Chapter 33: Coronation
"Kindness and Faithfulness keep a king safe, through kindness his throne is made secure."
-King Solomon
The road back to Forum had been fraught with danger. From the Diamond Dog attacks to dissention from the Changelings, Drake was feeling exhausted. Flim’s depression didn’t help things either. While Novelty and, he couldn’t believe it, Trixie had proved invaluable to getting Iron Will to Forum, Drake wanted his friend back.
Another surprise was Prince Blueblood. Drake expected him to be nothing but a liability. Yet, the princeling had shown himself to be a fairly capable pony, acquitting himself quite honorably during the skirmish. The other ponies, drawn mostly from the ranks of those he’d spoken with before leaving Canterlot to confront Chrysalis, had survived the journey, for the most part, but were looking worse for wear.
The brightest spot of the whole enterprise was Emerald. She lay curled up at his feet against the cold wind of the Wildlands’ night. Every day she grew stronger and surer of herself, and every day Drake found himself more and more tied to her. Perhaps this is what it was like to be a father, or to adopt a freshly weaned puppy. Either way, he knew he loved her, and t. That love was saving the Changeling race. Despite its decimation at his claw, and the more recent losses on the plain, the survivors were growing stronger by the day. Scissor, the one who trusted him most, also told him that several of the other eggs would be ready to hatch soon. His sympathy for their race and love of Emerald provided the energy they needed to develop and hatch.
The darkest was Kestrel. He woke early last evening. He’d been terrified at first, looking around to figure out where he was. After he saw Flim’s familiar face, the ruins of Forum, and Drake’s bulk outside the SST 7000, he broken down and cried for a long time. Once he finally composed himself, Drake tried to ask him questions, but Kestrel brushed them off. Instead, he sat on the SST 7000 and kept a fitful watch over everything. Drake left him alone once Kestrel promised to share everything with him, Eagle-eye, Swiftwing, and Epistaties the next day.
Epistaties had contacted him once the camp was made. He explained a lookout in Forum spotted them and a MacFarweathers confirmed it was him. He went on to explain two new Families from the Driving Wind Clan had joined them. He wanted to say more, but the increase in Griffins living in Forum had necessitated more excursions for food. As such, the blood used to power the scale’s communication spell and write patches was nearly gone. He promised an escort would be sent down to bring them in and bade Drake a good night.
Just one thing about their conversation bothered him. Epistaties hadn’t called him Drake, but Lord Drake. While he was glad for the title, he wondered where it had come from. It’d been somewhere around two and a half months since he had left. Plenty of time for something to happen. Drake drifted into a fitful sleep, a dark cloud hanging over his thoughts.
* * * * * * * * *
Drake watched the sunrise over the horizon from where he’d slept. If everything went as planned, Epistaties would be finishing up the patch right now. At his feet, Emerald stirred. Yawning, she stretched out and nuzzled his claw. Drake smiled at her before looking at the rest of the camp. Guards had been changed when the sun first peaked over the eastern horizon. Those who’d pulled the deadpony watch sat around the cooking fires preparing warm drinks and a simple breakfast of grains.
Iron Will came up, stood beside Drake, and looked at the ruins. “I stared at them for a long time yesterday. The most preserved ruins of my people in the world, and do you know what I think?”
“What do you think Iron?”
“I think you should tear it down and leave the past in the past. I wasn’t always a motivational speaker. I’m painfully aware of history many others have forgotten. My tribe remembers its history and has told tales of long forgotten greatness for generations. When I was younger, I traveled south, beyond Equestria, into the lands of the Buffalo. There I found a small ruin,” Iron Will said, his eyes locked on the city.
“What was in the ruin?”
“Ogres. They’d turned the ruin into a cesspool. They urinated and defecated anywhere they wished. That is how I found the ruin. I followed my nose. Seeing what had become of those ruins, I became depressed. When I spoke with my buffalo guide, Painted Wind, she told me that all ruins were in such a state. I left home to find the legacy of my ancestors, to recover something, anything. When I found that impossible, I ceased to care and became a walking corpse.”
“Painted Wind saved me. She got my head back on straight and, in a way, showed me the value of helping others, even in a world this dark. When I returned to Equestria, I saw ponies that drifted through life, unwilling or unable to stand-up for themselves. I took a class or two in Manehatten, while working at the docks, and started my self-help seminars.”
“Come again?” Drake said, slowly processing what he’d been told. “You have seen ruins before, fell into a depression, got help from a Buffalo, and decided to start a touring seminar on assertiveness?”
“Not just assertiveness, though that is the most popular one. I have one on financial management, one on physical fitness, and another on crisis management.”
“And here I thought you just like to yell at ponies.”
“That’s just a part of the show.”
“Go figure. Well, think ‘bout what brought you on your first journey. After you meet Epistaties, let me know what you think. I know you’ll be returning to Equestria after this. You’ve made it abundantly clear several times over the course of this journey. If’n there’s anything you want to take back just let me know. I’ll either let you have it or get a copy made for you.”
“Very well Drake.” Iron Will said. He looked at the ruin for a moment longer, then went back into the camp.
“Let’s go talk to Flim.” Drake said to Emerald who burbled happily and fell in step with him. Drake found Flim standing on top the SST 7000, looking solemnly at the sunrise.
“Flim.”
“Good morning Drake.” Flim said emotionlessly. Drake wasn’t surprised. He was simply glad Flim had gotten through the worst of his grief, the hope that Flam might be saved easing his loss. Still, the only time Drake had seen emotion out of him since leaving Bastion was during the fight by the oasis. There, Flim’s eyes had been lit with a fire, a fire of revenge and hatred, and Drake worried. If Flim continued like this, would he still be an asset, or would he slide into a dangerous liability?
“I think it is. Epistaties said that he had everything ready, but wanted to wait till morning so he could double check it. We’ll be back in Forum soon.”
“Then we crown you as an Emperor, and start working on getting Flam back right?” Flim said, turning to face Drake.
“Emperor in name only. I will probably set myself us as supreme commander, then leaving governing to someone I trust and can make my desires reality. As for getting Flam back, we are already working on it.
“Doesn’t feel like we are.”
“We will get him back Flim. I promise.” Drake said laying a hand gently on Flim’s shoulder. Emerald surprised them both when she crawled up the vehicle and hugged Flim’s front left leg.
“Drake, what is the Changeling queen doing hugging my leg?” Flim asked in a whisper. His whole body was shaking nervously but he made no move to remove her.
“Maybe she feels your love for your brother, or your sadness. Honestly I have no clue.”
“Fat lot of help you are.”
“You’re welcome.”
The camp lazed about, waiting for Drake to give an order. Trixie took advantage of the down time and put on an impromptu show for the ponies. Emerald eventually relinquished Flim’s leg and spent time with Scissor, under Drake’s supervision.
It was in this state a group of Griffins came winging down the city. Spotted first by one of the students, who pointed out a blur rushing down the hill face. The camp was quickly broken down, and the wagons loaded up. Drake led them through the nearest gateway. He enter the city ahead of the column, eager to meet the escort. He was about a block in when the Griffins reached him.
“Lord Drake, welcome back. The city should be safe for those who entered with you. I am to escort you for two reasons. Firstly, for that when you reach the reclaimed area you can enter it without causing any problems.”
“Reclaimed area? What is that? Also when did I become Lord Drake?”
“Something Eagle-eye and Epistaties came up with as new Families began arriving. Which bring me to the second reason. Aside from the McFarweathers, we now have the Mistrals[l1] and the Siroccos[l2] with us. They are the other members of the Driving Wind clan with the Siroccos being the current leaders. With them we now have seven hundred Griffins in Forum. I will be briefing you on them so you make a good impression.”
“Their arrival is what caused us to set up the reclaimed area. There has been mixed success. As for your title Epistaties, Eagle-eye, and Swiftwing decided on that when the Mistrals arrived a month ago.”
“Fair enough. Has the team led by Jekyll returned yet?”
“No, but when Siroccos arrived two week ago, they said their path seemed clear.” the escort said. The rest of the Griffins took up positions around Drake and the SST 7000. Kestrel had chosen to stay within it, not wanting to face the questions that his presence would bring. Iron Will and the mares were on the top of it, looking at the ruins.
Drake followed the escort leader who introduced herself as Paloma[l3] , and the column followed Drake. As they approached the Library, golems lined the road but made no moves towards them. The Changelings were at the back of the column, in order to let Drake introduce them before they were seen by the Griffins or Epistaties.
Paloma spoke at length about the Driving Wind Clan in general and the new families in particular. She spent time discussing how the families worked together and the current power structure. She also pointed out this was the first time the clan had gathered outside of a House Election for the next leader of House Pioneer.
A few blocks out from the plaza Paloma called a halt. Looking around, Drake noted that much of the rubble and dust covering the rest of the city was disturbed or removed. The golems that lined the main avenue had also disappeared. Looking closer Drake saw white bricks even spaced on the road.
“Is this the border of the reclaimed area?” Drake asked as the column bunched up.
“Yes my Lord. Eagle-eye said to let him tell you about it. He is quite proud of it. Though rumor on the town is that someone in this troupe is going to fix the stone brutes permanently,” Paloma said, her eye turned towards the safe zone. Inside a wave of Griffins came down from the plaza or out of the buildings. Walking or flying, they all gathered on the sides to welcome Drake, Flim, and the strangers with them.
Or rather, the MacFarweathers gathered to welcome them. The Mistrals and the Siroccos, on the other hand, had heard stories of the dragon and wanted to see him for themselves. Then, they all saw the ponies and wondered what was going on. Ponies were rare in the Wildlands, some Griffins had never even saw one.
Soon a great roar rose up as they welcomed the column or shouted questions at it. Paloma directed Drake to step across the bricks on the avenue, but to be extra careful not to disturb them.
