After an exhausting journey on sea, Edmond Dash and the rest of his crew dock at the port of Baltimare at last. Eager to see his wife and his father, he fails to notice the voices in the shadows, as his enemies forge a devilish plot against him.
A long, exhausting journey by sea comes to an end as the Venturer, a merchant ship, approaches the docks of Baltimare. On board are ponies such as as Edmond Dash, the first mate of the vessel, and Danglarjack, an equally ambitious as mysterious mate.
Edmond in particular is grateful to be home at last. His heart yearns for his soulmate, Shycedes, a beautiful mare who had lost both her parents in a tragic incident one year ago, living her life as an orphan ever since.
But in his hurry and eagerness to meet up with both family and loved one, he turns a blind eye on those that wish him harm.
The next days will be joyful for him, that may be certain, but his enemies don’t rest, and they won’t show pity.
This story is quite obviously heavily inspired by the ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ musical and the animatics of the musical, created by Ink Potts. This also means that most of the Mane Six are playing male roles in this story, as they did in the animatics. This is not an exact replica of the story, however, and will vary in various places and outcomes.
The Baltimare look-out put down his spyglass as he spotted a vessel on the horizon which had set course towards the city.
“The Venturer’s here! The Venturer’s here!” the look-out shouted out to the ponies who walked down the docks.
Almost all ponies present turned their head towards the sea where the outline of the ship was visible, coming closer and closer. Whispers dominated the docks as ponies present wondered so see the vessel approach. Not many ships would dock at Baltimare these days, and the Venturer had been expected to arrive 3 days earlier, many ponies already believing the ship to be lost to the sea, or that a mutiny had occurred.
But here the ship was, approaching the city. Only a few minutes later, thanks to ponies spreading the news, the ramparts were covered with spectators. Their eyes were fixed on the somewhat mysterious vessel as it drew closer and closer, occasional whispers in the crowd disrupting the ghastly silence of the crowd.
But the closer the ship got, the more ponies realised that something was wrong. The ship came in too slow. Yet, as reported by the look-out to them, the ship itself seemed to be intact. If there was a problem with the ship, it would have to be the crew itself.
“It’s Edmond!” the look-out reported to the crowd, “He’s alive!”
Almost on command, a wealthy mare trotted down the rampart, pushing aside many of those in her way. When she finally stood at the front of the crowd, now having a clear sight on the ship that was now only a couple meters off the docks. Without saying a word, she jumped into a small skiff that floated in front of her. A small splash of water soaked many spectators in the first row, though the wealthy mare was quick to escape their angry faces and words, pulling the small skiff of hers out of port, towards the big vessel.
It took no more than half a minute for her to pull alongside the Venturer, at which she looked up the ship, shouting: “Edmond!” as loud as she could.
And truly, only a second later the first mate of the ship, Edmond Dash, poked his head over the Port side of the ship, spotting the familiar face of the mare down in the small skiff. “Oh, it’s you, Mrs. Firrel,” Edmond said down to his employer, his head poked over the railing and his voice carrying much sorrow and exhaustion.
“What is the matter, Edmond? Why the sad face?” Mrs. Firrel asked, the golden buttons of her deep blue coat shining in the bright sun.
“A great tragedy, Mrs. Firrel, has struck us. Our brave Captain Fleclere has left us...” Dash said regretfully.
“And the cargo?” his employer asked.
“It’s all safe, Mrs. Firrel, and I think you will be most satisfied.” Edmond replied honestly. “Our poor Captain, however...”
“What happened to him? What happened to the worthy captain of yours?” Mrs. Firrel asked Edmond in a monotone voice.
“He died, Ma’am...”
“Fell into the sea?” the wealthy mare replied jokingly, a small giggle escaping her mouth.
“No, Ma’am, he died of fever as we were setting course for Baltimare.” Edmond held a hoof over his chest, the fate of his captain truly getting to him.
“And how did this misfortune occur?” Mrs. Firrel demanded to know.
“In a greatly unexpected manner, Ma’am. The Captain left Fillydelphia after a long talk with the harbour-master, seemingly unable to keep focus on his duties. After only 20 hours had passed, he was attacked by a horrible fever, and died two days later. We performed the usual burial, and he is now at rest. Still, all his family will receive of him is his sword and cross of honour...” Edmond sighed, “To fight a war against the griffons for ten years and then be struck down not by a blade or cannon, but a fever...”
“We are all mortal, after all, Edmond, and the old must eventually make way for the young. Even if it pains us.” Mrs. Firrel told the first mate. “Besides, without such incidents there would be no reason for promotion. And since you assure me that the cargo-”
“It’s all safe and well, Mrs. Firrel, take my word for it. I am an honest pony, this you know.” Edmond reassured his employer.
“Yes, yes, Edmond. That I know, as you have shown me many times in the past.”
“Now, if you wish to come aboard, Mrs. Firrel, and see for yourself, M. Danglarjack will fill you in with everything you wish to know. I, however, must go and look after the anchoring.”
“Very well, Edmond,” replied Mrs. Firrel, promptly spreading her wings and lifting herself into the air. After just a few seconds she landed on board the Venturer, next to Edmond.
“Patience now, Ma’am. Danglarjack will be with you shortly, but I must hurry and look after my duties.”
“As is right, Edmond. Go now; I shall wait,” Mrs. Firrel said to him. After a quick salute, Edmond Dash sprinted over off to a different part of the ship.
Mrs. Firrel used this spare time to look around the vessel, noticing how it really was unharmed and fully intact. Impressive, the merchant pony thought to herself, as she failed to spot any damage done to the now captain-less vessel.
Suddenly, right behind the mare, the loud sound of somepony smashing a door echoed across the ship. Turning around, she was not surprised to see who stepped out of the cabin.
“Danglarjack.” Mrs. Firrel addressed him as he approached her, his eyes cold and unforgiving.
“Well, well, Mrs. Firrel,” Danglarjack said to his employer in a casual manner, “I assume you’ve heard of our tragedy?”
“So I have: Poor Captain Fleclere, he was an honest and brave pony...” she replied, a hoof raised to her chest, her eyes closed.
“Aye, and of long tradition he was. Serving not only honourable service under the crown against the griffons but being charged with the interests of a house so important as that of Firrel & Son,” Danglarjack commented with a dark smirk.
Mrs. Firrel, however, looked over to starboard side, where Edmond was overlooking the anchoring of the ship. Danglarjack, slight anger in his face, followed her look, staring at his not-so-secret rival.
“Though it seems to be that a sailor needs not to be as old as you say in order to understand his business, Danglarjack. Our friend Edmond Dash over here, for example, seems to understand it thoroughly, not in need of instructions from anyone,” Mrs. Firrel said, her speech sounding almost like a praise to Danglarjack.
“Aye, Aye, he is young, and like all of the youth he is inevitably self-confident. Over-confident. Only few moments after the captain had taken his last breath, he went and assumed direct command of the ship without consulting anyone. Not only that, but he caused us to lose two days by laying anchor near Griffonstone, instead of making for Baltimare directly after leaving Fillydelphia,” the mate reported to his employer, who scratched her head at hearing this.
“Taking command of the vessel was his duty as captain’s mate; docking near Griffonstone, however, was not. Why did he insist to dock near that devilish place?” Firrel asked curiously.
“He told us nothing more than that he had business with the Count of Griffonstone. When he came back, he carried with him a letter of some sort,” Danglarjack explained.
“I see.” Mrs. Firrel replied monotonically. “Edmond!” She shouted over to the pony at the other end of the ship, who was still overlooking the current anchoring. “Come over here, please.”
“In a moment, Ma’am,” Edmond replied, wishing to make sure the anchoring went well.
Danglarjack grumbled at hearing Edmond’s voice. “You see? He fancies himself Captain already!” Danglarjack said to Mrs. Firrel, his voice making it sound more like a childish rant than a complaint.
“And so, in fact, he is,” Mrs. Firrel said calmly, her eyes still turned towards Edmond on the other side of the ship, ignoring Danglar’s rant.
“Pardon me, Ma’am?”
“You heard correctly, Danglarjack. He may be young, true, but he is nontheless a thorough sailor of full experience.” Mrs. Firrel’s words burned themselves into Danglarjack’s mind.
“But he lacks the signature of you and your husband, Ma’am!” Danglarjack attempted to intervene.
“And why would he not receive it?” the mare countered, turning her now judging eyes onto Danglarjack.
Danglarjack fell quiet, and so Mrs. Firrel turned her attention back to Edmond, who now came trotting over to them.
“Pardon me, Ma’am. The vessel is now safely anchored at port. You called for me?” Edmond asked, nicely as always. Although he took no notice of it, Danglarjack eyed him, stared into his eyes. Danglarjack’s cold eyes were no more just cold, but lusting for revenge.
“Yes, I wish to inquire why you stopped near the City of Griffonstone. Do you not know it is dangerous for ponies to enter Griffon territory?” Mrs. Firrel asked the soon-to-be-captain.
“I do, and my pardon for doing so anyway, but I did as was the last wish of Captain Fleclere, as he wanted me to bring the Count of Griffonstone an important message,” Edmond reported honestly.
“So you saw him?” Firrels asked curiously.
“Who?”
“The Count,” the mare clarified.
“Yes, of course,” Edmond replied.
Suddenly, Mrs. Firrels put a hoof on Edmond’s back and lead him into a more quiet corner of the ship, where they could not be heard. “How is the Count?” She asked.
“He is doing fine, as far as I can judge. Why do you inquire to know, however? You two don’t know each other, no?” Edmond asked, both confused and curiously.
“Not directly, no,” Mrs. Firrels replied with a gentle, light-hearted chuckle, “but he and my father do know each other! They were great friends, and my father managed to grow our house immensely by securing unique, profitable trade deals with the Count. Their friendship was brought to an end with the outbreak of the war, however. Oh, what a great misfortune...”
“Indeed. If I had known I would have sent your father’s kind regards to the Count,” Edmond said.
Mrs. Firrel broke out in a short, joyful laughter, tapping Edmond on the back. “Yes, yes, I know you would have, Edmond. Perhaps another day,” she said, keeping in her laughter. “Though you should refrain from letting other ponies know of your visit to the Count. You may get into a fair bit of trouble.”
“Trouble? What could possibly bring me into trouble, Ma’am?” Edmond asked, “For I simply did as was the Captain’s last wish, and I did not have an relation or business with the Count myself. I was simply a messenger, nothing more,” Edmond stated.
“True, Edmond, true,” the orange coated mare to his side said, looking out into the ocean, “But others might not share my trust in you,” she said, without saying any names.
“I see...” Edmond said. “While I would love to continue this conversation, I must still take care of several things of importance before work is done.”
“Quite right, Edmond, quite right,” Mrs. Firrels agreed, the sailor once again saluting her before dashing off.
“So...” Danglarjack’s dark voice rang in Firrel’s ears as he approached her from the rear, “He has given you a satisfactory reason for his change of course, I presume?”
Mrs. Firrels briefly turned her head to the right where Danglarjack now stood before once again looking out to the sea. “Yes, my dear Danglarjack, most satisfactory, indeed,” she told him.
“While calming to hear, it’s still shocking and unpleasant to me that a comrade like him has not done his duty,” Danglarjack said.
“Edmond has done his duty, very much so. It was Captain Fleclerc who gave Edmond the order for the delay; it was his last wish before death struck him,” Mrs. Firrels said in defence of Edmond.
“And surely the Captain had reason to demand such a delay?” Danglarjack asked her.
“Very much so, but that is not of importance now. The rest of the crew is of good-health and the cargo is unharmed,” Mrs. Firrels said confidently.
Danglarjack eyed her with narrow, furious eyes, only to reply with a mere “Aye, Aye.”
The two ponies both remained in place, silently gazing out into the open sea.
Only two minutes later, the eager sailor returned to them. “Edmond, you are free already?” Mrs. Firrels asked the smiling pony, turning towards him and away from Danglarjack, who continued to grumble in the background, listening to their conversation.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Edmond reported.
“You are certainly quick to take care of your duties,” Firrels praised him.
“Thank you very much, Mrs. Firrels! Though I wish not your compliments for swiftly completing easy tasks.”
“You might call them that, Edmond.” The orange-coated Pegasus chuckled again, Edmond joining in this time.
