train rolled out as the town band played a slow and mournful tune. When the train was out of sight, the band stopped. “Miss Greenwood. Please send our regards and this letter to Parliament on the next train.” The governor surrendered a letter to Greenwood. Greenwood didn’t reply but took the letter. “Gentlemen, shall we address the townships of our actions?” “But we’ll be branded as traitors.” One member replied. “Then we will hang for it if we fail. Now, return to the townships and spread the word. Mr. Wool Weaver, have your shop start work on designs for our new flag.” “Right away Governor.” Wool Weaver replied and trotted off. ================================ “Delegates, please take your seats. Our next agenda today is the recent trading agreements with-“The elected chair was interrupted by a muffled conversation outside the chamber doors. The doors burst open and Greenwood trotted in, followed by a frantic guard. “I’m sorry sir, but she persisted in addressing the parliament.” The guard replied nervously, obviously fresh from training. The delegates muttered to themselves as Greenwood approached the podium. “Miss Greenwood, you were suspended from this place and you have the audacity to barge in during session?” The elected chair asked. “I’m only here to deliver this from the North Everfree Commonwealth, as well as their regards.” She said aloud. “Commonwealth? North Everfree is a province of Equestira, nothing but!” The fake representative stood up. Greenwood shot a stink eye towards the delegate, who quickly sat back down. The guard stationed nearby the podium took hold of the letter and presented it before the chair. The elected took possession of the letter and addressed the chamber. “To the Equestrian Parliament. Due to the audacity of the Province Act and taxations without proper representation, the illegal seizure and /or destruction of province residences and property, and the untimely death of an important member of our community, we see no choice but to server this tyranny and declare our secession from the Equestiran Crown. Upon reading this letter, we have hereby declared our independence and relinquish any Equestrian claim of the North Everfree Valley and surrounding territories declared by the Crown and Parliament. Signed, Governor Shay Haytham- Elected Governor of the North Everfree Commonwealth.” After reading, Parliament roared to life in detest and insult. This was unheard of; a rarity for centuries. An Equestrian province, declaring its separation and independence over ill representation and unfair taxation. It was like a foal moving out of the family home because they did not get dessert. “Surely you must be joking. All over your removal and another request to fill our nation’s coffers?” A member inquired. “My removal was enacted at an impromptu time and talk of rebellion had been whispered behind your ‘requests’ since the Reconstruction Act after the fourth war with the Griffons. Now blood had been spilt as a result of this.” Greenwood replied. Soft murmurs slowly filled the chamber. “Two days ago, A respected representative of the tax collecting committee was arrested by Royal guards stationed in Hayvenport over the lack of collections. Not only was the collector a member of the committee, but a fellow settler of the Commonwealth. This instigated a riot from his neighbors, leaving five diamond dogs injured and one well known griffon owner dead in the streets.” She finished. “And this is all connected… how precisely?” The head asked. “The guards were never brought to trial, which was a violation in the province’s charter established-“ “Yes, yes. We are aware of the charter created some decades ago, but you have failed to answer my question.” The head interrupted Greenwood. “The taxes were for the recent Act, passed without a proper representative of that province. Not to mention that half of the officials for the province were present of the incident.” Now the soft murmurs were growing louder, most in disbelief and wished to hear no more of it. The ponies at the chair softly convened on the current situation. A couple minutes later, they returned their attention to the pony before them. Their expressions remained unchanged, to Greenwood's disappointment. “Miss Greenwood, if this is true, then we will send and inquiry to investigate the matter, but this incident alone does not justify for secession from the Equestrian homeland. This letter is nothing more than a brunt and rather fruitless complaint, thus we will not recognize this “Commonwealth” as a sovereign nation. Guards, please remove Miss Greenwood from Canterlot at once.” The Head chair declared, slamming the gavel on the mount. Two guards stepped towards Greenwood and looped their hooves around her front limbs, with the intention to physically drag her to the train station for the next outbound train. The Parliament wanted to make an example of her, but she will not give them such a pleasure. Greenwood shrugged the guards off and corrected her broach. Flanked by the guards, she calmly trotted towards the door. In one last gesture of defiance, she rounded towards her “replacement” and mooned him, inches from his muzzle. “You can keep my seat.” The guards soon took hold and pulled her away, leaving the senator dazed and embarrassed. The wealthier delegates rose in and angered and disgusted uproar, while those lower than them jeered and silently applauded her. Only the head chair remained silent, as if she’d seen it all happen before.