As the column began slowly moving past the boundary, Eagle-eye, Swiftwing, and a Griffin wearing a red sash over segmented armor approached down the main avenue. Drake recognized the sashed Griffin as Tempest, the Principle of the Driving Wind Clan, based on Paloma’s description of him.
“Eagle-eye! Swiftwing! It’s great to see ya’ll again. Looks like some amazing things have happened since I left.” Drake said loud enough to silence to crowd.
“Yes, we have much to share with you. First, let me introduce the leader of our clan. Principle Tempest, the Far-sighted.” Eagle-eye said gesturing to the armored Griffin.
“It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Drake. I must thank you for defending the MacFarweathers when you could have fled, and for inviting us here to partake in this endeavor. I look forward to speaking at length with you later.”
“Principle Tempest, you honor me. I thank you for coming here. There is much to talk about, but the road has been long and some among my company have suffered at the hands of Diamond Dogs. Let me see to it they are taken care of and found lodging. Once they are settled, I believe it best that all the leaders here meet. We can talk as long as we need then.”
“On that note, Prince Blueblood! A moment of your time. Scissor, ya’ll get up here.” Drake called out. From his carriage Blueblood jumped out, drawing the eye of many Griffins as he walked back to Drake. From the back of the column Brutus lead the Changelings up, carefully sticking to the shadows until Drake revealed their presence.
“As some know, I left some time ago for Equestria with the dragon Spike. Together we interrupted a Changeling invasion on the pony capital. They were soundly defeated. After the battle Spike returned home to his family in Equestria, and I sought out Queen Chrysalis, the leader of the Changelings.” Drake said, addressing the crowd in a booming baritone.
“In the ruins of an underground refuge I found her. I learned of Changeling history, and what happened between the fall of Forum and the defeat of Discord. When she tried to bewitch me, I struck her down in a battle. I was heavily injured but walked away the victor. As the victor, I claimed my spoils!”
Brutus heard the cue and stepped forward, the others following along with Emerald in the center. The Griffins drew back in shock. They knew of Changelings. The shapeshifters that would steal away their loved ones. Some reached for their weapons but a roar from Drake stopped them, making many cover their ears and the young hide behind their parents.
“They are my followers now and have pledged themselves to me. I’ll see the Changeling race redeemed. Yanked into the light and given a place in the world as equal members. I’ll give them a role in rebuilding what was destroyed. I can think of no greater insult to their creator, the one that brought about the fall of the empire that built these ruins, than that. Furthermore, know that any attack on the Changelings will be seen as an attack on me,” Drake proclaimed, his eye’s slowly sweeping the gathered crowd.
Emerald winced in the center of her protectors who were likewise struggling with the emotions coming from the crowd. Anger, fear, hatred, and even curiosity crashed against their senses. At the same time, they heard Drake’s words and knew them to be spoken from the heart.
Blueblood stared at Drake, mouth agape. He had thought, as Celestia had briefed him to, that Drake merely meant to use them as a tool and would control them through their queen. This was something else entirely.
The trio of Griffin leaders looked at Drake, two wildly confused, one with a calculating eye. As the crowd began to murmur, Swiftwing spoke up:
“We shall be discussing this in length Lord Drake.” she said, stopping the crowds building momentum.
“I have no doubt.”
“But tell us, why the ponies?”
“An excellent question. First and foremost, let me introduce Prince Blueblood, treaty bound royal liaison from Equestria to the Phoenix Initiative. Again, we will talk in length. In short though, he is here because the leaders of Equestria found me when I went to seek medical aid while waiting for Flim and Flam to get the key component we spoke of before.” Drake said.
“They sought to take the Changelings for themselves. I refused. In the end we reached an agreement. In return for letting them send a liaison and students to study in the Library, Equestria will open trade routes with this city allowing food and raw materials to flow in as we rebuild and ready ourselves.”
“An interesting taste of what has happened while you were away no doubt. Epistaties is eager to speak with you as well, and I think we’ve held you up long enough.” Eagle-eye said as the last of the wagons passed the border.
“Thank you. I look forward to working with you, Principle Tempest, and extend my welcome to Forum to you and all griffin here. We shall speak at length soon for much more has happened than I can speak of here.” Drake said, the tone of his voice jovial, but his eyes carrying a sadness in them that Tempest noted silently.
Drake dropped back onto all fours from the bipedal stance he had taken while talking and caught up to the back of the column. He whispered quickly into Swiftwing’s ear as he passed her, and she called a MacFarweather over. The Griffin took off in a shot. The crowd dispersed, and the rumor mill went to work. Drake was a new arrival to many in the city; he brought with him change to a place that they were already having to fight to survive in. Fears and concerns ran rampant.
Other voices offered hope, speaking about how the place had been a godsend. Reminding others of how Harpies and Diamond Dogs were becoming more aggressive than any time in recent memory. They spoke of change with hope. Hope for a better tomorrow where the Wildlands might be safe and the Griffin people no longer nomads.
* * * * * * * * *
Drake paused and looked over the crowd in the Grand Auditorium. The crowd was silent. A few had fallen asleep. Drake was unsurprised, but disappointed. He then looked down at the chick at his feet. She looked at him confused.
“What is it, little one?”
“I heard you were the one that led the rebuilding of Forum. How come you didn’t know about that reclaimed area?”
“Excellent question. The truth is that I was gone far longer than I had planned. I got my tail handed to me quite a few times in the old days. Of course it got taken from me that one time too.” Drake said waving the jagged end of his tail in front of the crowd.
“The truth is, I hadn’t expected it to be possible to reclaim anything without finding the heir, Iron Will. It was Eagle-eye who figured it out, or rather a young child much like yourself playing near the edge while waiting for his parents to return, that stumbled upon it. Eagle-eye figured out how to utilize it. He was incredibly proud of that innovation.” Drake said reminiscing happily for a moment.
“In fact, let’s continue the story and see what happens when a disillusioned idealist meets a relic of the past, a leader takes a leap of faith, and a dragon has to face the consequences of his decisions.” Drake said, falling back into storytelling mode.
* * * * * * * * *
Drake walked across the plaza outside the Library noting the outer rows of bricks had many holes in them. There were also many tents spread out over the plaza. Looking back, Drake saw more signs of settlement in the ruins of the universities around the plaza. The ponies milled about taking in the sights. Drake saw Epistaties standing at the entrance of the Library. He started that way, but stopped when he saw Iron Will stumbling towards Epistaties.
Drake considered listening in on that conversation but instead made note of where the Griffins had set up their largest tents, since those were likely to be their trading tents. He went over to Blueblood and the pony traders.
“Hey ya’ll.” Drake said, walking up to them. “Is everyone here?”
“We’re all in the plaza, yes.” The lead trader, a pony Drake had spoken with in Canterlot before he went to fight Chrysalis, named Early Adopter, said.
“Ight, good to hear. See that tent over there? If you want to trade with the Griffins, that’s your best bet. Talk to them ‘bout getting someone to look over the wounded too.”
“We’ll take a look into it. How long until you are ready to sit down and have a long talk about supply routes and such?” Early asked. He was a keen student of politics; he had to be to always run on the leading edge of anything that happened. He knew somepony out of there element when he saw it. Somepony he could take advantage of.
“A few days at least. There are things needing doing first.” Drake said, looking off into the distance to think for a moment. “I really can’t give you a set time. Send someone to check in with me every day.”
“Very well. I guess we’ll use the time to trade with the Griffins and take in the sights, such as they may be. By the way, where will we be staying? I didn’t exactly see a hotel or inn on our way in.” Early said after conferring with the other merchants for a moment.
“I’ll speak with Epistaties about putting you up in the Library for the time being. Feel free to explore, but remember that anything you find in the ruins is property of the Phoenix Initiative. We will be happy to negotiate a value for the item after it has been identified and catalogued,” Drake said. He left the merchants to their devices and turned his attention to his unwanted observer.
“Prince Blueblood, come with me.” Drake said, nodding his head towards the entrance. The prince turned liaison fell in step with Drake. Emerald was set on Drake’s back, Brutus riding with her to keep her from falling. The rest of the Changelings followed in Drake’s shadow. He’d warned them Epistaties would react strongly to their presence.
As they approached, Flim and the mares exited the SST 7000, having parked the vehicle next to the Library. Flim went over the SST 7000, making sure it was in good condition. A team of Griffins appeared and carried Kestrel away on a stretcher. One flew up to Drake and let him know Kestrel would be taken care of and be ready by the meeting.
Flim and the mares fell in behind Drake. The mares looked around taking in the sights. Trixie saw opportunity in this place, if only for a short stay. Novelty couldn’t keep her eyes on anything for more than a moment. Despite the terror she experienced while traveling, she was ecstatic to be in Forum. It was everything she’d thought it might be.
‘I’m in an ancient ruin, with a bunch of warriors, exotic traveling partners, a prince, and a pretty good looking stallion to top it off. I hope he can work through his grief. Maybe I can help him out a bit.’ Novelty thought happily to herself with a hungry glance at Flim.
Drake stopped, the others fanning out around him. Iron Will and Epistaties were staring at one another. Iron Will’s jaw moved up and down, but no sound came out. Epistaties had tears leaking out his eyes, the old curator smiling the largest smile Drake had ever seen. Epistaties stepped deliberately towards Iron Will.
“The bloodline is not dead.” Epistaties whispered as he wrapped his arms around Iron Will, drawing the stunned Minotaur into a hug. “My daughter survived.”
Iron Will’s eyes went wide and he broke the hug. Drake looked at Epistaties in surprise too. “Um, Epistaties just to be clear. You weren’t the emperor right? So what makes you think you are related to him?”
“It takes two to make an heir. Things were getting desperate near the end. The Emperor had died and many potential heirs were dead. A single one remained, so far as we knew. He’d been in Forum for his education. Fear of the end of his line led to a plan to plant his seed in a worthy cow. My daughter volunteered. She’d known him for a while, an advantage of my place in the government, I suppose. He died in the battle to ensure the vaccine made it out. My daughter had been in the first of those to escape. I wasn’t sure at first, but seeing him here now, I am sure. He must be descended from her child.”
