Chapter 3: A Scribe in Court
Princess Celestia stepped into her throne room with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. Each step was filled with grace and poise. She was the embodiment royalty, a princess gracing her subjects with her presence. When she took her seat she gazed out at the gathered throng. There was no doubt in my mind, this was her arena, this was where she thrived.
I followed her on shaky legs, barely able to stay upright. My eyes stayed locked not two paces in front of my hooves. I did not want to look up. I knew what I would see and just the thought of it terrified me. In that moment I wanted nothing more than to be back at my desk, reading briefs and taking notes. Amazingly my legs managed to carry me up the raised platform that held the throne. Positioned to the left of the Princess and with that old pony's words echoing in my mind, I gathered my courage, took a deep breath, and raised my eyes.
For the second time that day I was frozen somewhere between complete panic and catatonic terror. They were packed flank to flank, row upon row, all kneeling before their princess. I had never seen so many ponies in one place. The mass of ponies were broken into two groups, one on either side of the carpet leading up to the throne. Pegasus guards like shining beacons of law and order surrounded the horde; ensuring that they all remained calm, peaceful, and a goodly distance from their charge. Eight unicorn guards stood just below the dais, the last line between the Princess and a violent riot; while the two that had escorted us took up positions just in front and to either side of the throne.
A rather odd looking green earth pony with no mane to speak of knelt toward the Princess in the space between the pegasus and unicorn guards. More than a little over weight he wore an uncomfortably tight fitting navy blue suit jacket with a large red and yellow bow tie.
To the right of the throne four ponies stood at attention saluting the Princess as she sat on her throne. Starting at the far right was Lord Commander Cloudbreaker, commanding officer of Her Majesties Pegasus Strike Force. His close cropped pink mane completely out of place with his scared and severe face. He wore dress blues over his gray fur, foregoing all ornamentation other than the winged sun crest on his shoulder that denoted his rank. Next to him stood the Arch-Magi Silent Stars, commanding officer of the Strategic Recon and Strike Corps. A full-length coat with its dark green and black stripes covered her entire body and its high collar hid most of her face. Her horn and muzzle were heavily tattooed, each marking representing a rank of command. The only badges she wore were the silver crescent moon and golden star-burst on her lapels. The massive draft pony General Bullrunner of the Equestrian Defense Brigade stood beside her in full battle raiment. Overlapping steel plates covered him from neck to hoof, cruel looking bladed spikes extended out of the back of his front hooves, his head and face were completely obscured behind his Brigade Issued bullhorn helmet, the only unarmored part of his body was his cyan tail that twitched irritably. Finally, with the white coat, blue mane, and golden armor of his subordinates, Commandant Nightrunner of the Royal Guard stood at the shoulder of the Princess.
"My little ponies, it warns my heart to see so many of you here today. Though we have but a limited time I do hope to be able to hear from each of you today."
The ponies all stood, though many kept their eyes cast down, afraid to look upon their princess. The green pony rose more slowly than the others. He looked up at the Princess and waited. When she gave him a small nod a broad smile split is large round face as he gave her as small bow. Turning to face the gathered ponies he took in a mighty breath, his chest expanding even further to make room.
“HER MAJESTY, THE ETERNAL PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA, WELCOMES ALL HER CHILDREN INTO HER PALACE. AS IS TRADITION SHE WILL NOW HEAR THE SUPPLICATIONS OF HER SUBJECTS.”
The herald’s words echoed up and down the hall. The ponies that were unfortunate enough to be standing too close to him rubbed their ears in vain to stop the ringing. When the echo stopped nopony had moved. Many seemed to be looking around at each other, unwilling to be the first to step forward.
Deciding that he had waited long enough the herald drew in another large breath. But before he could give it a voice two young pegasi stumbled out of the crowd with a slightly surprised look on their faces. The herald deflated slightly at seeing them but quickly motioned for them to step forward.
The two looked at each other, still uneasy but taking comfort in the other’s presence. They wrapped a wing around each other and began making their way forward side by side. The golden maned silver mare seemed to glow as she walked down the carpet with her fiery maned dark blue stallion in tow. She quickly overcame her initial nervousness and a look of excitement began to overtake her features. He, however, remained reticent looking everywhere except where he was headed.
The pair approached the herald and the mare spoke softly to him; he listened intently nodding slightly as she told him what they wished from the Princess. When they finished he motioned them to step forward to the edge of the dais. He then turned back toward the assembled ponies.
