Despite our best efforts, Rightly and I were not able to save First Glance before she struck the ground. While I was not overly fond of the inspector, she had done nothing so severe as to merit death.
Neigh. Not death. Let us call it what it was: murder.
Rightly and I attempted to recover what we could of her corpse, until the gendarmes arrived to see to the matter. I suspect it would take them some time to accomplish the task. First Glance’s body had landed ‘pon a rocky cliff. It was scattered.
We returned to find a large contingent of unicorns under Radiant Day’s command in the midst of a confrontation with Valiant Doo and his fellow ruffians. Our return, coupled with the grim expressions on our faces and First Glance’s notable absence, answered their unspoken question. To my disgust, Valiant seemed quite pleased with himself.
Radiant turned to the ringleader of the young hooligans and fixed him with an uncompromising glare. “Valiant Doo. Thou and the pegasi under thy command are to disarm and surrender yourselves into my custody immediately.”
Valiant let out an incredulous snort and reared up on his hind legs, ostentatiously displaying his hammer-hooves. (1). “If thou wishes for my weapons, come and take them.”
1: One of the most common blunt force weapons of the time period, and still commonly used in the modern Guard. They are similar to the traditional hoof armor, but reinforced and modified to maximize their striking power, and usually made with a dense core of heavier metal to allow for much heavier blows. While they are very effective weapons capable of crushing an armored opponent’s bones, some ponies (including the editor) have a hard time adjusting to carrying heavy weights on all their hooves, and they can considerably reduce one’s reaction time.
Radiant Day showed no fear in the face of the naked threat in Valiant’s voice. “I would prefer to take thee alive, so that thou might be hanged as a murderer deserves. That said, I am given to understand that pegasi consider it an honor to die in battle. If needs be, I will so honor thee.”
Valiant scoffed at him. “Thou art too bold by half. Dost thou truly believe that thou canst take a pegasus prisoner in Cloudsdale itself? That simply because a horned harlot sits at the Commander’s side, thou might place thyself above us? Thou art badly mistaken.”
To my displeasure, there seemed to be some validity to his point. The gendarmes should already have secured Valiant and his compatriots before Radiant Day even arrived ‘pon the scene. Barring that, they should at least have come to the unicorn’s assistance. Instead, they seemed content to stand aside, allowing events to take their course.
Even if the gendarmes did not do their appointed duty, the common citizenry of Pegasopolis was more than capable of subduing a few rogue pegasi. However, nopony moved to back the unicorns. In fact, I could swear that a few ponies had attached themselves to the periphery of Valiant’s entourage since the whole incident began. It sickened me to think that if matters came to blows, the crowd might side with a murderer over an outsider.
Radiant was not blind to the mood of the crowd. Already his small contingent of inspectors and escorts were outnumbered by Valiant’s followers, and many of the unicorns were looking find a line of retreat rather than focusing upon their duty. However, these facts did not change his duty. “Valiant Doo, I will bring thee to justice e’en if I must contend against all of Cloudsdale to do so.”
“Enough!” Rightly snapped, stepping between the two parties. “Valiant! Stand down, ere thou dost bring further dishonor ‘pon our clan!”
The young hothead quailed at his ephor’s condemnation, but though his shoulders shook and he could not meet Rightly’s eyes, he did not give in entirely. “I will not surrender my weapons to foreigners, e’en if you order me to do so, sir. No pegasus has ever surrendered their arms to an invading force, and I’ll not be the first to do so.”
“Thou shalt do as I wish,” Rightly all but growled at him. “Or I swear that I will do what I must to see that thou art brought to justice for this crime, e’en if it means I must do violence ‘gainst my own kin.” He glowered at the gendarmes, who quickly bestirred themselves and moved to his side. “However, though thou art a fool and a murderer both, thou art still kin to me, for the moment. More importantly, thou art a citizen of Pegasopolis. Thou shalt face our justice, not that of the unicorns. Now, lay down thy arms.”
For a moment I wondered if Valiant might be mad enough to resist arrest. There was a palpable tension in the crowd as he raised a hoof, which transformed to a relieved sigh as he removed his hammer-hooves instead of striking out with them. The other ponies who had taken up Valiant’s cause were quickly rounded up by the gendarmes and clapped into irons.
Radiant approached the two of us, wearing a troubled frown. “I thank you for alleviating the situation, Ephor. Too much blood has already been shed this day. First Glance...”
“Her end was swift and relatively painless,” I assured him.
“That is a small mercy.” Radiant let out a pained sigh. “I know she could be harsh, but she deserved far better than to be murdered over a slight.” He glanced towards the group of would-be brigands. “While I am obligated to ask that the prisoners be transferred to my custody, I presume that you would refuse such a request?”
“I would,” Rightly answered simply. “The crime occurred within Pegasopolis, and the perpetrators were pegasi. They will face our justice.”
“And the victim was a unicorn,” Radiant countered. “I would see to it that her attackers face justice.”
“You speak as if there is no justice in Pegasopolis,” Rightly snapped.
“I speak as one who has seen his quarry taken from him by the criminal’s own kin,” Radiant answered him tersely. “I mean no insult by it, but you must concede, sir, that were our positions reversed, you would also be wary.”
Rightly opened his mouth to respond, but the answer died in his throat. Radiant’s point was well-made. After a long and troubled silence, Rightly at last answered him. “I can assure you, he will face true justice, not some mockery of it. Clan Doo has no place for murderers in our ranks.”
Radiant met Rightly’s gaze for a long moment, and then reluctantly nodded. “You are an honorable pony, sir, and I have every reason to believe that it will be as you say. However, my duty requires that I inform the Archmagus and Her Majesty of this matter, and formally request extradition of the criminals to Unicornian custody.”
“You will do your duty, and we shall do ours.” I moved between the two stallions, if only to cut short any further disagreement on the matter. “For now, we shall secure our prisoners, and await Commander Celestia’s summons on the matter of jurisdiction.”
“So be it.” Radiant offered a quick half-bow to each of us in turn. “I bid you good day, Ephors. I expect we shall meet again quite soon.”
True to Radiant’s prediction, ‘twas not long before Commander Celestia summoned us. Upon my arrival at the Commander’s Residence, I found the place in an uproar. Unicornian and Pegasopolan officials scrambled to and fro, and not infrequently argued with each other over their appointed duties. Matters were not helped by the budding crowd of curious onlookers, mostly ordinary pegasi eager to see the outcome of the latest political squabble. I found my mind drawn to the memories of the near-riot in Manehatten—I would like to think that pegasi are more disciplined than that. I also hoped we did not have occasion to put that to the test. I do not think the crowd would react well to learning that Commander Celestia intended to give Valiant and his companions over to Unicornian custody.
I met Rightly a short ways away from the Commander’s Residence. I was unsurprised that he had seen fit to bring the criminal Valiant with his party, escorted by a force of his own clanponies.
To my intense annoyance, Sunbeam Sparkle met us at the entrance, rather than remaining within the Commander’s Residence. A cur’s proper place is at its master’s side, its leash firmly in hoof—not wandering the streets, barking and yipping at ponies with proper duties to attend to.
The Archmagus approached us, flanked by a small party of Unicornian knights. I do not recall there being quite so many unicorns under arms in the Commander’s party. However, a heightening of security was only prudent in the aftermath of the attack upon First Glance. Still, it sat poorly with me to see such a force walking the streets. With all the recent tension between our races, ‘twas difficult not to view them as more akin to an invading force than an armed escort.
Sunbeam Sparkle chose to position herself on a cloudbank a short distance from us, granting her a small advantage in height over us for the moment. No doubt, the effect might have seemed imposing to the groundbound races, who are limited to two-dimensional movement. “Ephors, I believe you have a prisoner who belongs to Unicornia.”
Rightly met her eyes and gave a single sharp shake of his head. “Neigh, we do not.”
“Oh?” The Archmagus’ voice turned acidic as she continued, “Has he conveniently taken his own life to preserve the clan's honor before we could launch a proper investigation?” She looked over Rightly’s retinue, and espied the criminal. “Ah, so the murderer yet lives. That is a relief—our suspects dying before they can be interrogated does seem to be an all-too-common occurrence in Pegasopolis.”