“So, was that all you had to do?” she asked Edmond as their laughing subsided.
“Yes, Ma’am, everything is alright now,” he reported to her.
“Then I might invite you to dine with me today?” Mrs. Firrels asked him. Danglarjack’s ears in the background twitched at hearing such a thing.
“I...I must really ask you to excuse me, Mrs. Firrels, but I simply cannot accept your offer. My first visit here in Baltimare is reserved for my father, though I certainly am honoured by your offer,” Edmond said disappointingly.
“Right, Dash, quite right!” Mrs. Firrels said to him, at which Edmond rediscovered his usual gentle smile. “I always knew you were a good son. Your father must be proud of one like you.”
“Speaking of my father, have you heard of him? Is he well?” Edmond asked.
“Hm, why I have not heard much, dear Edmond, I am quite sure he is fine,” Mrs. Firrels replied to him, “I have not, however, seen him out in town at all during your absence.”
Edmond kept in a joyful giggle at hearing this. “Yes, yes, that’s him. He is not one to show himself in public.”
“Well, after your first visit has been paid, me and my husband shall be awaiting you,” Mrs. Firrels said, returning to her previous offer.
Edmond awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “I must again ask for you to excuse me, Mrs. Firrels, for after this first visit to my father I have yet another important visit to pay to a special pony in my life,” Edmond told her anxiously.
“Ah, yes. I had completely forgotten that there is another pony other than your father who eagerly awaits your return...” Mrs. Firrels said, putting a hoof on Edmond’s back, “The dear Shycedes.”
Edmond blushed, remaining quiet. Danglarjack in the background seemed as if he were close to throwing up from hearing all this.
“I am not surprised, dear Edmond, for she has paid me several visits herself during your journey, inquiring whether there were any news about the Venturer. She became quite worried when you didn’t arrive in port at the planned date, three days ago.”
“Yes, I figured as much...” Edmond replied, knowing he let Shycedes worry about his well-being. “I shall return to her as soon as my father dismisses me.”
“Excellent. You have quite a handsome wife, Edmond,” Mrs. Firrels told him honestly.
“Thank you very much, Ma’am, but she is not my wife just yet. Which reminds me that I must ask you to allow me to be absent for some days.”
“To get married?” Mrs. Firrels asked him.
“Yes, first, but also to go to Canterlot,” Edmond told her.
“Very well, Edmond. Take whatever time you need,” Firrels said to him. “It will surely take about a week or two to unload the cargo, and we cannot sail for a two weeks after that. Be back again in no less than 4 weeks, Edmond, for the Venturer cannot sail without its Captain,” she revealed.
While Edmond froze at hearing this, Danglarjack, brewing with anger, turned tail and left the scene, having heard enough nonsense for a day.
“Cannot sail without its Captain!?” Edmond asked in disbelief.
“Mrs. Firrels, I pray for you to consider the choice you are making. Surely there is a better choice for this than me. I am but a simple sailor,” Edmond told her.
“I tell you, my dear Edmond, that this choice is an easy one, for you have taken care of your duties with great responsibility, efficiency and experience. I am glad to have you aboard, Edmond, and glad to assign you as Captain of this vessel.”
A few tears of joy began rolling down Edmond’s face at hearing all this. “Thank you, Ma’am, thank you! You are truly making real one of my most secret wishes. You have my eternal gratitude.” Edmond thanked his employer, shaking her hoof.
“Now, now, Edmond,” Mrs. Firrels said to the newly promoted Captain, “Do not waste any more time, for you have two special ponies eagerly awaiting you.”
Edmond wiped off his tears of joy, a slight sob escaping him. “So...I have your leave?” he asked quietly.
“Go, I say. You have done good work here,” Mrs. Firrels assured Edmond.
“Very well then. Farewell for now, Mrs. Firrels, and once again a thousand thanks,” Edmond said, bowing before the mare before unfolding his wings.
“I hope to see you again soon, my dear Edmond.” Mrs. Firrels thought to herself as she watched Edmond fly off towards the city, “Take good care of yourself.”
And so, Edmond Dash made his way towards his home. His small shadow travelled with him along the ground as he passed by the market, blacksmith and city hall. The ponies in the streets paid no attention to him, however, as a flying pegasus was nothing extraordinary.
Edmond lowered himself back to the ground, landing in the middle of a small street at the edge of town. Not many ponies would travel these streets, apart from those housing nearby. In front of him stood his home. It was not big, as it was just an ordinary house after all, but it offered enough space and comfort for him and his father.
The cyan blue pony cleaned off some dust that had settled on his sailor clothes. He slowly put a hoof on the handle of the door in front of him, opening it with a quiet creaking.
“Father?” he asked, closing the door behind him, but he was met with no response.
Curious, he wandered off upstairs, where his father’s bedroom was. Every step he made on the stairs was accompanied with a loud creaking of the old planks of wood. Having arrived upstairs, he dashed over to his father’s bedroom. The door was wide open.
“Father?” he asked again, quietly stepping inside.
“Edmond...?” a familiar voice replied from inside. “Edmond! My dear son!” his father exclaimed with joy, sitting in his favourite armchair in front of the great window of his room. The chair was a gift from his Edmond’s mother, who had died three years ago. Since then he would spend most time in the armchair, thinking, observing.
“My dear father! Oh, how glad I am to see you!” Edmond replied, sprinting towards his father and falling him in the arms.
“As I am, my son. I had already believed you fell victim to harm and misfortune,” his father said, stroking through his son’s hair as they remained in a tight embrace.
“Not me, father, the captain,” Edmond said to him, finally breaking the hug.
“The Captain? What happened, son?”
“He caught an evil fever as we set course for Baltimare...” Edmond sighed at repeating the sad story once more, “and he died...”
“Truly a great misfortune,” his father replied. “The remainder of your journey was of no trouble, yes?”
Edmond chuckled at the caring gesture of his father. “Yes, father, our journey was a jolly one apart from this incident. No further problems, though Danglarjack almost brought upon him the wrath of a local clique when we laid anchor at Fillydelphia,” Edmond said with a smile.
“Hah, well, that is truly Danglarjack. He cannot help but tease others.”
“True, true,” Edmond agreed. “And what have you done these days, father? Were the bits I gave you before my departure sufficient?”
His father became quiet, a disappointed expression on his face.
“Father, what is the matter? Was the money not enough? Did somepony rob you?”
“No,” the father replied, “no, my son, it is not that.”
“Then what is it? Truly, your mind is filled with worry.”
“When you departed, you had forgotten to pay back a debt to our neighbour, Berry Puncherousse. He reminded me of this shortly after you left, saying that if you did not pay him now he would be paid by Mrs. Firrels instead. I was worried this would hurt you,” Mr. Dash told his son.
Edmond was shocked to hear this. “Well?” he asked his father.
“Why I paid him.”
“But I owed Puncherousse one hundred and fifty bits!” Edmond shouted, more so complaining to himself than his innocent father.
“Yes,” his father said.
“And you paid him using the two hundred bits I left you?” Edmond asked.
“Yes...” his father said again.
“So you have lived on only fifty bits during my absence?” Edmond asked with shock.
His father was quiet, replying quietly after a few seconds: “You know how little I require, Edmond.”
“Dear Celestia, have mercy on my soul!” Edmond exclaimed, once again falling into his father’s arms. He began to sob and eventually cry.
“My son, what is the matter?” Edmond’s father asked, holding him in his arms.
“I will never forgive myself for this, father!” he replied loudly, his voice weak from sobbing and crying.
“Never mind it, son. It is all over now, and you are back again.”
Edmond wiped off the tears in his face. “Yes...yes, here I am,” he said, “With a new, promising career and a little money,” Edmond added, pulling out a small, red purse.
His father watched curiously as his son walked over to his bed, emptying the bag above it. Bronze, silver and golden coins now laid on the bed, glimmering in the sunlight that shone through the window.
“Who does this belong to...?” Edmond’s father asked, never having seen such a large amount of money brought home by his son.
“Me,” Edmond said. “You...” He corrected himself, tearing up again. “Us. Take it, father, take it all, and buy whatever it is you require. Be happy, I shall bring more tomorrow,” Edmond said to his father, in tears once more.
“Calmly, my son, calmly,” his father said, wiping off a tear on his son’s cheek. “With your permission, I shall use your funds moderately. It is your money, in the end, and I would be in the wrong to spend it on my own well-being.”
“Do as you wish, father,” Edmond replied, a slight smile forming on his face once more, “but make sure you hire a servant. I simply cannot leave you by yourself for so long.”
“You are well aware, Edmond, that I hold a grudge against personal servitude,” his father opposed.
“Then I shall be the one to find a suiting servant for you, father,” Edmond insisted.
Suddenly, the door behind Edmond creaked loudly as yet another pony entered the room.
“My, my. You’re back in Baltimare already, Edmond?” the voice of Berry Puncherousse echoed through Edmond’s mind. He turned around to see that it really was who he had heard, that dreadful neighbour of theirs.
“As you can see,” Edmond replied monotonously. “Who has given you entry into our home?” he demanded to know.
“This was me, Edmond,” his father admitted. Edmond looked at him with surprise. “Never mind the debt, Edmond. He is our neighbour, and has done us a great service on multiple occasions.”
“True, true,” Puncherousse agreed with a smirk, leaning himself onto the doorframe. “Apologies for the interruption, dear Edmond, but I simply had to come when I first heard of your return.”
Edmond looked back at him with judging eyes. “And why would somepony like you honour us with a visit?”
“Calm yourself, dear Edmond, you owe me money no longer. I lent you money, you returned it. No need for grudges,” Puncherousse replied.
“My questions remains unanswered,” Edmond said, almost with a grumble.
“Why, to say ‘Welcome back’, of course!” Berry said, smirking as he did all this time. “I am so glad I made my way to the docks today, as I unexpectedly met my old pal there...Danglarjack.”
“Danglarjack?” Berry asked out loud as he approached the sailor. He sat at a table at the docks, writing something on a scroll while also counting bits that laid on the table next to him.
“Danglarjack, is that really you?” Puncherousse asked again, causing his old friend to look up at him, “You? In Baltimare?”
“As you can see,” Danglarjack replied annoyingly, looking back down onto the scroll.
“I thought you and the Venturer were in Fillydelphia.”
“We were,” Danglarjack replied, continuing to write on the scroll, not looking up to his friend, “but now we’re back, at last. Our ‘Captain’ caused us much delay as we travelled back home.”
“Captain Fleclerc?” Puncherousse asked.
“Nay,” Danglarjack replied, finally looking up to Berry, “He went ill and died on our journey, shortly after we left Fillydelphia. Some child that goes by the name of Edmond Dash decided to take command afterwards and become Captain.”
“Edmond Dash?” Berry Puncherousse repeated. “You mean the young Edmond that is my neighbour?”
Danglarjack nodded. “That one.”
Berry Puncherousse thought about what to do, considering the situation. “And...where is our little Edmond, at this time?”
Danglarjack shrugged, “probably with his father.”
“I see...” Puncherousse said quietly.
“And so, I came as fast as I could to shake hooves with my good friend, Edmond,” Berry said to both Edmond and his father.
“See, Edmond? I told you Puncherousse was a good, caring neighbour,” his father praised.
“Indeed I am,” Berry said with pride. “I respect and care about you because honest folks are so... rare... ” Puncherousse froze as his eyes wandered off towards the bed where the money of Edmond still laid, the glimmer of the coins attracting Berry’s eyes like a magnet.
“It seems you came home with quite a full purse, young one,” Puncherousse stated.
“T-This is not my money. I was simply explaining to my father how worried I was that he had no money while I was away, so he emptied his purse on the bed,” Edmond attempted to explain. “Father,” Edmond turned to his father who still sat in his chair, “put your money back in your purse.”
It took him a moment to agree, but his father eventually rose from his chair, pulling out his own green purse and collecting the money that had been spilled on the bed.
“Well, Edmond,” Puncherousse said to him, “I hear you stand very well with Mrs. Firrels. Lucky you.”
“Yes, yes. Mrs. Firrels has always been exceedingly kind to me,” Edmond replied.
“Then you were wrong to refuse to dine with her,” Berry revealed.
“She invited you to dine with her? And you refused?” Edmond’s father asked in shock.
“Yes, father...” Edmond admitted.
“But why, my son, why did you refuse?”