Iron Will finally found his voice when Epistaties finished speaking. “Old Bull, are you telling me that you are my millennia old grandsire!? What kind of wool are you trying to pull over my eyes?”
“I would not lie. Not after learning how long I have been away from the world. When I take your blood for the coronation ceremony I will prove it to you.” Epistaties said, tears in his eyes.
“Only after you tell what I want to know.” Iron Will said his face steeled against emotions as he struggled with inner turmoil. Before a silence could fall and begin to fester into the realm of awkward, Drake spoke up.
“Epistaties, it’s wonderful to see you again.” Drake said. Epistaties looked at Drake. He noticed the signs of lost scales growing back, the way Drake was careful where he put his right claw, and the Changelings on his back.
“What are those things doing in Forum!” He yelled, readying himself for battle lest they’d taken over Drake’s mind.
“Oh, come one. They’re only ponies.” Drake said stepping aside to let Epistaties see Blueblood who nervously bowed and introduced himself.
“Greetings, I am Prince Blueblood, the Royal Equestrian Liaison to the Phoenix initiative. I am here as part of the Second Treaty of Ponyville, to oversee th-“
“Not you! The Changelings!” Epistaties bellowed. The Changeling falling into the fetal position in response to the raw unfiltered hate pouring off of Epistaties.
“Shit, I was afraid this would happen.” Drake muttered preparing to walk into a verbal minefield.
“Epistaties, please hear me out before you make any decisions.” Drake said slowly building up to what he had to say. Epistaties turned his eyes on Drake, a terrible rage glowing in them.
“I get it. The Changelings are a creation of Discord. They helped bring your home, your nation to ruin. You hate them, and perhaps rightly so.” Epistaties huffed in irritation and to provide an affirmative. “But now, these are quite literally the last of their race. The last Changelings in existence. Even their queen is but a babe. A babe that may or may have wound up incorporating my blood into herself.” Drake said, hooking a thumb over his shoulder to point at Emerald.
“If these are the last of them, then let us kill them and be done with at least one of the Fallen.” Epistaties said. He saw not Emerald’s strange form nor the downtrodden look of the Changelings. He saw not how they cringed at his hate. Only a hated race created by chaos which destroyed his world.
“Epistaties I plan to do something far worse in the grand scheme of things. Something that flies in the face of what they were created to do. I am going to see them turned into a proper race. One that can walk the world freely and openly. One that creates instead of destroying. One that uses its talents for the betterment of all instead of the detriment. In so doing I will spit in Discord’s eye.” Drake laid out impassionedly.
Silence reigned. Epistaties had listened. Barely, but he did, as a kindness to the one that woke him, the one that found his descendant. He listened and he loathed. The thought of having allowed the Changelings into the city, even unknowingly turned his stomach. At the same time he saw how Drake spoke. He heard the passion in the voice. The thought of spitting in Discord’s eye held a certain appeal. He knew what leaders became like when they fell in love with an idea. He had made up his mind.
If Drake wouldn’t be persuaded from this, he would not stop him, for now. He would double-check the security of the vaults and make sure to keep an eye on them. The first mistake they made would be their last. He had full control of the Library. Let them stay there for now. There was so much Drake and the Griffins didn’t know about; he had no fears he could maintain control. He had done it against Discord and his armies, what have a dragon and a ragtag bunch of nomads when compared to that.
“Lord Drake,” he began venomously. “Will you not be persuaded from this course?”
“Epistaties, give them a chance. That’s all I’m asking. Lock them in my room until I can tell you what happened.” Drake said. The Changelings listened closely to the conversation, fighting through the pain. The ponies watched. Blueblood made many mental notes to put in his next report.
“Very well. They remain in your room until we have had a chance to talk. You, me, and the Griffin leaders.” Epistaties said after a long minute.
“And Flim, Blueblood and Emerald.” Drake added
“Flim yes, but who are Emerald and Blueblood?”
“Emerald is the new Changeling queen, Blueblood is the pony that tried to introduce himself.”
“Yes, I was sent by the diarchs of Equestria to keep an eye on the Changeling queen and help facilitate trade and the exchange of knowledge.” Blueblood said, seeing a way to reinsert himself in the conversation.
“We have much to talk about.” Drake tacked on.
“Seems that it will be quite the tale. If they must, then bring them.” Epistaties said, wanting to be done with the conversation.
“One last thing before I go get the Changelings settled in so you can lock them away, the ponies that came with us need a place to stay. Is there room in the Library or will they just have to squat in one of the ruins until we see if this was all worth it?”
“The ruins are fine for them for a day or two.” Epistaties said after a moment’s thought. He had proof his bloodline was alive and bound to the Emperor’s. Now he had other things to worry about, like Fallen in his home, treaties he knew nothing of, and a ceremony to prepare.
“Fair ‘nough,” Drake said. He took a moment to inform Early Adopter before entering the Library and heading to the auditorium that served as his room. Flim and the mares entered the building with Iron Will. Iron Will followed Epistaties, slightly more impressed by the old bull he’d assumed to be a fragile relic.
Flim gave the mares a half-hearted tour, but they hardly noticed. As they passed through the history section, Novelty and Trixie sank back on their haunches in awe. When they entered the magic section, Trixie disappeared into the stacks, the opportunity to tap into the forgotten knowledge singing a siren song she could not shake. Flim did nothing to retrieve her. Epistaties would admonish her or she would take care of herself.
Novelty stuck close to Flim, she was amazed by the Library and daunted by it as well. The soaring stack, the ancient architecture, the artwork depicting long forgotten triumphs and achievements awed her as they walked. Eventually they reached the room he shared with Drake. They entered to find the Changelings carefully settling into the far corner from his and Flam’s possessions that’d been left behind.
“You can stay here with us, or find a different room to stay in.” Drake told her as Flim collapsed in his bed.
“Here is fine for tonight. Where else is there to stay, if you can excuse my asking?” Novelty said tactfully.
“Honestly, I have only been in a small part of the Library. There are places I simply do not fit and Epistaties has kept much of the lower levels sealed. The Griffins had converted many of the study rooms surrounding the stacks into sleeping rooms, or were in the process of it at least, when we left. You may be able to stay in one of those. That reminds me, Trixie will likely need a room as well.” Drake said, pausing to look around. “Where is she by the way?”
“Somewhere in the stacks. She saw a section dedicated to magic and disappeared into it.”
“I see. When you find her, see if she is willing to bunk with you. While the Library is massive, it is not meant to be lived in.” Drake said.
* * * * * * * * *
A few hours later, long enough for everyone to be settled in and few remaining Changeling eggs to be stored, there came a knocking at the door. “Lord Drake, Epistaties says he is ready to begin the meeting at your convenience. May I enter?” A voice said through the door.
“Excellent, and of course come in. Did he give you a location for the meeting?” Drake said, heading for the door.
“Yes sir, I am to take you there myself.” A familiar looking Griffin said as she opened the door. Preen stepped through the door carrying an amulet. “This is for the Changeling.” she said holding it out for Drake, who carefully took it from her.
“Thank you, Preen right?” Drake said waving for Emerald to be brought over to him. “Is there really that much hate for them? The Harpies or Dogs I could understand, but why Changelings?”
“The Harpies take ours toms and kill our hens; dogs will take you or kill you, whichever they feel like that day. Ogres will leave you alone so long as you stay away from them. Changelings though, they replace someone you love. Sometimes, they just knock that Griffin out and stash them somewhere for a few days. Most of the time, they replace them completely, and you don’t find out until they bleed their green ichor.” Preen said, staring down at Emerald.
“You sound like you speak from experience.” Drake said, passing Mission the amulet to place on Emerald. “What will the Amulet do?”
“Yes, but I’m not going to talk about it around them.” Preen said, happily changing the subject. “Epistaties said the amulet will let her traverse the passive defenses he has activated. He was tinkering with a complex set of controls etched in those runes he uses, that new bull watching him, when he called for runners to bring you and the others for the meeting. You ready?”
Mission nodded at Drake. Emerald looked at the amulet thoughtfully for a moment, then, at Missions prodding, walked to stand just in front of Drake’s claw ready to roll. “Flim, time to go!”
“Coming.” Flim said, following along without saying anything else as Preen led them away.
Together, they walked the dragon down the ramps, deeper into the Library than Drake could remember being. From time to time she consulted a scrawl of paper in her paw. At one point, they backtracked after she took a wrong turn. Eventually, they came to a pair of double doors guarding the entrance to a large circular room in the center of an otherwise empty floor.
“Finally,” Preen muttered before addressing Drake. “This is it. Do you want me to wait here to lead you back lord, or am I dismissed?”
“Go, I’ll find my way back. This is likely to be a long meeting,” Drake said, catching the sarcasm in her question. Preen bowed then took off, gliding low over the high roof for the level they found themselves on.
Drake opened the door and found Epistaties with a wide variety of implements, glassware, and parchment laid out on a large round table with a map of the Empire carved in the center, the edges unadorned so those seated around the table had space to place their things. Epistaties looked up and tensed when Emerald walked in around her father’s claws.
“Welcome to the war room Drake. You and Flim are the first to arrive. I have things we need to discuss,” he said grabbing a knife and a beaker and two vials.
“I imagine so. What first?” Drake asked guiding Emerald over to a place near the old bull. Flim shuffled in and sat down on a bench which lined the wall of the room.
“Why? Why the Changelings? Do you really think such twisted creatures can be healed?”
“I do. They are near extinction. There will be no time like this to try and reforge them. If this works, we will gain a useful ally and turn something meant to destroy into a constructive force in this world.” Drake said.
“Do you really think it is that easy? Taking a vile race and make them model citizens? What kind of naïve fool are you?”
