Chapter 20: Omens
A few days later, coast of the Unknown West…
As all of the airships had been enlisted in the relief effort that was barely keeping Venecia supplied with essentials, the REINS had to resort to an alternative means of locating the area where the dragons had disappeared.
However, the Unknown West was unknown for a reason. The dense and forbidding forest played host to a deadly variety of flora and fauna. The coastline was relatively well-mapped by ships, but even then, underwater reefs, sandbars, and a rocky shoreline complicated the efforts of explorers to precisely determine what lay in the Unknown West.
To make matters worse, without settlement, and pegasus air control, the weather over the Unknown West was fairly unpredictable. This was further exacerbated by the storms generated by the Western Sea.
All of this warranted the REINS sending the Wonderbolts to do the flyover of the coastline of the Unknown West, where Dragonlord Torch had indicated the dragons had vanished, and so Captain Spitfire and Soarin had been specially selected for this mission.
Having set out from Vanhoofer two days ago, the flame-haired yellow pegasus shot through the air, eyes peeled for any telltale signs of catastrophe, her wingpony scanning the skies, seas, and forest below for possible enemies.
Soon the pair finally found what they came looking for. Though they had no idea how it happened.
Soarin gasped, “What in Celestia?”
“What, indeed?” Spitfire repeated darkly.
Parts of the shoreline stretching all the way to the horizon were simply gone, as if something had taken a bite out of it. They left only small coves of murky seawater, some about the size of a carriage, others the size of a large ship. Where there once was a sandy beach, albeit a coarse and gravelly one, there was now only water, all the way up to the treeline. Several trees in fact were missing, with all that was left being the splintered remains of logs floating in the impromptu bays that had been made, and some stumps.
“Any possibility that this is just some sort of natural disaster? I mean, it looks as if multiple tsunamis hit the coast all at once,” said Soarin.
Spitfire shot Soaring a flat stare. “Multiple tsunamis?”
“Right, good point,” said Soarin.
“Also, some of them don’t look like tidal damage. It looks more as if something smashed the land here.” Spitfire’s eyes narrowed. “And besides, look.” The Wonderbolt Captain pointed with one hoof to the blood spattered upon some of the tree trunks, and at the colorful dragon scales on what remained of the beach.
Soarin had to force his gag reflex back down. He never would have thought he’d feel pity for a dragon, but he did. “We better report this to the admiral.”
Spitfire nodded, and after using the camera they had brought with them to snap a few pictures, the two took off.
Little did the pair know their departure had been watched.
As night fell, shapes began to come out from under the cover of the trees.
There were ponies, donkeys, zebras, old and young, filly and colt, each looking somewhat on the thin side, their coats unkempt and manes tattered due to having lived in the brush.
In unison, they approached the cove, treading softly on the beach, taking three steps forward, and one step back, three steps forward and one step back.
All the while, their heads were bowed, no… their heads were dragging on the ground, their chins scraping on the gravel, some to the point that they were bleeding.
And yet they continued, three steps forward, one step back, their wide eyes glued to the water before them.
Every one of them was smiling.
This continued until they finally reached the water of the cove, and finally stood up. Each of them placed two hooves in the water of the cove, keeping their rear hooves on land. They raised their heads high, and began to chant, their heads swaying left and right.
Hail the Old One!
The Terror of the Deep
The Slayer of Kings
The Breaker of Keels
Hail the Great One
Who treads on Sea and Land
Who smashes mast and hull
And unites Ocean with the Land
All of a sudden the cultists stood on their hind legs, their forelegs spread out as they reached for the sky, their frothing mouths screaming:
Long live our God
Long live the unifier of land and sea
And may the ocean depths swallow all those who oppose him!
Evening, two days before the next meeting, Venecia…
Alternia was reviewing her proposals for the upcoming meeting with the Aquestrians in Diamondshell’s room. She knew the chevalier appreciated the company and often liked to have something to read.
Not wanting to be far from their queen and princess, Harlequin, Cyndra, and several other Mirror Guard ponies and changelings often joined Alternia in Diamondshell’s room, to the point that it became quite full.
That was when Luna’s visage came into view in Alternia’s crystal ball.
“Alternia, is Celestia here?” she asked.
The changeling queen turned to her crystal ball, noting that Luna seemed very worried. “I’ll ask for her. What happened?”
Marenitz slid into view in front of Luna and, to Alternia’s increasing apprehension, she looked exhausted. Her words didn’t help either.
“You better wait for her to get here.”
When Celestia arrived, Alternia was brimming with anticipation. Marenitz’s solemn expression had revealed nothing and only when the white alicorn arrived did she take a deep breath and start.
“First, we’ve received word from Dragonlord Torch that several of his dragons went missing in the Unknown West. I sent two Wonderbolts to investigate. They found very heavy tidal damage on the northern coastline of the Unknown West. We’re still trying to figure out exactly how was this accomplished, but it could suggest possible kelpie activity in the Western Sea.”
Celestia frowned. “Did we not agree that the only waterway from the Western Sea from the Eastern Sea was the Northwest Passage, which is sealed?”
“Yes, which is why I said possible, and not conclusive kelpie activity. However, that brings me to my second point.” Marenitz leaned forward, closer to the crystal ball. “The Northwest Passage is melting.”
All three princesses couldn’t help but gasp.
“How is that possible?” asked Luna.
Marenitz shook her head. “We don’t know, but judging by our estimates, it will be completely melted within two weeks.”
“Are the kelpies responsible for this?” Celestia asked.
“Unknown. We need more data and all we know is that the passage is melting from both ends. Suffice to say, once the passage completely melts, which is a strong possibility, the kelpies will be able to access the Western Ocean,” said Marenitz grimly. The admiral glanced meaningfully at Alternia, “Unfortunately this only puts more pressure on us to find a diplomatic solution for this crisis. We can easily fortify our Western Coast against any incursions, but it is an unenviable prospect to have enemies on both sides.”
Alternia pursed her lips in thought. “It will be difficult to bring the Western Sea up in the negotiations with Tethys. While she has no direct claim on the Western Sea, we have little ability or actual justification to claim parts of the sea aside from trade routes.”
“You don’t have to, at least not now. Just conclude the peace treaty and make sure we can discuss this in the future. That’s more important.” Marenitz scowled. “However, we may have a problem with that.”
“What do you mean?” asked Luna.
Marenitz’s teeth ground together so hard, Celestia and Alternia could hear the creaks on their end of the crystal ball.
“Two of our destroyers have gone missing in the Western Sea. No distress call, no nothing. Hence, at this point, I can’t rule out the possibility that the kelpies have broken the ceasefire.”
Alternia resisted the temptation to swear, though Celestia and Luna had far less restraint in that regard. Still, she could not help but frown and ask Marenitz, “But you have no evidence that kelpies are the responsible party?”
Marenitz shook her head. “No, and it makes very little sense to sink two destroyers to break a ceasefire when one has cities to target for food. However, two destroyers don’t just go missing all of a sudden and so if you could bring that up in the negotiations along with the disappearance of Karkanos Island, we’ll have at least a better idea of what’s going on in the Western Sea.”
“Understood. Thank you, Admiral,” said Celestia.
Marenitz nodded. “You’re welcome, and good luck.”
The Day of the 2nd Meeting...
A far larger negotiating table and pavilion had been set up at the water’s edge for Alternia, Celestia, Sebastiana, Retariusil and Chrysalis to sit at. Here, they awaited silently for the Aquestrians to arrive, while Celestia waited to lower the sun.
Alternia glanced momentarily at Retariusil. The younger queen had agreed she would try to show some restraint at the negotiations, but the changeling princess didn’t doubt that she might have to rein Retariusil in. Alternia couldn’t even think of how difficult it was for Retariusil to be here, considering that the Aquestrians had killed her mother.
Finally, Celestia lit her half-horn, concentrated and lowered the sun, and the light of day slowly vanished to be filled by the twinkling stars of Luna’s night.
It was also then, right on time, that the sea frothed and the forms of two kelpies and a pegasus emerged from the water. Alternia, a small smile on her features, stood and inclined her head slightly.
“Welcome, and greetings, Prince Typhon, Captain Ebb and Captain Brinewing,” said Alternia in as magnanimous a voice as possible.