“I refused so I could see you again, my father. I was worried about you,” Edmond told his father with honesty.
“But surely it must have offended Mrs. Firrels, young colt. And if you really are looking forward to being Captain then it was a wrong move to annoy the owner of the ship,” Puncherousse commented.
“I explained to her the cause of my refusal, and she seemed to have fully understood,” Edmond said in his defence.
“Yes, that may be true,” Berry said, “but to achieve an influential position in life one must do a little flattery to one’s patrons.”
“I would prefer to be Captain without that...” Edmond answered him.
“The better, the better! For if you achieve your goal, your old friends will be as joyful as you. Though I hear that there is a certain somepony in town that would be even more joyful than the rest...” Puncherousse indicated with a quick wink.
“Is this Shycedes you are talking about?” Edmond’s father asked, having finally collected all the money.
“Yes, father, and with your permission, I would like to request that I pay her a much-needed visit, now that I have seen you and know that you are well,” Edmond requested of his father.
“Go, my son. Enjoy this time with your wife as much as I ever enjoyed the time with mine,” his father replied.
“His wife? You are going a step too far, dear Louis Dash: She is not his wife just yet.” Puncherousse said to him.
“But according to all circumstances she soon will be,” Edmond’s father replied with confidence, at which Edmond smiled back at him.
“Yes, yes...” Berry replied in a slightly annoyed voice, “you were quite right to return as fast as possible, young Edmond.”
“Why is this?” he asked.
“Because your lovely Shycedes is a fine mare, and mares like her have at least a dozen followers at any time.”
“Is that so?” Edmond asked again.
“Take my word for it,” Puncherousse said with a lifted hoof, “but no need to worry, for you will soon be a Captain, and no mare could possibly refuse you then.”
“That is...” Edmond said, “if I wasn’t already a Captain!”
“Already a Captain?” Berry Puncherousse asked himself out loud, stunned with disbelief, “Uh...yeah...”
“I am more than certain that Shycedes is not like the mares you know, Berry Puncherousse. She will forever hold onto me and stay true,” Edmonde said to him.
“All the better! Go, now, and announce your arrival to her,” Berry told the young colt, secretly wishing he would just disappear already.
“I shall go right away!” Edmond said joyfully and eagerly. He turned to his father one last time, who had lowered himself onto his chair again during their talk.
“I will be back soon, father,” Edmond said to him, hugging him one last time. “Now, I best be on my way! I shall not have her wait any longer!” Edmond said, dashing off through the door. Both Berry Puncherousse and Louis Dash remained silently in the room, the silence broken only after they heard Edmond shut the door to the house.
“Well, well,” Puncherousse said, “though I would love to stay, I must go and attend my own business now.”
And with that, he too was gone. All that was left was Louis, sitting in his armchair, with a purse that was filled with the hard-earned money of his son.
The mischievous figure of Berry Puncherousse, shutting the door of the Dash home with a great slam behind him, wandered down the street, carefully, almost nervously, looking around the street, as if he were having the feeling of being watched.
“Psst,” a pony called to him from a dark alleyway. Puncherousse, after looking around the street, which was fairly empty at this time, approached the alleyway and pony that waited inside it.
“Did you see him?” the voice of Danglarjack echoed through the empty alleyway.
“I did,” Berry replied. An evil smirk formed on Danglarjack’s face.
“Was he talking about his hope to become a captain?” he asked Berry.
“Ugh, he talked as if he were one already,” Berry replied.
“As I expected!” Danglarjack exclaimed loudly.
“And it seems Mrs. Firrels already promised him the thing,” Berry explained.
“So he was quite ‘joyful’ about it, yes?” Danglarjack asked.
“So joyful that he got too confident and daring, I fear,” Berry said regretfully. “I wish he would have never become a captain. It is impossible to have a normal conversation with him.”
“Woah, woah, he’s not a captain just yet,” Danglarjack interrupted, “and if we do this right, he never will be; and perhaps be even less than he already is...” Danglarjack mumbled to himself.
“W-what do you mean?” Berry asked confusingly.
“Nothing of the matter,” Danglarjack reassured him. “Is he still in love with that mare of his?”
“Yes, very much so, and he is just off to visit her. Though there is likely to be a contender with her at the time.”
“You don’t like Edmond, right?” Danglarjack asked him.
“I never like upstarts...” Berry grumbled.
“Just tell me what you know about that Pegasus mare,” Danglarjack said to him again.
“I know nothing for certain, but I have heard rumours that our future captain will run into trouble when arriving at Shydence’s place,” Berry told him.
“Every time I have seen Shycedes walk around the town these days, she has been accompanied by a purple-eyed alicorn, with purple fur and a blue jacket. The fellow seems to always wear a quite serious face, too, unlike her,” Berry revealed to his friend.
“Really? And you think this pony has something for her?” Danglarjack asked again.
“I suppose so, yes.”
“And you said Edmond went to see Shycedes?”
“He left for her shortly before I myself left, yes,” Berry confirmed.
“Then let us go the same way as him. We shall stop nearby and have a glass of wine. Perhaps we can find out more about Shycedes and this mysterious alicorn fellow,” Danglarjack told his friend, trotting down the street with him.
“So long as you pay the score,” Berry said with a chuckle.
On the other side of town, a lonely mare sat on her balcony, caressing a rabbit in her arms as she watched the birds and butterflies. She could see a local orchard from the balcony, where many animals would gather during harvest season. For her, this was a big highlight of the year, though somepony in her life shared no interest in such things.
The quiet tapping of hooves became louder as a pony approached the mare, her pink mane blowing in the breeze.
“Shycedes, there you are,” a stallion said to her, “I was worried about you.”
Shycedes laughed childishly, muzzling the rabbit briefly before releasing it to the ground. “Oh, Fernand, you know you would not ever have reason to worry about me, “ she said to the purple pony. “You don’t think I would ever run away from here, do you?” she asked him, standing up from her small, wooden stool and turning towards him.
“Of course not, my dear,” he replied, “but you surely remember me being overprotective.”
“I do, indeed. I am fine at this time, however.” the soothing, calm and quiet voice of the mare truly hypnotised the stallion, his thoughts filled only with her image.
“If this is the case...” the stallion said, gently stepping closer to Shycedes, “as you might know, summer is soon upon us, and as such the grand summer dance is as well.”
“The grand summer dance?” Shycedes repeated with excitement, “The festivities would take place at the Mayor’s personal mansion, no?”
“They would, indeed, as it is tradition.” Fernand gave out an awkward and nervous cough. “Shycedes... I... I would like to ask for you to accompany me to this event. Us both, together.”
A warm smile appeared on the mare’s face, though it did not have the meaning Fernand had hoped for. “Oh, Fernand... I answered you a thousand times already that my heart belongs to somepony else.”
Shycedes words hit her dear friend far harder than she had intended. “And for the thousandth time I tell you that your beloved is of no good for you! He is a sailor, spending most of his time away from you, while I have been by your side since you first arrived in Baltimare,” Fernand ranted.
“And I am most grateful to have you, dear Fernand, but as I have told you time and time again, I cannot offer you more than friendship,” Shycedes told the stallion again. At this point he was both furious and about to break out into tears.
“But you must realise what danger your loved one exposes himself to on every journey on sea he makes,” Fernand said to his loved one as calm as he could at the time, “He may leave and sail out into the sea and never return, only to leave you alone and heartbroken.”
Shycedes sighed at the persistency of her best friend. “And even then, you expose yourself to no less, if not more danger than him. Do not try to hide this. You are a soldier, an officer, just as your father was during the war. You would not dare to tell me such a blatant lie, would you?” Shycedes asked Fernand angrily.
The purple pony lowered his head in shame. “No...of course not.” His voice was now quiet and bitter.
“Fernand, you must remind yourself at all times that I care and love you,” Shycedes said, stroking the stallion’s cheek, “but I do so as a good friend, nothing more. It has long been clear to me that this was seemingly not enough for you, but I cannot offer you more, I am afraid.”
“What is it you love in him, my dear?” Fernand asked quietly.
“Fernand, I-”
“What is it!?” Fernand yelled in rage, “Is it his speech? His mane? His career?” he went on, “What would a pony like me have to do to finally earn your favour?”
“I just-”
“Would you wish for me to become a sailor, just like him? Would this please you? Satisfy you?”
The wind howled as a sudden silence set in. Shycedes took a few, careful steps back, away from her friend, while Fernand attempted to regain his temper.
“Shycedes, I...” he stuttered, “I am ever so sorry...” his voice was so weak and quiet that it was almost inaudible for Shycedes.
“I accept your apology, Fernand.” Shycedes slowly lowered herself onto the wooden stool again. “I demand of you, however, that you keep control of your emotions,” The mare told the proud alicorn.
“You know I won’t be able to...” he replied with disappointment.
“I will say this again, for the last time, my dear Fernand, in the hope that it won’t fall on deaf ears: While I love and care about you, I cannot offer you more than my sisterly affection, as my heart is promised to a different one.”
Fernand lowered his head in shame and sadness. A sudden noise interrupted the silence. It was a loud banging, coming from downstairs; somepony was knocking on the door.
Shycedes jumped off her stool in excitement. “That ought to be him!”
As Shycedes ran indoors, Fernand attempted to keep track with her. “Dear, are you sure he will ever return?” Fernand managed to grab hold of Shycedes as she was about to walk down the stairs, looking her in the eyes. “Shycedes, he and his ship should have arrived in port three days ago, and there has been no trace of them. You must face the truth: He is gone.”
“His arrival has been greatly delayed, indeed,” Shycedes replied, breaking free of the stallion’s grasp and walking down the stairs, “hence why I am most eager to see him at last!”
Fernand attempted to prevent her from reaching the door, but he was just a little too slow. When the door opened, Shycedes gave out a loud gasp, and Fernand saw exactly who he hoped not to see.
“Edmond!” Shycedes exclaimed with joy, promptly pulling her loved one into a tight embrace. “Oh Edmond, how I yearned for your return!”
“As did I, my beloved. Please, accept my deepest apologies for my delayed return.”
“No need, dear, no need! You have returned at last, and this is all I could ask for.” Shycedes replied to him, tears of joy rolling down her face as she tightened her hug.
“And you, my beloved Shycedes, are more than I could have ever imagined, let alone ask for.” Edmond replied.
The two ponies stared each other in the eyes, those eyes that they had been so eager to see after all this time. It took no more than three seconds until their lips met at last.
Fernand, still hidden inside the shadows, stepped outside the house. Edmond broke the kiss with his beloved as he first saw the mysterious pony.
“But, dear, tell me: Who might this be?”
Shycedes turned around, spotting her good friend eyeing Edmond with an envious look. “Oh, my apologies, Edmond. I should have introduced you to him sooner,” she answered her lover, “This is my best friend, Fernand Monspark.”
Fernand remained silent.
“If so, then he is more than welcome to be my friend as well.” Edmonde said to Shycedes, now turning towards Fernand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Edmond Dash,” the cyan blue stallion said to Fernand, extending a hoof towards him.
Fernand, however, turned away from Edmond, refusing to shake his hoof. “I know very well who you are,” He said to him, grumbling.
“Ah...” Edmond said, slightly irritated, “then I suppose Shycedes must have told you of me already.”
“I did, indeed, Edmond,” Shycedes admitted, “You have my apologies for not telling you of Fernand sooner. He is a great friend, and has helped me time and again, even before I met you.” Fernand shrugged this compliment off, instead watching Edmond who failed to spot Fernand’s malicious look.
“Yet I wonder how I have not met him in town any earlier,” Edmond replied, placing a hoof on Shycedes’ cheek, smiling with joy.
“This is because our dear Fernand is a soldier, an officer even. He had been stationed near Canterlot for a long time. Until recently, that is, where he and his regiment were moved to Baltimare, at last.”
“So you did not see him for that time yourself?” Edmond asked her.
“No, but we continued to write letters to each other, as it was the only way to keep in contact.”
Edmond briefly turned his head towards Fernand, but all Fernand gave out was a simple “Hmph!”
“Well, it is nice to meet him nonetheless,” Edmond said, although he had mixed feelings about this mysterious stallion in reality. “Now, I suggest we spend some good time together after I have been gone for so long,” he offered to Shycedes.