Rightly’s let out a faintly annoyed snort. “It does not behoove you to insult your hosts, Archmagus. Unlike Unicornian society, those who commit murder in Pegasopolis are actually punished.”
“Rightly,” I gently cautioned him. “She is trying to provoke you. Do not rise to her bait.”
“I’ll not fall for such transparent manipulations,” he answered me tersely. “But I’ll also not allow her insults to go unanswered. Honor demands no less.”
Sunbeam Sparkle spared a disdainful glance for the two of us. “Well, more’s the pity that we’ll not have the opportunity to see Pegasopolan justice, such as it is, in action. I formally demand the extradition of the criminal Valiant Doo, for the crime of murder most foul. He will face our justice.”
“Your request is noted and denied, Archmagus.” Rightly gave a coldly dismissive wave of his hoof. “The crime was committed in Pegasopolis by a Pegasopolian. Jurisdiction falls to Pegasopolis to investigate, prosecute, and punish.”
“The victim was a citizen of Unicornia, investigating crimes 'mongst the highest leaders of Pegasopolis,” the Archmagus smoothly countered. She stepped down from her elevated position, and when next she spoke it was with a clear, booming voice that carried over the crowd. Clearly, she was not merely speaking for our benefit now. “Inspector First Glance was openly murdered in broad daylight, whilst a crowd of Pegasopolan citizens, gendarmes, and even two members of the ephorate stood watching. Further, her murder came because her questions made those in a position of power uncomfortable.” She offered Rightly a smile that positively dripped with venom. “Perhaps her death came because her questions were dangerously close to revealing some hidden truth?”
Rightly’s teeth clenched, and for a moment he glared at the Archmagus in pure, unadulterated hate. When he spoke, his voice carried the forced, cold neutrality of a pony struggling to contain his righteous fury. “Do you lend weight to her accusation that I had a part in the death of my wife and child 'pon the foaling bed?”
“I said no such thing.” Not that the Archmagus needed to openly make such an accusation. The mere implication of it was damning enough. Were it not for the Commander’s clear wishes to the contrary, I might have pushed her on the matter, in the hopes that she would say something offensive enough to give me cause to demand juris.
“I have no wish to bring a formal accusation against you, Ephor. Slander and sedition unsupported by evidence is not the way of Unicornia,” Sunbeam’s voice oozed out. “I merely state that the attack upon the inspector came as a direct result of her inquiries into the matter whilst in the course of performing her duties.” She gave a wide wave over the crowd of restive pegasi lingering near the Commander’s Residence. “Who would you have try Valiant? Half of your citizens would give him a commendation for the murder, if they could.”
“A good task well done deserves recognition,” Valiant spoke up from the midst of his escort.
“Be silent, criminal!” Rightly snapped at the murderer, before returning his attention to the Archmagus. “If half our populace supports him, then we shall simply pick our jury from amongst the other half.”
“How droll.” Sunbeam offered him an unamused look. “Is that what passes for wit in Pegasopolis? Regardless, I think it better still that the criminal Valiant Doo be tried in an unbiased court and by an unbiased jury.”
Rightly let out an incredulous scoff at the suggestion. “If the court you intend to try him in has horns, I think that reivers would be a far kinder and more honest population.”
The Archmagus’ eye widened, and her lip curled in a self-righteous snarl. “How dare you, sir?”
Rightly shrugged off her attempt to play the wounded party. “Quite easily, in truth.”
“Such sentiments are unworthy of a leader of Equestria,” Sunbeam Sparkle gave Rightly a derisive sneer. “Though ‘tis not far withdrawn from what I’ve come to expect when exchanging words with an ephor of Pegasopolis.”
“If a strict adherence to the truth is what you have come to expect of the ephorate, then I shall take that as the highest praise.” Rightly gave a satisfied smile at having so deftly turned the Archmagus’ words ‘gainst her. “In any case, 'tis my understanding that the ranks of Unicornia have been compromised by love of the ... money your society uses, and that unicorns value blood more dearly than competence and honesty.” Rightly spared a glance for the Archmagus’ thunderforged shoes, and his lip curled up in a faint sneer. “Now ‘twould seem that such poison have even gained the ability to traverse clouds.”
The Archmagus met Rightly’s words with a contemptuous snort, and she spoke with biting sarcasm. “Ah, pegasus arrogance. Yes, your realm is far superior to any other. The great paradise of Pegasopolis, where ruffians may freely perform murder in the streets, children are mutilated if they do not perform in their lessons, and our Queen's name is held in contempt.”
Though I was tempted to give voice to my objections, a glance from Rightly made me hold my tongue. This was his battle, and he did not wish for my involvement. Stallions are often stubbornly proud in regards to such matters.
Rightly turned back to face the Archmagus, a single eyebrow raised. “The actions of a few mad criminals do not define a society—and at least when foals are harmed in our realm, the perpetrator is properly punished instead of being granted power and influence.”
If the barb bothered her in the slightest, Sunbeam Sparkle did not show it. “Only the acts of a few criminals, you say? One can only wonder how many more crimes your timely assassination of the inspector concealed.”
Rightly let out an incredulous snort. “One could just as easily ask when thou didst cease beating thy daughter needlessly.”
The mention of young Midnight naturally drew my eyes to the filly, and I could not fail to notice the slight flinch that Rightly’s words drew from her. Unsurpringly, that reaction excited my curiosity as to whether there was something to charge. From what little I’d seen of her treatment of young Midnight, Sunbeam Sparkle was a harsh but not unfair mother. I cannot imagine that the Commander would tolerate mistreatment of a foal within her very palace. Then again, she seemed willing enough to employ a foal-slayer; who is to say that she might not also overlook a few inconvenient injuries suffered by young Midnight?
Neigh. I cannot imagine that the Commander would allow such a thing to occur. And though I am loath to admit it, Sunbeam Sparkle’s foal-slaying was not the act of a mad killer. The murder displayed a level of vile and pitiless calculation, yes, but there is a vast difference between who would willingly commit a foul crime to further their own ends and a mere wanton abuser. If nothing else, I imagine that Archmagus Sparkle would not needlessly mistreat her daughter simply because she would gain no benefit in doing so.
I do not doubt young Midnight might claim that she was unfairly punished at times, though what child has not felt that way at times? I know in my youth, I often objected to the reprimands I received from my fathers, even though now that I have the benefit of an adult’s wisdom I know they were deserved. Mostly—in the matter of the damaged wing blade, I shall maintain until my dying day that my late father was unfair to me.
However, while I occupied my own thoughts with the question of young Midnight, Rightly continued his debate with her mother. “Such wanton accusations of crime and conspiracy are needless and unbecoming of one of your station, Archmagus. Cease your barking and be useful, or grant us surcease from the displeasure of your company.”
“I would say the same to you, sir,” Sunbeam Sparkle returned. “Her Majesty’s will has been made clear to you. If you will not surrender the criminal to Unicornian custody, then by all means, return to your clanhold, so that you might continue to beat your children whilst claiming that you do so for their own edification. I’ve no more patience for this display of arrogance.”
“Then ‘twould seem we have finally reached one point of agreement, unicorn. Neither of us wishes to endure the other’s presence for a moment longer.” Rightly turned to me, his tail flicking in annoyance. “I beseech thee, dear Shadow, take the Archmagus and her child to the ground. 'Tis my concern that her presence shall only continued to undermine the investigation and cause needless tension between Unicornia and Pegasopolis.”
“It would be my pleasure to remove her.” For the first time since Sunbeam Sparkle’s arrival in Pegasopolis, I felt something resembling joy at the thought of any form of interaction with her. ‘Twould be most gratifying indeed to remove her from our clouds, that she might never grace us with the dubious pleasure of her company again.
Rightly offered me a grateful nod, and for the first time since his conversation with Sunbeam Sparkle began, there was a faint smile ‘pon his face rather than an angry glower or an annoyed frown. “I bid thee to tarry not, Shadow. The longer the Archmagus lingers here, the more time her foul stench will have to sink into the very clouds themselves.”
“I do not serve at the Ephorate’s pleasure,” Archmagus Sparkle snarled at us. “I am here at Her Majesty's behest, and only she may command my departure. Or is your contempt for her now so great that you would dare to openly defy her wishes?”