Typhon inclined his head in respect as well. “Hello, Princess Alternia, Princess Celestia, Doggess Sebastiana. I presume these are Queen Chrysalis and Queen Retariusil?” he asked.
“Indeed. I am Queen Chrysalis, Alternia’s elder sister,” said Chrysalis, smiling slightly like her sister, the picture of a neutral, if courteous host.
“And I am Queen Retariusil of the Sea Snakes, the changeling hive on Venecia,” said Retariusil. Her eyes were narrowed, but Alternia was relieved that the younger queen’s voice was at least neutral.
“Charmed,” said Typhon as he and the other sat down at the chairs across from the Equestrians and changelings. Clearing his throat, the prince’s eyes narrowed.
“I and Ebb conveyed your proposals to Empress Tethys as you asked and we have several points we need to discuss before any agreement can be reached.”
“Ah, what is the first one?” asked Alternia.
Ebb settled into her seat, her eyes half-lidded. “First, in regards to the Venecian evacuation, I’m afraid the Aquestrian Empire cannot allow any further violations of our sovereign seas and so I am forced to tell you that your request to sail across the Eastern Sea is declined.”
Sebastiana sank slightly in her chair, but Alternia could tell from her emotions she was reeling at the blow. Retariusil’s eyes narrowed even further and Celestia was obviously biting back a retort.
As for Chrysalis and Alternia, in communion with one another through their telepathic link, well they were more than a little perplexed. Retariusil had declined to connect their minds in this instance as Alternia would need fewer distractions to negotiate.
“I’m sorry, Prince Typhon, but I don’t quite understand why this proposal is unacceptable to you. The evacuation would in the long-term reduce the violation of Aquestrian territory,” stated Alternia levelly, her gaze boring into Typhon’s. All the while, Alternia couldn’t help but wonder if the Aquestrians had shown up to declare the negotiations over.
“The Empress said—”
“That the continued pollution of vessels in our waters is unacceptable. We can’t escape your poison, so why should we allow you to escape your current predicament?” boomed a voice from the sea.
The Equestrian delegation, Alternia included, started and she could just hear the panicked Damn uttered by her sister before Tethys arrived.
Water from the ocean surged onto land, soaking the hooves of the Aquestrian delegation, but not quite reaching the Equestrians. Then, as if being knitted together, the water twisted into various strands and burst upward into miniature waterspouts that were nearly four times Celestia’s height. They punted the flimsy pavilion off into the distance and wove to and fro, binding together, condensing and churning, until a great water clone of the Empress herself towered over the seated diplomats and delegates.
Alternia blinked, and in a flash, the great water clone was frozen, the pitilessly cold ice-sculpted eyes of the Empress looking down at the paralyzed changeling princess. This close, she could see every detailed feature on the Empress’s carapace. For one, she hadn’t quite realized that Tethys had a myriad of combat tentacle morphs, crab claws, tentacles, armored tentacles… she couldn’t figure out what the purpose of some of them were, but all of them looked wickedly deadly.
The carapace “plating” on Tethys was even far more impressive than that on regular kelpies. Like most other kelpies, the Empress’s carapace was made of a myriad of angled plates of chitin, but her large size meant the average size of each individual angled plate was far larger. The largest plate Alternia saw was almost as large as her face.
All of this didn’t help the changeling princess’s panicked state of mind.
“Welcome, Empress Tethys,” managed Alternia, trying not to make her voice pitch up. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Celestia practically shaking in her hoofshoes at the sight of the one who had nearly killed her.
“Greetings.”
The short reply of the Empress meant Alternia was scrambling to figure out what to say next. Luckily, she wasn’t alone.
“Pardon us, Empress but while we are aware of the pollution our ships cause, can you enlighten us as to the severity?” asked Chrysalis hastily.
The Empress’s voice didn’t abate in volume despite the proximity of her ice sending and Alternia’s ears instinctively flattened. It wasn’t ear-screaming loud, but it wasn’t easy to hear.
“The very seabed beneath your trade lanes are dead zones and the devastation spreads from there. Only magic saved Aquamaris from being poisoned but even then the corruption your ships spread reaches to the very edge of the city.”
Alternia winced at the anger behind the statement and nodded. “We understand, Empress Tethys. We will continue our evacuation by airship then and stick to only the trade lanes agreed upon in the old treaty.” The changeling paused as an idea occurred to her suddenly. “Unfortunately, and I know you have been highly skeptical of this, but Princess Celestia has been unable to recall exactly which trade lanes the Equestrians were allowed to use and our archivists have so far been unable to recover the old maps that indicate which trade lanes the old treaty has designated. If Aquestria could provide these maps, our evacuation would be expedited as we could use our airships to ferry evacuees to ships in the designated trade lanes.”
“Only if you use your airships to take them to the shipping lanes,” said Tethys, her neutral expression betraying nothing.
Alternia nodded. “I agree, Celestia?”
“That is reasonable,” said Celestia coolly.
If Tethys herself is here… discussing the proposals… does that mean the Western Sea activities aren’t the responsibility of the Aquestrians?wondered Alternia.
I don’t know, sister, but be very careful… It appears Tethys used the exact same surprise entry we came up with to introduce you during the Queens Council. We weren’t prepared for her arrival. Hence, I think we should let Tethys take the lead on this one. said Chrysalis
Good call, thought back Alternia as she looked back up at Tethys.
“Empress Tethys, what is your opinion on our other proposals?” asked the changeling princess.
“I find it odd, honestly. I’ve led armies and have slain thousands to secure the ocean for my sea ponies and yet it’s only with your help that our claim to the oceans will be recognized?” said the icy sending of Tethys. As she said this, the Empress’s expression remained blank, but a pony would have to be blind and deaf to not tell the sarcasm in Tethys’s voice. Alternia didn’t need her emotion sensing to tell the Empress was certainly not pleased.
That being said, it wasn’t too difficult to figure out why the Empress was annoyed. Now that Alternia thought back to it, her statement could make it seem as if Equestria and the changelings had claimed that the seas had been theirs in the first place.
“Pardon me, Empress. My wording was a bit unclear in that respect. The intention for our recognizing of your claim was to give up all of our old claims to the Eastern Sea and to indicate that we will support your claim in the event of any further diplomatic negotiations with other nations. By no means does that point indicate that we had any legitimate claim to the Eastern Sea.”
The Empress nodded. “Very well then. As for your military forces, I honestly do not see why you’d need anything more than your light destroyer ships for self defense.”
Alternia blinked. The sovereignty issue had been defused rather quickly, but this second topic was not going to be easy to discuss. They needed the fleet for defensive purposes after all. If they were to deprive themselves of their heavier warships, how would they defend against the Griffons and the Aquestrians?
Or wait… did they?
The changeling’s mind thought furiously. The Battle of Aquamaris had shown battleships and even heavier warships were of limited effectiveness in direct conflict against Aquestrians, although they had destroyed a few of the sea beasts Aquestria had sent against them.
However, considering they were giving up the sea to the Aquestrians as it was not essential to their livelihood and since they weren’t planning to destroy the Aquestrians, why would they need a fleet? It was asking for trouble. Not to mention, if the kelpies were claiming the ocean, that would mean they would limit the griffons’ access to the sea as well...
“We intended that the battleships and cruisers provide the heavier firepower needed in a defensive fleet.” Alternia quickly took a breath and made her decision. “However, if you are claiming responsibility for the entire Eastern Sea, then I take it you are going to account for all pirates and griffons that violate your oceans?”
Celestia and Sebastiana stared at Alternia, surprised, but looks of recognition were slowly coming over their features. If the Aquestrians took care of the coast, then that would mean the erection of a buffer zone between Equestria and the Griffons. This would protect Equestria’s eastern coasts from any future Griffon invasion, something that had happened in the Griffon Viking Age, the First Griffon-Equestria War and the Second Griffon-Equestria War.
Tethys nodded. “Any who traverse the oceans enter our world no matter what country’s flag they fly. If they do not have to protection of said countries, they will be even less welcome. You know the fates of the pirates.”
As Brinewing flinched, Alternia wondered if “oceans” applied to the Western Oceans. It was true that most of the sea trade routes in the Western Ocean were coast-based due to how volatile the sea was, but any kelpie claim there could complicate things.