“That sounds lovely! I would love to hear of your journey. Surely you also saw some exotic creatures on your way?” Shycedes brewed with excitement, both because of spending time with Edmond and because of her love for animals.
“Perhaps, perhaps,” Edmond replied with a smirk, “Come now, my dear, I shall invite you to dine with me. We can discuss everything then.”
Shycedes nodded gently and followed Edmond down the street, side by side. Leaving only Fernand behind, being not only denied by his love but also seeing his love choosing a simple sailor over him, a noble, wealthy pony of honour.
Fernand turned tail as soon as Edmond and Shycedes disappeared behind the nearest corner, heading back inside. However, the door was shut right in front of him; by a rather mischievous-looking pony.
“What is the matter of this?” Fernand asked the stallion that now stood in front of the closed door, “Explain yourself!”
“We beg your pardon, sir, but sometimes a good friendship has a rough start,” said Danglarjack, revealing himself as he walked up behind Fernand, much to his surprise.
“If it is trouble you seek, know that I am more than well-trained in the art of swordfighting, and that I will not hesitate to put my skills to use!” Fernand threatened them. He was surprised when the two ponies began to laugh.
“It isn’t trouble we seek, sir, but justice,” Danglarjack explained, walking past Fernand and finally standing next to his friend, Berry Puncherousse.
“What justice could two rough-looking ponies like you be looking for?” Fernand asked them, clearly insulting Berry.
“We seek justice, just like you do, good sir.”
“Like me?” Fernand asked Danglarjack.
“Do you not lust for justice? Do you not dream of disposing that dreaded villain? That over-confident stallion who goes about, destroying other pony’s hopes and dreams?” Danglarjack asked Fernand.
“Dear Celestia, what are you talking about?” Fernand asked in confusion.
“I am talking about Edmond Dash, good sir.” Danglarjack revealed to him.
Fernand, although silent for a few seconds, seemed to understand what Danglarjack was saying, and what he was offering him. “I see...” he said, “I take I am not the only one to despise him then?”
“He must be put back in his place, sir,” Puncherousse said.
“Aye, it’s about time he is taught a lesson. One he should never forget.” Danglarjack agreed.
Fernand gave out a short, evil cackle. “I couldn’t agree more, gentlecolts. If you would allow me the suggestion; we should postpone this meeting to a different time, and a different place. There’s too many witnesses here, I fear...” the purple alicorn said, briefly looking around at the different ponies that walked up and down the street.
“Aye, a good idea,” Danglarjack replied.
“Sounds good to me,” Berry Puncherousse agreed.
“Excellent. Here,” Fernand said, giving them a small flyer on which there was an advertisement for a pub in the town, “meet me at that place tonight at 10 pm, and make sure nopony close to Edmond or Shycedes sees you.”
The two stallions nodded silently.
“Good. Now go, I shall prepare for our meeting.” With that, both Danglarjack and Berry Puncherousse left the scene, acting as if nothing had happened.
“Perhaps I can call upon an old friend...” Fernand said to himself, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
“Enjoy your days with Shycedes, young Edmond, for they will be your last ones...”
The streets of Baltimare were shrouded in darkness, only for the occasional oil lamp to light the way. On the streets walked only a few ponies; some walking, most running as they seeked shelter from the rain.
Just as it hit 10 pm, a stallion entered the ‘Red Dragon’, a popular pub in town. The owner of the pub, an old, weak-looking stallion, looked across the room to see the new customer, having heard the little bell that had rung as the door opened.
The new customer slowly walked forward into the room, his gray raincoat covering his face with a shadow. Some of the other ponies present looked over to him, though most looked away after just a second or two. The mysterious stallion then arrived at the bar counter, standing in front of the owner who was cleaning a dirty glass with a cloth.
“I’m looking for a certain ‘Fernand Monspark’,” the stallion asked the owner, revealing his face as he pulled down his coat’s hood.
The owner, not bothering to even look at him, simply pointed over to a corner of the room, where, indeed, the purple alicorn sat.
“Heh,” Danglarjack gave out with a smirk, spotting his newly found ally, “cheers.”
And so the sailor pony, dressed in his wet, gray raincoat, made his way across the room. There were ponies he walked past that played cards; others sat on a round table, smoking cigars. Though Danglarjack paid no attention to any of those other ponies, for he had only one thing in mind: revenge, and the only way for him to get it now sat before him.
“Well,” Fernand spoke up as Danglarjack approached his table, “you certainly are punctual; not too late nor too early.”
Danglarjack remained silent, pulling back a chair and sitting down, a brief sight of exhaustion escaping his mouth.
“Where is your companion?” Fernand asked as he realised Berry Puncherousse was still missing. “Is he not with you?”
“Nah. I still had some work to do down at the docks, so we split up. He did tell me would be on time, however.” Danglarjack turned his head towards the entrance for a brief moment as the bell rang once again. Disappointed to see that it was a stranger, however, he turned his attention back to Fernand.
“Are you certain he can be relied on?” Fernand asked the sailor with slight distrust in his friend.
“Aye, he’s a good friend, and has never let me down,” Danglarjack replied, “and I’m sure he would want to be involved in this matter. He does not seem too content of the young Edmond himself.”
Unnoticed by the two stallions, a stranger from another table stood up and looked towards them. After a mere second or two he began slowly approaching Danglarjack from behind.
“If there is one thing I despise, then it would be waiting for ponies that cannot be asked to be on time,” Fernand said, briefly pulling out a clock to check the time before putting it back inside his pocket.
“I’m sure Berry will be here in a second,” Danglarjack promised him.
“Quite!” the strange pony said to Danglarjack from behind. Turning towards the pony, both Fernand and Danglarjack noticed just who it was.
“Berry! Finally!” Danglarjack said at spotting his friend.
“At long last you honour us with your presence,” Fernand said mockingly.
“Apologies for the delay. I still had some...business to take care of.” Puncherousse now pulled back a chair at the two ponies’ table and seated himself as well.
“Business?” Fernand asked with surprise. “What business could a pony like you have here?”
“Well,” Puncherousse said, “a drunkard owed me 50 bits and missed the deadline. I knew he would spend all his evening in here, his favourite pub, and so I effectively killed two birds with one stone.”
Fernand and Danglarjack looked at each other for a brief moment, both of them surprised and speechless at what he calls ‘business’.
“Right,” Fernand said, “let’s return to the matter why he have found ourselves here today, shall we?”
“Aye,” Danglarjack agreed, Berry silently nodding in agreement.
“As you all know, we’re here to discuss what to do with our dear friend Edmond Dash,” Fernand began, “and as such, I have begun drawing up a plan on how to dispose of him before leaving home to meet with you.”
Fernand’s allies simply nodded, waiting for him to continue.
“Danglarjack,” Fernand addressed the orange earth pony, “I have read in some documents that you work with Edmond?”
Danglarjack nodded once more. “Aye, on board a merchant ship. And I’m afraid that if we don’t get rid of him now, I’ll be working for him instead,” he said, grumbling in anger.
“And I’ve read that your captain has unfortunately seen the end of days during your last journey?” Fernand continued to ask.
“So he did,” the sailor replied, “died of a horrible, sudden fever.”
“Or did he?” Fernand asked him, a malicious smirk appearing on his face.
Needless to say, it didn’t take Danglarjack long to realise what Fernand was implying. “Perhaps he didn’t catch a fever, after all,” he said, a smirk appearing on his face as well which equaled Fernand’s. “Perhaps he was, let’s say, assassinated?”
“Strange that Edmond was the only one to witness the captain’s death, don’t you think?” Fernand asked, his smirk still keeping strong. “Gentlecolts, I do believe we have just found our way on how to get rid of our hated foe.”
“We’ll frame him of murder! Brute, hateful murder! We will make it seem as if he took the life of another so that he could rise in rank himself!” Danglarjack said to Fernand.
“I’ll visit his father when Edmond isn’t home and hide a dagger in his room, splattered with what everypony will believe of as blood!” Puncherousse joined in.
“And I’ll use my authority to legalize a search of his home, finding the tool of the murder and arresting him!” Fernand said loudly and with joy. “Yes. Yes, this is the way, my friends. This is how it will be done!” the unicorn exclaimed triumphantly. “We still lack an important part, however.”
Berry and Danglarjack looked at him in confusion. “What would that be?” Berry asked.
“While we may be successful at framing Edmond of murder, we cannot leave his trial in court to fate, as he may be declared innocent, or worse even; they could uncover our plot!” Fernand said to them. “What we lack, friends, is judicial power. Hence, why I have also invited to our meeting an old...friend of mine.”
As by command, a white stallion entered the building, ringing the doorbell as he did so. His clean, white fur, together with his elegant, purple mane sticked out of the crowd as nothing else could, and he was headed straight towards the table of the three friends.
“Noble allies, may I introduce to you: Rarifort,” Fernand said to the two others as the named stallion arrived at their table, “an old ‘friend’ of mine who has helped me achieve some major success.”
Rarifort smirked at him as he sat down at their table. “Some major success? I helped you become captain of your regiment by having the previous captain arrested and sent to the prison island of Hoofatraz. He was never heard of again.” Rarifort smiled with pride at his seemingly great accomplishment and skill.
“While I kindly donated a few bags of money to support your cause and ‘speed up the trial’ a bit, of course,” Fernand added, both him and Rarifort laughing.
“So why are you here, exactly?” Danglarjack asked the gracefully clothed unicorn.
“My question exactly, friend,” Rarifort said to Danglarjack before turning back towards Fernand. “Why am I here, Fernand?”
“We need your help getting rid of a young pegasus called Edmond Dash,” the alicorn replied.
“The young Edmond, you say? The son of Louis Dash?” Rarifort asked to make sure he was thinking of the right pony.
“Aye, that one,” Danglarjack replied before Fernand could.
“Very well, continue.”
“He has become more than just a mere nuisance over the time, and we believe that he needs to be stopped before he can conduct any more wrong in this town,” Fernand explained.
Rarifort nodded silently. “And knowing you, you’ve already drawn up a perfect plan to frame him of a terrible crime that he has never conducted.”
Fernand smirked. “You know me too well.”
“And now you need me, the corrupt, bribable judge, to complete your master plan and dispose of this terrible evil that is Edmond Dash,” Rarifort continued, almost as if he were mocking them.
“Quite right,” Fernand replied.
“You know I will do anything, Fernand,” the unicorn said, stroking his mane, “so long as you can deliver the money.”
“You know I always have enough.”
“Indeed I do, hence why you are one of my most favourite customers,” Rarifort cackled loudly.
“Here.” Rarifort smirked greedily as Fernand dropped a small bag of bits on the table. “Have this for now, but be assured that it is merely your prepayment, and that you shall receive the rest when Edmond is on his way to Hoofatraz.”
Rarifort leaned forward, taking the bag and storing it inside his pocket after checking the inside, to make sure the content really was money. “Suits me,” he said at last. “So, what do you want me to do?”
“Your job begins after I deliver Edmond to you. He will be in chains, arrested for supposed murder of the captain of the Venturer so that he could eventually become the new captain.”
“I see...go on.”
“Your task is to shrug off any resistance and defence he might mount, declaring him guilty as charged and sending him off to rot in a cell, far off in Hoofatraz, from which he shall never return!”
“Your plans certainly are of the more ‘simple’ sort, old friend,” Rarifort said, thinking about what has been said and how he could accomplish his part of the plan.
“I assume ‘simple’ means that you can do it?” Danglarjack asked the overly fancy unicorn.
“I could do anything, my friend; it all depends on the funding I get.” Danglarjack crossed his hooves and grumbled quietly at the stuck-up stallion.
“Are you certain you will be successful?” Fernand asked Rarifort.
“I could be asking you three the same question,” Rarifort replied half-serious, “but yes, I am. A young colt like him should pose no challenge. Expect the trial to be over with quick.”
Fernand then rose from his chair, as Rarifort and then the two other conspirators. “Honest and noble gentlecolts,” Fernand said to his allies, “the stage is set. Let us now go forth with haste and precious, without mercy and pity. Let us stomp out the evil that is Edmond Dash, and free us from his cursed existence!”
The others celebrated Fernand’s speech, eager to do their part in the scheme that was to be the downfall of Edmond.
Edmond turned his head, staring out to the sea, seeing how the sun began to set on the horizon. He could hear the calm, quiet sound of waves hitting the docks from where he sat.