“THESE PONIES, MS. GOLDEN RAY AND MR. SKY FIRE, WISH THEIR PENDING UNION TO HAVE THE PRINCESS’ BLESSING.”
A cheer went up from the crowd until the Princess motioned for silence. With a wave of her hoof the Princess motioned for the two to step forward bringing them to the foot of her throne. She leaned between the two and encircled them in her wings, whispering softly in their ears and listening attentively to their replies. When she was satisfied she folded her wings and stood motioning the two to face the crowd.
“No magic is stronger than the friendship shared between ponies. And when that friendship turns to love it can overcome any obstacle." the Princess smiled down at the two ponies in front of her, "These two ponies wish to express their love through the eternal union of marriage. May you live long and happy lives together and share your love with all those around you."
A cheer erupted from the reassembly accompanied by a thunder of hooves pounding the marble floor. The two waved timidly at the crowd until the Princess motioned them toward my still frozen form.
"Mr. Chronicle?" She asked over the dwindling applause. "Princess Celestia said she would like to attend our wedding and to schedule it with you?"
"Um... Mr. Chronicle?" The stallion asked waving a hoof in front of my face.
"Ouch!" I jumped as something bit my flank; almost head butting the bride to be. They turned to each other then back to me with a questioning stares.
"What... Oh yes, schedule, wedding." Trying to recover, I dug through the saddlebags pulling out the calendar, ink, and quill. "What day did you say it would be?" I smiled weakly.
"It will be in three months on the twenty sixth. The ceremony will start at three in the evening." She spoke softly now that the crowd had quieted while another pony was approaching the herald.
I flipped the calendar to the appropriate page, "Okay, twenty sixth, three pm. We will do our best to attend." There was nothing else scheduled for that day, but I knew I couldn't make any guarantees.
They thanked me and took their leave, heading out along the outer edge if the crowd. A number of ponies joined them making the assembly just a little smaller.
From there on I managed to maintain my composure by focusing my attention only on the individuals or small groups that approached the Princess. I watched for hours as the Princess heard the voices of her people. None were turned away, though many were not granted what they sought. Some brought complaints against their neighbors or family and the Princess would turn them over to the royal guard to deal with.
Some ponies asked for money and if the Princess found them to be truthful and truly in need she would have me write out a receipt for them. One mare came asking for funds, claiming that she had been fired for turning down the advances of her employer. The Princess was horrified, or so I had thought, and demanded that the offending stallion be brought forward at once. I should have known that something was amiss when the mare tried to tell the Princess that such action was unnecessary. It was an uncomfortable length of time before a guard returned with the stallion in tow.
"Ms. Maner? I was worried when you didn't show up to work this morning. Did something happen?" The concerned look on his face and the sound of his voice did not match the given description. Ms. Maner looked like a rabbit trapped between a fox and a wall.
"May I enquire about your relation to Ms. Maner, Mr. ....?” The Princess asked.
As though just realizing where he was the stallion gave a clumsy bow before responding, "yes, your highness, my name is Loomer. Ms. Maner came to me last week seeking employment. Her husband has passed away recently, you see, so I hired her on a trial basis. She had no experience, but was learning quickly enough." with each word the mare seemed to shrink further and further into her herself, attempting to hide behind her mane, "I was about to offer her a full time position when she didn't show up today." Ms. Maner was visibly shaking at this point and the stallion looked on with concern and a great deal of confusion.
"Thank you Mr. Loomer, I believe that will be all. Ms. Maner will be returning to work later today, isn't that right?" The mare nodded silently still trying to hide behind herself.
The shopkeeper bowed toward the Princess and placed a comforting hoof on his employees shoulder before taking his leave, still unsure of what had just happened. Once he had passed through the great doors the Princess leveled a disappointed stare at the pony before her. When the weight of it became too much to bare she finally broke and began sobbing audibly. The Princess softened her gaze and wrapped the tearful mare in her magic aura, carrying her up to the throne. Comforting her the Princess whispered to her softly and received nods and shakes of the head from Ms. Maner each one more energetic than the last. When the Princess finally let her go she wore a smile and bowed multiple times to the Princess as she backed away thanking her profusely. Eventually she turned to run excitedly out of the great hall.
The Princess leaned over toward me, “we will need to send someone by Mr. Loomer's shop in a week to check on how she is doing.” I nodded as I made a note to remind myself.