“Hell, it won’t be easy. I may well have to kill every one of them besides Emerald, but I would prefer not to. It will be challenging, but wasn’t extinction what Discord was attempting? The extinction of order and those that supported it? Would extinction of a race not serve his goals?
Add in, so far as we know these are the last Changelings in existence, but there may be eggs lying hidden in the world, a failsafe against the lineage of queen being destroyed. Would you kill Emerald here and now and risk allowing the Changelings to survive without any knowing, or keep them nearby and under your eye? There is a saying that goes, ‘keep your friends close and enemies closer,’ after all.” Drake said
“You are dead set on this, aren’t you? If I cannot sway you from this course I will do my best to make sure it doesn’t lead to the destruction of what little I have left. Now where do you want me to bleed you from?” Epistaties asked as a realization slowly dawned on him. “Where is Flam? I didn’t see him when you arrived, and I haven’t heard or seen him since.”
“Take it from my forearm like last time. What will this be for, the coronation?”
“That and another test.” Epistaties said sliding the knife under the scales. Drake flinched as it made its mark and Epistaties slide a large needle under the scales. Blood flowed into the breaker then one of the vials. Epistaties set those down and grabbed a larger container, gathering a fairly large volume before removing the needle and using a rag to apply pressure.
“Flam was captured by Diamond Dogs while we were still in Equestria. We’ll fill you in more once the others get here.” Drake said as he held the rag.
“I see. You have a plan to get him back?”
“Something of one. Again more on it later.”
“I look forward to hearing it. Now, I need a sample from your pet Changeling,” Epistaties said pulling fresh knife and the other vial out of his belt. Emerald retreated under Drake as Epistaties began to approach her only to be stopped as Drake’s claw fell protectively between the two.
“Why?” Drake growled, his greed screaming against his mind.
“You said she had your blood in her. Looking at her I will admit that she is very different from any other Changelings. If you want to know, let me take some of her blood.” Epistaties said, backing up slightly.
“Fine.” Drake said. He coaxed Emerald out and got her to offer up a hoof.
“Gently, Epistaties.” He warned. Epistaties approached carefully. Emerald pulled against Drake’s grip but he held her fast. He made a nick on her hoof and collected a few drops. Her horn started to glow, her eyes glazing over. Epistaties quickly withdrew taking a ready stance. Drake pulled her away from him and the magic died down.
“What was that?!” Epistaties asked angrily.
“A kid that didn’t want to go to the doctor.” Drake said without turning around as he checked Emerald over.
Epistaties harrumphed and went to work on the sample. He prepared a special strip of paper and was inserting it into the vial with Drake’s blood when Eagle-eye, Swiftwing, Kestrel and Tempest entered with three Griffins Drake didn’t know. The new additions eyed Drake, then the Changeling, warily. Kestrel stood at the back of the group, unsteady on his feet but seeming better.
“Introductions are in order!” Tempest said, looking to break the ice as Epistaties remained focused on his work and Drake stared down the new arrivals. “First off, allow me to introduce my mate Polvere. The real day-to-day leader of our Family, and therefore the entire Driving Wind Clan. I tend to deal with the broad strokes as they come. These two are the leaders of the Mistrals Family, Venturi and Biscay. Everyone, this is Lord Drake, the dragon that led the MacFarweathers here and has taken upon himself the mantle of leadership.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” Drake said. “I look forward to seeing what we’ll create together.”
“The pleasure is ours.” Biscay said, her pink tipped wings ruffling as she shifted them against the discomfort she felt being in same room as a Changeling. “We had hoped to meet you when you arrived, but alas, the needs of the Family come before the desires of its heads.”
“But to find you keeping the oddest company has raised many questions.” Venturi said, stepping away from the group to get a better look at the Changeling queen.
“Is that so?” Drake said, nudging Emerald behind one of his legs.
“Yes, but not just the Changelings. The ponies are a surprise. A treaty with the flighty creatures is quite unexpected.” Venturi said, casting a glance at Flim.
“That’s enough, bird.” Epistaties said cutting into the conversation. “I think enough of us are here to begin discussing what has happened. The other pony will be along soon, though his escort has been asked to take the scenic route and the door will be sealed once we start to prevent unwanted interruptions.”
“Very well.” Drake said moving to stand at the table on the far side of the room from the Griffins. Tempest took the spot directly opposite him, Polvere at his side. Venturi and Biscay stood on his left side closer to Epistaties. Eagle-eye and Swiftwing took a place across from Epistaties adding a second axis around the table.
“To start off with, what happened to you and Flim? How is it Flam was captured? How did you gain control over the Changeling queen?” Epistaties asked.
“Flim, you want to take this or should I?” Drake asked looking behind the Griffins to his friend.
“I shall tell them what horrors have befallen me in my journey.” Flim said without moving. The Griffins were forced to turn to face him. Flim started slowly. In a low voice he recounted all that had happened since he had left Forum to retrieve Iron Will. As he spoke of the Harpies and Bastion’s long night the Griffin’s eyes grew wide and Epistaties gasped. They tried to ask questions but were ignored. Flim kept rolling on.
He spoke lightheartedly about being back in Equestria, of Manehatten and meeting Novelty. The traveling with his brother had been a happy time and tears welled up in his eyes as he neared the climax, the fateful night at the tavern.
Flim’s voice faltered as he spoke of the ambush. He stopped several times as he talked about the desperate call to Drake and the intense fight, with the help of Trixie, to hold out until his arrival. He spoke of their eventual victory, and the final injury done to them.
He then told them his hope and hatred. He swore the Dogs would pay. He declared his brother was alive. The Griffin looked at him with surprise. They’d thought ponies weak, soft, and cowardly. Now before them stood someone that had suffered as badly as any of them. Someone with wounds far greater than his physical scars.
“Thank you Flim. I know that was not easy for you to talk about.” Drake said after a respectful silence. “Kestrel, are you ready to share what happened to you?”
Just then there came a knocking at the door. “That will be you pony liaison.” Eagle-eye said.
“Most likely. Do you wish to let him in or make him wait for a moment?” Epistaties asked his hand at a series of controls at his part of the table.
“Let him wait. Also have those always been there?” Drake asked pointing to the controls.
“Of course, most important rooms have a control panel like this somewhere, I can also use it with the map but it is not particularly useful right now.” Epistaties said, pressing a few points and running his finger of a rune here and a rune there. The hilly city of Forum lit up, along with High Wind Eerie and Bastion. “Not really much to show.”
“Huh, already seeing tons of uses for that, but we are getting sidetracked. Kestrel?”
“I am prepared.” Kestrel said, moving to stand between Eagle-eye and Swiftwing, their familiar presence a comfort to him.
“As most here already know I was the leader of one of two teams sent out from here to invite other Griffins to join us in this city. With the growing frequency and ferocity of the Harpy and Diamond Dog attacks, it was hoped many would join us. My team consisted of myself, Aeris, and Acer, a husband and wife pair with two chicks. We traveled with Flim and Flam to the edge of the Wildlands then broke off. The other team visited the Siroccos and continued on from there.”
“Yes, Striker and his group visited us.” Tempest said growing anxious after having been ignored during Flim’s talk. There was much he wanted to say, but was not able to.
“Indeed. My team visited the Mistrals and they agreed to seek out Forum.”
“Yes and I must say I’m glad we did. We had just experienced our third or fourth raid of the month before you arrived.” Biscay said. “And you took Providence with you to lead you to Roanoke Family of the Colonus Clan. They’re another clan under House Pioneer.” She added for Drake’s benefit.
“Yes. Providence was leading us. We stopped to rest in the lee of a hill, using every technique of stealth we knew. It proved useless. We were beset by a mixed group of Harpies and Dogs working together-“
“Impossible, they haven’t worked together for nearly two thousand years. Without Discord, the Fallen fight among each other!” Polvere shouted. The implications of a renewed cooperation between the demons of her people’s nightmare too terrifying to contemplate.
“You are aware that for a short time, very recently, Discord was freed from his prison?” Drake asked drawing all eyes to him.
“NO! You lie!” Venturi said only to feel a wave of magic slam his beak shut. Looking around, he saw all the other Griffins likewise restrained.
“It is true. You can ask Prince Blueblood when he comes in if you want. Now let Kestrel tell his tale. Can’t you see how hard it is for him to talk?” Flim said directing everyone’s attention to the shaking Griffin between his leaders.
“Kestrel, please continue.” Drake said.
“Okay, I’m okay.” Kestrel said as he took control of himself from his memories.
“As I was saying, we were attacked by a mix of Harpies and Diamond Dogs. Providence was on watch and I had stepped away to relieve myself when they struck. I flung myself down on the ground when I heard Providence cry out. I crept back, drawing my knife as I approached.”
“When I reached the camp I saw three Harpies and five Diamond Dogs around Aeris and Acer who were trussed up, captured in their sleep. Providence was laying on the ground, blood pooling underneath him from a hole in his chest.”
“They said something about a fine catch and the largest Harpy shook with a dog in rusted armor. I contemplated attacking and trying to free Aeris and Acer. As I prepared to pounce, Acer saw me and shook his head.”
“The Harpies looked my way at that moment and shrieked. Two launched towards me, the dogs bounding after them. I fled. I admit I’m a coward and I fled. They chased me. The Harpies nearly caught me, slashing at my heels. I spun around and nicked them, driving them back long enough for me to gain altitude and escape into a cloud bank that had moved in during the night.”
“I spent weeks running. Each day and night a new group of Harpies or Dogs tracking me until I collapsed. Fortunately, I collapsed above an oasis Drake was at.”
“Acer and Aeris were captured. Providence was killed. I ran like a coward. Dogs and Harpies are working together. Those are the lessons of my shame.” Kestrel said, before collapsing against Eagle-eye.
Biscay and Venturi seethed with anger that one of their family was dead and Tempest prepared to interrogate Kestrel, but they were all stopped when Drake spoke up.