He faced his front once more, eyeing his beloved Shycedes who sat in front of him. She looked back at him, seeing those beautiful eyes that she first fell in love with.
It was not until the waiter arrived at their table that they were interrupted.
“Your tea, sir,” the waiter said to Edmond as he put down a cup of tea in front of him. “Ma’am,” he said to Shycedes, putting down a cup of green tea in front of her as well. With that, the waiter left the couple and moved on.
The two ponies smiled, eyeing each other still. Shycedes’ hooves moved to the cup in front of her.
“You picked such a lovely spot for us to dine, Edmond,” the mare said, taking a sip from her cup.
“I know how much my mare enjoys the view,” Edmond replied, also taking a quick sip himself.
“What can I say,” Shycedes replied, “the sea is beautiful and mysterious, calming yet so dangerous.”
“True, true.” The couple’s heads turned towards the docks and sea once more.
“You still require telling me of your recent journey, dear,” Shycedes said with a smile, still watching the sunset on the horizon.
“I wish I was able to say it was not of importance or troubles,” Edmond replied, “but that would be a lie.”
“Whatever happened, dear? Tell me.” Shycedes now at last turned her attention back to her lover.
“We left Baltimare to pick up goods in Fillydelphia as you know.” Shycedes nodded silently. “The way to Fillydelphia was of no trouble, and we even arrived there slightly earlier than planned, due to favourable winds.”
“Then what happened?”
“After we picked up the goods and left Fillydelphia, the captain fell ill,” Edmond told her with regret.
“Captain Fleclerc?” the mare asked. “What happened to him?”
“Surprised by his sudden sickness, me and the rest of the crew attempted to do all we could to help and save him. But it was no use, and he took his last breath in the captain’s quarters, on his bed.”
Both of them fell silent for a brief moment before Edmond let out a deep sigh. “I sat there next to him as he passed away, as his body went numb. I leaned forward as he began to whisper me his last wishes, his last words. He asked of me to travel to Griffonstone and tell the Count there that ‘his dear friend has passed away’. The count would know what I meant if I told him this.”
Shycedes gulped at hearing all this. “The captain was friends with the Count of Griffonstone?”
“So he told me, yes. The count himself later explained to me that the two of them met in the war, and that Fleclerc had spared the life of the count during a battle. After the war, the count told Fleclerc that he would always be welcome at his court, and as such they met whenever the captain was not on a mission with the Venturer.”
“And nopony else knew of this?” Shycedes asked.
“No, and I was not supposed to tell anypony else either.” Edmond became visibly uncomfortable, realising that he had spilled the secret and broken his promise to both the captain and the count. “My dear Shycedes, you must promise to me not to tell these things to anypony else, under no circumstances.”
The mare nodded and happily agreed. “You know I would never do anything that could hurt you, dear,” she said, “Whatever hurts you will hurt me, too. This is the nature of true love.”
“And how lucky I am to have you, Shycedes, in my life; a pony more beautiful than I could yet even describe, a pony so kind that she possesses the power to turn enemies into friends, and a pony that managed to steal the heart of a simple sailor.”
Shycedes blushed, grabbing both of Edmond’s hooves with a charmed smile. “And how lucky I, a small, shy orphan, am to have you, Edmond. How lucky I am to have a stallion by my side that would wipe off my tears in times of sorrow, a stallion that would fight wars just to protect me, a stallion that would travel across all of Equestria, just for me.”
Once again, the two ponies went silent for a moment, their eyes completely locked onto the other’s, their heart yearning for what was to come. Without a single word spoken, they both leaned forward, their lips meeting in a long-lived kiss. How long had they both waited for this moment, how much their hearts had ached to see each other again.
“I love you,” Edmond said as their lips parted again.
“As do I, my beloved Edmond,” Shycedes replied, blushing. “Please, Edmond, do not leave me alone ever again. Whenever you are gone, I feel incomplete, as if some part of me is missing.” Shycedes suddenly began to tear up. “I beg of you, my beloved Edmond, do not ever leave me again, for I need you; not as my lover but to make my life whole and enjoyable. And the mere thought of you being gone and the possibility of you coming into harm’s way and...” she paused briefly, “and perhaps not returning to greet me in your tight, warm embrace scares me. It scares me, Edmond. It’s a fear that lingers in the depths of my heart and shows itself whenever I am by myself, when I think of you and ask myself when you will finally return to me.”
Edmond got up from his seat and now stood at the table, Shycedes was still in tears.
“I can’t live with this fear anymore, Edmond,” Shycedes said, crying and sobbing quietly. Edmond silently made his way over to her side of the table as she spoke. “I can’t live my life with such doubts and insecurities,” the pink-haired mare said, continuing to cry. “I...” she said, interrupted as Edmond stroked her cheeks, standing in front of her.
“I can’t live without you anymore,” she said before pulling Edmond into a tight embrace, continuing to cry as her tears of sorrow turned into tears of joy.
“So long as I yet draw breath, I shall be with you, my dear, beloved Shycedes,” Edmond replied.
“But what makes you so sure, Edmond?” Shycedes asked in disbelief, breaking their hug. “What tells me this is no empty promise? That you will not leave me alone in the end?”
Edmond continued to hold her hooves, never to let go of his beautiful, charming mare. And he realised that now was the time, the time to show her his commitment, to show her that he truly would never abandon her.
Edmond turned away from Shycedes, briefly walking back over to his seat before returning to Shycedes’ side, carrying a small, black case with him.
“If my words alone do not cleanse you of all fears and concerns, then, may Celestia be my witness, I shall do whatever it takes to be with you, and to show my love and affection to you.” Shycedes listened silently. “So...” Edmond said, kneeling in front of the mare, “I ask you, my beloved Shycedes, do you wish to marry me?” Shycedes gasped at the sudden proposal, staring at the golden ring Edmond revealed as he opened the case on his hooves.
“I...” Shycedes stuttered, getting off her chair, “I do,” she said at last. “I do! I do!” she said again, loudly and with joy. “Yes, Edmond, a thousand times yes!” Shycedes once again pulled her fiancé into a tight, loving embrace.
Edmond broke the hug after a long silence, finally taking the ring out of its case. Bound to a simple string, Edmond gently put the ring around Shycedes’ neck. The mare inspected the ring for a short while, relief and joy overwhelming her. It was put on her by her fiancé, and it was either him taking it off her or else she would wear it ‘till the end of days.
The two ponies looked over to the sea, seeing how the sun had almost completely disappeared behind the ocean. The remaining, now orange light of the sun fell onto the two, and they turned to hold each other’s hooves again. It was as if they had just met for the first time, that same magic, that same strange feeling filling their hearts.
And as the sun finally set, the two newly betrothed ponies met in a deep, loving kiss once more.
“Until death do us part, my dear, I shall never leave your side again,” Edmond said, breaking the kiss.
Shycedes smiled back at him before pulling him into yet another kiss. Both would remember this night until the very end of their days.
With the sun gone and the moon rising, the streets emptied. Yet there was still one pony out in the streets that was in a hurry. The stallion dashed through the streets, carrying with him a small oil lamp to light the way.
A loud banging interrupted the silence in the Dash household. Upstairs, the snoring of Louis Dash had seized. He rubbed his sleepy eyes as it banged again. He sat on his chair where he had fallen asleep and listened, hoping that whoever was banging on the door downstairs would leave, believing he wasn’t home.
It banged again, louder this time. It was no use, he thought to himself, getting up from his armchair. Slowly, with sleep in his eyes, he made his way towards the door, being careful not to trip on the way.
Once again, the pony at the door banged against it. “I’m coming, I’m coming!” Louis shouted as he made his way down the stairs.
“What is- oh.” Louis was surprised as he opened the door, spotting his guest. “Puncherousse, you? Isn’t it a bit late for a visit?”
“It’s never too late to pay good friends a visit, isn’t it?” Puncherousse asked back, “Besides, I just wanted to have a quick talk with you, about Edmond and his new career as captain.”
“Oh, well, in that case,” Louis said, moving aside, “please, do come in.”
A smile formed on Berry’s face. Not a joyful one, however, but an evil, malicious one.
“Why, thank you, Louis,” he said, moving inside, “I can’t wait to discuss your son’s bright-looking future.”
It was just past midnight, when all ponies were asleep, Edmond made his way back home. The streets and houses were shrouded in the darkness of the night, and so he had to take care not to trip over the occasional obstacle or two. Still, even with this in mind, he made haste to reach his home, for he carried with him great news. News so great and joyful that he would resort to even waking his father; he had to know right away.
And so, after just about seven minutes, the young Edmond arrived at the step of his home, slowly and carefully opening the door. He wanted to wake his father and tell him the story, not scare him to death, after all.
Edmond closed the door behind him, slightly less careful than when he had opened it. He stood still for a moment, ears twitching as he listened for a distinct sound, a sound he would expect to hear at a time such as this.
And, true to form, there it was. From upstairs, the sound of a quiet, yet still audible snoring came. Having heard this exact, quiet noise every time he came home at such late hour, he recognised it right away: It was his father, slumbering upstairs in his bedroom.
Edmond made his way up the stairs, the old, wooden planks creaking under his hooves with every step. Yet, just as he reached the second floor, the snoring ceased. Edmond put a hoof after another, now even slower and more quiet than before.
The snoring continued again, just as Edmond walked around a corner, seeing that the door to his father’s bedroom stood wide open. No wonder I could hear him through the entire house, Edmond thought to himself as he approached the room. The snoring grew louder and louder with every step.
The young pegasus peeked his head into the room, his gaze immediately directed towards his father, who laid on his bed. He had not tucked himself up, as was usual for such a hot summer, and his covers laid on the ground, in front of the bed. His back was turned towards Edmond, his snoring continuing.
“Father,” Edmond whispered, approaching the bed and his father. “Father, I have great news!” he said, barely able to contain his excitement and joy now that he was actually talking to his father. “Father?” He asked, stepping close, “Father, wake up!” He shouted.
Louis Dash grumbled, visibly focusing on keeping his eyes shut.
“She said yes, father!” Edmond shouted, “She said yes!” he jumped with joy and excitement, unable to hold himself back anymore.
His father was fully awake at that moment.
“Son! Son, repeat this again, I dare not to trust my old ears!” Louis Dash spoke up, turning over towards his son.
“You heard right, father, you heard right! Why else would I be so overjoyed?” Edmond happily confirmed.
“Oh, what great joy! Come here, my son, let me embrace you!” Edmond didn’t hold himself back, and fell into the arms of his father who now sat on the side of his bed. “Never have I been so proud of you, my son,” Louis said. Tears of joy escaped his eyes as he held his son to his chest in a tight, loving embrace.
“Do not be proud of me, Father...” Edmond insisted. “I have simply followed your kind advice and guidance, and found the love of my life,” he said. “She is my soulmate.”
Edmond’s father chuckled, patting his son on his back as their embrace endured. “You always were a humble one, Edmond.” At last, Louis pulled his son out of the embrace, looking him in the eyes with a proud, kind smile. “This time, however, it was not the merit of my work; but yours. You have come so far in life, my dear Edmond, not because of my guidance but your heart, soul, and mind. It is you who is to thank for this joyful event, not me.”
Edmond watched his father for a brief moment before he could no longer resist, and he began to cry tears of joy as well, just as his father did, who now pulled him back into his arms.
“I am so proud, Edmond. The first time that I saw you and this beautiful Shycedes together, oh how lovely you looked, I knew you were destined for each other.”
“Is-” Edmond paused to wipe away his tears. “Is this true, father? Are you truly proud?”
“As proud as any father can be, my son.” Edmond teared up yet again as his father stroked through the fur on his son’s back, comforting him as he wept into his shoulder.
“I’m sure your mother would love to be with you now, son. She would want to be here for this.” Louis whispered in a hushed tone. A single tear, not of joy this time, but of sorrow flowed down his cheek.
“She would,” Edmond replied simply, continuing to cry. “She would pull me into an embrace even tighter than yours.”
Louis gave out a light-hearted laugh. “Wherever she may be now, she is truly proud of you, and loves you with all her might. Of that I can be certain.”
“Yes...” Edmond whispered. Releasing his father from their embrace, he sat back against the bed and pressed a hoof to his breast, “Yes, I can feel her warmth, her embrace. Deep within, I can.”