“Your queen's reach ends at the ground,” Rightly answered with a dismissive snort. “In the clouds, the only authority that matters is that of the Commander. Foreign dignitaries are expected to make a swift departure once their hosts reject them. I say now that you are no longer welcome in Pegasopolis, Sunbeam Sparkle. Your continued presence will not be tolerated.”
In answer, the Archmagus merely dug her hooves into the clouds. Though she said nothing, her intent was clear. She would not be moved, not without struggle. For my part, I thought it best to seek out the Commander so that she might simply order Archmagus Sparkler to stand down and end this charade. It would greatly please me to see Sunbeam Sparkle so humbled, whilst all Pegasopolis and her own unicorn companions could bear witness to her humiliation.
Sadly, it seemed that now Rightly’s blood was up, and he had no desire for the solution that patience might have delivered into his hooves. Instead, he spoke plainly. “Shadow, I pray thee to take her from this place at once, lest gravity be her only guide to her realm.”
I could only gape at Rightly’s truly abysmal choice of words. Though I love him dearly, even now, there were times when he could be a complete and utter fool.
The reaction of the Unicornian contingent was immediate, as the Archmagus’ escort arrayed themselves protectively before her, weapons bared and spells at the ready. Sunbeam Sparkle’s own horn let out a bright green glow, and when she spoke there was a deadly calm to her voice that I knew all too well. This was no longer a mere political display: now, she was preparing to shed blood. “It is most unwise, Ephor, to threaten an archmagus.”
Rightly’s clanmates flocked to his side, and placed themselves between him and the unicorn escort. There was only the barest of distances between the two forces, and tension lay thick in the air. ‘Twould take but the barest of actions to prompt one side or the other to violence.
I whirled upon Rightly and though I kept voice low, the fury in my tone conveyed the depth of my displeasure. “Art thou mad, dear Rightly?! Thou wouldst speak of subjecting a unicorn to gravity so soon after the crimes of thy own kin? Hast thou taken leave of thy senses, or dost thou wish for this to end in bloodshed?”
Rightly blinked several times, and his mouth hung open as the import of his words struck his mind. “I did not think to...” He cleared his throat, and spoke loudly and clearly for the benefit of all. “I apologize for my most unfortunate choice of words, Archmagus. I have no excuse for such behavior.” He turned to his clanmates. “Stand down.” His attention once more shifted to me. “Shadow, I revise my prior request, and now suggest that thou merely escort her child to the ground 'fore tensions boil over yet again. If Sunbeam Sparkle wishes to remain in Pegasopolis let her reap the consequences of that choice, but I’ll not see a filly suffer for the sins of her mother. Thrice it is said, and done.”
I stepped forward, intending to do precisely as Rightly asked, but found my way barred by a young Unicornian knight bearing a blazing blade the instant I crossed past Rightly’s own forces. “You shall come no further, Ephor.”
I was somewhat relieved when Radiant Day stepped out from the line of unicorns protecting the Archmagus, and addressed the soldier barring my way. “Stand down, Daylight. The ephor has no intention of escalating things to the point of violence, and neither should we.”
To my annoyance, Sunbeam Sparkle glanced to the soldier barring my way and offered an approving nod. “I will be neither bullied nor threatened by the brutes of Pegasopolis. Though I’ve no wish for this to end in bloodshed, I shall defend myself if attacked, as will my faithful protectors.”
As Sunbeam Sparkle’s bodyguard clearly had no intention of allowing me to come within hoof’s reach of her or her child, I withdrew once more to Rightly’s side. There was little more I could truly do, unless I cared to strike the first blow simply to remove the unicorn from my path. Such would hardly have been a wise course of action.
Upon my return, Rightly spared a displeased glower for me, which stung far more deeply than it should have. ‘Twas hardly proper to condemn me for suggesting a withdrawal in a situation where continued escalation would profit us nothing. Surely he did not expect me to simply carve my way through the Unicornian knights and quite likely the Archmagus herself, simply to remove young Midnight from her mother’s side? Or had he simply reached the point where his pride could not allow any withdrawal, however sensible?
Rightly held his condemning gaze ‘pon me for several seconds before he turned once more to Archmagus Sparkle. “I once more propose that your foal should be escorted to the ground, Archmagus. Let us not risk having a mere filly caught up in this clash. Surely you cannot argue that the Commander requires young Midnight’s presence here as part of thy duties. And after her departure, I think ‘twould not befit a true mother to abandon their foal for long.”
“You would threaten me through my own daughter?” Archmagus Sparkle let out an indignant cry, and unleashed a gout of fire that carved a channel through the clouds between our two forces. “It would seem, Rightly Doo, that your reputation for honor is naught but a lie!”
Rightly turned to me, his voice low and tense. “Prepare to disperse the clouds 'neath her, if necessary. The Archmagus oversteps herself with her threats.”
I could scarce credit my own ears. Though I’ve no love for the Archmagus, even I could see that she was being pressed far too hard. Her back was to the metaphorical wall, and she would not give ground. The only thing further efforts might accomplish would be to push tensions to a full explosion. “Rightly, we should withdraw for now. Let the Commander remove her peaceably in a few hours time, rather than force the issue at this moment. It will come to blows, at this rate.”
Rightly nodded to the freshly carved channel ‘twixt his own clanponies and the Unicornians. “A blow has been thrown, though it did not strike home. Regardless, the Grand Vizier of Unicornia has no cause to remain in Pegasopolis, and I’ll not indulge her presence a moment longer.”
“I am fully agreed on that point, but this is not the time, place, or manner in which we should press the issue,” I counseled him. “For now, I strongly urge thee to withdraw thy forces ere one of hers or one of thine own does something foolish, and blood is shed. One murder has caused us no end of grief, and thou wouldst add dozens more to the toll?”
Sunbeam Sparkle offered Rightly a mocking smile. “You would be most wise to listen to her, Ephor. Give way and return to thy clanhold, until such time as thou art capable of civilized discourse. I am sure Her Majesty has no need for the services of one who cannot even hold civil discourse.”
Rightly’s breath hissed through clenched teeth. I put a hoof to his shoulder and silently urged him to ignore the Archmagus’ barbs and remove himself from the field. To my dismay, he met my eyes and slowly shook his head. “I cannot let this stand, Shadow.” There was a tone of mingled determination and resignation in his voice that filled me with dread. “I’ll not be seen to withdraw like a beaten cur, tail ‘tween my legs. If that means that the matter must end in blood, then so be it. Equestria will only benefit from her demise at this juncture.”
I cast my eyes about, vainly searching for the only one I could think of who might be able to stay this madness. Where was Commander Celestia, when we had such great need of her? If anypony could defuse this situation before it descended fully into the realm of madness...
I must have spoken that thought aloud, or perhaps my thoughts were simply plain ‘pon my face to one who knew me as well as Rightly did. Whichever it was, he answered my thoughts. “Neigh, Shadow. 'Twas the Commander who began this misguided venture. ‘Twas she who granted the Archmagus her power, and endorses her every act by her continued tolerance. You cannot expect her to swoop in at a moment’s notice to chastise the servant she would favor above all Pegasopolis combined.”
Damnation. He was right, though. I could not simply stand about, wringing my hooves and hoping that the Commander would teleport into the midst of a heated situation and resolve everything, the way she does in far too many poorly-made theater productions.
I felt helpless. ‘Twas not a sensation I enjoyed. Events seemed to be spiraling madly out of control, and there was naught I could do to stay their course. I could not help but wonder if one of the old evils had somehow gained its freedom—’twould certainly explain why my fellow equines had all fallen to insanity. Why else would ephor and archmagus be on the verge of spilling each other’s blood?
But neigh, the only madness here was that of rising anger and distrust, and the Commander could not simply wave her hoof and remove the problem entirely. If there was to be an end to this rising madness before more ponies died because of it, that would come as a result of my actions.
I stepped forward and deliberately placed myself between the two groups of ponies. “All of thee, stand down! I'll not have anymore violence 'tween pegasus and unicorn! We do First Glance a poor service by shedding more blood in her name.”
I turned to face Sunbeam Sparkle and slowly approached her. The unicorns hesitated, but at a signal from their mistress they slowly stood aside rather than bar my path again. I forced myself to moderate my tone, keeping it as level and calm as possible. “Archmagus, I humbly ask that I might remove your daughter from a potentially hazardous situation and escort her to safety. You've my word of honor that I shall defend her life with my own, if needed.”