“That jives with a message I received from the Angelic, the Harpy queen. I believe it is time I share what I know. I will tell you my vision, what I seek to create here in the Wildlands and beyond. I will explain the campaign I find myself forced into and how I seek to execute it. Then I will go outside and let you make your decision as to whether or not you wish to stay in Forum or leave. Then I would ask you to fill me in on what has happened here while I was away. I have been told your achievements in carving a place in this hostile ruin are quite impressive.” Drake said, taking a long moment to look each Griffin in the eye and privately praying they wouldn’t realize that he had no way to evict them.
It was a long moment before Tempest answered for his clan. “Very well. Speak Lord Drake and tell us your vision. After we will take your offer to talk and decide if your fantasy is worth trying to make into cold reality.”
Drake suppressed a sigh of relief but let a smile creep onto his face. He weaved his tale as best he could, having already had practice with some parts of it. He told of the Battle of Canterlot, of meeting with the princesses and seeking out potential sources of food and goods.
He spoke at length about his battle with Chrysalis. How she gained the ability to influence his mind; how he resisted and overcame it. He shared all she’d told him, Epistaties quietly recording the history with great interest, though distrusting its accuracy. He spoke of the final battle and how he’d overcome her last and greatest attack before taking the Changeling queen for himself.
The Griffins and Epistaties asked questions throughout and Drake was more than happy to answer them. He sought to reassure them all that he was capable and should be trusted. For those that already knew him, he wanted to them to see what he could overcome great foes and grow stronger all the while.
He then told of his time recovering in Ponyville as he waiting on Flim and Flam. He glossed over the fight at the tavern, but was stopped dead when he spoke of the message that had been passed to him by Luna from Angelica.
“You have set in motion a war!” Biscay screeched. “And lured us to our doom by inviting us here!”
“Silence Biscay!” Tempest barked glaring at her. “The threat of Harpies has always existed. Even before he met the MacFarweathers and brought them here, something was in the works. The Fallen started becoming more aggressive months before this dragon found Forum.”
Biscay seethed but remained silent. Indignation and anger in her eyes as she stared down both Drake and Tempest.
“So a new tweety bird thinks she can threaten this city, does she?” Epsistaties laughed. “I remember the first queen of the Harpies. Hera was the most terrible of opponents to fight. A complete berserker. Of course that got her caught straight in the line of dragon’s fire. Guess she died from it if they have some bird calling herself Angelica in charge now.”
“Does our people’s suffering amuse you?” Polvere asked, turning on Epistaties. He looked her dead in the eye, a dark shadow falling over his face.
“Do not speak of suffering to me. I watched the Empire fall. I saw Griffins turn into Harpies, Minotaurs lose themselves to the Ogres, and great Canyon Wolves become whimpering Diamond Dogs. I fought the scourge of order, Discord, himself. Holding him out of this city so that no more would fall to his curses. I do not mock your suffering, but if you think that the current generation of degenerates scares me in the least, then you are sorely mistaken.” Epistaties said, standing tall at his end of the table radiating a sense of power and sorrow.
The Griffins flinched under his gaze averting their eyes from the angry relic of the past. Drake said nothing, but a smirk came onto his face. Epistaties calmed down, returning to his seat. “I believe you were about to continue your story?”
“Yes, but at this point we should let the pony in. He has been waiting for quite some time and he’s a part of this next bit, seeing how it’s the reason he’s here in the first place.” Drake said, remembering Blueblood had been waiting outside for some time now.
The listeners agreed and Epistaties unlocked the door. It swung open and Blueblood toppled in, landing on the side of his face. He blushed and quickly straightened himself out, doing everything in his power to avoid looking like he had been listening with his ear pressed against the door.
“Good afternoon everypony. Thank you for letting me in.” Prince Blueblood said. He noticed Drake pointing to a spot next to him. He was about to go elsewhere, but saw the predatory looks on the Griffins and scrambled over there.
“Stay quiet for now.” Drake said and continued where he had left off. The room remained silent and let him finish as he detailed the Treaty of Ponyville, directing Blueblood to pull out the copy he kept on himself and pass it to Epistaties. He shared the transfer of Bastion to Equestrian command, which Epistaties frowned at but remained silent.
He then finished with the return across the Wildlands and the hatching of Emerald. The room was silent for a moment, then Blueblood cleared his throat.
“I have seen the hardships that the world outside Equestria can offer first hand. I will not make the disingenuous claim of being able to understand your struggle, but I can emphasize with it. I am also sure you are strong and honorable to have survived against the forces arranged against you.”
“I am here, as the treaty outlines, to ensure the Changelings are not used in an immoral capacity and to prevent them from disappearing or returning to their old ways. Furthermore, I am to help facilitate trade relations between Dra- Lord Drake’s Phoenix Initiative and assist in reopening the ancient universities that Lord Drake claims made this city a center of knowledge and learning.” Blueblood said, doing well to flatter everyone without seeming like a supplicant before them.
“Any questions?” Drake asked
“Not right now. You have shared your experiences but not your plan. You said you find yourself forced into a campaign. It would seem you intend to wage a war against the Dogs and the Harpies. How do you intend to do so and what would you expect of us if you agreed to help you?” Tempest said standing on his hind legs with his front claws on the table.
“True. To begin with I do not intend to fight them on any fields of battle. I will not throw the one resource I cannot afford to lose, the lives of my followers, away against a near infinite tide. Instead I will begin with a slowly escalating guerilla war to put pressure on them while we gain the allies we need to mount a major offensive.” Drake said his fangs flashing in the light.
“What do you mean guerilla?” Epistaties asked for the Griffins who shied away from the dragon.
“Asymmetric, striking their scouting parties and smaller settlements with quick hits aimed at causing as many casualties as possible, then running away in good order. We free those we can and add them to our forces. We become demons in the night, creating in our enemies the same terror they have instilled for generations.” Drake said spreading his wings and drawing himself up.
“I want them to look over their shoulders fearing another strike. Then, once we are strong and they have spent themselves protecting each and every little target we go for the big ones. The impregnable fortresses they have held for millennia. Their seats of power long thought safe, but now depleted of forces and lax in their defense.”
The room was silent as Drake finished laying out the broadest strokes of a strategy that was constantly evolving in his mind. Blueblood paled as he considered the war Drake spoke of. Epistaties contemplated it and found it repulsive, but given the state of things a logical move. The Griffins thought hard. Some saw it as a wonderful retribution for the harm they had suffered while others worried it would only make things that much worse for them in their struggle to survive.
“We need some time to talk and think about what we will do next.” Tempest said, after getting a subtle head nod from each of the other Griffins.
“Fair ‘nough. Flim, Epistaties, Emerald let’s give them some time to talk,”
“I know a place we can wait in. When you are ready, just set this control crystal on that rune here.” Epistaties said gathering the vials, parchment and pens as he showed Venturi how to let him know when they had finished their discussion.
“Prince Blueblood, you had best come with us too,” Drake said, walking towards the door. They closed the door behind them, leaving the Griffins to their discussion. “What do you think Epsistaties?”
“I think you are a fool, but smarter than you let on. Will your strategy work?”
“Yes, if nothing else it will give us breathing room. It is hard to mount an offensive if your army can’t leave its home for fear of its children being butchered and stacked in a pile when they return.” Drake said, ignoring Blueblood’s green face and stumble.
“Sounds like a nasty, dishonorable way to wage a war.”
“But one that will hurt them and reduce our own losses. Losses we can ill afford.”
“I’ll follow you; you know this. I just hope you are making the right choices. The Changeling is your daughter by the way. Her blood and your blood are as closely related as any parent and child I have ever seen.”
“Does this mean you are going to give them a chance?”
“Yes, now be quiet I have to remember how to open this vault.” Epistaties said running his hand over the door. Emerald just watched the two. Her movements were surer and her glances more focused than before entering the room. Blueblood perked up when he heard Epistaties mention a vault, the talk of conflict and destruction having make him uncomfortable. The thought of gold and riches seemed much better.
“That’s it.” Epistaties said as the doors opened revealing a repository of artifacts. “Priceless tools, weapons, and ceremonial accoutrements the Empire’s special agents gathered as it fell.” He led them into the vault, the others silent as they followed, except Flim.
Flim having said his part bid them farewell and left. He was done with politics and stories for the day. He just wanted to be alone with his grief. He sought out an empty space and settled in to begin the recovery process.
* * * * * * * * *
Tempest thought for a long moment. He had not earned the name Far-sighted for his physical vision, but for being able to see opportunity and risk then plan accordingly. He was the leader of the Driving Wind Clan. His decision would be the one that mattered, he knew that.
On one claw, they could leave and return to the harsh life of the Wildlands. He knew, while he could defeat the dragon, Epistaties was in a whole different league, even if he was trapped within the Library. Unfortunately, the Library was the only safe place to be in the city.
On the other, they could remain and bind their fates to the dragons. It would drag them into a war, but were they not already in conflict with the Harpies and the Diamond Dogs? Could his people be a part of the war the dragon sought to wage? The idea of striking back after so long struggling to survive appealed to him. The very concept of one day reclaiming the long lost eyries of his people unimaginable.
“My friends and clan mates, we stand at a crossroad. We can stay and support Lord Drake in what he seeks to do, or we can leave and brave the Wildlands once again.” Tempest said.
“There is a third choice.” Biscay said. “We replace him and take the city for ourselves.”
“No. Sure you might defeat Drake. I would think the same if I had not seen what him and Spike could do at their most powerful. Do not fool yourselves just because he is more sensible than other dragons you have encountered. He has found a way to wield the dragon curse, turning it into an asset instead of a torment.”
“And we all know the second choice is folly.” Eagle-eye said. “You experienced it yourself on the way here. The Fallen are growing bolder and more aggressive. Did you learn nothing from what was just shared? The Changelings attacked the heart of the pony nation, disabling their ruler. The Harpies struck the border fort losing thousands over the course of days without letting up. The dogs raided the interior of the nation.