“In that case, would a flotilla of nine destroyers be satisfactory?” asked Alternia.
“As long as they are used purely for defense and you agree to not develop means to attack underwater, that will be acceptable,” said Tethys, voice emotionless.
Acceptable… that could mean many things, thought Alternia. The way Tethys was discussing this, it was almost as if she was saying that peace was a possibility. The military restrictions were part of that proposal after all.
“I think we can agree to that, Celestia?” asked Alternia.
The alicorn frowned, her eyes glancing to the map of Eastern Sea before she nodded, albeit reluctantly, from what Alternia could sense.
“On that note though, Empress, judging from your agreement, is it accurate for me to say that you are considering the trade agreement and ten year peace treaty that we have proposed?” asked Alternia hesitantly.
“I am amenable to a trade agreement though I find the proposed trade components to be rather limited. Your plastics, while interesting, can’t support a trade economy on its own. I’d like there to be more options in the future,” said Tethys.
Alternia couldn’t exactly find anything wrong with this qualm. One product was hardly going to support a trade economy after all and she intended to suggest more to Tethys. That she was willing to listen… was actually rather strange, but welcome.
The changeling decided not to question that any further and took a deep breath.
“I agree, but if we are to trade, then we need peace. So what is your opinion on the ten year peace agreement?”
“I cannot give you ten years. The most I can agree on is five years, but after that the kelpies would need to go on the hunt again. However with a live tribute, it’s possible we could extend the period of peace.”
The words were spoken by the Empress’s massive ice-sending in a blunt, no-nonsense tone, but it was that matter of factness that caused Celestia, Sebastiana, and Retariusil’s anger to flare. Quickly, before her friends could say something they might regret, Alternia glanced at them, and raised her hoof.
The action clearly didn’t go unnoticed by Tethys, whose gaze didn’t waver for a second.
Taking a deep breath, Alternia bit her lip and asked, “Live tribute... How many? And do you…” the changeling forced her lips to form the words that she needed to say, reminding herself that they needed to know the extent of the Aquestrians demands. “Do you have any particular preferences or restrictions?”
“Five thousand at rate of four months. It can be less if the griffons donate as well,” said Tethys her voice as clam as if she was discussing the weather.
Alternia swallowed and felt her stomach plummet to the ground, even as she sensed Sebastiana’s despair, Celestia’s keen disbelief and Retariusil’s fury.
Five thousand every four months? That’s… bad… but not the worst case scenario I could think of. I wonder how many do they need per kelpie and if Tethys is exaggerating the numbers? thought-spoke Chrysalis, who was trying to keep her frustration in check.
She could be, but I doubt it. Why exhaust our populations more than she needs to? That being said… this is bad. returned Alternia.
Exhaling heavily, Alternia asked. “Do they have to be alive? Also, Equestria would be very willing to assist your research into your feeding condition in order to find the cause and the cure.”
“They must be alive. As for your offer, we are actually aware of the cause, it’s just that a cure is unlikely as it ties to the very core of a kelpie’s being. We can thank Samudra for this information even if her attempts to “cure” us resulted in rogue kelpies and abominations.” Unsurprisingly, Alternia could hear, for a second, Tethys’s tone dip into a hint of a growl, which certainly seemed to confirm what the book said about the current Empress’s feud with the previous Empress.
“Ah…” Alternia backtracked furiously thinking of what to do, but she was drawing a blank. She knew what she wanted. She wanted to refuse immediately… but was it because of what she had lost that she would be refusing, or was it for the good of Equestria? Was it for the good of the hives? Was peace worth so many sacrifices?
Which was when she heard Chrysalis's voice in her head.
Alternia, call a recess. You don’t need to decide this by yourself.
The idea, so simple made Alternia want to hug her elder sister, but that would be unbecoming.
So Alternia contented herself with sending a burst of love through the link she shared with her sister, enough so that Chrysalis’s lips twitched upwards in a smile.
“In that case, do you mind if I take thirty minutes to discuss with my compatriots about our course of action? I am certain you understand the serious nature of this matter,” said Alternia coolly.
Tethys inclined her head slightly and replied in a level tone. “I’ll await your response.”
Inclining her head out of respect, Alternia stood up, grabbed her saddle bag beside her, and the others followed her a small distance away, where she immediately put up a green sound shield.
“And now we wait. I think I’m going to win our bet, Typhon,” said Ebb Flow smugly, leaning back in her chair.
Typhon groaned. “Suck it up.”
“Alternia, you’re not seriously thinking of giving them live tribute!” roared Celestia once they were inside the sound shield.
“I don’t want to, in fact, if it was up to me, I’d refuse, but it isn’t just up to me.” Alternia reached inside her saddle bag and pulled out the crystal ball. “Luna?”
“I’m here, Alternia. What happened?” asked the night princess.
“The kelpies have met us halfway with most of our proposals, but they are requiring a live tribute of five thousand ponies every four months for a ten year peace. If we don’t, the peace will only last for five years. What’s your opinion on this?” asked Alternia.
Luna scowled, the frustration clear on her features as she warred within herself.
“I would take the five year peace. Our ponies will not agree to a live tribute system and I would not force something my ponies won’t agree upon on them.”
“Exactly why we should rebuff their proposal. We cannot sacrifice the lives of our ponies for an extra five years of peace.” Celestia turned to Alternia. “That being said, Alternia, I thought you were the strongest advocate for peace.”
Alternia shook her head. “Not if it means infringing on our ideals. We can’t simply give in to their demand without the consent of our ponies. Perhaps we might be able to ensure peace with the live tribute, but it would be a peace paved with blood instead of goodwill.”
“For obvious reasons, I refuse outright,” said Retariusil grimacing.
“And I agree with you all, the peace is not worth the live tribute,” said Sebastiana. The doggess grimaced. “That being said, what happens after five years? We’ll likely be at war with the Aquestrians and while we would have time to prepare our defenses... ”
“Perhaps, but considering that the other option is to try to eradicate a species, which we don’t know if we could anyway, the five year peace is still a better option. Are we all in agreement?” asked Alternia.
Everypony and changeling nodded.
“Sebastiana, do you think we can evacuate the Venecians fast enough now that we can use airships and water transports in conjunction with one another?” Alternia asked.
“I’m not sure… the only way to be sure we can evacuate Venecia if we have a supply of food,” said Sebastiana.
“What if the Aquestrians made the food deliveries?” asked Chrysalis.
Everypony stared at Chrysalis who shrugged. “Well it’s worth a try. Their problem is with the pollution our ships cause, but if they made the food deliveries, then that shouldn’t be an issue.”
“And we can pay them for the service, we have gold enough and from their dress, they certainly seem to value it,” said Celestia.
“Alright. Let’s go then,” said Alternia.
When the changelings and Equestrians emerged from their sound bubble, the Empress and her delegation were still waiting.
Brinewing had pulled her hat over her head and looked as if she had been taking a nap. That being said, the moment the ponies and changelings reappeared, she had instantly sat up straight. Ebb Flow and Typhon were in a hushed discussion with one another that they abruptly ended as the changelings and Equestrians reappeared.
Trotting slowly to her chair, Alternia took her seat and looked up at the Empress’s icy eyes.
“Empress, we would like to revise our proposal to a five year peace treaty as I understand your kelpies need to hunt, and I am afraid that our subjects would not accept us organizing a live tribute.”
“Unfortunate. Also as Ebb may have indicated during the first meeting, we’ve had issues dealing with such ceasefires before. I personally do not find a single verbal agreement to not attack nor to not develop underwater weaponry very promising.”
Alternia resisted the urge to bite her lip as she considered her options. She’d negotiated with wary parties before. While they sent the most intelligent diplomats, actually making an agreement would often be very difficult because such parties would not trust easily.
What was even more problematic was that she knew that it was technically the Equestrians who had violated the original treaty first, even if they had done so unintentionally. It was a violation that she herself would have exploited as a diplomat, well, if she was on the other side that is.
“You have a good point, Empress and I won’t begrudge you for your wariness, not when it was us who accidentally broke the original treaty in the first place.” Alternia swallowed. She had an idea, but she needed to be sure before she proposed it.