“Come now, son. Let us not waste more time,” Louis said, putting on his slippers as he got off his bed. “You must tell me how it all came to be during a calming glass of wine. Come now, Edmond, come, come!”
Edmond wiped away his last few tears as he watched his father, his usually calm and quiet father, walk out of the room as fast as he could. He ran right after him, eager to tell him just what had happened, and how it happened.
That night, just around the corner from where Shycedes now slept, Fernand stood; Lonely, freezing in the cold of the night and growing increasingly impatient.
He checked his watch: Half past midnight.
Where is he? he thought to himself, looking around. Curse Danglarjack for dragging him into this! I knew I couldn’t rely on ponies like-
The shadow of a pony appeared. “Like him...” he said to himself, watching as the shadow of a pony drew closer and closer.
“Apologies.” Berry Puncherousse stepped out from the shadows of the night, into the dim light of a small candle Fernand had brought with him. “I got... caught up in doing other things. It will not happen again, you have my word.”
“Save yourself the apology, colt. Tell me what I need to know.” Fernand looked around again, lucky to not spot any random ponies to wander past and spot them.
“All as planned,” Berry reported. “It is hidden away in his closet, just beneath his sailor attire; that is where the blade will be found.”
“And you made sure not to raise suspicion?” Fernand asked.
“Suspicion? Hah!” Berry cackled self-confidently. “The old Dash is too nice and friendly. Just as he prepared the tea, as I had asked of him, I sneaked into the young Edmond’s room and did what I was set out to do.”
“Brilliant! Excellent!” Fernand replied triumphantly, yet quietly, always sure not to attract attention. “And Edmond will be home tomorrow morning, yes?”
“His father told me he was off to see Shycedes, that is all he knew.”
“Hmpf...” Fernand replied, “Shycedes is home already, and so Edmond will be too. I doubt he will leave bed early tomorrow after such a long night.”
“Well, he will leave bed early - one way or another,” Berry replied with a smirk.
“True, true.” Fernand gave out a small cackle. “Me and my soldiers will surprise him, overwhelm him. We’ll find a weapon in his own closet, beneath the very clothes he had worn during the act of crime - guilty! Guilty, I say!”
“Guilty! Send him off to Hoofatraz! Guilty of a terrible, horrible, gruesome murder, I say! Guilty!”
“Shhh!” Fernand hushed Berry with a hoof as they heard ponies across the street, inside their homes, speak up.
“We will have to postpone our victory speech until a later date, I’m afraid.” Fernand turned his back towards his ally, saying to him “And good work, Puncherousse. You have done well. Make sure, however, you are on time from now on.”
He walked around a corner, thinking to himself ..or else my patience might just run out for you, young Puncherousse.
Berry watched his friend disappear behind the nearest corner, and turned tail himself as the chatter from the houses started again.
The plan was drawn-up, the actors prepared. All of the pieces of their puzzle were in their place, and the stage was finally set.
The sun shone down onto Baltimare and the countryside. Birds were singing in the trees, the sea was calm and glimmering in the light of the sun.
Inside the Baltimare Barracks, just outside the city, Fernand had locked himself into his personal quarters. He stood in front of a large mirror, joyfully eyeing himself in this moment of triumph. He was wearing his usual officer attire, the light blue uniform clearly distinguishing him from the red uniform of the common soldier.
“He who dares charm my darling,” he mumbled to himself, “shall know what true regret means.”
Fernand looked over to his right and eyed a small table. On it lays the only thing still missing from his uniform: His hat. He reached out towards the small, low table and took hold of the grey tricorn. A small, sun shaped cockade was pinned to the head, to symbolise his loyalty and allegiance to Princess Celestia, the Sun and Equestria. Today, however, he added another, final touch to his headgear. Once again he reached over to the table, grabbing a length, pitch-black feather which he slowly fixed to the hat.
Fernand looked into the mirror again, tricorn in his hooves, and smiled maniacally. He raised the hat and slowly lowered it onto his head, enjoying every second of the act. He performed a swift spin after having set the headgear down, a low cackle escaping his mouth afterwards.
“Oh my dear, beloved Shycedes,” he said out loud, “he shall separate us no longer. He shall be gone, never to be seen again, never to be even thought of...yes, this he shall, and this he will. For you.”
A knock on the door brought his monologue to an abrupt halt, and he moved over to the said door at once, though not before eyeing his mirror image one last time.
This was his day, his moment of triumph.
Only a few minutes later, Fernand could be seen leading his own, small column of soldiers through the streets. Ponies old and young alike stopped and turned their heads towards the unusual sight. Rumours began to spread as soon as the line of soldiers passed them, some believing there to be a fight down at the docks. Other, more exaggerated claims would say that the soldiers were to take defensive positions and that the city was under a siege of some sort. Fernand paid no attention to any of the whisperings, however.
Fernand and his ponies drew closer to their destination, marching to the beat of a drum in the back of the small column of 8 uniformed stallions. The purple pony shot a gaze over to his right side. The ponies there gulped and froze as his cold, evil eyes sent a shiver down their spines. “He must have seen the horrors of battle,” some of them thought to themselves in an attempt to explain his cold, emotionless state. But Fernand, still, cared not for the rumours, thoughts and chatter of the common pony in the streets. He had a goal in mind, and was close, oh so close to finally achieving that goal.
Fernand had not slept for the last night. “How could I rest when the plan is so, so close to its conclusion?” he had asked himself, running up and down his room. “How can I possibly fall asleep with him still around?” He remembered the small photograph of Edmond which Shycedes had given him. He had thrown it away almost immediately after he was left alone in his room, ripping the small image of his rival apart. No. He hadn’t slept that night, hadn’t rested. He had done nothing but think of his cunning revenge, his ‘master plan’, as he called it. He became obsessed with the thought, the thought of ridding himself of Edmond, cursing to himself and saying “oh why can’t I just shot him on the spot.” And so, throughout the night, up until the sun rose, he waited, he planned.
This lust for revenge had long consumed him, and was the very thing driving him towards Edmond’s house at this very moment. He gave the order to break into quick time, as their current pace, so he felt, was like it would take days to get to his enemy. The soldiers behind him breathed heavily after many minutes of marching at the accelerated pace, but to Edmond it paid off. Their march was over, they were there: Edmond’s time had come.
The soft light of the early morning sun entered Edmond’s bedroom, weakened by his grey curtains. The young stallion’s eyes were squeezed shut as rays of light met them. Edmond, still asleep, turned his head around the other way instinctively. Yet just as he was about to drift off into a truly deep slumber, he was awoken not by the sun but a noise. A quiet banging.
Edmond once again squeezed his eyes shut, his ears twitching at the sudden noise. There was silence for a few seconds before it banged again, louder this time. The cyan-coated pegasus woke up, opening his sleepy, tired eyes. Before he could even fully come to his senses, the banging returned, once again louder than before.
Without even being able to think properly, having just awoken, Edmond knew it was somepony knocking at the door. “Yes, yes...I’m on my way...!” he gave out as it banged again, rising from his bed.
He slowly walked past his father’s bedroom, where he could hear the rather loud snoring once again. Just as he arrived at the stairs, a single bang on the door, so powerful and furious it seemed to almost break down the door itself, echoed through the house.
“Dear Celestia, patience! I’m on my way!” Edmond shouted at the visitor, swiftly walking down the stairs to meet them. “I do hope this is import-” he froze as he opened the door.
In front of Edmond stood Fernand, fully dressed in his officer attire, behind him the rest of his soldiers with shouldered muskets.
“Edmond Dash,” Fernand said simply, his voice was cold and emotionless, just as his eyes.
“Oh, uh...Fernand, was it?” Edmond had almost forgotten about the fellow which now stood at his doorstep. Fernand clenched his teeth at hearing Edmond speak out his name. It equalled a direct insult to him.
“Yes, that is correct. I am not here to have a chat, however, as even you might be able to tell.” Fernand slightly stepped to the side, allowing Edmond to see the combat-ready soldiers behind him better.
“Yes, I... figured as much. What is the matter, however?”
“We have reasons to believe you might have taken part in the murder of the Honourable Captain Fleclere,” the purple-coated alicorn stated in a monotone voice.
Edmond was stunned. “W-what? Murder? Me? But the Captain died of disease, not brutal murder! I-”
“Yes, yes,” Fernand interrupted, shoving Edmond aside as he entered his house, “It is up to us to find out whether that’s true or not. You don’t mind us having a look around, do you?”
Edmond watched helplessly as one soldier after another walked through the door. “As if I had a choice...” he said quietly.
“Brilliant.” Fernand replied with a smile.
For the next few minutes, Fernand’s troops would turn the ground floor of the house upside down, checking every corner and every possible hiding spot. All of this happened under the watchful eyes of Fernand and the helpless, insecure eyes of Edmond.
“This can’t be right, good sir.” Edmond turned towards the alicorn again. “I would be the last person in this city to commit such a deed. Who would frame me of such actions? Who would look upon me in disbelief and claim that it was me who gave the Captain the final blow?”
“That is not one of your worries at this time, Edmond.” Fernand replied, monotone still.
“Not one of my worries, sir? Pardon me for saying this, but surely I should be worried about things such as this?”
“The pony wishes to remain anonymous, for whatever reason that might be. All you need to know is that they told us of this, and that it is our duty to investigate on it.”
“But the rest of the crew can surely back me up in my claims on the Captain’s death. They all saw him fall ill, they all saw him weakened by the disease, they-”
“But they didn’t see him die, Edmond. Nobody but you did.” He shot a gaze over to Edmond who froze.
“...You can’t be serious. Me? The one to ram the dagger down into his good, honourable heart?” Edmond shook his head in disbelief. “No. You must excuse me, sir, but this is but a blatant, unreasoned accusation.”
Fernand took his eyes off the pegasus and nodded silently. “That may be. That may be...”
“Sir,” a soldier reported to the alicorn, “there seems to be nothing of interest down here.”
“Hmm, very well. Move on to the second floor, perhaps there will be something there.”
“Right away, sir!” The soldier replied, saluting his officer. Shortly afterwards, the soldiers began running up the stairs, the floorboards creaking beneath them.
Another five minutes passed in which the soldiers scrambled places big and small up on the second floor. Edmond, watching all this, was only worried about them waking up his father. He didn’t want him to see any of this mess, let alone have him think he committed a crime. There was no real worry about the soldiers finding anything, however. He had nothing to hide, seeing as how he was innocent. He was sure that it was just a misunderstanding and the mistrust of one of his ‘friends’, and that the whole situation would be over in no time. However...
“Sir!” a soldier called out to Fernand from inside Edmond’s room, “Sir! Sir, we found something!”
Both Fernand and Edmond rushed into the room at hearing the call. “What is it, soldier?” he asked the green-coated stallion standing in front of Edmond’s small closet.
“I believe...” he said, pulling a sharp dagger out from under Edmond’s clothes, “this might be of interest for you.”
Edmond froze, his mouth hanging open, his eyes staring at the strange, unfamiliar object. “W-what? No! No, that isn’t right! That wasn’t there before! That isn’t mine!” he shouted, unable to explain the appearance of the dagger.
Fernand took hold of the weapon and balanced it between his hooves, looking at some of the supposed ‘bloodstains’, which Berry had sprinkled on it before hiding it.
“Edmond.” Fernand’s voice remained monotone, though on the inside this was his moment of triumph. “My dear Edmond.”
“I swear to you, Fernand, this is not mine! I did not kill the Captain!” Edmond begged the purple alicorn, who paid no attention to him.
By this point, all of the soldiers which Fernand had brought with him were watching them. They probably knew what they had to do next.
“I am terribly sorry, Edmond, but the evidence speaks against your innocence.”
“No. No! No! You can’t do this!” Edmond begged him once more.
“You are hereby under arrest, Edmond Dash.” Fernand was unable to keep back his emotions, smiling at Edmond with an evil, maniacal grin.
“No! Please don’t! I can explain!”
“Seize him,” Fernand ordered to his guards, putting the knife into a pocket in his uniform as they moved in on the helpless figure of Edmond.
“Trust me! No! Please!” Edmond begged one last time before being overwhelmed by the soldiers.
Fernand, victorious and triumphant, slowly strolled out of the room, wandering down the hallway. There, he was suddenly faced with the other half of the Dash family, Louis Dash, father of the young Edmond.