As the Princess heard the pleas of her people and rendered judgment the crowd began to shrink. Each leaving once they received judgment. By the end only twenty or so ponies remained in attendance.
Those that remained each carried the airs of impotence about themselves that I have come to recognize as the arrogance of the rich. The clothes they wore said much the same, excessive lace and jewels sewn about the silk cloth. They may have been waiting for the less well to do ponies to leave or possibly they were hoping for a private audience, either way they would not get the chance that day.
The two great doors swung open revealing two griffin's who more than equaled General Bullrunner in size. There was an immediate reaction from the Princess and the gathered military leaders, none of which was good.
The Princess seemed to sit higher as a less then pleased look distorted her features. The Commandant stepped closer to her as all his men turned to face the newest arrivals. For his part General Bullrunner's trail stopped twitching and began pawing at the ground with his forehoof. The Arch-Magi seemed non-pulsed, continuing to watch the room as she had been the whole time, while an unpleasant glower affixed itself on Lord General Cloudbreaker's face.
The two griffins moved forward on talon and paw. Their heads turning all around the room eyeing everypony in a very unpleasant way, I felt cold sweat bead on my forehead when their gaze landed on me. I was reminded of the way Mrs. Maner had looked under the Princess' gaze. They moved past the remaining ponies, who gave them a wide berth, until they came to the line of pegasus guards standing between them and the dais. They stopped there, each taking a single step away from the other to reveal a third griffin that had been following behind them. Unlike her hulking guards this griffin was of similar stature to a pony. She wore an obviously expensive white silk robe inlaid with golden embroidery and ebony buttons.
She stepped up to the line of pegasi and was stopped when their wings flared out with a distinct whoosh, blocking her path. She eyed the two guards before turning what I can only guess was an impatient look toward the Princess. I could feel my heart race at the indignation that I felt toward this griffin’s behavior and I could only imagine how the generals on the other side of the throne were maintaining their composure. But before anypony could cause trouble the Princess spoke.
"Let her pass."
Their wings slowly retracted, as though they were uncertain if they should obey. The griffin ambassador stepped past the pegasi and stopped just short of the line of unicorns. Standing on her hind legs she crossed a taloned limb at her waist and bowed slightly toward the Princess.
“Your majesty.”
“Ambassador Kara.” The Princess replied with a small nod. “I was expecting to meet with the Duke today.”
“Yes, in light of recent events His Grace felt that it would be prudent for his son to return to Aerie. Just to be safe.”
“Are ye’ tryin’ ta imply tha’ we would no’ honor our oaths?!” Bullrunner interjected through gritted teeth. The Princess turned a withering gaze in his direction forcing him to retreat from the step he had taken forward.
“I am not implying anything General. I simply serve His Grace as he commands.” A slight grin turned at the corners of her beak. She began to pace up and down the line of unicorns “When the reports of missing pony scouts along our borders came in His Grace was concerned, truly, but did not give it much thought. He has many problems to deal with and a few missing ponies are the least of them. When this first body showed up, however, His Grace became worried that we griffins would have the blame unfairly placed at our talons. He simply wishes to avoid any… complications.”
“I understand, ambassador, were the situations reversed I would likely take similar actions.” The neutral tone of voice and gaze was one that I had not witnessed before. She did not seem to care at all about the actions of the griffin ambassador or the missing and dead ponies.
“What of the reports that you have increased your patrols at the border.” Commander Cloudbreaker spoke up, though with less open hostility than the general had.
“Nothing more than a precaution against… whatever is happening at our borders. True, no griffins have disappeared yet, but that does not mean that they won’t. It is better to be safe than sorry, wouldn't you agree?"
"I have no doubt that the commanders will be able to manage whatever creature is causing this problem. This is not, however, why you are here," the Princess said, bringing the topic to a close. "It has become necessary to alter our trade agreement."
The ambassador's smile slipped, "Oh?" she asked, finding herself on less solid ground. "How so?"
“It appears that the Zebras have discovered a wealth of gold in their eastern ranges. Hundreds are moving out to the mountains to mine it, they are calling it ‘The Stampede for Gold'. Their leaders have approached us with offers for trade that are difficult to ignore.”
At the time I did not understand the significance of what had just happened. Trade and economics had never been within my purview before. Ambassador Kara did a wonderful job of hiding her reaction.
“That is… Of course you have not signed any formal agreements yet?”