“I do have a solution that will ensure both our countries compliance with any possible treaty, but I first must ask if you have conducted any operations in the Western Sea of late?”
“Access to the Western Ocean has been impossible ever since Samudra froze the Northwest Passage millennia ago,” said Tethys.
Alternia blinked. Samudra froze the Northwest Passage? That was interesting and it seemed rather important, but the changeling princess had no idea why it would be important.
“Ah. Forgive me for my curiosity. It’s just that we’ve noticed a surge of disturbing activity in the Western Ocean of late.”
The changeling didn’t know what Tethys was thinking, her features remained chillingly neutral, but she could sense the confusion in Brinewing and Typhon, and the curiosity in Ebb.
She didn’t know if Tethys herself was responsible for the activities in the Western Sea, but if Typhon didn’t know, and if Ebb, the captain of the Empress’s own guard, didn’t know, then there was a strong possibility that the Aquestrians were innocent of these incidents.
“Our first sign was when one of our destroyers was on patrol was hit by a rather large wave, filled with sediment. When the crew recovered, they noticed that Karkanos Island, a rocky land formation in the middle of the sea, had abruptly vanished when it had been in their sight moments ago. Then, less than a week later, a flight of dragons was attacked over the Unknown West, and we found their remains on the coastline, which was broken and smashed by waves, as if several tsunamis had hit it.”
Alternia took a breath, and a moment to evaluate the Aquestrians. Typhon was looking and, from what Alternia sensed, feeling worried, as was Brinewing. Ebb seemed rather deep in thought, and the best word Alternia could use to describe her emotional state was that she was skeptical.
As always, Tethys’s blank features revealed nothing, though her eyes did narrow ever so slightly.
Finally, two of our destroyers went missing in the Western Ocean, a little under three days before this meeting.”
That made Typhon’s eyes widen, and he looked up to frown at the Empress. He was followed shortly by Brinewing. Ebb didn’t do anything, her expression still contemplative.
“And you think it was us,” said Tethys, not commenting on the reactions of her subjects.
Alternia inclined her head slightly. “I cannot deny that we suspected as we are still not absolutely certain about your species’ abilities and whether you had a presence in the Western Ocean or not. These incidents are rather puzzling after all, and the frankly inconvenient timing only made us wonder.”
“As I said before, passage to the Western Ocean has been impossible since Samudra froze it. Considering that she could have laid claim to the Western Ocean, and instead chose to seal it off should mean something.”
“Indeed and I thank you for sharing with this us and reassuring us of your country’s honor, Empress Tethys,” said Alternia smiling in her most disarming fashion, before she let it fade. “That being said, Empress, the ice once blocking the Northwest Passage is melting from both ends at a fairly equal rate. As such, I thought it might be prudent to notify you of these incidents in the possibility that the ice melts completely.”
“Indeed. As it is, I do find the disappearance of the island to be bizarre.”
Alternia couldn’t help but blink. The Empress had spoken in a straightforward tone, but her admission was something that she wouldn’t have expected. Not only that, but she could sense the affirmation in Typhon’s and Brinewing’s emotions. Ebb was harder to feel, but her continuous contemplative state was telling Alternia this was new to her as well. Now she was all the more certain that the Aquestrians had nothing to do with the incidents in the Western Ocean.
That would make their proposal possible. A proposal she and the others had been discussing the past night, as a last resort if the kelpies needed further assurance for a peace agreement.
Before Alternia was going to make this proposal, though, she and the others had decided that they really needed to show why this peace agreement would be valuable to Aquestria.
“As do I, Empress. But back to our discussion on the peace treaty, I’d like you to have a look at some of the measures we will be taking to prevent and fix the damage we’ve done to your ocean,” said Alternia. She glanced to Celestia who pulled out a number of blueprints from their saddlebags.
Spreading the first one out, Alternia noticed Ebb, Brinewing and Typhon craning in for a look.
“These are the plans and notes for the twenty sewage treatment plants that will be constructed on the eastern Equestrian coast, and in Venecia, each servicing up to around five hundred thousand ponies. Some of the groundwork for the one based in Manehattan has been laid already. They work mainly through a filtration system, but we do add some chemicals to the water, particularly salts and irons to enable us to remove the phosphorous from the treated water. Once purified, they will be released back into the ocean.” Alternia glanced up at Tethys. “We are sharing these plans with you first though to see if the quality of water and the process of purification is to your satisfaction.”
Typhon nodded, levitating the plans, he pulled them over closer to him and Brinewing and leaned in closer to the pirate, so she could whisper to him what they meant. Tethys just watched them, eyes unmoving.
Meanwhile, Sebastiana took out another series of blueprints.
“Moreover, Venecia and Equestria has decided that to prevent our trade ships from further polluting your trade routes, we’ll be scrapping some of our trade ships and constructing a new class instead. We’re giving them quieter engines, propellers that create less turbulence, funnels that catch more ash, and a hull design that reduces the bow wake. As you can see, we’re experimenting with a new type of hull design known as a “bulbous bow” that reduces bow wake significantly.”
The Duchess took a moment to sip her water. She needed to hide her grimace after all because this shipbuilding project was not cheap by any means. That being said, Sebastiana was willing to pay in order reduce the possibility of Tethys targeting her trade ships.
“We’re also coming up with protocols and spells to confine the grease needed to run our ships onto the ships themselves and are employing a different kind of paint though, one that is more durable, and made with chemicals that do not poison sea life.”
She passed these plans again to Typhon and Brinewing, who glanced them over with interest.
“Regarding cleanup efforts, your scouts may have noticed we’ve begun a cleanup of our harbours, focusing on removing what plastics and debris they have accumulated. For the long term, we’re experimenting with the use of plastic and garbage catching nets and surface booms, partially powered by magic,” explained Alternia.
Celestia coughed and hoofed over a final plan. “Finally, Equestria would like to assist with the restoration of the damaged seafloor around Venicia and Equestria’s major harbours as well as the trade routes. If you could provide us samples of polluted seafloor soil and that of healthy seafloor soil, our earth pony agricultural researchers can use some of their innate magic and skill in chemistry to help duplicate healthy seafloor.”
“The samples required can be supplied, provided you get to the point.”
Alternia nodded, deciding not to delay voicing their proposal any further and steeled herself.
“Tell me Empress, are you familiar with the concept of a hostage exchange?” asked the changeling princess.
“Yes, why?” asked the Empress.
Biting back her fear, Alternia took a deep breath and composed her face. It would not do good to show her terror. “In order to facilitate the peace, our countries will have to set up embassies where we can contact each other in the possibility that an issue may arise. What I’m suggesting is that in return for Aquestria setting up an embassy in Canterlot Palace, Princess Luna and a small retinue, will set up an embassy at your capital, which I believe is Aquamaris, for the duration of the treaty.”
Earlier, yesterday...
It was actually Celestia who had brought the idea up. She, Alternia, Retariusil, Chrysalis and Sebastiana had all been discussing the upcoming negotiations with Luna, Belladonna and Simulacris via crystal ball. The problem they were trying to address was the possibility that Tethys still didn’t trust the Equestrians.
After all, Tethys had shown severe mistrust of the Equestrians in their first meeting, and even the tone of her missive that opened peace negotiations had been filled with distrust.
“A hostage exchange…” said Alternia. She pursed her lips. “That could work. The problem is whether we have a high enough rank hostage to put at risk. Moreover, we first have to determine that the Aquestrians have had nothing to do with the incidents in the Western Ocean.”
Celestia opened her mouth and closed it, grimacing. “You’re right. That would not work particularly well.”
“I’m not saying that it won’t work at all Celestia. It’s an old method of diplomacy that has worked fairly well in the past. The problem is though…” Alternia winced. “We’d have to decide who to go, and judging from how much the Aquestrians mistrust us from our encounters with Tethys, the letters they sent and the nature of the questions from Captain Ebb Flow, it would have to be either myself, Celestia, or Luna leading the group that will go to Aquamaris.”
Luna’s image in the crystal ball and Celestia scowled, but didn’t disagree with Alternia’s assessment. After all, Tethys’s mistrust of Equestria due to broken promises had led to the white alicorn losing half a horn and a multitude of ponies. If they were going to broker a deal, they would have to send a pony or figure of significant stature.