Archmagus Sparkle scrutinized me for several long moments, and the magic slowly faded from her horn. “Perhaps 'twould be wise, Ephor. It seems that Pegasopolis is not safe for any born with horns 'pon their heads.”
It shamed me to admit it, but I found myself forced to agree with her. I had never seen Rightly so unbridled before—I could only guess that First Glance’s accusation had deeply shaken him. Though I am biased in my opinion, I would number Rightly amongst the best that Pegasopolis had to offer. If his fury was so great that even he was on the verge of needless violence, then I shudder to think of the state that our less disciplined and moral compatriots must be in.
That I should find myself condemning my fellow pegasi, and e’en thinking that Sunbeam Sparkle herself seemed far more reasonable by comparison, was a distasteful thought indeed. What was becoming of my homeland, if I found the foal-slaying whorse more palatable company than the warriors I had shed blood and sweat alongside?
And yet, even as the thought horrified me, I could not deny the truth of it. This entire confrontation between Rightly and the Archmagus had been needless, and ‘twas Rightly who was largely responsible for its escalation. Though some of his provocations were unintended—I do not believe his mention of securing young Midnight should have been seen as a threat against her—it was nonetheless his words which pushed the Archmagus to the verge of violence in fear for the safety of herself and her daughter. Beyond that, he did fail to do all that he might have to defuse the rising tensions, and even seemed willing to push matters to violence rather than simply give ground and end the needless confrontation.
Rightly glowered at the Archmagus, brushing a hoof across his armor as he were removing a particularly troubling bit of offal. “Shadow, I trust that thou understandeth that expediency is worth its weight in thunderforged steel. Mayhap thou couldst speed thyself ‘pon thy task, ere this situation goes even more poorly.”
“I think all who have borne witness to this spectacle know that if anything unfortunate does occur, ‘twill be because you and your clan cannot restrain themselves from wanton murder of anypony born with a horn, not because Shadow moved too slowly.” Though I did not care for her barbed tongue, my annoyance with Archmagus Sparkle immediately redoubled when she turned to me and offered a gentle smile. “I thank thee, Shadow, for protecting me from thy fellow ephor. ‘Tis most pleasing to see that there are some in Pegasopolis who’ve not forgotten honor.”
Her approval filled me with shame.
The Archmagus turned to her daughter. “Midnight, thou shalt accompany Shadow to a place of safety.” With no further ado, she employed her magic to lift the young filly up and place her upon my back. “Be well, my daughter.”
Then Sunbeam Sparkle did something I would not have expected of her. She leaned over and kissed her daughter on the forehead. I grasped her true purpose a moment later, as one of her hooves brushed along my wing. ‘Twas a light enough touch that she could easily claim the contact to be accidental, but I knew such was not the case. She turned to me, a knowing smirk on her lips. “My apologies, Shadow.” She glanced over my shoulder at Rightly, who looked to be on verge of doing unto her as Valiant had done to First Glance.
Unacceptable. I might have silently endured the experience before, but that she would do such a thing to me merely to cause upset to Rightly was beyond what I could tolerate. My wing snapped out fetching her a sharp but relatively harmless blow with the flat of my blade. I offered her an apology every bit as sincere as the one she’d given me. “My apologies, Archmagus. My wings have a tendency to act on their own, at times. Particularly when they are unexpectedly touched.”
Sunbeam Sparkle brought a hoof up to rub her head where I’d struck her. After confirming that the only thing I might have wounded was her pride, she looked to me and gave a slight nod. “I’ll grant you that blow, Shadow, but ‘twould not be wise to take another.”
“My point has been made, Archmagus,” I answered her coolly.
“So it has.” Sunbeam Sparkle nodded to me. “Now, I pray thee, escort my daughter to Her Majesty’s side, so that I might be assured that she will be safe from any further violence ‘tween our breeds.” She glanced back to her daughter, and the barest moment I could swear that saw something almost maternal in her expression. “Keep her safe, Shadow.”
“I shall.” I turned about and made my way into the Commander’s residence proper. Though Rightly had expressed his wish to have the child taken to the ground, I felt that the Commander’s side made a far better location. E’en if I were inclined to remove the filly to the earth, I confess I had little idea of where she should be placed. Simply leaving the child to wander about beneath Cloudsdale seemed cruel, and taking her all the way back to Canterlot was hardly practical. For the moment, the Commander was the best caretaker I could conceive of. Though if I encountered Gale first, I might well leave the filly in her care instead.
Such concerns proved largely unimportant, for immediately upon my arrival I found myself facing Gale and Commander Celestia both, along with the Commander’s hetairoi. ‘Twould seem that the clash ‘tween Archmagus Sparkle and Rightly had not gone unobserved.
Gale stepped forward and took the filly off my back, giving her a brief embrace before transferring the girl to her own back. “Art thou well, young one?”
"I am well enough,” Midnight answered her tonelessly. “Nopony has tried to smite me as of yet, so the experience compares favorably to what passed in Manehatten.” She offered a listless shrug. “However, the day is young and blood will be shed ere it ends, I am sure.”
Gale frowned, then craned her neck about to give the child a quick nuzzle. “Thou needs not trouble thy mind with such things, little one. All will be well soon enough.”
Midnight met her gaze levelly. Though she said nothing, the simple look did much to convey her disbelief.
I judged the filly to be as well as one could ever say she was, given her oddities, and turned to the Commander in order to share my thoughts on the matter of her inaction. “Your presence, Commander, might have been useful for defusing the current crisis.”
Commander Celestia offered me a warm smile. “No doubt it would have. However, I had faith in thee to resolve the matter without the need for my intervention.”
“The matter is far from resolved, Commander,” I answered her testily.
If she noted the condemnation in my tone, the Commander did not allow herself to be bothered by it. “In that case, then, let us say that I continue to have faith in thy abilities. Fear not, my little pony, I shall be close at hoof to aid thee, if it should become needful. Thus far, however, thou hast performed most admirably in this matter.”
Did she see this whole affair as some opportunity to test my skills as a diplomat? Foolishness—pegasus and unicorn were on the verge of battle, and she would prefer to risk lives in the hopes that I might learn some valuable lesson in the process?
Though mayhap there was a certain method to this seeming madness. Already, Rightly and most likely some others ‘mongst my fellow pegasi felt that Commander Celestia favored the unicorns. If she were to intervene now in order to defuse the clash ‘tween the two breeds, ‘twould likely only heighten that resentment. Far better then that she maintain some degree of objectivity, so that she could act more effectively at a later time. The clash between Rightly and Archmagus Sparkle was but a symptom of the underlying tension, and one does not cure a disease by simply treating symptoms.
Still, despite the logic of it all, the Commander’s action sat ill with me. While maintaining objectivity and having faith in us to resolve our own problems seemed a reasonable enough stance, ‘twould be far better if she acted the role of Commander. Rather than maintaining neutrality, she should act to resolve matters by showing the pegasi under her command that she did not favor the unicorns unduly. If she were to simply take our side when we were in the right, then there would be no cause for anypony to fear that those of her subjects born with wings were unloved. “Commander, I must object to your stance of inaction. You could end this whole matter with a few simple words.”
“I could,” she agreed, “but at what cost? I would rather husband what moral authority I have, so that I might bring it to bear ‘pon the true matter at hoof rather than expend it merely treat a single symptom whilst the disease rages on. I still greatly desire to speak with the ephors, and I would prefer not to test their goodwill by publicly chastising one of their number for having an argument with my grand vizier.”
“It is pleasing to me to know that we will no longer be subject to public scorn when we take action for the good of all Equestria.” Shortly after I spoke the words, I had cause to regret them. “Forgive me, Commander. I should not have—”
Commander Celestia placed a hoof upon my shoulder and slowly shook her head. “Your words are harsh, but not unfair. In hindsight, I should have spoken with thee and thy fellow ephors in private regarding the matter of the griffons. I erred in that, and I apologize.” Though she did not say as much, I could also guess that her handling of the griffon matter contributed to her reluctance to act on this affair. Rightly’s pride was already stung from one public rebuke; adding a second would only deepen the wound.
I reluctantly conceded the matter with a nod. “So be it then, Commander. I’ll see to the end of this clash.”