“Indeed not. I felt that with our long standing relations it would be untoward to simply cut His Grace out of the picture. That is the purpose of this meeting.”
Thus began a great deal of back and forth between the Princess and the griffin ambassador. They spoke for many hours on the topic of trade. The Princess would offer a proposal and the ambassador would counter it. I was called upon to draw up numerous documents and forms that were reviewed and discussed between the two. A great deal of talking was done, but no agreement was in sight when the Princess rose from her throne.
"Time has gotten away from me. The hour is late and I must attend to my duties. I shall only be a minute.”
Not waiting for a reply the Princess made her exit, leaving all but two of the royal guards in the great hall. The ambassador looked as though she was about to say something, but decided better of it. Taking the opportunity to sit down and rest, idly flipping through the discarded trade agreements. The only ponies still present besides me were the commanders and the eight unicorns stationed along the dais. The rest had been sent away hours ago.
With the Princess gone silence descended on the hall. It was not broken until the Arch-Magi spoke for the first time.
“How are you managing your predicament with the buffalo tribes?”
The ambassador seemed caught completely off guard, “Pardon?”
“I have encountered… rumors of complications between the griffin homeland and the northern buffalo tribes. I was inquiring as to the state of affairs.”
“I can assure you that there are no problems between our two nations.” Her words contained the surety of a seasoned politician.
“That is good to hear. I certainly do not lay much reliance on hearsay; however it is always paramount to be positive.”
Silence once again descended upon the hall. The four warrior ponies whispered quietly amongst themselves as the ambassador idly flipped through last quarter’s trade reports. I busied myself with organizing the paperwork until the light from the windows began to fade. Two unicorns made their way down the hall using their magic to ignite the chandeliers and candelabras that ran along the ceiling and walls.
When the door finally opened to admit the Princess I went to my knees as the commanders saluted. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the ambassador sit up, but she made no attempt to rise or formally acknowledge the Princess. After re-seating herself the Princess spoke.
“Shall we continue?”
The ambassador shook her head, “Your demands are unacceptable. We will not be able to reach any agreement under these conditions.”
“That is unfortunate. But, you understand, the welfare of my ponies must be my first consideration. Perhaps His Grace may be able to find a way for us to reach a compromise.”
Ambassador Kara gave a slight bow, “I will correspond with him immediately. With your leave.”
When the Princess nodded her consent. The griffin collected the documents and handed them to one of her guards before turning to leave. No pony else moved until after the trio had left. Once the doors closed the Princess let out a sigh, eyes still fixed on the doors.
“Did everything go as planned Stars?”
“She demonstrates severe mastery of her facial muscles, but I concur with your suppositions. A griffin is culpable; nevertheless it is improbable that it was at the command of the hierarchy.”
“Commandant?”
“She doesn't know about the incursion into buffalo territory. She will not be pleased when she learns of it through her superior."
"General?"
"She suspects the offer by the Zebras is a ruse. Wi’ the poor relations between the two countries they will no' be able ta discover i’ without calling our bluff. I’ would be too big of a risk, the trade is too vi’al fer their people."
"Commander?"
"The Dukes absence has nothing to do with the events at the borders. His convoy is heading toward the Everfree, destination still unknown."
"Conclusions?"
"Maintain course. When The Emperor counters our offer we accept it grudgingly, citing the desire to maintain a good relationship."
“This will advance our situation two fold, a superior trade pact and the persistent risk of losing our trade to the Zebras.”
"Give them the chance to handle the murders internally, but press the issue; even they are not arrogant enough to antagonize two countries simultaneously."
"The Emperor is plannin’ soomething; we would be well served to find ou' wha’ it is before it plays out."
"Is there anything else?" When no one spoke up she continued, "Then we are done here. I want detailed reports on available ponypower and resources on my desk by tomorrow."
"Ma'am." they said together saluting.
"Dismissed."
When the door closed behind the last pony only the Princess, her two guards, and I were left in the hall. I looked up at the Princess expectantly, uncertain of what to do next. I could see the exhaustion I felt played out on her face. She continued to stare off at nothing in particular seemingly lost in thought. Her silence extended on until I spoke up.
“Your Majesty?”
She blinked twice looking around in a slight daze until her eyes fell on me. “Mr. Chronicle, how many times must I tell you, call me Celestia. You did well for your first time."