“No way! What if they can’t resist the taste of changeling or pony and break their promise? Even if the kelpies will hold to their oath, all it takes is that one kelpie to break protocol and you might be dead,” snapped Retariusil.
“If Tethys didn’t let the kelpies raid ships traveling on the trade routes designated by the original treaty, I highly doubt Tethys would let that happen in this case,” said Alternia. She took a deep breath. “It’s probably going to have to be me.”
“Alternia, no!” exclaimed Belladonna, her face filling the crystal ball as she shoved past Luna. She was promptly dragged back to her seat by Simulacris and a slightly annoyed Luna.
“It has to be me. Tethys probably can’t stand the sight of Celestia, who was once Samudra’s friend, and Luna is needed to help raise the moon. Moreover, while we can trust kelpie honor, that group will still be in the heart of a possibly hostile nation’s capital,” said Alternia.
“You could raise and lower the moon and sun too!” protested Sebastiana. “Besides, the hostage exchange is too risky.”
“I agree, whoever the kelpies would be willing to exchange would never equal any of you three in importance,” said Retariusil.
Alternia sighed. “Equestria would need me to do this, or else we won’t be able to defend against any future Aquestrian onslaught. If the hostage exchange works, it’ll guarantee ourselves five years to bolster our defences and to learn more about the Aquestrians in their capital. Moreover, with those incidents in the Western Sea, it would allow us to re-orientate our defence in the event those incidents escalate into a crisis. In return, we would have lost relatively little. We will still have Venecia, and most importantly, the treaty and the possible hostage exchange will prove to the kelpies our motivations for mutual and beneficial peace,” said Alternia.
Retariusil shook her head. “But we will have lost control of the sea—”
“Which was never ours in the first place,” said Alternia.
“Yes, but this…” Retariusil grimaced. “This is humiliating.”
Alternia nodded grimly. “Indeed, but I’d rather sacrifice some pride to guarantee this peace.”
Sebastiana raised an eyebrow. “But they’ll be at war with us in five years. They have to eat anyway and according to them, they can’t make a cure. If we go on this defensive strategy, we’ll still be starving them.”
“That is unfortunately a problem we can only solve later. After all, we can’t, for ethical and practical reasons, try to kill all the Aquestrians. I also know, though, that we aren’t going to harm our own subjects to feed them,” said Alternia.
“That’s true, but the thing is, sister, you can’t be the one to go there,” said Chrysalis in a firm tone. Alternia swallowed and turned to take in her older sister’s hard gaze and fear-filled heart.
“I’m the only practical choice, Chrysalis,” said Alternia.
“You’re wrong. You aren’t. Princess Luna is. You have to stay, or else who will be the bridge between ponies and changelings?” demanded Simulacris.
Alternia opened her mouth to retort and felt that retort retreat down her throat like slippery jello as she realized the gravity of the situation.
“I will not send Luna to Aquamaris,” said Alternia, trying to do so in a tone that brooked no argument, but failing as panic gripped her voice.
“That’s not your decision to make alone, Alternia,” Luna declared. The blue alicorn forced a small smile onto her face. “Alternia, you are not the sole ruler of Equestria any more. We are too, and I am willing to go, if it is what will help Equestria.”
Alternia shook her head and turned to Celestia, a pleading expression on her face.
She needn’t have bothered. Celestia was horrified. The white alicorn’s face had paled to a sickly white. Her eyes were as wide as plates and she was shaking her head rapidly.
“Luna, you do know that the Aquestrians, the kelpies mostly, but also the sea ponies, are ruthless and deadly. Even if we find out that they aren’t responsible for what happened in the Western Sea, I would not wish to send anypony there.”
The midnight alicorn nodded grimly. “Celestia, I am all too aware of this. I’ve seen them in the nightmares of our ponies. I’ve seen their jaws chew through their armor and their tentacles rip them apart. However, if we don’t at least allow for the possibility of a hostage exchange, then this treaty might fail,” said Luna’s image in a level tone.
Alternia shook her head. “But even if Tethys agrees to host you for five years, what happens at the end of the treaty? There is a very high chance Aquestria would want to go to war with us again, which puts you in a very dangerous position. We will talk with Tethys to ensure there’s a place and time to exchange hostages, but if that doesn’t work and we have to agree to a hostage exchange without that surety, you could be murdered in Aquamaris upon the moment the treaty ends.”
“Well, it depends on whether we can get that surety then, doesn’t it?” asked Simulacris’s image.
“But if we can, there’s nothing stopping us from exchanging hostages,” insisted Luna.
Celestia shook her head, biting her lip as she took on an expression that could only be described as pleading.
“A hostage exchange can go wrong, Luna. Remember, they have gone wrong many times as war can literally break out once we’re across the safe line.”
“But what options do we have?” demanded Luna.
Alternia shut her eyes, forcing herself to think. She knew she had to mediate this, but she didn’t know if it was possible. She couldn’t help but ignore the crushing fact that one of her closest friends, her co-ruler, could be staying in the home of the species that had killed two of her dearest friends and countless others. But at the same time, she couldn’t ignore the fact that a hostage exchange could be the only way to go forward.
Alternia cursed under her breath for a moment as she settled on her solution. “Let us table this idea for now. We will use this ploy if we need to, but while doing so, we will ensure that there are appropriate safeguards written in the treaty to make sure Luna is safe.”
Celestia whirled on Alternia, her eyes wide, mouth open, ready to scream, but Luna spoke first.
“For the good of Equestria, Celestia.”
Celestia bit her lip, her eyes gazing into the crystal ball, locking with Luna’s determined eyes. Aternia wasn’t sure what passed between both sisters. Yet, the alicorn seemed to see it all in a glance and she sighed.
“I’ll miss you, sister,” croaked Celestia.
“I’ll miss you too,” said Luna’s image, a sad smile on her features.
Typhon, and Brinewing were surprised into jaw-dropped silence, while Ebb’s flinched, those she returned to her neutral expression.
Alternia wasn’t exactly thrilled either, and in her heart, she was quivering with fear. All of this was a calculated risk. She knew quite well that the Aquestrians honor was trustworthy.
In fact, Alternia didn’t even need to ask Tethys to send a hostage, she was quite sure that they wouldn’t break the treaty. However, if they were going to trust the Equestrians, she would have to prove it. Hence, Luna’s going to Aquestria for five years, which would not only allow her to get Tethys’s trust, but enable her to learn more about the kelpies. Moreover, the Embassy staff that Tethys would send would undoubtedly be high ranking members of the Aquestrian government, which should reassure the Equestrian public enough.
Unfortunately, Tethys’s unchanging expression did nothing to reassure Alternia of her proposal’s success.
“If it is an exchange then you want one of ours as well. Who?” asked the Empress.
“The Embassy staff that you would be sending to Canterlot would be sufficient. Of course, we expect that they will be able to effectively communicate Aquestria’s aims and motives in a crisis situation,” said Alternia levelly. The changeling paused to sip her glass of water. “Moreover, upon the end of the peace dictated in the treaty’s terms, all hostages are to be safely returned to their nation’s territories, Princess Luna to Equestrian soil and the Aquestrians to the sea at a predetermined meeting point along the eastern coast.”
“Luna?” asked Tethys.
“My younger sister, one of the three ruling princesses of Equestria,” said Celestia, eyes narrowed, shoulders tensed, voice quiet. Alternia nearly groaned as she heard the repressed frustration in Celestia’s tone. They did not need this right now. True, this would certainly show Tethys how important Luna was, but at this point, even a shift in the tone of voice could change the negotiations.
“I take it you have a meeting point in mind?” inquired the Empress, her features still neutral.
“I was thinking on the coast of Equestria. On a clear water bay between Fillydelphia and Manehattan. We will meet there, perhaps one month from now if you agree to the treaty, and then exchange hostages. When the five years are up, we will meet again for the exchange. The writing in the treaty will guarantee that both groups will bring each other’s hostages there for a safe exchange,” said Alternia.
Tethys didn’t move for a moment, her stare unflinching.
“I’ll need some time to consider.”
Alternia was puzzled as to why Tethys didn’t accept the exchange or reject it immediately, but nodded. “How long?” she asked.
