//------------------------------// // A "bloody" deal // Story: Shakespony: Merchant of Romane // by Even Evil Has Standards //------------------------------// Two yellow stallions-one wearing a blue cap, the smaller one wearing a red cap-and a gray stallion were walking along the quayside. The blue capped earth pony was looking across the sea with a worried look. The red capped earth pony noticed that his friend seemed a trifle upset. "Well Ten Cents, it's a beautiful day, eh?" He spoke with a whistle on every other S. Ten Cents sighed. "I know it is, but it won't help." "What's bothering ya, Ten Cents?" "Our friends," said Ten Cents, "I'm worried about them. They are a long ways across the sea. They're far enough away to the point we're anything can happen. They could get caught in a storm or be raided or get lost or-" "Just a minute," interrupted Grampus, "they know the sea. The prospect of them getting lost is extremely unlikely. As for being raided, they're the Stars; they're tough. They'll see it through." "What about the storm?" "Oh I don't know. That does seem the most likely. But they are Stars; they'll pull through." "Oi, look who's heading our way," said Sunshine. The others turned and saw Thomas coming towards them. Ten Cents couldn't help but brighten up when he made it to them. The 2 went way back. Ten Cents was always there to help Thomas out of a jam. Thomas always paid back, sometimes on time, sometimes late. But the 2 were always there for each other. They were almost inseparable. "Hello Thomas. What's up?" "I'm in a bit of trouble-" "No surprise," muttered Sunshine. Thomas ruffled the lad's mane before continuing, "I'm going to Bellmare." This earned a lot of "oohs" from the other 3. "Thinking of wooing the princess, are you?" asked Sunshine cheekily. Thomas blushed. "Just a minute," said Grampus again, "don't you need 3000 bits?" Thomas sighed, "I know, but I only got 700." Ten Cents hung his head. "I'm sorry Thomas. My money is invested in my ships, which are all at sea. I won't have any bits until they come in." "Godspeed to them then." Sunshine looked thoughtful then he took off his cap. An excessive amount of bits fell out of the tiny head wear. Thomas and Ten Cents were absolutely positively stunned. 0_0 "Methinks he hath gained antics from your green friend," whispered Ten Cents. "My green friend hath gained those antics from the princess' pink friend," Thomas whispered back. Sunshine counted out 500 bits, then handed them to Thomas. "Here ya go Thomas. Five hundred to your 700, making it 1200." Thomas was even more stunned. "But... That's half your savings." Sunshine shook his head. "You do love her, don't you?" Thomas was still stunned. Then he pulled Sunshine into a tight hug. "I don't know what to say." "I know what I won't say if ya keep on squeezing," gasped Sunshine. Thomas released him, "Sorry. But where am I going to get the remaining 1800 bits?" Ten Cents' frown deepened. "I know some pony who might help. But he doesn't like me." Thomas was shocked. "Why would I ask for a loan from someone like that?" Grampus grinned, "it proves how much you love Twilight." Thomas pondered this. Then his face was set. "Let's see this moneylender." BELLMARE: A ROOM IN TWILIGHT'S CASTLE Twilight had seen to it that 3 caskets were set in the throne room: one gold, one silver, and one lead. "Are you sure these are essential?" asked Derpy, "Why do you need these anyway?" Twilight smiled and nodded to her servant Time Turner who presented a briefcase and pulled out a will that read: Here in the last will and testament of the late Night Light Sparkle be the matrimonial conditions of his daughter Twilight Sparkle. She shall choose her husband by a simple test of having to choose between 3 caskets. The number of caskets shall be 3 and 3 shall be 3, no more, no less. There shalt not be four caskets nor two, the latter except when adding a third casket. Five is right out. Once the 3 caskets have been chosen, Twilight shall place in one a portrait of her liking. Whomsoever chooses that casket shall have her hoof in marriage. "Wow," said Derpy, " what a deal. Night Light must've been real smart." "Hold," said Time Turner, "there be more." May Cadance help whomever chooses poorly, for he must never court a maiden ever again. Both Derpy and Rarity shuddered at the thought, privately agreeing the last part sounded extreme. "Father was a little... Overbearing," Twilight laughed nervously. Then she held up the picture she planned to use. It was of her and her six friends, before she became a princess. Even Rarity was touched. "Now off with you lovebirds," she dismissed the other 2. Derpy blushed. "I don't know what you're talking about." Time Turner was equally embarrassed. "Nor do I." Twilight sniggered, "Don't think I don't know the looks you to give each other. And right