"Thank you, your majesty. Is there anything else you needed me for?" I admit that I was hoping to be allowed to return to my room. It had been an exhausting day and just the thought of a bed was causing my eyelids to droop.
"No, Mr. Chronicle, that will be all for today. Tomorrow will be more to your liking I believe."
"By your leave." I said bowing one last time.
"Good night, Mr. Chronicle."
The cleaning staff had begun to file into the hall as I approached the door. They went to work immediately, brooms and mops working the floor. Pegasus ponies took to wing to wash the large stained glass windows. It would be a long night for them; the now absent throng of ponies had tracked dirty all up and down the floor.
I was surprised to find the Commandant waiting for me on the other side of the door. He eyed me up and down the way I would examine a questionable document.
"Mr. Chronicle, is it?" I nodded nervously. "I suppose you know who I am." It wasn't really a question, but I nodded again anyways. "I would like to discuss some things with you. We can talk on the way to your apartments."
I didn’t have much choice but to follow him.
“I am going to be blunt with you, Mr. Chronicle. I do not believe that you are the right pony for this job. You have none of the social graces necessary for dealing with other ponies, you do not you have any experience in the political arenas, and you appear to be lacking anything that resembles a backbone.”
I baulked at the insult. I had never spoken to this pony before and the first thing he does is call me incompetent. Needless to say I was a little irate. When I opened my mouth to rebuke him, however, the words died before they reached my lips. He was right of course. I had known it from the first moment. I was not the right pony for this position. I dropped my head in resignation.
He paused looking my way again. His voice changed becoming demanding. A drill sergeant berating his troops, not for failing, but for giving up. “Stop that right now. You are Celestia’s right hoof and you need to act like it. For better or worse she chose you for this post and we get little say in the matter."
He jumped forward and spun around pulling me up short. Our noses a hair’s width apart as his eyes drilled into mine. I tried to back away from his aggression, but he kept pace. My hind legs slipped and I landed on my rump. I continued to push away until I was about to fall over backwards.
“You are the gatekeeper for the Princess. Everything will go through you before the Princess sees it. Every piece of paper, every appointment, every politician, everything. You have to know what is important enough for the Princess to see and what you can deal with on your own. Celestia has more important things to do then reading every report that comes through. You have to be able to deal with these high and mighty blue bloods that believe they are above you and every other pony. If you let them they will walk all over you. There will be days where you are expected to speak with her voice. You will need to stand on your own and make those other ponies know that what you say holds the weight of Celestia’s voice. Can you do that scribe?” I tried to speak but nothing came out. “I said, ‘Can you do that scribe?’”
“Yes.” I squeaked
“I can’t hear you?”
“Yes.” A sliver of confidence bloomed in my mind.
“This is a waste of time. No pony like you could ever be more than a sad little scribe. You’ll never amount to anything. Why don’t you go bury yourself in your books and leave the important work to the real ponies.”
As the insults poured from his mouth I felt something forcing its way up from the pit of my stomach. Call it courage, call it anger, call it exhaustion if you like. It built up inside me till I couldn’t contain it and it broke free. I pushed back against the Commandant. Regaining my hooves I forced him to take a step back. “I may be just a scribe to you, but the Princess chose me! Of all the ponies that she could have picked to work for her she picked me! If you have a problem with that then you can go complain to her. But you better be prepared to wait, I don’t see an opening in her schedule anytime soon. Now, if you will excuse me.” Breathing hard I pushed past the guard pony.
I made it five steps before I realized what had just happened. I paused for a moment replaying the events in my mind. I had never pushed back against somepony like that before. It was exhilarating. Unfortunately, it didn't last long; I could feel the adrenaline seeping back out of my system. I had to struggle to keep myself from looking back and to began walking again.
"I think you will do just fine." I heard the Commandant say from behind me. "I look forward to seeing you handle those rich foals."
(Authors notes: General Bullrunners’ lines have been revised with this note from Inkiepie, {The parts with apostrophes such as: tha' wha' and i' are all meant to be pronounced as an abrupt stop on the ending letter so the 'a' in "tha' " gets pronounced like 'a in apple' and somewhat harsh and rough. The a in wha' gets pronounced "uh" etc. basically the same way they would be pronounced in the word anyway just missing a letter or two on the end. e in ye' (replaced "you") should be pronounced as "eh".} And as always if you see any mistakes let me know; I can’t get better if I don’t know I am messing up. Thanks for reading.)