“Two weeks. I’ll extend the time of the cease fire as well,” said Tethys.
“That is very generous of you, Empress,” said Alternia.
“I also have a counter-proposal,” said the Empress, looking as if she hadn’t heard Alternia’s compliment at all.
The changeling princess tried not to freeze, and after some struggling managed a small smile. The Empress had yet to do anything but accept or reject Equestria’s proposals. Whatever she was proposing could be critical.
“Please, we are all ears,” said Alternia politely.
“It concerns those poisoned by your ships and activities. A separate hostage exchange. You will take several sea pony families and use your magics and medicine to nurse them back to health. We take in several pony and changeling families. After five years we switch.”
Alternia blinked. Her initial reaction was to reject it, but it… it wasn’t an untenable proposal. There were quite a few rather brave Equestrian researchers who would want to learn more about the kelpies and Aquestria. They also had many archaeologists who would only be too happy to study the underwater ruins. In effect, this hostage exchange could work to their advantage as a cultural exchange. She glanced at her fellows.
Celestia was grimacing, but Alternia had a feeling that the alicorn was reluctantly in agreement. Chrysalis had pursed her lips, while Retariusil was doing her best not to snap back.
Perhaps most shocked was Typhon, who was looking at his regent as if she had grown an extra head. Ebb seemed rather pleased, while Brinewing was nodding in admiration.
Alternia turned to her co-ruler. “As long as you give us the spell that would enable seaponies to communicate with us, I personally think it’s a fairly reasonable proposal. Celestia?”
“What happens if a seapony’s condition deteriorates and he or she dies?” asked Celestia
“You will be held responsible for those in your care. Any family lost in your care will be another Equestrian family put under ours,” said Tethys.
Alternia pursed her lips. Frankly, she was just glad that the Aquestrians didn’t push them harder to give them compensation for the damage to their sea floor. This agreement, from a pragmatic standpoint, made sense, and since she was fairly sure that the kelpies wouldn’t harm the Equestrian families, she had no reason to refuse.
“Celestia?” asked Alternia.
Celestia drew herself up, fixing Tethys with a hard, though not accusing stare. “I do not like it, but we did severely damage your ocean, even if it was by accident. I accept.”
“Alright. We have one more point to discuss.” Alternia turned to Sebastiana. “Doggess Sebastiana of Venecia would like to make a proposal.”
Sebastiana looked up to Tethys, obviously nervous as seen from the flicking of her tail to the stiffness in her shoulders, but doing her best to keep on a brave face.
“Empress Tethys, Venecia would like to pay you with gold in return for food supplies in order to facilitate our evacuation,” said Sebastiana.
“You poisoned our waters and now you want us to feed you?” demanded the Empress.
Sebastiana tried to speak and found herself momentarily lost for words as she was confronted with Tethys’s accusation, and her imposing form.
“And we’re sorry for that Empress, but we cannot assist your efforts to restore the ocean to its former glory if we starve to death. What is more, by assisting Venecia now, you can guarantee its use as a major trading depot between Aquestria and the surface world. The other option would be to use the ports on Equestria’s Eastern coasts such as Manehattan, Fillydelphia and Baltimare, and I am quite sure that the degree of pollution there is even more toxic,” stammered the Duchess.
Tethys’s eyes swayed to focus on Alternia and Celestia. “Which is something that also needs to be addressed. Those ports also spread toxins into our ocean and affect sea life for miles around.”
“Agreed. That is why we are concentrating our sewer and water treatment plants in those port cities first,” said Celestia.
There was a moment’s pause before Tethys spoke again. “As soon as we have proof that these projects are actually underway then a trade can be made. Give my captain a list of what’s need and we can determine the exchange rate.”
Alternia supposed that proof would come from Tethys’s coastal scouts and spies, but she made an inward note to get some photographic evidence of ground being made as well as financial records.
Meanwhile, Sebastiana, after checking over her figures, slid a piece of paper over to Celestia, who cast a waterproofing spell on it. The alicorn then passed it to Ebb, who used a tentacle to take the paper, fold it, and place it in her saddlebags.
“Thank you, Empress,” said Sebastiana in a rather relieved tone.
Tethys gave no response. In fact, right in front of Alternia’s eyes, the ice sending was abruptly dissipating, its eyes growing blank. Chunks of ice, splintering from the colossal icy sculpture of the Empress sank back into the sea, leaving only a few pieces of ice as large of Alternia’s head.
“By your leave then, Princesses,” said Typhon standing up. He extended a hoof and Alternia took it. It felt a bit like a changeling’s hoof, except a fair bit wetter. “Thank you for the productive discussion.”
“Thank you for listening,” said Alternia, smiling politely. Typhon returned it and, after a short bow, turned back to the sea and, with his companions, vanished into the waters.
“That… was interesting,” said Celestia, frowning.
“Indeed. I was surprised they really did know nothing of what was going on in the Western Sea.” Alternia grimaced. “That they did not accept the hostage exchange agreement worries me, though.”
“How so? I mean, hate to say this, but Tethys seemed… somewhat reasonable, if few of words, very defensive, mistrusting of our intentions… basically borderline hostile,” said Sebastiana, with a grimace.
“Then why did she not accept the initial hostage exchange with Luna? The one that would guarantee the peace? She did propose an exchange of seaponies and ponies, but it would have been far more beneficial to Aquestria’s interests to host an alicorn.” Alternia’s sighed. “Well, we can only wait now and figure out what actually is going on in the Western Sea.”
“Are you sure they have nothing to do with it though, Alternia?” asked Celestia.
Chrysalis glanced at Celestia. “To some extent, we can sense the emotions of Tethys’s companions. Of course, because Tethys used an ice sending instead, we don’t know how she felt. Her fellows showed some degree of surprise, though we don’t know whether they were surprised by what we found or just surprised that we had found out about it. Ebb Flow’s emotions were particularly difficult to read as she basically mulled that question over. However, unless Murmillar’s book was completely bogus, which is unlikely, then the lack of any shame or embarrassment to be caught breaking a ceasefire suggests they probably had no idea.”
“There’s also the matter of our existing circumstantial evidence, which suggests the kelpies would have done more if they did have access to the Western Sea and had no intention of keeping the ceasefire. In fact, why would they have shown up at the meeting? They could have thrown a tsunami at us and killed, or at least, wounded us all,” said Alternia.
Retariusil scowled. “There’s also the point that Tethys made about the passage having been sealed for years, which, as we know, would have denied the kelpies access to the Western Sea.”
Sebastiana’s eyes widened and she froze. “Wait, if it wasn’t the kelpies, then what in the world could have made an entire island disappear, take down a flight of dragons, and then have the strength to vanish two Equestrian destroyers?”
Celestia shook her head. “Nothing good, I think. Nothing good at all.”
Aquamaris’s throne room…
Typhon never quite got used to Tethys sitting on his mother’s throne in Aquamaris. Not only because of how he was used to his mother sitting on it, but also because the dark colored Tethys did not quite match the decor of Aquestria’s seat of power for a millenium. There was a lot of gold.
Actually, that was the understatement of a millennium. The entire throne room of Aquestria was plated in immaculately polished gold leaf. More gold plated columns held up a high, vaulted throne hall, adorned with carvings of Aquestria’s history, that led up to the throne itself.
Samudra’s throne itself was made out of a gigantic clam shell, one that could swallow Typhon whole if it was still alive, with a rim studded with multi-colored gems. The entire seat was upraised by a single gold-plated, gem-studded column, into the middle of the throne hall’s final ceiling vault, so that the sitter would tower over all the occupants. This was where Tethys sat, morphed into the size of a humpback whale, which was about one and a half times larger than a killer whale.
She didn’t have her councillors on the floor of the hall, though: she had beckoned Typhon, Ebb, Brinewing, Aquestria’s best hydromancer, Archmagus Mareel, and several other councillors to hover nearer to her throne. She had even called out Seiche from the infirmary to the meeting. He had obliged, though he still had the mollusc clamped to his wound.
Typhon, Ebb and Brinewing had first recapped the Equestrians’ offers and counter-proposals to their audience, and then what they had done, before leaving them all to digest it. Most of the seaponies seemed intrigued whilst the kelpies… were a little more cautious.