now, you look like a cute couple. So go on, just as long as you don't do anything public." The two servants rushed off. Rarity shook her head. "That was easy." Then she noticed Twilight placing the portrait in the lead casket. "Why lead, my dear? I would've chosen one of the other 2 if I were you." "But I'm not you. I just want to show that I'm not as rich or spoiled or pompous or stuck up as some ponies believe me to be." "You mean like these ponies?" Rarity unrolled an extremely long scroll that rolled over half of the floor. "Yes, those ponies," groaned Twilight as she flopped onto her bed. "They're all probably going to this for monetary or personal gain. Without any true affection. But I can't choose who I like nor can I refuse who I dislike. What if the wrong one chooses the right one." She sounded like she was on the verge of tears until- "Do you not remember, lady, a blue stallion from your youth, dazzling blue eyes, a number for a cutie mark?" "Yes yes, it was Thomas," sniffled Twilight, "as I think he was called. Why?" Rarity showed her his name on the list. "True madam: he, of all stallions I've ever laid mine eyes upon, was the best deserving of a mare." "Yes, I remember him well," croaked Twilight, sounding happier, "and I remember him worthy of thy praise." ONE HOUR EARLIER CLANG! A sword fight was going on at the back of the Zero Dock. Zorran, the owner and proprietor (as well as the skinniest of the 5) was in a fencing match with Thomas. "You know," he panted, "for a rookie who's friends with one of the Stars, you're not bad." "Thanks," panted Thomas, "but we both know that I didn't come for a match with you." "Aye, every pony always comes to me for a loan. How much and how long?" "Eighteen hundred bits for 3 months." "Eighteen hundred bits, 3 months; well. And who shall be bound?" "Ten Cents." Now Zorran was one of the best fencers in Romane. It took very little to set him off. However, he and Ten Cents also went way back, but in the way of rivals. The mere mention of his name caused Zorran to break form, leading Thomas to knock the sword out of his hooves. "Ten Cents bound?" "Your answer?" "Ten Cents is a good stallion." "Have you heard anything contradictory?" "Oh no: I mean he is sufficient. Yet his means' reliability vary: he hath argosy bound to places a respectable distant from here. But ships are but boards, sailors but stallions; there's land-rats and water-rats, land thieves and water thieves_pirates, you know; then there's the perils of wind, water, and rock. I think I may take his bound." "Ah, here he comes now," said Thomas. Sure enough, Ten Cents was heading their way. "Look at him," hissed Zorran to his companions, "I hate him for he is a Star. But it's more than that, he loans out money and brings down the rate here in Romane. But if I can counter him, I could settle our grudge. Come on, Zug." He, Thomas, and the smallest zebra went up to meet Ten Cents. "Hello Thomas," said Ten Cents, "Zorran. Zug. So, let's get down to business shall we?" "Let's," agreed Zug. "Eighteen hundred bits for 3 months." said Zorran. "Too woo a certain princess," sniggered Zug. "My ships should arrive in time to pay the debt," said Ten Cents. "And if they don't," asked Zug. "I've thought of that," answered Zorran. He produced a piece of parchment and an open bottle of ink. The zebra then dipped his hoof in the bottle and touched the parchment, leaving a small blot. It spread all over the parchment, forming into a lot of words. Zug looked it over and then showed it to the ponies. "It says," he rasped, "that unless the payment of 1800 bits is met on the expected date 3 months from now, Ten Cents will have to relinquish unto Zorran a pound of his own flesh." Thomas started. "Uh, I don't think-" "I'll sign." Thomas stared at Ten Cents. "You can't. I don't want you to take the risk." Ten Cents gave him a determined look. "That's what friends do, Thomas. They help each other. Besides, this is another way I can help." Zorran shoved the bottle over to Ten Cents, who copied what Zorran did. This blot spread all over until his name appeared. Zorran and Zug signed too. "Now it's down to you, lover-boy," sneered Zorran. Thomas considered singing. He wanted to be Twilight's mate, but how badly? He didn't want Ten Cents to agree to a grotesque deal on his behalf. Then again, Thomas did want to see Twilight again and Zorran was offering a way to her. On the other hoof, his price was unbearably high; Ten Cents might die. But at last, Thomas gave in. "Zak! Twelve hundred bits, right now!" called Zorran. The bulkiest zebra came up, toting a full money bag. "I can guarantee that the bag contains 1800 bits," said Zorran. He passed it to Thomas and smirked. "Now go get her, tiger." "There's kindness in the Zero," murmured Ten Cents as he and Thomas walked away. Thomas wasn't so sure.