“What is going on here? What are you doing to my son?” He demanded.
“Your son will be taken into custody until further notice. We have found evidence that he took the life of the honourable Captain Fleclere, sir.”
“W-Wha...” Louis stuttered momentarily. “Impossible! My son is an honest, friendly stallion who would never, ever perform such an act of violence!”
“Perhaps. But for now, the evidence speaks against him.” Fernand smiled confidently as he pulled out the dagger once again, showing the blood-stained blade to the father.
Louis fell silent. He looked up, away from the blade, to see his son being dragged out of his room by two armed guards. Louis took hold of the knife, staring at it again before looking exchanging brief eye contact with his son as he was escorted past him.
“Edmond...” he mumbled to both himself and his son. It would be the last thing Edmond was to hear from his father.
“Now,” Fernand interrupted the sentimental moment of the two, “we will have to get moving. I pray your son truly is innocent, dear Louis. He always did come after his father, an honest stallion.”
Fernand, after taking back the dagger and hiding it in the same pocket as before, now too walked off, slowly walking down the stairs. Louis, however, continued to stand where he was, unable to sort his thoughts.
Only when he heard the door being shut he snapped back to reality, looking around the house which was ravaged by the soldiers during their search. Louis decided to retreat into his room, locking the door behind him. He slowly wandered over to his bed, and eventually sat down on its side, his head hanging low. He held a small photograph in his hooves: One of him, his now deceased wife and Edmond.
Though he wished differently, something deep inside told Louis that he would soon find himself truly alone, that his wife would not be the last pony to be taken away from him by fate and fate alone.
He raised the photograph up to his snout and gently kissed the image of both his wife and his son.
“Let me go! I’m innocent!” Edmond shouted as two soldiers dragged him into court.
“I’m afraid, Edmond,” Fernand said to him as he walked past, “it is not your responsibility to determine this.”
The very next moment a door opened on the other side of the room. Out of the door stepped the elegantly clothed Rarifort, wearing a black suit with a golden collar and golden buttons. He slowly, and ever so magnificently made his way to his chair. The soldiers that had dragged Edmond into the room now pushed him forward, in front of Rarifort, to stand trial. Fernand smiled viciously as Rarifort finally took his seat. Everything was coming together just as he had hoped and imagined.
“Well, well,” Rarifort began, adjusting his mane briefly before looking down to Edmond. “You are this Edmond that I have been hearing about, hm?”
“You... have been hearing about me?” Edmond asked the judge.
“Why, of course. Townsponies have been spreading quite a bit of rumours about you, you know.”
“Rumours? What rumours?” Edmond asked once again.
Rarifort remained silent for a moment before leaning back in his chair. “No matter. Let us get to the point, shall we?”
“Your honour, this is all a big misunderstanding, you must believe me!” Edmond begged.
“Yes, yes,” Rarifort said mockingly, “I hear that fairly often, you see. Hence why it is my duty to find out whether you’re speaking the truth or not.”
“Trust in me, your honour. I am an honest stallion, perhaps the most honest in all of Baltimare. My friends, family and colleagues can tell you this just as good as I can!” the pegasus explained to the judge.
Rarifort stroked his chin briefly. “A mighty statement from someone like you, Edmond Dash. The most honest pony in all of Baltimare,” the white-coated unicorn said out loud. “Quite a strong claim you’re staking here, young Edmond. Especially since the most honest pony would hardly be found in court, no less in the position of the defendant.”
Edmond remained silent for multiple seconds. A weak breeze whispered through the window as all ponies present remained silent. Rarifort eyed Edmond suspiciously, while Fernand, watching and listening to all of this from the back of the room, could not resist but to grin. His plan, or so it seemed to him, was coming along perfectly. Every piece of the puzzle was falling into its place perfectly, and Fernand knew that the only piece left was Edmond himself.
“Your honour,” Edmond spoke up, breaking the silence in the room, “one cannot, and should not, gauge a pony’s amount of honesty, truthfulness and uprightness in court. How could you judge me on my honesty, your honour, while I stand here accused of crime, violence and murder?”
Rarifort, taken off guard by this response, tapped a hoof on the desk in front of him, thinking about what Edmond had said. “You surprise me, Edmond. Never have I seen such wisdom in a stallion this young, let alone one who stands trial in court.”
“Trial in court should play no role in a anypony’s judgement, your honour. I stand here accused of crime, and until your judgement falls I shall remain accused, but not guilty. And, your honour, would you not agree that accusations are but rumours? Myths? So then why would rumours and myths affect a pony’s reputation and uprightness?”
“You speak the truth, Edmond, the honest truth. Forgive me.”
Unnoticed by both of them, Fernand clenched his teeth, growing nervous and suspicious that his plan might yet backfire and fail. ”I just hope Rarifort makes himself paid, still,” he thought to himself, eyeing the supposedly bribed judge.
“You need not ask for forgiveness, friend. I can assure you, however, that I speak the honest truth when I say that I am innocent. I would repeat myself if I were to say that everypony I know could tell you this.”
“While I would like to believe you, Edmond, it is my duty to be in doubt, still,” Rarifort replied with visible regret. He was starting to like and believe Edmond, something that Fernand, too, saw. “As it happens, however, there is a friend of yours ready and willing to tell us more about what might have happened.”
Edmond looked up to Rarifort with a questioning look. “There is? Who would that be?”
“Your colleague and, so I have been told, old friend Danglarjack.”
That very second the main door behind Edmond opened, and the mischievous, uncanny pony that was Danglarjack entered the room. Everypony present, including the two soldiers next to Fernand, watched him as he made his way to the room’s centre, to where Edmond himself stood.
“Danglarjack? You?” the pegasus asked his friend.
“Aye,” Danglarjack replied in his usual raspy voice. “Wouldn’t wanna miss out on something like this.”
“I thought not. We shall have a fine cup of cider after this is done. On me, of course.” The cyan-coated pegasus laughed, unlike Danglarjack who eyed him with increasing disgust and hatred. It almost seemed as if his very eyes turned into a fiery flame, fed by his anger and jealousy.
“You seem to misunderstand why I’m here, Edmond,” Danglarjack replied in a low, deep voice. Edmond’s laugh ceased immediately.
“Huh? Pardon? What else could you be here for but to aid me?”
“Your friend is not here to defend you, I’m afraid. In fact, he is the one who pressed this charge in the first place.”
Edmond’s ears flattened, and his usually kind smile disappeared completely. “No...” he mumbled to himself in disbelief, “that can’t be right...Danglarjack would never do me wrong!”
The earth pony let out a loud puff before his so called ‘friend’ looked over to him. “Danglarjack, this is not right, is it?” He was afraid of what he was going to hear.
Danglerjack remained silent for a brief moment in which is dark, evil, hateful gaze fell upon Edmond. “Somepony’s gotta tell the truth, Captain.”
“The truth? The truth? But you know of the captain’s death as good as I do; you were part of his crew.”
“I may have been part of his crew, and I surely was aboard the vessel, as you were. Unlike you, however, I was not present at the captain’s death, as you were the only one with him in his quarters.”
“- as he had wished, might I add,” Edmond said. “You remember him asking all of you out but me; it was his order.”
“Actually...” Danglarjack said, looking over to Rarifort, “I do not remember anything of the sort. The way I see it me and the rest of the crew simply couldn’t attend the captain due to a rather strong wind bringing us off course. So, as it happens, while all of us were busy you had a prime opportunity of sneaking into the captain’s quarters; and murdering him in his weakened, defenseless state.”
“Danglarjack, how...” Edmond stuttered, holding back his tears, “why? Why are you accusing me of such terrifying, horrible deeds? You should know more than well that I, out of all the crew, would be the last to wrong the Captain!”
“Heh,” the earth pony chuckled. “The only thing I know more than well is that it was you who stepped in less than half a minute after the captain’s death to claim his title and rank.” Danglarjack smiled. Finally he could unleash his inner fury at Edmond. “Surely, this is all just a silly coincidence, hm?” he added in a mocking voice.
“That’s enough, Danglarjack. Even if you are right, there is no need for insults.” Rarifort stroked his mane once. “This is a court, after all...”
“So it is. And so I would wish for this criminal, this murderer and evil conspirator, to be found guilty at once. I have presented you with all evidence you need, your honour. This is the honest truth, I say, and it should be handled and respected as such.”
“And what evidence is there to support your claims, Danglarjack?” Rarifort asked, almost completely forgetting on whose side he was.
“Enough, I believe.” Fernand stepped out of the shadows at the back of the room. In his hooves he held the blood-stained dagger, the very image of it burning itself into Edmond’s mind forever. “This was found in young Edmond’s room. Hidden in his wardrobe, no less.”
“You see? Do you still believe me to tell lies? It is all there for you to see!” Danglarjack spoke up, almost shouting at Rarifort who immediately motioned him to quiet down. Edmond froze, stunned at how not only his friend but also Fernand were so sharply against him. A feeling of betrayal was starting to grow in him, and it was growing rapidly.
“I see...” Rarifort said quietly as Fernand passed him the weapon. “Edmond, what do you have to say against this?”
“What I have to say, your honour? Does it still matter? Your tongue wrongs your mind. Your mind has decided already, yet your tongue wishes for me to hope, still.”
“Not entirely true, I’m afraid. I’m very much keen on hearing your side of the story,” the judge replied, eyeing and inspecting the dagger, making it almost seem as if he were toying around with it.
“Well, your honour, if you wish I shall tell you the story, the truth, the honest truth.”
“Go ahead, then,” Rarifort acknowledged.
“As I had stated earlier, it is wrong to say that I sneaked into the captain’s quarters to wrong him, but it was his command and order that all but my person left him. Why he did this, I can’t tell you, your honour, but he did.”
“Hm,” Rarifort mumbled, nodding ever so slightly. “Go on.”
“During the few minutes we spent alone, the Captain told me of his last wish, knowing that he did not have much time left in our world. This last wish was to travel to Griffonstone and pass the Count an important message. I had kept this last wish a secret, however, as the Captain demanded of me, and so I had restrained myself from reasoning with any of the crew members about our change of course towards Griffonstone.”
“So, so,” Rarifort said thoughtfully. “Is this true, Danglarjack?”
The sailor looked up to the judge, quickly taking his eyes off of him again as even he could not deny this fact anymore. “Aye... he was a madman, steering us through a storm directly towards that damned city of Griffonstone. Most of us thought that if the storm didn’t cause us to sink, the griffons would surely eat us for lunch.”
“But they didn’t, did they?” Edmond argued. Danglarjack remained silent, only grumbling quietly.
“So then you see, your honour, that I had reason to be with the Captain and be with him alone.”
“That may be...” Rarifort said, stroking his chin once again, “but do tell, whatever was the message he gave you?”
“I don’t know myself, I’m afraid. All the Captain gave me was a letter which contained this ‘important message’. He asked of me not to open it, and so I followed his wish and refrained from doing so,” he explained truthfully.
“I see. And there was no indication on what the subject of this message was?”
“None, I’m afraid,” Edmond replied. Rarifort thought for a moment, his eyes briefly drifting over to Fernand and Danglarjack, both of whom seemed deeply uneasy about the judge’s performance so far. Just as Rarifort was about to speak up, however, it was Edmond who beat him to it. “There is, however, this second letter which the Count of Griffonstone gave me,” he said, pulling out a small, black envelope.
“A letter? From the... the Count of Griffonstone?” Rarifort asked to make sure he hadn’t misheard. He grew visibly nervous.
“Yes, your honour. He gave it to me after I had given him the captain’s letter. I do not know the subject however, nor have I ever heard of the letter’s addressee. ‘Rarifort’, it says, simply.”
Rarifort gulped deeply, levitating the envelope over to his desk. He leaned forward, truly finding his name on it. ‘Rarifort’, it said in bold print. He hectically turned the envelope over, only to spot the royal coat of arms of griffonia. He had seen it before. He had seen and cursed it until the end of days, sworn to himself that the very sight of it only brought pain and misfortune.
“Edmond Dash, father of Louis Dash,” Rarifort said loudly as he hid away the envelope in one of his suit’s pockets, “after taking Danglarjack’s description and the evidence at hand into consideration,” he said, briefly showing the dagger to Edmond once more, “you are hereby found guilty of wronging Captain Fleclerc and taking his life.”