As for Typhon? He was wondering what would happen next. He expected today’s negotiations to flop as he knew his Empress didn’t like the Equestrians or the changelings, and didn’t trust them. Princess Alternia and her allies continued to surprise him though, coming up with proposals that were at least worthy of wary consideration.
That being said, Typhon wasn’t blind to the hostility Princess Celestia and the younger changeling queen had shown towards them. The younger changeling queen—he vaguely remembered her name to be Retariusil— in particular, had glared daggers at them through the entire meeting. It was just as well that Princess Alternia had been so neutral because he would never have thought his regent would suggest exchanging Aquestria’s sick seapony subjects with Equestrian families.
In hindsight, his regent’s proposal was a highly advantageous trade. Many seapony families had been hurt from wreckage and polluting debris strewn over the sea floor from sinking ships, and from encroaching pollution from Venecia and Equestria’s eastern ports, to say nothing of Griffonia’s ports. As for why these seaponies found themselves in this situation? Most of them simply had little idea that they were being weakened little by little as the currents took in toxic runoff from the surface cities. There was also little anypony could do to halt the descent of a sinking ship’s hull. Thus, for these poor seaponies, there was basically nothing the seapony and kelpie medical staff could do for them except prolong their lives by a bit. Tethys’s proposal would at least give them a chance if the Equestrians were noble in their intentions. If the Equestrians were traitorous? Well these seaponies had nothing to lose as they were already on their last fins.
Typhon shook his head from his thoughts and turned his attention back to the discussion.
“What is your opinion of the negotiations, Ebb?” Tethys had asked.
“Better than I expected,” Ebb said. The captain paused for a moment before asking in a hesitant tone. “Why didn’t you immediately take the hostage exchange agreement? It would have guaranteed the success of the peace.”
“Perhaps, but what happens after five years, captain?” Tethys asked.
“We would need to hunt,” said Ebb, slowly realizing what her Empress was getting at. “And we would have to return an alicorn to our enemy. An alicorn who could turn the tide of any war we would need to embark upon.”
“Which is why I must carefully consider this.” Tethys paused for a moment and continued. “My first concern, though, is the incidents in the Western Sea reported by the Equestrians.”
“It could be a ploy to scare us away from the Western Sea, Empress,” said Seiche.
“That is possible. Still, Archmagus, what could have caused them?” asked Tethys.
Archmagus Mareel, a pale blue deep pony, frowned. “The destroyers could have been lost due to heavy seas, and the dragons could have been killed in a storm. The disappearing island, though…” Mareel grimaced. “Unless it is related to volcanic activity, which the Equestrians didn’t report, then that is not natural… and neither is it practical to do so.”
Typhon frowned. “Can you explain, Archmagus?”
Mareel nodded. “If someone wanted an island vanished, I would sink sections of an island and liquefy them quickly. Or I could flood and drop a tsunami on a less stable island such as Venecia. But an island with a bedrock base is a completely different matter. It would take up several long months of mining and hydromancy to sink an entire island, especially all of a sudden. Frankly, I’d rather throw a couple of big waves at it or sink sections of it one by one.”
The archmagus pursed her lips and flicked her tail in contemplation. “Essentially, the Equestrians could be making it up, but if they are not, then we might be dealing with something quite powerful.”
Empress Tethys didn’t say anything for almost an entire minute, eyes half-lidded, deep in thought, before she spoke again.
“Captain Ebb, take a company of soldiers and escort Mage Minnow in her mapping of the Western Sea.”
“Yes, Empress,” said Ebb, bowing she swam towards the exit.
Before she left though, she sneered at Typhon.
"Don't think I haven't forgotten that you owe me, Typhon!"
Typhon groaned and swam to his quarters to check his purse.
After all, he had bet Alternia would accept giving live tribute to the Aquestrians and Ebb had bet the changeling princess would refuse. Unfortunately, he had lost quite a bit of money thanks to his own stupidity.
Northwest Passage, a week later…
From above, the Northwest Passage looks like blue stripe across a white sheet that had fallen into a massive depression in the land. Such was the freezing north that all the mountains, hills, and landscape were covered with snow, leaving only a narrow passageway of water, barely wider than the beam of a small warship, winding past frozen islands and fenced in by the ice. At points, even this narrow passage was glassed over by sheet ice.
Overall, though, the passage looked actually rather peaceful. While bleak and deadly due to the freezing air and chilly winds, this natural, dark blue canal winding its way through the mountainous landscape was rather beautiful in its own way.
Underwater was a different story.
You see, the Northwest Passage had another name, a name given to it by the families of the explorers that had attempted to chart a route through it. Deceived by the initial width of the channel, numerous pony, griffon, and yak explorers had attempted to navigate by ship. All had failed. The lucky had escaped with their lives; the unlucky had been swallowed, ships, crew and all.
Thus, the passage was called by a dreadful name, the Maw of the North.
Ebb Flow and her company of warriors bore witness to this as she swam through the passage. Her eyes, tired from travelling, could not help but notice the ships littering the bottom of the passage from nearly a hundred different expeditions from over a millennium of attempted exploration. Most were beautifully preserved wooden sailing boats, paralyzed in time by the cold water. They might have even sailed again, had their cracked hulls not borne the signs of the passage’s legendary crushing grip. Deeper into the passage were hybrid wood and steam boats. Some were iron, red dust trailing off of their hulls, the sheer smell of it causing Ebb to flinch as she swam over them.
All of these wrecks were marked by the Aquestrians with glowing fluorescent dye for future excavation and possible containment due to the pollution they emitted.
That wasn’t on Ebb’s mind though as she approached the ice face, eyes narrowing in surprise.
When last she had checked, the glacial barrier barring the Northwest Passage was a massive wall of glistening blue, and unyielding. At its widest point, it was perhaps thirty three meters in width and locked in by ice. Most of the time, even this narrow channel was interrupted.
However, the warming of the seas and perhaps Samudra’s death had done much to unravel the once formidable gate of the Northwest Passage. What once was a glacial face barring the entrance into the western ocean, was now a clear pane of ice, dotted by teams of seapony hydromancers and miners. Using both picks and their hydromancy, they chipped away and warmed the water on the once indomitable ice face. The channel itself was now more than a kilometer in width.
“Mage Minnow, I take it the excavation is going well?” asked Ebb as she swam up to a deep pony, who was using her magic to warm a patch of ice.
At the sound of Ebb’s voice, Minnow glanced up from her work and smiled. Her blue eyes gleamed with pride.
“We’re nearly finished, Captain Ebb Flow. A little more work and we’ll be through the last ice at last.” Minnow’s smile faded though as she noticed the number of kelpie warriors behind Ebb. “Captain, what’s going on?”
“I know we put you and your team in charge of exploring and charting the Western Ocean, but in light of some new information, the Empress has ordered us to accompany your exploration,” Ebb said.
“What new information?” asked Minnow.
“The Equestrians have informed us of some strange incidents in the Western Ocean. According to them, an entire island has vanished, along with several dragons and two of their destroyers. Furthermore, they told us that the location the dragons went missing was marred by severe tidal damage.”
“Huh. Well, I’m glad you’re here then.” Minnow glanced at the ice face and grinned. “Cause we’re breaking through right about now.”
Ebb looked up and, sure enough, towards the top of the ice face, nearest to the surface, a crack was forming. Like a sea snake, the crack was slithering down the polished ice, and as it did so, it spiderwebbed, sending more tendrils out to mar the gleaming surface.
It was actually quite a beautiful sight, and Ebb felt a keen sense of anticipation as the ice finally broke and came tumbling down. Great clear panes of ice drifted down into the water, falling like leaves as they were pushed by the current.
And just like that, the Northwest Passage, the Great Maw of the North, was open to whatever riches or horrors lay beyond.
Muahahahahahahahah writing the cultists was fun.
By the way Firimil made some great art of Equestria's changeling queen and PC:TCQ, have a look at it :D
Here's a sample:
Also, if you do want to discuss the genocide question, then use this thread, because I've gotten some PMs saying that they've gotten rather uncomfortable participating in the comment section of the story due to the presence of these particular comments. Hence, the thread, which would allow people to still discuss this topic the story brings up, but also allow others who don't want to participate in that particular discussion to contribute.