“Thank you, Shadow.” She favored me with an affectionate smile. “Once matters are settled here, I would ask a boon of thee. ‘Tis clear that I have been too long distant from my winged subjects, and that they do not feel I have heard their voices or respected their ways.” Several of the hetairoi shifted uncomfortably at that statement. “Shadow, I believe that ‘twould be wise if I kept a pegasus close at hoof in the future, to advise me on such matters and ensure that I do not make such errors in the future. The position would be like unto the role Sunbeam serves for me in Unicornia.”
Though I had already guessed at what she intended to say next, I still felt a small bit of joy when she turned to me and said, “I would offer this position to thee, Shadow.”
There could only be one answer to such an offer. “Commander, ‘twould be honor to serve you in such a capacity.”
Moments after I had accepted, my mind turned to the practical problems of my new position. Obviously, I would need to find another to fill my position in the Ephorate and appoint somepony to manage the day-to-day affairs of the clan. If I was to stand at the Commander’s side in Canterlot, I could hardly expect to also fulfill any duties I might have in Pegasopolis. ‘Twould be an inconvenience, but one I would have little choice but to endure in order to serve the Commander and Equestria.
Such thoughts were for the future, however. ‘Twould not do to allow the current crisis to go unattended because my thoughts lingered on what was yet to come.
I exited the Commander’s Residence to find that the Doos had withdrawn a short distance away from the Archmagus and her party, to my immense relief. They were now huddled together and in the midst of heated conversation, presumably discussing their next move. Though I was inclined to join their discussion, I could not justify denying Archmagus Sparkle word of her daughter’s current disposition. With great reluctance, I returned to her side. “Your daughter is now in the care of mine, standing at Commander Celestia’s side. She could not be safer.”
The Archmagus offered me a very slight nod. “You have my thanks for that, Ephor.” She inclined her head towards the Doos. “It would seem that your fellow pegasi are in midst of planning something. I cannot fully determine what they plan, beyond the fact that the criminal made some manner of suggestion which excited the current debate.” She gave an uncaring shrug. “They’ll reveal their intentions soon enough, in any case.”
“Most likely.” I moved to join them, but hesitated after only a few steps. Rightly had seemed displeased with me, and current conference consisted solely of his clanponies. Would I be welcomed as a friend to the clan, as had always been the case in the past, or would I simply seem an unwelcome intruder, inserting myself into the affairs of Rightly’s own clan? While I am quite fond of Rightly, I would not care to see him interfere in my management of my clan—’twas likely he would feel much the same regarding my role in his clan’s affairs.
That hesitation cost me, for when the Doos broke conference to present their conclusions, I still stood near the Archmagus’ side. That earned me a displeased glance from Rightly, though I hastily shook my head and struggled to find some nonverbal way of conveying that I did not stand with Sunbeam Sparkle in this matter. ‘Twas simply that I stood where I did, and in this case it happened that the Archmagus was in a position near my own.
To my surprise, ‘twas Valiant Doo who spoke, rather than Rightly. “I have proposed, and my paterfamilias has accepted, that we resolve the matter of jurisdiction through juris ungula.”
“Of course,” the Archmagus murmured under her breath. “How else would pegasi solve a legal dispute, if not with a duel to the death?” (2)
2: While that is a bit of an exaggeration, in this case Sunbeam isn’t far from the truth: juris ungula was frequently used to resolve any difficult or complicated legal issues. This does have the advantage of allowing Pegasopolis to function without needing a large number of lawyers, since all the legal grey areas were sorted out with bloodshed instead of courtroom arguments. Naturally, there were varying levels of severity within juris ungula: very few ponies would want to fight a duel to the death over something like cloud allocation and distribution law. However, in Valiant’s case, given that the charge was murder, a duel to the death would be the normal precedent.
Sunbeam Sparkle frowned in thought, then turned to me. “I confess that while I’m quite familiar with the protocol for duels ‘tween unicorns, it has been some time since I had occasion to familiarize myself with Pegasopolis’ codes, or what protocol exists for a duel that crosses tribal lines. ‘Twould be most unwise to accept a duel ere I know the relevant statutes.”
Rightly’s displeasure grew at the sight of Archmagus Sparkle turning to me for advice, and I felt myself growing piqued with him. ‘Twas not as if I preferred Sunbeam Sparkle’s company to his own: I simply happened to be conveniently close at hoof to answer a perfectly valid legal question. Only a fool would agree to a duel when they did not even know the rules of the contest.
Speaking of fools and their follies, the one soldier who’d challenged my approach to the Archmagus stepped forward. “If ‘tis a duel that you wish for, then so be it. ‘Twould be my honor to stand for Unicornia in this matter.” The young stallion turned to Valiant and met his eyes. “Know that you will have the honor of dying ‘pon the blade of Magus Daylight Shimmer, ruffian.”
“A magus, art thou?” Valiant grinned at the impulsive young soldier. “I’ve not slain a magus before. That should prove an interesting experience.”
Whilst the two young stallions went through the usual preliminaries of issuing threats and bragging of their prowess, I noted Archmagus Sparkle shooting a pointed glower at Radiant Day. A few moments later the knight stepped forward, and put a hoof on the younger magus’ shoulders. “Daylight, if thou wouldst, allow me to stand ‘gainst this criminal. First Glance was assigned to my command, ‘tis fitting that I be the one to avenge her.”
Daylight Shimmer regarded the knight, and slowly shook his head. “While I’ve no shortage of respect for thee, sir, I’ve reasons of my own to stand for Unicornia in this matter, and as a magus I hold precedence over thee in this matter.”
“That you do,” Radiant conceded with a slight nod. “Which is why I have asked thee to withdraw thy challenge and stand aside, my friend.”
The stallion considered this offer for a moment, then slowly shook his head. “Neigh, I cannot. Not even for thee. ‘Tis a matter of honor.”
I struggled ‘gainst the urge to let out a snort. I could guess the honor which concerned young Daylight easily enough. The stallion was young enough that I would hazard he was new to his rank as a magus. (3) No doubt, like many young ponies fresh into their service to Equestria, he was eager to prove himself and gain the attention of his superiors. The chance to fight a duel ‘gainst a murderer for the honor of all Unicornia must have seemed a golden opportunity to make his mark.
3: For the Unicornian military, the magi stood outside the formal chain of command. All things considered, the magi were something of an anomaly in antebellum Unicornia, as they prized magical ability above all other factors, including station of birth. While in practice noble-born magi benefited immensely from their families’ wealth and connections, Sunbeam Sparkle was not the first pony of common birth to hold the title of Archmagus. Because of their place outside the traditional norms of Unicornian society, a common-born magus like Daylight Shimmer could claim social precedence over a noble-born knight like Radiant Day.
Radiant regarded his young friend for a long moment, then sighed and shook his head. “So be it then. I will stand as thy second, though.”
Daylight offered his friend an easy smile and clapped a hoof onto his shoulder. “I can think of no other pony I would rather have at my side.”
I thought the matter settled with that, until I heard Archmagus Sparkle hiss out several particularly foul oaths under her breath. “That damned idiot is going to get himself killed.” She cleared her throat, and then loudly announced. “While I commend Daylight for his enthusiasm, I am afraid that I cannot permit him to stand for Unicornia in this matter. I will accept Valiant Doo’s challenge personally.”
Deathly silence descended over the crowd following this announcement. I was no less stunned: ‘twas most unusual for an official as high-ranking as the Archmagus herself to personally commit to a duel, especially against a common criminal. I might have thought she simply sought to hoard the honor gained from victory to herself, had I not seen her reaction to Daylight Shimmer’s acceptance of the challenge. I could only come to one conclusion: she had entered the duel to prevent him from fighting. But why?
An intriguing enigma. I would have to set Gale to the task at some point. Assuming Sunbeam Sparkle survived the contest, of course.
We assembled at the training yard attached to the Commander’s Residence to witness the match between Sunbeam Sparkle and Valiant Doo. As Archmagus Sparkle needed to be informed of the rules for juris ungula and a few modifications needed to be made to the training fields for the duel, there was more than enough time for word of the battle to spread. Every worthy figure in Cloudsdale, with the notable exception of Commander Celestia, turned out to witness the battle. For the Commander’s part, I suspected she had no desire to bear witness to the bloodsport.