Here in the Wildlands they attack as never before, hunting us down. Even before we arrived here we were harried by them, the attacks growing more frequent and fierce. Do you really think things would be any different if we hadn’t found Forum? Hadn’t come here in a bid to save ourselves?”
Biscay glared back at Eagle-eye, her anger drowning out rational thought. “I say we do not need a wyrm that makes deals with Fallen to lead us. We should kill the bugs now and be rid of them. Then we can usurp this city from the old bull and take it for ourselves.”
“You are a fool Biscay.” Tempest said. “That old bull controls this city and has forgotten more about than we could ever hope to know. We might bring down the dragon, but how many of us will fall to achieve that. Do not fool yourself. He controls this city.”
“Then we should leave. Dragons are not to be trusted and this one proves that in spades.” Venturi said backing up his mate.
“Then go. We shall stay.” Swiftwing said.
“Truly, MacFarweathers? Regardless of what else the clan decides you will stay?” Polvere asked.
“Yes. It is not an easy life here in this city, but have any of you taken any time to read from the tomes stored here yet. There is knowledge that has been lost. Our history and our future.” Eagle-eye said.
“Someone told us recently that knowledge is power. The longer we remain here the more obvious it becomes. You have already proven that point here today Tempest. Epistaties controls the city because he knows it in ways we cannot fathom. Lord Drake hold power here because he know what it is he wants and how to achieve it. Epistaties has knowledge of magic and mechanics. Lord Drake has knowledge of himself. The question is, are we smart enough to have knowledge of our society? Of the world we live in?” Swiftwing said passionately.
“Parasprite food the lot of it.” Biscay said ready to launch into a tirade, but stopped when she saw Tempest thinking it over.
“Let us be quite clear on what is offered to us. One, he attempts to drive us from the city. He and Epistaties work together. The ponies either siding with him or remaining neutral. The MacFarweathers remain neutral most like, or skies forbid side against us.”
“We have to strike before he can be coronated because at that point there lies a chance he gains control over the ancient enchantments of those that build this city leading to who knows what kinds of powers.
“We succeed, then what. We lose the means to leave the small part of the city we are in and die, trapped and starving. Is that your plan Biscay?” Tempest said laying out a scenario that had already pranced through his mind.
“Well no, I just thought-“
“Don’t. Two, we side with Lord Drake. We get in on the ground floor of what he is building. We develop the trade ties with the Equestrians. We form the core of the military. We rebuild this city alongside him and make it so he can’t act without our support.
“Now tell me, which sounds better to you.” Tempest said staring down at Biscay who had stepped back during his tirade.
“We gain more working with him than working against him, right now anyway.” Tempest said after moment to compose himself. “The choice is yours Biscay, as leadership of the individual families always has been, but the Driving Wind Clan shall remain here and take part in this Phoenix Initiative. Summon them back please.” Tempest said ready to face the consequence of his choice.
* * * * * * * * *
Drake wandered the vault in awe. Suits of armor, chalices, weapons, crystal encrusted jewelry, wealth of all kinds. Epistaties and Blueblood followed him. Emerald stayed near the door. In the center of the vault, on a golden stand was a silver war hammer with gems inlaid in the hilt and the striking faces of the hammer. There was a series of small spikes where a hand would be most likely to grasp it, a dark red tint to them.
Epistaties walked up, hefting the hammer, careful to avoid the spikes. “This is Seeleformer, the Emperor’s ceremonial hammer. All Emperors since the founding of the Empire of Order have used this upon their coronation and for any changes to empire wide enchantments. It was forged by the Canyon Wolves as a gift.”
“That is quite the hammer. How does it factor into the coronation?” Drake asked.
“The enchantments of the Empire lasted through generations. This was one part the rune magic of the Minotaurs, one part the magical nature of dragon blood, and one part soul forging. Simply put dragon, a part of your soul will be broken off when you use this hammer to seal your place as emperor. It may be a bit late to mention, but while all who wield this hammer die emperors, some do not sit long on the throne.” Epistaties said as if a forgotten memory was suddenly rushing to the fore.
“Epistaties!?”
“I had forgotten to mention this because it had not happened for quite some time, but there have been unworthy heirs who died upon striking the hammer and attempting to bind their soul to the empire.”
“Well, this should be fun…” Drake said with a nervous laugh. Before they could say anything more a bright light popped up at the doors then dimmed to a soft glow.
“It seems they are ready for us to return,” Epistaties said taking the hammer with him. Let us go see what they have decided.
The trio returned to the entrance, picking up Emerald along the way. They reentered the war room. Biscay and Venturi averted their eyes, but Tempest locked his with Drake as soon as he entered the room. He held his tongue until everyone were back at their places.
“Lord Drake, we will remain here with you and pledge ourselves to your Phoenix Initiative. There will be much to talk about in establishing ourselves following your coronation.” Tempest said, bowing shallowly before his new ally.
“I formally welcome you to the Initiative and look forward to working more closely with you, Principle Tempest and those with you. If you can, I would appreciate hearing about what happened while I was away, particularly how you carved out the “reclaimed area.”
“I would be happy to fill you in.” Eagle-eye said, lighting up like a child at his birthday party.
“Go right ahead.” Drake said.
Eagle-eye launched into what had happened while Drake was away, others adding their own bits where needed. Much of it was simply getting comfortable or working out the logistics. Then he reached the origins how they had reclaimed part of the city.
“It was Caelum who actually started the reclamation project. Not intentionally he was feeling- Oh shit. Caelum’s parents.” Eagle-eye said turning to face his mate. Kestrel bolted up from where he had been resting in the back of the room.
“What’s up? What about parents?” Drake asked as the Griffins stared at each other.
“Drake, Caelum’s parents are Acer and Aeris. He’s always been good for his parents, but a bit of a hellion otherwise. Now- Tartarus who is going to tell him about his parents.” Swiftwing said as the reality of it dawned on her.
“Are you telling me one of the MacFarweathers has become an orphan?”
“Two. He has a younger sister he’s been looking out for. Probably the only reason he hasn’t gotten into more trouble.” Eagle-eye said. The Mistrals kept their mouths shut, but felt vindicated seeing the hurt that had happened. Tempest held his peace and Epistaties did likewise. Both saw an opportunity to test Drake and neither wished to pass it up. Epistaties because he had to see how if Drake would take responsibility and Tempest to see how he would handle the true cost of war.
“This is my fault.” Drake whispered staring down at his claws.
“This is my fault.” Drake said louder to Eagle-eye and Swiftwing who broke from their growingly frantic conversation to meet his eyes. “If I hadn’t wanted to send the teams, his parents would still be here.”
“Drake, it wasn’t your decision who to send. That was our mistake. Acer and Aeris were-“
“No. At the end of the line it remains that it was my idea to send them out. We knew there was risk. You aren’t guilt free but the blame will rest with me,” Drake said. “Prince Blueblood this meeting is adjourned. Please make your way back to the traders and let them know that I will speak with them after the coronation. Epistaties, how soon can we take care of the ceremony?”
“Tomorrow around midday at the earliest. I will have to set up the anvil and write the runes. I will keep it simple, and we can always change things in the future,” Epistaties said, satisfied with Drake’s reaction but seeing room for him to grow.
“Good. Tomorrow it is then. Tempest, Polvere, Venturi, Biscay, I ask your forgiveness for this abrupt end to the meeting. We shall talk at length in the future, but now I have other matters that need to be attended to.” Drake said as he and the MacFarweathers left the room.
Those left behind saw no reason to remain and quickly made their way out. Epistaties lead them out of the depths to the main floor separating from them to do his own work.
Drake followed the MacFarweathers through the Library and onto the Plaza. They told him that Caelum was likely in the practice field, a space set aside for warriors to train. The field came into view and they pointed out an adolescent Griffin in the ranks of those learning to wield a spear from a grizzled veteran who shouted commands down at them from his perch.
They approached the field slowly and watched until the practice finished. Drake didn’t want to call the kid over in front of everyone. It would only make what he had to say that much harder on him. As the trainees went to cool down, Swiftwing flew over to the trainer and asked that he send Caelum over discretely.
The trainer assured her he would and went about fulfilling the request. Drake and Eagle-eye watched as the trainer landed in the crowd, walked up to Caelum and whispered in his ear. Caelum looked over at the pair, shrugged and continued what he was doing.
The trainer belted him on the back of the head and spoke to him again. This time Caelum set his training spear aside and went where he was told. Caelum stopped a short distance away and looked up at the adults.
“What do you want with me? Wasn’t throwing me in this training punishment enough for the brick incident, which by the way started your whole reclaiming project,” Caelum asked, rolling his eyes from Eagle-eye to Drake as Swiftwing landed. “Or did our great lord decided that some other punishment would be more befitting?”
‘ Oh my god he is going to make this easy for me isn’t he.’ Drake thought as Caelum spoke before asking, “What was the brick incident exactly?”
“Caelum was playing at and with the edge of the plaza a few days after the Mistrals arrived. He dislodged a brick and threw it at the building next to the plaza. He then threw several more. He then decided to go and collect them so no one would know he was playing with them. What he didn’t see was the golems that had been hanging out in the buildings nearby. He collected all but one unmolested. An adult had noticed and went to pull him back.
“The Griffin rushing to save him told me he noticed the golems stayed back until after Caelum grabbed the last on and turned around. Effectively until he placed himself outside the protection of the plaza. The adult grabbed him and yanked him onto the plaza. The golems fist passing through where he had stood a moment before.
“This is how we got the idea to start testing to see if it was the physical components of the plaza that repelled them or the geographic location. Caelum was put in training to keep him out of trouble,” Swiftwing explained, a softness in her eyes Caelum was not expecting.