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Oh god, things are twisting and branching so much...
I was wondering how Tethys was doing the Western part. This isn't good.
7342582 I"m terrible am I? XD
7342585 It gets worse.
I for one welcome our new Eldritch Overlords.
Well, it keeps on escalating. First there was only one side, Equestria. Then we have two sides, Equestria and Aquestria. Now we have necromancers and continent eaters? I don't like the looks of it.
Good News: the Equestrians find out that the Kelpies are not responsible for sinking two destroyers, killing some fire-breathing dragons and annihilate an entire island in the Western Sea.
Bad News: the responsible for said things is an thousand-year old unknown creature capable of sinking two destroyers, killing some fire-breathing dragons, annihilate an entire island in the Western Sea and with an army of cultists at his/her disposal.
In short, they're fucked.
All i see in the end are thousands of lives ending
the Deep Ones awaken after eons of slumber, the only emotions they know r darkness and hunger. that which is is dead cannot truly be killed, when the Empress learns this, she will not be thrilled. an alliance therefore, must be born between ruling mares, if for no other reason than that each one of them cares. the Aquestrians shall search one likely spot, and the Equestrians another. fate had both nations meet as foes, but war shall make them brothers...
Great job on this chapter Vrenn, and thanks for the better clarification on what the throne room and Kethys' plating look like, my initial mental image for the throne room in particular was vastly different.
So, the Kelpies can't simply eat the deceased eh? They have to be alive, and in much higher numbers than I originally thought. That's unfortunate, and going to make future treaties very difficult.
Also, All Hail the Old Ones!
There's always a bigger fish.
7342675
I've got the feeling that the ice wall wasn't supposed to keep the Kelpies out, but keep something in.
Now when they run into the Eldritch Abomination, Just remember ramming speed.
EDIT: I wonder if its presence is what make the Kelpies crave living flesh?
Oh dear It seams I was right about the ancient awakening.
Someone cue up Metallica's "The Thing that Should Not Be" for the Cthulu worshiping cult!
7343055 Nova there are actually two throne rooms. One in aquamaris that was Samudras and one in vol oros that is the kelpie capital
7343211
Ooohkay. That makes much more sense.
Ice has less density than water, thus wont sink. Should be drifting up.
Also, it is good to see some decent chapters for a change, unlikle those ridiculous one-sided battles. Alternia can move celestial bodies, but cannot levitate a single kelpie or throw something hard enough (Venecia's hive library standoff)?
Cultists.... LET NO HERETICS STAND!
7342836 Glad I'm not the only ones seeing the set-up for an Enemy Mine situation ...
Hope the next chapter is posted soon!
Keep up the good works!
By the way... ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn...
In his house at R’lyeh dead Cthulhu waits dreaming . . . That’s not dead . . . which can eternal lie, and with strange eons even death may die!
7343692 Well, this is the era of coal-fired furnaces and when ships didn't normally carry septic tanks and so just dumped their crap overboard. Hence, lots of ash and crewman waste :P Not to mention paint continuing to flake off.
Thanks, as you have noticed. I changed my comment as I did a bit more thinking & realized my question was irrelevant. But thanks anyways, hope to see your next update.
Just for fun I added the Cthulhu chant.
The link you gave for the art in the author's note is a bit borked. It just links back to this chapter.
Perfect solution: kelpies eat Cthulhu.
7343992 XD
7344163 Fixed
Hail the Old One!
The Terror of the Deep
The Slayer of Kings
The Breaker of Keels
Hail the Great One
Who treads on Sea and Land
Who smashes mast and hull
And unites Ocean with the Land
Long live our God
Long live the unifier of land and sea
And may the ocean depths swallow all those who oppose him!
Has nobody put together the mythology of the Kraken and Karkanos Island together?
Really?
*Cough* Sorry, I just spotted it right away because I'm a mythology nut.
7343468 I agree the Alicorns and those with their level of magic are being greatly diminished. I mean water is great and all but nuclear plasma from the sun would varporize it, and all near it instantly. The cold of the dark side of the moon would freeze the kelpies in seconds. Try pouring liquid nitrogen over some water and see what happens.
Very glad that you all like the chapter and the growing dread on the horizon. I have a lot left to surprise you with XD
7342679 XD Thank Zerv for the design and the cultist suggestion. Then thank Temple of Doom for the template for cultists.
7342782 *nods* that was the intention :D
7342797 MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA
7342803 No comment
7342836 Huh you did that in zecora rhyme? That's freaking awesome. I wouldn't say they're going to become brothers, but we'll see.
7343055 All hail the old ones!
7343065 Eeeyup
7343082 XD The way is shut, it was made by those who are dead... the way is shut... and unfortunately they can't just ram the eldritch abomination, Little Mermaid style.
7343089 XD Was snickering when i read your first comment on that.
7343198
7343468 ? Throw tons of valuable books that technically aren't hers? She's been doing stuff, but there's fighting in the front, and then there's leaving the fighting to those who actually train for it constantly. Alternia needs to leave the fighting to her guards, she's got power, but put herself too close... Beside, it's the 3rd time the Equestrians have fought the kelpies, it ain't going to be a that equal still.
7343488 Was that a Warhammer reference?
7343612 XD. Thing is though, Enemy mine situation doesn't work if neither doesn't trust each other at all. The intention with the start of these peace agreements was to illustrate that they can negotiate, and they can reach some agreement that is moving toward a short term peace. Hopefully that has worked.
7343992 Meh it's alright :D
7344187 not going to be that easy.
7344277 Huh, the chant I wrote actually goes okay with the music.
7344436 I've indicated in universe (see chapter 8) that Celestia and Luna don't actually have that kind of power. :P
7344418 7343992 I think Night Star the Scholar figured it out quite quickly. So no you're not the only one. Please keep it quiet.
7344436 And the story has already mentioned that Celestia and Luna don't actually have that level of control over the sun and the moon. And the one time someone was sent to the moon, it was with the EoH so even in canon the alicorns aren't as strong as people's head canons make them out to be. Otherwise Celestia could have used the sun to burn away the clouds over the Crystal Kingdom.
7344462
Sorry, didn't notice Night, and I was just surprised more people hadn't considered it.
7344455 perhaps we shall, in the fullness of time...though, in truth, i just felt like talking in rhyme...
7344471 Ok, good point than I think that puts the nail in the coffin about alicorns being gods and goddesses then.
7344570 The Journal of the Two Sisters helped. Despite what people think, Celestia and Luna aren't even immortal, just very long lived.
7344455 I was referencing how the sailors who awoke Cthulhu beat him.
HP Lovecraft pulled a Little Mermaid before it was done by Disney . Now that I think about, I wonder if that was a reference to H.P Lovecraft on how they beat Cthulhu.
Very nice diplomatic game. I think that Alternia character shines more and more :)
But still, as I keep applauding your demure with the alicorn, I still feel that the kelpies are a bit mary sue as a race and act like bullies.
7342675 Oh crap... Please update soon!
7344455 Eeyup
7343065
The world would end if that was true.
7344684
Where does one find the journal to read it?
7345474 Think you can order it online
7344802 Oh yes that was definitely a parallel to the native americans. However, the winged lions are actually the symbol/heraldic device for Venice, which Venecia is based off of.
7345018 Really? Huh. Well we're doing something a little different.
How can there be peace when, at this very moment, thousands, probably tens of thousands of ponies, gryphons, and changelings are likely being held captive while waiting to be eaten.
An unfortunate fate will meet the Kelpies going into the western ocean...
Soon... Cthulhu f'tagen
More popcorn please!
Wait, 5k every (three?) months is quite excessive, if they can survive five years on the few spoils they've acquired so far...
Keep going! ;)
7345532
1) Do you have to buy it?
2) I'm in Russia, do they deliver here, or it can be pirated online?
7349709 Not sure if they deliver to Russia, but you can probably find it online in some form.
Hmmm..... The western sea, I have a feeling its gonna be more Horrors than Riches, and Im getting a strong Cuthulu vibe going on in here.
7350798 OK, thanks. I'll look for it once I get ahold of my computer. (That's a laptop I'm using right now)