Edmond remained silent all the while. He was frozen, completely paralysed. His mind was in a chaotic state as nothing made sense to him anymore. Accused of killing the very Captain whom he had served under so loyally by none other than Danglarjack, one of his oldest, best friends.
“I hereby sentence you to a lifelong visit to Hoofatraz. Your journey there shall begin by tomorrow’s sunrise, until which you shall remain in custody.” Rarifort spoke so clearly and trouble-free that it almost made him seem brutal. The respect and affection to Edmond had disappeared the very moment he laid eyes upon the envelope. “Do you have anything to say?”
Edmond remained silent as words failed to come out of his mouth. Tears began flowing down his cheeks as he heard the two soldiers from before approaching him from behind.
“I suppose not. Very well, then.”
Edmond shot a disappointed, betrayed gaze over towards Danglarjack, but to no effect. The pegasus was quickly apprehended by the two guards, and quickly escorted out of the room. Edmond failed to notice Fernand’s grin, nor did he hear his maniacal, evil cackle.
Fernand had won. his rival was dealt with at last, forever to be locked away in a small, dirty cell where he would rot until the end of his days. Edmond Dash would soon become nothing but a legend, a myth, a story told.
The following day, just as the sun began to rise, a small column left the barracks of Baltimare. It was not a formation of soldiers, however, but one of convicts. The group was no bigger than ten stallions, guarded and escorted by a group of soldiers. The criminals could not only see but also feel themselves being watched at all times by their guards, as they made sure to keep a constant eye on them in case they ‘tried anything funny’.
Amongst these poor stallions was Edmond Dash, as well. His smile, his genuine, joyful smile which he used to carry with him most of the day, had disappeared completely. His mane and coat were soaked wet, the soldiers had woken him and the others with two buckets of ice cold water. The night itself had seemed incredibly long, almost eternal to Edmond. He spent the early parts of the night simply sitting silently in his temporary cell within the barracks. He sat there, thinking. At first he thought of Danglarjack and how he had just tossed away their friendship and betrayed him. Was the friendship artificial, after all? Had Danglarjack simply played a game with him all these years?
But all of that didn’t matter anymore once Edmond’s mind drifted off to what really mattered to him: Shycedes. It pained him to imagine what would happen to her and how she would think of him in the near future. Edmond broke out into tears as he imagined Shycedes throwing away her ring, imagining her disappointment and anger towards him. Their deep, loving relationship would be forgotten and, so Edmond thought, so would he.
When it was just about midnight, Edmond, cheeks still wet from his fresh tears, attempted to finally get a bit of rest. It took him an hour to even fall asleep, the crickets of the night taunting him from the outside; laughing at him, insulting him, driving him mad. When he did fall asleep, his slumber turned out to be one big nightmare. The very images and thoughts that had circulated his mind that night before he laid down now plagued his dreams. Only that now he was practically part of these thoughts, this world. This world that seemed just too real to him. He watched his fiancée throw her ring into the consuming water of the docks, followed up with the heartbreaking phrase “Forever gone, forever forgotten.” Edmond, standing just behind her as she said this, dashed forward to pull his loved one into a tight, never-ending embrace. This proved impossible, however, as he simply passed right through Shycedes. As Edmond was left wondering, Shycedes turned around, not at all influenced by what had just happened, and left the docks. Edmond was left alone, left by his one, true love and unable to even touch her anymore. Edmond was no more, for Shycedes. He was dead, long forgotten.
It was at that point that Edmond finally woke up, a splash of cold water ripping his dream world apart in an instant, his eyes shooting open. He was glad for the unpleasant wake-up, however. It had at least freed his mind from all the sorrow and doubts for a few moments.
Shortly after this, following a brief ‘breakfast’ consisting of water and a small bit of lettuce, Edmond and the other so called ‘scum’ were lead out of their cells and out of the barracks. They all knew where they were headed, what was awaiting them.
The soldiers that escorted them were brutal and ruthless, even going as far as beating one of the other convicts with the butt of their guns for the simple reason of him failing to keep up with the others. These kind of incidents continued all along their march to the docks, with different stallions of the group being beaten, pushed around, insulted and laughed at. Edmond himself had already muted their voices, those soulless cackles.
As they finally entered the docks, they immediately noticed the vessel, the prisoner ship, that would take them to what was supposed to be their doom, their demise. Many within the group, even those who appeared tough when leaving the barracks, now began shivering. The mere sight of the ship frightened them, yet they were forced to keep going, with brute force if necessary.
The ship itself was fairly small for a prisoner ship, yet frightening to those which it was supposed to transport either way. As Edmond and the rest of the group were lead onto the rather small plank that lead aboard the ship, a horrible incident occurred. The stallion right in front of Edmond lost his balance as he was halfway across the plank, and he eventually slipped, falling off the plank into the cold water. Edmond froze briefly, staring at the stallion as he struggled to keep himself above water. The soldiers, equally surprised by this incident, quickly attempted to rescue him, while also ordering Edmond and the others to keep going. They couldn’t do anything but march aboard and listen to the helpless screams of the stallion. After only about 20 more seconds, his cries for help ceased. One within the group asked a soldier what had happened, and was unfortunately told that the stallion had drowned.
The ship left Baltimare shortly after. Edmond and the others had been lead below deck, where they were chained to a pole in the centre of the otherwise empty deck. All of them remained silent, laying on their backs. Nopony had the courage or will to speak up at this point. They had not even entered the prison of Hoofatraz yet, and already their spirit was as good as crushed. Edmond tilted his head over to the left a little where he could look out of an opening in the hull. He saw the city of Baltimare pass by in front of his very eyes, the city in which he had grown up in, and the city which he was surely never to see again. Shortly after, the cyan-coated pegasus’ head dropped to the ground, exhausted from a day that had only just begun.
His mind drifted off to what he now considered his ‘old’ life. He thought not of Danglarjack or even Fernand, but of his father, who was surely dying of worry at this moment, and especially Shycedes. He remembered that last night with her, how lovely she looked, how charming she talked. It was perfect. She was perfect. Edmond could only sigh and hope with all his might that Shycedes, too, would hold onto their love.
In the early morning hours of the following day, the young and beautiful Shycedes sat outside in her garden. She watched as the sunbeams shone down on her through the branches and leaves of the trees, and listened to the beautiful choir of birds which chirped their early morning songs.
To Shycedes, it seemed as if the day would simply be perfect, as if it mirrored her feelings. Oh, how filled with joy she was. At long last he had asked her. She couldn’t help but close her eyes for a moment and replay the scene in her head. His charm was simply irresistible. It was almost as if she was powerless against him and his words. Yet never had Shycedes been happier to be powerless, for she loved him with all her heart.
The mare breathed in and out, slowly, ever so slowly and calmly. The singing of the birds, the buzzing of the honey bees, the calm breeze of the wind; for just that moment, for the first time in her life, everything seemed perfect. No troubles, no fears. There was only her, Edmond, and the sunny day.
The young mare would not be alone for much longer however. In the distance, beneath all the other sounds, she could hear steps. She heard them as they grew louder and closer.
“Fernand!” she said joyfully as she opened her eyes, “oh, how nice of you to stop by.”
The stallion was caught off guard as the mare quickly embraced him. “It’s nice to see you too, dear.”
“Oh, I must tell you the big news, Fernand! I wanted to tell you yesterday, but I couldn’t find you anywhere.”
The purple stallion gave out a soft chuckle at the mention. “Terribly sorry, darling. I had a lot of work to do the past couple of days, but that’s over now.” A broad smile formed on his face as he looked into Shycedes’ eyes. “Now it’s just you and me.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Fernand. You’ve always been so invested in your work; no, it doesn’t surprise me that you were, as usual, a bit too overwhelmed with it.” She brought out a soft, kind laugh. Fernand simply continued to eye her silently.
“Yes, yes,” he said monotonically as Shycedes’ laughter ceased. “In fact, I, myself, have great news for you, my dear.”
“Oh my, that’s wonderful to hear! And yet, I would like to tell you the big news first, if you don’t mind.”
Fernand gnashed his teeth briefly. He had a very good idea of what she might be talking about. “Of course, my dear. Go right ahead.”
“You do remember Edmond, yes?” the yellow-coated mare asked to make sure.
“Yes, yes, the son of Louis Dash. What about him?” Fernand asked back impatiently.
“Why me and him went out for dinner, and it was simply beautiful,” the mare told him. “Everything was just so perfect. The sight of the sea, the sunset in the distance, his-”
“Terribly sorry, dear Shycedes,” Fernand interrupted, “but where exactly is your story heading?” His feelings were a mixture of anger, annoyance and curiosity.
“Oh, well, me and him sat there, eyed each other and...” she became quiet, toying with her mane as she began to blush, “and he proposed to me.”
“What!?” Fernand gave out, much to Shycedes’ shock. “He proposed to you?” He asked in a slightly calmer voice.
“And I said yes!” Only now did the purple stallion notice the ring that hung around the mare’s neck. “Me and Edmond are going to marry, Fernand!” Once more, the stallion was pulled into a tight hug as the overjoyed mare embraced him.
“Why that’s... that’s...” Fernand stuttered as he attempted to remain calm, “that’s just wonderful, dear! Congratulations!” the stallion gave out a horrible attempt in faking his happiness.
“Oh, you should have been there, Fernand! It was just wonderful! It was perfect!” The mare tried to hold back tears of joy as she continued on.
“Oh, yes,” Fernand grumbled, “I would have loved to be there...”
“I’m sorry, Fernand, but I just can’t believe my luck!” A single tear of joy escaped her eyes, one which Fernand immediately wiped off.
“Don’t worry, dear. I congratulate you. Really, I do!” The stallion sounded slightly more believable this time.
“I’m so glad to have you, Fernand, you and Edmond, both.” Shycedes calmly broke the hug as she returned a warm smile to her friend. “But what am I thinking, you wanted to tell me your own great news, didn’t you?”
“Ah, yes! Of course!” Fernand replied with renewed interest and enthusiasm. “You see, my dear, there is a good reason for why I have been so busy these days, why I’ve been working day and night.”
“Oh?” The mare cocked her head in curiousity. “What might that be, my dear Fernand? You didn’t run into any problems or trouble, did you?”
“Trouble? Me? Hah, not quite, dear.” Fernand let out a brief, cocky laughter before he resumed. “In reality, I have been working so hard and much to finally get leave for the grand summer dance!”
“Oh, this again...?” Shycedes responded with a fair bit of disappointment.
“I have already bought two tickets, my dear Shycedes,” Fernand continued.
“Two? Just two?” Shycedes asked. “Why just two, Fernand? Would you not want my fiance to accompany us to such an event? Surely he would wish to be invited, as well.”
The purple-coated alicorn gnashed his teeth once more. “Because,” he gave out loudly with the stomp of a hoof, “I wish to be only with you! Is it that much to ask for? Can I not go out with you and have a good time? Can I not?”
“Fernand, I-”
“No!” he interrupted loudly. “No. I’m sorry I asked.” His voice became quiet and weak. “I’ll go. I’m sorry I disturbed you, dear.”
The stallion lowered his head as he turned and walked off. Yet, even in his temporary saddened state, he realised that it would not long last. Edmond was gone, after all. It was only a matter of time now. With every passing day, Edmond would become more myth than reality. And when he really was forgotten, it would be his turn.
All was going according to plan.
The sound of the ocean was the only thing that accompanied Edmond and the fellow convicts. The few bits of daylight that entered the room shrouded the room in a somber, depressing atmosphere. Every couple hours a pony would throw up whatever food was left in his stomach, sick from the neverending shaking of the ship. Many of the convicts hadn’t had a proper meal for at least a week, and were already beginning to starve. They hadn’t arrived at Hoofatraz, and yet the pain and torture had already begun.
And yet, Edmond remained comparatively healthy and calm. His focus still remained on the window to his left, the single access to the outside world that he had. All that he saw was the endless blue of both the ocean and the sky, and yet it was just this view that inspired a bit of courage and hope within Edmond. It reminded him of the docks at Baltimare, reminded him of the Venturer. It reminded him of... her. He knew, deep inside, that he would not be forgotten.
The entire lot of them looked up as they heard a bell on the upper deck. They could only assume what it meant, and their assumption made a cold shiver run down their body.