“I see. No Caelum, I am not here to reprimand you or offer you a reward. Rather, a far heavier duty weighs upon me today.” Drake said, trying to find the best way to broach the topic he was there to discuss.
“Caelum, I regret to inform you that your parents are missing in action. They were captured while on their mission to bring others here. Your mother is presumed to be held by the Diamond Dogs and your father by Harpies.” Drake said, the magnitude of the situation hitting him as a brown blur launched his way and the claw raked harmlessly against his snout.
“WHAT did you say?!” Caelum yelled at him. Others looked over at them at Caelum’s outburst wondering what was going on.
“Caelum, do not be stupid-“
“Don’t tell me what to do. Do you seriously expect me to believe my parents were captured? There no way they would let themselves fall into the disgusting grasp of those monsters.” Caelum howled, striking at Drake with tears streaming down his face.
Drake was about to say something when a green barrier popped up in front to Caelum. The Griffin pulled his punch and looked down to see a small Changeling standing next to Drake, a green glow emanating from her. He dived at her only to smack face first into another and fall to the ground.
“Enough cub, would you strike at the one being that might bring them back as if he was the one that stole them from you? Are you truly that foalish? Rage fills your heart, fine. You need not worry about being a Harpy so let it fill your soul and set yourself on the path of revenge. Forget your sister, who needs you now more than ever. Forget your Family which mourns with you. Forget their love for you and their desire for you to be happy. Fall into your hatred and rage and be no better than those you so desperately hate.” Emerald said, her words completely out of place. Wisdom of ages coming from the mouth of a babe.
The Griffins nearby recoiled in surprise and even Drake reacted with shock his neck extending and head snapping down to look at Emerald from a distant angle. Caelum struggled against Emerald’s magic now holding him against the ground where he had fallen.
“Do you know that as soon as he learned that the two Griffins he lost were parents, parents of the same offspring his first response of an intense feeling of guilt and remorse? Do you know that he cancelled a meeting with others far more important than you to share the news himself instead of letting another do it in his place?” Emerald questioned as Caelum ceased struggling.
“Caelum, you are not the first to lose someone close to you. I make you the same promise I made Flim. If they are alive we will save them. Until then you and your sister will want for nothing if it is within my power to provide it. I’ll take you under my wing as it were.” Drake said before turning his focus to Emerald. “Care to explain?”
“Hey daddy...” She said as innocently as possible, waving the hoof Epistaties had cut before him. “Bit of a self-defense method. My magic flared and cleared away the past lives I was slowly processing and learning from. They are still there, just damaged and will take time to come back. This means I’ll be able to process them and talk to you at the same time. Isn’t it great!”
Emerald hugged herself against Drake’s leg, doing her best to seem as saccharine sweet as possible. “We will talk more about this later tonight, let him go.” Drake said, looking down at Caelum. Once he was released, Caelum punched the ground before struggling to his feet and keeping his eyes averted.
“You mean what you said about getting them back?” Caelum said, his voice quivering as he fought to hold back tears.
“If it is within my powers.” Drake said resting his head on the ground in front to Caelum and looking him in the eye.
“When the time comes, I want to be there. I want to help get them back.” Caelum said, a bit more steel in his words.
“If you prove yourself able, you will be.” Drake said after a long pause.
“Eagle-eye. Swiftwing. I leave this to you. I have a daughter to interrogate. If you need me, I’ll be in my chambers.” Drake said to the duo as he scooped Emerald up and returning to his chamber.
The Griffins gathered around Eagle-eye and Swiftwing. Many were not MacFarweathers and had questions about what was going on. Most they ignored or told it wasn’t their business. Those that asked about the Changeling were reassured as best as possible and it would be explained in a day or two. Once the crowd dispersed they spoke with Caelum privately, taking him to his family’s room in the Library.
“Do you think Drake realizes what he have done?” Swiftwing asked her mate as they walked.
“No, but since he did it in such a public setting there is no other option. He said he would be responsible for them so they must move in with him.” Eagle-eye said speaking to Caelum when he groaned.
“You don’t have a choice Caelum. Welcome to the game of politics. It sucks and you are now but a pawn. At the same time, do not squander the gift given to you. Most orphans have a hard life. With scarce resources Families rarely live up to their names. The cubs and chicks who need it most being the ones that receive food and care last unless they make themselves useful. They wind up in dangerous and difficult jobs and die young for that is the way it must be,” He said flanking Caelum’s right said as Swiftwing came up on his left.
“Now you and your sister are being adopted by someone that our clan has pledged itself to. Didn’t know that, did you?” She added when Caelum stopped dead in his tracks.
“But you said yourself he doesn’t realize what he did.” Caelum argued, falling in step once again.
“But he soon will. Don’t worry, I doubt much will change except where you sleep, but don’t take that as fact,l.” Eagle-eye said as they entered the room to find Caelum’s sister Maneo sound asleep. “Let’s pack up before we wake her.”
* * * * * * * * *
Drake set Emerald down as he entered his room, the Changelings there bolting over to their queen. Emerald stood as regally as her little frame would allow as they bowed before her. She was bombarded through the link by questions, attempts to share memories, and desperate desires for the restoration the hive mind that had been missing while they waited for her to grow.
Emerald shut them out and closed the link down to the bare minimum to ensure they could pass emotional energy but nothing more. Drake settled down near the entrance as Emerald stood there staring at her subjects. Silence reigned as Emerald sought to center herself within her own mind. Eventually she spoke to her people.
“Rise my subjects,” She said directing them up with her claw. “Your queen is returned to you. I thank you for your dedication and do not fault you your concern at my appearance. Know that I am fully Changeling but not. Care to tell them Father?” Emerald said recalling the way her subjects had reacted to her appearance.
“Epistaties did a test on our blood. The process of gathering said blood being why she is able to talk now. Back to the point, the test shows that we are genetically as closely related as any parent and child.” Drake said.
“I was awakened when Epistaties said this and confirmed that it is true. Now, you had some questions?” Emerald.
“Yeah. Firstly do you remember how I killed your predecessor or have any problems with that?”
“No, quite simply Chryssy cut herself off from the link at that point. The other queens I have bits and pieces, but from her there is a desire to hate you, to blame you. Of course she doesn’t know what I know. I might have been a burbling foal for most of your grand speeches about my race, but I heard them and felt your emotions. You needn’t to worry.” Emerald said.
“What about magic? You caught everyone off guard out there when you starting slinging spells.”
“I have all I need to survive until I can finish recovering the memories or learn from them.” Emerald said, waving to her subjects that stood behind her a respectful distance.
“So you are telling me you have access to a full array of spells?”
“Not exactly, at the moment I just have access to defensive spells and a few high level illusions spells that would let a wittle filly like me blend into the population, if the need arises.”
“How high level are we talking?”
“Complete sensory hypnosis. Though I can only maintain it for a short time without a constant input of fresh love.” Emerald said.
“I see. Brutus, you happy now?”
“Yes. My queen, I apologize from doubting you. I will accept whatever punishment you wish to place on me.” Brutus said laying his face against the ground.
Emerald walked up to him and thought for a moment. “I sentence you to one month of pink polka dots. Don your punishment now.”
“My queen I don’t understand.”
“You heard me go find something with pink polka dots and transform so that your chitin is covered in them,” Emerald said a sadistic grin on her face. “Else I’ll get daddy to make one up for you.”
“Latrine duty in case you are wondering.” Drake tossed out. Brutus blanched and started to rush out of the room only to be caught in Emerald’s magic.
“Something in this room unless you were trying to die on me.” She said as she dropped she once his forward motion was arrested.
“Now, your queen is quite tired and wishes to lay in a soft bed. Take me away.” She said turning to the remaining Changelings. They bumbled into each other to fulfill her request some trying to lift her up while others rushed to make sure the sleeping place they had prepared was comfortable for her.
“This is going to be great.” Drake muttered when he felt a claw tap in on the shoulder.
“It gets better,” Eagle-eye said when Drake whipped around to see who was touching him. With Eagle-eye were Swifting, Caelum and a small Griffin rubbing sleep out of its eyes. Drake said nothing just staring at the scene before him when he noticed Caelum carrying a large sack on his back.
“You didn’t know what you were doing, and I would have stopped you if I could have, but you said you would take Caelum under your wing and care for him and his sister. They are now your responsibility since their parents are gone.” Eagle-eye said, praying Drake wouldn’t fight this.
“And because I did it where everyone could see it’s either take him in or make my word seem worthless, is that it?” Drake said, exhaustion from the journey, meetings and politics sapping his ability to care.
“Exactly. It won’t be a problem will it?”
“No. Caelum will keep going to training and I will arrange for someone to watch the little one. Fair warning that it might be a Changeling.”
“Her name is Maneo.” Eagle-eye said as Drake forced himself to his feet and snaked his head down to his two new charges.
“Hello there, little one.”Drake said to Maneo. Maneo hid her face in her brother’s feathers. “Caelum, take your sister and find a place to sleep. I already have ponies and Changelings sharing this room with me so two more won’t be a problem. If you two need anything, let me know and I’ll make sure we get it. Any questions?”
“None.” Caelum said, wrapping his wing protectively over his sister. “I told her about our parents so she knows what happened.” He guided his sister into the room and found a place for them in the dark corners of the stage.
Eagle-eye and Swiftwing helped them settle in before bidding Drake a good night and leaving. Drake settled down on the center of the stage and dozed lightly. Emerald and the Changelings remained quiet in their corner, Brutus sticking out like an eyesore. They worked on helping Emerald piece together her memories and opening up the link.
Flim eventually wandered in, wet lines on his face. He collapsed into his bed without a word. Novelty came in late that evening, with Trixie reluctantly in tow. They elected to share the one other bed in the room and drifted into dreamland with the rest.