I naturally found a suitable location to witness the match near my fellow ephors. Rightly still remained cold towards me, though mayhap ‘twas simply that we had not time to truly discuss the recent events with the battle now looming. Given that one of his own was to be engaged in battle, he most likely had other, far more pressing concerns than the sorrows of a single mare. Still, it did not please me to feel this distance ‘tween us.
The conversation unsurprisingly focused upon the upcoming match. Bright Charger seemed particularly enthused by the coming clash, likely because she had a keen interest in dueling. She’d lost a fair portion of her left ear in one such contest, but the wound had done nothing to curb her enthusiasm. “So, the archfiend has been brought to battle, has she? Good, I had half a mind to challenge her myself after what her agents did.” Bright Charger turned to Rightly. “How dost thou like thy stallion’s chances?”
Rightly considered the matter, and offered a shrug. “Valiant is a skilled warrior, but I’ve not had the opportunity to see the breadth of Archmagus Sparkle’s talents. ‘Tis difficult to predict an outcome when one pony’s abilities are unknown.” He frowned out at the field, and his voice turned cold. “Still, if he falls, my clan has lost a criminal. If she perishes, an enemy is removed. I consider both outcomes more than acceptable.” His voice took a dark turn as he murmured. “Though if he wins, my clan might well insist that I honor him as a hero rather than give him the noose he deserves.”
Steel glanced at him. “Trouble?”
“Nothing worth speaking of,” Rightly responded. “He refused my offer of a blade to end his dishonor. Some within the clan felt I should not have made the offer to begin with.”
Swift Blade turned to me, and shifted the topic back to the matter at hoof instead of Rightly’s difficulties within his own clan. “Shadow, you know Archmagus Sparkle the best of us all. What do you think of her chances?”
Rightly let a faint grumble that inspired utter incredulity in me. Surely he could not be jealous? Though ‘twas sadly true that of late, I’ve had more time in the company of Archmagus Sparkle than that of dear Rightly. A thought that only grew more unpleasant as I realized the new duties Commander Celestia intended for me would ensure that such would be the case for some time to come.
I could hardly afford such maudlin thoughts at the moment though, with Swift awaiting his answer. “Though it gives me no pleasure to say it, ‘tis likely that the Archmagus will triumph.” Rightly let out another grunt. He truly was jealous! I might have been amused by this, under better circumstances. “I’ve had my sources gather what knowledge they could regarding her history, and it included a number of duels with political rivals. It seems she is rather fond of the opportunity to commit legally sanctioned murder.”
“She’s an experienced duelist, then?” Bright leaned forward to have a better view of the field. “Well, ‘tis likely Valiant will fall then, unless luck favors him. At least in his passing he might offer me some insight into how she battles.”
“You intend to challenge her, then?” Swift Blade asked.
Bright Charger thought on it, and gave a noncommittal gesture. “If she lingers much longer in Cloudsdale, I expect she’ll give me proper cause to.”
“Stupid,” Steel grunted. “Mages are dangerous.”
“I’ve fought magic-users before,” Bright answered with a nonchalant shrug. “They have no shortage of cunning spells and underhooved tricks, but a lance through the chest will claim their lives just as ‘twould any other’s. More easily, even, once one finds the opportunity to actually strike home. ‘Tis my experience that most spellweavers rely on their magic exclusively for combat. When it proves ineffective, they are at a loss for what to do next.”
“I expect a unicorn archmagus will be several orders of magnitude more dangerous than whatever foreign shamans or dabblers in dark magic you’ve faced in the past,” Swift Blade answered her, wearing a faint frown.
“We shall see soon enough,” Steel grunted. “They begin.”
True to his words, the duelists stepped onto the field, each accompanied by their second. Valiant had the air of a confident young stallion, certain that he was about to cement his place as the slayer of the hated Archmagus of Canterlot. For her part, Sunbeam Sparkle regarded the young stallion with a faintly amused smirk, as if the upcoming battle were naught but a jest. Given what Gale had learned of her capabilities, that did not strike me as an inaccurate summation of the situation.
Shortly after the duel began in earnest, the joke became apparent to us all.
Scarcely had the arbiter announced the start before her horn flashed green, and Valiant’s mane and tail caught fire. The stallion gave a startled cry and hastily drew back, quickly dousing the fires in a nearby cloud. Archmagus Sparkle simply sat back and watched as he did so, letting the opportunity to end the duel quickly pass by.
“She’s toying with him,” Bright remarked. “She is a confident one. Still, that gives Valiant a chance—she won’t kill him until she’s finished having her fun, and the longer the duel goes on, the more likely it is that she’ll make some error that gives him an opening.”
Valiant Doo, his pride stung, charged the Archmagus. He made all of three steps before she snatched him up in her magical grasp, holding him suspended and helpless in the air. Then, she removed the armor from his hindquarters, and with a quick flash of fire scorched his coat away, revealing the red freshly singed skin beneath to all of Cloudsdale.
Then she magically drew him in, and proceeded to strike him several times as if he were naught but an unruly foal. A few chuckles rang out from the crowd, but for the most part we were content to silently witness his shame. Clearly, Sunbeam Sparkle intended to wound the young stallion in the most grievous way she could: the young do not fear death, especially not when they think that they will die for some noble cause. Thus, she targeted his pride, and stripped it from him entirely.
Sunbeam Sparkle at last released her victim, who was by now on the verge of shedding tears from his humiliation and helpless fury. “Enough!” He cried out. “I’ll not be made a mockery of! Face me as a warrior!”
The Archmagus gave him a slight nod. “So be it then. Thou hast ceased to amuse me. Let us end it.” She stood, ready to receive his charge.
Valiant, his reason all but stripped from him by shame and rage, charged directly for her and lashed out at her head with his forehooves. To his surprise, she made no effort dodge or block his attack, but simply stood and allowed him to strike.
Why she did this became clear a moment later, as his hooves passed effortlessly through her body. ‘Twas but an illusion. Or perhaps ‘twas more than a mere figment of light and sound, for a moment after Valiant’s blow struck home, the doppelganger offered a faintly mocking laugh, and exploded.
Valiant was flung halfway across the dueling field, his olive green Doo armor blacked along with a portion of his flesh. The stallion lay on the ground, apparently stunned by the force of the blast.
Once ‘twas clear he was unlikely to rise for the moment, what I presumed to be the real Sunbeam Sparkle revealed herself, dropping whatever spell had rendered her invisible and stepping up to put a single hoof on Valiant’s throat. “Thou art beaten. Yield.”
“Never,” the proud young stallion croaked out, slowly managing to pull away from her and struggle to his hooves once more. “Kill me, if thou canst, but I’ll not give thee the pleasure of making me yield.”
Archmagus Sparkle pursed her lips and tapped a hoof against her chin. “Ah, but thou must. ‘Tis unfortunate, but by Her Majesty’s command I am not permitted to kill anypony in a duel. I’ll not become an oathbreaker on thy account.”
“Then thou must yield to me or give up thy own life,” Valiant growled out, finally succeeding in rising to his hooves. “For I’ll never yield to thee.”
Sunbeam let out a chuckle that dripped with pure malice, and teasingly stroked Valiant’s cheek with her hoof. “Ah, but thou shalt.”
Her horn flashed, and in the space of a moment Valiant’s wings were burnt to a cinder.
“While I’m not permitted to kill thee,” the Archmagus began, once more wearing that faintly mocking smile she’d begun the battle with, “thou shalt discover that ponies can survive a great many things.”
Valiant Doo was as brave as his name suggests, and filled with the stubborn pride of youth. It took less than a minute for Sunbeam Sparkle to make him yield. He would take his own life shortly thereafter, rather than live out his remaining days as a blind, crippled eunuch.
It need hardly be said that Rightly was displeased by the match’s outcome, despite his earlier apathy. “Had I known the depths of Unicornian depravity, I would have given Valiant a proper death myself and simply surrendered his head to Archmagus.” He gave a dark look towards the Commander’s Residence. “I was not aware that Celestia employed fiends in pony form, let alone numbered them amongst her closest advisors.”
Bright Charger gave a sharp nod. “She would be wise to remove her magus from Cloudsdale as quickly as possible if she wishes to retain the beast’s services after this latest display. I’m not in the habit of allowing monsters to live once they’ve revealed themselves.”