All across Forum the feelings of hope and fear battled in the conversations and dreams of its inhabitants. They all knew the next day was going to bring changes, the coronation having been announced after Drake went to interrogate Emerald. The question on everyone’s mind was whether or not the changes would be to their benefit or detriment.
* * * * * * * * *
“As you can see the day before the coronation ceremony was quite hectic. In the end it all worked out for the best, but it was sketchy there for a bit.” Drake said, taking a break from his story to address the crowd.
“Is that Caelum the same one who-“
“Yes, if you are asking what I think yes, but that is a tale for a later date.” Drake said, cutting off the question.
“Why was Emerald able to talk like an adult if she was just a filly?” a brave voice called out.
“Because I had centuries of experiences running around in my head and had been processing them since I woke up you dolt.” Emerald called out scanning the crowd for whoever asked the question.
“Don’t worry about her darling, you were still adorkable despite the creepy nature of a foal talking like she is in her middle age.”
“ADORKABLE!?”
“Have you forgotten how many times you fell asleep in the stacks? Inside a-“
“Okay fine the queen of the Changelings was adorkable, how about you finish with my favorite part of the story?” Emerald said as the crowd laughed. The mirth amusing and embarrassing her.
“As you wish, thought it wounds me that is your favorite part of this chapter of my life.”
“I bet they don’t even know what really happened.”
“Let’s see. Hey folks, what happened at my coronation?” Drake asked the crowd. A quiet murmur rang through the crowd until one of the older members answered.
“You gained control of the enchantments that had laid dormant for millennia and were able to take control of the golems which allows those in the city to travel about it freely.” a Griffin answered.
“It reactivated ancient systems in Großrissstadt letting Cerberus know someone had been crowned as an Emperor and driving off a Diamond Dog attack.” A younger Canyon Wolf answered.
“While not wrong, I don’t think that is what Emerald was referring to. Let me tell you what happened that day. It isn’t exactly the most graceful thing I have ever done...” Drake said sliding back into the story. “Let’s start with when I was walking up to the anvil Epistaties had prepared.”
* * * * * * * * *
On the dawn of the day Drake was to be coronated the Griffins living in Forum stopped in their efforts to reclaim the city and prepared for the ceremony. Those with ancient heirlooms pulled them out, weapons, armor, and jewelry that dated back beyond memory. Some was well used. Some had been kept wrapped in protective layers of animal skins and cloth, pulled out only rarely for special events.
The ponies watched the events and found themselves drawn up into preparations. Prince Blueblood was the first. He understood the enormity of the event, even more so after having spent the end of the previous day reading a basic historical overview of the Empire. He donned his finery and suggested others do the same.
By noon everything was prepared. The Changelings remained deep in the Library, Epistaties not willing to let them out, and the Changelings content to focus on building their nest and relaxing after the long journey. Flim, Trixie, and Novelty had joined Iron Will in the inner circle, along with the Griffin leadership around the anvil Epistaties had prepared. Iron Will held Seeleformer at Epistaties request that he participate in some way.
Epistaties stood next to the large stone block with red runes traced over it, merging with those on the ground. He had spent the morning lining the plaza with runes until he was satisfied all the required links, contracts, and oath had been inscribed.
In Labyrinthine there as a massive square set aside of the coronation of each new emperor, runes carved deep into the bedrock over which a mix of dragon blood, with a few drops from each consistent race of the empire added, would be poured. The anvil was a pure iron construction made by the Canyon Wolves, studded with the most perfect gems that had ever been mined and cut. At its center was a recess into which the new emperor’s blood would be poured. A gem at the bottom was the recess too, a match for the one in Seeleformer. But that was long gone now. The recovery of Seeleformer had been a miracle in and of itself.
In place of the once grand square was a rough block of stone taken from the ruins. The recess carefully worn into it while Drake was away by Epistaties who had spent much of the time looking up everything he could of the coronation ceremony of old. Every image and description carefully reviewed. When not ensuring the defenses of Forum still worked to protect the city in the absence of an army he had prepared. The gem set in the recess taken from the vaults under the Library. The runes practiced many times over and double checked religiously. He only hoped that using Drake’s blood to write the ruins and in the recess would work. Iron Will’s blood was added to the blood in the recess to ensure that the defenses against usurpation remained. Epistaties would not even try to crown Drake if not for the reign of Láthos Vasiliá. He had proven someone of a differing bloodline could take the crown by force, provided they had blood of the emperor available.
Drake waited at the end of two long columns of Griffins many rows deep that led to the anvil. When Epistaties was finally satisfied the sun was high in the sky. The tension of the crowd was nearly palpable as Drake began marching forward. Silence fell as he passed the first Griffin.
The ponies watched from the back, straining to get a good look when the crowd before them bowed down. No one knew how it had started but as Drake reached the halfway point the Griffins began bowing down. When he reached Epistaties they rose again and closed off the way he had approached by. The ponies felt uncomfortable and a few bowed along with the Griffins while the royal guard and Blueblood refused to do so.
“Today we mark the rebirth of a forgotten force. Lord Drake has given us the name Phoenix Initiative. Let us hope that like a phoenix we can build something from the ashes of the past.” Epistaties said addressing the crowd. He turned and faced Iron Will. Iron Will passed Epistaties Seeleformer and stepped back into the circle.
Drake lifted the hammer and stood upright so that he could grasp in with both hands. There was little room left on the handle, but felt more comfortable with it this way than trying to strike off balance with one arm.
He swept his gaze over the crowd. “Let today be the dawning of a new age. An age of strength and victory. Let our enemies tremble and our allies rejoice.” Drake declare before raising the hammer up.
“I name thee Emperor Drake, first of his name.” Epistaties declared as Drake brought the hammer down on the anvil, and missed the mark. Drake blushed and everyone facepalmed, clawed, or hoofed depending on their anatomy. Drake raised the hammer again.
“Try again. This is a terrible way to start your reign by the way.” Epistaties said. Drake raised the hammer and brought it down once again.
The strike rank out over the crowd and the runes flared, those in the first row were forced to cover their eyes as the light grew brighter and brighter. When the light died down they found Drake in place over the anvil, Seeleformer lodged in it, unmoving. At first they waited, but as time wore on they felt something was wrong.
Epistaties was the first to break ranks and go to check on him. After a careful examination he realized Drake was in a coma, the runes working to try and accept him as Emperor.
“Is he well?” Tempest asked, coming up to Epistaties side as he looked over the runes.
“Yes, he is stuck in the ceremony. I do not know if it is because the Empire’s enchantments have gone so long without maintenance that they have degraded and are having trouble accepting him or if it is because he is a dragon and not of the imperial bloodline.” Epistaties told him.
“So what do we do?”
“We wait.”
“How long?”
“Until he comes out of it or he dies.” Epistaties answered turning to address the crowd. “The ceremony is complete. Drake is now taking control of the ancient enchantments that bound the empire together. Go about your business. A watch will be posted to tell us the moment he has finished.”
The crowd grumbled, the tension only growing instead of getting the release it desperately needed.
At the end of the day Drake was still unmoving over the anvil and fears began to grow. By the end of day two the only thing that kept Epistaties and Tempest from a full panic was Flim assuring them that Drake was still well. When they questioned him, Flim told them that the Changelings still felt love coming from him, though the flow had significantly lessened during the ceremony.
On the dawn of the third day, a Griffin who just couldn’t take the uncertainty had rushed past the border of the reclaimed area expecting to be destroyed. Instead the golems did nothing. Seeing this more and more Griffins began to explore the unsafe parts of the city. Everywhere they found the same thing. Golem unmoving but still glowing with power. Word filtered back the Epistaties who took it as a good sign. They would just have to wait.
* * * * * * * * *
Emerald laughed from the front row. “Sure tell it that way, or you know, be honest. You missed three times on top of being in a magical coma for five days. The Griffins about went mad and Blueblood was in a tizzy trying to figure out what would happen to the treaty without you.”
“Five days leaving Tempest and Epistaties to go about the city like it was a ticking time bomb while you were passed out from swinging a hammer.” She said.
“Is it true?” The little Griffin at his claws asked.
“I suppose it is. I spent five days in the magic coma. By the time I came out I was very weak and don’t remember much of the next week at all. I only missed once though. Don’t listen to someone that wasn’t there.” Drake said, sticking his tongue out at Emerald.
“I suppose this is the end of what I wanted to say. I wound up talking much longer than I planned, so I hope you don’t hold that against me. The main things I want you to take away are these: I am not what the stories make me out to be and there were many others that helped form the Republic into what we know it as today, without whom my efforts would have been as effective as running through a rainstorm to stay dry.” Drake said after taking a moment to think of the metaphor that was most appropriate for the crowd. The first few had been a bit to mature for the young ears in the audience.
Dismissed, the crowds filed out. Drake made sure the chick returned to her family and spoke at length with Bias about next year and whether or not he hit everything the professor had hoped he would. Bias assured him all was well and it had been far more detailed and in depth than he had expected.
Eventually the auditorium was empty except for Drake, Emerald and the Dragon Guard.
“Did you have fun Father?”
“Yes, sorry for poking fun at you but it was kinda boring there for a little bit.”
“It’s okay, you let me have my fun in there too. Exactly as planned.” Emerald said, running a claw through her teal mane and tucking it behind her ears. “Now what?”
“Back to work of course. Cerberus said she would handle it for a bit, but can’t leave the front for too long.” Drake said, stretching his wings.
“You should tell them. Epistaties and the rest deserve to know. It could be ended much quicker if you would just mobilize the army.”
“True, but Luna would try and kill me if I did that. She told me it’s has been too long since Celestia had a chance to cut loose like this for me to ruin it. Between Cerberus, Celestia, Luna, myself and our personal guards we should be able to contain it. Advantage to catching the breach right as it happened.”
“If things go wrong-“
“There are already plans in place. Do not worry daughter. I will be back once this is taken care off,” Drake said taking to the sky.
“Sure you will,” Emerald said before returning to the city and her home within.