“Still want to fight her?” Steel inquired. “After that? Brave. Or stupid.”
Bright Charger let out a snort. “I see before me a threat to Equestria. ‘Tis my duty to end that threat. That this one sits at Celestia’s side rather than rampaging wildly through the countryside is an insignificant detail.”
While I could not disagree with Bright Charger’s reasoning, something about the tone of her conversation set me ill at ease. ‘Twas a moment before I grasped what it was: she and Rightly both had not used Commander Celestia’s rank when saying her name. ‘Twas not uncommon to simply use her name in casual conversation, but in this case the absence of her title carried a far more troubling implication—one that was not helped by the fact that the ephorate was making its way to the Residence in order to present our grievances to her. At the time it boded ill, and with the benefit of hindsight I know it to be an ominous portent of what was to come.
We arrived at the Residence to find that Archmagus Sparkle had arrived before us, and even had sufficient time to cleanse herself of Valiant’s blood, though there was still a faint coppery tinge to the air. The Commander glanced up at us, then returned her attention to her grand vizier, fixing the unicorn with a displeased glower. “I shall be with thee momentarily, my ephors. However, there is another matter I must address regarding my Archmagus and certain liberties she has taken.”
Sunbeam Sparkle’s expression remained carefully neutral, but I noticed a slight twitch in her ears at the Commander’s words. When she spoke, there was a slightly harried tone to her voice. “Your Majesty, I did as you asked. I—”
“Neigh!” The Commander cut her off with an angry stomp of one of her forehooves. “Thou didst fulfill the letter of my wishes whilst ignoring the intention behind them. Didst thou truly think I would be unaware of such a thing? That I would tolerate this crime simply because thou didst find a clever loophole within my orders?”
Archmagus Sparkle took an instinctive step back from the Commander’s fury. “But Your Majesty, I—”
“There is no excuse!” Commander Celestia snapped at her. “None.” She held a glare on the Archmagus for several seconds, and spoke with a coldness I was unused to seeing from her. “I have overlooked some of thy more questionable acts, because ‘twas clear that thou didst seek good ends. Do not make me regret that choice. Bear in mind, Sunbeam, that the grand vizier serves at the pleasure of the throne, and at this time I am most displeased with thee.”
I cannot deny that it gladdened my heart to see Archmagus Sparkle standing cowed before the Commander. ‘Twas richly deserved and long overdue. I could not help but wonder if the Commander had pointedly delayed the scolding until our arrival, so that we might bear witness to Sunbeam Sparkle’s shaming. If ‘twas a deliberately planned move, then ‘twas a wise one, for it did much to soften the blow of her previous reprimand to the ephorate.
A glance at my fellow ephors confirmed that they all shared my thoughts on the matter. ‘Twould seem that while they’d had little occasion to interact with Archmagus Sparkle compared to me, they’d quickly come to share my opinion of her. Given the atrocity we’d just witnessed, that came as no surprise.
Rightly stepped forward and cleared his throat. “Commander Celestia, if I might, the ephorate has matters we would discuss with you.” He delivered a pointed look to Sunbeam Sparkle. “Pegasopolian matters.”
“I see.” The Commander turned to her Archmagus. “Leave us.”
Archmagus Sparkle gave a start at the command. “But, Your Majesty, I—”
Commander Celestia said nothing, she simply met Sunbeam Sparkle’s eyes with her own, and once more I felt that odd sense of ... presence to her, as I had during her confrontation with the griffon ambassador. How exactly her manner shifted to bring about this change is a difficult to put into words. Suffice to say, for a moment all in the room were intensely aware of the depths of her power and authority. While she spoke in the same gentle tone she normally used in casual conversation, the air of authority lent her words the strength of adamantium. “Leave us, Sunbeam. We no longer require your services.”
Not even one such as Sunbeam Sparkle could fail to be shaken by the full weight of the Commander’s displeasure. “As...” She paused and gave a nervous swallow, showing a level of hesitancy that I had never seen from her before. “As Her Majesty commands, so shall it be.” The Archmagus beat a hasty retreat, and good riddance to her. If fate was kind, the Commander would shortly dismiss the foul wretch from her service, that we might be spared the burden of her company.
Sadly, I did not think that terribly likely. Whilst Gale was not yet fully appraised of the goings-on within the Unicornian Court, she had learned enough to know that ‘twas not unusual for Archmagus Sparkle’s standing in the Commander’s eyes to wax and wane over time. However, much like the roaches she shared so much in common with, Sunbeam Sparkle had proven remarkably difficult to end entirely. Each time she fell into disfavor, she inevitably found some means by which she might win her way back into Commander Celestia’s good graces. Still, even a short reprieve from her presence would be welcome.
Once Archmagus Sparkle had fully left the room, Commander Celestia turned to us, an open, pleasant smile on her face. “Now then, my faithful ephors, what didst thou wish to discuss with me?”
There was a brief, somewhat awkward silence. Now that the cause of most of our complaints had been dismissed, I was at somewhat of a loss for how to proceed. I suspect the other ephors were in a similar state. I had always attributed the bulk of the Commander’s more questionable choices to Archmagus Sparkle’s malign influence. If that influence were now ended, what further cause had I for complaint?
“Biggest problem’s already fixed,” Steel softly murmured under his breath. “Progress.”
That drew a low murmur of agreement from the rest of us. In truth, I might have been content to simply see the matter ended there, for the moment. While I was not entirely satisfied with the Commander’s performance of late, ‘tween her dismissal of Sunbeam Sparkle and her offer to me ‘twas clear that she was displeased with how events had developed as well, and intended to take the measures required to correct this problem. Still, there was no harm in at least laying out the full sum of our concerns, if only so that she might know how best to proceed in addressing them.
Once more, Rightly stepped forward and spoke for us. “Commander Celestia, the ephorate feels that the current Clipping investigations are a travesty and an insult to all Pegasopolis. We object to this in the strongest possible terms, and ask for an immediate cessation of this inquisition.”
The Commander heard his words, and slowly nodded. “I am not satisfied with the performance of my inspectors either, my ephors.” She looked to the side, and let out a pensive sigh. “I have erred, ‘twould seem, in this matter by acting too swiftly. I confess that when the news of the atrocity perpetrated against Swiftwing Striker reached my ears, I became wroth. Sorely wroth. The thought of a mere filly being subjected to such mistreatment...” The Commander trailed off, and I noted the clouds ‘neath her hooves trembling for a moment before she regained her composure. “However, ‘twould seem that in my eagerness to ensure that no such crimes were being perpetrated within my domain, I acted with insufficient preparation. The result is as thou hast seen.” She fell silent for a long moment, then gave a single sharp nod. “It is decided, then. The inspections are to be suspended, until such time as I have reason to believe that they can be performed in a satisfactory manner.”
This, at last, was the Commander I’d hoped to see ever since her arrival in Pegasopolis. Taking swift and decisive action to address the problems we suffered. I could only imagine my fellow ephors were every bit as pleased as I was by this declaration.
“Furthermore,” Commander Celestia continued, gesturing for me to step forward, which I did. “I intend to take measures to ensure that much miscommunication between myself and my faithful servants in the ephorate never occurs again.” I stepped up to the Commander’s side, and she let a single surprisingly warm hoof rest over my shoulder. “To that end, I have asked that Shadow accompany me ‘pon my return to Canterlot, to remain close at hoof that I might know the wishes of the ephorate on all matters of interest pertaining to Pegasopolis, and so that she might convey my wishes to thee more easily and clearly than ‘twould be possible through mere letters and couriers.” A faint smile crossed her lips as she added. “One could say that she will be to Pegasopolis much as Sunbeam Sparkle was to Unicornia, though I’ve reason to expect that I shall be far more satisfied with Shadow’s performance.
“Lastly, I would like to apologize for my handling of the Westmarch affair and my general absence from Pegasopolan affairs.” Commander Celestia offered a very slight bow to my fellow ephors. “I confess that I am far too distant from my winged subjects. While I shared the throne with my sister, I became accustomed to leaving Pegasopolis in her care. After her ... departure, I found the thought of ruling over her former domain, taking up her titles and even moving into her former residence ... painful.”
For a moment, I was tempted to offer some gesture of support to the Commander; ‘twas clear that speaking of her sister pained her. A small thing, like a hoof on her shoulder or even something as simple as moving so that I stood nearer to her side. However, ‘twas but a passing fancy, and one best ignored. Commander Celestia was no ordinary pony, and treating her as such would be an insult to her station. She was my Commander, and I was her ephor. To act so familiarly with her would be inappropriate—especially in the presence of my fellow ephors.
Additionally, such a display would only serve to call attention to her grief. Such pains as the loss of one’s family are not a thing to put on display for all to see. ‘Tis unseemly to make a great public spectacle of such private pains.
I shook myself from such unbecoming thoughts, and turned my attention to my fellow ephors, eager to see their reaction to the Commander’s proposals. For my part, I could not be happier. Yes, she had erred in some of her rulings, but she had clearly grasped as much and now intended to make matters right. The mark of a great commander is not perfection, for nopony can manage that, but a willingness to confront one’s failings, and take the appropriate measures to correct them. Commander Celestia had done precisely that.
Thus, it was with some surprise that I discovered that my fellow ephors were not sharing approving smiles and grateful nods, but rather were exchanging glances with each other whilst wearing troubled frowns. I did not understand. How could they still be so discontent, when Commander Celestia had heard all that we said, and made clear her intention to address our concerns?
Finally, Steel Striker shed some light on what troubled them. “The inspections will continue?”
Commander Celestia frowned and offered him a short nod. “The inspections will resume once I feel that they can be conducted in a manner consistent with the ideals of Equestria and Pegasopolis, and a fully-qualified staff of inspectors from all three of the pony tribes has been assembled.”
“So we are still to be subjected to these intrusions?” Bright Charger stepped forward and had the gall to actually scowl at Commander Celestia. “We shall still have the other tribes subject us to this indignity? We do not go their cities and criticize their ways! ‘Tis not fitting that we be forced to endure such humiliations. For all your talk of reform, Commander, I see little true change offered. It matters little to me whether all the proper forms are submitted in the process of having our nation treated as if we were a collection of abusers.” Bright reared up and slammed her forehooves ‘gainst the clouds. “I hear your offer, and deem it insufficient. The inspections must be ended now, and permanently. A properly performed travesty is still a travesty.”
Commander Celestia let out a patient sigh. “I have heard the ephorate’s concerns on this matter, and will continue to do so. I will do everything within my power to ensure that the investigation is performed in a manner that does not dishonor Pegasopolis.” The Commander met Bright Charger’s gaze, and her eyes hardened. “However, I will not end the investigation so long as the question of whether there are young colts and fillies being mistreated, being mutilated, within my realm remains unanswered. I will not allow such a crime to go unpunished, even if doing so upsets my faithful ephors.”
Rightly stepped forward and politely cleared his throat. “Respectfully, Commander, I—”
Commander Celestia cut him off with a simple wave of her hoof. “The matter is closed, Rightly. The ephorate has presented its position and I’ve given my answer. If it displeases thee and thy fellow ephors, then I am sorry for that. While I shall accommodate all reasonable requests from the ephorate, I cannot allow the inspections to come to a permanent end until their work is completed. Would you have it said that there are crimes against foals occurring in Pegasopolis?”
“We would not have such a thing said at all,” Swift Blade answered her. “Which is why we wish for the investigation to end. By its very existence, this inquisition implies that Pegasopolis has somehow failed to adequately enforce its own laws.” The stallion let out a soft little cough and cleared his throat. “But as you wish no further discussion on this subject, let us move on to other matters.” He turned to me and offered a very slight nod before continuing. “Whilst Shadow Kicker has offered the ephorate fine service since joining our numbers, she is still the most junior member. Considering the nature of this new position you intend to create in Canterlot, choosing her to occupy that post goes against precedent.” (4)
4: Much like the modern Guard, the Pegasopolans weighed the seniority of soldiers heavily when it came to assigning promotions. While the abilities of the pony in question were naturally important as well, as a general rule whenever two candidates were relatively equal, the promotion should go to the longer-serving of the two. By selecting Shadow, Celestia implicitly stated that she was significantly more qualified than all of the other candidates who were more senior than her.
“If the Commander wishes for an advisor on Pegasopolan affairs,” Rightly began, “would it not be wiser to choose from ‘mongst the gerousia? Their sole purpose is to advise you on Pegasopolan affairs. While some of them are too aged to make the journey to Canterlot easily, most are still not so old that they cannot offer you many years of good service. Shadow’s own father, even.” A faint frown crossed his face. “It seems a disservice to the ponies who’ve dedicated the remaining years of their life to advising you to choose one who is not a member of their ranks.”
Commander Celestia’s eyes widened at the stream of objections. “No offense to thee or the fine members of the ephorate was intended by my choice, my faithful ephors.” Her gaze shifted down to me for a brief moment. “I made the offer to Shadow simply because her duties have brought her frequently to Canterlot of late. It seemed sensible to offer the post to one who is already somewhat familiar with the city and the nature of my royal court.”
Bright let out a derisive snort. “It may be Unicornian tradition to elevate one so seemingly malleable to a position of influence, but attempting to do so with Shadow does as much an insult to her as it does to her honored father and the other geronts.”
“As I’ve stated, that was not my intention,” the Commander said. “I simply chose the pony I thought could assume these new duties with the most ease.”
“Perhaps in the future, Commander, you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with Pegasopolian customs before you assign offices.” I was stunned by the open hostility in Swift Blade’s voice. There was a harshness to his tone that was entirely improper for a pony who was addressing a superior officer.
Commander Celestia could not have missed the naked insubordination in his voice. “Enough!” She slammed a hoof ‘gainst the clouds with near sufficient force to disperse the floor ‘neath her. “We have answered thy concerns and made more than reasonable concessions, and yet all thou hast done in response is raise fresh complaints and attempt to twist our words against us!”
The other ephors fell silent for some time in the aftermath of Commander Celestia’s brief outburst, until Steel Striker ended the quiet. “‘We? Our?’ Telling.”
It took a moment for me to grasp what he meant. In her frustration with the ephors’ obstinacy, the Commander had reverted to the speech patterns she had grown accustomed to using during her extended stay in Unicornia. Including referring to herself in the plural.
“Are we to be commanded to kneel before her and grovel like dogs next?” Bright Charger loudly grumbled. “That is the way of unicorns, is it not?”
Rightly let out a sharp nod, accompanied a snort. “Pegasi do not bend their knees for anypony.”
I could not let these remarks pass unchallenged. “Rightly, she simply misspoke. ‘Tis hardly a shocking thing in such a tense discussion.”
“Neigh, ‘tis not shocking at all,” Swift Blade agreed, though the deep scowl on his face ensured that his words would bring me no comfort. “And that I am unsurprised by this speaks volumes.” He closed his eyes, and took a single deep breath. “Though I regret that such an act is needful, ‘twould seem that we have no choice in the matter, my friends. We must proceed as we feared.”
Bright Charger gave a flick of her wings. “So it would seem.” She met Commander Celestia’s eyes as she spoke the damning words. “I move that Celestia of Unicornia be removed from the post of Commander of Pegasopolis, on grounds of gross incompetence and dereliction of duty.”
I could scarce believe my ears.
“I second the motion,” Swift Blade responded.
“Agreed,” Steel voted.
I looked to the Commander, only to find her jaw hanging open, an utterly stunned expression on her face. ‘Twould seem the move had caught her utterly unawares.
“This is madness!” I all but shouted at them. “You would remove the pony who has ably served as Commander for more than a century simply because she used the wrong pronoun in a moment of frustration?”
I turned to dear Rightly. “Surely you cannot approve of this course?” There was yet hope to end this. By the old laws, a commander could only be removed if four of the ephors voted in favor of that action. One does not remove the leader of all Pegasopolis with a mere majority vote. If I could but make Rightly see reason, the Commander would retain her post, however troubled. He could not be party to this conspiracy, not my dear Rightly...
He met my eyes, and gave a slight shake of his head. “I cast my vote in favor. The motion is carried.” He turned to Celestia, his tone coldly formal. “Queen Celestia, the ephorate asks that you vacate the Commander’s Residence at your earliest possible convenience. If you feel the need to remain in Pegasopolis long enough to conclude your affairs, we’ve quarters set aside for visiting foreign dignitaries.”
The world had gone mad.